The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to rescue Nigerians from the grip of poverty, hunger and unify the country.
Atiku spoke this when PDP rolled out its presidential campaign train at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Monday.
He described Nigeria under the leadership of PDP as the good days, urging Nigerians to return PDP to power for the country to experience economic boom, job creation and security.
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“When PDP came into power in 1999, we met Nigeria in a state of poverty, insecurity, hunger and lack of education. We lifted Nigeria from the bottom to the top. We became the biggest economy in Africa, we had peace, we had progress then Nigerians said they wanted change.
“They voted for change in 2015, what have we seen? What we have seen is poverty, insecurity, lack of jobs, and disunity,” the former Vice President said.
Acknowledging the developmental strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel in the state and successful hosting of the presidential campaign, Atiku pledged to return the country to prosperity, unity and safety if voted into power in next year’s general elections.
The Chairman, Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Udom Emmanuel, said the presidential campaign inauguration marks the beginning of hope, rescue mission, and restoration in the country urging Nigerians to join the train that will liberate the nation from its present economic quagmire.
Governor Emmanuel further assured Nigerians that PDP will address unemployment, education and insecurity which have been setbacks over the years.
“I want to remind you in case you have forgotten when PDP handed over power, the exchange rate was N186 to $1, now the exchange rate is almost N800, when Nigeria handed over power, Nigeria was the largest economy in Africa, so today we want to flag-off the hope for Nigerians, restoration and rescue mission for Nigerians,” host of the presidential campaign pointed out,
The Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal described Atiku Abubakar as the most experienced candidate for the plum job.
The Governor of Sokoto State said the ticket recognizes the plurality and diversity of Nigeria, and expressed confidence in them to move the country forward.
The PDP Vice Presidential candidate, and Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, said PDP has presented a chance to rescue Nigeria from its present economic woes being the only party that is prepared to fix the challenges of Nigeria over the years.
Speaking for the Governors Forum, Arc. Darius Ishaku, who is also the Governor of Taraba State assured Nigerians that once PDP comes into power, the narrative would change, while insecurity, education and economic will be addressed.
The PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, called on all members of the party to work in unity, pointing out that Nigerians are more concerned about the challenges affecting the nation and not a minor misunderstanding within the party which will be resolved.
Ayu presented Peoples Democratic Party flag to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate.
Present at the campaign launch included ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Senate Presidents: David Mark, Bukola Saraki and Anyim Pius Anyim and former PDP chairmen: Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo, Alhaji Adamu Muazu and Prince Uche Secondus.
Others were Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke; Senator George Sekibo, Rivers East Senator; and Senator Lee Maeba, among others.
Atiku visits royal fathers
Earlier, Atiku Abubakar had paid a courtesy visit to the traditional institution, at the Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat, Uyo, assuring of working with the traditional institution to forestall peace and stability in Nigeria.
The former Vice President appreciated the warm reception accorded him by the traditional institution and the hospitality of Akwa Ibom people, and assured to collaborate with the traditional rulers to promote peace in the country.
“I feel exceedingly honoured for the opportunity to pay courtesy to this reverend traditional institution. I want to assure the traditional institution of our preparedness to work with you to ensure peace and stability in our country.”
Governor Udom Emmanuel thanked the guests who accompanied the PDP presidential candidate in paying homage to the traditional fathers, as well as President-General of the Traditional Rulers Council for receiving the party’s candidate.
Responding, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, advised the political class to remain focused in their campaign, emphasizing the need for issues based devoid of rancour but placing Nigeria first.
Etuk who appealed to the PDP presidential candidate to consider fixing the road network and security, decried that the deplorable state of roads across the country has been a major setback in terms of economic development, calling on the political class to be involved in community security.
