The scorching sun was not a barrier to the thousands of supporters of the president who thronged the venue to hear and express solidarity with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP presidential candidate.
By Boluwaji Obahopo
Earlier insinuations that Kogi State would be an easy ride for the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari given the hitherto universal chorus of Sai Buhari was almost deafened by the show of love for the president last Tuesday.
As earlier as 8am, the atmosphere in the city had changed. Artisans, students and others from different walks of life poured out to the Confluence Stadium where the presidential rally was scheduled to take place.
From the Ganaja junctions, down to Phase 1 and Phase 11 leading to Zone 8, the streets were packed full and vehicular movement was turned into a snarl. Many had to trek and some as long as four kilometres to the venue.
By 12 noon when President Jonathan arrived with his entourage the stadium was near full.
Once the rally got underway a number of party stakeholders took turns to advance reasons why Dr. Jonathan should be returned to power.
Ethnic bigotry
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan
Among those who spoke that day were the director-general of the Jonathan campaign, Col. Ahmadu Ali (rtd.) who incidentally is from the state, the president of the Senate, Senator David Mark, Senator Smart Adeyemi, PDP women leader, Halima Alfa, the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu`azu, Governor Idris Wada among others.
Ali said that both Jonathan and Buhari had been both presidents before but that Buhari was so bad as a leader that his colleagues removed him from office.
“Only those that are blind with ethnic bigotry and political compatriots who have placed their personal interest above the interest of the country are backing Buhari to become president of this country that is why you see them moving from one party to another,” Ali said.
Mark on his part was to assert that the president would win all the North Central States on account of his good works in the region.
One remarkable backer of the president who moved the crowd was Senator Adeyemi.
Adeyemi, who has been praised for his deliverables by constituents some of who helped to purchase his return ticket was himself effusive of the achievements of the president even as he noted the constraints posed by the insurgents.
Senator Adeyemi also take a swipe at the opposition saying they have overcharged the political atmosphere with falsehood, “It is unfortunate that those who at the beginning fought for the entrenchment of democracy are those now spreading falsehood just in the interest of taking power by false.
“But let me say it here that Jonathan is coming back. His visit to the State is just formality. The people of the State have decided that with the unprecedented performance of the President, he cannot be change for the uncertainty.”
Mu`azu in his remarks praised the president for allowing the reign of liberty in the country observing that “there is no politician on exile in the country. No politician or any other person has been imprisoned or is in detention for speaking his mind. There is freedom of expression. Such freedom has never been experienced before,” Mu`azu said.
In his response, President Jonathan said he has fulfilled his electioneering promises to Nigeria and ready to do more if elected for a second term.
“I have fulfilled my electioneering promises to the country. One of such promises is the Ajaokuta Steel Company, which we first started with by putting in a vibrant management team.
“It is my joy that through the help of the attorney general, Mohammed Adoke; who also is a son of the state; all the legal problems associated with the company are now over.
Pioneering works
In a short while, we will be inviting investors to come and partner with us to commence full operation in the company. I also have it on good authority that three countries have signified interest in it.“
The president also used the opportunity to praise the pioneering works of one of the founding fathers of the PDP, the late Chief Sunday Awoniyi, who he noted was a man of character and convictions.
The president noted how he has been able to increase the length of motorable road in the country saying he inherited only 5,000 kilometres of motorable road and increased same to 30,000 kilometres.
“Our government is a government of the youth. We have kept our word. Politicians always say so much and do little, but ours (Jonathan/Sambo) has been different. We have kept our word and fulfilled our promises. We only seek to do more if elected”.
The rally was brought to an end with prayers offered by the deputy governor of the state, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi.
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