From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio was on Sunday celebrated in Kano for his uncommon achievements in public service, beginning from his days as Governor of Akwa Ibom state, as group drums support for him to occupy Aso Rock come 2023.
They poured encomiums on Akpabio at Malam Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies (Mambayya House), an outlet of Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
The occasion was at the instance of The Senator Godswill Akpabio For Common Good Organization.
During the event, a Magazine christened: The National Interest Magazine was unveiled.
The magazine chronicled the political profile of Senator Godswill Akpabio, his public life and leadership style from his days as governor of Akwa Ibom state, Senate Minority Leader and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
The former Governor of Kaduna state, Alhaji Ramalan Yero, spoke passionately on the need for political reorientation ahead 2023 general election.
He frowned against the syndrome of godfatherism and moneybag politics.
According to him, unless Nigerians eschew money politics and godfatherism in the leadership selection process of Nigeria, good governance and nation building will elude the country.
Yero appealed to Nigerian youths to choose leaders who can improve the economy, create jobs and unify the country during the 2023 elections.
He pointed out that the Not Too Young To Run campaign will not bear fruits in the present Nigerian setting if the status quo remains, adding that you need money or godfather to win elections in this country.
The former Governor maintained that the youths are the ones who paste posters during campaigns, attend rallies and support the older politicians, but wondered: “when will they be leaders if the present trend continues?’’
Yero, however, advised youths and women, ‘’to shun the little monetary gratifications, salt and magi that you are given during election period. Look inwards and select competent leaders who have integrity and the nation at heart.’’
He added that although organisers of the event said that it is not political, “the reviewer of the magazine had called on Senator Akpabio to throw his hat into the ring in 2023 because he is eminently qualified to run for the presidency.‘’
Yero who described Akpabio as his former colleague and ex-Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, said that he has used the resources of Akwa Ibom state to transform the state, adding that he should join other qualified Nigerians to run for the presidency.
‘’Any Nigerian, whether from the north, south, east or west, who can transform Nigeria into a United Nation, anyone who respects our diversity, improve the economy and solve the problems of insecurity. Anyone who can make the person of Kano state to feel at home in Akwa Ibom state is welcome to take a shot at the presidency.
‘’Nigeria needs a capable leader, a leader with integrity, someone who is detribalized and can manage the economy and the resources of the country in a very transparent manner. This is the kind of leader that we want, irrespective of where he comes from,’’ he added.
