Jonathan to complete Ibaka Deep Sea Port as Akpabio assures him of 1.6 Million votes

BY KENNETH JUDE

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has pledged to  review the status of Maritime Academy, Oron possibly, to a degree awarding institution as soon as he is re-elected president in the February 14 elections. He dropped the hint last Friday when his campaign train landed in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital. Speaking at the Akwa Ibom International stadium, christened “Nest of Champions,’’ president Jonathan noted that governor Akpabio has given him four cardinal areas to focus on in the state to include the Ibaka Deep Sea Port, the Aba-Calabar Road, the upgrade or review of the status of Maritime Academy, Oron and the construction of a Railway Line to link the Deep Sea Port to neighbouring states.

President Jonathan called on the electorate to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in all the elections, noting that the party stands for One Nigeria. “People are talking about change without telling us how they will go about it because change must have a direction for it to have any positive effect.’’ The Otuoke born politician admitted not doing enough for the state in relation to the massive support he has gotten from the people since he was voted into office six years ago. He stressed that he will change gear if he is voted in for another term in office. 

Also speaking at the rally, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state chairman Obong Paul Ekpo said that Akwa Ibom is solidly behind the president assuring that the state will return 100 percent votes to President Goodluck Jonathan.  Addressing the crowd, Governor Godswill Akpabio said that the party will not fall prey to the antics of the opposition and enemies who are bent on causing disaffection in the polity. “There’s no shaking for the PDP in Akwa Ibom state. Propaganda and conspiracy of the enemies of Nigeria will not prevail against our party. Akwa Ibom will return the 1.6 million votes on offer for the re-election of our president on 14th February as a Valentine gift.

People led this country 30-35 years with nothing to show for it; we don’t need koboko government again in Nigeria. There are certain qualifications required for some offices in the country hence, nobody can tell me that education does not matter because you need education to be able to manage the economy of the nation.’’

The governor of Cross River and the PDP Zonal campaign coordinator, Senator Liyel Imoke noted that PDP governors are working, pointing out that what the country needs now are capacity building, education and lots more for the betterment of the country. Also speaking, former governor of Anambra state Mr. Peter Obi stated that PDP is a digital party as against APC’s analogue style which he noted is at variance with modern times. He called on the electorate to vote for a digital government that the PDP represents. “Don’t vote for APC so that Nigeria will not seize but rather, vote for the PDP because we are moving the country forward.’’

Addressing the rally, the Director General of the Goodluck/Sambo campaign organisation, Senator Amadu Ali thanked the people for their patience while pouring encomiums on Gov. Akpabio on the building of what he described as a ‘wonderful stadium’. Enumerating the achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, he stated that he (Jonathan) is the first Nigeria president to reawaken the Railway Line of the country, adding that his love for education has given new life to the sector.” With the state’s richness in agriculture, coupled with her arable land, the Jonathan administration will ensure that Akwa Ibom becomes the “food basket’’ of the nation,’’ he stated. Some party chieftains from the state who took turns to declare their support for President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the Feb 14 polls included the former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom state Engr. Chris Ekpenyong who assured the president of 1.6 million votes from Akwa Ibom.

Senator Anietie Okon described the APC as “Nigeria Apartheid Congress,’’ stressing further that Nigerians should reject a party that will bring segregation to the country but rally round the PDP and president Jonathan to continue his transformation agenda. Former military governor of the state, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga noted that the People of Akwa Ibom will vote for Goodluck Jonathan since, among other things, he is a lover of education, stressing that no one wants to go back to the era of slavery.  Former NAN’s president and Special Adviser to governor Akpabio on students’ affairs, Comrade Ini Ememobong corroborated Akpabio’s remarks, stating that one cannot lead without education, while adding that the APC is a corrupt party hence, should not be given a chance at the polls.

Vice president Namadi Sambo said that Goodluck Jonathan has transformed Nigeria and should be given another four years to continue his good works. He extolled governor Akpabio on the new stadium, noting that he has never seen such an imposing edifice with large columns in their numbers. He added that the Deep Sea Port project will soon be completed while a Railway Line has been approved by President Jonathan to be constructed to connect the Sea Port to neighbouring states. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman Dr. Adamu Mu’azu noted that it is God that sent Goodluck Jonathan to be the president of Nigeria from a humble background, urging the people to pray for him to continue his good works in the country.