By Adebayo Olodan
Confederation of Non-indigenes residing in Kwara State, yesterday, promised to vote massively for candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across board for the forthcoming election.
They also promised their loyalty and support to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.
The group, which included Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo communities made the pledge during a sensitisation programme organised by the HOD, Non-Indigenes of ABS Mandate Constituency Office, Barr. Taiwo Adeleye Smith.
Speaking on the motive behind the meeting, Smith said, “Consequent upon our inauguration, I decided to call all the non-indigenes in the state to sensitise them on how to go about canvassing for votes for the PDP governorship candidate, Barrister Razak Atunwa and others.
“Also, we used the avenue to appeal to some aggrieved persons among our people and to let them know that the government of the day has always considered the non-indigenes for appointments.
“Presently, we have three special assistants on non-indigene affairs in addition to empowerment for our members by the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki. We have always been carried along in the scheme of things and I can tell you that in 2013, I was the deputy director of Youth Affairs at the Mandate office.
“We are aware it could be better hence we have urged our people to go back to their wards and canvass votes for all our candidates in order to ensure the success of the party in 2019. It is our success at the polls that will determine how many appointments and empowerment benefits we will get.”
In his response, the Chairman of Northern non-indigenes, Alhaji Abdulkareem Tahiru said Saraki has always treated them like his own; he however called for motivation for all the canvassers.
“Today’s meeting availed us the opportunity to strategise for the 2019 election and we are resolute in our support for the Senate President because he always carry us along since his tenure as governor of the state,” Tahiru stated.
Also speaking, a leader of the Igbo community, Evang. Ogundeji Solomon who eulogised Saraki for his astute leadership, said he will lead his people on a door-to-door campaign for all PDP candidates in the state.
In their separate remarks, the Women Leader of Zuru community, Deborah Haruna and Aisha Mohammed assured of 100 per cent votes for candidates of the PDP. They however urged the Senate President to empower their women and also provide employment opportunities for the teeming youths.
