Meet the 10th Senate President of Nigeria – Godswill Akpabio

Who is Godswill Akpabio?

Godswill Akpabio is a Nigerian politician who has a vast wealth of experience due to many key positions he had held since he ventured into the business of politics, he is one of the many governors in Nigeria who has been able to successfully transition into other dynamics of politics even after leaving office. Akapbio was recently elected as the Senate President to lead the Senate 10th assembly with the hope adequately of representing the majority of Nigerians who have elected them into office.

Biography and Education

Godswill Akpabio who is from the south-south region of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State was born on 9 December 1962 in Essien Udim Local Government Area to parents who were traditional chieftains in their community, having grown up in a family that is well respected in their community, he decides to pursue his education though his father died when he was still very young.

Akpabio’s educational journey took him from the humble halls of Methodist Primary School in Ukana, Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State, to the bustling atmosphere of the Federal Government College in Port Harcourt, Rivers State where he received his secondary education. It was during his time at the college that his leadership potential began to shine, as he was bestowed the prestigious honor of Senior Prefect.

But his thirst for knowledge and ambition didn’t stop there. He set his sights on the University of Calabar, Cross River State to pursue higher learning in his educational journey. It was within the university’s hallowed walls that he embarked on his legal odyssey, pursuing a Degree in Law.

Career

Initially, Akpabio after finishing his law degree decided to work as a teacher for a short period of time before moving on to work as an associate partner at Paul Usoro and Co., a law firm in Nigeria. Additionally, he also had a significant role at EMIS Telecoms Limited, a wireless telecommunications company in Lagos, Nigeria. By 2002, he had risen to the position of Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company. In this role, he played a vital role in shaping the future of the growing telecoms industry. Prior to that, he had served as the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Telecommunication Companies in Nigeria (ATCOM) while being a director at EMIS.

Although Akpabio’s family has a rich history of public service in Nigeria his family has been in politics way before Nigeria gained her independence. His grandfather, Okuku Udo Akpabio, held the esteemed position of Warrant Chief in the province of Ikot Ekpene. Furthermore, his uncle, Dr. I. U. Akpabio, made significant contributions as the Minister of Education/Internal Affairs in the Eastern Nigeria government. Notably, Akpabio’s cousin, Justice Nsima Akpabio, served as a senator during the Second Nigerian Republic. These familial connections demonstrate a strong legacy of dedication to their country.

Owing to his family history in politics, he decided to follow the status quo and in 2002, he was appointed as the Honourable Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources in Akwa Ibom State by Governor Obong Victor Attah. He served as a Commissioner in three key ministries between 2002 and 2006, namely Petroleum and Natural Resources, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as Lands and Housing.

In 2006, he ran for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State and won the primary election against 57 other aspirants, becoming the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With the campaign slogan “Let God’s will be done,” he gained significant support and was elected Governor in 2007. He was re-elected for a second term in 2011. He later became the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum in 2013. In 2015, he successfully contested for the Senate seat representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, and he became the Senate Minority Leader. However, in 2018, he resigned from the position and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In 2019, he was appointed as the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs. In 2022, he briefly participated in the APC presidential primaries but withdrew to support the eventual winner, Bola Tinubu. Shortly after, he emerged as the Senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West and won the 2023 general elections. On June 13th, 2023, he was elected as the Senate President of Nigeria under the All Progressive Congress.

Current Senate President of Nigeria

Godswill Akapabio became the 10th Senate President after he was elected on the 13th of June by the assembly to lead the 10th assembly to greater heights. Although it wasn’t without some objections before the Senate later agree to elect him. Some lawmakers were of the opinion that another senator named Orji Uzor Kalu who is one of the richest politicians in Nigeria deserves the position more.

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