Some new faces in the Nigerian political scene, aspiring to be president. |
AS PRESIDENT, I’LL EMPOWER WOMEN, CHILDREN
— Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
I have always believed that power to the
women and power to the youth are the only solutions to guarantee the future of
this generation and to secure the posterity of our unborn children. I believe
that when a woman is in power, the youth and children are better empowered and
catered for, so also is the entire society. My academic exposure and reputation
as an experienced teacher or lecturer like all and every past Nigerian civilian
president, is my assured basis of confidence to win the next presidential election.
For instance, Liberia’s former president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has
successfully performed and made history. I have the New Nigerian project on my
mind. It is time to restructure Nigeria. It is time for a new Nigeria.
Do you have the financial strength to
prosecute your campaign considering the fact that presidential campaigns are
capital intensive?
Campaigns ideally are not supposed to be
that expensive; it is supposed to be a people thing, an intellectual game and
not an all money thing. I intend to demonstrate how to contest an election
without the usual bribery and corruption involved. It will definitely not be
business as usual type of moneybag and money politics campaign style. We have
started the campaigns and it shall be successfully completed.
How do you intend to tackle insecurity,
which has brought some parts of the country to their knees?
Insurgency in Nigeria will be tackled when
the government has the willpower. Tackling insecurity is by decision making. My
government will address it with relevant policies and programmes.
How will you fight poverty if you become the
President in 2019?
Industrialisation of Nigeria, growth of
indigenous enterprises, development of other sectors, diversification of the
economy, appointing and allowing technocrats to do what they know how to do
best as regards the mono-economy, and many other significant methods would be
appropriated as a way forward. Nepotism, tribalism, greed and corruption have
led Nigeria into her current situation.
In which area do you think the current
President of Nigeria has failed Nigerians?
President Buhari?
Lopsided appointments, no appointments of Minister of Petroleum, in a mono-oil
economy, no economist co-ordinating the economy and technocrats are not
involved. Again, expatriates were scared away in the name of fighting
corruption, one sided-fighting of the so-called corruption, growing nepotism
with Fulani herdsmen, increased insecurity, Nigeria has never been so polarised
in history. The list is endless; all round. APC is a disappointment to
Nigerians as far as I am concerned. We thank God, 2019 is around the corner. It
is time to change the change by choice.
*******************
I’M BEST POSITIONED TO FIGHT CRIME,
CORRUPTION
— Sam Nwanti
What can you say is the major problem
of this country and how can it be addressed?
The problems of Nigeria are crime,
criminalities and corruption. They can be addressed by electing a seasoned
detective at the helms to squarely take care of them. As a trained detective in
the US, I have a solution to the crime problems. As it is, I strongly
believe that based on my training, I am the only person that can fight it
better than any other person aspiring to the same position throughout the
country. It is pertinent to state also that fighting corruption falls within my
jurisdiction as a trained detective.
Do you have the relevant political
experience to lead the country?
In 2010, I was in the US when I got an
invitation from late Chief Anthony Enahoro to come back home and
contest the Presidency on his party’s platform, the National
Reformation Party. However, I returned and I was interviewed on December 6,
2010. Unfortunately for me, on December 15, 2010 he (Enahoro) slept and did not
wake up. Ever since then, I have been stranded in the country.
What have you been doing since then?
Since then, I have been into series of
investigation about Nigeria’s crime problems and solutions to them.
I am vying because other contenders do not
have what I have. This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that a
seasoned detective from a civilised country is contesting.
Do you have the financial muscle to take
care of it?
I vividly know that a very huge sum of money
will be involved in the project. However, the people know that I am the best
aspirant. I also have foreign financial connections to take care of it.
What is your political party platform?
My party platform of success is Labour Party.
But Labour Party is not considered as one of
the serious political parties in Nigeria. Do you think the party will aid your
ambition?
The Labour Party makes a lot of meaning to
all progressives in Nigeria. It belongs to the working class and their
manifesto is superb. Apart from that, a credible candidate can win election on
any party’s platform. Mine is Labour Party. I tenaciously hold on to its
manifesto and I must succeed.
Is this your first time of vying for the
position?
No. I have contested the same position
in 2015 as the candidate of Mega Progressives Peoples Party. I later withdrew
for the sake of the then President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, of the Peoples
Democratic Party.
*******************
I’LL ENSURE 24-HOUR POWER SUPPLY – Omololu Omotosho, US-based accountant
Why do you want to become Nigeria’s
president?
I want to contest the presidential election
because Nigeria has been ruined by people who have no agenda. They are just
there for selfish reasons; basically to enrich themselves, their families, and
gain power for egocentric reasons. I will lead a team that will respectfully,
always offer real solutions to problems.
