Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has promised business and trade will pick up again if elected in the presidential election slated for February 25, 2023.
The former vice president made this known at the PDP’s presidential campaign rally which witnessed large supporters of the party at the Dan Ayam Stadium in Owerri, Imo State.
According to Atiku: “For me, it is homecoming to imo again. The first chieftaincy title I got in the South-East was in Imo state. I gave the airport to the community I belong to. So, If I become the president, imo will be the president.”
On insecurity, the PDP presidential candidate noted that if elected, he would sit and dialogue with aggrieved individuals to resolve the insecurity problem in the state.
“If you elect me, I will sit with stakeholders and sort out the issue of insecurity. If you elect me, business and trade will pick up again. This is part of my policy document. There will be no need for any young man and woman not to have anything to do. We will provide an environment where things can work,” he said.
The Adamawa-born politician reiterated his stance on restructuring when he said: “We will work with the National Assembly to ensure powers are devolved to all parts of the country. As the chairman said, we are capable of bringing stable development to this state as we have done before and we would do it again. Look at me, I am still strong and I can do it.
On his part, Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, warned that the party will not tolerate division in the party. He assured the people that if Atiku is elected, he will bring development to the state and tackle insecurity.
“I brought good news to the good people of Imo. The state is PDP state. The last election you won. Since 1999, the state has always been a PDP. All that left including Rochas Okorocha were all PDP.
“If you vote Atiku, he will bring security and development to the state. Vote for a person who understands the country and knows how to tackle insecurity.”
“Igbo people are prosperous people and we will support the youths and women,” Ayu said
Earlier in his address, vice presidential candidate of the PDP, Ifeanyi Okowa, said: “The Imo youths have shown they are ready to vote for the PDP. I am impressed by the numbers.”
Okowa noted that as entrepreneurs, Imo youths will benefit immensely from the PDP.
Director General, PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, while addressing the party faithful, said: “Atiku is very familiar with the issues of Imo State, southeastern states and Ndigbo. He is here seeking your support to recover this country from insecurity, poverty and economic woes. If you vote for him you will be convinced that Atiku is the only candidate that can set Nigeria to the path of greatness.”
Earlier, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, told the people that a vote for Atiku will ensure their vote is secured and no one would steal their mandate again.”
“if we vote Atiku, nobody will steal our votes again. In seven months, I paid all pensioners owed, restoring good governance. I ask you to transfer the love you have for me to my boss, Atiku Abubakar,” the former Deputy Speaker said.
