Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended President Bola Tinubu's investments in security, infrastructure, and agriculture in Nigeria's South-East region. At an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Shettima stated that these federal interventions aim to improve regional connectivity and food security. The investments have been instrumental in transforming the South-East economy. Shettima's remarks highlight the APC's efforts to showcase their achievements in the region.
Shettima specifically mentioned major transport projects that will ease the movement of goods and lower business costs. These projects include the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, the Ndibe Bridge, and the Enugu–Abakaliki–Ogoja Expressway. Additionally, he noted the establishment of the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot in Amasiri-Edda and the South-East Development Commission as key steps to reinforce regional stability and development. These initiatives demonstrate the federal government's commitment to the region's growth.
The APC campaign rally in Ebonyi State saw several prominent figures urging voters to support President Tinubu in the upcoming presidential election. Campaign Director-General Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Minister of Works David Umahi called on Ebonyi voters to deliver between 1.2 million and 1.3 million votes for Tinubu. The rally was an opportunity for the APC to mobilize support and promote their candidate's agenda.
However, not everyone shares the APC's optimism. Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru appealed to President Tinubu to fund a 330kV transmission line to support local industrialisation. This request highlights the region's ongoing infrastructure needs and the importance of continued investment. The governor's appeal underscores the challenges that still need to be addressed.
Opposition figures have criticised the APC administration, claiming that they have failed to improve living conditions for the majority. Allied Peoples Movement presidential candidate Seyi Makinde argued that the APC has built a Nigeria that works only for the privileged few. The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) also accused the ruling party of suffocating the opposition and exploiting ethnic and religious divisions.
The PRP National Chairman Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed stated that the APC is using state power to frustrate rival campaigns. This criticism reflects the tense political atmosphere in the country, with various parties vying for support. The allegations highlight the need for a level playing field in the electoral process.
Despite the criticisms, the APC remains focused on their campaign efforts. The party's investments in the South-East region are a key aspect of their strategy to win over voters. The success of these initiatives will likely play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the presidential election.
Key points
- The APC's investments in the South-East region aim to improve regional connectivity and food security.
- The party's campaign efforts have been met with criticism from opposition figures, who claim that the APC has failed to improve living conditions for the majority.
- The outcome of the presidential election will depend on various factors, including the success of the APC's initiatives in the South-East region.
