Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has promised to use the vast intellectual and human capital resources available in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria for development.
Atiku while addressing supporters from across the state and beyond at the presidential campaign rally of the party held at the ‘Parapo’ pavilion in Ado- Ekiti the state capital, said Ekiti state is the center of intellectuals, with more educated people in the state than any other state in Nigeria, “ I can assure you that a PDP federal government will make use of the human capital that God has endowed you with in Ekiti, it is your God-given gift and we shall utilize that human resources that God has given you. Besides we want to make sure that particularly our young men and women have businesses to do, and have sources of income. That is why I pledge to set aside Ten Billion US dollars so that those young men and women who want to get involved in enterprises will be given loans and capital so that they can achieve their lifetime ambition”. He added.
Atiku appreciated the crowd for defying all odds to attend the rally, which made him happy promised he will reciprocate when elected into office as president next month. “We will go out of our way to provide you with everything that you want us to provide, some people were talking about the road from here to Akure, we will do it and all the roads that connect Ekiti state with other states we shall construct them”.
Turnout
The former Vice President of Nigeria called on the supporters to turn out en mass as they did during the campaign and vote for the PDP on election day “we will make sure that on the election day whatever you may need to make sure that you go to vote and protect your vote is made available to you”.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal, the PDP Presidential campaign Director General said the party is fighting for Nigerians and that as intellectuals in their own right, he believes they are ready to exercise their right to freedom of expression and movement “We appeal to you that you must continue with this momentum and deliver Ekiti state for PDP. When Atiku Abubakar comes on board, he will by the grace of God, strengthen the Copy Rights Commission so that all of the innovations, all of the intellectual works by the people of Ekiti state and other Nigerians will be given due protection by the administration of Atiku Abubakar because we appreciate your intellectual prowess, we appreciate your intellectual capacity and that of every Nigerian”. Tambuwal said.
Enabling environment
Tambuwal said the PDP administration will provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive because the government of Atiku Abubakar will have an operational manual for the extractive industry, for the mining of mineral deposits which Ekiti state is blessed with.
The Vice Presidential candidate of the party, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state southern Nigeria said it is time for the people of Ekiti state to bring back the government that cares for them and all Nigerians “We want as a party to begin the process to recreate a new Nigeria, where everybody will be happy, where people will get employed, where our youths can have hope for their future and when they are leaving the school, they know that there is something in stock for them to do. This is what Atiku Abubakar has promised us”. He added.
The National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu asked the people of Ekiti state to join the PDP in the task to rescuing and building Nigeria. “We shall strive to build the party in Ekiti State, it is not for any individual, those of you who are here are the ones that make up the PDP family. With your Permanent Voter Cards, PVC’s on the 25th you will show that you have the power”. He added.
Ayu said if they voted in Atiku Abubakar, the people of Ekiti “will have a president who will build the roads, create jobs and other infrastructure”.
The PDP Presidential campaign council is making concerted efforts to hold its rallies in the 36 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, and engage with voters before the 25th February general election which starts with the presidential and national assembly election, the governorship and states assembly election will hold on 11 March 2023.
For the PDP and Atiku Abubakar, they are determined to winning the forthcoming election. They would be leaving nothing to chance; being the last chance to contest for Nigeria’s top job.
Olusola Akintonde
