Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

Abuja — Immediate past Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Nsima Ekere, yesterday, advanced reasons he wants to succeed Governor Godswill Akpabio.

Ekere said in Abuja that he was seeking to govern the state because of his conviction that he represented the best choice for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Akwa Ibom State “at this critical stage in the history of our great state.”

Ekere noted that Akwa Ibom needed a visionary leader like himself to be able to propel it to a higher level and usher in new era of growth and prosperity.

He said: “Today, our state needs a leader with the right vision, mentality, temperament, courage, strength of character, experience, humility and zeal to serve and usher the state into a new era of growth and prosperity

“Our state needs a man with the fear of God who can be trusted to take appropriate and tough decisions needed to move the state forward. The vision and pioneering efforts of our founding fathers and successive leaders must be consolidated.

“A deliberate attention must be paid to providing platforms and a conducive environment for our people to thrive and excel in their endeavours.  After all, progress and development are best measured by their impact on people. Across the State, our people need jobs.  They need increased economic opportunities.

“They need better living conditions and higher standards of life.  They need a state that is safe and secure.”