Akpabio’s Senate Presidency Will Assuage S’South, Says Group

National Coalition for Progressive Change (NCPC) has drummed support for the aspiration of Senator Godswill Akpabio to become the next Senate president.

The group noted that his presidency would assuage the South South zone, which is yet to occupy that position since the inception of the fourth republic.

In a statement issued to newsmen, yesterday, in Calabar, the National Secretary, Felix Umeh, said the call became necessary to ensure equity, justice and fair play.

The group said that beyond the issue of zoning, Akpabio is qualified to lead the 10th assembly in view of his administrative and legislative acumen.

NCPC urged those clamouring for Senate presidency from South East to be considerate, disclosing that the region had occupied the position five times since the commencement of the fourth republic.

It recalled how Akpabio, as a former governor of Akwa Ibom State and former minority leader in the Senate, distinguished himself in leadership responsibilities.

NCPC said: “It is on record too that since the inception of the Fourth Republic, South South has never produced the Senate President.”

South-East zone has produced about five Senate presidents. Therefore, for equity, justice and fair play, which APC stands for, there is need to zone the Senate president of the 10th National Assembly, not only to the South but to Akpabio for his immense contributions to the rebuilding of the party in the zone.”

The group reiterated its confidence in the capacity of Akpabio to lead the Senate at this critical moment in Nigeria’s political history, adding that he is someone, who can take firm and informed decisions, using his widespread contacts.