- Says “Presidency requires physical and mental energy and not a retirement home for old and tired people”
The Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Datti Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, on Saturday returned to Kaduna State where they had a campaign rally on Wednesday, this time in Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna and allayed the fears of Christian and Muslim leaders who expressed concern over frequent disagreements between President and his Vice President.
The Southern Kaduna leaders said such disagreements always result in religious tension in the country.
But Obi and his running mate quickly allayed their fears, saying that such fights emanate from transactional deals which they are not into at all.
The duo, who spoke at a town hall meeting while responding to concerns expressed by the Chairman, Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association, Apostle Nuhu E. Kure, citing such situation as in the current administration.
But Obi, who addressed leaders of both Christian and Moslem communities at the Throne Room Ministry in Kafanchan, said himself and Datti have nothing to quarrel for because “the reason why people quarrel is transaction. I have no reason for self enrichment, God has given me enough. I am contented.
“Those who steal government money abuse God’s grace. We want to work for this country. There is no other thing we need.”
The LP flag bearer said Nigeria lacks committed and competent leaders assuring that the commitment of himself and his running mate, if elected, would be total.
“We will fight corruption. Presidency requires physical and mental energy, and not a retirement home for old and tired people.
“There nothing wrong with Nigeria, what is wrong is bad leadership. Our leaders have refused to rise above expectations,” he added.
He assured that his government will secure and unite Nigeria, adding that those who are creating insecurity in the country are not greater than government.
“We need leadership, Datti and I will not shy away to secure Nigeria. We are promising Nigerians that after our leadership there will be a difference,” he stated.
Baba-Ahmed, the Presidential running mate, who said he was outside the country when Obi invited him to run with him, said he is not an ambitious person.
He stated the difference between himself and Obi and other politicians: “We are different because we speak with action. Nigeria is going to change because we are different. I am not an ambitious person.
“We have worked for six months. If there will be disagreement, it would have shown. So entertain no fears as far as Peter Obi and I are concerned.”
Datti assured that the Obi-Datti government, if elected, will provide infrastructure and better the lives of Nigerians.
“You will see the result when you hear Peter Obi as President of Nigeria. We will stop the killing and start the healing. Wwe will stop the stealing and start keeping the money,” he said.
Apostle Kure and Chief Imam of Kafanchan Mosque, Mohammed Kabiru, who also doubles as Chairman, Council of Imams in Southern Kaduna, said both Christians and Moslems in Southern Kaduna have resolved to vote for a Presidential candidate who will protect their interest.
They also want Southern Kaduna to be provided with basic infrastructure if Labour Party forms the next government.
“Southern Kaduna has votes that is more than eight States. In the last election, 90 per cent went to one party.
“Religion and tribe should not be issues in deciding positions, but merit. We are doing everything to restore peace. The Vice Presidential candidate should help us in the North and enlighten them. Most of the crises in Southern Kaduna come from outside the State,” Apostle Kure stated.
During the visit, Obi paid homage to the Palace of HRH Ufwai Bonnet, the Fada Sarki, Kagoro, as well as commissioned the Labour Party office in Southern Kaduna.