THE Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Convention in Abuja presented President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan and his main challenger for its ticket for the 2011 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, another opportunity to showcase their national development agenda if picked as its standard bearer.
The other presidential aspirant, Mrs. Sarah Jibril, the only female contender, also unfolded her vision for party and country, stressing the need for national rebirth and unity.
While Jonathan pointed to some strides he had made to tackle national challenges in the fuel and electricity distribution systems as well as the Niger Delta question, international relations, education sector and infrasructure among others, Atiku took on the President frontally and even going personal in his attacks just as he equally anchored his final campaign on zoning which he said conferred the right to the office on the ‘North.’ The former vice president is form Adamawa State in the North East geopolitical zone.
First to speak among the aspirants was Mrs. Jibril. She said: “I represent ‘zoning neutraliser’. When you vote me, Nigeria will not be called one of the corrupt countries again. We did it in Liberia when we elected a female president. I have the mental capacity to lead Nigeria...I will be Mama President from whom there will be a rebirth. Art Alade are you hearing me. We must sing and celebrate that PDP will get better. We will not implode. We shall overcome. We shall overcome”.
Fifteen minutes later, Abubakar read his speech. He said: “You have been called upon to make a critical decision that will save the country and hasten its progress. Our great party, the PDP, has an opportunity to once more produce the President of this country in April.
“But, more importantly, it has an opportunity to provide real, visionary, focused and people-oriented leadership to this country. How you vote at this convention will determine not only whether we will win that general election but also whether we give Nigerians a leader who understands the challenges they face and has a plan to address them, or someone who simply thinks that being president is an end in itself. Your votes will determine whether the world will continue to ignore and ridicule this country or begin to take us seriously in global affairs.
“I believe that you have come because you believe that agreements among individuals and groups must be kept if order and peace are to reign and in order to avoid chaos and lawlessness, and the might-is-right syndrome.
“Delegates, you have come because of an idea which is so powerful that it can break down a wall. You have come to decide on what will hasten the progress of this country. You have an opportunity to elect a visionary leadership. Your votes will determine whether we will be part of the new world...I am more trustworthy and experienced than my opponents. I am a Party builder. I have made sacrifices for my Party and I believe that the constitution of our Party should rule. Vote for me for it is the right thing to do...Anyone that cannot be trusted by his word should not be entrusted with the leadership of this country.”
On his part, the President, who took his turn later, requested for a minute silence for the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
He said he would not join issues with Atiku but contended that the PDP was the party to set the agenda for the development and transformation of the country and that was why every Nigerian picks interest in what goes on in the ruling political grouping.
Outlining his goals, he remarked: “To develop an economy to tackle this transformation, you need an agent that can do it. I am that agent of transformation”.
On fuel, pointed out that before now, Nigerians slept at filling stations, but that the problem has now become a thing of the past. He also pointed out the regime of price differentials in filling stations across the country has yielded to a uniform price regime.
Speaking on electricity, he said his government would ensure that the power sector reform embarked on by previous administrations was implemented to the letter.
Jonathan also addressed the educational issue, decrying the absence of at least a federal university in some states, particularly in the north. He said his government would ensure that every state would have at least a federal university.
He promised to revive the health sector, disclosing that federal government would collaborate with Nigerians in the Diaspora. He stressed that there were reputable Nigerian experts in medicine all over the world.
Transportation and infrastructure also engaged the attention of the president who said his government would strive to resuscitate the rail system and make it commercially viable.
While saying he would not like to join issues with others on the question of Niger Delta, he stated that there was need for strengthening of security in the zone.
Above all, he promised to give the country a strong and patriotic leadership.
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