Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has vowed to end conflicts between Fulani herders and indigenous Tiv in Benue State, if elected President.
Gatekeepers News reports that Atiku also promised to raise the state’s status as the nation’s Food Basket if elected in the February 25 poll.
The PDP Presidential candidate, who is also the Zege-Mule-U Tiv (Big Shield), said he would ensure that the Fulani and the Tiv sign a peace accord to live in harmony.
Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom, a member of the G5 governors that are at loggerheads with Atiku, did not attend the rally.
In his address at the presidential campaign rally at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, Atiku said, “Benue State is the food basket of this country. Today, our farmers in Benue do not go to farm again because of insecurity. I will make sure security returns to Benue State.
“I also promise you that by the grace of God, the issue of unemployment of our young men and women will be a thing of the past. That is why in my policy document, I said we are going to allocate $10 billion to empower our young men and women with enterprises…”
On his part, the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, while addressing the party’s members at the rally spoke on the party’s efforts to reconcile aggrieved members.
Ayu said, “The party is not divided. There are a few members who have grievances. We are talking to them. We want to make sure they come back and work with us fully. One week is enough to change everything. This thing has been going on and I want to assure you that we will receive everybody back.”