Do you have the capacity to lead the country?
I have the capacity to lead Nigeria because
I was trained at a renowned historically Black college and university, the Texas
Southern University. During my studies there, I was prepared to always think
about issues in a critical manner, to adequately analyse issues, and solve big
problems with statistics and tested methods not just by fiat. I will surround
myself with experts when making decisions. I graduated with a Bachelor of Business
Administration in Accounting and went on to gain political experience by
serving as a Fellow in 2013 with President Obama’s political organisation,
Organising for Action. My father served Nigeria as a civil servant for more
than 20 years. I used to visit my father’s office during holidays and that
exposed me to the engine of governance. I once met former Head of State Sani
Abacha at a conference, which was a defining moment of my life as a child. My
experiences at the boarding house of Government Secondary School, Bwari, while
I lived in Abuja, exposed me to northerners, easterners, westerners, and the
South-South people.
Do you have enough financial resources to
run for the office?
I obviously do not have the financial
strength to defeat career Nigerian politicians that have been recycled over and
over again because they have tasted power and the financial opportunities that
come with occupying office. These Nigerians have more money than I do. My
agenda is to take my message of a new Nigeria in a humble way, to the Nigerian
elite and everyday Nigerians at home and abroad, for financial support.
Nigerians will support me because I am a Nigerian and Nigerians are desperately
searching for a leader
What will you do differently if you become
president?
If I become President, I will immediately
inaugurate a task force with professionals in order to study why Nigeria cannot
experience 24-hour power supply in the 21st century and use solutions offered
to bring the country together and unite stakeholders towards achieving 24-hour
power supply to Nigerians. I will focus on food security; provide a living wage
for workers; professionalise security forces of Nigeria; enforce the laws of
Nigeria without deference to my personal opinion; enforce human rights and strengthen
systems and laws that will ensure that judiciary and legislative arms are truly
independent. I will provide favourable environment for the creation of jobs for
Nigerians through a respectful partnership with the private sector.
What will be your major agenda for Nigeria?
My agenda for Nigeria is to bring Nigerians
together, help encourage peace among Nigerians through my utterances and
actions, provide 24-hour electricity across Nigeria, and maintain and encourage
our beautiful culture and language as Africans.
*******************
I’LL TURN SAMBISA FOREST TO ARMS
MANUFACTURING HUB
– Lewis Omike, Filmmaker,
photographer, and youth activist
Why do you want to be president?
As a vibrant youth, I know I can do a lot
differently from our past leaders. I have come to offer myself to serve as
president that is why I intend to contest the 2019 presidential election. I
seek the opportunity to offer this country an intellectual, vibrant, competent,
accountable and transparent leadership to build our great nation, Nigeria.
Do you really think you have what it takes
to lead a great country like Nigeria
Yes, I have the capacity, courage, and
competence to be the President of this great country. I have the ability to
lead the nation and make it great because I have a divine leadership talent. I
have served people in my day-to-day life and I have received credit as a good
leader. In Nigeria today, we need new generational leaders to cleanse the
country of its past leadership atrocities. It will only take a new face, new
background, and a younger person (like me) who is open and diverse to be able
to bring peace among Nigerians .
Do you have enough financial resources to
prosecute your dreams?
I believe in my movement, (Nigerian Youth
Alliance Forum). I believe that my family, friends, Nigerians, home and in the
Diaspora, will support me financially because I won’t allow the rich
heavyweight politicians kill my moral. Money is needed in setting up any
business. I won’t allow the issue of money to frustrate my dream. I will
encourage Nigerians to shun the money-for-vote syndrome and elect me as
president.
What will you do differently?
I will definitely work towards creating a
reliable and sustainable government built on trust, openness and
accountability. I will make gender ratio equal in my cabinet, bringing cultured
and vibrant youths to take up leadership roles and also make sure every other
tribe is carried along. I associate with everyone and this is the type of
leadership I will offer the country.
What is your main agenda?
Since the Nigerian youths
constitute the majority of the population, I believe that the empowerment of
every individual in this country, especially the youth, will be the starting
point of success and development. Therefore, my main agenda is to improve the
major sectors that will lead to innovation and change. I will focus on critical
sectors like power, health care, education and job creation. I will turn our
problems to solutions by establishing a massive national armament in the
Sambisa Forest, where ammunition and weapons will be manufactured to fight and
protect our nation. The herdsmen and farmers on the other hand will be trained
on how and why they need each other to grow their businesses, thereby bringing
peace among the community.
