Expectedly, corruption is fighting back!

    Mike Ikhariale

 

Mike Ikhariale

No one should habour the illusion that the hydra-headed demon of corruption would simply be scared away from our shores just by the fact of the presidential inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari, a man who has made the fight against corruption a personal vow. To do so would simply be under-rating a mammoth and ferociously diabolic system. The danger, which corruption poses, is further reinforced by the fact that it has stayed long enough with us to know much about our strengths and limitations.

It has, over the years, built the requisite force, wealth, influence, guile and temerity with which to resist whatever is thrown at it. Its loyal army is very large and active and its recruitment process expansive: from the unpatriotic taxman, who makes illicit ‘deals’ with tax evaders, to the detriment of the treasury, to the policeman, who openly extorts money from road users and the judge, who accepts money to subvert the course of justice, through to the political ‘big man’, who diverts chunks of the national budget into his private account, all are at the service of Corruption Incorporated.

So, the election of Muhammadu Buhari on the basis of his pledge to rid the nation of the evil of corruption, may have only just secured for Nigerians, the first victory out of a series of inevitable battles remaining; thus pitting the corrupt ancient regime against the new political order. In the larger war theatre, the more organised forces of corruption are doing everything they can in order to roll back on whatever gains that the inchoate anti-corruption social alliance has made. At its disposal are the elements of ethnicity, religion, distractive legalism and the anti-progressive sophistry of a pseudo right-wing. It is therefore, not yet Uhuru on the anti-corruption front.

Corruption has even tried to reset the agenda for the battle in ways that would tactically disable those fighting it. That is why it began its resistance by trying to dictate ‘when’ and ‘where’ the fight should begin: 2007, 1999, 1966, or even from the colonial era of Lord Lugard! They started shouting about an imaginary ‘100-day’ performance card instead of telling us how much of their loots that they have returned during the period. By so doing, they hope to deflect attention from the substantive issues of their guilt to the procedural elements of their trial. They have even introduced the puerile elements of ethnicity and religion into the fray as if their thefts were committed on behalf of any tribe, group or religion. They are asking PMB to leave them and face other issues, forgetting that until corruption is tamed, there is no meaningful way forward.

ADVERTISEMENT

They even hired an amorphous ‘Peace Committee’ to blackmail the government out of focus without thinking of any counterpart ‘Justice Committee’ to assuage the rights of the victim population. How could anyone be calling for ‘peace’ when he deeply loathes ‘justice’ himself? A regime that prides itself in producing several billionaires at the expense of the majority poor of the country must have another meaning for social justice.

All over the world, responsible governments seek to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor; not so for the People Democratic Party, which turned itself into a hatchery for illicit billionaires. Whereas, the Constitution of Nigeria directs that the economic system shall “not be operated in such a manner as to permit the concentration of wealth or the means of production and exchange in the hands of a few individuals”, Olisa Metuh(PDP National Publicity Secretary), on the contrary, is shamelessly calling us to roll out the drums for the party for creating the largest band of billionaires in their 16 years of locust-like reign. Incredible!

If we must deal with corruption decisively and within the parameters of the Rule of Law and commonsense, we have to do more than merely attacking it on the surface because these people are callous. That is why we argued some weeks ago that an Integrity Plan should be instituted by President Buhari as a way to strengthen the war against corruption. If it didn’t make sense then, unfolding events have now made it crystal clear.

We now know that corruption is a serious violation of our human rights as it denies majority of the citizens the material benefits of the commonwealth. People wonder why so many refugee-seeking migrants are taking risky voyages to Europe these days. They are from countries where wars and other social strife resulted from the unbridled corruption of the elite. If we do not resist corruption today in Nigeria, sooner or later, we may someday also find ourselves inside those rickety boats heading to Europe or elsewhere.

That is why we are now proposing an Ethical Revolution that is founded upon strong personal and institutional integrity platforms. Accordingly, we ask for a National Integrity Action Plan that would offer an institutional Ombudsman-type oversight and enforcement of a new national ethical order. I must say about this idea, that we are not re-inventing the wheel. Other countries with sordid histories of corruption and ineptitude in the past have already applied it and they benefited immensely.

