A coalition of 65 groups has raised over N111million to support the yet-to-be declared presidential ambition of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The groups, including women, civil society organisations and democratic solidarity associations, among others, raised the money when they converged in Kano State, on Wednesday, to voluntarily drum support for the speculated presidential ambition of Akpabio.
Convener of the coalition, Dr Jibril Tafida, in a statement, said the 65 groups voluntarily agreed to raise funds for the purchase the APC Presidential Nomination Form for the former governor of Akwa Ibom State.
He said N111, 387, 000 has been raised so far, adding that the decision was taken after “frantic search for a detribalised Nigerian politician with proven record of unbeatable policies at various times in the corridors of power.”
In his remarks at the fund raising occasion, Engineer Bello Bichi said, “Akpabio’s exemplary leadership qualities, his passion for helping people grow professionally and his masses-friendly political disposition make him distinct in today’s Nigeria.”
Other speakers at the event noted that Senator Akpabio has made his mark, not just as a listening leader, but one whose main goal is to promote skills and competences, as well as providing equipment, start-up funds and massive empowerment programmes to thousands of people in the six geo-political zones of this country.
Earlier in his speech, National Coordinator of Senator Senator Godswill Akpabio for Common Good (SGACG) Dr. Tafida, disclosed that efforts, through him, have reached advanced stage, with the voluntary donation of the sum of N111, 387, 000.
According to Tafida: “Stakeholders of the Nigerian Project have acknowledged, not just the leadership competence of Akpabio, but also his energetic and sound health status.”
Also speaking, a former Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Gambo Salau, said: “I have never seen such a crowd from different states of Northern Nigeria converging on Kano for such an event. It shows the kind of person Senator Akpabio is.
“As the governor of Akwa Ibom State, he was never discriminatory against other Nigerians, even as it had to do with his person aides. His ADC, CSO and Orderly were all northeners.
“As a Christian, he sponsored thousands of Muslims to the Holy land. He has done a lot for the North and that is why you are seeing all these people here. It is, indeed, pay back time for Akpabio.”
Also in attendance at the venue event, held at Mumbayya House, Bayero University in Kano were traditional rulers, academics and the representatives of disabled organisations.
