Senate President Godswill Akpabio has explained why he stood in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the commissioning of major infrastructure projects in Lagos State, attributing the president’s absence to the demands of his office.
Akpabio made the clarification on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Opebi–Ojota Link Bridge and the e-GIS complex executed by the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The president, who was expected at the event, did not attend.
Responding to remarks by the Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Tajudeen Olusi, who had expressed a desire to see Tinubu present, Akpabio noted that the responsibilities of national leadership often limit the president’s physical presence at such engagements.
He explained that Tinubu’s role now extends beyond Lagos, requiring him to attend to broader national and international obligations. According to Akpabio, those who supported Tinubu’s rise to the presidency must also accept the realities and demands that come with the office.
The Senate President also defended his selection as the president’s representative, citing his longstanding connection to Lagos. He stated that his familiarity with the state’s geography and development positioned him to effectively convey the significance of the projects.
Akpabio added that his experience living and working in Lagos for decades gives him firsthand knowledge of the areas impacted by the projects, enabling him to appreciate and communicate their importance to a wider national audience.
He further noted that the commissioning of such infrastructure reflects the delivery of democratic dividends and should be amplified across the country. According to him, his presence ensured that the achievements recorded in Lagos resonate beyond the state.
The event attracted several prominent political figures, including federal lawmakers, state officials, and key Lagos stakeholders. Among those in attendance were Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun; and Abide Dabiri-Erewa.
