The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate for the 2019 general elections and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has said he will restructure the country to operate a federal system of government when elected president come, 16th February 2019.
Atiku stated this at the banquet hall of Government House, in Makurdi, Friday, when Governor Samuel Ortom and Benue Traditional Council, led by their chairman, Tor Tiv, Prof James Ayatse received him on arrival to Benue for campaign.
Atiku said a true federal system of government will bring good governance closer to the people and deliver desired dividends to them.
“It is my belief and conviction that if I run a true federal system of government, more power and resources will go to states and Local Government since they are closer to the people.
“If this is done, it will address the developmental issues and the insecurity we face in many parts of the country.”
He thanked Benue people for receiving him especially the Tor Tiv for his humility in agreeing to meet him in Makurdi saying as a title holder in Tiv land, he was supposed to be heading to his palace in Gboko to pay homage.
He said his visit to Benue was home coming and pledged to protect lives and property in Benue where ever he found himself.
Atiku said he was in the state to seek support, guidance, advice and blessings as he goes through the electioneering campaigns and urged the royal fathers to reflect on the situations in the country today so that they can sensitize their people to change the direction of things.
Benue state Gov. Samuel Ortom informed that the Benue people have unanimously adopted Atiku to be the next president of Nigeria saying he will end hunger and disease in the country.
He described the former vice president as a detribalized Nigerian who has the capacity to deliver the country from the shambles she is in currently.
The Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof James Ayatse welcomed Atiku saying he has simply visited home as a special adviser to the Tor Tiv and a member his Council of Chiefs.
The Tor Tiv thanked him for always identifying with Benue saying God was going to provide an opportunity for him to reflect on his speech on the day of his coronation and put them into action.
He commended Atiku for holding peaceful campaigns round the country saying he had watched keenly and there has not been riots, no hate speeches or violence during his campaigns and urged him to sustain the tempo until the country conducted a peaceful, credible free and fair elections.
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The traditional ruler said topmost on the agenda of Benue people was security of lives and property because the Benue people had suffered a lot and are in need of one who will protect her people.
“A law was enacted to prohibit open grazing but it has been greeted with a lot of misinterpretations. It is not targeted at anyone but simply wants those who are interested in staying in Benue to do livestock business to get lands and ranch their livestock so that everyone; farmers, herders can do their businesses in peace.
“But It appears that the borders have been unmanned and all manner of people are coming in to harass us.
“When you become the president, give attention to the federal roads in Benue, give us a federal college of education, a federal polytechnic, take over our teaching hospital to ensure development and quality services at the hospital.
“We pray God grants you favour and you become president. It is our belief that because you are one of us, Benue will be in the inner core and whatever is juicy will come to Benue”, he added.
