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2019: Never again believe in APC, Buhari gone already – Atiku tells Nigerians
Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on Thursday enjoined Nigerians not to believe in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), again owing to the failed promised they made in 2015.
Abubakar gave this advice while addressing thousands of PDP supporters at the opening of the South West PDP campaign held at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
At the campaign were: National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, Atiku’s running mate, Mr. Peter Obi, former governors of Ekiti and Cross Rivers, Ayodele Fayose and Senator Lyel Imoke, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and governorship candidate of the party in Lagos and Oyo States, Mr. Jimi Agbaje and Engineer Seyi Makinde.
Others are: Senator Ademola Adeleke, the vice Chairman of the Party in the zone, Dr Eddy Olafeso, former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Osun state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, publicity secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan and former Senate whip, Senator Hosea Agboola.
Abubakar, while speaking, insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari must be defeated in 2019 general election because he had failed in his campaign promises.
Abubakar said, “Let me tell you that today, I say before you that within 6 months, we shall start the process of restructuring of this country. Ladies and gentlemen, I have lived here, so I am not a stranger. So, therefore, never again believe in APC.”
Atiku said he headed the best economic team for Nigeria between 1999 and 2003, adding that such prosperity will be returned to Nigeria in 2019.
He said, “In the next two months, you will be required to choose your next president, please, take your decision carefully. The best democracy we enjoyed in Nigeria was under PDP. In 2015, APC promised 12 million jobs but today, we have not seen the jobs.
“Buhari has gone. Thank you my brothers and sisters. Since the return of democracy in 1999, the best we have in Nigeria is during the PDP. The best education we have was during the PDP. My brothers and sisters, I stand before you, I promise, everyone of you know that I chaired the best economic team in this country. If you give me this opportunity again we shall invest more in education.
“Nigeria is now the headquarters of poverty in the world. We shall return Nigeria to prosperity in 2019. I headed the best economy team in Nigeria. When we get to government in 2019, we will continue to give you best education. One of the best policy for Nigeria is restructuring and we will do it when we get to government. Don’t believe APC lies again. Within 6 months, we will reposition Nigeria. Don’t sell your vote and don’t sell your PVC. Buhari must go”.
Secondus while speaking said that Buhari was not capable of ruling Nigeria again.
He said, “With what we have seen here today, it is sure that our people in the Southwest want change in government and Atiku is the only candidate who can rescue Nigeria at this time.
“Buhari is not fit to rule Nigeria again. By the grace of God, in February, we will stand to defend our votes and defeat Buhari. The hunger in the land is too much. There is hunger because Buhari is not aware of anything in government. His government has collapsed. This is the most corrupt government in the history of Nigeria. Where is our 25 billion dollars withdrawn from the NNPC account? Corruption has taken another dimension in Nigeria under Buhari. Poverty headquarters has relocated to Nigeria under Buhari. By the grace of God, Atiku is the next president of Nigeria”.
Saraki in his remarks noted that the ruling APC made some promises but could not fulfil them.
He added that, “In 2015, APC promised security but could not do it. They promised to make food aboundant but the price of rice is becoming higher daily. The only solution to our challenges is to vote Atiku as president.”
Obi while addressing the audience said Nigerians should elect Abubakar if they want development.
He maintained that, “If you want job, vote for Atiku. If you want development, vote Atiku. Atiku is the only solution to challenges we are facing in Nigeria today.”
Fayose, who said he was very sure that president Buhari won’t attend the presidential debate said PDP had won this election already.
He said, “The only product we are selling is Atiku. The only candidate that can defeat anybody at debate. I am sure Buhari won’t attend debate. But let me tell you that you have to defend your votes. By God’s grace, PDP will be announced winner next year elections.”
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, has extended warm felicitations to Barrister Sarafadeen Ali, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.
In a statement released on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Saturday, Akande lauded the lawmaker, describing him as a luminary whose life has been marked by distinguished service to the nation.
“Today, I join the world in celebrating you on your special day, as you mark 61 years of God’s abundant love and glorious impact on humanity,” the former NCC gaffer expressed.
He added, “I wish you many more years of God’s grace in your life.”
The headquarters of Heritage Bank at Victoria Island, Lagos, was besieged on Thursday by members of the labour union, protesting the recent dismissal of 1,000 support workers.
The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Comrade Anthony Abakpa, led the demonstration, condemning the bank’s management for what he deemed a lack of adherence to due process in the termination of employment contracts.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Abakpa asserted that the leadership of Heritage Bank failed to follow established protocols before executing the mass layoffs.
He emphasised the union’s commitment to pursuing justice for the affected workers, vowing to escalate their demands until the bank’s management rectifies the situation.
“We will intensify our demands for justice,” declared Comrade Abakpa, urging the bank’s management to take corrective action to address the grievances of the dismissed workers.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, clarified that Nigeria is not utilising its foreign reserves to bolster the naira, despite recent fluctuations in reserve levels.
Speaking from Washington DC, where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings, Cardoso highlighted the influx of $600 million into Nigeria’s reserves account within the past two days.
While the naira has experienced a notable appreciation against the dollar in recent weeks, climbing over 40% from approximately N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been dwindling. As of April 15, reserves dropped to approximately $32.29 billion, marking the lowest level in over six years.
Cardoso emphasised that the shifts in reserves are typical for any country, where various financial obligations, such as debt repayments, necessitate withdrawals.
He stated, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where, for example, debts are due and certain payments need to be made. They are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.”
Continuing, Cardoso underscored the dynamic nature of the market, advocating for a system driven by willing buyers, willing sellers, and price discovery.
He emphasised, “The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending the naira, and that is certainly not our objective.”
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