As the 2023 battle rages with more aspirants indicating interest in the presidency, a group of professionals that draws its membership from all over Nigeria has called on former Akwa Ibom State Governor and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio to step out and run for the presidency of Nigeria.
The group, known as the Godswill Akpabio Uncommon Transformational Support Organisation (GAUTSO), stated that with what Nigeria is experiencing, only a proven leader and an accomplished performer like Senator Akpabio can take Nigeria out of the woods.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Chief Bennett Akar, the group noted that Nigeria has reached a stage where it can no longer gamble with its future.
He said, “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.”
According to Chief Akar, apart from being energetic and focused, Akpabio has exhibited uncommon courage.
He noted that Sen. 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 said,
“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 has demonstrated his political sagacity in recently meeting with a Niger Delta warlord 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 know 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, NDDC moved to its permanent headquarters after many 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, recalling that 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,” the group added.
