By Oyeniyi Esan
The Presidential aspirant under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) and former governor of Awka Ibom, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has pledged that national integration, uncommon transformation and security are the cardinal pillars of his agenda if elected as the president of Nigeria.
Akpabio, who was the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, made this promise on Friday in Ibadan while addressing the 99 delegates of the party and the state executive members led by the Chairman, Mr Isaac Omodewu.
“I promoted inclusive governance as the governor of Awka Ibom, without preference to tribe, religion or class. Akwa Ibom, under my control, was an enviable state with respect to growth and development because the atmosphere was peaceful and the people were at peace with one another. I worked with all religious bodies and traditional institutions in achieving this unbeatable height in my state, because I am a personification of a true Nigerian.
“Many persons vying for this presidential position do not understand the true plight of an average Nigerian, because they are far from the pains and struggles of the common man. There is a need for the delegates to cross-check the record of any aspirants because the country needs someone with the Nigerian experience to take charge of the mantle of power.
He also noted, “The country is presently purged with insecurity, and this is a pure indication that there is a need for workable strategies to stop the bloodshed. I have tackled insecurity in different capacities, especially during my tenure of service as the Minister of Niger Delta.
“My economic foresight made me the first person to build the first gas plant in Nigeria because I knew that the future of crude oil is not petroleum but gas. The crisis in Europe, especially the Russian-Ukrainian war, has authenticated my perception. The future of the country must be in the hands of a man with a vision, goals and people-oriented philosophy to govern the country.
“The future of any given society and person depends strong on education, and Awolowo as the father of free education transformed South-West Nigeria under his leadership. I simply followed in his footsteps, because of his unbeatable records as the father of growth and development; just as I have done in different capacities as a public servant. I am making education free at all levels if allowed to lead this country as the next president.
