[dropcap]S[/dropcap]enator  Bukola Saraki finally declared his long-held presidential ambition in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with young people at Sheraton Hotel.

Here are the 19 points he made:

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY (DR.) ABUBAKAR  BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT A DIALOGUE WITH YOUTH AND YOUNG ASPIRANTS HELD AT SHERATON HOTEL, ABUJA, ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018.

PROTOCOL.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. I deeply appreciate this opportunity to share some of my ideas about where we are as a nation, as well as the challenges before us as we approach the great decider that is the 2019 General Elections.

4. 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.

5. Up and down our country today, Nigerians are crying out for succour. 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. And too often, the youth feel shut out, prevented from having any say in the direction of this nation.

6. 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.

7. Our economy is broken and is in need of urgent revival in order for Nigeria to grow. GDP growth rate has declined. Diversification remains an illusion. Unemployment is at an all-time high. Businesses are shutting down. Jobs are being lost in record numbers, and the capital needed to jumpstart our economy is going elsewhere.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. The choice we face in the forthcoming election is either to keep things as they are, or make a radical departure from the old ways. To find a better way of doing things or keep repeating the mistakes of the past. To fix the problems or keep compounding them.

12. It is with all these in mind, and taking account of the challenges that I have outlined, that 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.

13. My Plan for Nigeria has inclusion in all aspects of the country’s affairs as a central pillar. Every citizen has 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.

14. Your generation does 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.

15. 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.

16. My plan is to secure Nigeria by redesigning our national security architecture, while adequately equipping our security agencies to fulfil their primary role of protecting lives and property.

17. I will address our infrastructural deficit through aggressive financing initiatives including mutually beneficial PPP arrangements, regular floating of bonds and other financial instruments, which will ensure stable, adequate and reliable funding to see to the completion of core projects especially road, rail and power.

18. My plan is to protect all Nigerians and defend their constitutional rights and freedoms. I will stand for and uphold at all times the principle of the rule of law, which is the bedrock of democratic governance.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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 that will deliver real improvements in the daily lives of our people. 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.

23. Believe me when I say that it will not be business as usual. This will be a dynamic government of action that will pursue the growth of Nigeria with doggedness, determination and conviction. I will lead a result-driven administration. We shall set targets with clear timelines to ensure that anticipated deliverables are met. 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.

25. 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 rebuilding and growing the economy, and restoring our national pride.

26. I therefore ask you and all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with me in this noble cause.

My brothers, My sisters, Let’s Grow Nigeria Together.

God bless you all.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Ogun State Police Command has arrested two men for engaging in homosexual act. The two men, Ademola Adekunle and Okon Bassey were arrested following a complaint by the first suspect Okon Bassey who reported at Onipanu Divisional Headquarters on Wednesday that the second suspect Ademola Adekunle was threatening his life with violence.

Upon his Okon’s report , the DPO Onipanu, Sp Sangobiyi Johnson detailed detectives to effect the arrest of the said Ademola. But the case took another dimension when on questioning, Ademola confessed on how he was introduced to Bassey by one of his boss whom he simply called Mandela and how Bassey promised him N20,000 if he agreed to be his sex partner. He further stated that the said Bassey has had sex with him for good three times; consequence upon which he has been bleeding in the anus profusely and that Bassey has refused to pay him the promised N20,000.

Upon the confession, the two of them were promptly arrested and detained. Ademola was taken to hospital and medical report confirmed that his anus has been violently tampered with.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation and possible prosecution.

[dropcap] P[/dropcap]resident, Muhammadu Buhari, wife Aisha Buhari and 20 other dignitaries will be travelling to China on Friday to partake in the 7th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Buhari would be joining President Xi Jinping and other African leaders for the summit, tagged ‘Towards an even Stronger China-Africa Community with a shared Future’, which is scheduled to hold from September 3 to 4, 2018 in Beijing.

