Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has assured citizens of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states of adequate budgetary provisions for road infrastructure in the 2024 Appropriation Bill.
Senator Akpabio gave the assurance in Calabar, Cross River State capital, southern Nigeria while speaking to journalists at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport.
Akpabio, who was in Calabar for the thanksgiving service of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong representing Cross River southern senatorial district, sympathised with commuters trapped along the deplorable Calabar-Itu Federal Highway.
Read also
- Akpabio identifies causes of bloodshed in Akwa Ibom
- Let your aspirations be hinged on passion for constituents- Akpabio
- Akpabio’s Senate Presidency receives major boost
He described the harrowing experiences of the commuters and the negative economic impact on the people of the two states as worrisome.
He stated, “It affects both states. I can assure you that the 2024 budget reflects the intention of the Senate to touch the lives of the people of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.”
Speaking at the service held at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Duke Town Parish, by Senator Ekpenyong to thank God for his election and the dedication of his third child, Anam, Akpabio noted that Senator Ekpenyong may be 37 years in age but a good example of the resourcefulness of a Nigerian youth.
He noted the commitment of the 10th Senate to work through legislation to support the Executive and ensure better living for Nigeria as an indivisible country.
Responding to clergyman’s remark over his fears on the Presidential ticket of the APC in the 2023 election, he said, “God who knows better than human, gave Nigeria a President that is strengthening our unity and togetherness.”
He urged clergymen to disabuse the mind of their members with religious divisiveness and know that even in Israel, the Christian population is not even one third, emphasising that ‘‘we all serve one God- Muslim and Christian.’’
Akpabio said he was ‘home’ to congratulate Governor Bassey Otu on his victories at the March 18, 2023 governorship poll, the Elections Petitions Tribunal and recently the Court of Appeal.
“We are very proud of him for the peaceful administration of Cross River State since assumption of office.
“I am also here because of my senators. The three senators from Cross River State are very supportive of my leadership in the Senate, especially my younger brother, Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who has come to thank God for his child, family and victory at the polls,” he noted.
However, he urged the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu to rule with a heart of love in order to perform better than the record set by any previous governor of the state.
Governor Otu thanked all the senators that graced the occasion to celebrate with Senator Ekpenyong and invited them to return to the state for the Carnival Calabar celebration.
Besides, the Minister for Sports, Senator John Owan-Eno and the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu were present.
