Tackling insecurity dominated speeches made at the presidential campaigns of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jos, Plateau State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State yesterday.
Addressing party supporters in Jos, the presidential candidate of the PDP), Mr. Atiku Abubakar, said he would address insecurity plaguing the state, if he is elected president in 2023.
“If the people of Plateau want peace, they should vote PDP. We promise you that we will restore peace to Plateau State and the entire country,” he said.
Atiku also promised to revamp the economy of the state as well as run a government that would work for every Nigerian and restore the nation’s glory.
We will revamp the economy and bring about development and also link those roads with your neighbouring states through comprehensive rehabilitation.
“We will also make sure that this state is connected to neighbouring states as far as road infrastructure is concerned.
“The roads in Plateau State are in a very bad state. There are no connecting roads to neighbouring states. I will ensure we fix them immediately we get into office.”
Atiku also said his administration would restore the tourism potential and other economic activities in the state.
“Plateau was renowned for its nice weather and ambience, a potential that could generate millions of dollars to benefit the people and the state economy, if showcased.
“Our government, working hand in hand with the state government, would work to improve tourism nationwide to enhance internally generated revenue and improve the lot of the people.
“In our bid to unleash the full potential of this beautiful state, we will revisit the Kura falls power generation plant, we the older ones here recall in the not distant past how this plant was serving the whole of Plateau State and beyond but this is not the story now as power outrages are back to even this beautiful city is Jos.
“The PDP will seek to enhance every possibility of development, upscale governance and enhance service delivery.
“My good people of Plateau State, I have said it before and I am saying it again, I will raise $10 billion to empower youth, women, the physically challenged and the vulnerable in our society, if elected, ” he added.
Also speaking at the rally, the party’s national chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu said the PDP was on a historic mission.
He denied that there was schism within the party adding that its members were one on the same mission and urged the party’s supporters to vote for all of its candidates.
For his part, Atiku’s running mate and governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, said his principal would not be difficult to sell to the electorate ahead of the 2023 general election.
He lauded the process that produced Atiku as the PDP candidate, stressing that the party did well by bringing out a “good product”.
“The PDP has done us well by giving us a good product. When you have a good product, it is not hard to sell such a product. That product the PDP has given us today is Atiku Abubakar.
“One man who is prepared, has the experience and ready to work with all Nigerians to turn things around for the good of our youths, for the good of our women and for the entire country.
“We cannot miss this opportunity again. That is the best product that Nigeria has. We know we have 18 political parties, but there is only one man that stands out with the necessary experience to turn all Nigeria around for the good of all Nigerians.
“We want a Nigeria that works for every one of us, a Nigeria that will work for our youths, a Nigeria that will provide jobs for our youths, a Nigeria that will encourage industries, a Nigeria that will encourage our women, a Nigeria that will support our men. We are able to say yes, this is the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.
For his part, the APC presidential candidate, Mr. Bola Tinubu promised to eliminate the bandits terrorising the north if elected president next year.
Tinubu who to APC supporters at the flag-off of the north-west presidential campaign rally, held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, assured Nigerians that they would not regret if they give him the mandate as president.
“All those trouble makers, all those kidnappers, killers who are troubling the security of Kaduna and northern Nigeria, I assure you, we will eliminate them,” he said.
In addition, he promised to prioritise job creation, gainful employment of Nigerian youth, and improvement of agricultural production by establishing a marketing board that would give both farmers and consumers standard prices of agricultural produce.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to get their permanent voter cards (PVCs) and vote APC during the elections.
“Every one of you should go home with determination, check your PVC, do not let them deny you your PVC. If you have not collected your PVC, please, in the name of Almighty Allah that gives power, go and collect your PVC,” he added.
I’ll bring prosperity to Kogi, Ajaokuta steel – Peter Obi
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has promised to resuscitate the Ajaokuta Steel Company if elected Nigeria’s next president in 2023 general elections.
He said he would bring prosperity to all the three senatorial districts of Kogi, with the enormous resources endowed naturally by God.
Obi made the promise on Tuesday (yesterday) in Lokoja, during the LP presidential rally in Lokoja, Kogi capital.
He expressed optimism that a functional Ajaokuta steel project, would bring about employment of millions of unemployed youths with economic prosperity, among others.
“Steel industry is very important to the development of the economy, therefore, we will liaise with professionals and experts who know what to do with the Ajaokuta steel company immediately we are sworn in,” he said.
On security, Obi promised that his administration would secure the country from criminals, save it from collapse and unite its citizens with a view to returning the country to one family it was known years back.
According to him, the LP government will ensure that the rule of law and human rights are rooted firmly in the country, a development where nobody will be oppressed.
On the welfare of workers, the LP candidate promised Nigerians to synergise with state governments to clear arrears of their minimum wage and other emoluments to boost their morale and increase productivity.
On agriculture, the former Anambra State Governor, described Kogi as a geo-political entity that could feed itself, process its endowed agricultural produce for export to reduce poverty and propel the state to high level of prosperity.
Obi reiterated his commitment to change Nigeria from consumption to production nation, if elected.
He urged Kogi electorate to do the needful and vote for LP candidates at all levels, assuring them that they would collectively make Nigeria great.
The LP presidential candidate urged the people to reject other parties at the polls even if they bring money to buy their votes.
“If they give you money, collect it and vote against them, because it is your money. Tell them you want to follow those who know the road that you are tired of being in the wilderness.
“2023 election will be about character, competence; who has the capacity and capability to bring prosperity to Nigeria, which required physical and mental capacity, and with your trust.
“Tell them that the 2023 election is not about religions or tribe but about the prosperity of our nation,” Obi said.
In his remarks, Obi’s running mate, Mr. Baba Ahmed-Datti, urged electorate to collect their permanent voter’s cards (PVCs) and vote for the LP candidates at all levels.
“It is only the party that can change the narrative, eradicate poverty, hunger, and negative developments in the country.
“We will keep our words, hold us responsible for our actions and inactions, if you vote us into power next year.
“We will move the country out of poverty to wealth, stop the killing and start the healing, Nigerians should trust us with their votes,” he assured.
For his part, the national chairman of the party, Mr. Julius Abure, also advised electorate to vote for the party, assuring them that ”LP is what Nigeria needs to solve her numerous social, economic and political problems.”
Earlier, the convener of “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign organisation, Mrs Aisha Yesufu, who was on the presidential campaign train, told the mammoth crowd that “Nigeria needs Peter Obi as he represents fearlessness needed to address the insecurities in the country.
“We are no longer safe in our own homes, we must vote for somebody we can hold accountable to provide good governance.
“Our lives must be made better, we must vote for someone who can make our lives matter, Peter Obi is the one.
“Nigerian youths are tired of knowing someone before you can gain employment, vote for inclusiveness, let’s give Nigeria a president that is competent and can deliver us,” she added.
The rally was attended by party supporters from the 21 local government areas of Kogi, and other members of the society.
NAN
