TheHILL. | POLITICS | JULY 21, 2021.
Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs; Chief Godswill Akpabio, has opened up on the emergence of his campaign posters in strategic locations in Sokoto, Kaduna and Kano among a host of other Northern States since on Sallah’s eve.
Akpabio, a former Governor of the oil rich Akwa Ibom State who later served as Senator between 2015 to 2019 stated unequivocally that the posters have nothing to do with 2023 Presidency.
“They (the posters) have nothing to do with 2023 Presidency,’’ the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Mr. Jackson Udom was quoted by a news site.
He added: ”The posters were printed and pasted by friends of the Minister in the North. The posters have no bearing with any presidential ambition. The rumour that the Minister is nursing Presidential ambition in 2023 is false.’’
However, a one- time youth leader and Admirer of Akpabio, Alhaji Bello Bichi told reporters in Kaduna that it is not surprising that Akpabio has a growing number of admirers in the North.
“Given the kind of goodwill and respect Akpabio has built in the North for many years it is not surprising to see his posters. As a Nigerian politician he has been a bridge-builder across the North and Southern parts of the country for many years.” Bichi said.
“If any citizen does something spectacular about uniting this country or helping the poor without recourse to their religious or ethno-regional origins, he or she will automatically cultivate many fans and political recognition. And Akpabio is one such Nigerian,” Engr Bello said.
