Politics
2023: Akpabio Declares For President
•••Says Together We Can Change Our Story

After months of calls from groups, organizations, students, market women and downtrodden that he should contest for the office of the President Federal Republic of Nigeria and having consulted wide with stakeholders across the length and breath of the country, Minister Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday formally accepted the call in a speech captioned; TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE OUR STORY
Standing before a mammoth crowd which cut across party divides, inside the main bowl of Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State said, ” my dear Compatriots, determined to pay the debt of gratitude I owe our nation for the opportunities to serve in high offices of
public trust; determined to let our nation drink from the deep well of experience acquired in these offices, I, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, with great humility, hereby submit myself for
your kind consideration as your next president.
The declaration speech reads:
“A Statement of intent to contest for the Presidency of Nigeria by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON.
My dear Compatriots, determined to pay the debt of gratitude I owe our nation for the opportunities to serve in high offices of public trust; determined to let our nation drink from the deep well of experience acquired in these offices, I, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, with great humility, hereby, submit myself for
your kind consideration as your next President.
“I pay tribute to President Muhammadu Buhari for the patriotic work he has done as our President. He has given hope and
direction to governance, and fought corruption with uncompromising zeal. He has touched lives and empowered
people, he has made great advances in agriculture, human capital development, and indeed, in all sectors of our economy.
“He has uplifted the integrity of the Nigerian nation. A lot can be said about all his amazing successes and achievements, but suffice it to say that I have come to perfect his marvelous
works. Although, Absolute perfection belongs not to man nor to Angels, but to God alone. The labours of our dear President Buhari and our past leaders
shall never be in vain. In line with this expectation in our National Anthem, I have come to build based on their
developmental strides; to serve our country with heart and
might — serve her as a nation bound in freedom, peace and
unity, where the dividends of democracy shall be guaranteed.
“I have come with these key items on my agenda: to secure lives and properties; to make unity the touchstone of our
nationhood; and to invigorate our economy, prosper our citizenry and promote democracy.
“In 2007, I was elected the Governor of a pedestrian state, languishing on the margins of our national life. A couple of
years later, a European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, visited the State and described what he saw, in amazement, as
“transformation extraordinaire.”
“He inadvertently, became the originator of the swansong “Uncommon Transformation” which other amazed visitors and residents of the state still echo till now. In Eight years of Uncommon Transformation, we gave the State one of the best road networks in the country (the roads built by us 14 years ago are still pot-hole free).
“We gave the State free and compulsory education for all children up to
Senior Secondary School; we gave the state free medical treatment for pregnant women and for babies up to the age of five; we delivered to the State world class facilities like the
International Airport, Tropicana Entertainment Centre, E-Library, Ibom Specialty Hospital (rated as one of the best in Africa), Africa’s first ever underground pipe-jacking drainage
system, Ibom Power Plant, Akwa Ibom State University, the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and many other
projects too numerous to mention.
“We did so much that then serving Presidents and past country leaders wondered where we got money from to do all that we did. The trick was in our
vision, strategic planning, commitment and honest
implementation.
” Together we can do more than this for Nigeria. At the Nile Valley in Egypt, people of different colours,
languages, religion and ethnicity co habited peacefully and
gave the world its first modern civilisation. We are a reflection
of that alluvial Nile Valley and together we can reinvigorate peace, unity and development and become the envy of the world.
“This is why I am seeking to be your President. I have done it before as Governor; my office pursued national unity with great zeal. I sent both Christians and Muslims on pilgrimages. The office reflected Federal Character because of my abiding faith in Nigeria and its diversity. Not only did we win uncountable awards & honours, and
commendations from institutions like the United States Congress, the Nigeria Defence Academy, foreign countries,
prestigious institutions of higher learning, prominent religious and ethnic organizations; even Wikkileaks, referenced myself as a leader to watch due to my infrastructural revolution and
efforts in industrial development.
“We took that pedestrian State
out of the margins of our national life, and made it a cynosure of global interest. It attracted global icons such as the President of the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Ivory Coast; the
Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis; one-time USA presidential aspirant, the Rev Jesse Jackson; diplomats; global sports icons like Don King and Evander Holyfield; and a host of others. I am
offering my humble self for service to our dear Nation, because I believe that together we can make Nigeria the cynosure of global interest and an African economic lion. There is nothing
the Asian tigers have, in terms of human and material resources, that we do not have.
“As a Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, we have completed projects abandoned for decades and thought to be beyond
salvage. We have had key projects commissioned by Mr President. This uncommon feat was achieved through the support of Mr President. We have effectively repositioned NDDC to meet its core mandate. As a first time Senator, after my work as Governor, my distinguished colleagues found me
worthy and elected me as their Minority Leader. This was in recognition of the great equity and value I brought to the
Senate. I pay respect to that Hallowed Chamber for that honour. I praise God for His grace.
“The road to Governorship of Akwa Ibom State was marked by immense value added as the Commissioner of Local
Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Lands and Housing, and Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources. In Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, I left a record in conflict resolution and raised the bar of respect and dignity for the traditional institution in Nigeria, and as your
President we shall give the traditional institution a voice in the functionality and maintenance of peace in our dear country.
“In Lands and Housing, we undertook land reclamation and estate development. In Petroleum and Natural Resources, we connected with Niger Delta issues and maintained peace
among the youth and assisted in bringing militancy to an end in
the Niger Delta Region. All these experiences paid off when I
became the Governor, which led to this commendation by our
eminent patriot and father of this democracy, General
Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, when he visited the State:
“The type of development we are seeing in Akwa Ibom State, if
all of us in this country follow suit… there will be peace in this
country and there will be no need for any misgivings and
terrorism.”
So I declare today conscious that this declaration has raised
the bar of hope for all Nigerians, poor or rich. Christian or
Muslim. I was raised by a poor, loving mother, who lost her
beloved husband six months after my birth. She taught me that
life is not about where you came from, but where you are going.
“
After primary school, I missed a year of schooling because she
could not afford my school fees. Despite this, my love for education drove me to sneak into a nearby Secondary School.
One day the security of the school chased me through the forest and I fell on a tree trunk and severely injured my leg. That scar left behind a constant reminder that I should always drive children to school, drive people to development, drive goodwill in all my endeavours and be fair to all.
“It is said that a good heart is the key to an open door; I eventually gained admission to Federal Government College, Port Harcourt. This premier Unity school imbued in me my inflexible faith in the Nigerian Nation and connected me to brothers and sisters in all nooks and crannies of Nigeria. Therefore, my declaration is a trumpet call for unity and action.
“May the Fulanis, the Hausas and the Tivs arise to this call with
deeper faith in the Nigerian mission. May the Yorubas, the
Igbos and the Ijaws awake to this call with stronger hope for a greater country.
“May the Efiks, the Ibibios, the Annangs the Kanuris, and indeed, all other ethnic groups in Nigeria hear this call and shout with joy that the clouds of national pains will soon bring forth showers of national gains.
“Fellow Nigerians, when the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Terrence McCulley, visited Akwa Ibom State he noted prophetically, “I have been to Akwa Ibom for the first time, but I have to say that with what I have seen, the future of Nigeria is in Akwa Ibom State.
“The future of the Uncommon
Transformation of Nigeria; The future of making this country an African showpiece; That future that McCulley spoke of, is my dream Nigeria. I share this dream with you because the future
is the property of those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Together we will overcome every challenge.
“Together we will defeat every Goliath. Together we will turn our mourning
into dancing again.
Let God’s will be done in 2023.
God bless our great country.”







