Nigerian Senate Leader, Dr. Bukola Saraki has reiterated to Nigerians that he will fight corruption wholeheartedly in all its forms without holding back if he is elected as Nigeria’s new President Come 2019.
The Senate President made this promise as he kicked off his presidential campaign train in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
He said quite unlike some leaders he would not engage in fighting selective battles against corruption but face it head on. He also promised not to encourage selective corruption in his cabinet should he be elected.
Speaking at the campaign rally, he informed the crowd of supporters that he chose to start from Ebonyi because of the developmental agenda of the present Ebonyi state government as well as the leadership prowess and inclusiveness in governance being practiced by the state government under the leadership of Governor Dave Umahi.
Saraki further told PDP stakeholders and supporters in Ebonyi that Nigeria was at a cross-road where the rule of law is endangered. He also said never in the history of the Nation has it been as divided as it is now.
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He further bemoaned the fact that Nigeria seemed to be on the verge of anarchy, negating years of hard work put in by our leaders past to ensure the unity of the country.
According to Saraki;
“There is a high level of un-inclusiveness in the country. We must choose leaders that have the capacity to move the country forward. What you are seeing in Ebonyi is not by chance, it is because your governor has the capacity that is why you are witnessing development. How then can you choose a man with capacity in your state without choosing also a leader with capacity at the national level.
“We fight poverty, we will fight corruption too and not do a selective corruption fight. We will develop solid minerals in Ebonyi State. We will bring private investors into the country and turn around youth involvement in governance by bringing youths to governance.”
The Senate president then endorsed Governor Umhai for a second term in office as he was presented with the governorship nomination form of the PDP which was purchased on behalf of the governor by members of the state executive council.
Governor Umahi while responding described Saraki as a refined Nigerian as well as a defender of democracy in the Nigeria State and a friend to the Ebonyi state government.
He also restated his promise to return the governorship seat to the Abakaliki bloc in 2023 after his second term, adding that his administration remains focused on the developmental agenda and will hand over a state with the best economy in the country to his successor come 2023.
The governor further commended the senate president for standing resolute in his beliefs and values despite heavy criticism as he called for the National Assembly to work for the unity of the country and turn its fortunes around.
He also called on Saraki and the National assembly to look into the rising costs of project execution in the country in order to check excesses of public officials who inflate costs of capital projects across the country.
He reiterated the willingness of the South-east to support any leader who recognises the right and needs of the people above party and personal interest.
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