By Ofonime Honesty
Copious encomiums flowed at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday, during the grand reception in honour of Senate President Godswill Akpabio on his 61st birthday.
Among those who offered glittering goodwill messages was Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking shortly after the official cutting of the Senate President’s birthday cake, Tinubu hailed Akpabio as “an extraordinary and uncommon man in our generation.”
According to her, Senator Akpabio’s commitment to serving Nigeria diligently has stood him out as a patriot who is committed to the principles of accountability, transparency and unity.
She said “it is my pleasure to be here today to celebrate the 61st Birthday anniversary of an extraordinary man, uncommon in our generation. This occasion is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the immense contributions he has made to Akwa Ibom state in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
“Senator Akpabio’s journey in public service from his early days as a lawyer to his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom state and now as the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is worth mentioning. It is noteworthy that under his leadership Akwa Ibom State witnessed remarkable infrastructural development, improved health care services and educational opportunities.
“His administration focused on human capital development and poverty alleviation programmes that transformed the lives of many particularly the most vulnerable in the society.
“Senator Akpabio has continued to serve our nation diligently in the Senate. As the Senate president he has displayed exemplary Leadership, fostered unity, and promoted the interest of many Nigerians. May this day be filled with joy and I pray that you celebrate many more birthdays in good health, peace and happiness.”
The president’s wife hailed members of the national assembly for cooperating with senate president to provide effective legislation and support to the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency.
She also thanked Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and the political class in Akwa Ibom State for working in unison with the senate and the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration at the federal level.
“All the other states that they call opposition, if I come to your state to work, no one can stop me because I will do the work. Nigerians deserve that. We have a programme for the elderly coming up and all the Governors wives to know that they were supposed to be involved. We want to give financial assistance to 250 elderly people per State. Politics is over they should allow us to govern the people,” she added.
