Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, of the United States Congress, on his landmark achievements in the last 25 years in the House, just as he declared that Nigerians and indeed, Africans were proud of her contributions to the development and deepening of democracy in the US.
Akpabio stated this in a recorded video message, he sent to the organizers of the 25th Anniversary Celebration of her membership of the US Congress.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Jackson Udom, quoted the Minister as saying, ” I use this opportunity to congratulate our dear Sister, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, for marking her 25th Anniversary in the United States Congress. You have been an amazing representative of the 18th District of Texas, in the US Congress.”
The former governor of Akwa Ibom State stated further, ” your influence has spread beyond America. You have mentored many politicians even in Africa and I happen to be one of your mentees. I benefited a lot from her wealth of experience and of course, your wise counselling. I had the privilege of serving my country as the Minority Leader of the Senate and you also advised me then, that yes, it is good to be in the opposition sometimes, but you must ensure constructive criticisms. You must never lose sight of the interest of your people and your country, whether you are in power or opposition.
“I am very, very proud of you, my wife, Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio and my children are very proud of you. Many Nigerians and Africans and those who have had the privilege of associating with you are very proud of you. No wonder, your people kept reelecting you with almost landslide victory at any election for the past 25 years. We look forward to celebrating with you in the next 25 years”, he declared.
