Wevole Ezin, Calabar
Senator Gershom Bassey has expressed confidence in the aspiration of a
leading contender for the position of Senate President in the tenth
National Assembly, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, describing him as a sound candidate.
He spoke in an interview with selected newsmen on recent developments unfolding in the country, yesterday in Calabar.
Bassey, who is the Senator representing Cross River Southern
Senatorial District in the Senate, also threw his weight behind the
Cross River State governor-elect, Mr. Bassey Ot u.
He disclosed that Akpabio; a former Senator, is not only a ranking Senator in the South South zone, both also the most qualified considering his antecedent and capacity.
Bassey said he was in support of the ruling party’s decision to zone the position to the South-South zone, adding that it was a deserving concession.
While responding to questions, he said: “My view is that Godswill Akpabio is a sound candidate and it is only fair that a guy like us should be given an opportunity, especially since he is from the
South-South zone.
“First of all, I believe that South-South deserves it, so I am in
agreement with the APC for zoning it to the South-South. Godswill Akpabio is the most qualified because he is the only ranking Senator that APC has in the South-South and when you look at his precedence, he has the experience and capacity.”
At the state level, he cautioned the Cross River State governor-elect,
Prince Bassey Otu to be conscious of sycophants in the corridor of
power to guide against avoidable mistakes.
He advised the Otu’s led administration to increase the state’s revenue profile in order to succeed.
According to him, without any iota of doubt, Otu will succeed because
he has the required temperament and capacity to lead.
Bassey described Ot u’s victory at the poll as an excellent choice for the governorship seat, adding that it was also a plus for the back to south movement in the State.
He partly said: “Going into governance is a serious business and I would advise him to surround himself with quality people who will not be sycophants, but would give him quality advise and help him in governance and deliver on various sub-mandates.
“He is coming in at a time where Cross River State does not have a lot of money, so I want to encourage him to ensure that he finds a way to increase revenues in Cross River State, and if he can do that, then he would have solved a lot of problems.
“I think he is going to do well because he had the temperament and capacity to do well and I wish him well.”
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