A pro-democracy group on Thursday applauded President Bola Tinubu for ensuring only capable legislators with proven track records were elected into the principal offices of the 10th National Assembly.
This was even as the group admitted that not many people believed the president could make such a remarkable impact as he did in his first 15 days in office.
The development comes two days after former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, and Jibrin Barau, emerged as Senate President and Deputy Senate President, respectively, of the upper chamber.
Akpabio, who was declared the winner by Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Tambuwal, garnered 63 votes to defeat former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulazeez Yari, who could only amass 46 votes.
In the House of Representatives, popular Kaduna lawmaker, Tajudeen Abass, and Abia State, Benjamin Kalu, clinched the Speaker and Deputy Speaker seats respectively.
Reacting to their victory in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Convener of The Natives, Smart Edward, expressed delight at their victory, saying they are men with sterling qualities.
An excited Edward added that they were quite impressed with the president’s giant strides in just 15 days after his inauguration.
He said, “Mr President, barely two weeks, your actions in office have startled both old and young, minorities and majority, naysayers and believers. Your decisive political will as seen on how you handled fuel subsidy removal to your ability to bring workers back to the negotiating table, to the choice of reputable and capable Chief of Staff and the SGF, the harmony of security agencies, engagement of stakeholders, the historical bills signed to the critical support given to your party’s candidate at the parliamentary elections. It is safe to say a new era is here.
“In just 15 days, your inclusiveness and deliberate strategy to elevate our lives in this country is appealing. By courage, compassion and commitment you set out to free our common heritage from those that held us back and as you constantly bulldoze the way this has clearly heightened our confidence.
“We are finally assured that the full stream strides to good governance is here, the pathway to the delivery of hope renewed is secured and we call on all Nigerians to join this wagon to greatness. We encourage you to stay on course. We salute your doggedness and support how you are daily translating your manifesto to reality. Nigeria in the hands of a dedicated democrat must catch up for 30 years delay in our journey to hope and prosperity for the common man.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio, as the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, is a team player that will showcase a pro-people parliament and will provide the platform for a robust, inclusive creative and harmonious Assembly. We call on President Tinubu to keep up the spirit, the engagements, forthrightness and courage to unburden the country from its shackles. We wish to assure Mr President of our support to help rid the country from saboteurs internally and externally.
