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

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio made the remarks in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during a meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) state chapter, who recently rejoined the party after a brief departure to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Akpabio expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in advancing local government autonomy through the Supreme Court’s intervention.

“The Senate, under my leadership, will amend the constitution to ensure the full implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment without loopholes for manipulation,” he said.

Akpabio also welcomed back the party members who had returned, acknowledging the leadership of Senator James Akpanudoedehe, the former National Secretary of the APC.

Reflecting on his journey with the party, Akpabio said, “When I joined the APC in 2018, the party had never won even a councillorship seat in the state. At that time, some party leaders saw me as an enemy. In the 2019 elections, the APC worked against itself. We had the best chance to win the governorship and other elections, but the party’s leadership refused to seize the opportunity.”

He further expressed his gratitude for becoming Senate President, attributing his success to divine providence, the support of President Tinubu, and his colleagues in the Senate.

“God knew I meant well for our people, and He elevated me to this position. When you lift others, your hands remain raised, but when you bring people down, your hands will eventually fall,” he said, encouraging party members to “follow the one who knows the way.”

Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Eteubong Alex Umoh, Obong Kufre Akpan, and Mrs Roseline Eyang affirmed their loyalty to the APC, stating, “We never left the party, despite the departure of our leader. We recognise Senator Akpabio as the leader of the party in the state, and we are glad to be back as one united family.”