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Tag: Atiku Abubakar

  • ‘We welcome observers, but won’t accept interference in our electoral process’

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that while it welcome foreign observers coming to monitor the 2019 general election, it will not accept any form of meddlesomeness, intimidation or interference by any foreign country in the electoral process in the guise of election monitoring.

    The party said those coming to observe the election should be aware that Nigeria was a sovereign state and not a colony of any nation and should therefore apply international best practices in carrying out their functions as election observers.

    National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said in a statement in Abuja that the party was solidly behind the statement credited to the Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, adding that they were ready to defend the integrity of the nation.

    Onilu said “We stand fully by the statement as regards any country that thinks we are a colony; that we have a right to defend every inch of this country; and we are not a banana republic.

    “So what Governor El-Rufai said clearly is the position of this government that we are proud as Nigerians and we are ready to defend the integrity of this country and that any country that thinks in the name of election will want to interfere and dictate to us or intimidate us in any way, it is unacceptable. That is exactly what Governor El-Rufai has said. The PDP can twist it the way they want.

    “Governor El-Rufai never said people should not come and observe or monitor elections. And he was not referring to people who are genuinely coming to monitor and observe the elections. Nigerians also go to other countries as monitors and observers. So that is acceptable to us. We welcome peer review. What we don’t welcome and what is unacceptable to us is any country thinking we are a colony, we are not. We are a sovereign nation.”

    On the development within the party in Imo state, Onilu said the National Working Committee of the party was yet t9 take a decisi. On the disciplinary action taken against the Imo state Governor, Rochas Okorocha by the state chapter of the party.

    He said “We are aware of the situation in Imo and we have made our point clear. Let me reiterate that APC does not have an alliance with any party including the Action Alliance. We are not in alliance with any party whatsoever in this election.

    “However, we welcome support for our candidates from any party, but we do not have such an arrangement that accommodate the candidate of any other party besides APC candidates. In Imo and all the thirty-six states, including the FCT, we are campaigning for APC candidates and we expect APC candidates to win elections anywhere we are campaigning in a free and fair atmosphere.

    “We are also aware of the fact the Party’s local chapter has taken some disciplinary action as regards the Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. In last few weeks, we have been going round the country to present our scorecard before Nigerians and to seek a renewal of this mandate to continue the good work that President Muhammadu Buhari has embarked on.

    “The National Working Committee has not been able to seat on that and many other issues pending. In due course the NWC will meet and that may be one of the issues that will be considered.

    “As at today, the real issue in Imo is to emphasise the fact that APC is supporting all APC candidates in Imo and we do not recognise candidates that are not from the APC. We encourage the people of Imo to vote massively for APC candidates. The governorship candidate in Imo remains Senator Hope Uzodinma.”

    On the party’s preparedness for elections, he said “The APC has been working on a daily basis through our activities in terms of implementation of policy and programmes that touch on the common people. These are what we are now showcasing to the public as a means of telling them that the change we promised is actually taking place; seeking a renewal of the mandate they gave us almost four years ago

    “As we all can see, PDP missed the bus. They got to the bus station and instead of boarding the bus; PDP is busy picking on issues that do not concern them. All the time they ought to be campaigning, they wake up on daily basis based on their infamous Dubai strategy meeting that failed before they landed in the country

    “PDP showed abinitio that they were not coming into the elections to win it through the ballots. They put in place all sort of methods and illegal means they had wanted to deploy one after the other to get back to power through the backdoor. The PDP was busy creating false and fake news, spreading all sort of fallacies and that has now come to be their undoing.

    “It is clear that the elections in February 16, the election on March 2 are elections that the APC has demonstrated clearly that we are ready to win. The PDP has not offered any alternative to whatever APC is doing.

    “When you look at the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, he said on national television that one of his priorities is to make his friends rich but we are busy improving the lives of the common people. Nigerian will remember that. Atiku has said he is coming to sell national assets to his foreign and local friends.

    “The question we are going to ask during the election with our PVCs is what happened to all the national assets during the 16years of the PDP and especially when Atiku was vice president and chairman of the privatization council. National assets were sold for a pittance and they have all gone down.

    Read Also: FG invited our observers, EU replies El-Rufai

    “The only things that remain today are those that are personal to him. The gains he made from his position as vice president. This is the person that is contesting against our candidate. A person we just discovered paid heavily to get a 24-hours entrance into the US. That is the kind of person we want to have as president. Nigerians won’t do that.”

