The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu, has told Igbos that they must vote for him alongside other candidates of the APC in the forthcoming general elections to share in Nigeria’s “greatness and joy”.
Mr Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday at an APC presidential campaign rally in Umuahia, Abia State, in south-east Nigeria. TVC News, a Lagos-based television station, broadcast the rally live.
“You owe Nigeria and me three fingerprints. (There are) three people you must choose to share in Nigeria’s joy, happiness, and greatness.
“First, President. Please vote for me. Second, House of Representatives (candidates) and third, Senate (candidates) under the broom symbol,” he said.
Mr Tinubu made a similar promise to Igbos during a rally in Enugu State earlier this month when he said electing him as president is the South-only east’s route to “national cake”.
“You can only harvest when you invest. “You will only get a piece of the national cake if you vote for me,” Mr Tinubu had said.
Export and industrialization goals
During the rally in Abia State, the APC promised to industrialize the state and make it one of the country’s major exporters of manufactured goods.
“Your state is a manufacturing and industrial powerhouse. Today, my hope is renewed that we can achieve unprecedented industrial activity in our history by working together.
“The Aba market is one of the most important in West Africa. “I envision it becoming a major exporter of all types of manufactured goods to Asia, North and South America, and Europe,” said Mr Tinubu.
“I see this state humming with industrial activity to the point where it will become a world-renowned center of activity for everything from clothing to automobiles, appliances, and computers and their components.”
Job-creation plans
Mr Tinubu also promised to create jobs for the region’s and the country’s unemployed youths by strengthening the digital economy and improving power generation and distribution.
“We will provide better infrastructure to open the region and the entire country to the trade, export, travel and tourism in which you will excel. “These include roads, waterways, ports, rail, and the provision of consistent and dependable power,” he explained.
He reiterated his earlier promise to end recurring strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities if elected President of Nigeria, assuring that he would prioritize education and restore trust in the country’s education system.
“I promise you today that your frustrations will end. “None of you will take eight years to complete a four-year course,” he said.
The APC candidate also promised to address the country’s rising insecurity.
“Insecurity will be addressed through the use of advanced technological platforms for monitoring and tracking kidnappers and violent criminals,” he said.
“Security personnel will be better trained and compensated. They will show restraint when necessary, but also strength when put to the test. This country will be both safe and prosperous.”
