Senate President Akpabio Pledges to Implement Supreme Court’s Ruling on Local Government Autonomy

In a bid to ensure the full implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged to amend the constitution. The promise was made during a meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, loyal to the former Interim National Secretary of the party, Senator John Akpanudoedehe.

Akpabio thanked President Bola Tinubu for initiating steps towards granting local government autonomy through the intervention of the Supreme Court. "The Senate, under my leadership, will amend the constitution to guarantee that the judgment is fully implemented, without any loopholes for manipulation," Akpabio stated.

The Senate President also reflected on the rejoining of party members, noting that change is constant. He recalled that before he joined the APC, the party had never won even a councillorship seat in the state. When he came in 2018, the party leaders viewed him as an enemy. During the 2019 elections, the APC worked against itself in Akwa Ibom, missing an opportunity to win the governorship and other elections.

Akpabio emphasized the importance of aligning with the ruling government at the centre, stating that he joined the APC to link Akwa Ibom to the centre. He credited his election as Senate President to the support of President Bola Tinubu and his distinguished colleagues.

The returning party members, Eteubong Alex Umoh, Obong Kufre Akpan, and Mrs. Roseline Eyang, affirmed their loyalty to the APC, declaring that they never left the party despite their leader’s defection. They refused to be used as weapons against the party leadership and are glad to be united once again.

Akpabio welcomed the returning party members, saying, "On behalf of the party leadership, I welcome you back. I am pleased that you have all returned to where you belong. Now that you are back, may God bless you and grant your progressive desires."