Ndifreke P. AKPAN
The sacrifices made by the immediate past Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi to keep the party united during the turbulent period have been acknowledged by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
Governor Emmanuel specifically commended Senator Makarfi who was in Akwa Ibom to declare his intention to contest in the presidential elections in 2019 as a PDP flag bearer, for his ability to manage diversed interests and successful organize a national convention that produced a new Chairman for the party.
The Governor who noted that the presidential aspirant was patient and tolerant with party members, recounted his interaction with major stakeholders from Kaduna state who spoke in glowing terms about Senator Makarfi as a man who bridged religious and ethnic gaps while serving his people as a governor.
He referred to the presidential aspirant as someone who has diligently served the party and appreciated the fact that people like Senator Makarfi have indicated interest in the race.
Commenting on the presidential aspiration of his guest, Governor Emmanuel explained that, “all power belongs to the Almighty God. So it is completely out of the hands of anyman”.
The Governor encouraged the Presidential hopeful to be willing to make more sacrifices and close ranks to work with whoever emerges as a flag bearer after the primaries in the spirit of sportsmanship should the ticket elude him.
Mr Emmanuel promised to pray for the will of God to be done in the forth coming elections with the hope that Nigeria would be a better place when the will of God come to pass.
He told the aspirant that he actually wanted his visit to the state to coincide with commissioning of projects an aspect the Governor said was common among PDP states.
According to the Governor, “We Commissioned so many, at a point we had to take a break so that I can take up the responsibility you people have given me in Ekiti State. I am sure, once that responsibility is a little bit lighter, I think from next week, we will start commissioning.”
He recounted few things he promised during campaigns that people did not believe could be realised, “take for example, a bowl of garri that was sold at N200, we promised to bring down the price to at least 50%. People who spoke with me reported that 8 of same bowls of garri now go for the same N200. Some said 11 some said 10.”
Earlier, Senator Ahmed Makarfi explained that he was in the state to present his presidential credentials to the party hierarchy and raise some salient issues and evolve ways and means of giving to the people what they desire.
He enumerated the areas he intends to address to include institutional restructuring, elections devoid of interference by security agents and others. “Why can’t people be allowed the latitude to freely choose what they want without using institutions of government to suppress the aspirations and wishes of others. This must have to come to a stop,” he stated.
The presidential aspirant said he was also interested in employment generation, provision of enabling environment for private sector investments to thrive, education loan scheme for indigent student and causing the states to work in partnership with the central government which is essential to moving Nigeria forward.
He thanked Governor Emmanuel and the State PDP Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo for their contributions to getting the party up and doing at the national level with a promise to also get it right for the country by building a consensus and making decisions that will outlive the people if given the opportunity.
Senator Makarfi expressed satisfaction with the Governor and the party in the state for what he called a wonderful reception at the party secretariat coupled with rich attendance and inputs during interaction.
The presidential aspirant was accompanied by the Kaduna State Chairman of PDP, Honourable Felix Hassan Hyat and other prominent party officials while the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, State House of Assembly members, Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Ekereobong Akpan, State Executive Council members, Chairmen of Boards and Commissions and other Stakeholders were with the Governor during the courtesy visit.
