Niger-Delta Today

06/07/2023

APC DEBUNKS PURPORTED SUSPENSION OF AKWA IBOM STATE CHAIRMAN

The State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has passed a vote of confidence on the State Chairman, Mr. Stephen Leo Ntukepo and also debunked news of his suspension.

In a communique released by the party at the end of an executive council meeting held on the 3rd of July, 2023, the party revealed that all frictions within the State Executive have been resolved and they have unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the State Chairman.

According to the communique, "the entire State Executive Council members at the meeting passed a vote of confidence on Obong Steven Ntukekpo as the State Chairman of the party and also pledged our full support for his pragmatic leadership style by sustaining peace and unity within all components of the party.

"All issues leading to recent disagreements within the State Executive Council were amicably resolved and warring factions pledged to withdraw earlier release making the rounds on various media platforms.

"The meeting urged members of the party and the general public to disregard any news of the suspension of the State Chairman and Deputy," the communique stated.

The communique further congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio on his emergence as Senate President and also acknowledged the former Minister as leader of the party in the state, pledged to work with relevant stakeholders of the party in the state for the progress of the party.

01/05/2023

Why I want to be Senate President, by Akpabio

May 1, 2023

Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Senator Godswill Akpabio has informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his intent to become the President of the 10th Senate.

Akpabio, who spoke after meeting with the President at his official residence, also said as President of the Senate, he would work closely with President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to empower Nigerians, particularly the youths.

The Senator-elect, who said besides visiting to inform the President of his intent to lead the next Senate, he also used the visit to express his appreciation to him for giving him the opportunity to serve as Minister in his administration, adding that he presented his Certificate of Returns to the number one citizen.

When asked what his programme for Nigerians would be if he emerges President of the Senate, Akpabio said “a lot of reforms, Akpabio is known as an uncommon transformer. Akpabio is known as a man who is results-oriented. You will recall that when I was a governor, I brought a lot of innovations to bear, infrastructurally, educationally, socially and otherwise and also in terms of human empowerment.

“I intend to bring a lot of reforms into the Senate, in the ways and manners we do business, to assist the next administration to succeed. We will be very thorough in doing everything; we’ll bring about loyalty to the Constitution, we’ll bring about loyalty to Nigerians.

“We will tackle issues through legislations to empower Nigerians and particularly the youth. The restiveness that we are seeing across the nation, we’ll do our best to make good laws and to assist the administration to bring about policies that will empower the youths of the country.

“I made that promise even on the convention day that being a man who used to turn boys into men and who still does, that I will like to work with the in-coming president, who has also shown that example in Lagos State as a governor and thereafter as a leader of the APC in Nigeria. He has continued to turn boys into men and as the President of the Country, after his swearing-in, I expect that he continue to do so.

“So the youths are in for a very good time, in terms of empowerment, there will be no time for slacking and we’ll restrict a lot of them from being lured into criminality, into brigandage and all that. So we’ll get them working and I believe that with the help of the Almighty that both the National Assembly and the Executive will do a lot for the youths of this country”, he said.

Asked how his consultations with other lawmakers and the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were going, he said “yes, we have been doing that, we’ve done a lot of consultations and they’ve been very positive and well received. It’s almost like a woman who is already eight months pregnant, just a month to deliver”.

30/04/2023

OPEN LETTER TO MY PRESIDENT ELECT, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU

By Okechukwu Opara

Why Orji Uzor kalu And 'Opposition' In APC Are Desperate For The Leadership Of The Senate

••• Need For Tinubu To Be Vigilant

• Those who are pushing for Orji Kalu to be made the Senate President are mostly those who are yet to come to terms with the fact that it won't be business as usual under the Asiwaju Presidency.

• They believe that a Kalu Senate Presidency would guarantee them a return to the seat of power, should the election of Asiwaju Tinubu be annulled by the Supreme Court and Kalu becomes the Acting President.

• If the number two above happens,(God forbid) Kalu who never supported the Presidential ambition of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would work against the election of Bola Tinubu, by using his office as the Acting president to bring Atiku Abubakar his preferred (out of the candidates) into office with a promise that he would remain the Senate president even under an Atiku president. God forbid.

• The above explains why his campaign for the Senate Presidency is being largely funded by Opposition to the president elect within the APC and the opposition PDP.