Together with Buhari in his trip are four governors: Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, Akinwunmi Ambode, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Rochas Anayo Okorocha of Bauchi, Lagos, Jigawa and Imo states, respectively; and four senators: Abdullahi Adamu, George Akume, Godswill Akpabio and Aliyu Wamakko representing Nasarawa, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Sokoto states, respectively.

Also in the President’s convoy are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Minister of FCT, Muhammad Bello; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah.

The long list also has Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma; Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika; National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; Director General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar; and the Group Managing Director, NNPC group, Dr Maikanti Baru.

In China, Buhari would be leading other ECOWAS presidents to deliver a speech at the High-Level Dialogue between Chinese and African leaders, business representatives and African entrepreneurs. He would also be meeting with China’s president and Prime Minister, seeking to foster the relationship between the two countries.

“After the FOCAC Summit, PMB will hold bilateral meetings with Pres. Jinping and PM Li Keqiang to discuss infrastructure financing for strategic projects in Nigeria and the upgrading of Nigeria-China relations “from strategic partnership to comprehensive strategic partnership.

“The President will also use the occasion of his audience with the Chinese leadership to assess the progress made so far in Chinese interventions in Nigeria’s key priority infrastructure projects, particularly on-going projects in the railway and power sectors.”

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, dumped the opposition Peoples Democratic Party for the ruling All Progressives Congress, said he ditched his former party owing to President Muhammadu Buhari’s “passionate” interest for the development of the Niger Delta region.

In a statement made available  on Wednesday titled “Moving On To The Bigger Playing Field”, the former governor said that despite Buhari inability to score the required 25 per cent in the 2015 election in the region, he has given direct focus to the development of the region.

While listing some of the development efforts by Buhari’s government, Uduaghan said, “Since the inception of the current All Progressives Congress, APC, administration at the federal level, there has been an encouraging interest and activities by President Muhammadu Buhari to bring a permanent solution to the Niger Delta crisis. This has pointed in a direction that is at once progressive and developmental.

“Topmost in these activities are the ‘Engagement Processes.’ Rather than using the military to harass our people, the Buhari administration has embarked on various engagement processes that have led to agreements and brought hope to the people of the Niger Delta. In the last years, Mr. President has personally engaged several regional leaders and youths. Senior officials of his administration also engaged many Niger Delta leaders and youths.

“Very significant is that Mr. President mandated the Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN, to visit virtually all the oil producing states, engaging various stakeholders. This is unprecedented in the history of the region. Such engagement processes have brought some measure of peace in the Niger Delta. Things can only get better.”

The former governor who is contesting the Delta South Senatorial District in 2019, called on leaders in region to support efforts being made by the present administration to bring lasting peace to the area, adding that his defection to the APC was to offer such support.

“In this era of partisan politics, it is necessary for the people of the Niger Delta, and Delta State in particular, to identify more with the Federal Government led by the APC. By so doing, we can push some of the agreements between our leaders and the Federal Government through, and also engage the government to do more. Politics is about interests.

“The Niger Delta is a major area of interest for me, because I staked my life going into the creeks severally without security and sometimes coming back at night negotiating peace. I will, therefore, give the strongest support to any President that shows commitment in the affairs of the Niger Delta.  I call on, and enjoin, other well-meaning leaders in the region, who have very useful contributions to make, to come on board and join hands in helping this Federal Government to pursue a robust development agenda that would uplift our people. Whatever milestone that appears not to have been achieved yet is not for lack of efforts. Joining hands with and supporting the process will lead to a faster delivery on expectations.

“It is in the pursuit of this noble objective that I’m offering myself to help drive a process that would give the lives of our people in the Niger Delta more meaning. President Muhammadu Buhari needs people who will join hands with him to uplift our people. From my political experience, you have to be well represented and actively so at the “board room” when decisions are being taken. Delta State must be well represented. Niger Delta must be well represented” the statement added.

