Why Nigerians Must Trust Me, By Okotie, At Campaign Launch

Date: 3/11/2007

ONLY the government of Reverend Chris Okotie has the capacity to resolve all the energy and the Niger Delta crises once and for all, so declared the presidential candidate of Fresh Democratic Party, FPD, yesterday in Ajegunle, Lagos.

Speaking in pidgin English apparently to appeal to his audience made up of young people with some elderly persons during the flag-off of his presidential campaign in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos, Okotie said "every other name you hear today in the political horizon represents division.

"The people can trust me. A Rev. Chris Okotie's government would resolve the current energy and the Niger Delta crises once and for all, irrespective of religion and ethnicity, because they people can trust me," he said, adding that his government would immediately establish an independent power producing company to augment what the Obasanjo administration had managed to achieve in eight years.

Addressing the crowd that also included several musicians including Sunny Neji, Wadada, Blackky, Benita Okojie and many more, the erstwhile pop star promised to rejuvenate the music and movie industry in such a way that the entertainment industry will generate enough foreign reserve and give employment. He believes that there is no reason Nigerian sports men and women should go over to foreign lands when we can encourage them to maximize their potentials here in Nigeria.

Describing Nigeria's current politicians as 'Go Slow Be', the preacher turned politician promised to continue with the deregulation programme of the current government but, unlike the present administration, his government would introduce a human face to the well intentioned reform programme.

"It does make any economic sense for government to give Nigerians motorcycles (okada) if they will not get fuel to power those motor bikes for economic gains," he declared amidst shouts from the audience at the Maracana Stadium.

Nigerians have suffered for far too long amidst abundant human and material resources, he declared, pointing out: "Wen una vote for me and get to Aso Rock in May this year, I promise una here now that I go build hospitals, schools which go be free for every citizen because Nigeria get the money!"

Okotie, who is also the chairman of the party, then presented the party's flag to Lagos State gubernatorial candidate, Mrs. Uche Ibukun Ohimai, who immediately promised to ensure that formative education in the state is free.