The President of the Senate and Chairman of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has disclosed that Nigeria’s economy was in a critical condition when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. Speaking during his 2024 Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Programme at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akpabio urged Nigerians, particularly those in Akwa Ibom State, to continue supporting the President as he implements reforms to tackle the country’s economic challenges.
Akpabio, who represents the Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, shared a candid conversation with President Tinubu about the state of the economy inherited from the previous administration led by Muhammadu Buhari.
“Nigeria was on life support when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu took over,” Akpabio said. “I asked him, ‘Are you excited about being President after seeing the economy left behind?’ He replied, ‘I didn’t know it was this bad.’”
The Senate President acknowledged the pains associated with Tinubu’s major economic reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, the introduction of tax reforms, and the floating of the naira. However, he expressed confidence that these measures are critical to ensuring long-term economic stability.
“You transformed Lagos, and you will do it again for Nigeria,” Akpabio stated. “It’s only a matter of time. We are praying for you, and we believe God will guide you to success.”
At the event, Akpabio distributed empowerment tools and food supplies, emphasizing their role in improving the livelihoods of beneficiaries.
“These items will be distributed beyond Ikot Ekpene to other senatorial districts,” he assured attendees, while urging beneficiaries not to sell the tools but to utilize them effectively.
Akpabio also commended Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for fostering peace and inclusivity, noting that “without peace, there can be no development.”
Akpabio praised Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro for promoting unity in the Senate, emphasizing the importance of constructive opposition.
“Everyone in the Senate has an equal voice, regardless of party affiliation. Opposition should be constructive, not divisive,” he remarked.Moro described Akpabio as a visionary leader committed to empowering his constituents, adding, “It takes wisdom to provide solutions that offer lasting benefits rather than short-term gains.”
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The event was attended by several political and community leaders, including Obongemem Ekperikpo Ekpo (Minister of Petroleum Resources, Gas), Senator Ita Enang (APC Chieftain), Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), and Paramount Rulers of Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim.
