April 07, (THEWILL) – A coalition of Pro-Akpabio volunteer groups from the Northern part of Nigeria, on Wednesday, converged in Kaduna State to drum support for the yet to be declared presidential ambition of the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Senaror Godswill Akpabio, raking in over N100m for his nomination form in the process.
With the groups numbering at least 65, including Women, Civil Societies, Democratic Solidarity Associations, the event also had in attendance at the Mumbayya House of Bayero University, the former Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, academics and the representatives of disabled organisations drumming support for the Niger Delta Affairs Minister.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of the Coalition, Dr Jibril Tafida, said the 65 groups agreed to voluntarily raise funds for the purchase of the APC Presidential Nomination Form for Akpabio, after “frantic search for a detribalised Nigerian politician with proven record of unbeatable policies at various times in the corridors of power.”
Also, Engineer Bello Bichi, noted that Akpabio’s exemplary leadership qualities and passion for helping people grow professionally, as well as his masses-friendly political disposition make him distinct in the present day Nigeria.
Different speakers at the event noted that Senator Akpabio has made his mark, not just as a listening leader, but one whose main goal is to promote skills and competences, as well as providing equipment, start-up funds and massive empowerment programmes to thousands of people in the six geo-political zones of the country.
Earlier in his speech, National Coordinator of Senator Godswill Akpabio for Common Good (SGACG) Dr Jibril Tafida, disclosed that efforts through him have reached advanced stage, with the voluntary donation of the sum of N111,387,000 for the purchase of his nomination forms.
According to Tafida, “stakeholders of the Nigerian project have acknowledged not just the leadership competence of Akpabio, but also his energetic and sound health status.”
Also speaking, the former Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Gambo Salau, noted that the crowd at the event was unprecedented, coming from different states of Northern parts of the country for such an event.
According to him, it shows the kind of person Senator Akpabio is, saying that, as the governor of Akwa Ibom State, he was never discriminatory against other Nigerians, even as it had to do with his personal aides. His ADC, CSO and Orderly were all northeners.
“As a Christian, he sponsored thousands of Muslims to the Holy land. He has done a lot for the North and that is why you are seeing all these people here. It is, indeed, pay back time for Akpabio”, he maintained.