    He also frowned at the criticism that has trailed the redeployment of Commissioners of Police, saying “Few weeks ago, it was the same PDP that was crying that the police have been compromised and that the former Inspector General of Police was poised to deliver the election to APC. Now the president has taken the position by appointing a new IGP. Now I don’t know where the noise is coming from.

    “There is no need to deceive ourselves. The whole noise about the posting of commissioners of police is about Kwara state, Dr. Bukola Saraki who is scared stiff remembering all he had done  in the past when he had the control. What he normally used the police for, the way he used to manipulate INEC and he is thinking that the same thing may happen to him.

    “How could you suggest to the police not to carry out its routine exercise. If the police think it is part of its preparation to ensure a free and fair election, provide security before and after the election is to move its personnel around, how does that bother anybody?

    “It is because Bukola Saraki has realised without having control over INEC and the police, there is no way he can win his seat to comeback as a senator. He cannot even deliver his polling unit, without being aided by the police and INEC and that is what he has been doing before but is no longer available for him.

    “But let me assure him and his co travellers, the APC doesn’t need those illegal things to win elections. Infact, we need them to do their jobs, we need them to provide a level playing field to all political parties. That is all we want from the police, that is all we want from INEC. We don’t need the template Bukola Saraki and the PDP have been using and we are not going to use it.”

     

     

     

  • Atiku promises to revive Calabar deep sea port

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar has promised to revive the Calabar deep-sea port if elected.

    Atiku made the promise while addressing party supporters at the PDP presidential campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State on Friday.

    He said: “I want to promise you that the vision of Governor Ayade to have a very deep sea port in Calabar will be actualised.

    “Once that deep sea water port is operational, the number of jobs it is going to create for the young men and women of this state cannot be said.

    “It is going to create thousands of jobs for the young men and women of this state.

    “Let me also assure you, I am going to partner with him (Ayade) to make sure that the superhighway is realised”.

    Atiku described Cross River State as so much endowed with natural and human capital resources, adding the state parades some of the most educated people in the country.

    He continued: “If we can develop your manpower, already this is the only digital governor in the entire country.

    “So we shall continue to invest in education so that you can maintain your lead as far as educational advancement is concerned.

    “Because education is key to whatever you decide to do with your life, I want to promise you, Ben Ayade and myself will join hands and invest more in education.

    “We shall invest more in the industries, which he is building because we shall bring the private sector to be part of that investment so that this state can be transformed.

    “This will bring prosperity, so that you can have development, so that this state can have advancement.

    “So my brothers and sisters, make sure you turn up in your millions on the 16th of February to vote for the PDP and when you vote, remain there and ensure that your votes are counted and entered on the prescribed forms. Protect your votes because that is your future.”

    Atiku also promised to make his administration youth and women driven, saying that the future of country belongs to them.

    The PDP presidential candidate restated his admonishment to the Federal Government, the military and the police not to tamper with the electoral process or manipulate election results.

    “I have heard and I have read many statements from the military high command threatening people, threatening politicians.

    “Please you have no function whatsoever in our electoral process.

    “So be guided and remain and operate within the confines of our constitution.

    “I am a very constitutional person, I will protect law and order and I will defend law and order in our constitution”.

  • Nwodo expressed personal views in adopting Atiku – Ohanaeze

    …. apologizes to Buhari

     

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Friday apologized to President Muhammadu Buhari for the announced endorsement of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar for the 2019 elections.

    The President General of Ohaneze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, whose tenure was said to have expired, had announced Atiku’s endorsement a fortnight ago.

    But leading the Ohaneze group to the Presidential Villa, the Secretary General, Barrister Uche Okuku, while apologizing to the President, said that Nwodo only expressed his personal views and not that of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

    Read Also: Ohanaeze and the 2109 presidential election

    He said that a nine-man panel has already been set up over Nwodo’s pronouncement.

    “Our visit is to declare our stand,” he stated

    Other three groups that expressed support for the President during the visit include World Igbo Congress, World Igbo Union and Ndigbo Delegate covering the 19 Northern States.

