- By Halimah Balogun
Governorship hopeful in Akwa Ibom State, Godwill Richman, has pledged to reposition the state on the path of industrial growth and social welfare if elected in 2027.
In a statement: “A Message of Wisdom and Hope”, Richman addressed elders, youths, women, political leaders, and other stakeholders, calling for unity and reflection on the state’s political and developmental trajectory.
He urged residents to think first of their children and the unborn generations rather than temporary political gains or personal interests.
Richman appealed to members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former leaders not to be swayed by artificial hardship or political manipulation, insisting truth and wisdom would prevail.
“To betray our past, our unity, and our hope is a crime against people’s trust, against humanity, and against progress,” Richman said. “It is the killing of the spirit of development before it even begins.”
“Those who stole our hard-earned mandate lure good people with false promises. Everyone cannot be deceived forever; there must always be one wise man who sees the light in the tunnel,” he said.
He criticised ‘‘the declining influence’’ of Akwa Ibom at the federal level, citing lack of appointments, poor representation, and underperformance in federal projects.
He noted that military and civil service reshuffles, indigenes were largely excluded, while major federal projects continued to bypass the state.
Richman accused the state administration of failing to attract development despite increased federal allocations and internal revenue.
“During the PDP years, with far less funding, our leaders delivered uncommon transformation,” he said, referring to the administrations of former Governors Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio, and Udom Emmanuel.
Richman declared that the 2027 election would be a turning point for Akwa Ibom, promising to restore progress and prosperity through industrialisation and people-centred governance.
“Come 2027, we will reclaim our future. Let us unite to return our rightful PDP Governorship seat and restore Akwa Ibom to progress, pride, and prosperity,” he stated.
He pledged to transform Akwa Ibom within four years, leveraging existing federal allocations and internal revenue to make the state “a modern Dubai of Africa.”
“With today’s robust federal allocations and strong internal revenue, four years is enough for me to transform Akwa Ibom State and its people,” he assured.
