Godswill Akpabio, the newly elected senate president, has expressed his commitment to support President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy.
Akpabio emphasized during his acceptance speech that under his leadership, the national assembly will provide the necessary legislative support to implement this policy.
He described the 10th assembly as “forward-looking” and pledged to ensure that the president’s policies and programs receive the backing of the legislature.
Akpabio secured the position of Senate president after receiving 63 votes, while his opponent Yari obtained 46 votes.
Akpabio said, “We shall have a seriously forward-looking senate that will emphasize economic viability, social acceptability, tackle environmental issues and bring about sustainable growth.
“We must provide the required legislative framework and legal environment for President Tinubu to anchor the policies and programmes that he espouses for the country.
“I want to offer special commendation to the president for the bold step he has so far taken, particularly on the issue of petrol subsidy.
“If it requires legislative backing, we shall give. We must begin to produce our own fuel in Nigeria. We must begin to encourage the production of diesel and other products in this country.”
Despite receiving endorsements from President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the position of senate president, Godswill Akpabio emphasized that the Senate would maintain its independence and not act as a mere rubber stamp for the executive branch.
Previously, Yakubu Dogara, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, had stated that the era of the legislature opposing the “tyranny” of the executive was over. He cautioned members of the executive against interfering in the affairs of the national assembly.
In regards to the independence of the legislature, Akpabio stated that the 10th assembly is dedicated to serving the interests of Nigeria and its citizens.
“I want to assure the president that no matter when the legislature is called, the senate will be here to do their national duties. This senate is about Nigeria and Nigerians.
“We will work closely with the executive arm of government and at the same time maintain normal independence of the legislature,” he said.