Atiku Weighs-in Again on Currency Swap, Fuel Scarcity, Hopes FG’ll Do Needful

As Nigerians continue to suffer the backlash of the ongoing currency swap by the Central Bank of Nigeria as well as lack of fuel, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has again urged the federal government to have a rethink about the policy.

Alhaji Abubakar made the plea in Bauchi on Tuesday at the continuation of his campaign tour of the country.

He thanked the people of the state for their resilience in the face of the challenges posed by the incumbent administration policy on the swapping of some currency notes in the past few weeks.

“I empathize and sympathize with you all for the untold hardship you are going through now on account of Naira notes redesign and fuel shortages. 

“I thank you all for the resilience and sacrifice you have shown to be here today, and urge you to remain law abiding and patient, trusting that the government of the day will do the right thing before its time runs out,” Alhaji Atiku said.

The former Vice President, while congratulating 
the people of the state for the discovery of Kolmani Oil Fields, promised that under his administration no effort will be spared to see the project to its logical conclusion.

He added that his government will also create an environment that will  provide employment and fulfilment to youth, women and all vulnerable groups through education, mentorship, vocational training and  entrepreneurship initiatives, just as he reiterated his commitment to source $10 billion to empower the most vulnerable groups in Nigeria. 

He also pledged that in partnership with the state government and the private sector, his administration will look into the issue of the dilapidated federal roads linking Bauchi  with neighboring States of  Gombe, Kano and Plateau, and explore ways to restore them so as to resuscitate the economic fortunes of Bauchi State. 

Worried about the situation of the discouraging retention rate of children in schools across the state, just like in many Northern states, the PDP presidential candidate while blaming the federal government for “poor policy implementation,”  asserted that as part of his youth empowerment program, he, as President, “will ensure that the all  State Governments declare a state of emergency on basic education.”