- Most important pillar funding PDP today is governor Nysome Wike
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday revealed that former President Obasanjo is still at war with him for opposing his [Obasanjo’s] bid to secure a third term in office.
Atiku who made the observation during his consultative visit to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, said if he had not frustrated the bid by the then president to smuggle tenure elongation into Nigeria’s constitution, many political office holders today will have been denied the opportunities they currently enjoy.
He said, “We need to always remember that some people sacrificed their lives so that we can live today. There are some people who are still fighting me today because I stopped them from putting tenure elongation in our constitution. If I have supported that , several governors, Presidents who had opportunities today will not come near office. The crux of the matter is that I have again come to you as People Democratic Party, PDP members, before I go public to the public to offer myself for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Atiku likened his political growth with that of Wike, lauded the governor’s stride in the state and his role in reviving PDP as a party.
He furthered, “The kind of leadership you are showing in the party, nobody else is doing so. I use this opportunity to tell you, you have found a partner in me. We will work together to make sure our party returns to power.
“Having said that, I will want thank the good people of rivers state for giving me this opportunity to be in the state. I assure you that today Nigeria is at crossroad, I have never seen Nigeria so divided along regional, ethnic, religious divides like this. This division is brought about by the mismanagement of the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government. We have a responsibility to work together, to see that this great country, which has the potentials of being great actualise its greatness. Let nobody deceive you, a fragmented Nigeria will not favour anyone, our diversity is key to us. The potential in our diversity, when united is more than what a fragmented Nigeria offers.
“Today, the most important pillar funding this party today is governor Nysome Wike, therefore we all know what we have gone through in the last three years from where PDP left it, from all statistics, it shows PDP has outperformed APC. Education which is key to our development, ever sin”e they came into office the percentage of what is dedicated to education has been decreasing.
“We have set to change the narrative, that is why you need to understand where we are today. If we had not had APC we would not have been able to compare, We will be interacting more, as we are communicating with you; please take our words to your constituency Atiku urges Rivers people.
“When we came inot the office, I hired seven PHD holders and the President was asking me wat I was doing with them, sooner my office became more functional; I have the capacity to assemble the best.
“It is not the issue of “This is my son, my sister son..etc’ the good thing is that I don’t even have a brother or sister..I am the only one.” He said
On his own part, Wike thanked Atiku for visiting the people of Rivers State and assured him of his support.
He added, “God in his infinite mercy will bring back PDP to power. We will say this over and over again that PDP is a family; Nobody will do anything truncate our mission to rescue Nigeria.
I appeal to everybody in the party, especially all the aspirants not to see getting into office as Do-or-Die affair, his excellency, I thank you for coming and assure you that you have our support.