Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has promised to change the nation’s security architecture and grow the economy.
But he did not give specific details on what his administration would do to “change the security architecture” of the nation.
Atiku, who spoke at the party’s presidential campaign in Asaba, the Delta State capital, said between 1999 and 2015, the PDP grew the economy to become the largest in Africa.
The former Vice President promised that with tight security and the right economic policies, his administration would attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to grow the economy.
He told Deltans that the team was not in the state to campaign, saying: “We are here to show our gratitude and appreciation to say that we are with you in all respects because of the support we have received from you from 1999 to date.
“All through my political journey, Delta State has always supported me. I want to promise you that I shall not betray the trust of Delta and the entire Niger Delta.
“That is why in my modest appreciation, I chose one of you as my vice presidential candidate, and you know that a running mate is always a stepping stone.
“Therefore, it is up to you to show your support by giving Governor Ifeanyi Okowa the massive support to enable us to rescue and rebuild our dear country.”
Atiku said his administration would also pay attention to developing the Education sector.
The PDP flag bearer promised that under his watch, strikes by members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) would no longer happen.
He said: “The Niger Delta and other parts of the country will benefit from our resource control and restructuring agenda because it is our intention to devolve more powers to the states and local governments to tackle peculiar challenges facing the people…”
Governor Okowa said Atiku knew how to address the socio-economic challenges bedevilling the country and urged eligible voters in the state to vote for the party.
“How can a bag of rice be sold for almost N50,000? It is only Atiku that can solve the problems in the country because when the PDP took over the reins of power in 1999, Atiku and Obasanjo were able to restore the nation’s lost glory.
“Atiku has assured Nigerians that he will revive the economy of the country and reposition it for optimum productivity in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“For over 20 years, Atiku has been advocating for the restructuring of Nigeria where states and local governments will get more money that will stimulate growth and development and this is what we want in the Niger Delta.
“Atiku has also promised that his administration, if elected, will put in place, a constitutional framework that will enable states to have State Police so as to stem the tide of insecurity in the country.
“Atiku is an experienced politician that has the capacity and pedigree to reset the country and I call on all eligible voters in the state to ensure that they have their PVCs to enable them vote in the forthcoming general elections,” Okowa stated.
National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, on his part, congratulated Deltans for the choice of Okowa as Vice Presidential Candidate and lauded previous governors of the state for their contributions to the growth and development of the state.
He urged sons and daughters of the state to vote massively for all PDP candidates in the general elections.
The rally was attended by former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