*******************
I WILL ABOLISH IMMUNITY FOR PRESIDENT,
GOVERNORS
– Dr. Thomas-Wilson Ikubese
Why are you in the presidential race?
I proposed 23 recommendations on how to make
Nigeria a functional state and I published them on www.mpfng.blogspot.com. It
is the failure of our leaders to implement the recommendations that prompted me
to vie for the office of the President using the book as my benchmark for
governance.
Do you have the financial strength to
actualise your ambition?
I am not a money bag. It is the people, at
the appropriate time, who will donate their widow’s mite to fund my campaign.
Our government in 2019 will be answerable to the people and the only way this
could happen is if the people fund the campaign from their own pockets. They
will have the sense of ownership and the government will be accountable to them.
What will you do differently as president?
Within six months of being sworn in, there
will be uninterrupted power supply in Nigeria. I know that if we have
functional electricity, we have solved 75 per cent of the country’s problems.
We are not going to depend on Kainji Dam; we are going to use the gas turbine.
We will also allow each state to generate and transmit its electricity without
having to pass it through the national grid, which is actually the headquarters
of frustration. I will also address the issue of the Peace Corps. There is no
reason Mr. President should not assent the Peace Corps bill. He cited two
reasons, which are duplication of duties of other existing security agencies
and secondly, that there will be no money to pay their salaries. That is not
true. Eighty per cent of the Nigerian police officers are into guard jobs. They
are protecting VIPs, politicians, top government functionaries and captains of
industries and their wives. Only 20 per cent are responsible for doing core
police responsibilities. I will make sure that the Peace Corps personnel
take over the guard jobs currently being handled by majority of the policemen,
who will then face their core mandate of policing the country. We won’t pay the
salaries of the Peace Corps personnel from government coffers. Their salaries
will be funded by the VIPs that required their services.
We will also invest heavily in agriculture
and we will also ensure accountability because we will publish details of our
income and expenditure every month. We will also not condone corruption. If any
member of my cabinet is accused of corruption, he must step aside and allow
investigation to go on; I won’t shield anybody. I am going to sponsor a bill to
remove immunity. The President, The Vice-President, the Governor, the Deputy Governor,
none of us will have immunity. Government should be for service and not for the
accumulation of wealth. The Nigerian constitution will be taught in secondary
schools just like English and Mathematics. I will also abolish the practice of
two terms for elected political office holders. Once you complete your one
term, park your belongings and go home. I will make governance unattractive to
people. It will only be for those who have interest in serving their fatherland.
I want to turn
Nigeria around into an industrialised nation, so much so that no Nigerian will
have any reason to travel abroad to hustle except for holidays and for business
transactions. We will empower the states to manage their resources and pay tax
to the centre. My administration will sponsor an executive bill that will make
the centre very weak. There will also be a bill that will institutionalise
rotational presidency among the six geo political zones, single term of five
non-renewable years. I will eradicate marginalisation. I will make health
insurance scheme mandatory. We will revive all diary industries, the Nigerian
airways, Ajaokuta steel company, Nigerian Telecommunications Limited among
other dead national assets.
*******************
MY PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION BEGAN IN SECONDARY
SCHOOL
— Fela Durotoye
When did you start thinking of
contesting as president of Nigeria?
As far back as when I was a secondary school
student. My best friend used to call me ‘Duro for President’ and he recently
reminded me of that nickname after I declared my presidential aspiration. Many
people say my passion for Nigeria has been so intense and consistent for so
long that they feel it was inevitable that my journey would lead me along the
path that I have now chosen to serve my nation through the highest office in
the land.
You have complained about the two major
parties and their ideals or lack of ideals. What principles would you say you
are running with?
I believe the most important principle that
I am running with is the principle of leadership and service to the people as
opposed to ruling over the people and being served by them. Leaders must serve
the general interest of the people and build our commonwealth rather than serve
the special interests of a privileged few.
I believe that power belongs to the people
and not a privileged few within the political system. This is why I believe
that parties must run on the principles of true internal democracy where it is
the members of parties that must exercise their right to vote during primary
elections, to choose their candidates amongst the aspirants. This is different
from the conventional way that many of the existing parties in Nigeria ‘select’
their candidates through delegate voting at party conventions.
What is your reaction to people’s opinion
that you have no chances of winning the election?
Looking all around the world, it is clear
that we are in an age of disruption, and people are choosing to liberate
themselves from the power of the establishment. This is why the people all over
the world are choosing to elect young, vibrant visionary leaders, who offer to
lead their generation into a different future from the established past.
