Key Takeaways

• Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged governors to remain committed to their constituents rather than pursue other political offices prematurely.
• Akpabio cited his eight years as governor of Akwa Ibom State as he advised serving governors to focus on completing their tenure.
• He attributed his political success over the past 25 years to his commitment to the people.
• The report also comes against the background of amendments to Senate rules concerning eligibility for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

Akpabio Advises Governors to Focus on Their Constituents

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged governors to prioritise the people they govern instead of becoming preoccupied with other political positions before completing their tenure.

Akpabio gave the advice on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.

Addressing governors at the event, he cautioned them against abandoning their constituents while pursuing further political ambitions.

“For my brothers who are governors, I want you to know that you must not abandon your people,” Akpabio said.

He also urged them to concentrate on completing their constitutionally guaranteed eight-year tenure, drawing on his own experience as a state governor.

“I did eight years as a governor. And the constitution says you should do eight years. There’s no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available,” he said.

Akpabio Cites His Experience as Governor

Akpabio served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, completing two consecutive four-year terms.

Reflecting on his political career, the Senate President said his ability to win elections over the past 25 years had been linked to his commitment to the people.

He urged political officeholders to maintain that relationship with their constituents rather than focus prematurely on their next political move.

“I have a lot of people from one of the states here, but you have to enjoy the truth. Take it from me, I have been in this business for over 25 years, and I always win. And why I always win is because I stand with people. Go and mend your clothes when they are not torn,” he said.

His remarks centred on the importance of maintaining public support and remaining attentive to the people an officeholder represents.

Senate Rules on Leadership Positions

Akpabio’s comments come amid changes to the Senate’s internal rules governing eligibility for its top leadership positions.

Some months ago, the Senate amended its rules to require senators to have served for at least eight years, equivalent to two consecutive terms, to be eligible to contest for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

The report does not establish that the rule amendment prompted Akpabio’s remarks to the governors. The two matters concern different political offices: his advice addressed governors pursuing other positions, while the amended rules relate specifically to eligibility for the Senate’s top leadership roles.

Akpabio Emphasises Commitment to the People

Akpabio’s message to governors was that they should remain focused on their current responsibilities and avoid abandoning their constituents in pursuit of other political opportunities.

By referring to his own experience in Akwa Ibom State, he presented his commitment to the people as a central factor in his political journey.

His remarks placed the emphasis on completing the responsibilities of an existing mandate before turning attention to another political position.