Only PDP will restructure Nigeria, Atiku tells South East

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6 years ago

THE presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has told South East people that they should not expect that another party other than the PDP can restructure the country.

Addressing a crowd of party loyalists and supporters in Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Tuesday, he said the PDP was primed to form the next government in the state and therefore asked them to vote for the party in their number.

He regretted the rising unemployment among youths, pledging to create job opportunities if he wins the February election.

The former Vice President said: “The reason why we are here for this rally in Imo today is because we are going to take over the state in the next election.

“Therefore, I want you to make sure that on the 16th of next month after voting, you remain here to protect your vote. Because the APC is not campaigning. They are not talking to you. They are not communicating with you. All what they are banking on is to rig. Therefore, stand and protect your votes and come out and vote.

“We have promised jobs for our young men and women. You either have an employment or business. We will help you set up your businesses.

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“We pledge that we are going to restructure this country. APC is not going to do it. Therefore, don’t vote APC. It is an evil party.

“Since Nigeria’s existence, we have never seen so many young men and women that are unemployed. They have turned this country into the headquarters of poverty in the world.

“They have destroyed our economy. When PDP was in government, we were growing at 6 per cent. Today, we are less than 2 per cent. And our population is growing at 3 per cent. Now our people are poor. This is what APC has brought to us.

“We have promised to restore the economy, to get the economy growing again so that there would be prosperity, jobs for all of you.

“When you vote PDP for the presidential and National Assembly, next election is the governorship and state assembly. Therefore, vote for PDP from top to bottom. Don let anybody deceive you.”

Also speaking at the rally, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who is also the Director General of the PDP presidential campaign council, observed that the turn out at the rally was a signal to the ruling party that the people were prepared for a new president.

He said the lie by the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Atiku’s inability to travel to the United States has been exposed with the recent visit to the country by the presidential candidate.

Saraki stated: “This is a rally that is sending a big signal that the entire Southeast, entire Nigeria is ready for a new president. Aren’t you ready for a new president? They are ready for a new President that ‘sabi the work,’ they are ready for a president that will create jobs for the youths.

“See our President, he is looking fresh. ‘They lie lie lie lie say e no fit go America, he go America come back.’ He is ready to lead Nigeria because he has the capacity.

“He has reserved 40% for you youths. Do you see any youth in Buhari’s government? This man will create jobs, he will take care of the youths and he will unite Nigeria. Do you want Nigeria to unite? Who is going to vote for?”

“This is a rally that is sending a big signal that the entire Southeast, entire Nigeria is ready for a new president. Aren’t you ready for a new president? They are ready for a new President that ‘sabi the work,’ they are ready for a president that will create jobs for the youths.

“See our President, he is looking fresh. ‘They lie lie lie lie say e no fit go America, he go America come back.’ He is ready to lead Nigeria because he has the capacity.

The PDP Vice Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, told the jubilant crowd to vote for the PDP to create job and restructure Nigeria.

Obi said that with Atiku, the Nigerian environment will be good again for Ndigbo to carry on their businesses.

In his remark, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), against manipulation of the election.

He said told the crowd: “Don’t allow them to steal your votes, they are not campaigning, they are not engaging the people, they want to steal your votes, you must not allow them.”

The rally attracted political heavyweights in the South East including Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) as well as former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.