BREAKING: Akpabio Defeats Yari, Emerges Senate President
Senator Godswill Akpabio has emerged the 10th President of the Senate after defeating Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
Akpabio, a former Senator Minority Leader polled 63 votes to defeat Yari, a former governor of Zamfara, who garnered 46 votes.
The lawmakers-elect had earlier commenced voting on the floor of the Nigerian Senate, in the build-up to the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.
Senator Ali Ndume nominated Senator Godswill Akpabi, after reading the biography of the former Akwa Ibom governor.
Akpabio’s nomination was seconded by Senator Olamilekan Solomon Yayi from Ogun state.
Similarly, Senator Ishaku Abbo nominated Senator Abdul Aziz Yari as Senate President.
Senator Barau Jibrin voted deputy senate president unopposed.
Meanwhile both Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin, Tuesday took oath of office.
Akpabio pledged to work and perform his duty in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Akpabio who is a lawyer and politician has served as minister for Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 to 2022. He resigned on 11 May 2022 on the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to contest in the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress.
He served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, while Yari was elected the Governor of Zamfara State in the 26 April 2011.
