The people of the north-east geopolitical zone will vote massively for Goodluck Jonathan because he has attracted more developmental projects to the zone than any of the country’s past leaders.
This is the verdict of Isa Yuguda, the Bauchi State governor and son-in-law to the late President, Umaru Yar’Adua, made known yesterday in Abuja while hosting the Bauchi Traders Association (BTA). Mr Yuguda, who is the coordinator of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation, explained that he accepted to serve in that capacity because the project would not only boost the economy of the zone, but also provide employment for the youth.
The governor said that within the short time he has ruled the country, the president has shown that he cares for the people of the zone. He listed the planned construction of an international airport in Bauchi, the Mambilla power plant, a refinery, and a bridge at Ibbi across the Banue River to link Bauchi, Taraba and Plateau States, as some of the projects the Jonathan administration would soon embark upon. Mr Jonathan became Nigeria’s president four months ago.
The governor added that the dredging of the River Benue and the approval given for the construction of the Kazan Zaki Dam would provide a means of livelihood to the people.
Work hard“That is why we accepted to offer to serve on his campaign team and we shall work hard to convince the people to vote for him come 2011,” Mr Yuguda said. “You can imagine the level of economic boom in the zone if all these projects are constructed. Jonathan is a listening president. He empathizes with the people. He has a soft spot for people who are oppressed. He will help wipe away our tears.”
The governor stated that Mr Jonathan would be given a rousing welcome by the people of the zone because he has touched their lives, positively. “We must appreciate Jonathan because among those who are contesting and those who have served before, none remembered these things. It is out of willingness they support Jonathan and they will mobilize support for him in the entire north-east.” Earlier, leader of the delegation, Garba Mesuga applauded the choice of the governor of the zonal coordinator of the president’s campaign, saying it is an implicit confidence on the zone. He recalled how traders in Bauchi State helped Mr Yuguda to frustrate all the forces that would have rigged him out during the 2007 gubernatorial elections, adding that they are willing to join forces to ensure Mr Jonathan’s victory during the forthcoming polls.
Mr Mesuga also promised to embark on grassroots mobilization of traders, artisans, market women, the unemployed and farmers to work with the governor.
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Embarrassing comments by Yuguda.
He didn't mention one single completed project.
