President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to modernize agriculture if re-elected in the February presidential election.
Jonathan, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, stated this on Thursday in Makurdi during his campaign rally in the state.
He also said his government, more than other successive administrations, had shown more commitment in improving on the standard of living of ordinary Nigerians through education, agriculture and other basic infrastructure.
He said, “We will modernise agriculture by way of showing practical examples. We will make sure that our farmers get soft loans and in a shot while, we will stop the importation of rice.”
The President challenged the people of the state not to vote him again if they compare him with former leaders and found him wanting in the area of agriculture.
“If there is any other government that has done better than us, then don’t vote for us,” he said.
Jonathan added that his administration had instituted a special scholarship scheme and was currently working out modalities for primary and secondary schools to start making use of modern implements in farming.
Vice President Namadi Sambo noted that the President had done well and deserves anther term to continue with the transformation agenda.
Sambo, who is the running mate of Jonathan, maintained that the present administration had among several other things, modernise the railway sector to meet international standard.
National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Mua’zu, said Nigeria was the largest economy in Africa through commitment and dedication to duty.
Other speakers, who assured the President of victory in the 2015 elections, included the President of the Senate, David Mark; National Chairman of PDP, Adamu Mua’zu; Minister of Interior, Abba Moro; Chairman of PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio; and former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu.