Akpabio backs Australian Speaker for IPU presidency

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has pledged Nigeria's support for Milton Dick, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, in his quest to become the next President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Akpabio made this commitment during Dick's visit to Abuja to garner the Nigerian Parliament's backing before the upcoming IPU election. Akpabio was accompanied by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu.

During his visit, Akpabio highlighted Dick's experience within the IPU, including his tenure as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific group and his leadership of various IPU delegations. He affirmed, "I have taken note of your candidature for the Presidency of the IPU and of your experience within the organisation, including your service as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific group and Leadership of several IPU delegations."

Akpabio also emphasized the potential benefits of a man like Dick leading the IPU, stating, "With you as President of IPU, the union can only wax stronger and improve." He further pointed out the importance of complementing the elected female Secretary-General with a man who has consistently demonstrated serious commitment to the organization.

In addition to his support for Dick, Akpabio urged lawmakers to safeguard Nigeria's public resources and advocated for strengthened bilateral ties between Nigeria and Australia across various sectors, such as mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security, and capacity building. He also encouraged Australian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria, citing the country's substantial population and market potential.

Dick, in his remarks, explained that he sought the IPU presidency after being advised to visit Nigeria to gain a deeper understanding of the continent and engage with its parliamentary leadership. He expressed gratitude for Nigeria's role in promoting democracy and the IPU, promising that even if he is not elected, he would remain a friend of Nigeria in Australia.