The Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, broke a 59-year-old jinx, after his election into the Executive Committee of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Friday.
Akpabio who was the Leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the 147th Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly in Luanda, Angola, became the first Nigerian to be elected into the Executive Committee of Inter- Parliamentary Union in 1964.
The parliamentary body is a global organization of national parliaments founded in 1889, and dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue.
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It has grown over its 135 years into a truly global organization with 179 member-countries out of 193 countries of the world.
The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
A statement by the Special Assistant (Media/Communication) to the Senate President, Anietie Ekong, said Senator Akpabio, was overwhelmingly voted for by delegates across the world to emerge as an Executive Committee member of the Parliamentary Union with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland for a three year mandate.
The Union in the week long Assembly deliberated upon important issues affecting nations across the world and considered actions to strengthen trust between people and governance structures, to make public institutions more effective, accountable and representative and to better equip parliaments to address the multiple interconnected geo-political, economic and environmental crises facing the world.
The 147th IPU Assembly was held in Luanda, Angola, from 21st to 27th October 2023 and hosted by the National Assembly of oil-rich Angola.
CoS praises Akpabio for the victory
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff (CoS), Sylvester O. Okonkwo, has described the Senate president as an uncommon trailblazer and transformer.
In a statement, Okonkwo noted that the remarkable achievement of Senator Akpabio has once again underpinned his dedication to advance global diplomacy and showcasing unwavering commitment to transnational cooperation.
“Your election into the Global Executive Committee not only reflects the high regards in which your colleagues from several Countries of the world hold you, but also demonstrates your ability to represent Nigeria on the global stage effectively and strategically,” he added.
Okonkwo further described the global recognition as a proof of Senator Akpabio’s exceptional contributions to the field of international parliamentary relations.
He continued: “I have no doubt that your presence in this new role will further strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic influence within the international parliamentary community.
“As you embark on this prestigious journey, be assured that you have the full support and admiration of Nigerians and the International community, who are looking forward to witnessing your transformational impact on the Global Executive Committee and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) as a whole.”
