A model (opening) campaign speech for Jonathan (I)

“I want to start this presidential campaign with a report on our security situation. You would recall that I vowed to bring security to the North Eastern part of our country, specifically combating the Boko Haram insurgency. I am happy to say that we have killed their leader Abubakar Shekau, captured and imprisoned hundreds of […]

“I want to start this presidential campaign with a report on our security situation. You would recall that I vowed to bring security to the North Eastern part of our country, specifically combating the Boko Haram insurgency. I am happy to say that we have killed their leader Abubakar Shekau, captured and imprisoned hundreds of his followers now awaiting trial and returned the Chibok girls to their parents. We have posted many of these girls to the schools of their choice around the country and hope it will help them overcome the trauma suffered in captivity. We have given money to their parents to restart life and the government is rebuilding their homes. I have two of these girls with me here, Salomey and Salama and each of them is going to take three minutes to share with you the account of their ordeal in the hands of Boko Haram. I salute the dutifulness and bravery of our armed forces as well and thank the leadership of Benin Republic, Chad, Cameroun, and Niger for their brotherly assistance. Although we have improved the security situation, we remain vigilant.”
“We promised 5000MW of electricity by the end of 2014, and even though we have delivered on that, I wish to assure you that we will double the supply to 10,000MW if you renew our mandate. With our abundant oil, sun and coal, we have no reason to reside in dark homes or be unable to power our factories and offices. The PDP will do everything to ensure that we have enough electricity to service the industrial and social needs of our population.
“On crude oil theft, I wish to inform you that we have significantly reduced the quantity of oil stolen from our country, thanks to the Nigerian Navy. The battle is not over yet but we have recorded appreciable progress in that regard. Thirty seven foreigners have been arrested and prosecuted along with 73 local collaborators. Nineteen foreign vessels have been confiscated.  The Navy will give you their own figures of internal saboteurs they have dismissed. I want to assure you that we shall continue to bring justice to those bent on destroying our economy. In the meantime, I would like to express our gratitude to our neighbours who have been cooperating with us to rid the Gulf of Guinea of the menace of crude oil theft and other criminalities.
“In terms of infrastructure, it is heart-warming to also let you know that on my way here, I commissioned the rehabilitated Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which we have expanded to ten lanes. My party hopes that Nigerians would appreciate this gesture aimed at easing transportation on the route to the country’s commercial capital. Let me also inform you that the federal and Lagos state governments are talking with our foreign partners to explore the possibility of re-launching the Lagos metro line which was unjustly aborted by our opponent in 1983. We cannot afford to leave Lagos to its fate without modern means of intra-city transport befitting the commercial nerve centre of the giant of Africa. The people of this city must move on time and in comfort as they pursue leisure or business from one part of the city to another. Lagos must excel.
“Still on infrastructure, I am going to Onitsha from here to commission the 2nd Niger Bridge which cost our country N138 billion. With the commissioning of this bridge, which we regard as a national priority, people will henceforth have unhindered access to this industrious part of our country, as far as road transport is concerned.
“To demonstrate our confidence in our newly transformed railways, I and my entourage are going to take a train ride from Enugu to Port Harcourt. For too long, we have neglected this important mode of transport that moves people and goods en masse. Let me also announce that before the end of the year, the government is going to resuscitate the contracts instruments for the construction of a new rail link between Lagos and Kano as part of the efforts to modernise our railways.
“Moreover, I shall not conclude my campaign in the South-South without commissioning the East-West road. This important road as the description suggests will link the Eastern and southern part of the country and is a proof that the people of Niger Delta will after all benefit from the proceeds of oil. It is just one in the series of new roads, railways, sea ports and new petro-chemical plants we are going to inaugurate in order to stimulate economic activities there. As the amnesty ends this year, the thousands of militants we have trained will find enough jobs that will make them proud and productive citizens of Nigeria. From whom much is taken, much should be given. By the time we complete the transformation of the economy of our country, we will not only remain the number one economy in Africa but also realise our goal of becoming the 20th largest in the world.
“Are you there? When I say PDP, you say Power! When I say power, you say PDP!”