The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Thursday declared his intention to run for the presidency of the country in the 2019 general elections.
Saraki made the declaration at a dialogue with youths and young aspirants in Abuja on Thursday, and promised 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.
The president of the senate 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.
Saraki pointed out that it would not be business as usual, adding that his government would be dynamic and ensure the growth of the country with doggedness, determination and conviction.
He promised to lead a result-driven administration as well as set targets with clear timelines to ensure that anticipated deliverables were met.
He said, “You can benchmark us and hold us accountable. In short, I assure you that I will deliver on all promises.
“What I envision is a new chapter in governance in this country. We will be driven by what is best for Nigerians.
“I have deliberately chosen the opportunity of being here with you, my `Number One constituency’ who I see as the future of our great country, to make my intention known.
“I believe the Nigerian youth are critical to re-building and growing the economy, and restoring our national pride.
“Let me say, once again, how wonderful it is to see so many talented and purposeful young people at this first edition of the Public Dialogue Series with Political Parties on Youth Candidacy and Party Primaries.
“Looking at you, I see future leaders who present themselves as capable and worthy to take on the mantle of leadership in this country, and this gladdens my heart.
“From my interactions with many of you, and with your contemporaries across the country, I can see that we are blessed with a determined generation that stands ready to join with us to power a Nigerian renaissance.
“The quality of people I see here today affirms my belief that, indeed, you are Not-Too-Young-To-Run.”
Saraki appreciated the youth for the opportunity to share some of their ideas about the challenges before Nigeria as the 2019 elections approached.
According to him, it is widely acknowledged that ours is a relatively ‘young’ country bursting with tremendous energy, ability and potential. More than 70 per cent of our population is under the age of 40.
“You are indeed the future of this country. Ordinarily, such a young population would be the envy of many Western countries that are faced with ageing populations, but the dire state of our affairs tarnishes the youthful advantage that we have.
“Nigerians are crying out for succour everywhere; many of our children are hungry. Many people are dying of avoidable or otherwise treatable diseases.
“Many have fallen below basic living standards, and are now among the 87 million that sealed Nigeria’s position as the country with the highest number of people in extreme poverty.
“Our young people lack opportunities. The necessary education facilities and system to equip them for the future simply do not exist.
“We are not creating the jobs needed to usefully engage them in order to grow our economy.
“Too often, the youth feel shut out, prevented from having any say in the direction of this nation.
“The harsh conditions of extreme poverty faced by the people fuels the state of insecurity all over the country. Hunger, lack of education and lack of opportunities push many Nigerians into criminal activities, including terrorism.
“Many of our communities are paralysed with fear due to incessant communal crises, kidnappings and other social ills as well as the threat of terrorism.
“We are failing abysmally to tackle the problems of today and to prepare for the future,’’ he stated.
The president of the senate added that the nation’s economy was broken and in need of urgent revival in order for Nigeria to grow, adding that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate had declined and diversification remained an illusion.
“Unemployment is at an all-time high; businesses are shutting down and jobs are being lost in record numbers, and the capital needed to jumpstart our economy is going elsewhere.
“Nigeria is perhaps more divided now than ever before. We are increasingly divided along regional, religious and ethnic lines.
“Nigerians are also divided by class, a festering gulf between the ‘Haves’ and the ‘Have-Nots’.
“The fault lines of this nation are widening to an alarming degree. We must do something fast, and we must be brave about it.
“We must ensure the security of lives in Nigeria. As things stand now, no one is safe in this country; no one feels truly safe.
“We must restore the sanctity of the rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions in order to build a just, fair and equitable society for all.
“We must rebuild the trust of our people in government. We need a new generation of leaders that are competent, with the capability to rise to the challenges of the 21st century.
“We must pull this country back together and rebuild, block-by-block, with dedication and commitment.
“You will agree with me that this is an urgent task that requires the concerted efforts of each and every one of us. If we look around today, what do we see? What is the condition of our citizens? Where are we as a nation?
“How are we perceived locally and internationally? Why are we not making the expected progress? Why are we not growing? There is no time to waste.
“The time is now to come together to stimulate growth in Nigeria, especially in the national economy,’’ he said.
Saraki added that the choice Nigerians faced in the forthcoming election was either to keep things as they were or make a radical departure from the old ways.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians to work with him to actualise his dreams. (NAN)
