Akpabio backs Australian Speaker for IPU presidency

Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate in Nigeria, has pledged his nation's support for Milton Dick, the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, as he runs for the presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Dick visited Nigeria on Monday to seek the backing of the Nigerian Parliament ahead of the upcoming IPU election next month.

Akpabio, represented by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, highlighted Dick's experience in the IPU, including his service as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific group and leading several IPU delegations. He commended Dick's commitment to impartiality, inclusion, and parliamentary diplomacy. Akpabio expressed that with Dick as IPU President, the union could only grow stronger and improve.

Akpabio emphasized the importance of Nigeria's involvement in the IPU as a platform for parliamentary dialogue, democracy development, peace, and international cooperation. He also encouraged stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Australia, focusing on sectors like mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security, and capacity building.

In response to Dick's visit, he expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its support of democracy and the IPU. He assured Dick that if elected or if not, he would remain a friend to Australia. Dick stated that his visit to Nigeria was to better understand Africa and engage its parliamentary leadership.