Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says he’ll meet the demands of indigenes in the federal capital territory (FCT).
The former vice-president spoke on Saturday at the PDP presidential rally in Abuja.
Abubakar said he’ll ensure that the constitution is amended to meet the agitations of Abuja indigenes.
In recent years, the indigenes of the FCT have protested being excluded from political appointments and the “illegal” takeover of their ancestral lands without adequate compensation.
Atiku said if elected, Abuja indigenes will be given all their “entitlements under the current constitution”.
“All the appointments that belong to Abuja will be given to Abuja. You know that we have done so before and we are going to do it again,” he said.
“What you have demanded requires a constitutional amendment, we assure you we will support that review to make sure your aspirations are protected and guaranteed in our constitution.
“More so, we have pledged to restructure this country. In the process of restructuring, we shall give you all that you are demanding. It is nothing new. I want to assure and promise you that.”
While promising to tackle the insecurity in the nation’s capital, Atiku said he’ll unify the country and ensure that all the geo-political zones are considered for appointment into his cabinet.
“Currently, we have challenges. Can you imagine Abuja, the federal capital, is not secured? We shall protect Abuja and secure it for your safety. I promise you that,” he said.
“Of course, you know our five-point programme agenda. We shall unify this country. What we mean by unifying is that every part of this country will be given a sense of belonging. No part will be sidelined, and no part will be marginalised, and that is how to forge a sense of unity in a country like Nigeria.
“We have pledged to restore security. We must give everybody peace. A farmer needs to go to the farm, a trader needs to ply the highway to go and sell his goods. It is only when there is peace that we can undertake our legitimate businesses.”
The PDP presidential candidate added that under his regime if elected, the nation’s education system won’t experience the incessant strike.
“Education is key to human development. Today, we have the highest number of out-of-school children. We will make sure that children go back to school. We will make sure our universities are reopened and remain open,” he said.
“The people of Abuja, before anybody feels the effect of government, you will be the first in the federal capital. PDP’s administration will fulfil all these obligations.”
