From Rashidat AbdulRahman, Minna
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has assured that Niger delegates will do the right thing at the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries.
Governor Bello made this known Monday when he hosted President of the Senate and APC presidential aspirant, Sen. Ahmad Lawan at the Government House, Minna, when the latter came to woo delegates for the presidential primary election of the party
“Niger state delegates will do what is right during the presidential primary election of the party,” he stated.
The governor commended Sen. Lawan for being a lawmaker for 23 years. He added that no one has the record of the Senate President in terms of being a lawmaker, saying it’s a testament that the aspirant is a good man.
“He has been in the National Assembly since 1999 and I don’t think anyone has broken that record in Nigeria and that shows that he is a good man,” he said.
In his remark, Sen. Lawan said, having worked at the National Assembly for 23 years, and as the current Senate President who has been able to work with his colleagues to ensure peace and stability at the upper legislative chamber, irrespective of their party differences, he can replicate same in the entire country if given the mandate.
He said he believes that mandate is service and he has served well enough to become the next president of the country, promising to build on the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Sen. Lawan, who acknowledged the insecurity in Niger State and the efforts of the state and federal government to address it, emphasized that security, agriculture, education and economy will be his top most priorities when he becomes Nigeria’s president.
“It is my intention to build on the successes that our President will attain when he leaves office. I believe that we need to consider the architecture of our security system. I believe in citizen participation in security. I want to see a situation where citizens who volunteer to give security information are protected. I want to see a situation where the traditional institutions play a role in securing our communities. That will be my priority.
“I also want to have the opportunity to serve as President to build on the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari on the economy of Nigeria. I believe it is not yet what we want but we are better than many countries.
“Niger state is an agricultural state. I want a situation where at least every zone in the state will have one crop that it will be known for production, processing and for marketing. That is to say it is not enough for us in Niger state to produce yams only. We should produce the yams, process the yams and sell with higher value. I believe that this is one way to deal with youth unemployment and poverty.
“I promise to reform the educational system. This will be an opportunity for us to develop our country. Until we are able to reform our educational system most of our youths will not be that kind of tomorrow’s leaders that can lead us after we leave,” he stated.
In their separate remarks, Senators Orji Uzor Kalu and Sani Musa, who were part of the campaign team of the Senate President had told the delegates that they brought a good market to them, assuring them that their aspirant has the capacity and competence to lead the nation and they will not regret voting for him.
Sen. Lawan was at the Palace of Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Farouq Bahago to seek his royal blessings. He also urged the state Chairman of the party, Haliru Zakari Jikantoro to ensure violence free, and fair primary elections in the state.