A group of professionals, the Godswill Akpabio Uncommon Transformational Support Organisation (GAUTSO), has called on former Akwa-Ibom State governor and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio to contest the presidential election in 2023.
The group, which has membership across the country, posits that, with what Nigeria is presently experiencing, only a proven leader and an accomplished performer like Senator Akpabio can take it out of the woods.
Calling on the minister to throw his hat into the ring in 2023, GAUTSO, in a statement by its spokesperson, Chief Bennett Akar, noted that Nigeria has reached a stage where it can no longer gamble with its future.
“We have looked at all the people who have so far declared their interest in the presidency and we have come to the unimpeachable conclusion that there is none that has Senator Godwill Akpabio’s political profile and track record of achievements.
“Nigeria needs an experienced, tested and steady hand as its pilot at this point in time,” Akar wrote, adding that apart from being energetic and focused, Akpabio has exhibited uncommon courage.
“One of the biggest challenges Nigeria is facing at the moment is insecurity. Nigeria needs a tested and proven man of courage to manage is security architecture and rid the nation of these criminal elements.
“When the Niger Delta militancy was at its peak, Senator Akpabio was one of those patriotic Nigerians who braved the odds, stepped into the ring and found this win-win solution that has held the region at peace till today.
“He has demonstrated his political sagacity by recently meeting with Tompolo and finding a peaceful way to calm frayed nerves. Nigeria needs a leader who is proactive and has problem-solving skills.
“Still speaking about courage, we note how he followed through the forensic audit at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He rose above stiff opposition to get the job done.
“In addition, under his leadership, the NDDC moved to its permanent headquarters after 26 years, saving the nation millions of naira.”
Akar also noted that the group was also inspired by Sen Akpabio’s power of vision and capacity to keep his promise. “When he was sworn in as governor, he declared that Akwa Ibom will no longer be known as a state where people come for houseboys, maids and cooks; that he will return the indigenes to their pride of place.
“He delivered by embarking on a massive free education programme in both primary and secondary schools, enacted a law to make it illegal for parents not to send their children to school and then gave incentives to headmasters and principals.
“Furthermore, as a detribalized Nigerian, the schools were open to indigenes and non-indigenes. This kind of unity is what Nigeria needs at this time that many regions are crying about marginalization. Sen Akpabio is connected to people from all ethnic groups in the country. “This he clearly exhibited when he was Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum and also the minority leader of the Senate. That is not all.
“Everyone knows there is a synergy between quality education and security because though national security is the first duty of every government, education is its foundation. Senator Akpabio clearly knows how to tackle these head on and resolve them very quickly,” he said.
In addition, Chief Akar said a visionary, dynamic, effective, efficient and credible leader is what the nation needs to continue the present government’s infrastructural policies.
“Akpabio became popular in Nigeria because of his investment in infrastructure, anyone who has been to Akwa Ibom in the last six years will see the infrastructural renewal in the state.
“He was incomparable amongst his peers and therefore the best person to continue with President Buhari’s current infrastructural development programme,” he said.
Chief Akar revealed that Sen Akpabio is former student union activist and student parliamentarian who is youthful, and has the charm, the charisma and the gravitas to connect to the next generation.
“His easy-going nature, always fair but firm attitude has certainly endeared him to the youths. He inspires the youths to greater heights,” Akar said.
