President Muhammadu Buhari has said the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Adamawa state, Senator Aisha Dairu Ahmed Binani as the next chief executive of the state would open opportunities for women in the country and also send a signal to the world on Nigeria’s leadership maturity.
Speaking at the Lamido of Adamawa’s Palace in Yola, the president said he was in support of the gubernatorial candidate and would continue to provide moral support for her success in the forthcoming polls.
“I came here to make sure that from the end of Nigeria to other places, I want to identify with the candidate, Binani, and other candidates.
“We are here to ensure that Sen. Binani becomes the first female elected governor God willing. Her election will speak to Nigeria and the world through Adamawa State.
“I thank you very much for all the support. I want everyone to support her to win. And for those in opposition to us, I wish them the best of luck.
“We will give her our moral support. The women have been fighting from a distance, let them now come close, and also share in leadership,” he said.
Fintiri, Lamido laud Buhari
In his remarks, Adamawa state Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri thanked the president for various interventions in the state.
“I want to use this opportunity to welcome you to your second home, Adamawa State.
“We want to thank you for various and several projects in Adamawa. All our proposals for the state have been approved. We will not get tired of receiving you in the state. We will continue to pray for you. We love you and admire you.
“You have done well and surpassed what is expected of a leader. I wish you well and all the best in the campaigns,” he said.
The Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, also appreciated Buhari for the developments in the state, which included appointments into top positions in government like the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Musa Bello; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha; and the chairman of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), General Buba Marwa (rtd).
“The people of Adamawa are indebted to you,” the royal father told the president whom he also thanked for his approval of new universities in the state and a Federal Medical Centre.
Tinubu
Meanwhile, the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Monday, called on people of Adamawa state to make history and vote Binani as the first female governor in the country.
Speaking at the well-attended rally at the Maidoki Ground in Yola, Tinubu said: “She is brilliant, driven and result-oriented. She will perform better for the state.”
At the rally which had President Muhammadu Buhari in attendance, Tinubu hailed him for laying a solid foundation for the country, which he would build on if elected.
“Your contributions are positive and enduring. As I have said before, when the history of this period is objectively written, it will treat you very kindly. It will treat you as a true patriot and hero. Thank you for providing the solid and strong foundation. Now, it will be up to the rest of us to carry on and build Nigeria into the finest national edifice we can envision,” he said.
The APC candidate also thanked the president for attending the rally, saying he was deeply moved and honoured by his presence.
“That you are here and that you have been gracious enough to be our campaign chairman shows your dedication and loyalty as a party member. More importantly, your presence underscores your commitment to progressive, democratic good governance and your belief that our party represents the best hope to lead the nation to the peace, prosperity and development it deserves,” he added.
Agenda for N/east
Reiterating his agenda for people of the North-east where he picked his running mate, Tinubu said: “I envision productive farmlands that produce food abundant enough to feed the state and help feed the rest of the nation and even export to a world in need of our dynamic contribution to humanity.
I envision both manufacturing hubs as well as agricultural hubs that will allow you to produce finished products that will expand the local economy, create jobs and increase the standard of living for all of you.
“I see adequate fresh produce storage facilities, farm-to-market roads and access routes. I also envision the establishment of commodity exchange boards and credit facilities that will provide the hardworking farmer a guaranteed income for his crops and also allow farmers affordable loans to invest in and improve the productive yield of their lands. I can envision these good things my people because i have the expertise and commitment to see them become reality.”
On his achievements as Lagos state governor, he said: “With your help, I will do so again on a larger scale. I have already done the research and have fashioned wise plans. What I promise is real and achievable.”
Asking the people of the state to vote for him come February 25, 2023, Tinubu said: “Give me and Shettima the mandate to achieve this. And we will give you the economy, jobs, and incomes you seek. The power is in your hands, vote for m; empower me so that I may empower you!”
Taking a swipe again at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar; he said: “I hear that a former VP who comes from Adamawa wants to return to Aso Villa again. You have to decide whether you owe him your vote simply because he is from here or do you owe yourself a better nation and future?
“If you believe a better tomorrow is possible, then you cannot support Vice President Privatize Everything. If you give him the nation, he will sell all he can and leave you with nothing.”
In their separate remarks, APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Director-General Tinubu/Shettima Campaign and Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong canvassed support for the election of Asíwájú Tinubu as president and Senator Ahmed Binani as Adamawa governor.
Senator Ahmed who spoke largely in Hausa promised a new lease of life for the people of Adamawa state, saying salaries of civil servants and pensions would be paid regularly.
The rally was attended by APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Shettima, Governors Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) and Nasir el-Rufai(Kaduna), former Adamawa state Governor Admiral Murtala Nyako, former Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko, former Gombe state Governor Danjuma Goje, former Edo state Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and former Zamfara state Governor Sani Yerima.
Also in attendance were APC National Woman Leader Betta Edu, Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen, Minister of Sports and Youth Development Sunday Dare, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and women rights activist, Hajiya Najaatu Mohammed among notable others.
