Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has given reasons why he decided to vie for the presidency in 2019.
Saraki had on Thursday declared his intention to run for the presidency of the country in the 2019 general elections at a dialogue with youths and young aspirants in Abuja on Thursday.
According to Saraki, he decided to run for the presidency because of the call of teeming youth who had asked him to run for president and that he was going to run an inclusive government for all Nigerians, if elected.
He said that he would ensure that all Nigerians enjoyed “the inalienable right to feel a sense of belonging no matter their background or creed or what part of the country they come from.
“No matter who you voted for or what your convictions are, government must work for you.
“I have decided to answer the call of teeming youth who have asked me to run for president.
“Accordingly, I hereby announce my intention to run for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the coming general elections in 2019 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“I do so with the firm conviction that I have what it takes to secure inclusive growth for Nigeria and Nigerians. My plan for Nigeria has inclusion in all aspects of the country’s affairs as a central pillar.”
Saraki said that the young generation did not deserve to “live in the poverty capital of the world’’.
“It is no longer an issue of how we got here, but how do we get out of this situation? I promise you that I will lead the fight and employ every God-given resource available to us in turning things around. I am determined to grow Nigeria out of poverty. We will stimulate the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as one of the ways of energising the economy and to create wealth for our people, especially the youth.
“I want to see the youth play major roles at all levels, not only in government but also in the private sector and indeed in every area of Nigerian life. This will be a government driven by youthful energy, innovation and a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit.
“Nigerian youth will be given all the opportunities to realise their potential to the full within a national framework that guarantees inclusiveness. For youth who have ideas and capacity, we will make sure that there is funding for their ventures, and we shall build on the Made-in-Nigeria legislation as part of our job-creation drive,’’ he said.
Saraki also said that his plan was to secure Nigeria by redesigning national security architecture, while adequately equipping security agencies to fulfil their primary role of protecting lives and property.
He promised to address infrastructural deficit through aggressive financing initiatives, including mutually beneficial Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangements, regular floating of bonds and other financial instruments.
He explained that the partnership would ensure stable, adequate and reliable funding to see to the completion of core projects, especially road, rail and power.
According to Saraki, my plan is to protect all Nigerians and defend their constitutional rights and freedoms.
He said pledged that to stand for and uphold at all times, the principle of the rule of law, which was the bedrock of democratic governance.
“Ours will not be a selective fight against corruption. The emphasis will be on strengthening institutions, with a particular focus on deterrence.
“We cannot afford to compromise our institutions with proxy wars against perceived political opponents.
“We see the fight against corruption as crucial to Nigeria’s economic development. I offer leadership driven by empathy, where leaders are responsive to the citizens; where they know that government cares. We will not be indifferent or turn a blind eye to the real concerns of our people – every single Nigerian life matters.
“For me, the leadership we deserve is one that will be a source of pride to all Nigerians; one that will be respected and admired in Africa and around the world. It should be a leadership that can hold its own and stand tall anywhere in the world. That is the type of leadership I offer.
“As a former two-term governor and currently President of the Senate, by the grace of God, I believe I possess a unique blend of executive and legislative experience to push for and implement reforms. I know what it takes to create jobs and grow the economy. I can make the tough decisions when it matters. I will spearhead a new agenda that can transform the lives of ordinary Nigerians in real terms,” he said.
0 Comments