Take the case of the United Arab Emirate. Leading by example, visibly austere and prudential in their governance, citizens and foreigners alike have all keyed into it and, today, the Emirate has changed from being once an unlivable arid desert to an oasis of affluence and general happiness. The same can also be said of most of the successful Asian countries with Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew as locus classicus – the existence of national integrity mechanism wherein corruption is fought as a communal war.

This suggestion cannot be dismissed as theoretical or impracticable. It works. For any nation to succeed, she must have certain values that it cannot compromise on. No doubt, Nigerians are good people; they just need a leader, who will demonstrate to them that it pays to be honest and trustworthy while reducing on the incentives for corruption by firmly and judiciously punishing infractions instead of tolerating them or looking the other way.

There is nothing impossible about integrity as a systemic matter. At the individual level integrity is the quality of being honest and upright, characteristics which are based on universally noble values such as being honest, truthful, trustworthy, accountable etc. With respect to public officials, it is simply carrying out the trust and responsibilities bestowed upon them in line with public interest. They are not allowed to misuse their power for their self-interest, or for the interest of their families or relatives. Should a conflict of interest occur, public interest overrides personal interest. With an exemplary leader at the helm, there will be maximum commitment by his followers to this integrity call.

The Itse Sagay-led Advisory Committee on Corruption is a step in the right direction as it offers the nation the immediate opportunity to define the parameters of the battle against those who have plundered the nation. More than that, we still need to institute and deepen a national culture that is able to proactively tackle the all-pervading disposition to corruption from a much deeper moral and psychological perspective than with mere prosecutorial post-mortems or sensational media exposure. It would no longer be possible for those who looted our commonwealth to unapologetically claim that they have saved us from poverty by improperly making themselves billionaires.

The war against corruption is one that Nigeria must fight and win. Expectedly, corruption will fight back. We must therefore be vigilant. The most potent weapon in the fight against corruption is a population that is sufficiently educated about the need to eliminate the scourge as a way of life.

Copyright PUNCH.

Buhari cabinet: Govs Senators, Reps, lose power to pick nominees

 By: Yusuf Alli   

 

• Buhari may reject governors’ list
Contrary to what obtained in the last 16 years, state governors appeared to have lost influence to make input into the appointment of ministers.
The governors, especially those elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have found it difficult to penetrate President Muhammadu Buhari to pick their nominees as ministers.
Also, some Senators, who are godfathers in their states, might be unable to install their stooges as ministers.
In deference to the principle of Separation of Powers, there were indications that Buhari may not accept imposition of nominees on him by some leaders of the National Assembly.
But the jostle for ministerial ticket is assuming a hot race in Kwara, Sokoto, Gombe, Enugu, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Katsina, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, and Bauchi,
Investigation by our correspondent showed that apart from deference to party supremacy, President Buhari has largely been his own man in appointing members of his cabinet.
It was learnt that although some governors had attempted to recommend some nominees, the president is insisting on merit.
The same dilemma is confronting some influential Senators and leaders of the House of Representatives.
According to findings, Buhari is sticking to the principle of separation of powers instead of throwing the ministerial nomination open.
The discipline being employed by the president in choosing his cabinet members accounted for the delay in appointing commissioners in some states.
It was gathered that the governors prefer to compensate their loyalists, who may be schemed out of ministerial slots, as commissioners.
A reliable source said: “Unlike in the past, most governors are stranded this because the president will not ask them to nominate ministers. Some of them attempted to make recommendations but did not succeed.
“In fact, the same game is playing out with influential Senators who have found it difficult to lobby for their candidates as ministerial nominees.
“Buhari is trying to be his own man as far as the choice of ministers is concerned. The only thing he reckons with is party supremacy. He also wants to adhere to constitutional provision on the appointment of ministers.
“The governors could not have their way because Buhari has refused to ask for any office slot or favour from any governor, including his own governor, Aminu Masari of Katsina State.”
As at press time, investigation confirmed that the jostle for ministerial slot is keen in Kwara, Sokoto, Gombe, Enugu, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Niger, Delta, Edo, Kogi, and Adamawa.
Some godfathers in the affected states were said to be panicking because of recent political developments in the country, especially in the National Assembly.
Another source said: “Those who have no respect for party supremacy cannot recommend or nominate ministers. Respect begets respect.
“This is why the president is looking for credible hands whom they cannot disqualify under a flimsy excuse or the other.”
THE NATION had exclusively reported that the president is on the final lap of consultations with some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It was learnt that the president has met with some leaders of the party on the shape of his cabinet, those who may be on board and what he intends to do.
But he is yet to unveil his list of cabinet members to the leadership of the party.
It was unclear if the President will reduce the size of the cabinet from 42 to 36 or a lower figure.
Section 147(1-3) directs the President to appoint at least 36 ministers unless the constitution is amended.
The section reads: “There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation as may be established by the President.
“Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President.
“Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of section 14(3) of this Constitution:
“Provided that in giving effect to the Provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each state, who shall be an indigene of such state.”

