Why I’m interested in my successor – Akpabio

Governor Godswill Akpabio has declared that his successor must be someone who has an eye on the industrialisation of Akwa Ibom State, having deployed energies in the development of most other sectors of human endeavours in the state in the last seven years plus.
Akpabio was elected under the platform of the PDP in 2007 and is expected to vacate office in May next year after serving the mandatory two terms in office.
The governor said in a local television programme in Uyo that his interest in the next elections is hinged on the fact that he would want a successor with capacity to develop and expand the commerce and industrial sector of the state.
He explained that, with the foundations already laid in infrastructure and power in the area, the state has now become ripe for industrialization and generation of the much needed employment for its citizens.
“I came in as a David to wage a war against infrastructural decay, marginalization, illiteracy, child abuse and houseboy syndrome, and having achieved so much in these areas, the next thing for the state will be the industrialization of the state.
“So I am interested in who will succeed me because I want Akwa Ibom people to elect somebody who is well exposed, especially in the economic sector so as to drive the industrialization project of the state.
“Such a person will be able to work with the private sector to bring in investors to develop the rich industrial and commercial potentials that abound in the state,” he explained.
He commended President Goodluck Jonathan and the national chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu for the efforts so far made to improve internal democracy in the party and lauded the party for the recent adoption of Jonathan for next year’s presidential election.
“You could see that the national chairman has brought his experience to bear on party processes and procedures in the PDP and the party is becoming stronger and more democratic.
“The President has also done well because he is doing a very difficult job very well,” Akpabio said.