Confusion in South East PDP Over Atiku’s Six-Year Policy Plan

It was gathered that the policy plan of the 72-year-old Atiku extended beyond four years, an indication that he is planning for a second term in office which is against his earlier stand for a single tenure of four years in office. The development has caused anxiety in the party because the policy plan extends to six years instead of four, fueling speculations that he might be hoping for two terms in office

According to a PDP Governor in the region, who made the disclosure to the Nation news under the condition of anonymity, “the policy is causing some disquiet because it does not give an iota of hope that the North will relinquish power to the South in 2023 if Atikuemerges as the nation’s president in 2019. The source further stressed that the people of South-East and South-Southsub-regions want a commitment from Atiku on whether or not he will spend one term of office. Adding that, there is strong suspicion on those who drafted the policy frameworkto have a hidden agenda of two terms in office for Atiku.”

However, Atiku has not really been categorical on whether or not he will spend one term in office. So, those raising dust on 2025 policy plan are getting agitated to know where he stands. A communication expert, Mr. PhrankShaibusaid “ the2025 plan is not an eight-year term; it is a six-year plan and whoever takes over will complete the programmes.The development whenever is made clear, precipitates the Southerners especially, the Igbos to garner support for or against Atiku’s in the forthcoming 2019 General Elections. 

Additionally, the Governor highlighted some of the content in Atiku’s plan as:

i- The State’s critical policy priority is to build a broad-based, dynamic and competitive economy with a GDP of US$900 billion by 2025;

ii- By 2025, we shall increase the inflow of direct foreign investment to a minimum of 2.5% of our GDP Working towards achieving the lowest corporate income tax rate in Africa;

iii- Accelerate investment to double our  infrastructure stock to approximately 50% of GDP by 2025 and 70% by 2030;

iv- Achieve a sustained increase in manufacturing output from 9% to 30% of GDP by 2025;

v- Reduce the manufacturing sector’s dependence on imported raw materials. Looking inwards will promote value addition;

vi- Achieve a diversified production structure with more processing of domestic raw materials;

vii- Privatise all four-outstanding Government-owned Refineries to competent off-takers with mandates to produce agreed levels of refined output;

viii- Issue new licenses for Greenfield investment in crude oil refining and allied activities;

ix- By 2025, Nigeria shall make giant strides in diversifying its sources of power and delivering up to 20,000 MW;

x- Develop 5,000km of roads by 2025 through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and community interventions; and

xi- Construct up to 5,000km of modern railways through privatization, PPPs and public investments, among others.

The uncertainty in Atikus’ plan is not only vague but confusing as to how long will he remain in power and which part of the country will succeed him. If it became glaring, definitely, some commentators are expressing fears over switching of support by the Igbos from the PDP to the ruling APC as the saying goes” the devil you know is far better than the angel you dont know”