One hundred days ago

          

When President Muhammadu Buhari, after his swearing-in, on May 29, allowed himself up to September to name his ministerial cabinet, he couldn’t have reckoned that the seeming adequate time would pass so swiftly to open him to very critical scrutiny by both supporters and political opponents on how far he had gone in meeting their expectations. Supporters, in opting for Buhari in the presidential elections, believed he would provide a fresh political/administrative atmosphere, in contrast to the record of the previous 16 years while critics contemptuously dismissed all such optimism. To worsen matters for Buhari, the public expectations/pessimism (of supporters and critics respectively) within the conventional first 100 days (ending tomorrow), coincided with the September undertaking within which to name his ministers, Unless those ministers have been named by now, Buhari has up till the last day of the month to keep his undertaking, as he did not specify a particular date. But such an excuse or even undue delay henceforth, will subject the Buhari administration to further ridicule, both in Nigeria and abroad. Meanwhile, pro and anti-Buhari groups are, as expected, engaged in polemical fisticuffs on his performance so far
Either way, the better objective verdict must be related to what President Buhari inherited and promised the nation as a newly elected head of government on May 29, 2015. 1. Widespread goodwill at home and abroad. 2.Perception of Nigerians and the entire international community that the scale of corruption in Nigeria is one of the highest in the world. 3. A feeling of omnibus marginalisation of northerners and indifference by south westerners even if such existed. The only point of note was the opportunistic exploitation of that dissatisfaction by discredited and politically irrelevant elements parading as representatives of Yoruba under the banner of a remnant Afenifere. 4. Free looting of national treasury by financial criminals purportedly claiming subsidy for fuel not supplied at all in many cases. 5. A rampaging Boko Haram insurgency, which forced the closure of Maiduguri International Airport for over a year. 6.Virtual collapse of nationwide power supply throughout the previous five years. 7. A poorly equipped Nigerian army facing and deserting a better-equipped insurgents. 8. Unpaid arrears of monthly salaries of federal and state civil servants. 9. Promise of battling corruption among public office holders and civil servants. 10. Routing of the Boko Haram assault on the nation. 11. National debt of trillions of naira owed to contractors.
Largely, international goodwill brought President Buhari to office last May and it is to his credit that he still retains that distinction for Nigeria. Substantially, the country is no longer viewed by foreign governments and businessmen as swimming in corruption. That is a feat attained within three months. Rather than a professional gimmick of foreign public relations consultants, that image change for Nigeria is due to Buhari’s firm leadership in containing the vermins in the public and private sectors as well as their foreign collaborators. Even on the highly debated issue of human rights, given his military background, Muhammadu Buhari is emerging unduly liberal. A good example was his weak submission that he would abide by any leadership(s) produced by the national leadership. Confronted with fallout of his liberal disposition, the same Buhari had to tactfully clip the wings of his National Assembly dissidents, who, after tasting the first blood, became insatiable. The prospects at that stage were that the National Assembly APC rebels, would eventually commence ruling the man at Aso Rock.
Rather sadly, President Buhari’s almost unlimited goodwill on the local scene, which followed him to office three months ago, has diminished. It should be a matter for concern that a man like former Kaduna State Governor Balarabe Musa now reminds us that we have a President of Nigeria who must ensure he does not deteriorate to president of northern Nigeria. There is an irony in this development. The controversy should not be sourced to only the appointments made, as the timing and manner. For example, for all the criticisms made, it is remarkable that, traditional critics have not described the appointees by President Buhari as “mediocrities.” The only reason for that is the sound education background of these fellows.
