By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio has declared his interest to run for Presidency in 2023, with a pledge to continue the fight against corruption in other to restore Nigeria’s lost glory and dignity.
Akpabio who made the declaration at Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday, also promised to unite Nigeria as one indivisible entity if elected President.
Recounting his achievements in Akwa Ibom State for eight years while serving as the governor, later as a Senator and currently a Minister, Akpabio assured Nigerians that he would bring the experience gained to bear in advancing the development of Nigeria.
He said that his determination to run for Presidency was to pay gratitude to Nigerians for the opportunities granted him to serve in various capacities as public servant.
While paying glowing tributes to President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Akpabio pledged to redouble efforts to ensure that Nigerians reap more dividends of democracy.
“My dear Compatriots, determined to pay the debt of gratitude I owe our nation for the opportunities to serve in high offices of public trust; determined to let our nation drink from the deep well of experience acquired in these offices, I, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, with great humility, hereby, submit myself for your kind consideration as your next president.
“I pay tribute to President Muhammadu Buhari for the patriotic work he has done as our President. He has given hope and direction to governance, and fought corruption with uncompromising zeal.
“He has touched lives and empowered people, he has made great advances in agriculture, human capital development, and indeed in all sectors of our economy. He has uplifted the integrity of the Nigerian nation. A lot can be said about all his amazing successes and achievements, but
suffice it to say that I have come to perfect his marvelous
works.
“Although, absolute perfection belongs not to man nor to angels, but to God alone. The labours of our dear President Buhari and our past leaders shall never be in vain.
“In line with this expectation in our national anthem, I have come to build based on their
developmental strides; to serve our country with heart and
might — serve her as a nation bound in freedom, peace and
unity, where the dividends of democracy shall be guaranteed.
“I have come with these key items on my agenda: to secure
lives and properties; to make unity the touchstone of our
nationhood; and to invigorate our economy, prosper our
citizenry and promote democracy”, Senator Akpabio stated.
Appealing to Nigerians for support, he said, “I am offering my humble self for service to our dear Nation, because I believe that together we can make Nigeria the cynosure of global interest and an African economic lion.There is nothing the Asian tigers have, in terms of human and material resources, that we do not have.”
