The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Rabiu Kwankwaso has pledged to restore the country’s glory if elected next year.
Kwankwaso said this on Monday shortly after holding a closed-door meeting with NNPP stalwarts in Jalingo, Taraba State where he also commissioned the party’s offices.
Citing the reasons behind his decision to join the race,the former minister said he has the capacity to reposition Nigeria economically and restore security and infrastructure in the country.
“Well, you see, our strategy normally is to allow people to continue to underrate us. Our politics is underground, not in the air. People could see and touch our supporters and these are committed supporters,” the former governor said
The NNPP flagbearer admitted that while he campaigned for President Muhammadu Buhari, he is unhappy with the level of joblessness among youths some of whom have now taken to drug abuse and banditry.
For Kwankwaso, if these issues are not addressed, it could lead to anarchy in the country.
“People who very much believe in our ideology; believe if we are given the opportunity, we are in a position to change many things for the better, and therefore, they also believe that if we get the position, the country will be a better place. That is why you see so many people everywhere in the country showing solidarity for our candidature,”he said
“We will prioritise education, tackle insecurity and create an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.
“Through these measures, we will be able to check growing inflation and by doing so, create wealth for the people. We have done that before in Kano and we will do it for Nigeria.
“We will boost local production and check the importation of goods and services that can be sourced locally. These and many more are the issues putting pressure on our currency.
“You wake up every day to discover that the value of foreign currency the previous day was better than today. This is what a responsible government must address; otherwise, it will be difficult to see an end to the economic crisis that we are in today.”
On his stance about restructuring the country, Kwankwaso said he would work closely with the National Assembly and stakeholders across communities, to start restructuring from the grassroots upward.
He hinted that his blueprint, which would soon be presented to the public, was a complete departure from the present situation in the country, with a focus on the people and community participation in governance, adding that Nigeria must retrace her steps to get it right.
According to him, some months back, many persons doubted the party’s chances going into next year’s general elections. He, however, said the situation is now different.
“Seven months ago when we decided to join this party, many people thought we were not going anywhere,” Kwankwaso noted. “But by the grace of God, today in this country, everybody knows us.
He also promised to run an all-inclusive government if he wins next year’s presidential election.