The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday said the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has shown exemplary leadership, which engenders the principle of democracy and accountability in governance.
This, she said, has gone ahead to promote the interest of many Nigerians, especially the vulnerable in the society.
The First Lady made the remarks at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State where the Senate President celebrated his 61st birthday.
The birthday event, Mrs. Tinubu said, was not only for celebration but to reflect on the immense contributions Akpabio had made as a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, through the time he served as a minister and now as the senate president.
“This occasion is not only for celebration but to reflect on the immense contribution he has made to Akwa Ibom and Nigeria as a whole.
“Under his leadership, Akwa Ibom witnessed remarkable infrastructural development, improved healthcare services and educational growth, poverty alleviation and human capital development as he transformed the lives of many vulnerable persons
“Senator Akpabio has continued to serve our nation diligently in the Senate. As the senate president, he has displayed exemplary leadership, fostered unity and promoted the interest of many Nigerians, he is committed to the principle of democracy, accountability and good governance,” she explained.
In his remarks, the Senate president appreciated the people who came out en masse to celebrate with him and said their presence would encourage him to do more and speak more not just for Akwa Ibom people but for Nigerians as a whole.
He used the occasion to clear the misconception that he created an office of the Senate president’s wife, saying that such never existed.
“There is no office called the office of the wife of the senate president, all these things are lies, the office is in the other room.
“I have tried to be the voice to the voiceless not just to my senatorial district but to Akwa Ibom and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.
He also commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives at the Kaduna bomb attack and promised that he would lead other senators to their homes tomorrow for a condolence visit even as he promised to render all the necessary assistance.
Also speaking the governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Umo Eno, congratulated Senator Akpabio on his birthday and pledged his support for his leadership irrespective of party lines or ethnicity.
The governor urged all Akwa Ibom people and other stakeholders to learn how to support one another for the growth and development of the state.
