Atiku Tells Igbo They Will Produce President After His Tenure
FORMER vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has told the Igbo that they can produce the next president after he must have completed his tenure, if elected in next year’s general elections.
The PDP candidate said during the Southeast PDP Zonal Stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu on Tuesday, September 27, that he is the stepping stone for them to become president of Nigeria, adding: “I’ve had close relationships with the Igbo and this influenced my choices of Senator Ben Obi and Mr. Peter Obi as my running mates in my two previous outings as presidential candidate.
“Again, I have chosen another great Igbo here (Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa) for the third time as my running mate. I have three Igbo children and I am saying this for the very first time in public. So, my relationship with Ndigbo did not start today.”
Atiku expressed optimism that he would win next year’s presidential election, saying his great relationship with the Igbo would continue until they assume the presidency after his tenure.
He promised to prioritise projects in the zone, taking a jab at the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government for discrimination against some parts of the country in terms of projects.
“The second Niger Bridge in Onitsha is not a favour to the Southeast, rather it is or should be seen as a favour to Nigeria, because it is not only the people of the Southeast that use the bridge,” Atiku said.
He described the meeting as part of his consultation with leaders of the various zones to thank them for their support and listen to their various issues, noting that he would be meeting both in consultation and preparation of campaign.
Atiku stated that the Southeast was the key contributor to the economic activities in the country, saying any government that wants to revive Nigerian economy and bring out opportunities must carry the people of the zone along.
“When you understand the importance of infrastructure for economic development, jobs and wealth creation, your focus will be on infrastructure development. The five priorities of my government are to unify the country, improve security, fix economy, restructure the federation and improve human capital development. This is the critical part that has great impact in our national development and improve quality of lives,” he said.
He reiterated that every segment of the country required to be giving sense of belonging, adding: “Our country is in a bad shape and rescuing it requires proper preparation, as you know Southeast is close to my heart. You have supported me through thick and thin and I will always remember that your sons and daughters have played a very positive role in development of my life and country.
“They were key personnel who played important role in PDP when I was vice president and they will continue to excel in other role across the world.”
