… Campaigns for Achonu in Orlu, Imo
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in last February’s election yesterday stormed the campaign rally of the party’s governorship candidate in the November 11 Imo governorship election, Senator Athan Achonu, in Orlu.
Obi’s unannounced arrival at the rally sent the mammoth crowd into frenzy, as he expressed his solidarity with Achonu, assuring the people that the LP flag bearer has what it takes to reposition the state for greater heights.
He cautioned the people who are deceived by money, noting that it was a grave error to refer to those politicians who steal public funds as Excellency.
Obi thanked the people for their steadfast faith in the Labour Party and its flag bearer, Achonu, noting that “it is not easy to come to a party where no money is shared. Thank you for supporting the Labour Party; thank you for supporting Achonu and our quest for a new Nigeria and a new Imo.”
According to Obi, the All Progressives Congress, APC, is determined to ensure that Nigeria will die in their hands and not make progress but assured that the Labour Party would checkmate it.
He disclosed that people tried to dissuade him from coming to Imo, especially Orlu because of the scary security situation. However, when he could not be discouraged, he was warned to be careful, adding that things are not supposed to be like that.
“The Labour Party has come to repair the land. Don’t mind the people sharing money. The money is not theirs; it is the people’s money, your money.
“I appeal to you to come out en masse and vote for Achonu and the Labour Party. Take note of all the promises politicians make to you and hold them accountable. Check what they promised before to see if they were done.
“If any person tells you he went to school, let him tell us which school. It is not a matter of whether he passed or failed. Be who you tell us you are.
“Take note of Achonu’s promises and hold him accountable. Nigeria will be better if this is done. This penchant of not fulfilling promises and just calling them Excellency is wrong. Anybody that does not keep his word, is he excellent or if when he gets there he loots the treasury; is a thief excellent? These are the things going on in Nigeria. Politicians have turned the country into a thieving land.
“We have come to introduce the Labour Party to you, a party that works. I followed Achonu to this rally so that I could also be a check on him and call him to order in case he performs differently. Write down all his promises. So, I am here to campaign for him and for the people too to ensure that he will keep his promises.
“The Labour Party is the only party that cares for human beings, mama, papa and pickin. Other parties care for umbrellas and brooms but we care for parents and children. Vote for the Labour Party so that everything will go well.”
Meanwhile, Achonu reiterated his promises to the people, assuring them that he would transform the state, beginning with local government autonomy and conducting free and fair elections within six months of his administration. In addition be promised to rebuild Orlu by restoring peace, providing infrastructure as well as building 2 industrial parks in Orlu Zone Including a pharmaceutical, and oil and gas Industrial park.
He harped on the need for the people to come out and vote for him without fear of intimidation because there would be adequate security as well community efforts to protect their votes.
Also, he reminded them of his resolve to create employment opportunities, tackle insecurity and create industrial parks in the three zones, among others.
Earlier, Mr Peter Obi who wore a black cloth led the mammoth crowd to a one minute silence in honour of all those who lost their lives in the violence ravaging the zone.
