A former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Southern Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio has emerged as President of the Nigerian 10th Senate, following his election on Tuesday.
Senator Jibrin Barau also emerged as the Deputy President of the Senate unopposed, with unanimous support by all the 109 Senators. He hails from Kano state, Northern Nigeria.
Their elections were the major highlights of Tuesday’s inauguration of the 10th Senate, following the proclamation of the 10th National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
The keenly contested election saw Senator Godswill Akpabio defeat his rival Senator Abdulaziz Yari, also a former Governor of Zamfara State, northern Nigeria.
Senator Akpabio polled a total of sixty-three (63) votes to beat Senator Yari, who scored 46 votes.
WITHDRAWAL FROM RACE.
According to the results as announced by Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Sani Tanbawal, two contestants, Senators Orji Uzor Kalu and Osita Izunaso had earlier dropped out of the race before the election.
The election of Senator Akpabio as President of the Senate began with his nomination by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, and the nomination was seconded by Senator Solomon Olamilekan.
Similarly, former Ebonyi state Governor, Senator David Umeahi nominated Senator Jibrin Barau for his election, and the nomination was seconded by Senator Salihu Mustapha.
Most of the Senators who spoke with Voice of Nigeria, including Senators Victor Umeh, and Neda Imasuen, both of the Labour Party, believe that the Senate must prioritize issues of security and economic rejuvenation to return Nigeria to the path of prosperity.
Dominica Nwabufo
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