THE presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, December 5, urged residents of Lagos State to take their destiny into their own hands by voting for the PDP in next year’s general elections.
Speaking at a rally to flag off the PDP presidential campaign in the state at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, Atiku said his party was poised to install people’s government, as against ‘family government’ being practised in the state since 1999.
The former vice president, who claimed that most of the notable infrastructures in the state were built by the previous federal governments and not the ruling APC, charged the electorate to vote for PDP because of their future and that of the country, adding: “It is time for you, the people of Lagos, to liberate yourself from a family government to the people’s government, which is to be led by “Jandor,” the Lagos State PDP governorship candidate.
“For the people of Lagos, it is high time you took your destiny into your own hands for your own future. It is right and it is your duty to take back that governance and hand it over to yourselves. That is what the PDP is out for.”
He said if elected as president, his team would revamp the economy, strengthen the security and restructure the country to position it on the path of sustainable growth and development.
“If you elect me as your president, I said and I mean it, by the grace of God, I am going to set aside $10 billion, so that we can empower our young men and women in small and medium enterprises. People were asking me where I will get $10 billion. If I privatise Port Harcourt refinery, Warri refinery and Kaduna refinery, I am going to get the money.
“Let me also promise you, if you elect PDP government, we are going to restructure this country. We will give your state and local governments more powers and resources. It is up to you to hold them responsible.”
In his remarks, his running mate and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, urged party leaders and members to go out en mass to campaign for Abubakar, “for it to be well with Nigeria”.
Akwa Ibom State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Udom Emmanuel, said PDP’s administration would make Nigeria’s economy to bounce back, noting: “Atiku will restore the economy and bring back the lost glory of Lagos. We want a Nigeria that works for everybody, not only the rich but also the poor.”
The party’s National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, said PDP had truly brought hope to Nigeria, adding: “Lagos is going to be liberated. We are going to liberate Lagos. Liberating Lagos is liberating Nigeria. Today, we have brought you hope and bring a man who is ready to liberate Lagos. With the President of PDP, we will make sure life is better for all.”
