25th November, 2022
The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, took a swipe at the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Friday.
Tinubu lashed out at his competitors during an engagement with Niger Delta stakeholders in Gbaramatu, in Delta State on Friday.
On Atiku, he said, “As I stand before you, there are few of us left running. One says he is Atiku; how many times has he been running? He’s always on the run and he is tired, tell him to go and sit down. Enough is enough.”
On Obi, Tinubu said he can’t even mention the former Anambra State governor’s name.
He said, “The other one, that one he think (say) na statistics we go chop, he lies with arithmetic that no Indian can solve it (sic). To mention his name is a disgrace to me sef. I won’t mention the name, wrong arithmetic, wrong statistics, warehouse economy, that is not what Nigeria needs.”
Earlier at the meeting, Tinubu promised to engage in regular consultations with Niger Delta leaders to facilitate the formulation of policies and initiatives that will enhance the region’s development.
He spoke in the presence of full compliment of traditional rulers from the kingdom led by the Pere of Gbaramotu Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Oboro Gbaraun II.
Receiving Asíwájú Tinubu in his palace, the Pere of Gbaramotu showered praises on the APC candidate, while praying for his success in the presidential election.
The traditional ruler urged Tinubu, if elected, to ensure the establishment of a deep sea port in Gbaramotu, industrial park in Ogidigben, and good roads and bridges leading into the kingdom.
In his response, Tinubu promised to work to speed up the development of the region, saying he would engage in regular consultations with the leaders to emplace initiatives and projects that would help the region.
“I’m one of you. My wife is a daughter of the Niger Delta. Your in-law is also your son. No be so?’, the APC presidential candidate asked in pidgin English to which the mammoth crowd yelled “Na so.”
He said he was aware the Warri- Escravos/Gbaramotu road had been awarded, pledging to ensure the completion of the road by getting the contractor involved to deliver on the project.
He also said if elected, the Ministry of Niger Delta and the Niger Delta Development Commission will serve the full purpose for which they were established.
“The man standing before you will implement whatever he promised. You need honesty, you need the commitment to perform. I embody both.
“I know the road and I will carry the Niger Delta people along. We will consult your leaders for the development of Gbaramotu Kingdom and other associated communities.”