I’m a military general, I’ll handle security better

The gubernatorial candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi State, Aminu Bande, on Monday launched his campaign promising to handle security better than his main rival, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Nasir Idris.

Mr. Bande, a retired Nigerian Army general, said his rival could not secure the country because he was a lowly 2nd grade teacher.

Mr. Idris, a former National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), was selected as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May.

“How can you compare a retired general with a second grade teacher? I have the capacity to train to collaborate with the federal government to bring security to Kebbi state (if elected)

“How do you compare, a retired military general with someone who has no exposure from other parties, there is no candidate with the necessary experience than me, Mr. Bande said as he was greeted by thousands of supporters who participated in the campaign.

“The people of Kebbi, I promise to be fair to all groups in Kebbi, I will give them the fertilizer they need before the rainy season at a subsidized price if they are elected governor in the coming election, Mr. Mande added.

Mr. Bande added that education is a priority.

“Many of the young people are wandering around without work, why is it like that? We need to redesign the education system to be functional, where people can acquire skills rather than theoretical degrees.

“We will revive the abandoned vocational training school.

“Calm down, whoever tempts you with money, collect it, it’s yours, but don’t vote for that person.

“I will be fair and protect the resources and money of the people of Kebbi State. I will do everything to ensure the safety of life and property in Kebbi.

“I will do my best to save the citizens of Kebbi state, all the candidates who appear in PDP are committed people who are ready to serve the people, said Mr. Bande.

The flag ceremony was attended by former governor of the state, Adamu Aleiro, and former Senate majority leader, Abdullahi Yahaya – both sitting senators who defected from the APC to the PDP following the crisis that erupted in the state chapter of the APC.

We will not allow rigging – Aleiro

In his remarks, the former governor, Mr. Aleiro, charged the constituents to vote for the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who he claimed has the initiative to address insecurity in Kebbi.

“The worsening security situation across the country made people agitate for change and the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is determined to bring about change, and elect him so that we can get out of the jungle”, Mr. Aleiro said.

He said Kebbi residents will not allow their votes to be stolen in the coming general election.

“On election day, don’t just vote and leave, you must stay and make sure our votes are counted. This is important because there are politicians who have nothing to campaign for, waiting for election day to steal your votes.

“Don’t give them a chance to steal your vote. In Kebbi state, we will tolerate it. We will provide all the necessary assistance in Kebbi state to ensure a free and fair election, said Mr. Aleiro.