Senate Presidency:  Sanwo-Olu receives ‘Stability Group’, supports Akpabio

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday expressed support for the ambitions of Sen. Godswill Akpabio and Sen. Barau Jibrin as President and Deputy President of the 10th Senate, respectively. Sanwo-Olu expressed his support at a consultative visit to Lagos House, Marina, when he received members of the “Stability Group’’, consisting 69 senators-elect, who already endorsed Akpabio and Jibrin. He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination process to pave the way for election of senate leadership was in order. He noted that Akpabio’s team possessed the political credentials and leadership qualities to bring about uncommon transformation in the country. The governor said he aligned with APC’s zoning decision having read the legislative agenda initiated by the Akpabio-led group to raise the bar of law-making. He stressed that it was instructive that the group was prepared to collaborate with the incoming administration of the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu. He urged the senate leadership nominees to make purposeful legislations their priority, while maintaining harmonious working relationships with other arms of government without compromising legislative independence. “Having discussed plans and agenda presented by `Stability Group’ led by Sen. Akpabio extensively, I believe it is appropriate that we, in Lagos State give them our official endorsement. “This is a project for the stability of the country which will benefit Nigerians, especially the people who elected these distinguished lawmakers-elect. “They are committed to working harmoniously with the Executive arm of government and this will bring about a win-win for all our citizens and for democracy. “We are encouraging other lawmakers-elect who are yet to be on this group to fall in line. “I also appeal to the `Stability Group’ to continue its consultation and collaboration and not to take anyone for granted,’’ Sanwo-Olu said. He added that members of the group had assured him that they would make the senate leadership as inclusive as possible. “The diversity they are preaching is reflected in the number of senators-elect in the group; it is not one party. The membership cuts across all parties that are represented in the National Assembly. “I believe the incoming 10th National Assembly will be about great possibilities and shaping new course for the nation. “Given the outstanding profile and experience Sen. Akpabio and his group are bringing to the table, I believe there will be new standards and new legislative records will break. “I will only urge the incoming senate leadership to surpass whatever achievements recorded by the 9th Senate,’’ the governor added. Akpabio, a former Senate minority leader representing Akwa Ibom Northwest, described Tinubu as “God’s own choice’’ for the country’s leadership. He noted that the incoming Tinubu administration required the support of dynamic legislative leadership to work together to deliver promises made to Nigerians. The former Akwa Ibom governor said he would deploy multi-faceted, multi-dimensional and national approaches to law-making, if he became senate president. He said that the Senate under his leadership would have a complete control over its affairs without being confrontational with the Executive arm of government. Akpabio said that he and his proposed deputy would work with the Tinubu administration to make the country better and make laws that would support development. “The `Stability Group’ of the 10th Senate is made up of men and women of integrity. We came to present ourselves to the Lagos State governor and to solicit his support. “He has thrown his support behind us; he has shown so much hospitality. Today, he endorsed my humble self as President of the 10th Senate and Sen. Jibrin as Deputy Senate President-designate. “We are not taking this support for granted. This team has senators-elect from different political backgrounds and parties,’’ he said. Akpabio added that the group was determined to ensure collaboration and support for the incoming administration of Sen. Tinubu whose presidency is a nationalistic project that will bring positive development to Nigeria. “We want Sen. Tinubu to replicate what has happened in Lagos in the last 24 years of democracy to cover the rest of the country. “Particularly, we are challenged by the economy; we want to see serious improvement in Internally-Generated Revenue of the nation to enable us to repay our loans. “We want to see more foreign direct investments. We will support Tinubu through favourable legislations to ensure Nigeria remains investment-friendly and the business destination in Africa,’’ Akpabio stressed.

2023 Budget: We’ve nothing to hide, NDDC tells NASS

Following concerns by the lawmakers in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly over the budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Commission has told the Senate it has nothing to hide. The Senate, on Wednesday, May 10 at its session, constituted an ad hoc committee to probe the financial activities of the NDDC for 2021 and 2022 Budget estimates.  The Senate also stood down consideration of the 2023 Budget of the NDDC for further clarification on the figures contained in the budget. While appreciating the concerns raised by the Senate, the NDDC, in a statement by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Dr. Ibitoye Abosede, said that the Commission would continue to respect its oversight functions. The NDDC said that it was ready to cooperate with the investigative committee insisting that it was committed to transparency and accountability in its operations. “It is important that we clarify that the Senate has not accused the Board and Management of the NDDC of corruption or misappropriation of N1.4 trillion. “The Senate only thinks that the funds were expended without approval or appropriation by the National Assembly. This misunderstanding can be quickly resolved by providing the necessary documents and explanations. “The NDDC also wishes to explain that the delays in submitting its budgets and audited accounts to the National Assembly were due to factors beyond its control, such as bureaucratic bottlenecks and frequent leadership changes.  “The Commission has, however, taken steps to address these issues to ensure timely compliance with all statutory requirements. “We appeal to the general public to refrain from making hasty judgments based on the Senate’s decision. The NDDC assures all stakeholders of its dedication to the development of the Niger Delta region and the welfare of its people,” the Commission said.