By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
The All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Akwa Ibom has said that the appointments of citizens of the state into strategic federal positions and the ongoing infrastructure being executed in the state by the federal government remain the reason for the massive support President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to receive from the people.
This is even as all arrangements have been concluded by the party in the area for the flag off of Buhari’s Presidential campaign scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Chairman of the central planning committee for the presidential rally and Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free zone Authority (OGFZA) Mr. Umana Umana told a press conference yesterday in Uyo that the presidential rally would further demonstrate the support the President enjoys in the state.
“So far, the feedback we are getting from our members, from all over Akwa Ibom, other states of Nigeria we know that that stadium is going to be filled to capacity. Also, feedback from the people of Akwa Ibom state show that they are very excited and enthusiastic and are ready to receive Mr. President.
‘It is very clear that the support President Muhammadu Buhari enjoys from Akwa Ibom state is massive and we will demonstrate further on Friday. And we are not surprised because the people have felt the impact of the good works of the president.
“Even those who are not members of our party are also enthusiastic to receive him to the state and to thank him even before the election for what he has done for Akwa Ibom people. So attendance and participation at this rally will be a way of appreciating him.
“The strategic appointment which he has given to sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom state is unprecedented. When you check, the Senior Special Assistant national assembly matters is being given to Akwa Ibom state for the very first time, we don’t take it for granted. And of course I also speak by the special grace as an aide of the president, being the Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority
“We have a son who is in charge of budget and national planning. In all Akwa Ibom have up to 60 federal appointments under this administration. This is clearly unprecedented. The intervention in the area of infrastructure, the Calabar/Udukpani/Ikot-Ekpene roads are awarded to a reputable company who are already on site. Again we don’t take that for granted because we know that Akwa Ibom state was totally cut from the rest of Nigeria we could not go Calabar, Aba and Umuahia axis.” Umana explained.
The chairman added that Akwa Ibom people also have reason to support Buhari for ensuring that the state was part of the FG social investments programmes including the school feeding programme as well as the N- Power prgramme where about 14,000 Akwa Ibom gradates were beneficiaries.
“This is why Akwa Ibom has joined the rest of Nigerians to say he (President Buhari) deserves a second term is based on his scorecard. And with the movement of members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in the past six months, you will agree with me that APC has become a religion in Akwa Ibom state.
“So the decision to launch the presidential rally in Akwa Ibom state is well thought out and we are fully prepared and ready to receive Mr. President and ensure that the rally will be huge success. We urge our people to come out enmasse to receive and demonstrate their full support for his re-election.” Umana said.
