The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has affirmed his commitment to restructuring, particularly devolution of more powers and resources to states so that zones and local government areas would be developed.
Atiku, who disclosed this on Thursday, at the presidential campaign rally of the PDP in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, said he would ensure increased funding of the education sector and prompt payment of teachers to prevent any disruption to academic activities.
He stated: “The southwest is also known to be a business centre; that is why in our economic programme, we are committed to making sure that industrialisation of the southwest is achieved and has the support of the federal government.
“We must make sure that there is inclusion; every part of this country will be represented in our government not like what the APC government is doing. We also commit to make sure that we take control of our security situation so that there is peace, law and order in every part of this country. This is our commitment,” Atiku asserted.
In his remarks, the vice presidential candidate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, tasked Nigerians to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to show their displeasure and unhappiness at governance led by the APC in the past eight years.
Okowa said Atiku is the only one among the presidential candidates with relevant experience to take Nigeria out of the difficult times presently being experienced in the country.
Similarly, the PDP Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, promised that a PDP government at the federal level would ensure improvement in the quality of life of Nigerians.
He said: “We will make sure we improve your roads, education, because the other party did not care when our children were at home for one year. That is irresponsibility. PDP will make sure schools are open; roads are good; food is cheaper; fuel is better. We shall improve the quality of life all across Nigeria.”
Speaking further, Ayu said the National Working Committee (NWC), under his leadership, had returned the PDP to its origin and to the ownership of the ordinary people, stressing that no single person or group of people can control the PDP.
Other party leaders who spoke at the campaign rally described Atiku Abubakar and running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa as the only prepared candidates who would hit the ground running from day one and the most prefered candidates for the task of leading Nigeria back on the path to greatness, appreciating Governor Seyi Makinde for encouraging mobilisation of party members to the rally.
Present at the Ibadan rally were: wife of the PDP presidential candidate, Titi Abubakar; governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom); former vice president, Namadi Sambo; former speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara.
Also Senator Dino Melaye; former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mrs Jumoke Akinjide; former Oyo deputy governor, Mr Hazeem Gbolarumi; Senator Hosea Agboola; chairman, Oyo PDP, Mr Dayo Ogungbenro; Oyo Senatorial candidates, Mr Joseph Tegbe and Mr Akinwale Wolekanle.
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