There is no gainsaying the fact that the influence of suave billionaire businessman, Akanimo Udofia in Nigeria’s political and business circuit looms large across board.
The vastness and quality of the Affa Offiong, Akwa Ibom State-born oil magnate’s character and political affluence are immeasurable. Akanimo, who graduated from the University of Uyo before getting his MBA from the prestigious Harvard Business School in Boston Massachusetts, United States, has been growing from leaps and bounds.
As head of Desicon Group, an Engineering company he took over from his father and has since turned into a multibillion dollar company which conducts engineering, procurement and construction services for Nigeria’s oil and gas industries – Akanimo has reinforced the fact that he is a force to reckon with.
In two years time, there will be a vacancy in the Government House, Uyo when the incumbent helmsman, Udom Emmanuel served out his second terms tenure.
Given his invincibility and influence, many see Akanimo as a robust renaissance with huge and wide political contact that can reenergize the people to seeing fresh possibilities that surround them in the Land of Promise.
While is wasn’t clear if the 52 year-old billionaire is indeed nursing any political ambition but unconfirmed rumours swirling around suggested that he has quietly joined partisan politics on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in readiness for a life of public service.
For his followers and supporters, his past and current development drive as well as vast connections within and outside the state, the oil magnate is a perfect fit to step into the shoes of Governor Udom. All they want is to have the oil magnate on the ballot of any of the two dominant parties come 2023.
Of course, Akanimo Udofia (alias AK-47) is not a novice when it comes to politics and its intricacies. At some point, deep-pocket Akanimo and former Akwa Ibom governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio were very close. They were always together and did a lot of things together. But all that was in the past.
During the last 2019 gubernatorial elections in the state, not a few would also remember how Akanimo, a big spender, deployed his intimidating wealth and financial wherewithal to back the incumbent Governor Udom Emmanuel against the candidate of the former governor. And his choice came out victorious.
Now, some sections of the people are beckoning on Akanimo to come and take up the mantle of leadership. Will he pick up the gauntlet come 2023? Will Akanimo throw his hat into the ring to lead the over five million Akwa Ibomites or will he play the Russian roulette? Time will tell.
