Senate President Godswill Akpabio has drawn a stark comparison, describing Nigeria’s economic condition as akin to being on “life support” when President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. Akpabio made this remark during his 2024 Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Programme, held at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State. As the representative of Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, Akpabio called for national solidarity to support President Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms. He highlighted critical measures undertaken by the administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and tax policy reforms, as essential for reviving the economy. Speaking on the enormity of the challenges, Akpabio recounted a candid exchange with Tinubu:“I asked him, ‘Are you still excited about being president after inheriting this economy?’ He replied, ‘I didn’t know it was this bad.’” Despite the daunting situation, Akpabio expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to replicate his success as the former governor of Lagos State. “You did it in Lagos, and you’ll do it again for Nigeria. It’s only a matter of time. Our prayers are with you, and God will grant you wisdom to lead us to prosperity,” Akpabio said. Empowering Constituents and Advocating Peace At the event, Akpabio urged beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to maximize the tools provided for economic improvement instead of selling them. He assured attendees of sufficient distribution of food supplies beyond Ikot Ekpene to other senatorial districts in the state. He also lauded Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno for fostering peace and inclusivity, emphasizing that peace is crucial for sustainable development. “Governor Eno has embraced all Akwa Ibom citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations,” he noted. Akpabio praised the governor’s efforts in distributing food aid to both APC and PDP members and announced additional resources to promote unity and welfare. Leadership and Collaboration in the Senate Highlighting Senate operations, Akpabio commended Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro for championing constructive collaboration. “Every senator has an equal voice, regardless of their party. Opposition is vital, but it must remain constructive,” Akpabio said. Senator Moro acknowledged Akpabio’s impactful leadership, adding: “It takes wisdom to provide lasting solutions rather than temporary fixes.” The programme also drew high-profile attendees, including the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpo Ekpo, and other distinguished leaders across political affiliations. Collective Efforts for a Brighter Future In his concluding remarks, Akpabio emphasized the importance of collective efforts to build a stronger Nigeria, assuring his constituents of his unwavering commitment to impactful developmental initiatives. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has introduced a new minimum wage of N80,000 for state government employees, demonstrating the government’s dedication to enhancing workers’ welfare. To ensure effective implementation, the governor has set up an Implementation Committee, led by the State’s Head of Civil Service, which has a month to finalize the plan.The wage increase, announced on Wednesday, is a significant boost for the state’s workforce, surpassing the current national minimum wage. According to Vanguard, this adjustment aims to improve the living standards of state workers.Governor Eno emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting employees’ well-being through this initiative. To oversee the transition, the Implementation Committee includes key stakeholders such as the State’s Accountant General, representatives from the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), The Punch reported.Ini Ememobong, the State Commissioner for Information, confirmed the news, stressing that the wage hike is part of the government’s efforts to prioritize worker welfare. The governor’s pledge to improve civil servants’ conditions was formalized when he signed the state minimum wage edict into law on Wednesday, October 23, fulfilling his promise to implement the new wage as soon as it received approval from the Federal Government.
