Akpabio backs Australian speaker’s Inter-Parliamentary Union presidency bid

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Milton Dick, of Nigeria’s support for his candidature for the presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Akpabio gave the assurance on Monday when Dick visited Abuja to seek the support of the Nigerian Parliament ahead of the IPU presidential election scheduled for next month.

The Senate President said he had taken note of Dick’s experience within the IPU, including his service as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific Group and leadership of several IPU delegations.

“On IPU, which is the reason why you came, I have taken note of your candidature for the Presidency of the IPU and of your experience within the organisation,” Akpabio said.

He said Dick’s commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy could strengthen the organisation if elected.

“I must say that with you as President of IPU, IPU can only wax stronger, IPU can only improve,” he said.

Akpabio, however, acknowledged that the African Group in the IPU was yet to meet and deliberate on the Australian candidate’s candidature.

He said he would personally attend the meeting and advocate for Dick.

“We are not saying that the African Group in IPU will not have divergent views. We are yet to meet. I will be there to make sure that your candidature is accepted. The African Group will meet. I assure you their decision will be in your favour,” he said.