By Okechukwu Okechukwu
Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Thursday, assured a level playing ground to the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and other contestants for the 2023 general elections.
Soludo, who disclosed this at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia, where he received in audience, Atiku and entourage including his running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, stressed that Nigeria was bigger than what he termed any political party.
According to the governor, the business of building the country is bigger than any politician, hence, "In this business of building Nigeria, Anambra and Igbo land should be an open place for anyone."
"Just give us your proposition and tell us how you will fix the country. I am very glad you are here to canvass for votes and I believe our people will listen carefully to every word you have to tell them. Our orientation is to have a level playing field for everyone.
"Politics is about development and we want the South East to feel this development. Reconciliation and Reconstruction is what we haven't come to terms with. The federal highways constructed in the Shagari era are no longer motorable.
"My administration is already spending few billions on federal roads. The bottom line is that we want to change the life of the average citizen. Our people are all ears. We pray for you, for Nigeria and wish you the very best of luck," Soludo noted.
Responding, the PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar explained that the visit was to pay a courtesy call on Governor Soludo as the APGA Governor in Anambra State.
According to Atiku, his relationship with Governor Soludo was beyond partisan politics but a commitment to undertake reforms in the Nigerian economy.
"This is beyond party politics. There should be a consensus on how we move forward and I consider Governor Soludo as a partner in that respect. It is my singular respect and honour for him to receive me in the state. In spite of our different political affiliations, there should be some core values we should agree to, towards the development of our country.
"I thank Governor Soludo for going beyond party politics. He didn't shut the gate against us. We are all partners in our reform agenda as far as Nigeria is concerned. The Governor personally told me he was not available in the state but had to find a way back to receive me. I thank him for the opportunity and wish for God's blessings upon his life and upon Anambra State," Atiku prayed.
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar, while addressing assured that his administration, if elected, would dredge River Niger and complete Onitsha Seaport, and at the end, support an Igbo man to succeed him as President in 2031.
He called on electorate in Anambra and entire Southeast geopolitical zone to vote for him and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, because according to him, as in-law, his administration would make the state feel sense of belonging if elected.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyocha Ayu, urged Anambra electorate to cast their votes for PDP as his experience stood him out and better than other contestants.
On his part, the Vice Presidential candidate of the party and Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa described Atiku as a sellable product, a man of impeccable character and a unifier.
The Director General of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Aminu Tambowal of Sokoto State, said that the PDP presidential flag reflects the Nigerian dream.