• Orji Kalu though largely rejected by the generality of Nigerians, serving senators and the senators-elect, is strongly seen to be hand in glooves with Opposition elements within and outside the ruling party to unseat Tinubu, shoulda fresh election be ordered. They see Kalu as the right man that can conveniently do their bidding.

• Major Opposition players are showing more than a passing interest in who becomes the chairman of the national assembly, because of what they have in mind, hence Kalu ticks all the boxes as far as this plan is concerned.

• Asiwaju should not forget so soon that Kalu was never in sync with his ambition from the outset. He campaigned for the incumbent Senate President, he never participated in any presidential rally even in his home state. He never campaigned for Tinubu in his Senatorial District, hence he got over 40, 000 votes in his district while Asiwaju was alloted a mere 6,000 votes and when he said he voted for Asiwaju, his vote was seen to have been voided. Such a man, to a typical Igbo man in Nigeria and in the Diaspora believe and sincerely so, that such a character shouldn't be made to be closer to where the president-elect would be.

• I am in total support of the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Kalu's dead on arrival ambition, who publicly stated that Kalu would slap President'elect Tinubu, if he is ever made the Senate President. If a man like that is not trusted by his kinsmen, how could he be trusted with such a responsible position?

Opara, an Abia State indigene, writes from the USA

28/04/2023

Re: $15 Billion(USD) MOU BETWEEN NDDC AND A US FIRM FOR MEGA RAIL PROJECT: A REFUTTAL

1. My attention and the entire Board's have been drawn to a publication in some National dailies of the purported signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between a US firm, "Atlanta Global Resources Inc." and the NDDC, whose Board I chair, for the "construction of a mega rail project across the Niger Delta, from Lagos to Calabar." This was done without my knowledge and without the authorisation nor consent of the Board.

2. Everything about this shady "MOU" is illegal due to the following reasons:
(a) By the act establishing the NDDC(Act No 6, of 2000), it is the Chairman of the board that is solely vested with the power to sign MOUs with any organisation.

Part II of the NDDC Act, Section 8, sub sections (a) and (e), among other provisions, specifically state inter Alia;
The Board shall have power to:-
(a)manage and supervise affairs of the Commission,...
(e)enter into such contracts as may be necessary or expedient for the discharge of its functions and ensure the efficient performance of the functions of the Commission.
And the Supplementary provision of the Act as relating to the Board (Section 4, sub-section 1) clearly retains the Seal of the Commission in the Office of the Chairman.

(b) The "US company", Atlanta Global Resources Inc., has no expertise nor experience in any form of construction, let alone, Railway construction. This company is a Management and Export Consulting Firm is without known notable Directors.

Thus, the signing of an MOU to the tune of $15 billion(USD) with such an organisation is not only suspect but dubious.

(c) The Federal Executive Council (FEC), having recognised the importance of infrastructure in the Niger Delta region had awarded the Contract for the same project in 2021 at the sum of $11.7 billion for the construction of a Mega railway from Lagos to Sagamu, Sagamu to Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Ode to Ore, Ore to Benin City, Benin-City to Sapele, Sapele to Warri, Warri to Yenogoa, Yenegoa to Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt to Aba, Aba to Uyo, Uyo to Calabar, Calabar to Akamkpa and to Ikom, Obudu Ranch with branch lines from Benin-City to Agbor, Ogwashi-Uku, Asaba, Onitsha and Onitsha Bridge and then Port Harcourt to Onne Deep Sea Port.

It is shocking that after the FEC, the highest ruling body in the country, had done this, that anyone would be signing an MOU on behalf of the NDDC and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the same project in 2023 without due process nor approval by the FEC in the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

3. The same clumsy, shady and hazy transactions of the past in NDDC, that had bedevilled and stultified identifiable progress in the past, was rested with the "Forensic Audit" and the Inauguration of a New Board, with the Sanitisation of the Commission as its mantra. However, old habits die hard. And some individuals (within and without the Commission) still retain the retrogressive mindset that has held the Commission down for the past 22 years. We cannot remain in the old dubious path.

4. The Present Board is set on Transparency, Equity, Justice and Equality, and ready to midwife and embrace other policies and programmes that would uplift and improve the lives of the good people of Niger Delta. With dilligence, perseverance, persistence and commitment, this Vision would come to pass.

