…Explains How Udom Woos Investors
By Edifon SOLOMON
As Nigerians continue to weigh options for a leader that would salvage the nation’s ailing socio-economic condition, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been described as the nearest the nation has to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola. The assessment was based on the bridge-building disposition and economic acumen the duo has been seen to share.
The Commissioner for Economic Development, Labour and Manpower Planning in Akwa Ibom State, Barrister Ekong Sampson made the assessment in a live radio programme, The Mandate, on Planet (101.1) FM. He said Nigeria needs to pursue economic sovereignty, through a leader that can drive the economy, adding that without a sound economy, democracy is put under pressure.
In his analysis, Ekong Sampson described Atiku as a successful businessman, who has deep knowledge of the dynamics of the economy, even at the global level. This, he said, is the type of President Nigeria needs, considering the enormity of challenges facing the country today.
According to the Honourable Commissioner, the PDP Presidential candidate is easily identifiable with a Pan-Nigerian outlook, with a vast network of friendships and contacts across the country, just like Abiola. He said that Atiku has a deep understanding of Nigeria. “Not even his worst critic can accuse Atiku Abubakar of being a tribalist or a nepotist. No one can validly link Obasanjo or Abiola with this numbing leadership weakness too,” Sampson said.
Barrister Ekong Sampson said Nigeria needs the kind of economy that can provide jobs for our youths. To have such, he maintained, there is need for someone who understands the workings of the economy to run the affairs of the country. He therefore urged Nigerians to put aside sentiments and look at the bigger picture of who can run Nigeria better.
According to Barrister Sampson, for democracy to be well driven, there is need for a sound economy and to drive a sound economy, the leadership must have sound economic management ability. This, he explained, is why Akwa Ibom people are insisting that Governor Udom Emmanuel must be returned to office for a second term to fully and effectively implement the expansive roadmap he has for the people.
He said that Governor Udom Emmanuel’s integrity, hardwork and innovative spirit have earned investors’ trust and confidence to move into Akwa Ibom State and affirmed that the modern age belongs to the innovator.
Barrister Sampson described the recent testimony by the military that Akwa Ibom is the most peaceful state in Nigeria as an indication that the State Government has created a safe haven for investors.
He said metaphorically, “Nobody goes to a place to invest wearing gas masks. You invest in a place where you have trust. The investors are coming to Akwa Ibom State because they trust Governor Udom Emmanuel and the Akwa Ibom environment. That is the truth”.
Recalling the commendation of Akwa Ibom State Government’s contribution to sports development in Nigeria, given during the last National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by the Vice President in Abuja, Sampson described NEC’s acknowledgement of the role Akwa Ibom State Government played in the qualification of Nigeria’s Super Eagles for the last World Cup as a plus for Akwa Ibom State. He said that Governor Udom Emmanuel has continued to earn for Akwa Ibom State respect from Nigeria and even beyond.
