Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Sunday expressed support for the ambitions of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin as President and Deputy President of the 10th Senate, respectively.
Sanwo-Olu expressed his support when Akpabio, Jibrin and members of their team paid a consultative visit to the Governor at the Lagos House in Marina on Sunday.
He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination process to pave the way for the election of the 10th Senate leadership was in order.
He noted that Akpabio’s team possessed the political credentials and leadership qualities to bring about uncommon transformation in the country.
The governor said he aligned with APC’s zoning decision having read the legislative agenda initiated by the Akpabio-led group to raise the bar of lawmaking.
He stressed that it was instructive that the group was prepared to collaborate with the incoming administration of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu.
He urged the Senate leadership nominees to make purposeful legislation their priority, while maintaining harmonious working relationships with other arms of government without compromising legislative independence.
“Having discussed plans and agenda presented by Stability Group led by Senator Akpabio extensively, I believe it is appropriate that we, in Lagos State give them our official endorsement.
“This is a project for the stability of the country which will benefit Nigerians, especially the people who elected these distinguished lawmakers-elect.
“They are committed to working harmoniously with the executive arm of government and this will bring about a win-win for all our citizens and for democracy.
“We are encouraging other lawmakers-elect who are yet to be on this group to fall in line.
“I also appeal to the Stability Group to continue its consultation and collaboration and not to take anyone for granted,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that members of the group had assured him that they would make the Senate leadership as inclusive as possible.
Akpabio, a former Senate minority leader representing Akwa Ibom Northwest, described Tinubu as “God’s own choice” for the country’s leadership.
He noted that the incoming Tinubu administration required the support of dynamic legislative leadership to work together to deliver promises made to Nigerians.
The former Akwa Ibom governor said he would deploy multi-faceted, multi-dimensional and national approaches to lawmaking if he becomes the senate president.
He said that the Senate under his leadership would have complete control over its affairs without being confrontational with the executive arm of government.