We, therefore, call on all our partners and stakeholders in this quest - CBN (TSA), The Ministry of Niger Delta, The National Assembly, Our nine States' Governors (Advisory Board), Our Traditional rulers, Youth Population, etc., to take note.

5. EPILOGUE: NDDC has not and could not have signed an MOU, worth $15 billion (USD) without the Board and FEC's approval.

The so-called MOU signed with Atlanta Global Resources Inc. "AGRI", is hereby disowned by the Board and declared null and void.

Signed

Lauretta Onochie
Chairman, NDDC Governing BOARD.

28/04/2023

https://platinumpost.ng/2023/04/27/distress-looms-in-polaris-bank-over-unpaid-salaries-mass-suspension-of-managers/

All appears not to be going well in Polaris Bank as fear of imminent distress has reportedly enveloped the financial institution, sparking disquiet

27/01/2023

AKPABIO WARD TOUR BERTHS IN ODORO IKPE AND UKWOK COMMUNITIES IN INI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

••• As YPP, Other Parties Endorse Tinubu, Akpabio, Others

The election for candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forth coming general elections received a massive boost as the ward-to-ward campaign train of Senator Godswill Akpabio on Thursday, berthed in Odoro Ikpe and Ukwok communities in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The people who turned out massively to receive the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State declared their unequivocal support for Asiwaju Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and other candidates of the APC.

At Presbyterian Primary School, Odoro Ikpe, the Coordinator of Senator Godswill Akpabio Campaign Council in the area, Hon Nya John Isong said Ini people would remain steadfast in their support for candidates of the party.

The House of Assembly candidate for Ini State Constituency, Engr Ernest Udo said the people were enthusiastic to return Asiwaju Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and others to represent the area because of his sterling performance in his previous offices as Governors, Senators and Minister.

At Ukwok, the Chairman of the Senator Akpabio Campaign Council, Rt. Hon. Paul Owo, said the ward tour for Wards 8 and 9 had to be taken to Government School Usuk Ukwok which was built by Chief Godswill Akpabio as Governor and expressed the hope that Akpabio would do more for Ukwok community.

Also speaking, a chieftain of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and immediate past State Officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Dickson Abasiekong said the people of the area had reached an accord to support Asiwaju Tinubu and Senator Akpabio in their respective elections.

Ward Chairman for Ward 10, Mr Saviour Nana, lamented the massive crackdown of APC officials in the area, citing the arrest of the APC Youth Leader by the Police as part of the plot to intimidate party members in the area and appealed for the intervention of APC candidate.

An elated Senator Akpabio, who acknowledged the massive turn out at the ward-to-ward tour thanked the people of Ini for their massive support for him over the years.

He acknowledged Ini as the food basket of the State and said the State owed the Local Government Area a lot as they act as defence mechanism for the whole State against invaders, describing them as warriors that the State are proud of.

Senator Akpabio lamented the state of roads in the area and said as a Senator he would work with the Border Communities Development Commission to address infrastructure deficit in the area and said he will not take their support for granted.

The ward-to-ward tour featured voters education and distribution of campaign materials. Senator Akpabio flagged-off his ward tour across Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District at Oruk Anam on Wednesday.

26/01/2023

AKPABIO FLAGS-OFF WARD TOUR IN ORUK ANAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PLEDGES GREATER SERVICES

••• Our Votes Are For You And Tinubu- Ani Solo

All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, kicked-off his ward tour of the district with a call on the people to cast their votes for the APC at the presidential, senatorial and other elections for quality development.

He also assured the people of the local government of his determination to deliver greater services with their support and votes in next month's national elections.

"Next month's election is a national one. We must use our votes to return Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our president, me as your Senator and other national assembly candidates on the 25th of February. The logo of our party is the Broom. I am now in the broom party because the umbrella had long been torn into shreds."

Speaking at the ward tour, the National Vice Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, said that he decided to kick off his ward tour after his Supreme Court victory in Oruk Anam because of his love for the people of the area and to show his appreciation for their support for him since 2006.

"The people of Oruk Anam are my political backbone and this dates back to 2006 when I was aspiring for the governorship of our dear state. You people supported me to defeat over 56 other aspirants at the primaries. You also stood by me to win the governorship election in 2006 and re-elected me in 2011.

