Okowa shuts Down Schools, Markets, Govt Offices For Presidential Rally In Asaba
Schools and markets in Asaba, Delta state were shut down for the the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar whose campaign train hits Asaba today.
The PDP presidential campaign rally which was hosted at Steve Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the State capital, witnessed a compulsive traffic gridlock all over the township roads.
Major markets in Asaba, the popular Ogbeogonogo market was under lock and key as traders were forced out against their wish.
A visit to the market revealed many market loitering around the market and adjoining streets with some of them displaying their wares.
In the same vein, both public and private schools did not open for studies on the order of the state government.
Traders who expressed their frustration and anger at the state government for taking such obnoxious decision to deny them their source of livelihood.
A food seller who spoke on account of anonymity remarked that her business is daily and shutting down the market in that manner is a way of denying her food.
In her words, ” I am not happy that the government decided to treat us this way because of political rally. It is sad because nobody is helping me to take care of my family and I see no reason why they should hinder my business because of their selfish interest.”
Another trader, who was visibly angry with the government over the decision to shut down markets and schools noted that it wasn’t a wise decision to force people like that because they wanted people to be at the stadium for the political rally.
A motorist, Christian Obidike said it was a shame for the government to take such a decision because of a party’s presidential candidate to the state.
He wondered if the same treatment was extended to other presidential candidates that had visited the state.
“Delta state is not a property of any political party and as such should not be made to appear such.”
Mainstreamnews nose around town within Asaba capital territory revealed that no primary or secondary school opened for academic activities.
Some traders lamented that government took them unawares and expressed frustration following the lose of money we would have made today ( yesterday) if the Market was not shutting down.
A market woman, Mrs Janet Okorie said ” I am not happy that the government decided to treat us this way because of political rally. It is sad because nobody is helping me to take care of my family and I see no reason why they should hinder my business because of their selfish interest.”
The traders, who were visibly angry with the government over the decision to force them out of the markets said that it wasn’t a wise decision, saying PDP rally is inconsequential to us who are not party members.
One of them said he would have praised Okowa if the same treatment was extended to other presidential candidates that had visited the state.
But when Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi came for campaign government denied him the use of the Stadium, noting that “Delta state is not a property of any political party and as such should not be made to appear such.”
Meanwhile, Atiku and his running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s campaign train met sea of the party supporters who were at the stadium at the early hours of the day.
The rally witnessed the Endorsement of Atiku by the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) in the South-South, region, and defection of the state secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Nick Ovuakporie; the Director General of Campaign of Delta State All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Wilson Okpepigho; Labour Party House of Assembly candidate for Ndokwa East, Philip Ogboma, among others.
Addressing the supporters, the former vice president said that the APC-led Federal Government has divided Nigerians along ethnic, religious and regional lines, noting that the present administration has brought insecurity to the country.
According to him, his administration will restore the nation’s unity, tackle insecurity headlong and revive the economy.
Atiku said if elected, there will be no strike in the nation’s tertiary institutions during his administration, stressing that Niger Delta states would benefit immensely from resource control or restructuring which his administration would implement.
Atiku said he was not in the state to campaign but to show appreciation for the support Delta has given him in his political career since 1999.
“We are not here to campaign but to show appreciation. I have received support from Delta in my political career since 1999, Delta has never failed me.
“I shall not betray the trust of Deltans and indeed that of Niger Deltans. It is because of your support for us that we decided to take Okowa as vice. As you know, VP is a stepping stone, and so you need to support us,” he stated.
The PDP, national chairman of the party, Sen. Iyiorcha Ayu who received the defeators, stated among others that Okowa was chosen as running mate because of his administration impressive performance as governor of Delta State in the last seven and half years.
Ayu thanked Deltans for trooping out en-masse to welcome the PDP presidential campaign train, and urged them to translate the turn out into votes during the general elections.
Vice presidential candidate of the party, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, declared that the party has already won the election but that the margin victory was important, hence party faithful needed to work extra hard.
He thanked Atiku for choosing a Deltan as vice presidential candidate, and urged the people of the state to work towards the party victory.
Chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel told the crowd that all Interesting Oil Companies (IOCs) that left the Niger Delta region would return if the Atiku-Okowa ticket is elected.
Udom said Niger Deltans were delighted to have one of their own as vice presidential candidate, and assured that the oil rich region would deliver over five million votes for the PDP in the February 25 presidential election.
