Atiku visits Ooni, pledges restructuring, if elected
By Jeleel Olawale
The People’s Democratic Party(PDP) Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday pledged to restructure the country, if elected in the forthcoming general elections.
Atiku made the promise during his courtesy visit to Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, in his Palace, on Tuesday, in Ile-Ife.
“You’ll all recall that between 1999 to 2015, Nigeria witnessed its greatest growth, biggest prosperity and peaceful coexistence during the PDP administration.
“We believe it is time for you, this people of this country to give us another opportunity again, so that we can restore the unity of this country, so that we can secure this country again, make the nation prosperous than any other country in the continent of Africa,” he stated.
The former vice president said if he is voted for at the next general elections, that he would ensure that all their promises as a party would surely manifest.
According to him, if the mandate is given to PDP, the unity, peace and stability will be achieved across the nation culminating in government of national unity.
He assured that the unity of Nigerians would bring everybody on board, saying this would attract growth and progress of all and sundry.
“It is only when we have peaceful coexistence in the country that we’ll be able to undertake most of our cardinal programmes.
“And one of our cardinal programmes that we promise people of this country is to restructure this nation, some people are saying that how can a northerner restructure this country.
“But let me take you to this memory lane that Prime Minister, AlhajiTafawa Balewa, Alhaji Sheu Shagari, Muritala Mohammed, they all achieved their plans of restructuring of this country,” he cited.
He, therefore, opined that if voted in as the next Nigeria President under PDP government, they’ll try all possible means to restructure this country and give power to state and local government.
“We’ll also ensure that National Assembly amends Nigeria constitution to give power to all traditional rulers .
“I’ve not come here in this palace to campaign but I am here to give respect to your Royal Highness,” he expressed.
In his remarks, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, said, “We will continue to pray that God should continue to bless our land and leaders of our dear country. It is only God Almighty that gives power and you actually acknowledged it”.
“You have been there before, you can see how everything is in this country, don’t forget the masses, do not forget them in everything you do”.
“This country belongs to all of us, it is greater than all of us. Either you become president or vice president, the maximum you use is eight years. Remember what your legacy will be. Your legacy is to serve the people, give them better life”.
“We are all looking for hope.The masses want to see prospect and prosperity in their life. The masses want to see better life and love a good life. You are servant to our people. I am using the deities and unseen spirit of our ancestors to pray for you today.
“As you have stepped to this palace today, everything you desire in your heart will be met. We want you to have the love of our people at heart. Everytime, you must continue to love our people”, Ooni admonished.
Earlier, Gov Ademola Adeleke of Osun, appreciated God for given him the opportunity to take the mantle of leadership of the state.
Adeleke thanked Ooni, the people of the ancient city of Ile-Ife and Osun State at large, promising that he would not disappoint them.
He assured the presidential candidate of total votes across the state in the next general elections.