"As governor, I laid a solid foundation for the future development of our senatorial District and the the state in general. My uncommon performance in office as your governor was to lay foundation for the emergence of another governor within us in the future because as they say, one good turn deserves another.

"Before I left office in 2015, I was able to link Abak, Etim Ekpo and Ika local government areas to other parts of the state through good road network, " he declared.

"It was also through your support that I was elected into the national assembly. It is in appreciation of that support that I decided to flag-off my ward tour in Oruk Anam in order to personally say thank you to all of you for all the support," he said.

The former Senate Minority Leader stated further at the well attended ward tour that "we are gathered here for a ward tour, but it is looking more like a local government rally. Let me formally thank you for your support for me in 2019, when I wanted to return to the Senate.

"You people voted overwhelmingly for me, but some people colluded to rob me of my victory. The Professor who was used to rob me of that victory in 2019 is now in jail".

In his speech at the rally, the House of Assembly candidate for Oruk Anam State constituency, Mr Aniekan Solomon Abraham aka Ani Solo, promised to deliver the local government to the party, saying," we appreciate you and your campaign team for making Oruk Anam your kick off point for the senatorial campaign, it shows how important we are to you over the years. You and our presidential candidate are our project in this local government.

"Your ambition, cuts across party lines. We need a voice at the national level and we have collectively agreed that we will deliver Asiwaju Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and other candidates at all levels. The results at the end the polls will speak for itself," he declared.

The Ward Tour took Senator Akpabio and his campaign team to the Wards in Oruk Anam anchored at Ikot Afanga for Wards in Oruk and Ikot Akpan Essien for Wards in Anam.

Surprised at the massive turn out of supporters, Senator Akpabio said he went for a Ward Tour but the turn out was like a Local Government Area rally. He appreciated the people for the massive supprt and pledged to reciprocate the gesture with their mandate to the Senate.

07/11/2022

Lest we forget! The legacy of Senator Godswill Akpabio.

By Anietie Ekong

THE GODSWILL AKPABIO INTERNATIONAL STADIUM

Exactly eight years ago today, you brought three sitting Presidents: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and former President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana to Uyo for the inauguration of the edifice that has been fittingly named after you: the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. That in itself was unprecedented.

The 30,000 capacity stadium, which offers total cover from the rain, has one of the most remarkable features including bulletproof VVIP and VIP areas, all natural grass, high-tech floodlights, and provision for an indoor sports hall, training pitch and collapsible seats.

It also features a box office, two dressing rooms, media facilities, two scoreboards that are made up of an electronic scoreboard and video facilities for replays, 7,500 seater Grand Stand, eight-lane 400m standard track, a standby power supply system, warm-up facility with a six-lane 400m track, and ambulance bay.

Inside the stadium, three colours of seats- orange, white and green- which represents both Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria, are used. At night, the entire stadium may be lighted up with warm white light which magnifies the beauty of the mosaic three coloured seats.

Since the inauguration eight years ago, Chief Akpabio has brought not only Nigeria to Akwa Ibom State, but the entire world. Who would have thought that in our lifetime, we would witness a La Liga team, Athletico Madrid, with a parade of world soccer super stars, play in Uyo. This is aside the many national teams that have come to play in the magnificent edifice.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium has hosted and indeed at some point was the home of the Super Eagles. This is where they played some of their matches, all because of the vision of one man: Senator Godswill Akpabio.

On the occasion of the anniversary of this stadium, you deserve some accolades. Take a bow a man of vision: His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Godswill Akpabio, CON.

Click the link below to watch the inauguration of this magnificent edifice.

https://youtu.be/XjG4_8auWrw

27/09/2022

UYO INVASION: ANTAI GARNERS BLESSINGS FROM PARAMOUNT RULER, CLAN, VILLAGE HEADS

It was an invasion of the heart of Uyo Local Government Area on Tuesday, September 27, when the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Rt. Hon. Victor Antai, paid homage to the Paramount Ruler, HRM Edidem Sylvanus Okon; the Clan Head of Etoi, Etebom Boniface B. Okon, and the Village Head of Mbiabong Ikot Akpabio, HH Sunday Effiong Asuquo.

