Atiku engages Editors, promises to present bill on restructuring first day in office

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, former voice President Atiku Abubakar, engaged editors in Lagos, re-emphasising his “5-point development agenda” titled “My covenant with Nigerians”. He promised to present a bill on restructuring at the National Assembly on the first day of assuming office as president.

Atiku deliberate on the 5-point agenda during his interactions with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

Atiku reiterated his plan to form a government of national unity, appointing capable hands from all parts of the country, including ensuring that every geo-political zone is represented in the headship of Nigeria’s security agencies.

Atiku disclosed that he constituted policy groups for each of his five sections of policy, in his manifesto – “My covenant with Nigerians”, noting that the manifesto was derived from the reports of the groups.

Atiku said that his five priority commitments are restoring unity and sense of belonging to all parts of Nigeria; Ensuring security of lives and property; Fixing the economy, particularly unemployment and inflation; Restructuring; and Education.

Atiku disclosed that he assembled a team of legal practitioners who have given him a draft bill on restructuring that he would present to the National Assembly on his first day in office.

The PDP presidential candidate noted that amending the Constitution to bring out the desired restructured Federation requires the cooperation of the National Assembly and State Assemblies, saying that the Executive arm cannot do it alone.

Atiku also said that he will increase the number security personnel, the police, army and other security operatives, offer them proper training and retraining to contain the insecurity menace in the country.

Atiku said that he would continue the economic policy of former President Olusegun  Obasanjo – 1999 to 2007 – which include liberalization of the economy, further empowering the private sector, and continuing the privatization of public enterprises.

Atiku also revealed how he intends to improve electricity supply, and the educational sector.

The PDP presidential candidate was accompanied to Lagos by Governor Udom Emmanual of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, Senator Dino Melaye and Dele Momodu.