Akpabio emerges president of 10th Senate

Godswil Akpabio has emerged president of the 10th Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The new senate president emerged after scoring 63 votes, beating former governor of Zamfara State, Abdul-Azziz Yari’s 46 with 17 votes.

Akpabio’s emergence comes after a lot of horse trading leading off to the election today.

Akpabio, who was the anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took his oath of office at exactly 9.40am, administered by the Clerk of the Senate, after he was voted into office as Senate President.

Sani Tambuwal, clerk of the National Assembly, administered three oaths on Akpabio. They were Oath of Allegiance; Oath of Member of the National Assembly, and Oath as President of the 10th Senate.

Personal Background

Godswill Obot Akpabio was born on December 9, 1962, in Ukana, Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

The new senate president began his political career in the early 2000s and rose to prominence in Nigerian politics. He served as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, making him the longest-serving governor in the history of the state.

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During his tenure as governor, Akpabio implemented various infrastructural development projects and social welfare programs in Akwa Ibom State. His administration focused on improving education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and attracting investment to the state.

In 2015, Akpabio was elected as a Senator to represent the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. He was reelected in the 2019 general elections.

In 2019, Godswill Akpabio was appointed as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs by President Muhammadu Buhari. This position placed him in charge of overseeing the development of the Niger Delta region, which is of strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy.