Akpabio Urges Parties to Retain Experienced Lawmakers

Senate President Godswill Akpabio cautioned political parties against denying experienced lawmakers tickets to return to the National Assembly, stating that the Senate is not a place for sharing political largesse. He emphasized that such decisions could weaken democratic governance and deprive the legislature of valuable experience.

Akpabio urged parties to consider the competence and contributions of lawmakers when selecting candidates for future elections. He acknowledged the contributions of Professor Francis Faduyile, a former president of the Nigerian Medical Association, highlighting the importance of retaining experienced lawmakers to strengthen legislative institutions.

Akpabio referenced his experience in Akwa Ibom State, where he thanked the governor for supporting the return of three senators. He argued that legislative experience is crucial for improving debates and lawmaking quality, citing examples from the United States, including former Senator Robert Byrd and President Joe Biden, to illustrate the benefits of long-serving lawmakers.