• Backs Emmanuel, A’Ibom gov harps on Lagos to grow Nigeria’s economy
Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is identified with a process for election of its presidential candidate by delegates without promptings.
Harping on choice of a competent person that could solve Nigeria’s numerous economic and security challenges, Suswam, who is Chairman of Governor Udom Emmanuel Presidential Campaign Council, at an interactive section in Lagos, dismissed plans by some leaders to foist consensus option on the party, which he insisted may not work, unless the arrangement will bring out competent leaders like the Akwa Ibom helmsman.
He told newsmen that he decided to lead the campaign because of his conviction that the governor has all it takes to “lead Nigeria from bottom to top, and create money for the country.”
The current occupant of Benue North-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari for the insecurity and economic downturn making life unbearable for most Nigerians.
He charged Nigerians, especially PDP members, to prioritise competence while electing a new chief executive for the country.
BESIDES, PDP presidential aspirant, Emmanuel, said the drive for industrialisation in Lagos State would jump-start Nigeria’s economy.
He called for a special status for the nation’s economic capital, promising that under his leadership, he would pursue policies that would make Lagos economy blossom.
Emmanuel said a better Lagos economy would have a multiplier effect on the national economy.
The Akwa Ibom governor stressed that Lagos, as a former federal capital, deserves reasonable attention like its counterparts across the globe.
Emmanuel was in Lagos as part of his consultation and mobilisation tours of PDP chapters.
He visited Lagos PDP leader, Chief Olabode George and other chieftains to solicit their support.
The presidential hopeful was accompanied by Suswan, Col. Habibu Shuaibu (rtd), his campaign manager, and Information Commissioner, Ini Ememobong.
George, who welcomed the governor and his team, spoke on the importance of Lagos as the commercial hub and a hospitable centre for all.
Suswan explained the mission to Lagos PDP leaders, saying Emmanuel holds the chieftains in high esteem.
The aspirant thanked George for his nationalistic roles, saying only a competent leadership could resolve the complex problems confronting the country.
He said the next president should have a great understanding of the economy, explaining the need for professionals to go into politics to fix the most populous black nation.
Emmanuel promised to stimulate the private sector for economic growth, relieving his exploits in Akwa Ibom State, including the establishment Ibom Airline, reputed as the best airline in the country.
The aspirant said there could only be good governance when things are done rightly, urging the party to settle for tested contenders.
He boasted of attracting direct foreign investments by creating a conducive environment in the South South state.
He pointed out that Akwa Ibom is next to Lagos on the list of foreign direct investments in Nigeria.
The governor said the country should rekindle hope about a brighter future to stem the brain drain syndrome among youths
He described himself as a man of immense capacity and integrity, promising to strengthen the naira through economic revival that would reposition the country.
