The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has accused former governors of Bayelsa State of stealing away the future of the state’s citizens.

Tinubu, who said the past governors of Bayelsa State underdeveloped the people, however, vowed to ensure the development of the state as one of the country’s largest producers of oil if elected as president in 2023.

The APC presidential flag-bearer said this at the party’s presidential campaign at Oxbow Lake Pavilion Swalli in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Thursday.

He said Bayelsa State holds an important position in Nigeria, being one of the major suppliers of the nation’s wealth, adding that the state is blessed with mineral resources with notable individuals.

Tinubu said: “This state is home to proud and vibrant people. Although this is a small land mass, Bayelsa has been blessed with abundant human and natural resources.

“With that blessing, your state has been asked to carry a great and long national duty. You all have given so much to the development of this nation. Nigeria would not be Nigeria without your human and material contribution.

“On behalf of the entire nation, may I say thank you Bayelsa for all that you have done for Nigeria.

“You have played a critical and leading role in the development of our national economy.

“Now, I am a man of fair play. I believe a person, a state and even a nation should be repaid for the good and positive things they have done.

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“It is high time that Bayelsa is duly acknowledged for its role in national development and even more fairly paid back in kind for that positive role.

“The entire world knows that Bayelsa is rich in oil and is among Nigeria’s largest producing states. “The revenue from these things have been the backbone of government income and foreign exchange earnings.

“But what the world often forgets is that Bayelsa is more than just pipelines and oil installations. It is a community of decent and good people, proud of the culture and traditions, yet hopeful of what the future holds.

“You are fishermen and boat operators of great skill and reputation. You are farmers, businessmen, market woman, teachers, students and professionals in all fields.

“To be frank, those who have governed the state have not done as they should. In fiscal rankings of all the states, Bayelsa ranked 36th in 2020 and 2021. You have been sold short by those not interested in your welfare,” he stated.

The former governor of Lagos State further promised that the mystery of Bayelsa people will end with his administration, saying he will focus to ensure that the state regains its lost glory and compete favourably with others across the country.

“If you vote for me and my team, that unfair day will surely end. Today, I am here to tell you that renewed hope is also here. I am not here to steal or eat your future but to help you realise it. Development and opportunity are here. Education is here. Good health is here. Security is here.

“We will reconstruct and maintain vital federal roadways such as the Mbiama-Yenegoa-Nembe-Brass highway. We will work with willing and capable private sector partners to build a comprehensive network of swamp bridges that connect swamp settlements with upland areas and the wider world.

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“My government will make the safety and security of the people of this state its highest priority. We will take the necessary measures to address security challenges in the waterways by winning the fight against kidnapping, oil theft and piracy in the Niger Delta region.

“No innocent person should have to live in fear simply because they work hard and earn a little money. You should be able to enjoy our life and labour as you wish. No one has the right to steal that from you.

“We will deploy new technologies to protect the safety and security of law-abiding Bayelsans as well as the critical infrastructure in the state.

“The effects of environmental degradation and oil spillage will not be ignored,” Tinubu said.

Speaking on his plans for the entire country if elected as president in the 2023 general election, Tinubu said: “My vision is for Nigeria and Bayelsa are the same – to be a peaceful, prosperous and compassionate society.

“My government will focus on developing the young people of this country because they represent the future. And the future is today.

“We will establish new skills development and capacity building programs. Industrial hubs and dry ports will focus investment on labour intensive manufacturing.

“We will innovate and use modern technology to create jobs and provide first generation goods and services. Our goal is to expand our industrial base such that Nigeria becomes a global leader,” he stated.

Tinubu, however, hailed former President Goodluck Jonathan for allowing smooth transition of power in 2015 after he lost the presidential election to President Muhammadu Buhari and his efforts to foster peace and democracy in West Africa.

Others at the rally were APC’s vice-presidential candidate, Sen. Kashim Shettima; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Enekwu, amongst others.

The Star