Aviashima Toom, Makurdi
People Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate for February 16 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has pledged to ensure the protection of lives and property and also to respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if elected into office.
Atiku Abubakar also commissioned over 500 tractors procured by Governor Samuel Ortom to boost agricultural development in the state.
The former Vice President, while interacting with the Benue State Council of Chiefs, the Hausa Community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said the Oath of Office he took as the ”Zege mule u Tiv” was to protect the Tiv Nation and Benue state in general.
According to him, Benue people should be rest assured of their protection anywhere he is.
He said ”The traditional Rulers though not partisan politicians, are the real politicians in actual sense because they guide their people aright and are closer to the people.
‘My believe is that we should live in a Federal system of Government where more powers and resources are devouted to the people. That will speed development in all the state of the federation.
The Presidential and gubernatorial Campaign later moved to the Ape Aku Stadium, Makurdi where he was received by a large crowed of the PcP family.
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The former Vice President, popularly called Wazirin Adamawa, while addressing the crowd, frowned at the unfulfilled promises of the Federal Government-led All Progressives Congress (APC) of protecting the lives and property of the Benue people by Militia Herdsmen, said they have failed Nigerians.
While calling on Benue people to massively vote for PDP at all levels during the elections, the PDP presidential hopeful added that his administration would create jobs for the youths of Benue and Nigeria at large.
He further disclosed that the lingering issue of insecurity bedeviling the northern part of the country and Benue State would be strongly addressed permanently.
Atiku Abubakar, however, cautioned the military, Police and other security agencies from interfering in the electoral processes, while saying their assignments were to protect the lives and property of the people.
While presenting Atiku Abubakar earlier to traditional rulers, Governor Samuel Ortom, described the former Vice President as a reliable and a trusted politician that would lift Nigeria out from the present condition the APC administration has taken the country into.
Governor Ortom said that Benue people has not benefited from the Buhari’s administration, and according to him, Atiku as Nigeria’s President, Benue youths would be gainfully employed.
He said Atiku if elected president would uphold the rule of law and also ensure that the Benue state Ranching Law is respect by all.
Governor Ortom said he was optimistic that the killings in Benue State would end
and that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) would return to their homes when Atiku was elected, urging Benue people to vote for him and all PDP candidates.
Director General of Atiku/Obi Campaign, Organisation, Dr. Bokola Saraki, said the Buhari-led Federal Government should be voted out due to his abysmal performance in key sectors of the economy, adding that the hope of returning the country back on the part of development lies on an Atiku Presidency.
Speaking separately, former Presidents of the Senate, David Mark, Iyorchia Ayu and immediate past fovernor of the Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, said Benue people have taken a stand that would user in inclusiveness and development of their state.
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Also speaking, national Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, warned that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from makin rigging the forthcoming general elections.
He said any attempt to play pranks with the people’s mandate by way of rigging might throw the country into crisis. Secondus emphasised that the mammoth crowd at the Benue rally was an indication that Benue is for PDP.
The Nigerian Xpress observed that the campaign rally was attended by thousands of PDP faithful across the 23 local government areas and also witness the official hand over of PDP governorship glag to the election to the party candidate in the state, Governor Samuel Ortom by Prince Secondus.