Senate President Godswill Akpabio has asked governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to abandon their people in pursuit of political positions that are not available.
Speaking at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, on Wednesday, Akpabio urged them to focus on completing their constitutionally guaranteed 8-year tenure.
“For my brothers who are governors, I want you to know that you must not abandon your people.”
“I did eight years as a governor. And the constitution says you should do eight years. There’s no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available.”
Akpabio, who served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, said his political success over the past 25 years had been driven by his commitment to the people.
“I have a lot of people from one of the states here, but you have to enjoy the truth. Take it from me, I have been in this business for over 25 years, and I always win. And why I always win is because I stand with people. Go and mend your clothes when they are not torn,” he said.
Some months ago, the Senate amended its rules to make only senators who have served at least eight years, equivalent to two consecutive terms, eligible to contest for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
There are unconfirmed reports that a particular governor whose tenure will still be running by the time the 11th Senate would be inaugurated is eyeing the Senate President’s seat.
According to reports, the governor is plotting to resign and contest the Senate seat as part of his ambition to succeed Akpabio.
Although he was in the Senate before becoming governor, under the new rule, the politician who has been out of the National Assembly for eight years, is not qualified to be Senate President.
It is unclear if Akpabio was referring to this particular governor who was among those who took the podium before the incumbent Senate President spoke at the Presidential Campaign Council inauguration.
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