Atiku Will Reopen Closed Northern Borders, Create Jobs -N’Delta Coalition

By Monday Peters, Abuja

The Spokesperson of the Coalition of Niger Delta for Atiku-Amaechi 2027, Apostle Comrade Daniel Ezekiel Perela, has backed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s reported plan to reopen Nigeria’s northern closed borders, describing the proposal as a policy capable of creating economic opportunities and reducing insecurity.

Ezekiel spoke in Abuja on Sunday while appealing to General Ogungbosan to stop what he described as attacks on General Boyloaf and other individuals involved in efforts to address insecurity and the plight of affected communities.

The coalition said traditional rulers, political leaders and other Nigerians should support efforts aimed at ensuring peace and freedom for people affected by insecurity.

“General Ogungbosan, please, I want you to stop your attack on the General Boyloaf. Boyloaf and others are playing a national role,” Bella said.

He urged stakeholders to avoid personal attacks and instead concentrate on finding solutions to the insecurity and hardship confronting communities across the country.

“Our traditional rulers, our political leaders, Nigerians and everybody that comes into this matter, so that our people can live in peace and freedom for once,” he said.

Turning to the 2027 presidential election, Ezekiel said Atiku’s reported commitment to reopening the northern borders was a “pro-masses policy” that could revive commercial activities and create livelihoods for millions of Nigerians.

According to him, border closures have contributed to the loss of business opportunities for artisans, traders, bricklayers and other professionals who depend on cross-border commerce.

He argued that reopening the borders would increase economic activity and provide opportunities for people whose livelihoods depend on trade and related services.

Bella also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the border policy, rejecting claims that Nigeria’s borders were already fully open.

“You lie. Keep deceiving yourself. The borders are closely closed,” he said, referring to a statement he attributed to an aide of the President.

The coalition spokesman further linked unemployment and economic hardship to insecurity in northern Nigeria, arguing that expanding legitimate commercial opportunities could help address some of the conditions driving young people into criminal activities.

Bella described Atiku and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as leaders capable of advancing policies he said would improve living conditions for Nigerians, while urging Nigerians to support the duo ahead of the 2027 election.

He asserted that the coalition would continue to canvass support for the Atiku-Amaechi ticket, describing both men as committed to policies that would make life more affordable for Nigerians.