He affirmed that he would do things differently from the PDP presidents if elected, and outlined a nine-point agenda to achieve this, namely:
*Protection of lives and property.
*Pursuing economic policies for shared prosperity and immediate attention on youth employment.
*Quality education for development, modernity and social mobility.
*Agricultural productivity for taking millions out of poverty and ensuring food security.
*Reviving industries to generate employment and “make things” not just to remain hawkers of other peoples’ goods.
*Developing solid minerals exploitation which will substantially attract employment and revenue for government.
*Restoring honour and integrity to public service by keeping the best and attracting the best.
*Tackling corruption which has become blatant and widespread. The rest of the world looks at Nigeria as the home of corruption. Nigeria is a country where stealing is not corruption.
*Respecting the constitutional separation of powers among the executive, legislature and judiciary and respecting the rights of citizens.
Chiding those who may take issues with the general’s age at 71, former Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State said:
“Buhari is not in this race for himself. He is in this race because of us, the younger people. We are very happy that he has decided to come out of retirement to help us stabilise this country so that you and I, the younger ones can carry on with the development of this great nation.
And people even say General Buhari is too old. To them, I will only quote the words of the former president of America, late President Ronald Regan who said, “we are not going to make age an issue in this campaign because we do not want to be accused of taking advantage of the inexperience of our opponent”. Gen. Buhari brings experience to this campaign. He brings integrity to this campaign.”
Buhari’s public declaration saw a massive turnout of supporters and associates including several senior party officials and elected public office holders belonging to the party. The heavy presence of his followers in the Southwest led by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and many other senators from the Southwest .Four APC governors including Governor Babatunde Fashola, Lagos; Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers; Adams Oshiomhole, Edo and Tanko al-Makura of Nasarawa were there. Among senior party officials at the venue were the National Vice Chairman, Northeast, Pastor David Lawal and the National Secretary Mai Mala. Senate Minority Leader and former governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume led the National Assembly delegation.
Also present, yesterday, were former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Rotimi Akeredolu; Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Ajayi Borofice, Senator Abdul Adam, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former Kano state Deputy Governor, Magaji Abdullahi; Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Anthony Adeyemi, Senator Sadiq Yar’Adua, initiator of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman; former national women leader of the party, Sharon Ikeazor ,Prince Tony Momoh Col. Abdulaziz Yar‘Adua and a former member of the House of Representatives and immediate past board member of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Zilani Ibrahim among others.
Source: Vanguard ng.
Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan
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