- By Halimah Olamide
Governors across the states have been reacting after the election of a new leadership of the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio emerged Senate President whip Dr. Tajudeen Abbass emerged as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The sessions were witnessed by some governors including Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Yahaya Bello of Kogi and other prominent Nigerians.
Here Comes Transformational Leadership- Dapo Abiodun
Abiodun Congratulates Akpabio, Abbas, says new NASS leadership final fulfilment of installation of transformational leadership
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday congratulated former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for emerging as the President of the Senate.
Akpabio, who was also a former governor of Akwa Ibom State was elected unopposed by his colleagues on Tuesday, while Barau Jibrin emerged as the Deputy President of the 10th senate.
The governor, who personally witnessed the elections both at the Senate and House of Representatives, also congratulated Hon. Tajudeen Abbas who emerged as the Speaker of the House of Representatives with Hon. Benjamin Kalu becoming the Deputy Speaker.
Abiodun, in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Waheed Adesina, described the emergence of the new NASS leadership as the final fulfilment of the installation of transformational leadership in the country, which began with the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor added that the emergence of both Akpabio and Abbas as the leaders of the 10th NASS was in line with the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that it was a testament to the confidence reposed in them by the party and their colleagues to steer the ship of the legislative arm of government.
Describing the new leadership as a round peg in a round hole, Governor Abiodun said Akpabio has a wealth of knowledge to deploy in managing the affairs of the senate having been a governor and a minister.
Hon. Abbas, the governor added has garnered the requisite legislative knowledge for a smooth working relationship with the executive.
He said that the combination of Akpabio and Abbas will help President Tinubu in his transformation agenda for the country.
He urged the lawmakers to collaborate with the leadership in foisting on the nation, a vibrant legislature, while also calling for a harmonious relationship with the executive in the quest to reposition and transform Nigeria.
SANWO-OLU CHARGES 10TH ASSEMBLY TO SURPASS PREVIOUS RECORD
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged members of the 10th National Assembly to surpass the laudable record of the Ninth Assembly.
He said the 10th National Assembly is expected to settle very quickly to begin to pass laws and make decisions that will be beneficial to all Nigerians.
Speaking to journalists after the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the legislature to support the work of the executive, led by President Bola Tinubu.
He said: “We need to wish them all the very best, pray for them, and hope that this 10th Assembly can indeed also do better than the Ninth Assembly.
“We understand that the Ninth Assembly was one of the biggest in terms of the bills and everything but the 10th Assembly has a target to meet and surpass.
“So, I imagine they are going to settle very quickly and begin to pass laws and make decisions that will be beneficial to all Nigerians irrespective of what part of the country you come from.
“I wish them all the very best and I want to say congratulations to all Nigerians.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who witnessed the inauguration of the 10th Senate and House of Representatives in Abuja with some of his colleagues, commended the transparent process in the elections of leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly.
He said: “The outcome of the elections which all of us have seen has reflected real democracy and party supremacy at play. Across party lines, people have shown that we all can work together.
“The elections were very transparent and reflected the views of all the members-elect. They (lawmakers) have been able to choose their leaders freely, justly, and equitably. I am indeed proud of them.
“We believe that this will give proper stability for our National Assembly both at the Senate and House of Representatives. I imagine they are going to settle in very quickly to be able to support the work of the executive led by Mr. President.
“I imagine that they understand what the responsibilities are and what Nigerians will be expecting from them.”