Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has promised to revive the economy of the country to what it was between 2011 and 2015, if elected as president.
Atiku made the promise on Tuesday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, while addressing party members and supporters at the PDP Presidential Zonal Rally.
The former Vice President said that the nation’s economy was rated the biggest in Africa and third fastest growing economy in the world during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s regime.
He also promised to restructure the country, adding that APC will not do so if reelected.
“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. 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 6percent. Today, we are less than 2percent. And our population is growing at 3percent. 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,” he said.
While urging the people to vote massively for the party’s candidates at the national and state elections, he urged them to protect their votes.
The Wife of the Presidential candidate, Jamila Atiku Abubakar who hails from the region, urged her people to come out enmasse to cast their votes for her husband because he has what it takes to put the country in the right direction.
Also speaking at the event, Director General, PDP Presidential Campaign Council and Senate President, Bukola Saraki, mocked the governing APC over the successful visit of Atiku to the United States of America.
He urged the people to ignore the promise by APC Presidential Candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, who said he would give youth ministerial appointment if reelected.
According to him, the PDP Presidential Candidate would give youths 40percent appointment if elected.
On his part, the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commssion (INEC) that a rigged election is an invitation to crisis and they will held responsible.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of PDP governorship flags to the party’s candidates in the five South East states of Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo by the PDP National Chairman.
Dignitaries at the rally are: Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi; his counterpart in Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; Imo PDP governorship candidate, Emeka Ihedioha; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, serving and former National Assembly members from the zone, among others.
OWEDE AGBAJILEKE
