2019 Presidency: What Atiku’s wife told Abia women

Mrs. Jennifer Atiku, the wife of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has urged Abia women to vote massively for her husband, describing him as “a detribalised Nigerian.”

Atiku said this while addressing thousands of Abia women during a town hall meeting in Umuahia on Wednesday.

She said, “I am not saying this because he is my husband. I have known him since 1986 and married to him for 21 years. He is a detribalised Nigerian. He likes Ndigbo.”

She advised the women to use the 2019 poll to decide on whether to safeguard or mortgage the future of their children.

“We are not here to preach to you. Search your conscience and think about the future of your children.

“If you love your children, February 16 offers you the opportunity to decide whether you want to safeguard or mortgage the children’s future.

“I cannot tell you what to do but make a choice for your children and Nigeria. Vote according to your conscience and God’s guidance,” she said.

The wife of the former vice president expressed concern that Nigerian women had faced serious economic challenges since the inception of the present administration.

“You know that it is the women that bear the burden of poverty and hunger in the family,” she said.

She further expressed worry that the nation had suffered a lot security challenges, leading to the loss of so many innocent lives.

“A lot of blood has been shed in Nigeria. Every day, we see rivers of blood of innocent Nigerians flowing,” Atiku said.

She, therefore, urged the women to vote for Atiku, assuring them that he would fulfil his pledge to provide good governance and a better life for the citizenry.

She also expressed the hope that women and youths would dominate Atiku’s cabinet, if voted into office.

Also, Mrs Margaret Obi, the wife of Atiku’s running mate, Mr Peter Obi, said the meeting was organised for them to interact with Abia women “concerning what lies ahead of us as a nation.”

Obi said, “I am hopeful that we have our Permanent Voter Cards which would serve as an instrument for effectively transforming the nation.”

She urged the women to be part of the process of choosing the next leadership in the country, saying that Atiku had great plans for Nigerian women.

Earlier, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, the wife of the Abia State governor, gave the assurance that Abia women would give massive support to Atiku.

“Abia women are straightforward, if they promise to support you, they will surely do so.

“You are one of our own. If you emerge as the first lady of Nigeria, it guarantees us easy access to Aso Rock,” Ikpeazu said.

Senator Chris Anyanwu further urged women to vote for Atiku to rebuild the economy and provide adequate security for lives and property of Nigerians.

The meeting adopted a four-point resolution, including the decision to vote massively for Atiku.

It was further resolved that Atiku should extend micro-credit and other major Federal Government’s schemes to Abia women, if elected as president.

The meeting was attended by former Commissioner for Women and Social Development, Mrs Chinedu Brown, the Coordinator, Central Working Committee, PDP Women’s Wing, Mrs Elizabeth Esochaghi, different women groups and PDP pro-groups, among others.