2023 presidency: Shehu Sani advises Dangote against yielding to Northern youths' call

A human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani has advised Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote against yielding to calls by a northern youth group to vie for the 2023 presidency.

The group, Arewa Youth Assembly appealed to some prominent business leaders and technocrats in the country to join the 2023 presidential race.

The group made the call in a Friday statement titled, “Private Sector Players to Join the 2023 Presidential Race,” jointly signed by the group’s Speaker, Mohammed Danlami, and National Clerk, Desmond Minakaro.

According to the youths, Nigeria could use the managerial acumen and leadership skills of the likes of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, among others.

“The knowledge and experience an entrepreneur acquires from business exposes him to noting how government affects the private sector, which is the power source of economic growth that propels improvements in living standards of citizens.

“In a country like Nigeria that has great and intelligent minds with positive reputations all over the world, the likes of Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, Mr Bode Augusto, Mr Segun Agbaje, Mr Fola Adeola, Alhaji Tunde Folawiyo, Mr Atedo Peterside, Mr Kola Adesina, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr Femi Otedola, Mr Mike Adenuga, Mr Akinwumi Adesina, Mr Herbert Wigwe and Mr Aig Imoukhuede, who are boardroom czars with a vast wealth of knowledge on entrepreneurship, why let Nigeria be run by others who lack such knowledge?

“An entrepreneur that can grow wealth, bear risk in such conditions found in Nigeria surely is suited to better the fortunes of the nation.

“Nigeria will flourish under such a person; our economy will grow as he or she is already an employer of labour and will create employment on a level playing field for businesses to grow.

“We are calling and pleading with the successful private sector players to join the 2023 presidential race, they need to stand up and be counted. Nigeria has given you much, we ask now that you come and be the stewards of our nation, not just your businesses. Come and rescue Nigeria from the shackle of poor leadership.”

Reacting to the call, Sani, who was Senator for Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, said Dangote was better off minding his business.

“Dear Dangote, ignore those northern youths dragging you to politics; concentrate on your refinery…make work no come stop,” he tweeted.