President Muhammadu Buhari said in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday that his administration was facing tough time in the fight against corruption, vowing that it would not be discouraged.
“We are fighting corruption, but it has not been easy.
“But we told the security agencies to keep tab on those on our watch list and ensure that those who have cases to answer do not escape justice,’’ Buhari said as he campaigned for re-election.
The president, who was with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and other senior party members, told the mammoth crowd at the 15,000 capacity Ekiti Pavilion that he would not be discouraged to rid the country of graft as he promised in 2015.
He said that in addition to the fight against corruption, his administration had made efforts in the last three and a half years to revamp the economy and rebuild social infrastructure, such as roads, rail services and power generation.
Buhari expressed gratitude to the people, saying, “I want to be grateful to Ekiti voters because the two times I came here, I achieved success.
“I came here in 2014 and I also came here to campaign for Fayemi. He won the governorship election. So, I thank you.”
Other party leaders at the rally were governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti)’ Gboyega Oyetola (Osun); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun).
Also at the rally were a former Interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Afenifere Leader, Ayo Fasanmi; and Chief Olusola Oke, a party chieftain.
At the rally, a former deputy governor of Ekiti, Chief Abiodun Aluko, formally defected to APC; and so did some members of Ekiti State House of Assembly, who moved from Peoples Democratic Party.
The lawmakers who were led by the Speaker, Mr. Ebenezer Alagbada, are Mrs. Cecelia Dada, representing Ilejemeje Constituency; and Mr. Olanrewaju Olayanju, from Emure Constituency.
In his address, Osinbajo said it was sad that Nigeria earned $383bn from crude oil sales between 2010 and 2014 under the leadership of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, but failed to use it wisely.
“That was when we had the highest earning but nothing was done with it.
“If that money had been utilised judiciously, all the roads, rail lines and employment we are creating would have long been in place for Nigerians.
“Buhari built three refineries as Minister of Petroleum under military era. No government has ever added one, not even during the 16 years of PDP.
“Don’t let them deceive you, vote for a president you can trust, that is President Buhari,” Osinbajo advised.
The National Chairman of APC, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, said it would be a big mistake if Nigerians elect the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the February 16 poll.
Fasanmi and Akande described the Reuben Fasoranti-led faction of Afenifere which endorsed Atiku as “political jobbers” who should not be taken seriously.
Fayemi promised the president that he would win in Ekiti and other South-West states in the coming election and urged residents to vote massively for him.
