*As the state’s traditional rulers bemoan neglect by successive PDP governments
The Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar has reiterated his determination to handover to a Southeasterner or an Igbo man if he is elected the next president of the country.
This was as the chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditiinal Rulers bemoaned what they described as endless unfulfilled promises by successive PDP Administrations.
Led by their chairman, Igwe (Ambassador) Lawrence Agubuzu, the traditional rulers who spoke to Atiku when he paid them a courtesy visit, expressed worry that all the PDP had promised the South-East were endless unfulfilled promises which produced only “angry, hungry and frustrated unemployed youths”.
Atiku further called on the south easterners to ensure they support the opposition party, boasting that PDP is already positioned to win the next presidential election.
Addressing PDP supporters in Enugu during his presidential campaign rally, Atiku continued, “When I came here few months ago to attend the zonal meeting of the South Easterners, I said to the South Easterners or to the Igbos, ‘I am going to be the stepping stone to an Igbo Presidency’ and I mean it.
Whether the Igbo man is from the South East or from the South South, it is the same race. Today, my running mate is an Igbo man. It is a universal ethnic group. It is a universal race.
My fellow brothers and sisters, the people of Enugu state, I want you to continue believing in the PDP. I want to let you know that this country is geared toward electing a PDP government. Do not be an exception, do not be a minority. The next government in this country is going to be formed by the PDP. Therefore, be in the main stream of Nigerian politics because that is the only way to bring about the prosperity, economic development, the peace and security that you have been looking for in this part of this country and also the country in general” Atiku said.
Also speaking, National chairman of the party, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu told the electorate not to be deceived by persons that want to decieve them.
He said, “I can tell you that voting for APC will not solve the problem of Nigeria. vote for PDP and let’s continue all that we have been doing under PDP, so that Peter Mbah will develop and work hand-in-hand with Atiku Abubakar. Dont follow those who will come to deceive you to vote for the other parties, to vote for Labour party, to vote for APC.
In the next eleven days Atiku Abubakar will emerge as your next president with Ifeanyi Okowa as his vice-presidential candidate. I want to assure you that immediately after that, the next governor will be Mr Peter Mbah. I don’t have much to come here and campaign to you because is like already talking to the converted you are all believers in PDP”.
Present at the event were the PDP governorship candidate for Enugu, Peter Mbah, The leader of the South East Senate caucus, Sen. Chukwuka Utazi, House Minority leader Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and other PDP stalwart.
Igwe Agubuzu who asked Atiku to “use your tongue to count your teeth”, expressed sadness that after Dr. Alex Ekwueme led the G-35 to found PDP, “there is nothing to show for it except endless promises which were never fulfilled”.