  •  Clerics predict peace,  prosperity in Buhari’s second term

    There will be abundance, surplus and serenity across Nigeria in President Muhammadu Buhari’s second-term, according to 100 Inter-faith Clerics.
    These 100 clerics had earlier predicted Buhari’s re-election at the February 23 polls after holding a 40-day prayer and fast last year.
    As forecasted, the incumbent emerged victorious, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
    In its usual trend of accurate and unbiased prophecies, the religious leaders have predicted enormous gains in the next four years.
    The 100 clerics who are members of the National Inter- Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace made the declaration at the grand-finale of the 3- Days Thanksgiving and Salat Al- Shukur held in Abuja.
    Speaking on behalf of the Islamic clerics, Sheik Ibrahim Bulama expressed that the co-inhibition of both religions is a testament of president Buhari’s impeccable personality.
    “ We prayed and fasted for 40 days seeking the face of God for divine direction for Nigeria in our quest for greatness. We identified with President Muhammadu Buhari with a firm conviction that he would take Nigeria to the promised land. We also backed up our belief with prayers and supplements to Allah the most merciful and beneficent.
    “ And he heard our prayers and supplication by granting unto us our heart desires by the resounding victory recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari at the elections. Consequently, I say we have all done nobly.
    “ I want you all gathered her that there would indeed be a reward for the sacrifices in making supplications on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari for his success at the polls.
    “ In our actions, we have exhibited a resolve that Nigeria under Muhammadu Buhari is on the path to glory. In our prayer sessions, Allah indeed made us understand the uniqueness of the personality of Muhammadu Buhari in terms of his uprightness and sincerity of heart and purpose.
    “ We have so far exhibited that resolve to identify with an upright man whose integrity is unquestionable. Those who submit themselves completely to Allah and do good have grasped the Firmest Handhold. The result of all affairs is with Allah. (Surah Luqman: 22)
    “ Muhammadu Buhari has submitted himself entirely to Allah, and this much has been exhibited in his words and actions since 2015. We are grateful to Allah for the rare gift of President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigeria in whom we are pleased.
    “ My brethren, the uniqueness of this occasion is the fact that we have displayed a love towards one God and one nation in the interest of peace and tranquillity. And the anointing on President Muhammadu Buhari has reinforced our belief that we are on the right track on the journey towards greatness in this country.
    Speaking on behalf of the Christian clerics,  Arch Bishop (Dr) Julius Ediwe, added that anyone opposed to the president is challenging God’s authority.
    This is because Mr Buhari is the anointed choice for Nigeria as revealed during the 40-day prayer and fast.
    The cleric, Provost of the South-South College of Bishops, was particularly critical of some naysayers in disguise as prophets who forecasted defeat for the incumbent.
    “ Brothers and Sisters, let me make it clear here about statements coming from some supposed men of God describing the elections as rigged and not in the interest of the people. I am taken aback with such a statement, and in my capacity as the Provost of the South-South College of Bishops, I abhor such statement because God is not a man that he should lie,” he stated.

    Read Also:Lagos: group endorses Sanwo-Olu

    “ When it was revealed during the 40 days’ prayers and fasting that President Muhammadu Buhari would win the elections, where were they? Or are they insinuating that they have a monopoly of the Kingdom heritage?
    “ My brothers and sisters, I stand before you as a servant of God to say that God is indeed on the throne and for those that think otherwise should have a rethink. I say this with all authority that President Muhammadu Buhari was indeed Gods choice for Nigeria because I prayed and heard him clearly when he stated that Buhari is the chosen one to take Nigeria to greatness.
    “ I want to assume here today that one of the reasons for the display of anger because President Muhammadu Buhari won the elections might be as a result of the victory rally that was aired on the television stations across the country.
    Both groups, however, enjoined other Nigerians to pray and support the president to lead the country to greatness

  • Kano ready for Atiku, says PDP chair

    Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State Senator Masa’ud El-Jubril Doguwa on Thursday said the party is very much prepared to receive its presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

    He assured the grand reception will be the mother of all presidential campaign rallies.

    Doguwa, in an interview with reporters in Kano, declared that Atiku will storm the ancient city of Kano to witness a rousing welcome that would be unique and different from others.

    He said all hands were on deck to receive him to ensure a successful rally.

    According to him: ”We want to make sure that this rally is a grand rally and it is going to be the mother all rallies, because Kano is Kano.

    “I think it is going to be different and unique. No state in Nigeria will compare, with the standard of what the rally that would be held in Kano on Sunday.”

