The All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has promised to address all issues limiting development and entrepreneurship in the South East if he becomes Nigeria’s President.
Tinubu said this while speaking at the APC presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on Thursday.
The APC candidate, who is now the Dike di Orama l of Ebonyi, commended Governor Dave Umahi for his great efforts in lifting the state.
“I commend Governor Umahi for his transformational leadership and for his developmental projects, some of which I commissioned yesterday”, Tinubu said.
“He remains a good testament to what is possible in Nigeria.”
Speaking on his plans for the Igbo as president, Tinubu said there will not be any discrimination against them, the same way he encouraged them while he was Lagos State Governor.
“I believe in the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbos. I encouraged a lot of Igbo businesses and investments in Lagos and will even do more if I become president.”
“If elected, there will be no discrimination, Igbo interests will be protected. I will also encourage policies to aid commerce and support South East states to reach their full potential.”
“I will meet the leaders of the South East in a heart-to-heart discussion on all issues agitating their minds.”
“If elected, I will address all issues and policies that tend to hinder their commerce and enterprise. I will work with businessmen and women and encourage them to make the South East the Taiwan of Africa,” Tinubu added.
He also promised to work towards achieving the 3Rs (Reintegration, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of the Igbo.
Speaking specifically on his plans for Ebonyi State, Tinubu said, “I will mechanise the Ebonyi solid minerals sector and install processing plant”.
“Working with the Ebonyi State Government, we will expand Ebonyi agricultural sector and make it one of the largest rice producing states in Africa.”
Present at the rally held at Abakaliki Township Stadium were APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima, Deputy National Chairman, South, Barrister Emma Enekwu, representing the party’s National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Host-Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kebbi, Senator Atiku Bagudu.
Also present were Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Babagana Zulum (Borno) and Prof. Ben Ayade (Cross River) as well as members of the party’s National Working Committee and National Assembly members.
Governor Umahi said Asíwájú Tinubu believes in merit and competence and had demonstrated this in his past record of service particularly when he was governor of Lagos.
“Asíwájú knows the road, we must follow him. He has shown that he loves and trusts Igbo and our people.”
“He has been here since yesterday. He slept here in Abakaliki and ate our food. Only a man who loves you eats your food,” he said.
For Governor Uzodimma, there is no more lamentation for the Igbo because they are following the right man to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari.
Earlier on Wednesday on arrival in Abakaliki, the APC Presidential Candidate inaugurated some projects established by Governor Umahi, including Camp David Estate and Bishop Nnaji Okoro Dualised Road.
And inside the EXCO Chambers in Abakaliki, where major traditional rulers in the state had gathered, Asíwájú Tinubu was conferred with the traditional title of Dike Di Orama 1 of Ebonyi, meaning The Warrior of Ebonyi, by the royal fathers.
Asíwájú and his entourage, which included former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole and Chairman of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, were later treated to a Gala night where various cultural groups entertained.
Both Governors Bagudu and Badaru, who also addressed the rally, heaped praises on Asíwájú.
The Kebbi Governor described him as a kind-hearted and brilliant leader who would treat all parts of Nigeria equally.
Jigawa State Governor, Badaru, who called Asíwájú a father figure, described him a natural leader who gave him a political platform that brought him into limelight for the governorship of the state even when he did not know him in person.