Frontline Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential aspirant, Senator David Mark, has urged delegates to the party’s national convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers state to vote for him in the interest of unity, stability and prosperity of the nation.
Senator Mark told party faithfuls Otukpo, Benue state country home today, that the peace and unity of Nigeria supersedes any other consideration.
He said that Nigeria has gone through avoidable turbulent times in the last few years pointing out that only a man with the requisite knowledge, experience and passion for the country like him can salvage the situation.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Governor of Sokoto State and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential hopeful, Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, declared that immediate steps must be taken to set the country on the path of development, following the abysmal performance of the APC Federal Government.
Speaking at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday during a consultative visit to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Sokoto State Governor noted that the country is presently hanging on a cliff due to the failure of the Buhari administration.
He said: “We should be able to bring back our country from the brink. As it is today, this country is on a cliff and there is a need for us to pull it back “.
Tambuwal said that Nigeria requires a leadership that has the capacity to unite the country, introduce fresh ideas in leadership and enhance the development of the nation.
“We are all aware that this country has never been this divided. This country has never been this polarised. There is a need for us, not only to have a 21st leadership, but a leadership that is Pan-Nigeria.
“We need a leadership that understands the complexities of this country”, he said.
The PDP Presidential Aspirant noted that experiences garnered as a Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and the incumbent Sokoto State Governor have equipped him to offer Nigeria the right leadership it requires.
He urged PDP members to nominate him to fly the party’s flag during the 2019 Presidential Election, pointing out that he has the capacity to lead the party to victory.
Tambuwal stated that when elected he will work with all stakeholders to review the constitution of the country to accomodate the aspirations of different sections of the country.
On security, the Presidential aspirant said he will deploy security and fresh ideas to improve the security of the nation.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike advised all Presidential Aspirants to conduct themselves in a decorous manner to advance the interest of the PDP.
He said: “Tell Nigerians what you want to do for them. Sell yourself. Do not be desperate. If it is God’s will, nobody can stop you”.
He said if at the end of the day he loses out of the nomination of the party, he should support whoever emerges in the interest of the party.
The Rivers State Governor noted that Tambuwal represents one of the Presidential Aspirants with the capacity to lead and revive the country.
Governor Wike said without a review of the revenue sharing formula of the country, states will not be able to pay the new minimum wage.
Senator Mark stated that he has a clear road map to revamp the economy within two years and also halt the intractable security challenges if voted into office.
“The situation in the country more than ever before demands ready hands, stable character and commitment to the ideals of nation hood. I am committed to the sanctity of our unity. We must restore the trust and confidence in our people. We all have a stake in Nigeria. We have no other place to call ours”, Senator Mark stressed.
He reminded the delegates to vote wisely at the convention saying “I will be with you and serve the nation diligently. I will be there for you. I will not let you down. I will be the last man standing“.
Senator Mark stated that his record of service in various parts of Nigeria over the years put him in a better stead to serve the nation creditably, reiterating “I am the bridge Nigeria needs now. I will be the bridge between the North and South and between the old and young”.
The former President of the Senate added that he possesses the requisite Executive and Legislative experiences to lead Nigeria to prosperity and restore the trust and respect of the international community.
He expressed confidence that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led National Convention Planning Committee would do a good job.