Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has urged Nigerians to elect credible leaders in the 2023 general elections to ensure national development and prosperity.
Emmanuel, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, made the call during a consultation visit in Calabar on Tuesday.
He said that the country required focused and credible leadership that would return it to the path of economic prosperity.
The governor said that the citizenry had a crucial role to play toward enthroning the right leadership.
”Nigeria needs a leader that is not a professional politician. It needs a leader that has made marks in both the private and public sectors.
”In many parts of the world, people campaign and win elections based on their economic blueprints.
”We need a leader that will create jobs. This is the reason someone like me who has the solution should be given a chance,” he said.
Emmanuel stated that for a country to show seriousness in revamping its economy, it must create an in-route into other countries through a national carrier.
“This is what we have demonstrated in Akwa Ibom through the establishment and efficient management of Ibom Air.
”Today, we have achieved 85 per cent completion of one of the biggest and modern airline hangers in Africa.
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”We cannot anticipate development when we need an average of 60 days to clear a container from Apapa Port. We need deep sea ports in South-South Nigeria,” he said.
He further stated that Nigeria would not enter into territorial dominance like China if it did not break away from territorial confinement in economic development.
Also speaking at the event, Sen. Liyel Imoke, former governor of Cross River, said that Emmanuel had the required capacity to govern Nigeria.
”You have exhibited focus and credibility in leadership. We need these credentials in whoever seeks to govern Nigeria,” he said.
Earlier, Sen. Gabriel Suswan, former governor of Benue and Chairman, Udom Emmanuel Campaign Organisation, said that Nigeria required a leader with deep understanding of the economy as its president.
”The poverty in the country is alarming. We must drop every primordial sentiment and look for people of integrity and creativity to lead this country,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emmanuel is the second PDP presidential aspirant to visit Cross River after Gov. Nyesom Wike.
