The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday unfolded his industrialisation plan for Abia State.
Acknowledging the commercial prowess of the Southeast state, he said the plan will transform Abia into a major exporter of manufactured goods.
The presidential campaign train rolled into Umuhaia Township Stadium, Umuhaia, state capital, where party leader enjoined party faithful and supporters to vote for APC candidates in the February and March elections.
The rally was attended by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinmma, APC Deputy National Chairman (South) Chief Emma Enekwu, who represented the National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, National Woman Leader Betta Edu and other members of the National Working Committee.
Tinubu said: “Your state is a centre of production and industry. Today, my hope is renewed that together, we can achieve industrial activity unprecedented in our history.
“Aba market is one of the largest in West Africa. I see it becoming a major exporter of all types of manufactured goods to Asia, to North and South America and Europe.
“I see this state humming with industrial activity such that it will become a world famous centre of activity from the manufacture of clothing to that of cars, appliances and computers and their components.”
The standard bearer promised to provide jobs for the teeming youths by strengthening digital economy and improving the nation’s power generation and distribution.
He said: “We will provide better infrastructure to open the region and the entire country to the trade, export, travel and tourism in which you will excel. These include roads, waterways, ports, rail and the provision of steady reliable power.
Tinubu said students would no longer spend eight or more years in universities for four-year courses.
On power sector, he said the reform he envisaged will bring the electricity supply they require to live and work, adding: “We will give you the tools to make your businesses as competitive and productive as any on earth.
“The teeming youth population standing before me makes my heart glad. We have good plans for you. God’s Own Youth, you are blessed. We will empower you. There will be jobs for those who desire jobs by providing tax and other employment credits to employers, encouraging them to hire you.
“My government shall support those starting their own businesses. My digital economy plan calls for one million new jobs in ICT within 24 months in office.
“We are also investing in an educational system that will provide you with skills that make you globally competitive while also affording you a good standard of living.”
Read Also: Youths enjoined to back Tinubu, get involved in politics
The former Lagos State governor, who promised to tackle insecurity, added: “Our national security policy will function to give peaceful living clear of violence and fear. Insecurity will be tackled using advanced technological platforms for surveillance and tracking kidnappers and violent criminals. Security forces will be better trained and better compensated. They will exercise restraint when needed, but will also show strength whenever put to the test.
“This nation will be a safe and prosperous place to live.”
Tinubu urged supporters to get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and vote for the party.
Noting that some party members are still in court, the presidential candidate, who affirmed Chief Ikechi Emenike as the governorship candidate, urged them to stop their court actions and embrace alternative means of conflict resolution.
He said: “We are the politicians. We follow the footsteps of our fathers and grandfathers. We join political party together; to salvage Nigeria from all kinds of frustrations and ignorance. Why are you taking it (party matters) to the third Party who are politically neutral.
“Please, Uche (Ogah), come home let’s talk this matter over.”
Abia APC chairman Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the Federal Government’s projects in the Southeast, despite the low votes that the region gave to him in 2015 and 2019. These include the second Niger Bridge and the rehabilitated Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.
He advised the five states to shun regional politics.
Ononogbu said people would gain more if they vote for the APC.
The APC chairman who lamented the absence of some party heavyweights at the rally, accused some members of working with the PDP and other opposition parties to scuttle the chances of the party to produce the governor.
The governorship candidate, Chief Ikechi Emenike, promised to work for the unity and victory of the party.
He promised to redress the wrongs of the past governments and run a new and inclusive government.
The governor of Imo State thanked party leaders for their commitment, adding that the party can only win when they are more united.
The vice chairman (South), Emeka Enukwu, who represented Senator Abdullahi, urged Southeast to embrace national politics and vote for Tinubu.
A major highlight of the rally is that both Emenike and Ogah battling for the governorship ticket at the Owerri International Airport to receive Tinubu.
Uzodinnma sued for peace and reconciliation within the party, saying that reconciliation will foster peace and harmony, and pave the way for victory.
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