Maureen Okpe
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator-elect, Hajia Ireti Kingibe, has expressed gratitude to all supporters who made concerted efforts to ensure her win in the just concluded elections, pledging to work with all and sundry irrespective of party affiliation.
Kingibe made this known on Thursday, in Abuja during a press conference, noting her victory will not have been possible except for the support of numerous persons across party lines.
She acknowledged the efforts made by the the past FCT Senators, adding, she is willing to collaborate with them especially the immediate past, Senator Philip Aduda to consolidate on the work done so far.
The Senator-elect said, “I thought I will be able to go run the council ward before May, but seeing that is not possible now, I want to use this medium to thank all my supporters. My message is to everybody in FCT for their resounding support especially the electorate, I am humbled by the confidence they impose in me. I do not take their support for granted.
“My appreciation to the Labour party, a united and cohesive party, at the state and national level, for the believe and support, for offering me their ticket. I acknowledge also the work done by the different party support groups, going to places that I could not reach on my behalf.
“I thank our principal, his excellency Peter Obi and his deputy Datti Ahmed.This victory is as much theirs as it is mine
“FCT has had several senators before me,and have given their input to making it what it is today. I will like my predecessor
to know that I will like to continue where he stopped, I am willing to listen to his advice.
” I will like to reach out to all other contestant, and make them understand that this whole thing is not about me. I am willing to work with them to get things done.
“All the different parties in the FCT can consider me to be their Senator. They should not have the attitude that we are not in the same party. I am Senator for everybody, regardless of party.
While fielding questions from Journalists present Kingibe noted, her duties will begin gradual, acknowledging the status of the nation’s capital is constitutionally determined but she will ensure to push for emir, then ministerial positions.
“I am going to start off by getting a few gains from the bottom to the top, this is a democracy and every thing is carried out from the stipulations of the constitution.
She further appreciated the women, those dead and alive who at one time or the other have contributed to her growth, adding,”If we all join hands we can move FCT to places that it has not been before.”