The Senate President Godswill Akpabio has again called for national unity, saying Nigeria’s diverse culture and religion remain the strength and bond of the people.
Senator Akpabio made the remark while addressing the congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria during a thanksgiving and dedication service of the representative of Cross River southern senatorial district, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and his family in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Akpabio, who recalled his upbringing in different states of Nigeria, said that citizens were proud of their diversity, which was exhibited at the 2023 general election where the people elected the Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and the Vice President Kashim Shettima .
“Nigeria’s diversity is our strength in this country. I, since the age of 9, had imbued the spirit of diversity that Nigeria has. Nigerians are proud of our diversity, which was what heralded the 2023 election, even though people felt the president and vice president were Muslims, and people doubted the success.
“We embrace the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the church is praying for the success of the president. His success is the success of Nigeria,” he said.
As for the Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, the Senate president urged him to govern the people with ‘a heart of love’ by investing in developing durable infrastructure that would benefit the people and serve as a legacy of his administration.
“I urge you to administer Cross River State with the heart of love. Provide infrastructure that would stand the test of time so that in years to come, the people will ever appreciate your service.
“I expect that you would follow in the steps of former Governor Donald Duke, for instance, and give the people a legacy that they would always remember,” he advised.
He commended the Deputy Senate President Barau Jubrin for attending the thanksgiving service alongside 50 other senators and 20 members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, while also acknowledging the presence of former Governor Donald Duke and his wife, Onari.
The thanksgiving and dedication service was attended by the Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, Senator Ali Ndume, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, amongst others.
