Promises to put an end to ASUU strikes…
Promises to give the desired attention to restructuring and resource control
Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, has reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s ailing economy, as well as improving security and quality service delivery in the education and health sectors.
On Tuesday, Atiku made the promise while speaking to a crowd of party supporters in Delta State.
He stated that the PDP campaign train was in Delta State to express gratitude to the people of the state for their support since the party’s inception in 1998.
The candidate also expressed gratitude to students from various Niger Delta institutions for turning out in large numbers to support the Atiku-Okowa Presidential ticket, promising not to disappoint them.
“Because of the support we have received all along, particularly in my entire political career from 1999 to date, Delta State has never failed me, and I want to tell you that I shall not betray the trust of Delta State, and indeed the entire Delta sub-region,” Atiku said.
“I want to assure you that education is on my agenda. I’d like to thank this young man for endorsing our candidacy today on behalf of all Niger Delta students.
“There will be no more ASUU strikes, as stated in my policy document. The issue of resource control or restructuring is one of the items that are beneficial.
“You as Niger Delta shall benefit from that policy because it is our intention to devolve more powers and more resources to your respective states to deal with your problems instead of waiting for the federal government to do so.
“This APC government has divided Nigeria, north-south, Christian-Muslim, and in every other way.
“It is our commitment to restoring this country’s unity. How do we do it, how do we get there? I promise you that we will ensure that every part of this country, every religion in this country, has a sense of belonging in the federal government.
“And what else did I promise you? As I previously stated, the security of this country is paramount. Without security, you cannot develop education, the economy, or live in peace.
“It is our responsibility and commitment to make sure we secure this country safe wherever you may live. Do you know why you must believe in PDP?
“Delta State has been PDP since 1999, have you seen the kind of progress that have been achieved in Delta State, is that not PDP?
“Is that not PDP, Why will you go to another party for God’s sake? There is no reason for you to do so. In my five-point agenda, I promised to give the economy a commanding height.
“Once you improve all those things I am saying you will see foreign investment trooping in just like when the PDP was in power we had the biggest economic growth until we became the biggest economy in Africa. Isn’t that correct?
“We had no problems with foreign exchange, high inflation, scarcity of goods, and prices of goods and services. Why will you vote for another party that has failed us for the past eight years?”
Earlier, Dr. Iyiorchia Ayu, National Chairman of the PDP, expressed delight at being given the honor of commissioning several developmental projects carried out by the Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration last April.
“Last year in April, I came here and commissioned so many projects to be carried out by your governor,” he explained. I was in Warri last month for the first time, and it was my first time on a boat for two hours. I had never seen a market floating on top of the water before, but this time I commissioned a market in Warri floating on top of the water, as well as roads and schools.
He urged the people of the state to turn out in large numbers to vote for the PDP in the upcoming elections.
Ayu also led party chieftains present at the event in welcoming those who defected from other political parties in the state to join the ranks of the PDP.
Governor Udom Emmanuel, Chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, referred to the Delta State campaign as a celebration in his remarks.
He reiterated the PDP’s pledge to revitalize ailing industries across the country, particularly in the Niger Delta, in order to create jobs and stimulate the economy in order to attract direct foreign investment.
Emmanuel said, “All the companies that were here, they have all gone, but with your son as the next Chairman of the National Economic Council and with our President, the man who knows Business, who has done business.
“In this life, if you cannot run a kiosk, you cannot run a multinational corporation; it takes someone who has managed business, education, and people to be able to manage Nigeria out of the situation we are in today, and the only person is Atiku and Okowa of the PDP.
“In those days, when you enter Warri and other areas, you will see the activities of the oil companies and our area was booming, because we own 50% and the foreigners own 40%, so the Chairman will return all IOCs to the Niger Delta and the economy will boom again,” he said.
