As he was unable to host a rally in Rivers State, PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar met with local party officials on Sunday evening to discuss his plans if he wins this Saturday’s election.
By outlining his plan to advance the state’s development, the former vice president assured them that the people of Rivers will benefit from his presidency.
He defended the decision to have the meeting in Abuja by arguing that his goal was not worth the lives of Nigerians being shed. The party was unable to hold its presidential rally in Port Harcourt, he said.
“My dear people of Rivers State, physically represented here today by a cross section of politicians, opinion leaders, and individuals from many walks of life, I greet you,” added Atiku.
“I want to begin by recognizing the situation and course of events that have brought us to this particular type of campaign rally.
“While we didn’t want it to be this way, it became necessary for us to think and act creatively in order to safeguard our people’s lives from the senseless murder and violence that their primary caretakers are responsible for instigating.
The PDP, as well as our campaign, firmly believes that no political ambition is worth the blood of a Nigerian.
“Evidently, the current situation in Rivers State and this gathering here, called for by our Rivers PDP family, confirm my long-standing ties to the state.
In addition to being a good corporate citizen in Rivers State, I have developed a close bond with a number of families over the years. This bond predates politics by decades. Because of this, I continue to believe that the people of Rivers would support the PDP and our presidency. Destiny dictates that Rivers State and its residents would play a significant role in the Atiku/Okowa presidency and benefit from it in a variety of ways.
“Let me therefore tell the people of Rivers that the state will reclaim its dominant position in Nigerian politics and governance.
“Among other benefits, Rivers State’s transportation infrastructure would get first consideration. To promote economic activity that will have a multiplier impact on the economy of Rivers State for the benefit of our people, the existing seaports will be extended.
“Although the deep seaport in Bonny will receive immediate attention, the unfinished rail line from Onne Port to join the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri train line, which has been in the works for decades, will be completed quickly.
“Our leadership will make the completion of the East West Road a top priority. To become a true regional center, the international airport in Port Harcourt will get more attention and funding.
“Our focused economic empowerment program will assist the young of Rivers State, as well as other states in the Niger Delta, as a means of addressing the ongoing youth restiveness and discontent that has occasionally produced security concerns.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), among other initiatives, will be updated and reorganized to provide a dependable platform for maximizing the limitless creative potential and energies of our children in Rivers State.
“The intelligent, talented, and hardworking Rivers women have a front row seat in our recovery plan for Nigeria. The women of Rivers State will gain from our particular female-focused business funding as well as be given consideration for appointments to various offices.
The Rivers people understand that an Atiku presidency is intrinsically in their best interests, which is why you have made it your own project at enormous human and material cost, as a corporate citizen of Rivers State for many years.
“I can tell you that the good governance that will enable you to accomplish your objectives will fully merit the sacrifice and support you have provided.
“I thus kindly request that you continue to vote for the PDP as normal on Saturday, February 25, 2023, despite threats and senseless violent intimidation. Your sacrifice and support will be amply repaid, I can guarantee you.
