Who is Nigeria Senate President? Meet the New Senate President
by Sona | Updated Jun 13, 2023
President of the Senate of Nigeria
The President of the Senate of Nigeria is a highly esteemed position, serving as the presiding officer of the Senate and elected by its members. Second in line to the Nigerian presidency, after the Vice President, this role holds immense significance.This individual is elected by the members of the Senate and holds a significant role in the country's political landscape.
Currently, Godswill Akpabio serves as the President of the Senate. With extensive political experience, Akpabio brings strong leadership and parliamentary skills to the position, ensuring the Senate operates smoothly and upholds democratic principles. As the head of the Senate, the President of the Senate plays a crucial role in maintaining order, facilitating productive debates, and representing the interests of the Nigerian people.
Who is Nigeria Senate President?
Senator Godswill Akpabio has been elected as the President of the tenth Senate in Nigeria. This significant appointment grants him the responsibility of presiding over the Senate's proceedings and leading its legislative activities. Senator Akpabio emerged victorious in the election, surpassing his competitor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
Godswill Akpabio emerged as the winner with 63 votes, defeating his closest rival Abdulaziz Yari, who scored 46 votes. Both Senator Akpabio and Senator Yari are members of the All Progressives Congress. As the newly elected Senate President, Senator Akpabio assumes the crucial role of presiding over the Senate and leading its legislative affairs.
New Senate President Godswill Akpabio
Godswill Obot Akpabio, born on December 9, 1962, is a Nigerian lawyer and politician. He currently holds the position of Senate President in Nigeria. Prior to his role as Senate President, Akpabio served as the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 to 2022. However, on May 11, 2022, he resigned from his ministerial position as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The purpose of his resignation was to participate in the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), indicating his intention to contest for the presidency. Akpabio's political career began with his tenure as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, a position he held from 2007 to 2015. During his time as governor, he implemented various developmental projects and policies aimed at improving the socio economic landscape of the state.
Akpabio Triumphs Over Yari, Becomes Senate President
Senator Godswill Akpabio has emerged victorious in the election for the President of the 10th National Assembly, defeating Senator Abdul'aziz Yari. The former Akwa Ibom governor secured 63 votes, while Yari received 46 votes. This achievement makes Akpabio the first South-Southerner to be elected as Senate President since Nigeria's independence in 1960.
Following his successful election, Senator Akpabio was sworn in as the President of the Senate for the 10th National Assembly, taking over from Senator Ahmad Lawan, who is also a member of the 10th Senate. Both Akpabio and Yari hold prominent positions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Yari challenging the party's endorsement of Akpabio. Despite the protests, the APC stood by its decision, maintaining Akpabio's candidacy.
During the elections, the APC secured the majority of seats in the Senate, with approximately 70 seats. This was followed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP). Several APC lawmakers had initially expressed their aspirations to become Senate President, but many eventually withdrew their candidacies, paving the way for the contest between Akpabio and Yari.
Godswill Akpabio Early Life and Career
Godswill Akpabio is the son of Chief Obot Akpabio and Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio. Unfortunately, he lost his father at an early age and was raised by his mother. Godswill Akpabio pursued his education at Methodist Primary School in Ukana, Akwa Ibom State, Federal Government College in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the University of Calabar, where he successfully earned a degree in Law.
Following his academic journey, Akpabio ventured into different professional roles, including a brief stint as a teacher and as an associate partner at Paul Usoro and Co., a prominent law firm in Nigeria. He also held positions in EMIS Telecoms Limited, a wireless telecommunications company in Lagos, Nigeria, where he eventually became the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.
In 2002, Godswill Akpabio embarked on his political career with his appointment as the Honourable Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources in Akwa Ibom State. He went on to serve as a Commissioner in various ministries, including Petroleum and Natural Resources, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Lands and Housing.
In 2006, Akpabio contested and won the governorship of Akwa Ibom State, and he was re-elected for a second term in 2011. During his tenure, he gained popularity with his campaign slogan, "let God's will be done." In addition, he served as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum in 2013.
In 2015, Akpabio won the Senate seat for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District and became the Senate Minority Leader. However, in August 2018, he resigned from the position and announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was later nominated and appointed as the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs in 2019.
In June 2022, Akpabio resigned from his ministerial position to participate in the presidential primaries of the APC but eventually stepped down and became the Senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District. In the 2023 general elections, he emerged as the senator-elect, defeating his closest rival and securing the position of Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the All Progressive Congress on June 13, 2023.
Who is Nigeria Senate President - FAQs
The Senate President of Nigeria is Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate President of Nigeria is elected by the members of the Senate through a voting process.
The Senate President presides over the sessions of the Senate, maintains order, and ensures the smooth functioning of legislative affairs. They also represent the Senate in official matters.
The term of the Senate President in Nigeria is usually four years, which aligns with the tenure of the National Assembly.
Yes, the Senate President can be removed from office through a vote of no confidence by the members of the Senate or by resignation.