The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abububar, on Sunday, met with his supporters from Rivers State at Continental Hotel, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
The Abuja meeting came days after the PDP Presidential Campaign Council announced that it cancelled Atiku’s campaign rally scheduled to hold in Rivers State on February 14.
The PDP PCC said it cancelled the rally for fear of attacks allegedly by agents of Governor Nyesom Wike who, alongside four other PDP governors, under the aegis of G-5 governors, has refused to back Atiku’s presidential ambition.
Though Wike earlier granted approval for the PDP to use the Adokiye Amesiamaka Stadium for Atiku’s rally in Port Harcourt, he later revoked the approval and gave another venue, which the PDP PCC rejected.
Speaking to his Rivers supporters in Abuja, Atiku said the circumstances in Rivers State necessitated “the unique style of campaign” he adopted.
He said, “My dear people of Rivers State, represented physically here today by a cross-section of leaders, opinion leaders and citizens from various walks of life, I welcome you.
“I want to start by acknowledging the circumstances and turn of events that have led us to this unique style of a campaign rally. Although we did not wish for this, it became expedient that we think and act innovatively to protect the lives of our people from the mindless violence and bloodshed instigated by the very persons who have the primary responsibility for their security and well-being.
“Our campaign and indeed the PDP subscribes fully to the position that no political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.”
The Chairman, PDP PCC in Rivers State, Senator Lee Maeba, had while announcing the cancellation of Atiku’s rally, said there had been several attacks against PDP members and Atiku’s supporters in the last three months in the state.
He also claimed that the Rivers State Government had sealed the businesses of prominent members of the party who supported the presidential candidate’s election bid.
In spite of his face-off with Wike, Atiku said he was confident that he has the support of Rivers people.
He said, “Beyond being a good corporate citizen of Rivers State, I am deeply connected with several families in Rivers State over the years, a relationship that has endured for decades, long before politics. That is why I remain confident of the support of Rivers people for the PDP and our Presidency. Rivers State and Rivers people are bound by destiny to be critical stakeholders and beneficiaries of the Atiku/Okowa presidency in multiple ways.”
On his promises for the state, he said, “Let me, therefore, reassure Rivers people that the state will regain its preeminent position in the governance and politics of Nigeria.
“Amongst other dividends, the transportation infrastructure in Rivers State will receive priority attention. The existing seaports will be expanded to increase economic activities that will have multiplier effect on the economy of Rivers State for the prosperity of our people.
“The uncompleted rail line from Onne Port to join the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line, which has been on the drawing board for decades will be completed speedily, while the deep seaport in Bonny will receive immediate attention.
“The completion of the East-West Road will be a cardinal priority commitment for our presidency. The international airport in Port Harcourt will receive increased attention and investment to become a truly regional hub.”
He also promised to revitalise the Presidential Amnesty Programme by restructuring it, if given the mandate in the February 25 presidential election.