Clearly, there is a generational shift going
on at a national level of leadership all over the world as younger leaders are
emerging on the national stage in France, Qatar, Canada, Yemen, Austria and
even in Liberia. The overwhelming response to my aspiration has been remarkably
positive and when a few people express their concerns as to whether the young
people have what it takes to choose a different path to our future without the
establishment structure and funding, my response to those few people is always:
“2019 elections would be a pleasant surprise.”
*******************
FEDERAL ALLOCATION TO STATES SHOULD
STOP
— Adamu Garba II
As a presidential aspirant running on
the All Progressives Congress, who are your political backers?
Backers, to me, are not only the people
currently within the APC. Backers, to me, are Nigerians. We should not be
looking at that institution as belonging to some people. We should be looking
at it belonging to Nigerians. Why do we sit behind the window and point the
finger? Why can’t we run for all (elective) offices? That will be one of my
principal missions once I start the campaign: I would ensure that all Nigerians
come into the APC today. So, we can’t just subject our destinies to the mercy
of the few. You and I know that the strongest presidential candidates are
determined at the primary election; it is not from the secondary election. So,
who are those voting in the primary election? This is where we never paid
attention to.
As a northerner, do you think you have the
advantage since your party has zoned the 2019 presidential election to the
North and the incumbent president might contest again?
I don’t really see myself as a northerner. I
don’t even believe in westerner, northerner or whatever; I believe in Nigeria.
I don’t believe that where you come from, your origin or identity should
determine why you should be what you are. I believe your competence and
capacity as a leader should determine who you should be, and what I am bringing
to the table is not a northern Nigeria, a southern Nigeria, a Muslim or
Christian Nigeria. I am coming as a person born in Nigeria, who wants to be
president of Nigeria.
What is your take on restructuring?
I support restructuring in some aspects, not
all aspects. For instance, (I support) the aspect of removing state of origin.
It should be state of residence. Why would the constitution force your choice?
I don’t believe some people will gather in Abuja at the end of the month to
collect money they didn’t work for. I believe the reason why I am in government
is to create value, not to come and consume my share. All those things need to
get out completely of the constitution. I also think we should remove religion
completely from our setting.
On the issue of resource control, I have a
little concern because resource is what you need to build the country. Nigeria
is like a marketplace. Nigeria is not a country that is defined by natural
borders. It is actually an integrated microeconomic unit. There are things in
western, eastern, southern and northern Nigeria that all Nigerians require. A
market of 180 to 200 million people is a large market. These are the areas in
which I have a little concern.
*******************
I’LL NAME MY CABINET THE DAY I’M ELECTED
PRESIDENT
– Omoyele
Sowore, Publisher of US-based online media,
Sahara
Reporters
Why do you want to contest the
presidential election?
I am simply tired of reporting and
monitoring elections that bring rogues and mediocre persons into office in
Nigeria. I have spent the last 30 years fighting hard to make this country a
better place. As a Students Union President at the University of Lagos in the
early 1990s, I was one of the leaders of the national students and youth
movement that fought against military tyranny and advocated a return to
democratic rule.
Do you have the capacity to rule Nigeria?
Of course, yes. I have the capacity to rule
Nigeria. First, I have a track record of almost 30 years of integrity and
principled service to my nation. I am one of those few Nigerians that have
offered relentless and selfless service to Nigeria. I have bled for this
nation. I have been harassed, harangued, detained and tortured. I have had my
assets seized. My life is constantly under threat because of the work that we
do in exposing corruption – regardless of whose ox is gored.
Through it all, I have been unflinching in
my beliefs. I have been true to my beliefs.
Secondly, I am a proven manager of people
and resources. In 2006, I started Sahara Reporters with just a $600 laptop. I
was not a trained journalist. I had never built a website. I had nothing else,
but a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve for Nigerians through the
platform that I wanted to build. Fast forward 12 years later, today, Sahara
Reporters is a globally-acclaimed brand.
Do you have the financial strength to defeat
the heavyweight politicians already jostling for the seat?
I know, money is essential for elections and
we are aiming to raise $2m or just about N750m for the elections. This is a far
cry from the billions that traditional politicians spend on elections. But we
are not playing politics as usual. This is a movement.
What are you going to do differently?
I have been dreaming of a greater and better
Nigeria for over 30 years. My vision is crystal clear. I will do a lot of
things differently. I will address my duties with urgency.
I will name my cabinet on the day after I am
elected to the Presidency. I have a team that is looking at every single sector
of the Nigerian economy.
It’s a shadow cabinet that is developing
action plan for our policies and monitoring what government officials are doing
wrong so we know how to respond to Nigeria’s pressing issues from day one
.
What are your main agenda for the nation?
