CurrentRport BlogNigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, announced on Thursday that the Senate would amend the constitution to ensure the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy is upheld. Akpabio made this declaration while receiving members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, who are loyal to Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, in Uyo.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for initiating steps toward granting local governments full autonomy through the Supreme Court. “The Senate, under my leadership, will tinker with the constitution to ensure that the judgment is fully implemented without any loopholes for manipulation by the practitioners,” Akpabio said.
This comes amidst political realignments in Akwa Ibom, where former APC scribe, Akpanudoedehe, defected to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) after internal party disagreements. Addressing the return of party members, Akpabio emphasized the importance of unity and the progress made under his leadership since joining the APC in 2018.
“We had the best chance to win elections in 2019, but internal issues held us back. Now, with the APC connected to the center, we have an opportunity for greater success,” he added, highlighting his rise to Senate President as a result of God’s grace and the support of President Tinubu and his Senate colleagues.
Welcoming the returnees, Akpabio praised their loyalty and assured them of a united APC in the state, praying for their continued success. Speaking on behalf of the group, Eteubong Alex Umoh and others reaffirmed their commitment to the APC, recognizing Akpabio as the party’s leader in the state and rejecting any division within the party.
With this announcement, Akpabio has set the stage for constitutional reforms that could transform local governance across Nigeria, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape.