Uduaghan, who thanked leaders and members of his former party for urging him to stay, added that he prayed fervently divine direction before agreeing to leave the PDP where he served as commissioner, Secretary to the State Government and two-term as a governor.

“I have, therefore, after series of consultations and prayers, taken the decision to leave the PDP and join the APC. In doing this, I want to thank the numerous leaders, supporters and interest groups that have been urging me to remain in PDP. I am happy that after explaining some of the deeper issues to you, some of you that are politicians have agreed to join the APC in the near future.

“So I am going into APC as “John the Baptist” to the numerous Deltans that are coming in, soon – very soon.”

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he headquarters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) may have concluded plans to drop the Senatorial Ambition of Amb Bianca Ojukwu, the colourful widow of the party’s late Supreme leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Though the matter was still being in hushed tones, the new stance was said to have been given rise from impeccable opinion poll within the Anambra South Senatorial zone which indicated that she would lose when put side by side other contenders being paraded by other parties in the zone.

The new reliable stand, our sources stated has therefore put even the aspiration of the former governor of Imo state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim in dire straights as he has thrown everything he has in Mrs Ojukwu’s support without asking questions.

A visibly excited Ohakim had on Tuesday’s declaration and flag off of Mrs Ojukwu’s ambition asked other candidates eyeing the position to suspend the idea in favour and in her support.

The party, according to an impeccable source revealed they were favourably considering Dr Ifeanyi Ubah and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu for the ticket.

But that the odds favour Dr Ubah “for so many reasons”, the source added.

Ohakim who spoke at Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, during Mrs Ojukwu’s flag off  said the Igbos will not afford to sit and watch the wife of their former leader be denied the seat.

He maintained that losing the seat to another candidate would be a disservice to Ojukwu who he described as the most selfless leader the Igbos ever had. “Those who are contesting the poll with the wife of our leader may have the money and wherewithal to muzzle down Bianca but they don’t have the same integrity.

According to Ohakim, no fewer than fifteen billionaires from the south east have been mobilised to ensure the victory of Ojukwu’s wife who she referred to as a spirit. “Bianca Ojukwu is not an ordinary human being, she is a spirit. She has double-barrel identity and double-barrel legacy.

“The people of Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, have asked me to beg you(Anambra) to accomplish this mission and project in memory of our great leader, Dim Chkwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

“Ojukwu sacrificed his Oxford education, his personal comfort, his father’s wealth to save the Igbo race at the most auspicious time.” he added.

Those from the other camps lashed out at Ohakim, wondering whether he liaised well with the party before picking up the microphone, just as they were bemused if he thought his few days membership of the party has now conferred on him the right to pick and chose candidates even in territories he was not very conversant with.

One of the party chieftains who spoke to our correspondent said it was clear that it’s only someone of Dr Ubah ilk and political sagacity that can wage the Anambra South senatorial election war successfully and effectively.

He added that reason why Ukachukwu would not get it was because he has had a shot at it severally but lost out serially. That the party has resolved to find something else for Mrs Ojukwu if her membership of the Board of Trustees(BOT)was not enough for her.

Mrs Ojukwu in her remarks said her aspiration was in the best interest of the people whose rights have been denied them over the years and pledged to ensure that the right of Igbos were no longer denied them once she gets to the National Assembly.

She said, “…Our people have suffered. A lot of graduates engage in meager jobs for want of employment. Traders suffer at custom offices. Igbos are suffering and that is why we are insisting on a restructured nation.

“We need a different type of representation, of showcasing what we can do for the people. We can’t remain where we are. The role of a senator is not only legislative but also oversight,” she said.

Speaking about her late husband, Dim Ojukwu, Bianca reiterated the sacrifices he made when he saw that his people were being shortchanged and massacred.

Noting that the blood of the party runs in her veins, the senatorial aspirant pointed out that, “Evil prevails because good men do nothing. To sit back and be an arm chair critic is not good enough.”