Mr. Babachir Lawal, the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation is a law post-graduate of Oxbridge (Oxford/Cambridge) as well as Warwick Universities. Such distinctions do not come better even though the easiest counter-submission is that any other part of the country (specifically South) could also produce men of distinction. Still, the criticism should be at a different aspect of the appointments. What was so important or more compelling for these latest appointments than the release of the list of the ministerial nominees? What is holding up ordinary release of list of ministers? If such a list had been simultaneously released with the recent appointment of virtually personal staff of President Buhari, there, definitely, would not have been any uproar or such might make much impact since ministers, statutorily, must comprise appointees from all parts of the country.
What is more, whenever the list of ministers is released for screening by National Assembly, the time may be only for the members to proceed on sallah holidays. For at least a fortnight if not longer? That will stretch to October before the commencement of the screening proper. To last how long? Conservatively, we may run into the first six months of the administration with another possible six months for the new ministers to effectively grasp their new job. In that situation, the longest serving minister may be for barely three years. If President Buhari strictly adheres to the public impression that he would serve for only one term, it must still be his interest that his party (would) win the 2019 race. Unfortunately, the anti-PDP coalition, which won APC the presidency only six months, no longer exists. South South and south East are now reflecting that, perhaps, they were correct in their voting preferences at the last presidential elections. After the elections, widespread reports indicated that South East thereby lost the Senate presidency. Hence the general speculation that South East would be compensated with the post of Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Nothing was done to dispel that speculation, only to be shattered all round,
On its part, South West is back to its old survival tactics of “siddon look” to nurse its wound. However, must South East, South South and South West (entire South) not retire into sober reflection on their political pattern of self-destruction? Each of the three was, along with the three northern zones, in contention for the post recently filled. But the three states, which lost were victims of regicide. In Rivers State, ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi was subjected to judicial probe of his tenure by his political enemy, Nyesom Wike. In Lagos, new helmsman, Akinwunmi Ambode, for yet-to-be-stated reasons, intermittently released costs of some projects while his predecessor, Babatunde Fasola, was in office. In Imo, the battle for the South East zonal leadership of APC was the deciding factor. Hence, whatever the feelings of the people, Governor Rochas Okorocha openly supported President Buhari on the new appointments.
Still on the credit side, theft of public fund through legalised fraud called fuel subsidy has been substantially reduced. Indeed, there is no more display of loose money. Federal and state civil servants now collect monthly salaries as and when due after collecting their accumulated arrears hitherto owed them. The magic was sequel to instant and firm streamlining of financial regulation, affirming only a single Federation Account for any revenue accruable to Federal Government. Not left out are unpaid poor Nigerian soldiers at the war front, who have had that situation reversed. The army is now well equipped and has contained the Boko Haram insurgents. Maiduguri International Airport, forced to be closed almost two years ago by the superior firepower of Boko Haram, has been re-opened.
Most significantly, within the last 100 days, President Buhari gave order to the entire armed forces leadership to rout out the Boko Haram within a stipulated time of three months. The import of that directive was recently affirmed by one service chief, who said: “It is an order from the Commander-in-Chief and we must carry it out.” Days or at most weeks more for Boko Haram?

