Back in early 2007, nobody of note reckoned with him. But in 2010, Governor Godswill Akpabio has been declared 'wanted' – by the security agencies; students; Labour; indigenes; non-indigenes; elders; children; women; socio-political groups!
Today, the nation has cause to celebrate a true and detribalised leader, the apostle of a renewed Akwa Ibom unity. In the last three and half years, the governor has actualised God's will for Akwa Ibom. His transformation agenda has touched the people across various divides. Hence, the masses have declared him wanted!
Akpabio is wanted for supporting the security agencies; the students want him for implementing free and compulsory education; elders and children want him because he instituted free Medicare for them; women now get free maternal care. Collectively, the masses are very pleased with the governor, hence they insist that he must return to Government House next year.
Last week, a Nigerian in Eastern Europe, sought a system where Akpabio could be loaned to other states for at least two years. It was during the first ever tele-rally involving a Nigerian. Akpabio was the focus; Akwa Ibom was the topic. It linked over 5,000 Nigerians, mainly from Akwa Ibom, using the internet, telephones, camcorders, etc.
Akpabio has become a case study for other leaders in Nigeria. The speed with which he has transformed his state has made him an 'essential product' for national development. In Akwa Ibom today, traditionally deplorable roads which were hitherto used as campaign points by previous governments, have all been tarred with the most modern methods.
Akpabio's achievement is the plank of his confidence for re-election. Already, the people have assured him of their 100 per cent votes. They argue that he has justified the mandate they freely gave him and that one good term deserves another. That was exactly what the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon Oladimeji Bankole, and his colleagues said recently. While in Akwa Ibom on a retreat, the lawmakers were touched by Akpabio's sincerity and overwhelmed by the governor's unprecedented strides. "No wonder you scored 99 per cent of the votes from your people in the last election", the Speaker exclaimed!
At 48, Akpabio is a wanted man (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/editorial/21191.html)