The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that President Muhammadu Buhari administration is dead because of its failure to delivery on the its campaign promises to the people.
The former Vice President noted that since the present government assumed office over four years ago, the Buhari administration has taken steps to promote widespread decadence in national economy, a development he lamented had produced unprecedented expansion in the level of poverty, unemployment and misery in the land.
Speaking on Monday at a political rally in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, Atiku criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration for non-payment of salaries and allowances of workers.
He said: “The unemployment rate which is very prominent in Kogi State and the whole country is a disaster; you know our number one programme of the next PDP
government is the creation of job. I want to commit to you before you that we will create as many jobs as possible to reduce the
unemployment.
“The inland Ports which this government has abandoned, we started it; when you vote for PDP, we will come back and complete it for you. Kogi State is endowed with so many natural resources, look we want to convert those natural resources into tangible resources and the resources that can contribute to the improvement of your lives and that can bring development”.
He further stated: “We will make sure all the infrastructural development projects that had been abandoned are completed.
“I have always advocated for the restructuring of this country. If there is any state that is going to be beacon of progress, a beacon
of hope after restructuring, is kogi State because Kogi State has all what it takes to be one of the most promising states in this country.
“Therefore, do not be deceived by APC, you have seen them, you have voted for them, what have they done in this four years? What have they done here in Kogi State? They can not even pay salaries and pensions. Schools are not working, hospitals are not working, this is a dead government and we have the opportunity to correct it now. We made the
mistake, I made the mistake, today, we have retraced our steps and we are determined to correct the mistake that has been made. How many of you will vote for PDP?”
He condemned what he called government tendencies to clampdown on opposition politicians stating specifically that
“Kogi State has one of the most prominent young politicians in this country who has been a victim. Today, he is under detention, unlawful detention for that matter.
“Dino, Dino. Free Dino! Dino!! , Free Dino! , Free Dino!!” he shouted and the crowd chorused after him.
He assured Nigerians of his commitment to the revival of the power sector, stating that “Ajaokuta is the legacy of the PDP. The power stations, Geregu 1 and 2 are the legacies of PDP. I am here to pledge to you that if you vote
for PDP and you return me as President, all those projects that have been abandoned by this government, I will complete them for you”.
In his remarks, Senate President and Director General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Bukola Saraki, lamented the growing level of poverty and urged supporters not to ignore that factor during voting.
“Come February 16, when it is time to vote we will remember one thing, the poverty and the hunger. Also, the insecurity is too much. These are not meant for Nigeria, we are not born to suffer. So people of Kogi most go out on that day, but if you believe that this hunger is not enough you can follow them. But if you know is time that we end this hunger in this country, this is the man you will vote for for (pointing to Atiku)”.
In a reference to the controversial remarks in a recently released audio tape, Saraki said:
“My own Presidential candidate cares, my own Presidential candidate knows, my own Presidential candidate reads. My own Presidential candidate is ready to move Nigeria forward.
So my people of Kogi, it is a serious matter”.
Other personalities at the event include the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi; former governors of the state, Ibrahim Idris and Idris Wada as well as National Assembly members from the state.
OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja
