The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has tasked his people in the South-South geo- political zone of the country to deliver the highest votes for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2017.

Akpabio gave the charge on Wednesday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Zonal Congress which was held in Asaba, Delta State. All the Governors of the six States in the South-South were present at the event.

Akpabio thanked President Tinubu and the APC for recognising the South-South zone after about 45 years in which the zone last had an opportunity to produce a Senate President.

He said the APC had treated the South-South very well and that the people in the zone had equally reciprocated by joining the party

Akpabio recalled how, in 2023, APC in South-South started with just one Governor, the Cross River State Governor, but now having in its fold all the six Governors in the zone.

"Now Governor of Cross River State, you are no longer alone. All these achievements, to have all these Governors coming together in the South-South was made possible by the fact that the Zonal leadership of the party under Victor Giadom has been steady, steadfast and focus.

"So the President said l should particularly thank the South-South. It is not whether you are going to win in 2027, because you cannot be escorted by lions and you become afraid of goats.

"Now that we are complete and we are focused, the question then will be: What quantum of votes will the South-South give to the APC?

"So turn to the person by your side. Challenge the person. Say we will give the highest votes among the six zones in Nigeria. We will give the highest.

"APC has treated us very well and we have reciprocated by joining the party. Imagine the last time we had a Senate President from this zone, Joseph Wayas, about 45 years ago.

"So under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the South-South is now recognised. We are on the table. You cannot have a brother on the table and you go and carry last. Can South-South carry last? So we thank the APC for recognising the South-South and giving us this position of the Senate President," Akpabio said.

Also speaking at the commencement of the programme, the host Governor Sheriff Oborevwori 1of Delta State spoke of the importance of the zone when he said that "South-South is very key to this nation and this is the first time the South-South is coming together under one party.

"Today is not just another political gathering. It is a declaration that the APC in South-South is united, organised and ready for the future.

"We have demonstrated that the APC remains the most structured and democratic Party in Nigeria. We must continue to deepen our unity, strengthen our structures in every ward, local government and stay firmly connected to the grassroots."

The highpoint of the event was the election, by consensus, the new South-South Zonal executive of the Party which saw the re-election of Chief Victor Giadom as the South-South National Vice Chairman.

Other members of the new executive are: Dr Ita Udosen (Zonal Secretary), Hon. Barr. Safugha Newword (Legal Adviser), Dr Samuel Nwanosike (Publicity Secretary), Prince Koyoyo Uhrorho (Youth Leader), Hon. Sodangwuo Omoni (Women Leader), Hon. Prince Edward Ajang) Organising Secretary) and Prince Ayo Peter Olowojoba (Leader People Living with Disability).

•PHOTO, L-R: Governor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State, Governor Monday Okpebholo, Edo State, Governor Douye Diri, Bayelsa State, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State, Governor Sim Fubara, Rivers State and Governor Bassey Otu, at the South South Zonal Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Asaba, Delta State yesterday. Photo: Senate President's Office

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