Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, has donated N50 million to victims of banditry in Katsina state.
If elected in 2023, the former vice president also promised to handle the country’s security and economic concerns.
Atiku made the pledge during a PDP presidential campaign rally in Katsina on Tuesday.
Following the bandit attacks, several victims of the attacks have sought safety in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
During a courtesy visit to the Emir of Katsina, Dr Abdulmuminu Kabir-Usman, at his palace in Katsina, Atiku expressed sympathy for the people of the state and other states facing insecurity and other issues.
“I sympathize with the people of Katsina and other northern states confronting security and economic issues,” he added.
“I want to tell you that if elected as president of Nigeria, I will end all these difficulties.
“On my behalf, I donate N50 million to victims of banditry in the state who have relocated to other places as a result of banditry attacks in their communities,” Atiku said.
In response, the Emir stated that the emirate will only pray for and support candidates who are willing to address the state’s and other regions of the North’s security concerns.
He praised Atiku for his resolve to address the country’s ills of insecurity and poverty if elected president in 2023.
Atiku also paid a visit to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s mother, Hajia Aya Dada Yar’Adua, in Katsina. Turai Umar Musa Yar’Adua, the former first lady, was present during the visit.
The campaign train also paid a courtesy call on Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, the Emir of Duara.
Atiku stated that the PDP is determined to bring the country ahead and urged Nigerians to vote for the party’s candidates in the 2023 general election.
Speaking further during the Katsina event, Atiku stated that the PDP has done a lot to build Katsina and that the people must reciprocate by voting for its candidates in 2023.
Mr Iyorchia Ayu, the PDP National Chairman, stated that Katsina was Atiku’s second home.
According to Ayu, it was past time for people who had left the party to return and help propel it forward.
Also addressing, PDP Vice-Presidential candidate and Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa stated that the party has the ability to lead the country out of its current difficulties.
Okowa stated that with individuals like Atiku as president, Nigeria will be better off.
“If Nigerians elect the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, security challenges will be a thing of the past,” he stated.