    He went on: ”There must be such circumstances in all political parties. Kano is the hotbed of politics in Nigeria. There must a united front.

    Read Also: Buhari in Kano: I’ll continue to fulfil my promises

    “There are differences in principles and attitude but we look at anybody that is coming to Kano as our own and Atiku is our own, is Kwankwaso’s own, Atiku is welcomed.

    ”We are all for PDP. Atiku from the bottom of our heart and everybody’s heart in PDP in Kano is our guest.

    “We will make sure that we receive him, with all paraphernalia that would be given to a high personality.”

    Commenting on the closure of the Sani Abach Stadium, El-Jibril, said: ”We have seen the State Government backtracking on their earlier decision that they would allow us PDP members to use the Sani Aabacha Stadium to hold our rally for our Presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar on Sunday.

    ” What I want to point out is that we rarely understand the action taken by Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission.

    “I believe the decision was taken unilaterally. If so, I call upon the government to suspend him or replace him with somebody, who is going to act within the confines of the law.

    “Secondly, if he has acted in accordance, with the norms or the directives, then government should know that it is making PDP more popular, making Kwankwaso more popular, alongside all other stakeholders more popular because this action has drastically reduced the popularity of the APC in Kano.

    “So, I call upon the government to look into this critical issue to make sure that it finds out the negative actions that is contrary to the norms of democracy in Nigeria. So, that is my stand.”

  • Ganduje makes U-turn, releases stadium for Atiku’s campaign

    In a sudden twist of events, Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Wednesday ordered the contractor handling renovation works at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata to immediately demobilize to pave way for the campaign rally of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to hold at the stadium.

    In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Youths and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba, indicated that the directive does not affect ongoing overhaul of the Indoor Sports Complex.

    According to the statement, “accordingly, the contractor has been directed to remove all machineries from the precinct of the stadium till after the campaign rally, while the state darling teams, Kano Pillars have been told to use the Pillars Stadium, Sabon Gari for its training sessions.

    “The general renovation of the stadium aimed at giving the stadium a face-lift included the installation of the new scoreboard, the running track and provision of sources for steady water supply to all parts of the stadium.

    Read Also: Buhari prevaricates on Ganduje

    “Recall that prior to this development, the PDP had slated February 2 for the rally, which informed government decision to mobilize the contractor only for the party to fix another date for the campaign rally when the contractor had already moved to site.

    ‘’As a democrat who believes in freedom of association, His Excellency the governor did not ordered the closure of the stadium to frustrate the campaign rally of the PDP. The stadium only closed for the intended renovation works,’’ the statement added.

    “While wishing the PDP a successful outing, the statement urged the leadership of the party to ensure orderliness during the event in order to avert destruction of facilities at the stadium.”

    The Nation reports that reports in the media had insinuated that Governor Ganduje shutdown the Sani Abacha stadium so as to deny the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, from using the stadium.

  • Atiku: APC has failed Yobe, Borno

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has said that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed the people of Yobe and Borno States.

    Atiku, who stated this Wednesday during the PDP presidential rally in the two insurgency ravaged states, listed security, job creation, health, education and other social amenities as key  areas in which the APC failed the two states.

    Addressing the crowd at the rally, Atiku said, “People of Yobe, over three years ago, you voted for APC; please I want to ask you all, what has APC done for you?

    “APC promised security, is there security now? APC promised to create jobs, are there jobs now? APC also promised to revive the economy, is the economy better now?

    “Today you are poorer, there is hunger everywhere, insecurity everywhere. People of Yobe State, what I want to tell you is that, these people have destroyed everything. Don’t let them take us backward, don’t vote for APC. This is not a party. They will not create wealth”

    Atiku restated his promise to reserve 70 percent of appointments the for women and youth population if elected President.

    Appealing to sentiments, Atiku reminded the gathering that it’s the first time one of their own from the Northeast geopolitical zone would be vying for the Presidency and urged them not to allow the opportunity slip off their hands.

    He said, “The entire people of Nigeria said this time around they want the President to come from the Northeast. Do you all agree? Will you all vote PDP?

    “If you vote PDP, I want to promise you all, that we will bring about lasting peace to the Northeast and the entire Nigeria. All those who know me know that I don’t lie and am not afraid. We will return peace and after that, I promise every one of you will return back to their local governments.

