A group of professionals that draws its membership from all over Nigeria has called on a former Akwa-Ibom State Governor and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to run for the presidency in 2023.
The group, known as the Godswill Akpabio Uncommon Transformational Support Organisation (GAUTSO), posits that with what Nigeria is experiencing today, only a proven leader and an accomplished performer like Senator Akpabio can take the country out of the woods.
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It called on the former senator to throw his hat into the ring.
In a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Chief Bennett Akar, GAUTSO noted that Nigeria had 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 Godswill 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,” it said.
According to Chief Akar, 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 its security architecture and rid the nation of these criminal elements,” he said.
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’s Governors’ Forum and also the minority leader of the Senate.”
Chief Akar said Sen Akpabio being a former student union activist and student parliamentarian, is youthful and has the charm, the charisma and the gravitas to connect to the next generation.
