The former Governor of Yobe state, Senator Bukar Ibrahim has said that he has not conceded the east senatorial ticket to Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, the incumbent governor. Sen. Ibrahim insisted that direct primaries be adopted conduct the 2019 general elections in the state. Ibrahim made the declaration on Monday in Damaturu, while responding to an online publication of Daily Posts that he has conceded the Yobe East senatorial seat to Governor Gaidam. Sen. Ibrahim maintained that he is still in the race, adding that, “We will slug it out at the primary elections.” He described yesterday’s publication as false and misleading the general public in the forthcoming primaries. His words: “Free, fair and transparent direct primaries is the only way to deepen internal democracy in our great party the APC. It’s a democracy. “Direct primaries are an inclusive way of deciding who flies the party flag with all bona fide members of the party. They have a chance to make their choice. “It gives meaning to membership of the party as followers are included in taking vital decision like who represent their party in the general elections”. “Making contests open and transparent, everybody has a say, as in direct primaries. This is a true expression of democratic values which the APC strives to uphold.” According to him; it is amusing that some people think his tenure in the National Assembly is not eventful to impact on people’s lives. “I have scored 90 percent attendance plenary and immensely contributed to bills, motions, committee works, oversight functions and other matters of urgent national importance in the Senate,” he said. Speaking on constituency projects, he said: “My constituency projects are well documented for posterity. Since 2007, I devoted my entire constituency development funds allocation for the three most critical areas impacting on rural dwellers; water, education and health. “Over the years, I have constructed boreholes, skill acquisition centers, classrooms blocks, health centers, and even solar powered lighting, in accordance to communities’ aspirations and yearnings “I have developed empowerment programmes across the seven councils in Yobe east senatorial district. The people are intimately aware of and benefiting from them. It is only those who are afraid of the people that tell lies that I have done nothing, but the people know the truth”. Continuing, he added: “As Chairman of Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change; I have intervened in the provision of over 1.2billion for the ongoing Accelerated Damaturu Drainages and Flood Controls Project to tackle perennial flooding in and around Damaturu, the state capital to mention just a few.”
