The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has described calls by opposition political parties and activists for the National Assembly to declare the President absent as unfounded and uncalled for.
He said the absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shetima should not raise any anxiety as the wheels of governance was still grinding smoothly despite their not being physically present in the country.
Akpabio made the declaration as the special guest of honour at the commissioning of 4.12 kilometres internal road network with outfall drain in GRA, Ikot Ekpene, as part of the activities to mark the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State.
A statement by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator Akpabio to have said: “I am the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly. I am not the acting President.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is still in power. The President is on a working leave so there is no vacuum in Aso Rock or governance in Nigeria. What he cannot do here he is doing abroad. The other day he was with President Emmanuel Macron, discussing bilateral relations between France and Nigeria to bring things back to Nigeria.
“Since he could not make it to the United Nations General Assembly, the Vice-President, Kashim Shetima is representing President Tinubu at UNGA. There is no vacum or vacancy. Those who are talking are just talking.
“As the Chairman of the National Assembly I am the only person who can speak on behalf of the National Assembly and declare if there is vacancy at the Aso Rock Villa. Right now there is no vacancy. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is still in power and he is still running the affairs of Nigeria smoothly.
“The world has become a global village. The President can give instructions from anywhere. So why are people complaining. The people who are complaining are like people who drink water and ask for toothpick to pick the water between their teeth. They don’t know what to say,” Akpabio declared.
The Senate President congratulated the people of Akwa Ibom State on the 39th anniversary of the State creation. He commended the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno on his developmental initiatives and making Akwa Ibom a destination of choice in Nigeria.
Talking to Governor Eno, the President of the Senate said: “Your Excellency, I commend you for continuing the tradition of uncommon development of our dear State. I give you 100 percent for your achievements in the avaition industry.
“I am glad to learn that the international conference centre and the Hilton Hotel which my administration started in Uyo will soon be completed and commissioned. You have also started and completed a resort of world standard which will soon be commissioned. You have truly made Akwa Ibom a destination,” he said.
On his part Governor Eno commended the people of Ikot Ekpene for their support and vowed to mobilize support for the re-election of President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and himself and indeed all candidates of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State.
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