Victor Ezeja
The Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi has restated his commitment to running a transparent government that would be accountable to the people if elected in 2023.
Obi spoke at a rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital on Saturday to mark the beginning of his campaigns ahead of next year’s election.
The former Anambra State governor, also promised to solve Nigeria’s problem of flooding and boost agricultural productivity to achieve food security across the country.
He had earlier last week suspended his campaign kick-off to visit victims of floods in different parts of the country.
Obi, who observed a minute of silence in honour of all flood victims across the country, said, “I assure you that if we come into power, we will solve this flooding problem. We are not going to do it overnight but we will start solving it.”
While reiterating his mantra of moving the country from consumption to production, Obi said his administration would invest in critical sectors to create jobs and pull people, especially the youth, out of poverty.
He also promised to support farmers and youths, saying, “Let me assure you, the government of Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed will change Nigeria for good.”
“If we come into government, I assure you that farmers will go back to farms because we are going to deal with insecurity; we will support youths. The more youths are pulled out of poverty, the more we reduce criminality.
“We will make sure that we start the journey of Nigeria being sufficient in food production. If Israel can feed itself, Nigeria can also feed itself. If India can feed itself, Nigeria can itself,” Obi stated.
The rally also had in attendance Obi’s running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, LP national chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, Director General of the Party’s presidential campaign council, Dr. Doyin Okupe, among others.
Abure thanked all that gathered for the flag-off of the party’s presidential campaign in Lafia.
He pointed out that all the challenges bedeviling the country were caused by leadership problems, and urged the people to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to be able to vote for the right candidate during the elections. “Go and collect your PVCs, without it, you won’t be able to make that change,” Abure told the people.
He further stated that Labour Party’s presidential and vice presidential candidate have the essential qualities to deliver the change that Nigerians yearn for.
“Nigeria needs young, vibrant and energetic leader who will be awake to solve its problems. Nigeria also needs somebody who has integrity that will not steal our money and take it abroad. We need a role model, somebody we can emulate and look up to. We have that candidate in the person of Peter Obi.”
He appealed to the people to be united in the purpose of creating a change in political leadership in the country.
He tasked all LP members, supporters and promoters to take the campaign to the grassroots and enlighten the people especially in the rural areas, about the party logo to earn their votes during the elections.
Obi and his campaign team also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Lafia, HRM Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed (rtd). Writing on his verified Twitter handle about the visit, Obi said, “It was a very convivial and pleasant visit. I was accompanied by my running mate, Dr Yusuf Baba-Ahmed and Barr. Julius Abure, the National Chairman of our party and some other LP stalwarts.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
