Current, ex- Speakers hail Emmanuel’s performance in Akwa Ibom

PAST and current Speakers of state Houses of Assembly of Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP)- controlled states have lauded presidential aspirant and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, for his performance in office.

The chieftains, in Abuja, hosted Emmanuel, who advanced his quest for the party’s nomination at the primary coming up later this month.

Chairman of Governor Udom Campaign Organisation, Senator Gabriel Suswam, while introducing the aspirant and the attendees, said knowledge of the economy was the foremost qualification for anyone aspiring to lead Nigeria next year.

The party stalwarts equally described the turnaround that Akwa Ibom State has witnessed under Emmanuel as evidence of his capacity to develop the most populous black nation if given the opportunity.

Suswam observed: “Fix the economy and everything else will fall in place. We have not, as a country, had the good fortunes of having as a leader someone with a sound and deep knowledge of the economy like Udom Emmanuel has.

“That is why there is no longer a middle class in the country today. It is either you are rich or you are poor, and we have been described as the poverty capital of the world.

“We have had leaders that have been bamboozled by the economy. More than ever before, we now need a President with a difference, who can take this country to a positive level.”