Nigeria: Government signs U.S.$237 million World Bank electricity deal

Abuja — To underscore commitment to the on going reform in the power sector, the Federal Government yesterday announced that it has completed the signing of the World Bank Partial Risk Guarantees (PRGs) in support of the 450 megawatts Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant (IPP).
The deal was concluded on Friday, August 21, 2015. Parties to the agreement included the Federal Government represented by the Ministry of Finance and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET); the World Bank in its role as the provider of the guarantees; the project sponsors represented by Azura Power West Africa Ltd (Azura); and various lenders represented by JP Morgan, Standard Chartered Bank, Rand Merchant Bank, Standard Bank; and Siemens Bank.
The execution of these World Bank Guarantees comes on the back of the release, earlier this month, of the Federal Government Solicitor General's Legal Opinion confirming the validity of the Put-Call Option Agreement that was signed last year by the Federal Government, NBET and Azura Power.
The Guarantees comprise a Debt Mobilisation Guarantee (capped at USD $117 million) and a Liquidity Guarantee (capped at USD $120 million).
The combined value of these Guarantees serves to leverage a total investment in the Azura power plant of more than $900 million made by a set of 20 international banks and equity finance institutions drawn from nine different countries.
The Azura-Edo IPP, which is located on the outskirts of Benin City, comprises an open cycle gas turbine power station; a short transmission line connecting the power plant to a local substation and a short underground gas pipeline connecting the power plant to the country's main gas-supply.
The first phase of the plant, which is targeted to come on stream in 2018, is forecast to create over 1,000 jobs during its construction and operation.
The Azura project played a path-breaking role by helping to set the contractual framework for the development of other, large-scale IPPs, several of which will also benefit from the World Bank's PRG programme.
Thus, last Friday's execution of the Azura PRG Agreements represents a major milestone in the evolution of the Nigerian electricity market and provides an exemplary illustration of the commitment shown by the President Muhammadu Buhari - led administration to accelerating investment in the country's power sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, said: "This landmark development confirms the Buhari administration's commitment to the continuation of the power sector reforms which is anchored on attracting private sector investments, and establishing and supporting institutions that are critical to the reforms.
The Federal Government will continue to strengthen NBET, NERC and the Transmission company in furtherance of the reforms. I want to thank the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for his personal leadership leading to the conclusion of these agreements.
I also wish to express my gratitude to our sister agencies especially the Ministries of Finance and Justice for their support and the World Bank for its partnership.
I commend NBET for a job well done." He stressed that the NBET also known as the Bulk Trader, was established as a special purpose vehicle for carrying out, under licence from NERC, the bulk purchase and resale function contemplated by the 2005 Electric Power Sector Reform Actor (EPSRA).
He added that NBET has a robust capitalisation from the Federal Government of Nigeria and is the Federal Government's anchor agent for World Bank and African Development Bank guarantees within the power sector.
NBET purchases electricity from the generating companies through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and sells to the distribution companies through vesting contracts.
Source: allafrica.com

GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI'S SPEECH TO APC DELEGATES AT THE CONVENTION 2014.

The former Head of the State General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) is one of five persons aspiring for the Presidential ticket at the 3rd National Convention of All Progressives Congress (APC). In his speech at the APC’s presidential primary Buhari said that what Nigeria needs is change. Read what else he promised Nigerians:


“My Dear Delegates,
As you gather for our convention, please remember that history, change and the hopes of Nigeria are there with you. They are there to ask you to perform according to your best judgment and patriotic conscience. I also ask you to do the same.
We seek a new Nigeria. It starts with us. It starts today. I have placed myself before you seeking your help to nominate me as your standard bearer for our progressive party, APC.
Personal ambition does not drive me in this regard. I seek to be the next president of our beloved nation because I believe I have something to offer Nigeria at this time of multiple crises. Insecurity, corruption, and economic collapse have brought the nation low. Time is past due that we work together to lift Nigeria up. I am ready to lead Nigeria to its rightful future.
READ ALSO: Why Buhari Would Be A Good President
I have always served Nigeria to the best of my ability. I have always tried to give more to the nation than it has given me. This is the principle of service that has guided my public life. Thus, I am not a rich person. I can’t give you a fistful of dollars or naira to purchase your support. Even if I could, I would not do so. The fate of this nation is not up for sale.
What I will give you, and this nation is all of my strength, commitment, sweat and toil in the service of the people. What I can give you is my all.
The PDP has been in power much too long for the little good it has done. For the past six years, Nigeria has walked backwards carrying the weight of PDP’s incompetence on its shoulders.
Due to its broken leadership, Nigeria has been afflicted by a strange illness. We are a great nation riddled by endless crises. Instead of resolving problems, this government multiplies and manufactures them.
PDP cannot stand before us and say things have gotten better under its direction. It has only gotten worse and it’s now time for change.
PDP’s government may say that it needs more time – that what we need now is continuity – but we do not.
 What we need now is change!
I know what it takes to achieve real change – I have led our nation before – in times almost as unhappy as these.
I know that to solve our problems we need real leadership, not warm words and empty promises. A leader needs integrity and strength – and an unbending commitment to do what is right.
I know that leaders must not just mouth words about change – they must embody it in their lives and their values.
My love for Nigeria is writ large across my heart and I have spent a lifetime in the service of its people.
READ ALSO: Why Buhari Is Not Good For Presidential Seat
Through a long career trying to build a better country for my fellow Nigerians in offices both high and low I have always tried to place my country before myself.
While some who have occupied those same positions have grown mysteriously rich, I still live on my army pension. I own no foreign bank accounts, I own no companies profiting from government contracts.
Why then do I seek office, if not for myself? While others might prefer to stay at home watching their grandchildren grow and live the battle to others I still see injustices that need to be righted and I still dream of a New Nigeria.
I am what you see before you – a simple man who believes in serving both God and his country. A man who is impatient for change, who loves Nigeria and seeks to serve it once again.
When I last led this nation I launched a War against Indiscipline – today, I pledge a Battle for Hope.
A battle against the dark forces of corruption and despair that have held our nation hostage to their greed for too long.
We simply cannot afford four more years of PDP’s corruption and the corrosive cynicism that it has bred.
The time for hope, the time for belief, is now.
 You cannot trust the corrupt to end corruption.
 You cannot trust the selfish and self interested to rule in the best interests of the people.
You cannot trust those who believe hope is a tool of government rather than a human right to plant the seed of belief.
Let’s be clear. This is not a time for continuity. Failure does not deserve continuity. Incompetence does not deserve continuity.
It deserves change; that is what the nation deserves and that is what we will bring.
Make no mistake – as is always the case for those who seek to bring change, it will not come easy.
 And today I ask for your votes and support as I make these five pledges to the nation:
I will honestly govern Nigeria in accord with the constitution and rule of law.
I will bring all resources necessary to end poverty through ending corruption, promoting broadly-shared economic growth, investing in our country and creating jobs.
I will tolerate no religious, regional, ethnic or gender bias.
READ ALSO: Goodluck Jonathan Picks Sambo As His Running Mate
I will return Nigeria to a position of international respect through active and wise foreign policy.
 I will select the best Nigerians for posts in my government.
I do not intend to rule Nigeria. I want to democratically govern it with your help. I seek a Nigeria where Christians and Muslims may practice their faiths in peace and security; a Nigeria that is just and where corruption no longer trespasses into our institutions and national behavior and a Nigeria where our diversity could be used for our national prosperity.
Nigeria is our home. Let us now turn it into the great nation we know it can and should be.
I thank you all
General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR”

GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI'S NINE POINT AGENDA

Thursday, 16 October 2014

 FORMER head of state General Muhammadu Buhari has come up with a nine-point plan to salvage Nigeria which he said will serve as his blueprint if elected to the presidency kind of similar to President Goodluck Jonathan's Transformation Agenda.

Published yesterday at Eagle Square Abuja where General Buhari launched his 2015 presidential election campaign, the agenda was portrayed as the solution to end the ongoing rot in the country. With the declaration, General Buhari is now an official candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket and will be standing when the party holds its primaries.

Attracting a large turnout of supporters and associates including several senior party officials, the declaration appeared to have the backing of the APC hierarchy. Although party leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was absent, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and many other senators from the southwest were present.

Four APC governors including Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Rotimi Amaechi of  Rivers State, Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Tanko al-Makura of Nasarawa State were present.  Among senior party officials at the venue were the national vice chairman, northeast, Pastor David Lawal and the APC national secretary Mai Mala.

Senate minority leader and former governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume led the National Assembly delegation that included several senators and members of the House of Representatives. Also in attendance was the younger brother of late President Umaru Yar‘Adua, Col Abdulaziz Yar‘Adua and a former member of the House of Representatives and Zilani Ibrahim.

Former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s declaration earlier on in the day was more serene but a source in his campaign said he chose not to invite party officials and governors in order not to compromise them. General Buhari’s declaration served as an opportunity for several governorship and senatorial aspirants from hoping to ride on his coattails to showcase their aspirations.

