Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has met with PDP Caucus in the Senate and House of Representatives respectively over his presidential ambition.
During separate meetings with the federal lawmakers, Emmanuel said he decided to run for president following calls from a media organisation, the Brekete Family Human Rights Radio and TV, to the effect.
This is as he revealed that he got his Presidential Nomination Form through contributions from several people who had called in to speak during his appearance on the radio station.
The Governor also stated that he decided to run because he believes in his capacity to make Nigeria safe, peaceful, attract investments and become economically vibrant.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Akwa Ibom State Government on Wednesday.
The statement read in part, “At the meeting with the PDP Senate Caucus at the residence of the Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Governor Emmanuel was appreciated for the pace of development he has brought to Akwa Ibom through industrialization and Infrastructural development.
“The Governor told the upper House legislators that his vision on assumption of office, had been to vigorously tackle the three gateways to industrialization; land, sea and air, noting that despite the nation’s economic challenges, and lack of control on policies, he was able to make a mark in aviation development, and infrastructural expansion as well as other critical sectors of development.
“Senator Abaribe and other Distinguished Senators nodded in agreement , as Governor Emmanuel narrated how he has built several roads, including a road and two bridges through Ikpe Ikot Nkon in Ini local government area and another road and bridges in Obot Akara to opened up some communities like Arochukwu and Ekwerazu in Abia State to improved economic and social activities, which Senator Abaribe said he has used several times.”
Also narrating his achievements in establishing the best airline in the country, as well as attracting the array of industries, Governor Emmanuel said, “If I could do these when I am only managing a sub-national where I do not have control on several policies, then I believe we can do better given the national platform as President.”
“Those who can rescue Nigeria are the professionals in politics. Those who understand the language of the economy, those who understand the language of money and can manage resources, as well as those who have experience in the private and public sector.”