The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has remarked that Senator Godswill Akpabio‘s legislative contributions have set a benchmark that no other Senate President has reached.
Governor Okpebholo made these comments during a reception held in his honour on Saturday night in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
He commended the incumbent Senate President for his remarkable developmental achievements as Governor from 2007 to 2015, which significantly enhanced the State’s status and made it one of the nation’s most dynamic and aesthetically pleasing.
Okpebholo affirmed his commitment to applying a similar strategy to revitalize and advance Edo State.
The Governor highlighted that in just one year of Akpabio’s tenure, he has accomplished what previous Senate Presidents could not achieve in eight years.
Okpebholo noted that during challenging moments in the Senate, Akpabio possesses a unique ability to restore calm and effectively manage the situation.
He stressed his intention to emulate Akpabio’s transformative initiatives, which elevated Akwa Ibom to one of the premier states in Nigeria within Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo said: “The man I love to call, ‘the uncommon man’ did so much when he was Governor, and today, Akwa Ibom history cannot be complete without Akpabio’s transformation magic story. Before he came, Akwa Ibom was one of the States written off. However, within eight years as governor, he achieved so much that today, Uyo is regarded as one of the finest cities in the country.
“So when I became Governor, I decided to come, see, and reproduce the same development for my people. With the things I have seen and heard on this visit, I am more confident and convinced that what we plan to achieve with this mandate given us by the people of Edo is doable. Akpabio did it in Akwa Ibom, and we will do it in Edo.”
In commending the leadership approach of the Senate President, Governor Okpebholo remarked that he has accomplished significant legislative achievements in a brief timeframe.
Furthermore, the Edo Governor said Akpabio has effectively guided a cohesive legislative body that both supports and provides necessary oversight of the Executive, ultimately benefiting the citizens of Nigeria.
“What Akpabio has done in terms of legislation in this country, no other Senate President has made that mark. Within one year in office, Akpabio has done what those who were Senate Presidents for eight years could not do.
“When things get tough in the Senate, he has a way of calming everyone down and taking charge of the situation.
“I want to thank him because, the first day I came to Akwa Ibom, I asked him, ‘why did you bring me to this place?’ He said, ‘I brought you here to come and see so that, when you become the Governor of Edo, you will replicate what I have done in this State’.
“Today, I am here to say thank you, His Excellency, the Senate president. I have listened to your advice and I want to assure you that we will do in Edo, what we have seen in Akwa Ibom,” said Okpebholo in a statement made available to OsunDailyNG on Sunday, December 29, by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
Senator Akpabio, in his address, appreciated the governor for his humble disposition and people-oriented approach to governance, stressing that his humility in seeking and learning from those who have successfully walked the path he currently walks indicates that he will succeed in governance.
