The All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has assured Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State that they will return to their ancestral homes if he is elected president at the February 25 poll.
Addressing APC supporters at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi during a campaign rally, Tinubu said that Nigerians have no business staying in IDP camps.
“Once you elect me (as President), I will close IDP camps and return those displaced to their various communities and bring hope to them.
“Non-payment of salaries will be over. There will be stable electricity and improved quality of education in the country including loans for students,” he further said.
Tinubu recalled his long-standing relationship with the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties, Senator George Akume, describing him as a trusted and dependable politician.
He questioned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s source of wealth, saying it is not enough for him to say he was a Customs officer with a transport company.
Tinubu also described the APC governorship flag bearer, Rev Fr. Hycinth Alia, as hope for Benue State and canvassed support for him.
Akume, leader of APC in the State, said: “I know Senator Bola Tinubu for many years. He supported the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Iyorchia Ayu, a Christian who became Senate President and he has no place for religious fundamentalists.”
Akume, a former Governor of the State, said: “Just like the late Minority right leader J. S Tarka who established a relationship with the Kanuris from the north, Bola Tinubu is also firmly rooted with the Kanuris in the North.
“Tinubu is trained for job; he won’t experiment and has cordial relations with the North. So, don’t waste your PVC, but vote wisely; vote for Asiwaju.
“Asiwaju and I were governors and when I lost my mother, he was the only governor who came with one of the largest delegations to condole me at my Tarka country home. Asiwaju and Shettima are great men with great ideas to change Nigeria for the better.’’