Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the coming election, Dr. Peter Obi, has talked about things he will do to tackle the problems militating against security, peace and economic development in the country, if elected president in 2023.
He said this while responding to questions via Skype on Channels Television’s Politic Today Monday night.
When asked what thought was about the issue of security and what he thought was at the heart of the problem and how would you resolve it, should you be elected President, the former Governor of Anambra State said:
“Firstly, when I heard of the issue of unity school especially around Abuja, the capital, it was very, very depressing. This security situation has become a complete worrisome situation for everybody concerned. I feel the Federal Government should do more. For me, I have said it repeatedly, if I have the opportunity, we would deal with the situation head on. There so many things that we need to put in place, which I may not be able to disclose openly, in order to ensure that we secure the country.
“It is critical, it is the number one thing that anybody needs to do if want to still call this country a country that people should say they are proud of being citizens of. First, I talked about the issue of pulling people out of poverty that the more you pull people out of poverty, the more you reduce the criminality.”
On whether he would be seeking the help of the so called bigger nations in terms of military power and technical know-how in achieving victory over insecurity, he said he said, “We would do anything that is possible”, including getting all the countries of the world to help us, he was asked interjected and he said, “you mentioned issue of state security, I have said it repeatedly that if I have the opportunity, every state will be responsible for her own security. I will make sure that the governors are given the power to secure their states. Even if they have Federal police there, they will be responsible and reportable to the governor”.
Peter Obi said, “Additionally, the states will be allowed to have their own security system if the need be. We want secured Nigeria. We would do every other thing that is possible, which I am not ready to disclose here but it is one of those things. As I go around learning what to do, security is on top of my list and I assure you, what we are going to do, decisive, most importantly, I will do so hands up.”
He said if elected his administration would make Port Harcourt and Aba one town so as to increase the country’s production capacity and boost non-oil income.
According to him, “I will make sure there is road, and facility that connects these two towns to turn around our productive sector which is going to be driven by export.
“Aba is already well-known for producing clothing and shoes; I’ll make PH a significant export seaport, with Aba serving as the location of the manufacturing. In the near future, our exports should not be less than $250 billion”, Obi said.
When asked how he will reform education and put an end to ongoing strikes, Obi said, he would discuss with stakeholders to find a solution that is a win-win for everybody, adding that it was crucial that government fulfil agreement reached with union.
“When you have an agreement, try to do everything possible to fulfil it and implement it religiously,” he added.
Speaking further on how his administration would tackle the security situation in Nigeria, Obi stated that he could hire mercenaries, while also looking at other means to solve the nation’s security challenges.
“Every option will be on the table, and I am not ready to disclose my options now. I am not there yet but I assure you that it will be decisive and immediate,” he stressed.
He dismissed comment by Atiku Abubakar, Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that it would take a miracle for him to win the 2023 presidential election, adding that since he began this political journey, his achievements and record have all been miracles.
According to him, “Since I began this political journey, my achievements and record have all been miracles,” Peter Obi said.
“I ran for governor in a party that was less than a year old, and I won. In 2003, I also became the first governor to win in court and the first governor to recover from impeachment.
“In Anambra State, I was the first governor to serve two terms. I am looking forward to the next miracle next year to complete the miraculous journey of my political life.”
