2019: Lamido Seeks Support From Gov Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom PDP

Ndifreke P. Akpan ( Govt. House)

A presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Sule Lamido has commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his efforts at developing Akwa Ibom state and sustaining the party, saying he was impressed with the massive transformations recorded in the state.

Alhaji Lamido, Governor of Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015, made the commendations when he consulted Governor Emmanuel, the PDP leadership and other critical stakeholders over his presidential ambition at the Government House in Uyo.

Alhaji Lamido, who is one of the founding members, recounted the principles behind the formation of PDP in 1998 and declared that his presidential aspiration is informed by a strong desire to collectively work and solve problems confronting Nigeria.

The aspirant who described his visit to Akwa Ibom as homecoming acknowledged with pride what he termed good leadership, party cohesion and solidarity during his earlier consultation at the state party secretariat.

The Presidential hopeful who was worried by the loss of confidence by Nigerians in the present leadership of the country, asked some rhetorical questions, "Under the present leadership, are we better off? Are we more united or more prosperous as a country? Are we more stable? More secured? More divided or being diminished?"

The aspirant who had served as a federal cabinet Minister during Chief Olusegun Obansanjo’s democratic tenure, specifically stated that his desire for the presidency is to work together to restore dignity, stability, security and prosperity.

While responding, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel thanked the presidential aspirant for deeming it fit to come to the state for consultation and assured him that notes will be compared and at the appropriate time the people will queue behind the aspirant with the best qualities.

Alhaji Lamido enjoined the PDP to interrogate itself and brainstorm on the current leadership challenges ahead of the 2019 elections and assured that he was willing to offer himself for the rescue mission if the party shares the same concerns with him. Governor Emmanuel explained that in making the choice, the state will not hesitate to seek divine direction and that whoever the will of God is for the PDP presidential ticket will have a hundred percent votes from Akwa Ibom.

He acknowledged the good relationship between Alhaji Lamido and the state and reminded him of exceptional love by Akwa Ibom people to him.

"I can only assure you that it is God who determines who will be the next president of Nigeria, not man. No matter what we do here, we are mere mortals, it is the Almighty who determines," the Governor emphasized. The Governor stated that the party is looking forward to a very transparent and successful National Convention for the emergence of the 2019 presidential flag bearer in PDP.

The leadership of the PDP in Akwa Ibom led by the State Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo, the SSG, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, some former national assembly members, State Executive Council members and other stalwarts were on hand to receive the visiting campaign team.

The Governor made references to the high exchange rate experienced since assumption of office by the APC led federal administration, high cost of petrol, huge inflation rate, the sudden increase in cost of rice and other stable food items as well as the high cost of vehicles explaining emphatically that the difference between now and then was very clear. Mr Emmanuel however gave an assurance that with the PDP at the centre next year, things will certainly get better.

See more pictures below...

February 13, 2018