By Abiola Peters and Taoreed Abdullahi.
The Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has met the Nigeria Guild of Editors, in Lagos to discuss his five point agenda.
The agenda encompasses qualitative education, restructuring to foster true federalism and stability, a dynamic economy for prosperity, safety and security, as well as unity in diversity.
Alhaji Abubakar promised to continue with the policy of privatisation and liberalisation adopted by the PDP government, between 1999 and 2007, which according to him is the bedrock of economic development in advanced countries of the world.
The PDP Presidential Candidate emphasised that a private sector driven – economy would reduce burden of Capital Expenditure on government, enhance industrialisation and resultant job creation.
He said a draft legislation is in place to pursue restructuring through holistic amendment of the country’s constitution.
Alhaji Atiku who boasted that he has always been a relentless advocate of restructuring, listed Devolution of Powers, Resource Control, Fiscal federalism, State Police, Local Government Autonomy as being among other elements that will ensure even distribution of the country.
On the crisis rocking the PDP, through the five Governors of Rivers, Oyo, Benue, Abia and Enugu states, Alhaji Abubakar said talks were ongoing to reach a truce for the PDP to achieve success at the 2023 general election.
Earlier, the President of the Guild of Editors, Mr. Mustapha Isah had urged the candidates and their supporters to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and shun hate speech and actions capable of causing the breakdown of law and order during campaigns.
The PDP Presidential Candidate was accompanied by stalwarts of the party including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Director General of the Campaign Organisation and Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Emmanuel Udom among others.