General Buhari's nine-point agenda included:

*Protection of lives and property
*Pursuing economic policies for shared prosperity and immediate attention on youth employment
*Quality education for development, modernity and social mobility
*Agricultural productivity for taking millions out of poverty and ensuring food security.
*Reviving industries to generate employment and “make things” not just to remain hawkers of other peoples’ goods
*Developing solid minerals exploitation which will substantially attract employment and revenue for government
*Restoring honour and integrity to public service by keeping the best and attracting the best.
*Tackling corruption which has become blatant and widespread. The rest of the world looks at Nigeria as the home of corruption. Nigeria is a country where stealing is not corruption
*Respecting the constitutional separation of powers among the executive, legislature and judiciary and respecting the rights of citizens

Former Bayelsa State governor Timpre Sylva, said: “Buhari is not in this race for himself. He is in this race because of us, the younger people.

"We are very happy that he has decided to come out of retirement to help us stabilise this country so that you and I, the younger ones can carry on with the development of this great nation. And people even say General Buhari is too old, to them, I will only quote the words of the former president of America, late President Ronald Regan who said we are not going to make age an issue in this campaign because we do not want to be accused of taking advantage of the inexperience of our opponent.”

Former People's Democratic Party chairman Audu Ogbeh, who introduced the aspirant said that General Buhari was not the religious bigot that he has been sometimes depicted to be by political rivals. Noting General Buhari’s links with many Christians, Dr Ogbeh described those who made such claims as enemies of Nigeria who did not mind dividing Nigeria along religious lines.

TIME TO REBUILD NIGERIA: ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE APC.

Time to rebuild Nigeria".
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress

National leaders of the APC

Members of the National Executive Council of the APC

Your Excellencies, State Governors

Distinguished Senators

Honourable Members of the House of Representatives and Assemblies

The Chairman and Members of the Convention Committee

State and Local Government Chairmen of the APC

Distinguished Delegates

Members of the Press

Invited Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

acceptance:

1. First of all, I wish to express my gratitude to the Chairman and members of the Convention Committee for planning and conducting a hitch-free convention. The same appreciation goes to the chairmen of National and State Executive Councils of our party. Thank you very much for doing an excellent job.

2. I would like to pay tribute to Chief Bisi Akande the first chairman of APC and his National Executive for managing the party in its early stages.

3. I also wish to commend Lagos State Government and state party for hosting this convention. Time was when people feared to come to Lagos. Today, Lagos is the cleanest and dare I say safest city in Nigeria. This achievement is due to the leadership and strength of purpose of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chief Babatunde Fashola the two Governors since 1999 and their team of professionals for this wonderful transformation Nigeria greets you!

4. The outcome of the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress is a demonstration of democracy at work. It is testimony to the fact that democracy as a concept is greater than the interests of individuals in a free and functional political system. What has just happened is not about winning or losing but about the triumph of liberty, freedom of choice and association, which are hallmarks of democracy.

5. To my fellow contestants; Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Mr. Sam Nda Isaiah, I wish to thank you for putting up a good fight. The keenly contested primaries we just had will help to strengthen our party and democracy, and ultimately send our message to Nigerian voters in the impending elections.

6. To you all, I pay my absolute compliments and congratulate you on the success of your respective campaigns. I extend my gratitude to you all for accepting the outcome of this convention and agreeing to support my candidature as we move forward. I shall meet with you all in the coming days to fashion out how we shall confront the challenge ahead.

7. My dear fellow countrymen and women, it is with a deep sense of humility that I stand before you today to accept the nomination of my party, the All Progressives Congress to be its candidate and flag-bearer in 2015 presidential elections.

8. My nomination is not because I am better than any of the other contestants. I see it as a tribute and mark of confidence to carry the torch as we all join hands to rescue our dear country Nigeria, from those who have led us into the current state of insecurity, poverty, sectarian divide and hopelessness among our people.

9. I stand before you today to ask that you join me in a common cause. My call to you is not to realise the personal fulfilment of one man. This Common Cause is nothing less than the love for our nation and concern for its present condition. And a resolve to make things better for Nigeria.

10. What I say today is for all Nigerians: Christian and Muslim, Southern and Northern, rich and poor, young and old, man and woman. We are all citizens of Nigeria. There is no dividing line among us that I care to honour. Either we advance as one or fail altogether.

11. My choice and my colleagues choice and wish is that we progress together. Preserving the nation’s future is a scared obligation to all of us in this party. Leaders should be wholly committed to fulfilling this obligation otherwise they have no business being leaders.
12. Sadly, the current administration does not believe in this obligation. By their actions they are leading us to calamity.