Hon. Antai who separately visited the Royal Fathers, carried one message with him, that he was a tenant in their land, and was presenting himself before them, as one who has been chosen by the gubernatorial flagbearer of the APC, Obong Akan Udofia, as his running mate.

Antai pointed out that he was glad to live in peace with the people of Mbiabong Ikot Akpabio in Etoi Clan of Uyo LGA, coupled with the blessings of being appointed a commissioner in the Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as Culture & Tourism, and now as APC deputy governorship candidate.

The former two-term chairman of Mbo LGA stressed that most of his achievements in politics have come to him as a son in Uyo land, the reason he chose to thank them and seek their partnership in the race ahead.

Describing Obong Akan Udofia as a man of untainted character, Victor Antai, preached prosperity and wealth for Mbiabong, Etoi Clan and Uyo LGA, when he ascends the deputy governorship office in the state.

"Akan Udofia is not one of those who would be in government and take proceeds before thinking of helping to develop the society. Obong Akanimo Udofia is a competent manager of human and material resources, as evident in their family business that he has turned to a global multi-billion Naira venture", he said.

Victor Antai, appreciated the Royal Fathers for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage and prayed God to sustain them with long life, especially the Uyo Paramount Ruler who was celebrating his 83rd birth anniversary.

Speaking at the gathering, the Uyo Paramount Ruler, HRM Sylvanus Okon, expressed appreciation to Antai, for what he described as, unprecedented show of love.

While advising Hon. Antai to continue to sue for peace in Akwa Ibom State, the Royal Father reiterated that, Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council was happy with Rt. Hon. Victor Antai for his outstanding performance during his time as Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs.

He led members of his clan council to pray for God's guidance on Udofia and Antai, through their journey and to grant them success in their endeavours.

In their separate speeches, the Clan Head of Etoi, Etebom Boniface B. Okon, and the Village Head of Mbiabong Ikot Akpabio, HH Sunday Effiong Asuquo, acknowledged the sweet testimonies of Akan Udofia and Victor Antai, saying they were delighted to have them residing in their dormain.

"People say good things about you. Etoi Clan and Ikot Akpabio will support you in our own little way. The Lord will recognize you", they prayed.

They both called on the APC gubernatorial candidates not to forget them when they eventually resume office at the Hilltop Mansion from 2023.

Those who accompanied Mr Antai on the visits were: the Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Uyo, Prof. Chris Ekong; State House of Assembly Candidate, Oruk Anam, Engr. Aniekan Solomon; Uyo APC Chapter Chairman, Comrade Gabriel Ikpe, among others.

22/09/2022

RT. HON VICTOR ANTAI CONSULTS ORO TRADITIONAL RULERS

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate, Rt. Hon. Victor Antai KJW, consulted the Traditional rulers, Clan Heads and Village Heads of the five Local Government Areas of Oro to make his aspiration known that he has been chosen by Obong Akanimo Asuquo Udofia as his running mate in the 2023 Gubernatorial elections in Akwa Ibom State.

They unanimously adopted him and gave him their blessings and prayed to God to grant him the desire of becoming the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State

05/06/2022

EDO DELEGATES DECLARE TOTAL SUPPORT FOR AKPABIO

National delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Edo State have pledged their support for the Presidential aspiration of Senator Godswill Akpabio. They said if he is elected as President they were confident that Senator Akpabio will transform Nigeria.

The delegates led by former Deputy Governor of the State, Chief Lucky Imasuen made this declaration during a consultative meeting with Senator Akpabio in Abuja.

According to the Edo State delegates, they were impressed by the public service records of Senator Akpabio as Governor, Senator and Minister and they owe him their support to achieve his ambition and bring transformation to Nigeria.

Addressing the delegates, Senator Akpabio praised the ingenuity of Edo people for always making Nigeria proud with her rich cultural heritage and exploits in sports. He said history has beckoned on them once again as they prepare for the National Convention of the APC to make a decision that will shape the future of 200 million Nigerians.

During the interactive session with the delegates, the Presidential aspirant clarified that Edo State would take its rightful position as Chairman of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) after Delta State as prescribed by the Act establishing the Commission, which states that the position should rotate among the oil producing States in alphabetical order.

Unveiling his three-point agenda to the delegates, Senator Akpabio stated that if given the opportunity to become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he would focus on security, the economy and national integration.

