More federal appointments have been promised to the people of Plateau state if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar scales through in the election next year.
Alhaji Atiku who is on a national campaign tour of states in Nigeria in pursuit of his presidential ambition made the pledge today at the 15,000 capacity Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos Plateau state.
Also promising to tackle the marginalization of the state’s indigenes and federal institutions in the scheme of things at the center, Atiku hinted that he would reverse the trend.
“I and our great party empathize with the people of Plateau State. Despite being an APC state, it was only given the Sports and Women portfolios in the eight years of the APC Federal administration.
“Furthermore, federal institutions in the state, such as the premier Vom Veterinary Research center has become a shadow of their former selves in the eight years of APC rule on account of neglect.
“This anomaly will be addressed with all sense of responsibility and equity, if the PDP is elected in 2023. We stand for justice, equality and fair play,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President also indicated that his administration will reinvigorate the tourism potentials of the state in this sector so as to improve revenue generation and boost its internally generated revenue to enhance its economy.
“Plateau is renowned for its nice weather and ambience, a potential that could generate millions of dollars to the benefit of the people and its economy, if showcased.
“Our government, working hand in hand with the state government, hopefully a PDP one, would work to improve tourism nationwide to enhance and improve the lot of the people,” the candidate noted.
On the mining sub-sector, he said a PDP-led government will regulate mining activities to protect farmland and the environment against pollution and erosion. This regulation he said will extend to the protection of “the people living around the mines and ensure that the local population directly benefit from such mining activities through enhanced incomes, credible compensations and corporate social responsibility.”
While lamenting the state of federal roads connecting Plateau work its neighbors, Atiku promised to rehabilitate and enhance the Abuja – Akwanga -Lafia – Makurdi; Lafia – Shendam roads if elected in 2023.
Turning to power generation, the presidential candidate said he would unleash the full potential of the state, embodied by the Kura falls power generation plant.
“In the not too distant past, this plant was serving the whole of Plateau State and beyond. But this is not the story now as power outrages are back to even this beautiful city is Jos.
“The PDP,” he assured, “will seek to enhance every possibility of development, up scale governance, enhance service delivery,” and empower youth and women. “My good people of Plateau State, I have said it before and I am saying it again. I will raise $10 billion to empower youth, women, the physically challenged and the vulnerable in our society, if elected. So help me GOD.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman and Director General of the Atiku/Okowa presidential campaign, Governors Udom Emmanuel and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Akwa Ibom and Sokoto states urged the people of the state to vote for PDP at all levels.
They expressed optimism that PDP will reclaim the state restore peace in it and Nigeria.
The party’s national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu observed that the last time he was in the state there were cracks in the state branch. “I’m happy now that that doesn’t exist any more. Nobody can destroy PDP again,” he emphasized.
