President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday confessed that it is a herculean task fighting corruption in a nation like Nigeria.
Buhari, while addressing a crowd of party supporters and admirers at the 12,000 capacity Ekiti Parapo pavilion, venue of his campaign rally, said he would not give up in ridding the nation of corruption in line with the promise he made in 2015 to banish corruption in the land.
Present at the rally were the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ibikule Amosun (Ogun), former All Progressives Congress (APC) interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and Mr Olusola Oke among others.
Also at the rally, some members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers who were led by the Speaker, Ebenezer were Cecelia Dada representing Ilejemeje constituency and Olanrewaju Olayanju from Emure.
President Buhari said he was quite conscious of the promises he made when he wanted to contest for election four years ago, particularly the ones that had to do with corruption, insecurity and economic diversification.
“We are fighting corruption but it has not been easy. But we told the security agencies to keep a tab on those on our watching list and ensure that no stone is left unturned to ensure that those who have cases to answer do not escape justice.
“As part of our promises, we are building roads, rail lines, fighting corruption. We introduced Treasury Single Account and increased power supply so that Nigerians can have their own businesses.
“I want to be grateful to Ekiti voters because twice I came here, I achieved successes. I came here in 2014 and I also came here to campaign for Fayemi; he won the governorship election, so I thank you.”
Earlier during a meeting with Ekiti Obas, Buhari pleaded with them to support his re-election bid and government for sustainable peace in Ekiti State and beyond.
Buhari said he had not betrayed the country on the promises he made in 2015 to secure the nation, fight corruption and diversify the economy and make Nigeria self-sustaining in terms of local production.
Vice President, Osinbajo, who addressed the crown in Yoruba, said “the sum of $383 billion was got from the oil between 2010 and 2014 under Dr Goodluck Jonathan. That was when we had the highest revenue but nothing was done with it.
“If that money had been utilised judiciously, all the roads, rail lines and employment we are creating would have long been in place for Nigerians. Buhari built three refineries as Minister of Petroleum under military era. No government has ever added one, not even during the 16 years of PDP.
“Don’t let them deceive you, vote for a president you can trust; that is President Buhari,” he advised.
Osinbajo added that youth employment is paramount to Buhari’s government, saying that this accounted for why the administration brought about N-power scheme to empower young graduates.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, said it would be a big mistake if Nigerians elect the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, on February 16.
Before receiving the defectors, Oshiomhole said Atiku owed Nigerians explanation over alleged stealing of millions of dollars belonging to the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) which he superintended over during the regime of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“How many times did Obasanjo say Atiku stole PTDF’s money? The answer he always gave was that his former boss too stole money. Is this the kind of person you want to vote for?” he queried.
The APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Afenifere leader, Senator Ayo Fasanmi and former Osun State governor, Chief Bisi Akande, described the Reuben Fasoranti-led faction of the group, which had earlier endorsed Atiku as political jobbers, who shouldn’t be taken seriously.
Fayemi promised that our president will get 90 percent of the votes that would be cast on February 16.
“The government is planning to dualise Ado-Akure road, complete the federal housing units, the federal rail line, so we have no option than to return President Buhari because Ekiti people are progressives,” he said
