File photo of President Muhammadu Buhari and the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio
By PATRICK ABANG Calabar –
President Muhammadu Buhari has described the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio’s giant development stride in Akwa Ibom State during his tenure as governor as second to none.
President Buhari stated this in his felicitation message to the former governor of Akwa Ibom on the occasion of his 60th birthday, December 9, 2022, celebrating him for his giant strides in leadership and service to the nation.
The President whose message was conveyed by his Special Adviser Media & Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, joined members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in serenading the party chieftain, “whose visionary style of leadership continues to inspire and outstand, 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” .
He noted the contributions of Akpabio to the political developments in the country, serving 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.
The President prayed for God’s blessings for Sen. Akpabio and his family with longer life, good health and prosperity.
He congratulated the former governor and prominent leader of the South-South for his efforts in “promoting the wellbeing of his people, and maintaining a healthy relationship for peace and understanding at the national level” .
In a related development, the Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum and the Calabar Solidarity Front For Akpabio have declared total support and solidarity for Senator Akpabio as he clocks 60 years today.
The groups in a birthday goodwill message said, “Akpabio is a good man whose love and philanthropic gesture to many in Akwa Ibom have made many millionaires and communities transformed.
They described him as “a bridge builder, a promise keeper, an uncommon transformer, a distrabalised Nigerian and a nation builder”.
