The Oyo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that there is no vacancy in the Nigerian seat of power, Aso Rock. “NO VACANCY IN ASO ROCK” proclaimed some the banners with which the party in the state welcomed President Goodluck Jonathan to Mapo Hall, Ibadan, today, as he came to shop for votes in his efforts to secure re-election, come February 14.

Jonathan during the rally highlighted his administration’s achievements and promised to do more if re-elected next month. Speaking on his efforts in tackling corruption in the country, Jonathan said his administration has jailed a lot of offenders and lawbreakers, adding that such is not the only solution. He said he would remain committed to using technology to battle corruption in the country.

“To those voting for the first time, people will come to deceive you about things they will do and things they will not do but I can assure you on the things we can achieve because the records speak for itself. Every Nigerian child must have the Goodluck opportunity,” the President said.

Highlighting some of his achievements on infrastructural development in the state, Ibadan, President Jonathan said: “We have spent over N10 billion on infrastructural development in Oyo State alone. The need to go abroad for heart surgery is reduced now because we have re-equipped the Ibadan University. Now, you do not have to go abroad for normal heart surgery but to the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital.”

On agriculture, he noted that his tenure has tripled the quality of cocoa production in the state, saying that “this is the only government that has shown great support to agriculture since the time of late Obafemi Awolowo.”

Reacting to the rate of unemployment in the country, he said: “When we start creating 2million jobs in a year, unemployment will reduce.”

Jonathan spoke of the need to empower women no matter the circumstance. He said: “We must encourage women because the southwest has produced great women. The offices of the women are helping to mobilise our women and empower them. So, we cannot overlook it.”

The President urged the people of the state to continue the amazing relationship they have with him, saying that now is the time he needs them the most. “I was here in 2011 for your support, and I am here once again, let’s do this together to get to our promised land,” he said.

PDP National Chairman Adamu Mu’azu presented the party flag to the gubernatorial aspirant in the state, Senator Teslim Folarin, describing him as “young and vibrant.” On the presidential election, he told the crowd: “When the APC comes to ask for your vote, ask them what they did when they were in power. They don’t belong to the 21st century, we want an educated president. Our president is a very young, aware and highly educated candidate for the position.”

•Photo shows a cross section of the crowd of supporters during the presidential rally held at Mall Hall, Ibadan, few hours ago.

Update news