TheCable

Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says Delta state is not an “ATM” for “migratory politicians”.

He said the state’s funds may have “found a home” with a presidential candidate who “loves Dubai more than Nigeria”.

Atiku Abubakar, standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is known to spend considerable time in Dubai where he has family.

Speaking on Saturday during an APC rally in Warri, Delta, Tinubu said the state’s finances have been mismanaged, while he also criticised Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate.

Tinubu also said the governors of Delta since 1999 have taken the residents “for a hard and long ride”.

“Delta is among Nigeria’s largest oil and gas producing states. Revenue from oil and gas has historically been the backbone of government revenue and foreign exchange earnings,” he said.

“As such your state and other oil producers have made a one-of-a-kind financial contribution to the building of modern Nigeria. The nation is thankful to you.

“Delta has all it takes to be great and help lead the nation forward. Yet, for the past twenty-three years, those governing your state have taken you for a hard and long ride by selling you short. They have not done the things they should have and could have done for you.

“The infrastructure in the state was better 30 years ago than it is now. The state has recorded historic debts run up by the incumbent yet the infrastructure and other things still remain lacking because of under-investment and neglect.

“The money is much but it does not have legs. Where did it go? Not to your welfare. Perhaps, it has found a home with a certain presidential candidate who loves Dubai more than Nigeria. But Delta state is not an ATM for migratory politicians.

“It is a place where good and hardworking people reside and work to create decent and peaceful lives for themselves and their families.”

Tinubu said he will complete the ongoing Gas Revolution Industrial Park (GRIP) project in Delta if elected president.

In 2017, the federal government inaugurated the $20 billion GRIP project in Ogidigben area of the state.

The APC presidential candidate said investment in gas will become his government’s top priority if he ascends to power.

“Our government will further re-activate the multi-billion dollar Gas Revolution Industrial Park Project. President Buhari’s administration has made great strides in revisiting this project. We will complete it,” he said.

“Gas will become a national priority. I envision fertiliser and petrochemical plants, aluminium smelters, methanol plants, all creating jobs for the unemployed while producing goods that bolster farming, construction and other industries.”