PDP presidential campaign rally in Rivers cancelled to avert bloodshed, by Atiku

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku has explained that the decision to cancel PDP presidential campaign in Rivers State was to avert bloodshed.

Atiku made the explanation during a meeting he had with Rivers State Stakeholders on Sunday night in Abuja.

The PDP presidential flag bearer, who pointedly declared that his political ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian, stressed that the PDP presidential campaign rally was shelved to avert possible unleash violent attacks on PDP supporters by enemies of the party during the aborted rally.

Atiku stated that the unique means of meeting with Rivers PDP leaders in Abuja was a sacrifice he has to make for the sake of the nation’s democratic process.

In his words, “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,” he said.

Atiku made it clear that his relationship with the people of Rivers State has endured for decades, stressing that he was not surprised that Rivers State and Rivers people are bound by destiny to be critical stakeholders and beneficiaries of the Atiku/Okowa presidency in multiple ways.

He reassured Rivers people that the state will regain its preeminent position in the governance and politics of Nigeria.

Amongst other dividends to be expected, he said the transportation infrastructure in Rivers State will receive priority attention.

The PDP presidential campaign assured further, “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.

“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”, he said.

The PDP presidential candidate assured that their sacrifice and support will be fully rewarded with good governance that will allow their aspirations to be realized.

He, however, urged Rivers PDP members to keep the faith, even in the face of harassment and needless violent intimidation, turn out massively on Saturday, 25th February, 2023 and cast their votes as usual for PDP.

“I assure you that your sacrifice and support will be fully rewarded,” he promised.

2023; ACF urges media to douse tension during elections

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged the Media to play a responsible role in reporting to douse any tension that may arise as a consequence of the forthcoming elections and results.

The Secretary General of the Forum Murtala M. Aliyu stated this in a press statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

The ACF Secretary General explained that some 93 million Nigerians will go to the polls to elect a new President, 31 State Governors, 469 Members of the National Assembly, and 990 Members of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.

According to him, there is is no doubt that this is a gigantic and important exercise and Nigerians hope and pray that the elections will be held peacefully, and will produce outcomes that will help take the country closer to its main development goals of building a free, just, democratic, and egalitarian society.

Gov Sule prioritizes security, rural roads

From Gambo Ahmed Lafia

Patriotic Visioners Foundation sensitizes Benue Schools on ‘Save The Child Initiative’

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The National Schools Security and Emergency Response Initiative of the Federal Government has been launched in Benue State.

The event was organized by the Patriotic Visioners Foundation, PVF, under the Save the Benue Child, Save and Violence Free School Initiative.

Head of Project, PVF Obenoh Jonah explained that the program was aimed at sensitizing schools in the State in ensuring safe learning environment.

He decried that non safety of schools affects enrolment especially amongst the girl child, averring the need to evolve implementable actions as well as curriculum for safer schools in the State.

Benue State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Philip Okoh said the initiative is domiciled under the outfit which had gone ahead to train a female Strike Force to tackle attacks on schools in the country.

Count down to the general polls, Nasarawa state Governor Engr Abdullahi Sule has reassured the people of the state of his total commitment and the continued effort toward tackling insecurity as well as the construction of rural roads to communities if given the second mandate.

He made the pledge during a Town Hall meetings held in Agbashi Town of Ekye Development Area and ASsakio Town of Lafia East Development Area at the weekend.”

“You should be watchful with those bad elements who want to create disunity amongst you.”