The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar Monday claimed he used the National Assembly to scuttle ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third term agenda.
Atiku, who disclosed this during its strategic meeting with National Assembly PDP candidates in Abuja, said he has the experience to manage the executive and legislative arm of government.
The former nation’s number two man said it’s very important as members of the same party that they have robust engagement and understanding in their respective duties.
“During my tenure as vice president, I developed a very intimate relationship with members of the National Assembly and it is that relationship that enabled us to stop a third term or life presidency attempt by President Obasanjo.
“I really look forward to engaging you again as regard to the National Assembly for your constitutional functions to further deepen democracy, development and progress of our nation.
“Our nation has found itself in one of the most challenging times in the history of this country. You know that we are more divided than ever before, because of the activities and the policies of the current APC government.
“Likewise, our security situation has gone from bad to worse, our economy is in shambles. These are very serious challenges facing us, you in particular and also the executive.
“We must work together to take out the country from its present predicament and malaise. These are no mean challenges; these are challenges that the Constitution has bestowed on both of us to discharge.
“I therefore want to wish you success in this deliberation and to assure you the most important thing is if you’re elected and I’m elected, you are not going to work with somebody unknown or somebody who doesn’t have the experience.
“Like what we have currently today, we have a president who doesn’t even understand what the National Assembly stands for. So, you’re going to walk somebody who has worked with the National Assembly before and successfully too, facing the incumbent president and still making sure that we protected the constitution,” said the former vice president,” he said.
On his part, the vice presidential candidate and Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, charged the candidates to speed up campaign and ensure the party’s victory.
He said: “We have been on national campaign, yes, but our senatorial candidates and candidates in the House of Reps have back home, continued the campaigns in the various governments in the wards and units. So, you’re doing a great job.
“Of course, along with members of the Presidential Council in the various States, you’ve been working together to ensure total victory for the party.
“We do understand that we are all on the ballot on the same day and therefore your successes will obviously ensure the success of the party and the success of the presidential candidates.
“So, I want to urge that as we move forward in the next five days, we must continue with the campaigns. We must continue with the planning, we must ensure that we’re truly battle ready, because I know that we will win the popular votes, all we need to do is to defend those votes.”
“…Rivers sure bet”
In a related development, Atiku expressed confidence that Rivers state would vote for him and his party come Saturday.
Waziri Adamawa made the declaration at a meeting with Rivers’ stakeholders in Abuja Sunday night.
He said: “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 subscribe 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.
“Rivers State and Rivers people are bound by destiny to be critical stakeholders and beneficiaries of the Atiku/Okowa presidency in multiple ways.
“Let me therefore reassure Rivers people that the state will regain its preeminent position in the governance and politics of Nigeria.
“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 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.”