    “Also there will be jobs for the youth, schools will be open, hospitals will treat the sick and the poverty that is disturbing us will be stopped.

    Read Also: Atiku cautions security agencies on polls

    “Initially, they said the Northeast is the centre of poverty in Nigeria. We will put an end to that poverty. We shall create wealth, businesses will grow, there will be peace everywhere”

    He told the electorate in Yobe and Borno not to allow anyone steal their votes on election day, as he urged them to wait for their votes to be counted and results announced before departing their polling centres.

  • Atiku, Obasanjo owe Nigeria explanations on PTDF- Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar owes Nigerians explanations on alleged mismanagement of the Petroleum Trust Development Funds (PTDF).

    Tinubu said Nigerians need explanation on alleged theft of millions of dollar belonging to the PTDF, which Atiku superintended over during the regime administration of Obasanjo.

    He said it would be a big mistake if Nigerians elect Atiku in the February 16 poll, saying he has nothing to offer other than to sell the nation’s commonwealth.

    According to him: “They want to come back and sell our commonwealth. They promised to create 2 million job for you, and nobody ask them how.

    “When you were there with Obasanjo how many jobs did you create? How many times did Obasanjo say Atiku stole PTDF’s money?

    “The answer he always gave was that his former boss too stole money. Is this the kind of person you want to vote for?”

    He added that PDP are responsible for the electricity estimated billing system “saying their actions to share the electricity company into Generation and DISCO caused the hike in the tariff estimated bill.

    “What is Atiku response and PDP? He said what is wrong if I share Nigeria resources with my friends? Is that what you want them to come back to do”?

    Tinubu, who added that President Buhari deserves reelection due to his sterling records in all sectors, said the President has revived the agriculture sector and sponsored anchored borrowers who have generated over 5.8 million jobs.

    He urged the Ekiti people to vote for massively for Buhari come February 16 to enjoy more the benefits of good governance so as witness a new lease of life.

    Buhari told the crowd of party supporters and admirers who thronged the 12,000 capacity Ekiti Parapo pavilion, Ado Ekiti, the State Capital, that fighting corruption in a nation like Nigeria was a difficult task.

    Buhari added he would never be dissuaded to rid the nation of graft in line with the promise he made in 2015 to sanitise the country.

    President Buhari said he was quite conscious of the promises he made while contesting four years ago, particularly the ones that have to do with corruption, insecurity and resuscitating the economy.

    “We are fighting corruption but it has not been easy. But we told the security agencies to keep watch and ensure that those who have cases to answer do not escape justice.

     “As part of our promises, we are building roads, rail lines, fighting corruption.

    “We introduced Treasury Single Account and increased power  supply so Nigerians can have their own businesses.”

  • Explain how you got to the US, APC challenges Atiku

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar to come clean and explain to Nigerians circumstances surrounding his recent trip to the United States of American.

    Media reports quoting Reuters News agency have it the former Vice President paid heavy bribe to secure a temporary waiver of his alleged travel ban as a result of alleged corruption charges.

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa- Onilu, APC also accused the PDP and its presidential candidate of elevating falsehood and crying wolf in an attempt to discredit the forth coming general election even before it is conducted.

    The APC said: “Again, in the wake of the recent Reuters report that Atiku visited the US two weeks ago thanks to heavily paid lobbyists who aided the temporary suspension of a travel ban linked to decade-old bribery scandals and corruption indictments, we urge Atiku to come clean to Nigerians on his problems. This is the least he owes an electorate he wishes to lead.”

    “As the 2019 general elections fast approaches, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has watched with consternation how the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the last couple of weeks has elevated falsehood and crying wolf into an ignoble art.

    “Nigerians have also watched in disbelief how the PDP without proof has consistently and vehemently pilloried state institutions performing various roles in the coming general elections.

    “From security agencies to our election management body, the PDP has spared none its barefaced lies.

    “On a daily basis, the PDP has invented one lie after the other to discredit state institutions in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community.

    Read Also: APC, PDP step up attacks

    “PDP’s ignoble actions are unhealthy for our electoral processes and a threat to our maturing democracy.

    “The PDP’s game plan is simple: Discredit the entire process before, during and after the elections in order to make the final outcome a “nullity” in its own jaundiced eyes.

