PDP’s 16-year reign, a nasty experience —Buhari
30.Jan.2015 Nigerian Tribune
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, has described the 16 years rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in Nigeria as a nasty experience.
Buhari made the description at the presidential campaign rally held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday.
He noted that the PDP government, since inception in 1999, had failed the people of Nigeria.
“The PDP government in the last 16 years has brought to this country insecurity, destruction of infrastructure, unemployment and high level of corruption,” he said.
The presidential candidate, while addressing the crowd that came to receive him, advised them to get their permanent voter cards, as “it remains the only weapon they can use to effect the change the nation needed at this point in time.
“I want to urge you to get your PVCs and come out on the day of election to send PDP away. You must also ensure that your votes count by making sure you stay at the polling booth and watch how the votes are being processed. So, the ball is in your court.”
He, however, assured that if voted in as president, his government would improve on the security of lives and properties in the north-eastern part of the country, which has remained a major challenge facing the country in the past few years and also create employment for the larger percentage of umployed Nigerians.
Buhari commended the people of the state for turning out in their large numbers to welcome him, saying “I will never forget the rousing welcome I received from you right from the airport to this place. I really appreciate you all.”
At the rally were Buhari’s running mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu; national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Governor Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Governor Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Governor Adams Oshiomole (Edo), among other party stalwarts.
Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, as well as his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo, were the host at the event.
Earlier, at the rally in Benin City, Edo State, Buhari had promised to tackle insecurity, corruption and unemployment.
He also used the occasion to assure Nigerians that the problem of erosion, notably in parts of Edo State and in the South-East would be given needed attention, so as to prevent loss of land, properties and lives.
Buhari, who arrived at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of the campaign rally at about 12 noon, after paying a courtesy visit on the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, was accompanied by leaders of the party.
He noted that the quickest way to end unemployment in the country was through farming, by supporting farmers and giving out loans to traders and manufacturers, so that they could fortify their businesses and employ more people to produce goods and services.
“APC government, by the will of God and Nigerians, from May 30, will make sure we remove insecurity from North-East to Badagry, from Sokoto to Cross River and from Daura to Port-Harcourt.
“About jobs, the quickest way we can give jobs, whether there is education or not, is to make sure we empower farmers by giving input and get the financial houses to give soft loans to traders and small manufacturers, so that they can fortify their businesses and employ more people to produce goods and services.
“Lastly, we we will try and solve the problems that are disturbing you, especially erosion. The amount of resource required to control erosion in Edo State alone is enormous, not to talk of the south-eastern states. The APC government will do that,” he said.
