By Lanre Oloyede
Members of the PWD Progressive Stakeholders Forum (PPSF) has congratulated Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio and Senator Jibrin Barau on their election as 15th President and Deputy President of the Senate in the 10th National Assembly.
Akpabio and Jibrin were on Tuesday elected as presiding officers of the 10th Senate.
Reacting to their election, the group, which is a forum of progressive minded Nigerians with disabilities, reiterated that Akpabio’s election, was an expression of the overwhelming wish and support of the majority members of the Senate, adding that it was a testament of the unwavering goodwill which the former governor has continually enjoyed even from his reign as the Executive Governor of Akwa-Ibom State which was subsequently passed on to him as Minority leader of the 8th assembly.
The group’s commendation was contained in a statement issued Tuesday by the PPSF National Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, and made available to journalists in Abuja.
While expressing confidence that the administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu will enjoy unalloyed cooperation from the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership to bring about the transformational leadership and national rebirth that Nigerians are yearning for, the group assured that Akpabio will enjoy the unwavering support of the PWDs communities across Nigeria so long as he continues to carry them along and accommodate issues relating to Persons With Disabilities, PWDs, in his plans and programs for the Nigerian State in the 10th assembly.
The statement read in parts: “PPSF is a conglomeration of all interest group and consists of the who is who in the disability community, pushing for political inclusion of persons with disabilities, as such, you can find us a veritable platform to engage and consult with, on all issues of governance inclusion in this administration.
“Furthermore, we wish to state categorically that your outstanding victory today and emergence as the 15th president of the Senate is a testimony and an endorsement of your leadership quality and capacity to successfully lead the 10th assembly at a time like this in our nation’s history where quality leadership is in short supply.
“Your laudable landmark achievements as two-term governor of Akwa-Ibom State remains unequalled till today by your successor, a feat which has earned you the sobriquet of uncommon leader with uncommon achievements.
“The PPSF under the able leadership of Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, FIPMA, FCIPM, have strong confidence in your capacity to lead an all inclusive 10th assembly that accommodate various interests, views, stakeholders and segments of the society, particularly that of People With Disabilities (PWD) community as alluded to in your inaugural address.
“Once again, congratulations to you distinguished senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Jibrin Barau on your election as President and Deputy President of the Senate in the 10th assembly.”
