Liberate yourselves from single family govt, Atiku tells Lagosians, promises to sell refineries for SMEs empowerment

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was in Lagos on Monday for a mega rally in continuation of his South-West campaign ahead of the 2023 elections.

He promised to privatise the nation’s three refineries to raise $10bb for the empowerment of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

He also said that it is time for the people of Lagos to liberate themselves from a single family government and move to a people’s government.

He said, “The Federal government built the third mainland bridge, Agege motor road, and other road infrastructure in the state, the APC govt is lying to you about developing Lagos.

“It is time for you to liberate yourself from a family govt in power for over 23 years, by voting Jandor as your governor.”

Atiku listed the refineries to be sold if elected as those in Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna.

The former Vice President said he would follow the privatization through, if elected President next year.

He said, “On my own part, if you elect me as your president, I said and I promise by the grace of God that I am going to set aside $10 billion so that we can empower our young men and women in Small and Medium Enterprises.

“People were asking me where I am going to get the money. If I privatise the Port Harcourt refinery, Warri refinery, and Kaduna refinery, I will get the money.”

The PDP candidate also promised that his administration would restructure the country, if elected president in 2023.

“So, let me also promise you, if you elect me, we are going to restructure this country. What do we mean by restructuring? We will give states and local governments more powers and resources. It is up to you to hold them responsible.”

Also, Notable PDP leaders were conspicuously absent at the party’s presidential candidate’s rally at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, yesterday.

The leaders included the former National Deputy Chairman (South) of the party, Chief Olabode George.

Also absent were the five governors of the party, popularly called the G-5 governors, led by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

Others members of the group are: Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Egwuayi (Enugu).

The state chairman of the party, Phillip Alvoji, was not seen at the event.

But addressing members of the party at the event, Atiku said his government would ensure full autonomy for the state and local governments.

He urged the PDP members to protect their votes and not to succumb to any form of intimidation.

The PDP vice presidential candidate and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said Atiku is the only acceptable presidential candidate to Nigerians.

“Atiku is tested and he means well for the country. We want a Lagos State that works for all, not working for the rich and the poor getting poorer. Atiku is the only candidate of all the contestants that will return the lost glory of Nigeria,” he said.