The Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has disclosed his campaign commitments for Rivers State. Additionally, he claimed that he skipped holding a campaign rally in the region because he didn't want any accidents or property damage to occur there.
This was said by Atiku when he met with Rivers State PDP officials late on Sunday night in Abuja. His campaign and the PDP, he claimed, both agreed that no Nigerian's political ambitions were worth their lives.
Recall that PDP leaders rejected the site proposed by the G-5 governor and governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike after he cancelled the previous licence to utilise the place.
In Rivers State specifically, there has been a great deal of election-related violence. Leading PDP figures in the state, including Senator Lee Maeba and the former Transportation Minister Abiye Sekibo, have come under fire.
Opposition candidates for governor, including Senator Magnus Abe of the SDP and Dumo-Lulu Briggs of the Accord Party, were assaulted throughout the state as well.
But the former vice president remarked, "I want to start by acknowledging the circumstances and turn of events that have led us to this unique type of a campaign rally when I addressed the Rivers PDP leaders in Abuja.
“Although we did not wish for this, it became expedient that we think and act innovatively to protect the lives of our people from the mindless violence and bloodshed instigated by the very persons who have the primary responsibility for their security and wellbeing.
“Our campaign and indeed the PDP subscribes fully to the position that no political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.
“Clearly, events on the ground in Rivers State, and this gathering here at the insistence of our Rivers PDP family, confirm the historic relationship between me and Rivers state.
“Beyond being a good corporate citizen of Rivers State, I have deeply connected with several families in Rivers State over the years, a relationship that has endured for decades, long before politics. That is why I remain confident of the support of Rivers people for PDP and our presidency,” Atiku told the audience.
He said Rivers State and the people of Rivers were destined to be essential parts of the Atiku/Okowa presidency and benefit from it in many ways.
He also told the people of Rivers that the state would return to being the most important one in Nigeria’s government and politics.
“Amongst other dividends, the transportation infrastructure in Rivers State will receive priority attention. The existing seaports will be expanded to increase economic activities that will have a multiplier effect on the economy of Rivers State for the prosperity of our people.
“The uncompleted rail line from Onne Port to join the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri rail line, which has been on the drawing board for decades, will be completed speedily, while the deep seaport in Bonny will receive immediate attention.
“The completion of the East-West Road will be a cardinal priority commitment for our presidency. The international airport in Port Harcourt will receive increased attention and investment to become a truly regional hub.
“The youth of Rivers State, like other states in the Niger Delta, will benefit from our dedicated economic empowerment scheme as a means of dealing with the persistent youth restiveness and discontent, which has sometimes created security challenges.
“Among other initiatives, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) will be revamped and restructured to become an enduring platform for unleashing the boundless creative energies and potentials of our youth in Rivers State.
“Our Recovery Agenda for Nigeria has a front-row seat for Rivers women who are brilliant, talented and hardworking. The women of Rivers State will benefit from our special entrepreneurial funding targeted at women in addition to being considered for appointments to various offices.
“As a corporate citizen of Rivers State for many decades, I know that Rivers people appreciate that an Atiku presidency is inherently in their best interests, which is why you have made it your own project at great human and material sacrifice.
“I assure you that your sacrifice and support will be fully rewarded with good governance that will allow your aspirations to be realized.
“I, therefore, urge you to keep the faith, even in the face of harassment and needless violent intimidation, turn out massively on Saturday, 25th February 2023 and cast your votes as usual for PDP. I assure you that your sacrifice and support will be fully rewarded.
“I wish you a safe journey back home. Keep safe. May God continue to bless the Peoples's Democratic Party. May God bless Rivers State. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you very much,” he added.
Former Vice President Nnamadi Sambo, Atiku’s running mate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP National Chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Former PDP National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus, Former Governor of Rivers State Celestine Omehia, Senator Lee Maeba, Former Governor of Niger State Babangida Aliyu, and others were in attendance.