Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has been commended “for judiciously utilising the available funds accruable to the state”, as he was also described as “the real uncommon transformer of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria.”

President Goodluck Jonathan, who gave the commendation in Uyo on Friday at the flag-off of his presidential campaign rally in Akwa Ibom State, admitted that the government at the centre did not contribute much to the developmental strides witnessed in the state.

The President and his entourage arrived the Akwa Ibom State International Stadium (The Nest of Champions), Uyo, venue of the rally, at precisely 4:10 p.m. from Calabar, the Cross River State capital, to a tumultuous welcome by an unprecedented crowd of PDP supporters. Jonathan apologised to the people “for keeping you waiting for so long since morning. I thank you for the patience.”

In his brief address, Dr. Jonathan said that he was not coming to campaign in Akwa Ibom State “but to appreciate you for your unflinching support and unalloyed loyalty to me and the PDP and we will not take your support for granted.”

As he lauded Gov. Akpabio’s achievements, President Jonathan stressed: “If you drive around Akwa Ibom State, you will be convinced that this is a PDP-controlled government.” He pointed out that “whenever you see functional airports, state-owned universities, good roads network and other life-touching projects, know that you are finding yourself in the PDP-controlled states.”

The President challenged opposition party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), to define what they called “change” and its direction and charged its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) “not to shy away from the presidential debate organised by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG)” for Nigerians.

President Jonathan further told Akwa Ibom people that he would meet with the governor “to find out what you need now and in my second tenure as your President.”

He promised that the federal government will review the status of Maritime Academy, Oron, adding: “The Ibaka deep sea port in Mbo will be a reality,” Jonathan said, even as he pledged to rehabilitate the dilapidated federal roads in Akwa Ibom.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Gov. Akpabio had maintained that the state will deliver 100 per cent votes to Jonathan and all other PDP candidates in the February 14th and 28th elections, stressing that “the victory will be a Valentine gift to Mr. President.”

In the presidential train were, his wife, Patience, Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo, National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mua’zu, The PDP Presidential campaign chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali – pioneer Director of the NYSC, Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, among other prominent party members.

News Express reports that some dreaded masquerades from different parts of the state performed at the rally ground, including “Okoh”, meaning Black Pot, led by one Emmanuel Ikpoho from Obot Akara Local Government Area, the local government of a former Deputy Governor, Engr. Chris Ekpenyong, who equally addressed the rally; the famous Uko Akpan Cultural Group from Abak and the fearful Ekpo Cultural Troupe from Essien Udim Local Government Area, the country home of Gov. Akpabio, among others.

•Photo courtesy of Anietie Ekong shows President Jonathan being honoured as Iberedem Akwa Ibom . . . yesterday while in the state for his re-election campaign.