13. At International Conferences, the Nigerian delegation is usually among the largest but at the same time the least effective. Our president should have the status and the voice of Africa's largest nation. But in political influence we are among the weakest.

14. Shall we at home continue to live in a condition where the Power Holding Company and its successors seem only to have the power to hold us in darkness?

15. Shall we continue in a situation where 250 of our daughters have been abducted and the government has been unable to rescue them or provide credible information about what steps they are taking?

16. Shall we live in a nation where several people were trampled to death in search of jobs in a stadium and yet no one has taken responsibility for the tragedy?

17. Shall we live in a nation where the ranks of the poor swell and their poverty increase while the consorts of the powerful enjoy unprecedented wealth? The lives of the poor are bled dry while those of the powerful soak in excessive abundance.

18. My answers to these questions are “No, No, No, No!”

19. It is time to close this demeaning chapter in our nation’s history.

20. I ask that you join this effort, not for me, but to establish a better land for all of us.

21. I understand and accept the hard challenge ahead. When all is said and done, let it be written that Muhammadu Buhari gave his all for this nation.

22. As such, I make these five pledges regarding the government if we are elected next February;

a. We will govern Nigeria honestly, in accordance with the constitution.
b. We will strive to secure the country and efficiently manage the economy.
c. We will strive to attack poverty through broadly-shared economic growth and attacking corruption through impartial application of the law.
d. We will tolerate no religious, regional, ethnic or gender bias in our government.
e. We will return Nigeria to a position of international respect through patriotic foreign policy.
f. We will choose the best Nigerians for the right jobs.

23. Our government will be committed to the cause of the common man. Whether you are a Christian from Bayelsa State or a Muslim from Katsina State, you are first and foremost a Nigerian in my eyes. I shall treat you equally as my people, my national family, my brothers and sisters. There can be no genuine love of our country without loving all its people in our diversity.

24. Just as APC stands as a new party for a new Nigeria, our government will institute new policies to realise the new Nigeria.

25. We shall institute just policies that afford people the dignity of work and pay them a living wage for their sweat and toil. We intend to do this by instituting a national industrial policy, coupled with a national employment directive, that together shall revive and expand our manufacturing sector, creating jobs for our urban population and decreasing our reliance on expensive foreign imports.

26. We shall implement a national infrastructure master plan that will provide construction and related jobs across the land. Furthermore, by improving our transportation infrastructure through road, rail and port construction we expand the outer bounds of economic growth as no economy can grow beyond the capacity of its infrastructure.

27. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy. Our government, when elected, will establish an agricultural policy that provides farmers a dignified living through improved inputs, improved extension services, access to credit and price support mechanisms.

28. On corruption, the government will enhance EFCC's powers to investigate independently. Moreover, we intend to plug the holes in NNPC accounting. There will no longer be two sets of books, one for public consumption and another for insiders who profit from this slick fraud. In an APC government, the public will know how much NNPC makes and where all the money goes.

29. No longer shall illegal flows of massive sums leave these shores to finance other economies. While our people languish in poverty, we effectively give financial aid to nations that is not justified. I am sick of this. It must stop. The money saved will finance jobs, health care and the provision of social safety net for the needy, weak and vulnerable of our land.

30. We will be a compassionate government, for out of compassion arises the truest forms of wealth and progress a society can attain. We shall open the door to tertiary education to excellent students who otherwise could not afford it. Pregnant and poor women and children shall be entitled to basic health care.

31. This is a Nigeria that I envisage but it is a far cry from the Nigeria that is now. Change is imperative if we are to avoid the impending national failure. Poor leadership placed us in the ditch. Continuation of poor leadership will only dig a deeper trench for all of us to fall in.

32. Let us join hands in progressive union to pull each other and the nation from the abyss.

33. I pledge to do my utmost to make this happen but cannot do it alone. I need your support. I need your help to become President of Nigeria so that government may come to serve you, so that it may bring relief to the broken and weary among us and so that it may usher in a new Nigeria meant for us all, a Nigeria that is the birthright of everyone but the exclusive possession of no one.

God bless you.
God bless our fatherland – Nigeria
Thank you.