8 facts about Senate President Godswill Akpabio that you should know

Nigerian lawyer and politician Godswill Akpabio possesses a unique combination of charisma, experience, and strategic prowess that always propel him to the forefront.

He has been very instrumental to the people of Akwa Ibom while occuping various positions in the state.

Akpabio is known for his philanthropic activities and has donated generously to various causes, including education, healthcare, and sports development.

Following his election as the 10th National Assembly Senate President, MyNigeria sheds light on some facts about him you may not have known.

Facts about Senate President Godswill Akpabio

1. Age

Godswill Akpabio was born on December 9, 1962, in Ukana, Ikot Ntuen, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He is the son of Chief Obot Akpabio and Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio of Ukana, Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area

2. Education

Akpabio had his early education at Methodist Primary School, Ukana, Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State and the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Literary Studies from the University of Calabar and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Arts from the University of Lagos.

While at the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, he was appointed the Senior Prefect. In the University of Calabar, Akpabio was elected as the speaker of the parliamentary year.

3. Family and personal life

He is married to Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, the founder of Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI), a non-governmental organization that provides a platform for redirecting the focus of development efforts on the family. They is blessed with five children, four daughters and a son.

4. Career and employment

Akpabio briefly worked as a teacher and an associate lawyer with the Nigerian law firm Paul Usoro & Co.

Additionally, he worked in Lagos for the Nigeria-based wireless telecommunications firm EMIS Telecoms Limited. He attained the title of Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the business in 2002.

5. Affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Akpabio was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has held several positions within the party, including serving as the National Secretary of the PDP Governors' Forum.

He was elected as a senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District in 2015 and was re-elected in the 2019 general elections.

He was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from May 29, 2007, to May 29, 2015, and is credited with transforming the state into a major economic hub in Nigeria.

As governor, Akpabio initiated several infrastructure projects including the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings.

6. His defection to the All Progressives Congress

In August 2018, he resigned as the Senate Minority Leader, after he had announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress. His defection was marked by a political rally in his hometown at the Ikot Ekpene township stadium, Akwa Ibom State.

In July 2019, he was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari and screened by the Nigerian Senate for a Ministerial appointment. On 21 August 2019, he was sworn in as Minister for Niger Delta Affairs.

7. Contesting for presidential primaries in 2022

In June 2022, Akpabio resigned from his position as minister for Niger Delta Affairs to contest in the presidential primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but stepped down on the night of the primaries for the eventual winner Bola Tinubu.

A few days after the presidential primaries, he emerged as the Senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.

8. Senate President

Senator Godswill Akpabio was voted the President of the 10th Senate on Tuesday, June 13.

He defeated the former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari in the keenly contested polls.

After the close of the poll, Senator Akpabio scored 63 votes while Senator Yari scored 46.

After a quick recess, the Clerk of the National Assembly Sani Tambuwal declared Akpabio as the Senate President.

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