President Bola Tinubu has said that the Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar was part of those that created the mess his government was cleaning up now.
Atiku was vice president between 1999 and 2007 during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Tinubu stated this Saturday during the presidential campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He said when he was helpless, the people of Port Harcourt supported him and gave him the mandate.
The President stated: “I look very helpless. But you stood out to support me, give me the mandate. The mandate that I used to govern till today, you are a positive contributor. I must thank you for going out there to vote and vote massively for APC. Today again, I return here to say thank you. And seek your support for the second term.
“I’m seeking that support because you believe in me. You believe that I care for you, particularly the young youth. Your education, your welfare, your skill is extremely important to me, to Nigeria. I assure you this, we have started the golden age. The prosperity is here.”
Tinbu said when he took over, 27 out of 36 states were unable to pay salaries, saying that meant a lot for the families that depend on the salaries and to many households
He stressed that ever since, his administration had reversed the ugly trend, saying the country was on the move for prosperity.
Tinubu stated: “Those people, talking of hunger, we are clearing the mess they created. Atiku was one of them.
“Ask him how he built the university while he was in office as vice president — in charge of our economy. Who built the university for you? Is it your money? Is it your effort? A man without moral integrity, latitude and ethics for the office.”
The president described the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike as a development partner of his administration, saying he is doing a wonderful job.
He commended Wike for maintaining peace and stability during the civic crisis, created by misunderstanding in the family.
Tinubu added: “To me, I intervene on your behalf, Similayi Fubara. Your excellency, the host governor of the day. I want to thank you specifically for the maturity, understanding, and respect for the wisdom of elders.
“When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed democrat. Fubara you will not regret what you have done. As long as all of us are alive.’
Tinubu said the 2027 elections are about the youth of Nigeria.
He stated: “This election is about you (youth). It’s not all about me. Your future depends on this election. It is left for you to use the weapon you have. And that weapon is the PVC. If you have not collected yours, please go ahead and collect it.
“The weapon you have against poverty. Is to elect progressive development of our economy. That is what I’m pursuing. The people that governed before, they left unpaid pensions and gratuity in billions and trillions of Naira. That is being cleared. So that every family is included.
“We are sharing prosperity already. A retired engineer is receiving a gratuity right now. A retired welder is receiving a pension right now, a retired teacher is receiving a pension right now.”