Foreign
Fear of Assassination: Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Picks Three Potential Successors—Excludes Son

Amid rising tensions and fears of targeted attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly named three possible successors, excluding his son, in preparation for a worst-case scenario during the ongoing conflict with Israel.
According to a Saturday report by The New York Times, the 86-year-old leader, who is said to be operating from a secure underground bunker, privately selected three senior clerics to take over leadership if he is killed. The decision follows a wave of high-profile assassinations allegedly carried out by Israeli forces, which has heightened concerns at the highest levels of Iran’s leadership.
Crucially, Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba—who has long been rumored to be his heir apparent—was not included among the chosen candidates. This marks a significant departure from previous speculation suggesting a dynastic transition was in the works. The Jerusalem Post also confirmed the report, adding that Khamenei has made additional contingency plans by appointing replacements within Iran’s military hierarchy in anticipation of further Israeli attacks.
Traditionally, Iran’s Supreme Leader is selected by the Assembly of Experts, a powerful clerical body of 88 members. However, Khamenei’s move suggests he may be attempting to influence the succession process in advance, seeking to ensure ideological continuity and maintain regime stability amid external threats.
Experts believe the choice of three clerics rather than a single successor points to internal disagreements and the urgent need for contingency planning as the situation escalates. While the identities of the chosen individuals remain undisclosed, sources say they are trusted hardliners closely aligned with Khamenei’s vision.
Regional Impact and Rising Concerns
The reported development comes at a volatile time in the Middle East, with recent Israeli strikes targeting senior Iranian and Hezbollah figures. Analysts warn that any sign of instability in Iran’s leadership could further destabilize the region.
“This is not just theoretical succession planning — it’s being done under the very real threat of attack,” a regional intelligence source told The New York Times. “The regime clearly views the risk of a leadership vacuum as imminent.”
Khamenei’s decision underscores the high level of concern within Tehran’s leadership circle as it braces for potential escalations and prepares for scenarios that were once considered unlikely.