According to Senator Akpabio, "I am running on my track record of achievements in public service. You don't have to like me as a person but look at my track record in the positions that I have held.

"The present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has done a lot in the area of fighting insecurity and we intend to take it to the next level by involving modern technology and the traditional institution in fighting insecurity. We will also focus on creating employment for our teeming youths to check insecurity, " Akpabio said.

The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs declared that Edo State is predominantly an APC State and promised to address every form of injustice done to the members of the APC in Edo State even as they would prepare for another round of elections in 2024.

31/05/2022

2023: AKPABIO SCREENED BY OYEGUN-LED COMMITTEE

••• Vows To Tackle Insecurity, Unite The Country And Improve On The Economy

Former Minister, Niger Delta Affairs and Presidential aspirant on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Godswill Akpabio, was today, in Abuja, screened by the Chief Odigie Oyegun-led Presidential Screening Committee.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after he was screened, the presidential hopeful said, " the exercise went well and it was an opportunity given me to explain in details, to the committee on my three point agenda of fighting insecurity through modern technology, uniting the country through education and improving on the economy through agriculture."

"I was asked of my plans for the people of Nigeria and how I intend to move the country to the next level of prosperity. I took time to explain my three point agenda and how I intend to achieve them.

"I told the committee members of how I would tackle the issues of power, infrastructure (which the incumbent government is doing so much) and employment. I told them of my plans to strengthen the Naira, bring in more industries and create employments for our teeming youths", he stated.

On fighting insecurity, Akpabio said," security is everybody's responsibility. The strategies to use are not normally discussed in the public. I have my plans on how to go about it. My plan is to make sure I take our kids out of the streets and ensure that they don't have access to illicit drugs. Being addicted to drugs consumption is a major security threat, because they carry out those dastard acts under the influence of hard drugs. With proper education and awareness on the effect of these dangerous drugs, we will begin to win our youth back for national development."

On consensus arrangement being discussed within the APC and what would be his reaction if the decision doesn't go his way, Akpabio simply said," on that, the Party is Supreme."

23/05/2022

2023: MASARI ASSURES AKPABIO OF SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION

••• As Emir Promises Prayers For His Success

Governor Bello Masari of Katsina State on Monday assured the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Senator Godswill Akpabio, of his support in his quest to succeed President Muhamadu Buhari, who is an indegene of the state in 2023.

Masari, stated this at the meeting of the presidential hopeful with APC delegates from the state.

According to Masari, "let me thank you for first acknowledging the achievements of the incumbent administration led by our son; President Muhamadu Buhari. Katsina and Akwa Ibom States are twin. The Elder brother is completing his tenure and the Younger twin wants to succeed his Elder brother."

He stated further that " if you talk of experience, exposure, credibility and capability, Akpabio has them. He is therefore, eminently qualified to be the president of this country."

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, appealed to Akpabio to, " remember Katsina State after being elected the President of Nigeria Insha Allah."

The presidential hopeful also visited the Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, to formally intimate the Royal Father of his desire to succeed one of their illustrous sons as the President of Nigeria in 2023.

At the Emir's Palace, Akpabio thanked the Royal Father for receiving him and his entourage in the Palace and prayed for his success on the throne of his forebears with good health.

"We are to pay homage to our revered father. We are also here to formally inform you of one of your son's aspiration to succeed another of your son, President Buhari, as the president of this great country in 2023. Above all, I am here to receive your fatherly blessings, as me and my team criss cross this country soliciting for support for the fulfilment of my ambition.

" Your Royal Majesty, I am running on my records and not on where I come from or the religion I profess. My records, when I was opportune to be the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007-2015 are there for all to see. I have done it before and I can still do it for Nigeria, if given the opportunity", Akpabio stated.

Speaking further the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State said," My agenda for our country are in three folds, namely, fight against insecurity, uniting the country and improving on the economy. We will fight insecurity with technology. When there is security, investors will come in, jobs would be created and the living standards of the people will be enhanced. I want to bequeath Nigeria to my children. I am not desperate to be President of this country, but I am desperate to develop Nigeria."

In his response, the Emir, welcome the presidential aspirant and his entourage to the Palace and prayed for his success at the polls, saying, " I promise you with all my heart that this Emirate will pray for you. I will also help you to achieve your dream, Insha Allah. You have a lot of experience and we will support you Insha Allah."