    “The PDP must understand that all registered political parties are equal stakeholders in the coming elections; hence the PDP’s tired narrative that the entire election process is skewed against it should be seen for what it is – PDP’s admittance of defeat.

    “The era of sham elections is behind us. The records of credible elections conducted since the APC took over the country’s governance are public knowledge compared to selections, impositions and fraudulent elections under the PDP.

    “We will continue in our progressive tradition of ensuring that elections are free, peaceful credible and every vote counts — The wishes of the electorate must prevail in all elections.

    “Against this backdrop, we urge INEC and other state institutions responsible for different election duties to remain firm and focused in the discharge of their legitimate roles. They must not be stampeded into taking actions that run contrary to the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

    “Our free advice to the PDP is that it concentrates its energy to resuscitate its floundering campaign, which has seen majority of its governors tacitly and openly avoid supporting the presidential bid of the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar.”

  • Atiku cautions security agencies on polls

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the nation’s security agencies against interference with the electoral process in the upcoming general elections.

    According to Atiku, the electoral process is outside the constitutional mandate of the security agencies, adding that their duty is to ensure the safety of voters in a seamless process.

    Speaking at the party’s presidential campaign rally in Jalingo, Taraba State on Tuesday, the opposition presidential candidate also warned that any government that involves the military and paramilitary agencies in electoral matters did not mean well for the personnel.

    Atiku harped on the need for security personnel to remain neutral in the electoral process, saying such role is clearly outside their constitutional responsibilities.

    He said, “Our security services, you have no business to interfere with our political process, that is not your work. Your work is to make sure that there is peace, law and order. It is not your business to interfere in our political process; this is not your constitutional responsibility at all.

    “Your constitutional responsibility is to make sure that we are all safe. Any government that draws the security agencies, the Police, the Army, the Civil Defence, that government is doing more harm to your career, is doing more harm to your patriotism and more harm to yourselves.

    “Don’t accept that, don’t get involved, allow us to choose the leaders we want to choose and to elect the people we want to elect. It is not your business whom we elect at all. So I want to caution the security services not to get involved because there are many of us who were also security officers, so don’t come and tell us bullshit”.

    Atiku assured the Taraba people that he will tackle insecurity, which has become a major challenge in the entire Northeast zone.

    Read Also: Endorsement of Atiku, a fraud, says APC

    He also promised to complete the Mambilla Hydro Electric Power and to create the enabling environment for job creation.

    Continuing, Atiku said, “I want to promise you that the much awaited Mambilla Hydro Electric Power, we will complete it so that you will not have problem of power whatsoever.

    “I also want to promise you, that your federal roads will be taken care of. Taraba is one of the most endowed states in this country. We are going to exploit the natural resources which are in abundance in Taraba so that you can have prosperity, so that we can bring employment, so that we can create jobs for our teaming men and women”.

    Apparently referring to his presidential aspiration, Atiku told the crowd of supporters that the Northeast zone is closest to the Presidency now than ever before and charged them not to allow the opportunity to slip away.

    “And this is the first time since 1999, when you are going to have a President from this state, you are going to have a President from this zone. So do you want to take it to another state, to another zone. No! God bless you”.

    The PDP presidential candidate urged the people to vote and ensure their votes are protected and counted, even as he assured that their loyalty to PDP will never go unrewarded.

    Also speaking at the rally, the national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus accused President Muhammadu Buhari of setting the military against geopolitical zones perceived to be against his re-election bid. He reminded the security agencies of their constitutional responsibility to defend the entire country.

    Secondus said, “We have issue of Boko Haram in Borno. They should tackle that issue. Buhari, don’t use the military to terrorise regions that you don’t like.

    “Enough is enough. The Nigerian military is to defend our territory’s integrity. We shouted aloud that foreigners were entering into our country. They have no response to it because we have evidence.

    “We will continue to hammer that the election must be free and fair. We will continue to address these issues until that day. We believe that when you conduct free and fair election and we elect a credible candidate, that is the only way to bring peace in this country.

    “We believe that anyone that wins from a free and fair process, that person will be the choice of Nigeria. But if you manipulate, if you rig this election, the PDP and others will not accept it. INEC, be warned”

    The Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku who hosted the rally said that Atiku has the solution to the problem of insecurity and unemployment that have ravaged the Northeast and assured that the state would be delivered to PDP in all the elections.