Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has identified those organizing and orchestrating insecurity across the country. He stated that unnamed enemies of Nigeria are deliberately causing security challenges in Nigeria.
Akpabio made this disclosure while speaking at the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja
He stated that unnamed enemies of the country are “organizing and orchestrating insecurity” in Nigeria, through terrorism, banditry and insurgency.
Akpabio told President Bola Tinubu and other party leaders that the worsening security situation had left many states grieving. While the party leadership must remain united to confront the challenges.
He said, “We are very sad that people have decided to torment Nigeria with very serious, organized and orchestrated insecurity.
“So, as we grow, there will be envy, there will be jealousy. And with jealousy comes hatred, and with hatred comes challenges.
“So, Mr. President, ours in this caucus today is to assure you that we are not only with you, we are also praying for you. Praying for you to overcome the challenges of the day, and also praying for Nigeria.”
Commenting on the recent abductions of school children in some schools in the Northern region, the Senate President said the caucus aligned with states mourning losses from attacks. He, however, commended Tinubu for the release of over 100 school children kidnapped recently.
Akpabio appealed for the remaining children to be rescued and reunited with their families.
He said, “We align ourselves with States that are mourning as a result of the loss of lives occasioned by terrorists, by bandits and by insurgents.
“We thank the President for the release of over 100 children who were kidnapped very recently. And we pray to God to give him the ability and the enablement to release the remaining children to rejoin their families.
“We condole with members of the families who have lost their loved ones, including the armed forces, who lost their lives in the course of trying to protect not just those children, but also protecting lives and property in the country. May their souls rest in perfect peace.”
The Senate President added that Nigeria’s stability was tied to that of neighbouring countries. Just as he applauded Tinubu for intervening in Benin Republic to stabilize democracy. He, therefore, urged for sustained regional engagement.
Akpabio also disclosed that the Senate had taken “bold decisions” aimed at deterring criminality, including legislative efforts to classify kidnapping alongside terrorism. Which, according to him, would make kidnappers liable to the death penalty once Tinubu accents to the Bill.
The Senate President further appealed to State governors to enforce laws on capital offences such as banditry. He argued that failure to sign execution warrants could embolden convicts who might later escape and return to crime.
Akpabio also praised the APC’s expanding political reach, saying the party had continued to attract major political figures “steadily” and “without firing a shot,”
He also credited the National Working Committee under the party chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Akpabio urged party leaders to accommodate defectors and new members, warning against discrimination as the APC expands.
The Senate President urged party leaders across States to open up opportunities for new entrants. He noted that the APC must avoid sidelining those joining from other parties.
“Let me appeal to all our leaders that all the political stakeholders coming in from other political parties must be given equal opportunities to thrive.
“There must not be any discrimination,” he appealed.
Akpabio claimed the opposition had dwindled sharply in the Senate, saying only about “five or four” Senators remained outside the APC. He alleged that some Senators had privately indicated interest in joining the ruling party.
The Senate President, however, pointed out that he did not want a Senate without opposition. He added that he had allowed some Senators who had declared for the APC in their States but were yet to formally do so in the chamber to continue operating within the minority caucus. This, he said is so that the minority benches would not be empty.
Akpabio user the opportunity of the event to welcome new Governors to the caucus. He urged for smooth integration across states.Just as he predicted that unity within the party would translate into votes and victory for the APC in 2027.
The six governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party who recently defected to the APC were present at the caucus meeting.
They included Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Others are Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.