Former Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, says Senator Godswill Akpabio will emerge as a consensus candidate for the 10th Senate Presidency.

Afegbua, who debunked reports that President Bola Tinubu had withdrawn support for Akpabio, said the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs would help the president to develop Nigeria’s democracy and improve the wellbeing of the citizens.

He said this via a statement issued on Friday, June 2.

The former commissioner stated: Akpabio is not only reaching out, he’s giving his colleagues the assurances of a robust 10th National Assembly that will complement the effort of the President in churning out laws that would help deepen democracy in Nigeria and improve the wellbeing of Nigerians.

“I am aware that Senator Yari from the North-West is alleged to be dishing out funds to woo his colleagues. Senator Kalu is also in alliance with the incumbent Senate President Ahmed Lawan in plotting the unexpected to alter the applecart.

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“Senator Izunaso is also waiting in the wings to reap from any fallout in the process. But, I can assure you that Senator Godswill Akpabio will emerge as the consensus candidate in a matter of days before the proclamation of the 10th Assembly. Don’t forget that it was President Tinubu that brought about Ahmed Lawan Senate Presidency.

“President Tinubu is not imposing any candidate on the 10th Assembly, but as a team player, it will be an enlightened self interest to have a robust leadership in the Assembly to complement his initiatives and agenda for a new Nigeria. He cannot stand aloof and watch, without lobbying for whoever he wishes to help push his governmental agenda through.

“He needs a stable Parliament and a team player like Akpabio to make an impactful 10th Assembly in the interest of the country. Senators Yari, Kalu, and Izunaso will be approached in the spirit of oneness of the APC-led Federal Government and the 10th Assembly, to step down for Senator Akpabio.”

Afegbua further described Tinubu as a consummate politician who understands the virtue of collective responsibility, warning Senator Yari against promoting discord in the 10th National Assembly by his insistence to run.

“In the light of the blackmail of Islamisation agenda, Yari, a Muslim should not engage in any plot to undermine the unity and stability of the country. It should not be about selfish political interest, but about the unity of the country,” he added.

The Star