It was encomium galore at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, when the Senate President of the Federal Republic, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio took the stage to celebrate his 61st Birthday on Saturday.
Every speaker and those who delivered goodwill messages, took time out to eulogise thestarling qualities of the former governor of Akwa Ibom.
Our correspondent reports that over 100 serving and former Senators, including the Wife of the President of the Federal Republic, Senator Remind Bola Tinubu, Senator Remind Tinubu, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin and other principal members of the Senate and House of Representatives, State governors, Senators’ wives among others dignitaries graced the occasion.
Speaking at the event as the special guest of honour, Senator Remind Tinubu described the celebrant, Senator Akpabio as an extraordinary and uncommon man, saying that the event had given her the long-desired opportunity to appreciate his immense contributions to Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State in particular.
“Senator Akpabio’s journey from his early days as a lawyer to his days as the governor of Akwa Ibom State and today as the Senate President of the Federal Republic is worth commending.
“It is noteworthy that, during his days as governor, Akwa Ibom witnessed huge infrastructural renaissance, improved healthcare services and enhanced educational policy for the children of the state, poverty alleviation programmes that transformed the lives of many.
These cannot be taken for granted.
“As the Senate President, he has displayed exemplary leadership qualities, fostered unity and promoted hard work, committed to principles of democracy, accountability and good governance.
“On this occasion of his 61st birthday, I stand boldly to congratulate him and wish him warmest birthday”. The country’s First Lady laughed.
She however commended his wife, Mrs Ekaete Unoma Akpabio, for being a pillar of support to the Senate President and a good example of partnership for success in marriage and governance.
The governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Out, admired the resilience of the Senate President for holding elective and appointive offices in politics for two consecutive decades.
According to Otu, who was the chairman on the occasion, productive and proactive leadership qualities of Senator Akpabio are worth celebrating.
“He is worthy to lead the National Assembly at this time, I celebrate him and his family. The history of Akwa Ibom State cannot be written without Akpabio because his signature is everywhere, even where we are now. I cannot fail to pay tribute to his wife, Unoma for being such a supportive partner to the Senate President”. He maintained.
The host governor, Pastor Umo Eno, said the event was a celebration of a worthy son, whom God has blessed.
He called on everyone in the state to set aside ethnicity, political divide and appreciate God for blessing the state with the number three man in the federation.
He expressed appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic, Bola Tinubu for governing the country beyond party lines, which is evidenced in the numerous times he has been involved to accompany the President to national events despite being a member of the opposition party.
In his response, the Senate President and the celebrant, Senator Godswill Akpabio, thanked God for making heaven to rejoice on his birthday.
He thanked all his guests and the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of the state, for giving him the mandate to represent them at the Senate.
He however expressed deep appreciation to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for making the event an unexpected homecoming.
He beckoned on Eno to join him in the APC, to make Akwa Ibom a more united family, stressing that his agenda in the Senate is to make the 10th Senate people-centric.
He pledged to work with the executive arm of government to ensure a brighter future for Nigeria.
“I see a brighter future for Nigeria because Senators are working beyond party lines to ensure a better Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.
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