Kehinde Fajobi
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reassured Nigerians that despite the nation’s current challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration will create a brighter future through lasting reforms.
Speaking at the 2024 reunion of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) ’87 Law Class, Akpabio acknowledged the hardship citizens are facing but attributed the difficulties to years of past mismanagement.
“The difficulties we are witnessing in our nation today were not caused by the present administration. These are as a result of years of maladministration,” Akpabio said, according to a statement by his media aide, Jackson Udom, in Abuja.
He continued, “Any country that does not have backbone infrastructure, that doesn’t save for a rainy day, will be affected when there’s an economic crisis, as we are witnessing globally. But the good news is that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel. The things we are trying to do now are for posterity, not for ourselves. This administration will leave behind lasting legacies that will guarantee a better future.”
Akpabio’s remarks came during the three-day reunion event in Calabar, attended by his old classmates, Senators, university staff, and students. Earlier, Akpabio led his colleagues to meet Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, and UNICAL Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the infrastructure challenges facing the university, prompting Akpabio and the ’87 Law Class to pledge support.
“We came together to assess the state of our alma mater and see how we can assist. On behalf of our class, we are donating two Coaster buses, one for the Faculty of Law and the other for the Student Union Government,” Akpabio announced.
Governor Otu welcomed the initiative, promising the state government’s partnership.
“We will partner with you and add to whatever you are going to do to support the institution,” Otu said.
Justice Okon Abang, Patron of the ’87 Law Class and a Justice of the Court of Appeal, reflected on the class’s achievements, noting, “As I reflect on the accomplishments of this class, I am overwhelmed by how much we have collectively contributed to the legal profession and to the progress of our great nation.”
Other highlights of the reunion included a lecture delivered by Ambassador Assam Assam (SAN), a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Redemption, the presentation of law books to the Faculty of Law, and plaques to several distinguished class members.
The university also honoured Akpabio by unveiling a bust statue in recognition of his contributions to UNICAL’s growth.