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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has promised to privatise the nation’s three refineries to raise $10 billion for the empowerment of small and medium scale businesses (SMEs) in the country.
Atiku, who said this while addressing a campaign rally yesterday in Lagos, listed the refineries as those in Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna.
The former Vice President said he would follow the privatization through, if elected President next year.
He said: “On my own part, if you elect me as your president, I said and I promise by the grace of God that I am going to set aside $10 billion so that we can empower our young men and women in small and medium enterprises.
“People were asking me where I am going to get the money. If I privatise the Port Harcourt refinery, Warri refinery, and Kaduna refinery, I will get the money.”
The PDP candidate also promised that his administration would restructure the country, if elected President in 2023.
“So, let me also promise you, if you elect me, we are going to restructure this country. What do we mean by restructuring? We will give states and local governments more powers and resources. It is up to you to hold them responsible.”
Also, Notable PDP leaders were conspicuously absent at the party’s presidential candidate’s rally at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, yesterday.
The leaders included the former National Deputy Chairman (South) of the party, Chief Olabode George.
Also absent were the five governors of the party, popularly called the G-5 governors, led by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Others members of the group are: Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Egwuayi (Enugu).
Also, the state chairman of the party, Phillip Alvoji, was not seen at the event.
But addressing members of the party at the event, Atiku also said his government would ensure full autonomy for the state and local governments.
He urged the PDP members to protect their votes and not to succumb to any form of intimidation.
The PDP vice presidential candidate and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said Atiku is the only acceptable presidential candidate to Nigerians.
“Atiku is tested and he means well for the country. We want a Lagos State that works for all, not working for the rich and the poor getting poorer. Atiku is the only candidate of all the contestants that will return the lost glory of Nigeria,” he said.
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