Presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has unveiled his campaign promises for Rivers State indeed as he said that he decided not to have a campaign rally in the State to avoid loss of lives and destruction of properties.
Atiku, who stated this when he met with Rivers State PDP stakeholders in Abuja late Sunday night, said his campaign and the PDP completely subscribed to the position that no political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.
Recall that PDP leaders had rejected the venue approved by the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, a member of G-5 governors, after he’d canceled the earlier approval granted to use the venue.
More so, Rivers State has been besieged by election-related violence as top PDP leaders in the state were attacked including a former minister of Transportation, Abiye Sekibo, and Senator Lee Maeba.
Also opposition leaders in state, including the SDP governorship aspirant, Senator Magnus Abe and his Accord Party counterpart, Dumo-Lulu Briggs were attacked in the state.
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But speaking to the Rivers PDP stakeholders in Abuja, the former vice president said, I want to start by admitting the circumstances and turn of events that have led us to this unique style of a campaign rally.
Although we didn’t wish for this, it became advisable that we think and act innovatively to shield the lives of our people from the careless violence and bloodshed instigated by the really persons who have the primary responsibility for their security and welfare.
Our campaign and indeed the PDP subscribes completely to the position that no political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.
Assuredly, events on the ground in Rivers State, and this gathering then at the insistence of our Rivers PDP family, confirm the major relationship between me and Rivers state.
Beyond being a good corporate citizen of Rivers State, I’ve deeply connected with several families in Rivers State over the years, a relationship that has endured for decades, long before politics. That’s why I remain confident of the support of Rivers people for PDP and our presidency, ” Atiku told the gathering.
He said Rivers State and Rivers people were bound by fate to be critical stakeholders and beneficiaries of the Atiku/Okowa presidency in multiple ways.
He further assured the Rivers people that the state will recapture its preeminent position in the governance and politics of Nigeria. “
Amongst other dividends, the transportation infrastructure in Rivers State will take precedence attention. The existing seaports will be expanded to increase profitable activities that will have multiplier effect on the economy of Rivers State for the success of our people.
The uncompleted rail line from Onne Port to join the Port Harcourt –Maiduguri rail line, which has been on the drawing board for decades will be completed hastily, while the deep seaport in Bonny will receive immediate attention.
The completion of the East-West Road will be a cardinal precedence commitment for our administration. The international airport in Port Harcourt will receive increased attention and investment to become a truly indigenous center.
The youth of Rivers State, like other states in the Niger Delta will benefit from our devoted profitable empowerment scheme as a means of dealing with the persistent youth restiveness and discontent which has now and then created security challenges.
Among other initiatives, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) will be revamped and restructured to become an continuing platform for unleashing the unfathomable creative energies and potentials of our youth in Rivers State.
Our Recovery Agenda for Nigeria has a frontal row seat for Rivers women who are brilliant, talented and hardworking. The women of Rivers State will benefit from our special entrepreneurial backing targeted at women in addition to being considered for appointments to various offices.
As a corporate citizen of Rivers State for many decades, I know that Rivers people appreciate that an Atiku presidency is intrinsically in their best interests, which is why you have made it your own project at great human and material sacrifice.
I assure you that your sacrifice and support will be completely rewarded with good governance that will allow your aspirations to be realized.
I hence urge you to keep the faith, even in the face of harassment and dispensable turbulent intimidation, turn out massively on Saturday, 25th February, 2023 and cast your votes as usual for PDP. I assure you that your sacrifice and support will be completely rewarded.
I wish you safe trip back home. Keep safe. May God continue to bless the Peoples Democratic Party. May God bless Rivers State. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you very much, ” he added.
Some of those present at the meeting included former Vice President Nnamadi Sambo; Atiku’s running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; PDP national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu; Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; former Rivers State governor, Celestine Omehia; Senator Lee Maeba; former PDP national chairman, Primce Uche Secondus, and former Niger State governor, Babangida Aliyu, among others.
