Senate Presidency: Pray for me, I see war out there – Akpabio cries for help

Senator Godswill Akpabio has called for prayers for his as he describes his attempt to lead the Senate on the 10th National Assembly as "war".

Akpabio, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress has been selected by the ruling party to lead the senate, however, his selection has come under heavy criticism and stiff opposition.

The former minister made this known on Tuesday, May 17 in his speech during a meeting with the APC Non-Serving Senators Group in Abuja.

He also promised that the 10th Senate would work with the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, to pay off the nation’s debts.

Akpabio further thanked the ex-lawmakers for their endorsement and promised to justify the confidence they reposed in him upon election as Senate President.

He said, “I am excited that God is keeping all of you alive. This is a family and I am very proud to belong to this family.

“I want to also appeal that you not only endorse us but support us with your prayers because what I am seeing out there is that it is a war. But I see it as a storm in a teacup.”

“For me, the priorities are very clear: an all-inclusive Senate that will work for Nigeria and that we will all be proud of.

“We must support the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pay our debts,” Akpabio said.

On his part, the Governor of Cross Rivers state, Professor Ben Ayade, said he was at the meeting to confirm the support of the South-South for Akpabio and the APC candidate for the position of Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin.

The Cross River state governor added, “Nigeria is the leader of Africa and the world is watching. What is going to happen in the Senate would be taken as a reflection of African politics. Our people can’t afford to watch a macabre dance. We must have a seamless transition.

“The independence of the legislature is guaranteed in the constitution but it is derived from the executive.

“Leadership takes time to mature, let us support the nominee of Mr. President. I always support somebody with capacity and I know that Akpabio has the capacity. Let us move away from the emotional calculation on what my zone is going to have.”