Tinubu advises Niger Delta youths against destruction of oil pipelines

Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu has advised Niger Delta youths to stop the destruction of oil pipelines, assuring that as he takes over from President Muhammadu Buhari, he would address the many challenges of the region.

The former Lagos State Governor stated this yesterday while addressing supporters at the APC presidential campaign rally, held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt City Council of Rivers state.

Tinubu promised to revive the nation’s industries, stating that with better utilisation of the ports, stable security in the country and the development of the youths skillfully, the nation would achieve its position as the giant of Africa.

He said: “Here we are in Nigeria and in Rivers. Is not the fish that we are looking for, is not crayfish, is in Lagos too. What we are looking for is the authority to change your lives for prosperity. Power and magnitude to give you the best of life, to take care of your inheritance, to make sure that all of you, particularly the youths are empowered to have the best skill in the world that can manufacture, that can produce things that other countries want. That can produce for export from Nigeria, make Nigeria proud, a nation of prosperity, joy and happiness beyond one day.

“We are talking about prosperity in Nigeria, without our own factory, without better utilisation of our ports, without peace and stability, we cannot achieve those aims and those dreams.

“We want you to take your life seriously beyond politics. I will become your president by the grace of God and by the power of your votes. Make sure you have your PVCs. I know that you are looking for a president, you will vote for me as your president.”

He added: “One day you will be president too, let’s build a nation of joy, unity, that is hard working, that is working together and not killing one another.

“Today, I must promise you, if we can work together, we must work together to stop vandalisation of our properties, of our oil pipelines. It is only in unity, working together with prosperity will be part of our hope.”

He commended the people for their patience as the rally was delayed for about eight hours, and he emphasised a progressive future for the state.

Earlier, the governorship candidate in the state, Mr Tonye Cole urged the presidential candidate for full support of the party in Rivers.

Cole said: “With your (Tinubu’s) support and prayers, also prayers of Rivers people, APC will win in the state and national offices. We have been intimidated but we know that APC is on the ground, we are into the grassroots campaign and have won the heart of Rivers people.

“The antecedent of our presidential candidate is known, when we take over, there will be a great change in the state and country at large.”