Devolution of power will bring about development ― Atiku

Atiku

ALHAJI Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stressed the need for devolution of power in Nigeria for even development.

He said that the power at the centre had hindered the nation’s growth economically and infrastructurally, submitting that the only restructuring is the answer to myriads of challenges battling the country at this point in time.

Abubakar spoke through his wife, Titi, at the 14th Otunba Gbenga Daniel Annual New Year Sing Song Thanksgiving and Memorial Service, held at Abraham’s Tabernacle (Baptist International Worship Centre), Sagamu, on Sunday.

The Presidential candidate who was the Special Guest of Honour at the service which had in attendance, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Pa. Ayo Adebanjo, the chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, noted that his administration if elected into power, would ensure that the country is restructured in the overall interest of all.

Atiku said Nigerians would be delivered from the shackles of oppression and bad governance in his government and thereby sought for their support in the February 16 elections, by voting for his party, PDP.

He commended the former governor of Ogun State, Chief Daniel, for sustaining the annual Thanksgiving service in appreciation of God’s faithfulness over his life, family, well-wishers and supporters.

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Atiku promised to take the country back on the path of greatness through his commitment to restructuring.

“We all know that the power at the centre is enormous, that is why the call for devolution of power is necessary. Atiku wants to restructure Nigeria. Atiku wants to take Nigeria to greater heights. He wants to bring back the lost glory of the country. He will provide massive employment for the unemployed ones, empower the womenfolk, provide security and engender rural development,” the Presidential candidate said.

He admonished the gathering to vote for him in the election while urging those who are yet to pick their Permanent Voter Cards to do so in earnest, by voting for redemption and restoration.

In his remarks, Oba Ogunwusi, sued for peace among the nation’s politicians, emphasising on the need why all and sundry must embraced peace at the country is transiting into another dispensation.

He charged the youths not to give themselves away as an instrument of violence as the election approaches.

“Let us always do the right things at the right time. Our politicians must embrace peace and pursue it. Nigeria and the land of Oduduwa will continue to grow in leaps and bounds. Our youths should be wary of politicians who would want to engage them as political thugs,” the monarch said.

In his exhortation, the National Director, Nigeria Prays, Revd (Dr) Moses Aransiola, pointed out that Nigerians were not best served by the kind of politics being practised by politicians.

He described Nigeria politics as dissembling, confrontational, unethical, diabolical and hypocritical, saying the politics undermines the morale and saps the strength of the people.

He gave an assurance that the appointed time is near for Nigerians to be delivered from the myriads and complexity of challenges in the country.

Daniel in his short remarks explained that the duo of Atiku and Papa Adebanjo had been consistent in the clamour for the nation’s restructuring and therefore solicited for votes for PDP.

The former governor who is the Director-General, Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, equally appreciated Awolowo Dosumu for being an advocate of restructuring and for keeping the legacies of her parents, the Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Yeye Oodua, HID Awolowo alive.

He, therefore, called for unity of purpose among various contestants for different elective posts in the state.

Others who graced the service were Senators Femi Okurounmu, Buruji Kashamu, Grace Bent, Ben Bruce-Murray, Abiodun Olujinmi, Kola Bajomo, Ben Obi, Ayodeji Otegbola, Prof. ABC Nwosu.

Former Minister of State for Defence, Chief (Mrs) Olusola Obada, Chief Olabode George, the Oyo State governorship candidate of PDP, Engr Seyi Makinde, Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and wife, Toyin, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu, the deputy governorship candidate of ADC, Mrs Toyin Okeowo-Bolade among others.

The vice presidential candidate of PDP, Peter Obi, later graced the occasion.