Rally
Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, says the proposed Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar will boost Cross River’s international profile and attract investment.
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Shettima stated this on Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally in Calabar.
He described the proposed secretariat as a major economic opportunity capable of attracting diplomatic and commercial activities to the state.
“The proposed Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar will transform Cross River into an international destination. It will attract diplomatic and commercial activities,” he said.
Shettima also identified the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a strategic infrastructure project expected to connect coastal communities and ease transportation.
He said the highway would facilitate the movement of goods and people, expand tourism, attract investors and generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
The Vice-President further highlighted the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport as another major economic project.
He explained that the port would become an international maritime gateway, attracting shipping companies, generating employment and stimulating commercial activities.
On education, Shettima said Federal Government interventions were designed to develop human capital, reduce parents’ financial burdens and improve access to higher education.
“No parent should, after all the activities of their children, surrender to a shortage of funds,” he said.
He urged Cross River residents to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Bassey Otu in 2027.
Shettima also called for the return of APC candidates to the National Assembly and state legislature, stressing the need for elected representatives to account for their stewardship.
Also speaking, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election.
Yari described Tinubu as a tested democrat committed to repositioning Nigeria’s economy and addressing prevailing economic challenges.
He assured the President of continued support from northern political leaders, saying the region had no intention of truncating his tenure.
“We in the North have no intention whatsoever to cut or shorten the tenure of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It is going to be completed, just as he supported our own in 2015 and 2019,” Yari said.
The former governor of Zamfara said Tinubu had the capacity to rebuild the economy and position Nigeria to compete favourably globally.
He argued that Nigeria’s economic difficulties should be considered against prevailing global economic realities.
Yari cited Nigeria’s crude oil production levels compared with Saudi Arabia, saying the disparity had implications for national revenue and economic stability.
He said the administration was pursuing economic self-sufficiency and greater competitiveness in the global market.
Yari also defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, urging Nigerians to assess the administration’s performance and its foundations for future growth.
He called on APC supporters to mobilise voters nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Both leaders expressed confidence that continued APC support would enable the Federal Government and Cross River Government to sustain their development programmes.
The rally was attended by Governors Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom.
Also present were Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, Deputy Director-General of the APC-PCC, alongside APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Woman Leader, Dr Mary Alile.
(NAN)
