Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed suggestions that the All Progressives Congress (APC) lacks a presence in Akwa Ibom State, asserting that no one can undermine the party’s influence in the state.
Speaking at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium on Wednesday during the APC flag presentation for its candidates ahead of the October 5 local government elections, Akpabio pledged to overwhelm the state with development projects, appointments, and empowerment initiatives.
Akpabio expressed confidence that Governor Umo Eno would ensure a fair contest for all political parties during the local government elections, and he reiterated his commitment to elevating Akwa Ibom’s role in national politics.
“APC in Akwa Ibom, you haven’t seen anything yet. I will overwhelm you with projects, appointments, and empowerment,” Akpabio declared. “I promised to take you to the centre of Nigerian politics, and this is just the beginning.”
As part of his initiatives, Akpabio announced the launch of the Godswill Obot Akpabio (GOA) Back to Farm Initiative, starting with the distribution of 600 bags of fertilizer per local government area across Akwa Ibom’s 31 LGAs. His wife will coordinate the distribution, which will also include rice.
Akpabio highlighted various ongoing projects, including 61 infrastructure developments, 14 ICT centres, police stations, 30 schools, modern markets, town halls, and primary health centres. He also mentioned the construction of 42 roads and the provision of transformers to bring electricity to underserved villages. Additionally, a second phase of scholarships will be issued to students, and those not in school will benefit from the Back to Farm program.
Akpabio expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointments granted to Akwa Ibom indigenes and announced a monthly N50,000 stipend for 1,000 beneficiaries in each of the 31 LGAs, alongside food distribution efforts to complement state government initiatives.
He also expressed confidence that Governor Eno, as a democrat, would ensure a fair election for APC candidates, stating, “He will respect it. I have that confidence that, as a man of God, he will not want to take away your rights. We will win this election.”