Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has lauded Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming that Akpabio’s effective leadership in the Senate is one of the reasons President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sleeps soundly.
Bamidele made these comments on Monday while speaking on behalf of a group of senators who had convened at Akpabio’s Abuja home to celebrate his 62nd birthday.
According to a statement from Akpabio’s media office, the gathering was impromptu, but notable attendees included the National Assembly Management team, led by newly appointed Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana; political associates; Akpabio’s friends; and Senate President’s office staff, led by Chief of Staff Sylvester Okonkwo, who presented a birthday card and gifts on behalf of the team.
Other attendees were Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, and well-known private persons.
Senator Bamidele praised Akpabio for his leadership and stated that his colleagues are happy of his performance as Senate President.
“I know one of the reasons he (President Tinubu) can sleep well is because he has you (Akpabio) as the President of the Senate.”He believes you. He relies on you. He depends on you and takes your comments extremely seriously.
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“We are all extremely proud of you, Mr. President of the Senate.” I am standing with my coworkers. I am always honored to speak on their behalf, and I know I am expressing exactly what they expect me to say.
“We’re quite proud of you. Senator Bamidele stated, “We just want to thank you for who you are and the kind of leadership that you provide.”
When invited to propose a toast on behalf of former and current governors, Senator Adam Oshiomhole, a two-term Edo State governor, said: “This evening, I’m asked to deliver a salute to a guy who was elected President of the 10th Senate. His Senate leadership reminds us all that, regardless of the platform on which we were elected or the party of the 109 Senatorial Districts from which we came, once we reach the Senate, we become a symbol of one Nigeria.
“And in a moment like this, to speak of a man who had the appetite to tolerate debates and remind us that Senators are not meant to stammer and that democracy manifests better when there are controversies, not meant for the faint of heart, we must have the courage to face issues, debate them, build consensus, and reach something in the national interest. You don’t avoid severe challenges. That is the message he (Akpabio) delivered to us last week.”
Akpabio responded by thanking his coworkers and other well-wishers for the gesture, despite the fact that he had no plans for a birthday celebration.
