.Assures on restructuring
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential standard bearer in the 2019 elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar, yesterday promised to restructure Nigeria within six months if given the opportunity to be the president of this country, calling the All Progressives Congress (APC) “a party of liars”. The former vice president stated that he would send Buhari back to Daura, his hometown in Katsina, after the 2019 presidential election.
“This Buhari must go,” the PDP presidential candidates told teeming party supporters at the ancient Mapo Hall, Ibadan, in the Oyo State capital. Atiku, who was accompanied by chieftains of the party led by the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and Director General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation and Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, stated that the ruling APC sold lies to Nigerians in 2015. His words: “In 2015, some liars, deceitful people came here to deceive us and we gave them our votes. But we have discovered that they have failed to deliver all the promises they made to Nigerians.
In the history of this country, the best prosperity, peace, educational advancement were all enjoyed under the PDP. “He (Buhari) promised us jobs. But instead of giving us jobs, over 12 million jobs have been lost. They promised to alleviate poverty, but we are becoming poorer as a country. Now, Nigeria is the poverty capital of the whole world.
Is this kind of government you want to continue with? If I’m given the opportunity, we shall return prosperity to this country. “Everyone knows that I chaired the best economic team in this country. If you give me the opportunity again, I will organise the best team that would bring economic prosperity back to this country. South-West has been known for educational advancement; if I’m given the opportunity, I will ensure that this zone regains its glory. “One of the most touted things is restructuring of this country. Today, I pledge that within six months, we shall begin the process of restructuring. I have lived in this city and I am not a stranger to Ibadan or Yo-ruba race, therefore, don’t believe APC again. PDP needs your support.
This Buhari must go.” Atiku promised prosperity for Nigerians if given the opportunity in 2019. According to him, “If you give me the opportunity to serve this nation as a president, I will return back your prosperity; I will make sure you are all living well; I will restructure Nigeria within six months if voted into power. Don’t believe in APC, they are liars. “Some liars and deceitful people will be coming to you for votes, I urge you not to vote for them, because they are nothing but liars and deceitful people, they should be stopped from ruling us come 2019.”
On his part, Secondus, who was optimistic that Atiku will take over the mantle of leadership of Nigeria from Buhari come 2019, said: “Atiku will take over and rescue Nigeria from all hunger, insecurity and all sorts. APC has gone to Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) to raise money for their campaign. Nigerians must stop APC now before they damage our country. We must say enough is enough to Buhari come 2019 general elections. “APC is afraid because they know it is Atiku who can rescue this country. Nigeria is in crisis. Atiku has achieved a lot in public and private sectors.
An emperor of APC says Buhari is not fit. So, by February 16, 2019, let all of us troop out and cast our vote for PDP. “Don’t allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies to manoeuvre or intimidate you. They promised us security of lives in 2015. But, look at the killings going on in the country. When they kill, the President will say he is not aware.
His government has collapsed,” Secondus said. On corruption, he alleged that the Buhari administration is the most corrupt government. “Where is our $25 billion? Where is our N8 trillion? Under this government, corruption has gone to the highest level. APC has gone to NPA to raise money for election. All government agencies should be careful. Enough is enough.” Senator Bukola Saraki, in his own comments, noted that APC promised three things when it assumed power. Some of the things he said the ruling party promised, were security and provision of food. “But, today, security has gone worse in the North- East, Ogun and other parts of the country. There is insecurity and hunger in the South-West.
We need someone who would bring food on the table. I was in Ilorin on Wednesday, people said the suffering is too much. What you can do to stop it is to go out and vote. “Nobody can give us employment. It is Atiku. He has business ventures. Just on Wednesday, 42 political parties teamed up with Atiku and promised that they would send Buhari to Daura,” Saraki said. However, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, told New Telegraph that Atiku lacks the character to govern Nigeria. The APC said: “It is a shame that PDP would be parading itself as a party that could restructure Nigeria economy.
“The former President Olusegun Obasanjo had given his verdict on the presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku Abubakar, that he cannot be trusted with the Nigeria’s economy. Yet, Atiku is still parading himself as a messiah. “Nigerians are wiser. The 2019 elections would not be based on rhetoric, but on character. Unfortunately, PDP and its presidential candidate do not have the character to govern.”