TheCable

Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he will prioritise the welfare of Bayelsa people if he is elected in 2023. 

He said this on Thursday during the APC presidential rally in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Tinubu said though the state is blessed with mineral and human resources, the wealth that the state should have is not reflected in the lives of the ordinary people.

“The entire world knows that Bayelsa is rich in oil and is among Nigeria’s largest producing states. The revenue from these things has been the backbone of government income and foreign exchange earnings,” he said.

“But what the world often forgets is that Bayelsa is more than just pipelines and oil installations. It is a community of decent and good people, proud of the culture and traditions, yet hopeful of what the future holds.

“You are fishermen and boat operators of great skill and reputation. You are farmers, businessmen, market women, teachers, students and professionals in all fields.

“To be frank, those who have governed the state have not done as they should. In the fiscal rankings of all the states, Bayelsa ranked 36th in 2020 and 2021. You have been sold short by those not interested in your welfare. 

“If you vote for me and my team, that unfair day will surely end. Today, I am here to tell you that renewed hope is also here. I am not here to steal or eat your future but to help you realise it. Development and opportunity are here. Education is here. Good health is here. Security is here. 

“We will reconstruct and maintain vital federal roadways such as the Mbiama-Yenegoa-Nembe-Brass highway. We will work with willing and capable private sector partners to build a comprehensive network of swamp bridges that connect swamp settlements with upland areas and the wider world.”

He also promised to prioritise the security of the people, as well as ensure better living standards for residents.

“My government will make the safety and security of the people of this state its highest priority. We will take the necessary measures to address security challenges in the waterways by winning the fight against kidnapping, oil theft and piracy in the Niger Delta region,” he said.

“No innocent person should have to live in fear simply because they work hard and earn a little money. You should be able to enjoy your life and labour as you wish. No one has the right to steal that from you.

“We will deploy new technologies to protect the safety and security of law-abiding Bayelsans as well as the critical infrastructure in the state. The effects of environmental degradation and oil spillage will not be ignored.

“My vision is for Nigeria and Bayelsa to be the same — to be a peaceful, prosperous and compassionate society. My government will focus on developing the young people of this country because they represent the future. And the future is today. 

“We will establish new skills development and capacity building programmes. Industrial hubs and dry ports will focus investment on labour-intensive manufacturing. We will innovate and use modern technology to create jobs and provide first-generation goods and services. Our goal is to expand our industrial base such that Nigeria becomes a global leader.”

Other APC stakeholders at the event were Kashim Shettima, APC vice-presidential candidate; Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of representatives; Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau and the director-general of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign, among others.