‘Most Governors Now Collect Four Times What I Got’ — Akpabio Tells Tinubu

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has commended President Bola Tinubu for key economic reforms, especially the removal of fuel subsidy and the introduction of new tax policies.

Speaking during a public engagement in Abuja, Akpabio said the current administration has significantly increased the funds available to state governments.

He noted that governors now receive far more allocations than what was obtainable during his time as governor of Akwa Ibom State.

The Senate President explained that the reforms have strengthened revenue inflow to the states and created more financial room for development projects.

He stressed that the National Assembly carefully considers every policy proposal before approval, despite criticism from some quarters.

Akpabio rejected claims that the Senate merely endorses executive decisions without scrutiny. According to him, lawmakers study government submissions thoroughly to ensure they serve the interests of Nigerians.

He praised the administration’s economic direction and said he would have preferred to govern under the present system because of the improved financial position of states.

Akpabio said:

“They said we are rubber-stamp senators but we sit down to painstakingly go through everything that comes before us.

“We meticulously review all submissions to serve the best interests of Nigerians, even when public perception initially differs.

“We thank you for the tax reforms. Thank you for removing fuel subsidy. How I wish I was a governor under you. Most of them say they collect four times what we used to collect,” Akpabio said.

He added that the reforms would encourage accountability at the state level, as governors now have more resources to address infrastructure, health, and education needs.