News
Diri Proposes Third Term for Governors to Curb Abandoned Projects

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has suggested a constitutional amendment to allow state governors a third term in office — a move he believes could help tackle the persistent issue of abandoned projects across Nigeria.
Governor Diri made the call during a stop in Nembe Local Government Area, part of his ongoing ‘Thank-You Tour’ across the state. Addressing a large crowd at King Koko Square in Nembe, the governor said limited time in office often prevents administrations from completing critical infrastructure projects.
“It is not proper to start a project and leave it for another government to finish,” he said. “Some of your requests can be fulfilled, but time is no longer on our side. That’s why I believe the National Assembly should consider revisiting the constitution to give governors a third term.”
He encouraged community members to reach out to their federal representatives — including Hon. Marie Ebikake, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Hon. Oforji Oboku, and Senator Benson Agadaga — to push for such an amendment.
Diri highlighted the ongoing development of a 60-megawatt independent power plant as a major step toward addressing electricity challenges in the state. He announced that twin gas-powered turbines, procured by the state government, would soon be delivered and installed at the Elebele site, which is nearing completion.
According to him, once operational, the power plant will supply electricity to key areas such as Yenagoa, Nembe, Ogbia, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama, and parts of Ekeremor, helping to reduce the state’s dependence on the national grid.
The governor also addressed the community’s call for the construction of the Igbeta–Ewoama–Okoroba road. He admitted that time was a constraint but expressed willingness to partner with federal bodies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the South-South Development Commission to make it happen.
Governor Diri thanked the people of Nembe for their warm reception and overwhelming support in the 2023 governorship election, which saw him and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, re-elected.
“We promised to come back and say thank you if re-elected. This visit is to fulfill that promise,” he said.
Several dignitaries praised the governor’s efforts during the visit, including former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), Attorney-General Biriyai Dambo (SAN), Nembe Council Chairman Chief David Alagoa, and PDP chieftain Chief Blessing Izagara, who all commended the progress made on the Nembe–Brass road project.
Governor Diri also paid a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru (Mingi XIII), who expressed gratitude for the governor’s commitment to development. The monarch lauded Diri for returning to thank the people after the election, a gesture he described as rare among politicians.
“You’ve proved doubters wrong. You kept your word, and the blessings of this throne will remain with you,” the king said.
The governor’s entourage included several lawmakers, top government officials, and traditional leaders.

News
Tinubu Can’t Be Re-Elected In 2027 – El-Rufai

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is an impossibility.Speaking in an interview shared on his verified X handle on Thursday, the Social Democratic Party chieftain emphasised that anyone holding a different view is out of touch with the reality in Nigeria.**El-Rufai contended that the Nigerian populace has lost confidence in both the All Progressives Congress and the current president, suggesting that they would therefore be unwilling to cast their votes for them in the upcoming general election.El-Rufai said, “Anybody that thinks it is possible for President Bola Tinubu to get re-elected is living in another country, not Nigeria. It is impossible for Bola Tinubu to get re-elected.”The former governor stated that there is no pathway for the former Lagos State governor.He said that even the weakest opposition would defeat Tinubu because Nigerians are unhappy with the APC and the policies of the current administration.“I don’t see a pathway for him,” he said.El-Rufai maintained that those defecting to the ruling party do not matter, insisting that the real target of the SDP and its emerging coalition are the voters.“It is greedy and hungry politicians and those that are looking for money, contract, appointment, office that are defecting,” he added.The former FCT minister continued, **“The other class of those defecting are those that know that the EFCC or ICPC can intimidate them, because they know what they have done if they have done what is not quite right.**“And this is what I think the SDP and the coalition of political parties or grouping that we are working with is targeting. We believe that the 2027 elections will be between the APC and Nigerians.”**El-Rufai, who supported the election of Tinubu in 2023, is now a member of the SDP and is fronting a coalition against the current administration.**El-Rufai, alongside the likes of former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among others, are leading the coalition to remove Tinubu through the ballot in 2027.


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