The Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic party PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has promised to tackle insecurity if elected president next month.
Addressing a rally in Gusau, Zamfara State, the former Vice President expressed disappointment that apart from Borno and Yobe states, no other state in the federation has suffered insecurity like Zamfara.
He said the development has led to lost its economic wherewithal including trading, farming and animal husbandry.
He said only a PDP government can restore the state to its glorious days including as a textile and railway hub.
“We have been looking forward to coming to Zamfara because of what we are reading on social media. Now, we have seen that it is true.
“Firstly, I want to use this opportunity to condole and sympathize with you. I know that apart from the people of Borno and Yobe, there is no state that suffered the loss of people apart from you as a result of banditry, armed bandits among others,” Atiku said.
“We pray that God will bring this to an end, but the end of it all is if God wills it is to vote for PDP”.
“I promised to restore peace and security in Nigeria. I have done it in the past. So, I see no reason why with your support and backing by the grace of God there won’t be peace in Nigeria.
“Secondly the people of Zamfara are known for trading, farming, and rearing. Today, none of these exist. Therefore with your support, we will restore all businesses, ensure that all our youth are schooling without hitches.
“When you elect your governor, we will collaborate with him to ensure that all things Zamfara needs are done. As a federal government, we will ensure the construction of a railway that brings wealth to Kaura (Namoda).” he noted.
We will work with the state government to revitalize the closed-down textile company. We will give businessmen capital to open these textiles for job generation. We will open borders because it is not in line with the law. Our borders are closed while others are open.
The PDP Vice Presidential candidate and Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, expressed confidence that Atiku would win 80 percent of Zamfara votes.
He described the PDP flag bearer as the only one that can bring back peace to the state, support its businesses and drive away hunger.
“We cannot go to bed hungry, Atiku will help the women, Atiku will help the youths and create jobs for us. His promise is to give us a better life, to give us a better Nigeria and I thank you for supporting him. With Atiku, Nigeria will be great again.”
Reporting by Victorson Agbenson; Editing by Fany Olumoye, Julian Osamoto & Adeniyi Bakare