*******************
I’M BETTER PREPARED TO RULE NIGERIA
— Kingsley Moghalu, ex-Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria
Why are you interested in the seat of
President Muhammadu Buhari?
My reason is simple and straightforward.
Nigeria needs a capable, experienced technocrat to run the country. We are now
the poverty capital of the world (worse off than India.) Is this what we want
for our youths? I have had enough. Nigeria needs a bold and decisive leadership
that can bring something different to how this country is governed.
Do you think you have what it takes to
tackle the country’s challenges?
My record speaks for itself. First, I was
Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria between 2009 and 2014
immediately after the 2008 global economic crisis. We carried out the most
radical reforms to protect the Nigerian banking industry from collapse and
brought inflation down. Before that, I had worked in the United Nations for 17
years rising from entry level associate officer to the highest career rank of
director. These were 17 years of developing and enacting policy at the highest
levels in four continents – from the UN Headquarters in New York to Cambodia,
Croatia, Tanzania, and Switzerland. I have experience in risk management and I
have been a professor of practice in International Business and Public Policy
at the globally-renowned Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts
University, teaching students from across the world how to make successful
development policies in their countries. I am better prepared than anyone else
seeking the office of President today.
Do you think you have the wherewithal to
match others already in the race?
When we emphasise the depth of the pockets
of candidates without truly scrutinising how they came about the funds, we end
up with leaders whose priority is not governing but to recoup their
“investments.” I have begun a fundraiser that will root my candidacy in
people’s donations — no matter how little. This means I will be accountable to
the people — not to a bank and certainly not to some godfather.
What is your major agenda for Nigeria?
My agenda is clear: To build our nation.
This will be powered by a massive investment in our human capital to ensure the
economic growth of Nigeria. My goal is to work together with Nigerians. I have
laid out my vision for this country through my book ‘Build, Innovate, Grow: My
Vision for Nigeria’, (or BIG, for short) and on www.tobuildanation.com.
On leadership and governance, I intend to
compose a world-class, “first eleven” team based on merit and inclusive
governance to drive government policy. On the economy, we will establish an
innovation-led economy, with intellectual property and commercialisation of
local innovation as its bedrock. We will also establish a Venture Capital Fund
with a minimum of N500bn as a public-private partnership to invest in the
creation of new businesses by presently unemployed youths in Nigeria. The new
businesses created with support from this fund will, in turn, create new jobs.
The fund will be managed by private sector partners while the Federal
Government of Nigeria will be a core investor.
There is an agenda for gender parity;
overhaul of the police force; engagement of Nigerians in the Diaspora and so
much more. It is time for Nigerians to think BIG.
*******************
I’LL SECURE NIGERIA WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY,
PERSONAL POLICING
— Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher
Why do you think you should be
president next year?
I will be president next year because
Nigerians are tired and sick of the status quo; they want a change. Nigerian
leaders are not looking at the future, they don’t plan for the youth. God did
not hate Nigeria to the extent that he will allow our country to degenerate and
collapse into a failed country, broken into pieces. I will win the presidential
election because many of the aspirants on the ground do not share my passion
for this country. As a university professor, I am not happy that our graduates
don’t have jobs.
Having mentored, taught and train youths, it
breaks my heart when I see that their potential are grossly underutilised due
to idleness. So, to me it’s not even about winning the presidential election
because I know I have already won in the hearts of Nigerians.
Herdsmen are killing farmers while the Boko
Haram insurgents are still on the rampage. How will you solve these problems if
you become president?
It is unfortunate that there is no place that
is secured in this country. Apart from the killer herdsmen and the Boko Haram
insurgents causing havoc and mayhem in the middle Belt and the North-East,
there are serious cases of armed robbery and kidnapping. People are being
killed at will and there is no solution. The government is not holding anybody
accountable. Our security agencies have compromised.
When I become president, everybody will be a security
officer. That is what is being done everywhere in the world. We have technology
that can be used to effectively map and secure our areas, but nobody is using
them. I will ensure that functional, modern technology, especially the Close
Circuit Television cameras, are installed strategically in every nooks and
crannies of this country which will equip security agencies with adequate
information that could be used to prevent crime instead of waiting till when a
crime has been committed before they take action. I will also tackle
unemployment and the rots in the education sector. Many young men engage in these
senseless, barbaric killings because they want to sell human parts to make
money. Why should such barbaric attitudes continue? Our government pretends as
if it is not aware of a global trend where human parts are being harvested for
sale. So, wicked people take advantage of our weak security system. They come
to Nigeria, kill our very strong men and women, and harvest their parts. This
is a new reality, but with modern technology and everybody involving in
security, we can solve this problem.
This interview
was first published on April 22, 2018 by The
Punch .
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