Following the verse in the book of Deuteronomy 20:4 which says; “For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” This verse currently captures the mood of Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate on his historic victory. As the leader and President of the 10th Senate, the situations and controversy woven around his emergence cannot be forgotten in a hurry as he is so overwhelmed with the victory despite going through stiff competition with his close contestant Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari who went head to head with him in the pools.
Despite being gracious in victory, Akpabio faced stiff opposition from some members who believed that the party leadership was not fair in their decision to back his candidature. But his stellar performance at the Pools that gave President Tinubu the victory cemented his place as Senate President. Those who stood against his candidature fell off like a pack of cards with the help of party loyalists and other critical stakeholders who believed in his leadership skills and his ability to turn things around like he did as Governor of Akwa-ibom state and Minister for Niger Delta Affairs.
While some members were angry that he left the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in a controversial manner; some believed the role he played in exposing some shady dealings at the senate committee briefing while he was minister of Niger Delta was a yardstick for him to be punished and also an avenue for them to take their own pound of flesh. Despite all odds, he was able to swim against the tides despite the turbulence aimed at sinking his ship. While his enemies were busy plotting to oust him and snatch victory from him; Akpabio was busy engaging all critical stakeholders and getting the solid backing of influential senators who saw him as a very good leader to lead the red chambers for the next four years. Providence ensured that his heart’s desire finally paid off with victory as those who have spoken ill of him in the past witnessed his emergence as Senate President.
He is a misunderstood personality due to the numerous controversies hovering around him, one thing many don’t know is that he has a heart of Gold and is always quick to forgive those that wrong him following the teachings of the bible. He is never vindictive and has also promised to work with his fellow senators even those who voted against his candidature. Despite the rigorous nature of his campaign; he will ensure that all members are carried along and also given an opportunity to express themselves. A source disclosed that Akpabio as senate president is going to write many wrongs and shame those waiting to see him fail. In his wisdom, he is going to ensure that the general notion about him as a rigid person will be changed as he is ready to ensure the 10th senate surpasses the record of other senate. “Most people who push a negative narrative about SP Akpabio are only just ignorant about his kind of person. His victory is divine and it’s the Lord doing. He is on that seat to correct the wrong impression and also shames his critics. He is a very humble and gentle person who is also a good listener. Everybody has their own downside but Senator Akpabio will ensure he discharges his duties without being vindictive and also make the 10th senate a very interesting and challenging one for everyone.”
