The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has promised to restructure Nigeria, if voted into office at the February 25, 2023 polls.
Abubakar, who was Nigeria’s former vice-president, made the pledge during his campaign speech at the U.J Esuene Sports Stadium in Calabar, the Cross River state capital, southern Nigeria.
The presidential candidate said that for there to be real economic development, there was the need for the states to have more power and greater control of resources within their domain.
Restructuring Nigeria
‘I mean reducing some powers from the centre and giving to the states.
‘I am ready to restructure Nigeria. In fact, it is one of the major policies of the PDP. It is part of my 5-point policy for Nigeria.
‘Topmost on my 5-point covenant is unity. I intend to promote unity and economy is another.
‘Education, security and infrastructural development are part of the policy.
‘I am proposing a railway from Lagos to Calabar to enhance transportation. One important infrastructure we will face once we come into office is the dredging of the Calabar Port.
‘The aim of dredging the port would be to enhance the economy of Cross River and Nigeria.
‘Once the Calabar Port is functional, it will be beneficial to the people. It will also dovetail into our plan to boost agriculture in Cross River state.
‘I have factories in Adamawa state and if the port in Calabar were working, I would not need to pass my goods through Lagos ports.
‘If you open up the Calabar port, the eastern flank of Nigeria will be served and that would be massive business and employment for people in this part of the country.
‘Developing the Calabar port will be a golden opportunity for the state and if you vote PDP, we will implement this project which has been grounded by the APC,’ he promised.
Unemployment/ Youth Restiveness
Speaking further of plans to tackle unemployment and youth restiveness, Abubakar pledged to set aside 10 billion US dollars to empower Nigerian youths, especially in the area of skill acquisition, developing small and medium businesses as well as educational enhancements such as scholarships.
‘I plan to invest 10 billion US dollars to empower youths and women.
‘Providing revolving loans and assisting our youths to establish micro and small businesses is important for our socioeconomic growth,’ said the PDP presidential hopeful.
Atiku urged the people to vote for all PDP candidates at both the state and national levels for a more beneficial government as well as to enshrine good governance across Nigeria, while commending the people for turning out en mass to support him and the party.
‘This gathering is evidence of massive support we (PDP) enjoy in this state. I appeal for loyalty to the party so as to reap from the 5-point development agenda,’ said Atiku.
Also speaking, his running mate and governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa described Cross River as being strategic to the country:
‘As a strategic state to this great country, your vote matters and should count. I enjoin you to support us in the move to bring back Nigeria’s lost glory.’
There were goodwill messages from the PDP national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu; the leader of the party in Cross River and former governor, Senator Liyel Imoke as well as the Cross River State Presidential Campaign Council chairman, Mr. Gershon Bassey.
However, a faction of the PDP which comprises the state chairman of the party, Mr. Venatius Ikem; the Cross River state PDP governorship candidate, Senator Sandy Onor; and their supporters were visibly absent from the rally amidst speculation that their absence was not unconnected to their undivided loyalty to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state.
It would be recalled that the PDP has been in an internal crisis over party leadership: The presidential candidate, Alh. Atiku Abubakar and Governor Wike of Rivers state, Southern Nigeria, have had opposing views with Gov. Wike calling for the removal of the party’s national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
According to Wike, there is the need for the South to produce the party’s next national chairman.
Edited by Amaka E. Nliam
