The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has kicked against the Monday sit-at-home in the South-East.

The former vice president on Tuesday stated that the Monday sit-at-home is being imposed on the people by some misguided youths from the zone.

He said the action has destroyed the livelihoods of people of the South-East.

Atiku spoke in Enugu at a meeting with PDP leaders and stakeholders in the South-East.

His words: “Insecurity pervades the South-East now as much as other zones and without security people cannot go about their normal businesses. I am aware of how the economy of this zone and the livelihoods of its people are being destroyed by the Monday sit-at-home being imposed by a small misguided youth from this zone.

“It is difficult to understand how you liberate a people by destroying their economy. This has to stop and we shall address all political grievances not just by words but by deeds.

“The provision of infrastructure is provisioning is critical for businesses and economic growth in the region, including necessary linkages across the country. Improved education is critical for this zone and the country. So is good quality health care.”

Atiku agreed that the feeling of marginalisation must be addressed.

The presidential candidate reiterated that Nigeria must be restructured.

“We must tackle the feeling of marginalization which is providing an excuse for the separatist agitations in this zone. National unity will benefit the people of this zone who need a wider platform to operate on.

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“Restructuring that devolves powers from the federal government and gives states the power to set their priorities is better for this zone than what we currently have and have had since the late 1960s. I believe that you should not pull back one of your child that appears to be doing better at some point so that your other children would catch up. Rather you encourage the one(s) lagging behind to emulate that one so they can all do better. Holding the faster one back would result in all of them falling behind and handing victory to children who are not from your family,” he said.

Atiku outlined five priorities of his government if he wins the 2023 presidential election: reunify the country, improve security, fix the economy, restructure the federation, and improve human capital development.

The Star