The Presidential candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar blamed the inability of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s inability to ensure governors account for it.
Atiku who spoke in a town hall meeting organised by Channels television, said: “Security votes have been there for a while. I will not cancel it. I will advocate for accountability of the security votes. So, I will ensure that the governors account for security votes.”
Also responding to a question on the economy, Atiku said one of the factors affecting the value of naira to dollar and scarce forex is the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) multiple exchange rates.
He said: “I will direct CBN to stop multiple exchange rates so that we will be able to close that gap between the naira and dollar.
“We will also encourage foreign investors to bring forex from abroad. So, if we are able to do that we will be able to make forex available to as many people as possible.”
Speaking on the proliferation of light arms, the former vice president said: “Again, a few years ago, 2007, I set up a committee to help me find solution to Niger Delta militancy. When I didn’t win, I handed over the document to Yar Adua, the amnesty was the result.
“What has happened today, they have not implemented one project. They have not been able to do the east west road.”
Speaking on the face-off and simmering crisis in the PDP, the ex-Vice President confirmed that he had met the Governor of River state, Nyesom Wike several times to mend fences with him without success.
He also said Wike was not on his side and would therefore be waiting for him at the field.
Giving his takes on programmes such as TraderMoni and Market money among others, the PDP presidential candidate said he would institutionalise the programmes instead of allowing it to be diverted into political parties.