Dr Godswill Akpabio, President of the Nigerian Senate has pledged that the Red Chamber will amend the constitution to ensure the full implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.

Akpabio made the promise during a meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, loyal to the former Interim National Secretary of the party, Senator John Akpanudoedehe.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio thanked President Bola Tinubu for initiating steps towards granting local government autonomy through the intervention of the Supreme Court.

“The Senate, under my leadership, will amend the constitution to guarantee that the judgment is fully implemented, without any loopholes for manipulation,” Akpabio stated.

It is worth recalling that Senator Akpanudoedehe had previously defected to the New Nigeria Peoples Party after losing out in the leadership tussle within the APC.

Reflecting on the rejoining of party members, Akpabio noted, “The only constant in life is change. Before I joined the APC, the party had never won even a councillorship seat in the state. When I came in 2018, the party leaders viewed me as an enemy.

“During the 2019 elections, the APC worked against itself in Akwa Ibom. We had the best chance to win the governorship and other elections, but the party leadership then failed to seize the opportunity.”

He also emphasized the importance of aligning with the ruling government at the centre, adding, “I joined the APC to link Akwa Ibom to the centre, and today, I’m the President of the Senate by the grace of God, the support of President Bola Tinubu, and my distinguished colleagues who elected me.”

Akpabio further welcomed the returning party members, saying, “On behalf of the party leadership, I welcome you back. I am pleased that you have all returned to where you belong. Now that you are back, may God bless you and grant your progressive desires.”

Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Eteubong Alex Umoh, Obong Kufre Akpan, and Mrs. Roseline Eyang affirmed their loyalty to the APC, declaring that they never left the party despite their leader’s defection.

“We never left the APC or joined any other party because we recognize the Senate President as our leader in the state. We refused to be used as weapons against the party leadership, and we are glad to be united once again,” they stated.