The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial district and senate committee chairman, petroleum resources (upstream)
Senator Bassey Akpan is among the eminent Nigerians to receive the prestigious award tagged “Democracy Heroes Award,” on October 14, at Transcorp Hilton hotel, Abuja.
In a Statement by the organisers of the event, Face of Democracy Nigerian Projects (FDNP)which was signed by the president , Alexander Ajagbonna, the group explained that its decision to honour Senator Akpan as the ‘Most Outstanding Senator ‘in Nigeria was in recognition of his legislative engagements that have resulted in the transformation of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
Ajagbonna maintained that Akpan’s nomination for the award was in recognition of his patriotic and exemplary role in resolving the age-long cost dispute between the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation and Chevron Nigeria Limited leading to the signing of the Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) Agreement in favour of Nigeria.
He added that his pivotal role in sponsoring the Bill to Amend the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act D3 LFN 2004, which was passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari, was an action believed to have saved Nigeria several billions of dollars.
“Also, a Bill to end gas flaring in Nigeria, sponsored by Senator Akpan has received considerable attention in the Senate having passed through the second reading.” Ajagbonna said.
The Democracy Heroes Award is an initiative of FDN Projects, which was launched over seven years ago to, “recognise, honour and celebrate men and women who have contributed to the development of the nation and have manifested leadership style that distinguish them from ordinary citizens and politicians”.
The senator according to the organisers won the most votes of Nigerians for the award. At the event, also, the 2020 most outstanding governor will be honoured.
Past recipients of the DHA include former Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
