The Presidential Campaign train of the All Progressive’s Congress (CPC)
moved to Imo state today – 12 January, 2015.
The campaign which has seen APC Presidential Candidate Muhammadu Buhari,
along with other members of the party, visit the states in Southern
Nigeria Port-Harcourt, Cross River, Imo, Delta, Bayelsa, have also
visited the South-Eatern states Abia , Ebonyi, Anambra,Enugu states
respectively, continued today with a rally inOwerri, the commercial city
in Imo State.
The day however began in Abuja with an Inauguration Ceremony for the
Campaign Council, during which Muhammadu Buhari requested that the crowd
join him in observing a one-minute silence for victims of the recent
attacks in Baga. He also enjoined his supporters to desist from any form
of violence.
Buhari, along with his running mate Professor Yemi Osinbajo, then moved
to Imo State, where he was warmly received by other APC dignitaries
including Dr Chris Ngige, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Imo
State Governor Rochas Okorocha.
The ceremony which was hosted by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a member of the APC
national campaign council, had the party’s dignitaries give comments on
the presidential candidacy of the APC, and made the case for APC
aspirants running for office this year.
Opening remarks were delivered by the Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi
Amaechi, after an opening prayer led by the Anglican Bishop. “We have
an honest man as president,” Amaechi said. “Whatever he says, he will
surely deliver. He is a man of integrity and a zero tolerance to
corruption.”
APC National Leader John Oyegun also took to the stage. “For 16 years we
have been going from bad to worse,” he said. “The trouble with Nigeria
is leadership, and Igbos must embrace the moving train of change.”
Governor Rochas Okorocha then took the stage, and, spoke on the essence
of voting for a government focused on the issues that matter. “Our
economy is a paper quoted one,” he said, while the excited audience
screamed and approved. “The best way to judge the economy of a nation is
to see the stomach of the ordinary man.” He went on to extol the virtues
of Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as “a man of character, discipline
and strength”. He also dismissed suggestions of plans by Muhammadu
Buhari to “Islamise” Nigeria. “His cook for over 25 years has been a
Christian,” he said. “The driver he has had for over 30 years is a
Christian. His last daughter is married to a Christian.”
Muhammadu Buhari himself then took the stage, speaking directly to the
issues facing the nation. “It is clear to see that security is of
paramount importance to our economy,” he said. “We have laid clear plans
to solve our security issue.” He rounded off by encouraging members of
the public to pick up their Permanent Voters Cards and ensure they vote.
Also present at the event were APC National Secretary, Osita Izunazo,
first Governor of Abia State, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, former Governor of
Anambra State, Dr. Chris Ngige, and former Governor of Kwara State,
Senator Bukola Saraki.
