10th Assembly: Bankole Congratulates Akpabio, Abass

10th Assembly: Bankole Congratulates Akpabio, Abass

By Kabir Akintayo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader and Person with Disabilities, PWDs, Hon. Tolu Bankole, has congratulated Godswill  Akpabio and Abbass Tajudeen, as they emerged leaders of the 10th Assembly.

POLITICS DIGEST reported that, Akpabio secured 63 votes to defeat his closest rival, Abdulazeez Yari who got 46 votes.

While Abbas Tajjudeen recorded 353 in a landslide win over Idris Wase who scored 3 votes and Aminu Jaji also got 3 votes.

In a statement signed by Bankole on Tuesday, he urged the newly elected Senate President, Speaker, and other elected leaders to remain focused on legislative agenda for the emancipation of the people.

The statement read in full:

“As Nigeria witnessed a rancour free inauguration of the 10th National Assembly leadership in both chambers today, I celebrate this seamless milestone and felicitates with the Senate President/Chairman and Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives/Vice Chairman of the National Assembly – Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio (CON) and Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas (MON) respectively on this historic occasion.

“I congratulate the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Jubrin Barau and Deputy Speaker, Rt Honourable Benjamin Kalu for being a part of the team who will steer the affairs of the legislative branch for the next four years.

“On this occasion, I also rejoice with all Nigerians for being witnesses to history.

“We must remind ourselves on the need to remain focused on legislative agenda for the emancipation of our people. You are in the saddle as a result of people’s trust across the length and breath of Nigeria. This is the moment to be circumspect, roll up your sleeves and all hands must be deployed on deck to alleviate poverty, push back insecurity, unemployment and the likes through innovative legislative actions.

“The tenth Assembly leadership must work as a team with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while maintaining the delicate balance of separation of powers. Your loyalty must be to Nigerians who will judge your success not by the number of bills passed but when majority of Nigerians attest to the socio-economic good arising from the laws. In other words, the good  must be seen and felt by Nigerians.

“Your oversight functions and legislative interventions must support all policies that will make Nigerians happy, better and prosperous.  The elite must be willing to lead sacrificially to close the near infinite gap between the masses and the rich in our bid to achieve development. Money is not passport to heaven.

“Also, all international economic policies that will make Nigerians poorer should  be jettison no matter the intention.

“The National Assembly should expect robust engagements from Persons With Disabilities, PWDs, as we in return expect your support on all matters of inclusivity. We are better together in love.

“I wish you well as you take over the mantle of leadership in the tenth Assembly.”