Tinubu absent as Peter Obi, Atiku speak at NBA conference

Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, did not attend the 62nd annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Monday.

Other contenders, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party flag bearer, Peter Obi were all present at the event which took place in Lagos.

However, Tinubu’s running mate, Kashim Shettima was at the event.

The arrivals of the politicians shook the auditorium as their supporters hailed their 2023 presidential candidates with rapturous applause.

The former Anambra State Governor, Obi was cheered by the crowd at the conference as he made his entrance into the event hall.

Atiku, while delivering his speech, restated the need to restructure the country.

“I am a product of developed powers and I know what the regional governments did with those powers. That’s why I’m advocating for restructuring,” he said.

In a message via his verified Twitter handle, Atiku said the acronyms; Unity-SEED represents Unity, Security, Economy, Education and Devolution of power to states and local governments.

Atiku noted that it would be the basis of his policy framework if he is elected the next Nigerian president.

Atiku revealed that the five-fold programme is germane to the rebirth of Nigeria which the populace has been clamouring for.

He tweeted, “I used the opportunity of the first plenary session of the 62nd NBA conference to give Nigerian lawyers an insight into my bold policy framework that embodies Unity, Security, Economy, Education and Devolution of power to states and local governments, known by the acronym of Unity-SEED.

“I stressed how interconnected these five policy prescriptions are. I assured them that a new Nigeria of our dreams is possible in the hands of a bold man of experience.” Atiku tweeted.

Read also: How social media can impact election campaigns

Speaking on behalf of Tinubu at the event, Shettima said if his team clinches the presidential position benefits being reaped in Lagos currently will be reaped in all of Nigeria.

“So, we are going to replicate our achievements in Lagos, in Borno and some of the frontline states so that our nation will be a better place,” Shettima said.

Before the statement, the APC representative had said Nigerians are no longer sold on old political rhetorics. He also pointed out that leadership is one of the underlying problems of the country.

“Nigerians have the capability to see through the worn-out rhetoric and sophistry of pretentious politicians,” he said.

“Nigerians should follow the man wey know the road. From day one, we will hit the ground running. We’ll promptly address the issue of the economy, ecology, and security.

“And we have the antecedents. I built some of the best schools in Nigeria. Go to Borno and see wonders; you will never believe that it is a state in a state of war.”

In his own speech, Obi said Nigerians have moved away from a tribalistic or religious-centric mindset and they will vote for a competent person in 2023.

“The election we are going to have next year will not be about tribe, not religion, not connection, not entitlement,” Obio said. “But [it will be about]about character, competence, capacity, and commitment to deliver.”