National Assembly Leadership: South-South group rejects Akpabio as Senate President

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, Women from the South South geopolitical zone under the aegis of South South Women Compatriot has rejected the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio as senate President.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Dr Imma Ubong National Women Leader of the group, said Akpabio shouldn’t be the President of the Senate because he has so many baggage and the country cannot afford his kind of personality.

Ubong also disclosed that they are also speaking for women across the country and allowing Akpabio to lead the senate will be a threat to Democracy, adding that “Akpabio should submit himself to the Economy And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) like other politicians, who have done so in the past, and who were later jailed or set free. The bottom line was that they were able to clear their names.”

Ubong flanked by representatives of women leaders from Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa called on the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to come out and tell Nigerians his position, because reports alleging that he is the one behind Akpabio’s endorsement is not clear to them and in their interest.

They said the position of Senate President is a serious issue that should be left in the hands of serious and responsible people, and names of persons alleged corrupt people with files in EFCC shouldn’t be mentioned when serious issue like President of the Senate is being debated.

“The President, Muhammadu Buhari and the President-elect, Bola Tinubu shouldn’t take Nigerians for granted. Those with allegations of corruption should go and clear their names before the EFCC.

“National Assembly at this point in time needs intelligent, vibrant and focus leader. The nation is presently at its lowest, and this is not the time to play with its destiny. This is the time for the Red Chamber to have men and women, whose focus and mission is to rescue the nation.

“We don’t care about the religion, status of the person coming on board, but provided that the person is intelligent and responsible to drive the 10th Senate to its desired height. Religion and ethnicity should not be the focus of getting a leader that will lead the Senate, but capacity and capability.” the Women said.