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| President Buhari and Sen. Akpabio exchanging pleasantries during a national event |
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, over what he described as his sterling leadership qualities and giant stride in the development of Akwa Ibom state during his time as governor of the state.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity. Celebrating Akpabio's new age, the President said, his visionary style of leadership continues to inspire starting from his state, where he led for eight years, and changed the landscape, turning it into a national and global reference for social, economic and infrastructural development.
In a statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Buhari joined members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in serenading the party chieftain, whose visionary style of leadership continues to inspire starting from his state, where he led for eight years, and changed the landscape, turning it into a national and global reference for social, economic and infrastructural development.
Buhari noted that Akpabio who had served as Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lands and Housing, before being elected governor in 2007, and consistently remaining vocal and vibrant, especially as Senate Minority Leader has contributed immense to the political developments of the country.
In a related development, a socio-political group, Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum, an umbrella body for indigenes of the state, in a goodwill message on Thursday night, described the former governor as a bridge builder, promise keeper and uncommon transformer who, in his detribalized nature, has pushed further the frontiers of nation-building in Nigeria.
The group noted that Akpabio's developmental strides as governor of Akwa Ibom remain unparalleled, adding that his disposition and love towards uplifting the standard of life of Akwa Ibomites led to radical transformation in the education sector that culminated in the free and compulsory education up to secondary level for indigenes of the state.
"He affected lives of the youths in the state. Akwa Ibom youths owe him loyalty. The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs has done well for the state, Niger Delta region and the country.
"He is a great man. He love and developed his people. Transformed the state as a governor and changed the house help mentality of the people in the state.
"Senator Akpabio empowered many youths. He introduced free and compulsory education in the state. The gesture liberated minds of Akwa Ibom people.
"He left good legacies and donated to many, including churches without considering denomination," the group said.
While wishing Senator Akpabio a happy birthday, it prayed the Almighty God to bless him with good health and more wisdom to continue to steer the course of political leadership, peace and tranquility in Akwa Ibom and the south south geo-political zone.
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