The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, on Tuesday, unveiled his governance blueprint in Jos, Plateau State, anchored on national unity, security and moving Nigeria from consumption to production.
Speaking at a town hall meeting, Obi said his administration would be driven by citizens’ demands.
“Our number one commitment is to unite the Federal Republic of Nigeria because today we have no unity. We are divided along tribal and religious lines,” he said.
On security, he said government must guarantee safety of lives and property.
“Number two is to secure Nigeria. It is our duty to ensure that Nigerians live in safety, in a country where people are no longer killed daily. I assure you that no mother will continue to cry over the loss of her children.”
He said continued existence of IDP camps would mean leadership has failed.
“If any Nigerian remains in an internally displaced persons’ camp, we have failed. Once one Nigerian is in an IDP camp, the entire Nigeria is in an IDP camp. People must return to their homes,” he stated.
“Nobody will kidnap two children and disappear into the bush. If you kidnap children and go into the bush, you will not be alone there. We will come after you,” he added.
Obi said his decision to engage communities before campaigns was deliberate.
“When you want to serve, you must listen to the people. When we come for campaigns, we only talk, and we don’t listen to the people. We have decided that leadership must be demand-driven.”
He recalled visits to Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu, describing the security situation as unacceptable.
On the 2027 election, he urged the electorate to protect their votes.
“In the next election, every voter is an agent. Don’t vote and go home. Take that day as the one day you are giving to Nigeria as a patriotic Nigerian. Prepare yourself with your breakfast, lunch and dinner, and remain there. Your vote must be counted, recorded and transmitted.”
On the economy, he restated his production agenda.
“We are determined to unite Nigeria, secure Nigeria and pull people out of poverty. That is why we said we are going to move Nigeria from consumption to production. By increasing production, we will increase employment. Today, farmers cannot go to their farms because of insecurity.”
On access to finance, he said: “I have been a director and chairman of a financial institution, and I understand how banks operate. We will ensure that a portion of credit available in the banking sector goes to small businesses to enable them to grow and create jobs.”
He also pledged to fight corruption, revamp education and strengthen primary healthcare.
“I have managed public money, so when I say I am going to fight corruption, I know what I am talking about. Public money must be used for public good.
“We want our children to go back to school. We cannot continue to allow millions of Nigerian children to remain outside the classroom.
“Today, if you are sick in Nigeria, you go to church because there are no functional hospitals in many communities.”
Earlier at the Plateau State Traditional Council, Obi said Nigeria needs competent and committed leadership to make progress.
In response, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, appealed to politicians not to aggravate insecurity.
“We should not allow politics to worsen our situation. We already have insecurity, and we must be determined to live with each other in peace,” the monarch said.
- Media Report