Kwara LP backs Jonathan, standard bearer denies being stooge

• Plateau counterpart unveils seven-point agenda

KWARA State governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mike Omotosho, says the party’s supporters have been directed to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan in next week’s polls.

   He told newsmen in Ilorin yesterday that the directive came from the LP National Secretariat and that he would do everything within his powers to ensure victory for Jonathan.

   “We don’t have any presidential candidate in the LP, rather, we have been directed to vote for President Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party. That was why we equally joined in the recent rally organised for Mr. President when he came to Ilorin to campaign,” he said.

   He further refuted claims that he was being sponsored by a politician in the state to thwart the chances of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opponent, Simeon Ajibola, in the forthcoming general elections.

   Reports in the state had claimed that the incumbent Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who is also from the same district with Omotosho and Ajibola, was allegedly bankrolling Omotosho to weaken the chances of the PDP candidate, considered his strongest threat.

   However, Omotosho has pledged a new generational leadership that would be driven by passion to grow the state’s economy if elected governor. The LP candidate and founder of Mike Omotosho Foundation told newsmen in Ilorin that he desires to serve Kwarans by providing a credible alternative to other opposition candidates.

   He promised free education for children, excellent healthcare and empowerment of indigenes to drive economic growth if given the mandate.

   Meanwhile, his counterpart in Plateau State, Bagudu Hirse, has unveiled a seven-point agenda for the development of the state if elected governor. 

   Featuring in a live Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTV) programme yesterday in Jos, Hirse said the agenda include total return of peace and security in the state, respect for the rule of law, human capital development, quality education and improvement of agriculture.

   Hirse, who declared his values as self-sustaining, said his administration, if given the mandate, would implement all-inclusive governance for the people. 

   He further disclosed that his administration would create job opportunities and development by boosting tourism, creating industries and making the state secure and safe for investors.

   On zoning of offices, Hirse said there should be fairness as politics is a platform to develop the society. He commended the Jonah Jang administration for its stride in boosting agriculture, adding that more needed to be done to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.