The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has promised to turn the south east into an industrial hub if he wins next February’s presidential election.
The former vice president gave the assurances at the PDP’s presidential campaign rally at the Heros Square on Saturday in Owerri, the Imo State.
He said: “For me, it is homecoming to Imo again. The first chieftaincy title I got in the Southeast was in Imo State.
“I gave an airport to the community I belong to. So, If I become the president, Imo is the president.”
On insecurity, Atiku noted that if elected, he would sit and dialogue with aggrieved individuals to resolve the insecurity problem in the state.
“If you elect me, I will sit with stakeholders and sort out the issue of insecurity. If you elect me, business and trade will pick again. This is part of my policy document. There will be no need for any young man and woman not to have anything to do. We will provide an environment where things can work,” stated Atiku.
The Adamawa-born Atiku reiterated his stance on restructuring when he said: “We will work with the National Assembly to ensure powers are devolved to all parts of the country.
“We are capable of bringing stable development to this state as we have done before and we would do it again. Look at me, I am still strong and I can do it,” added Atiku, whose speech was interrupted on a number of occasions with chants of his name by the vociferous crowd of party supporters and admirers.
On one of such occasions, Atiku told the crowd: “As I see you like this, I don’t feel like leaving you. God bless you all and bless Nigeria.”
On his part, the Chairman of the PDP, Iyorcha Ayu, warned that the party will lot tolerate division within the party. He assured the people that if Atiku is elected he will bring development to the state and tackle insecurity.
“I brought the good people of Imo a piece of good news. The state is a PDP state. The last election you won. Since 1999, the state has always been a PDP state. All those that left, including Rochas Okorocha, were all PDP. We must ensure unity to win. We won’t tolerate division in the party. We must work together and produce the president on the 25th of February. Everyone must mobilize everyone. Once you win the presidency, we will take Imo back.,” said Ayu.
“If you vote Atiku, he will bring security and development to the state. Vote a person who understands the country and know how to tackle insecurity.”
“Igbo people are prosperous people and we will support the youths and women,” Ayu said
Earlier in his address, Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, Ifeanyi Okowa, who addressed the multitude in Igbo to the delight of the gathering, said: “The Imo youths have shown they are ready to vote for the PDP. I am impressed by the numbers.”
Okowa noted that as entrepreneurs, Imo youths will benefit immensely from the PDP.
He said: “Atiku will set aside $10bn to support small business across the country.”
The DG, PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Gov Aminu Tambuwal, while addressing the crowd earlier, said: “Atiku is very familiar with the issues of Imo, southeastern states and Ndigbo. He is here seeking your support to recover this country from insecurity, poverty and economic woes. If you vote for him you will be convinced that Atiku is the only candidate that can set Nigeria to the path of greatness.”
Earlier, aformer governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, told the gathering that a vote for Atiku will ensure their vote is secured and no one would steal their mandate again.”
“If we vote Atiku nobody will steal our votes again. Under seven months, I paid all pensioners owed, restored good governance. I ask you to transfer the love you have for me to my boss, Atiku Abubakar, the former governor said.
