By Pamela Eboh
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has promised to help the Igbo produce president of the country after his tenure.
He also said that he would make the Onitsha port functional if elected as president come 2023.
Atiku made the promise during his presidential rally at the Alex Ekwueme Swuare in Awka, Anambra State capital.
He said, ” On our arrival today we visited Governor Soludo and he said to me that he believe that I will work when I win.
So, he urged me to reconstruct the federal roads and control erosion menace in the state, as Anambra is regarded as erosion headquarters in the country. And I promised him I will do that.
“I also promise to dredge the River Niger and make sure the Onitsha port becomes functional, if you vote in PDP in 2023. We shall also industrialise the state to create jobs for our youths.
While describing himself as the stepping stone to actualise Igbo presidency if elected in 2023, Atiku added, “If you really want to produce a president, then vote Atiku/Okowa. I thank you for this wonderful reception and we promise not to disappoint you.
“I’m going to be the stepping stone to Igbo presidency. I have shown it by my actions because this is the third time I will be contesting with an Igbo man as my running mate.”
The PDP presidential hopeful described the state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, as a trusted partner he would need to move Nigeria forward if elected in 2023.
In his speech, the vice presidential candidate of PDP, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, hailed party leaders for the high level of campaign in Anambra communities.
He said, ”We are appealing to you all to vote for PDP in the general election. Our presidential candidate, Atiku, is the most experienced among all the candidates contesting, and he is determined to transform Nigeria for good.
The National Chairman of the party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu on his part urged the electorate to vote massively for PDP.
He described Anambra as a PDP state and not All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Ayu added, ”PDP started in Anambra with our leader, Dr Alex Ekwuene. So Anambra is PDP not APGA. APGA is a son to PDP and in future we shall bring APGA back to their home which is PDP.
“The Igbo people, particularly in Anambra are stakeholders in Nigeria because there is no village you will go in this country that you will not see an Igbo man. This makes them more national people in Nigeria.
“I beg you to vote PDP because we have a very competent candidate, who is a businessman like you and also your in-law. Sometimes, your in-law is better than your son.
He urged people to go and get their permanent voter cards and vote for Atiku/Okowa, saying that it is a team that will not only solve Nigeria’s security problems, but stabilise and transform the climate this country.
