BY AGUNWA UZENDU, ABUJA
Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar explained that the Port Hacourt Presidential Campaign Rally was botched to avoid bloodshed.
Atiku said that he has a long history with the garden city and pledged to complete several government projects in the country if he becomes the next president of the country.
The former Vice President made the disclosure on Sunday at a meeting with Rivers State Stakeholders at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotel Abuja)
He lamented his inability to hold a rally in Rivers state and assured that “the turn of events that have led us to this unique style of a Campaign Rally.
“Although we did not wish for this, it became expedient that we think and act innovatively to protect the lives of our people from the mindless violence and bloodshed instigated by the very persons who have the primary responsibility for their security and wellbeing”.
“Our campaign and indeed the PDP subscribes fully to the position that no political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian”.
He said that he has connected with Rivers state both as a good corporate citizen and informally with several families in Rivers State over the years.
He said that Rivers State and Rivers people are bound by destiny to be critical stakeholders and beneficiaries of the Atiku/Okowa presidency in multiple ways.
“Amongst other dividends, the transportation infrastructure in Rivers State will receive priority attention. The existing seaports will be expanded to increase economic activities that will have multiplier effect on the economy of Rivers State for the prosperity of our people.
“The uncompleted rail line from Onne Port to join the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri rail line, which has been on the drawing board for decades will be completed speedily, while the deep seaport in Bonny will receive immediate attention.
“The completion of the East West Road will be a cardinal priority commitment for our presidency. The international airport in Port Harcourt will receive increased attention and investment to become a truly regional hub.
“The youth of Rivers State, like other states in the Niger Delta will benefit from our dedicated economic empowerment scheme as a means of dealing with the persistent youth restiveness and discontent which has sometimes created security challenges”.
Among other initiatives, Atiku pledged that he will revamp the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) to become an enduring platform for unleashing the boundless creative energies and potentials of the youth in Rivers State.
He further reiterated that his recovery agenda for Nigeria has a front row seat for Rivers women who are brilliant, talented and hardworking. He said that women of Rivers State will benefit from special entrepreneurial funding targeted at women in addition to being considered for appointments to various offices.
Atiku who said that he is a corporate citizen of Rivers State for many decades, added that Rivers people appreciate that an Atiku presidency is inherently in their best interests, which is why they made it their own project at great human and material sacrifice.
He assured them that their sacrifice and support will be fully rewarded with good governance that will allow your aspirations to be realized.
He urged them to keep the faith, even in the face of harassment and needless violent intimidation and turn out massively to cast your votes.
