A former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, informed Nigerians that he would use his portfolio of experience to advance the democratic values of the country.
While promising “to be President for all”, because he represented “a Nigerian identity that is truly diverse, truly inclusive and truly Nigerian”, he also promised to build 500,000 housing units annually if elected President of Nigeria in 2023.
Saraki who is contesting the Presidency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party also pledged to be the bridge between the North and South; Christians and Muslims.
Saraki who stated these during a breakfast meeting with journalists in Abuja to intimate Nigerians on why he decided to contest the 2023 Presidency, insisted so much time had been wasted talking and engaging in blame games.
According to him, it was time to undertake strategic actions to fix Nigeria by revamping the economy, trade, education, and health sectors, as well as fixing the worsening state of insecurity, electricity, and creating jobs for the teeming population of unemployed Nigerians.
He said, “I acknowledge the great efforts of all our past leaders over the years. I pay my great respect to them all and I thank them for their service to our nation.
“However, as long as there is a child in Nigeria that cannot read or write, then the job is not done. And it is for this one child that I want to run for President because I will ensure that the law on compulsory basic education is enforced and the quality of teaching improves in all public schools.
“As long as there is an old woman in this country who cannot afford her prescription drugs for diabetes or malaria because she has no insurance coverage, the job is not done. And it is for this woman that I want to run for President because I will ensure that people like her are covered; and that we are able to push our compulsory health insurance coverage from the current 7 percent to 50 percent in the first two years.
“As long as a single village or forest in this country is controlled by terrorists, or bandits or any other criminal groups; as long as any of our citizens lives in fear; as long as our soldiers and other security agents do not get the right training, the right equipment, and the right incentives, the job is not done. And it is for these citizens that I want to be President because I will do everything to protect the lives and properties of every Nigerian and everyone that live within our borders. I will ensure that all our men and women in uniform are well-trained, are well-paid, and well-equipped.
“As long as crude oil revenue remains the mainstay of our economy, and we remain so vulnerable to the volatility of the international oil market, then the job is not done. And this is why I want to be President because I will raise the revenue from the non-oil sectors to the same level as we currently earn from oil.
“As long as there are still people in this country who believe that they can break the laws of Nigeria with impunity; who think that crime has no consequences, then the job is not done. And this is why I want to be President because I will ensure strict compliance with the rule of law and guarantee consequences for crime.
“As long as we still import tilers, plumbers, and electricians from neighboring countries, then the job is not done. And this is why I want to be President because I will collaborate with the industries, and train one million of our youths in technical and vocational skills each year.
“As long as 65 million of our citizens still live in slum conditions in our cities and urban centers, then the job is not done. And this is why I want to be President because I will deliver half a million affordable housing units every year to our low-income earners and eliminate urban slums.
“As long as Nigeria is not the tech hub for Africa, despite our incredible talents in this area, then our job is not done. And this is why I want to be President because I will invest massively in skills in cloud computing, data analytics, programming, and other such in-demand skills to drive innovation and competitiveness among our youths.
“As long as our huge army of talented youths does not think that the Nigerian government can support their dreams, whether, in entertainment, fashion, or other creative business, the job is not done. And it is for these talented Nigerians that I want to be President because I will create the Nigeria Creative Industry Initiatives to protect our leadership position on the African continent and position us to be a global leader in the cultural productions economy.
“As long as our university lecturers still have reasons to embark on strike actions; as long our universities still rank outside the top 1000 in the world, then our job is not done. And this is why I want to be President, because I will ensure that our universities and higher education institutions are competitive and well-funded, adopting models and approaches that have served the most successful higher education systems in the world.
“As long as some of our best and brightest brains still relocate to other countries to find fulfillment, then our job is not done. And this is why I want to be President because I will develop targeted incentives to reverse the brain drain and keep our professionals in the country.
“I can do it! My portfolio of experience at the executive level, and at the highest legislative institution of our country, makes me a unique asset in democratic leadership at a time that calls for consensus building, cooperation, and compromise.
“I know how business works. I know how the government functions. And I know how the legislature operates. This diverse experience stands me out. And I will bring the experience to bear on getting the most critical constituencies behind the tough decisions that we must take if Nigeria must survive.
“I will be President for all because I represent a Nigerian identity that is truly diverse, truly inclusive, and truly Nigerian. I will be the bridge between the young and the old. I will be the bridge between the private sector and the public sector. I will be the bridge between Muslims and Christians. I will be the bridge between the North and the South because I am Nigerian for all Nigerians.
“I will deliver 500, 000 affordable housing units annually. I’ll create a viable platform to protect the African continent. I will be President for all because I represent the Nigerian identity. I will be the bridge between the North and South, Muslims and Christians.”
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