Akwa Ibom people have urged President Goodluck Jonathan to step forward and recontest for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015, declaring their readiness to give him 100 per cent votes.

The state governor, Godswill Akpabio, on behalf of the people of the state, made the remark on Thursday, at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo, during a reception for President Jonathan who was on a one-day official visit to the state, said: “Our dear president, let me once again state that you are in your home. Akwa Ibom people do not only love you as a  president from the South- South, they appreciate you as a brother and true Nigerian that is committed to changing the fortunes of the nation.

 “Your Excellency, twice this year, Akwa Ibom people in an uncommon resolve, unanimously  passed a vote of confidence on you and your administration. In furtherance to their conviction, they urged you to step forward and contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic in 2015. That yearning is still aflame and they have kindly besought you for an answer, but know Your Excellency that Akwa Ibom people are steadfast and will go with you all the way.

 “Inspite of the various insurgency challenges in the country, Akwa Ibom people say sail on. Sail on for evil may thrive for a night but joy comes in the morning. Sail on, keep moving, we are with you, we shall never retreat or surrender, for the truth is stronger than falsehood, we shall overcome because history, truth and most importantly, God Almighty is on our side”, he said.

Governor Akpabio then thanked President Jonathan for justifying the faith of the people through what he has done for the country, stressing that he has restored the nation to the true path of democratic governance, built foundations of the rule of law and freedom of expression, left his timeless positive imprints in the expansion of the national infrastructure, reformation of the power sector, the promotion of the local content of policy, the restructuring of the economy as the most viable economy in Africa and in several other sectors.

President Jonathan thanked Akwa Ibom people for the love and support to his administration, and commended Governor Godswill Akpabio for the developmental strides in the state, which, he said, the projects in the state are of high quality.