By Ndahi Marama
MAIDUGURI—AS the Mallam Adamu Ciroma-led Northern Political Leaders Forum, NPLF, prepares to pick a consensus presidential candidate from the four top aspirants from the North ahead of party primaries, one of the contenders, Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State has pledged to accept the outcome of the Forum’s resolution.

Saraki, who spoke to journalists in Maiduguri shortly after a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, delegates, said he would nonetheless abide by the decision reached by the forum despite his “glaring acceptability and impressive track record as the Governor of Kwara State in the last seven and half years.”

His words: “I have said it repeatedly that I shall accept the decision of the group whether it is in favour of my presidential ambition or not. I can tell you without fear of contradiction that I have not changed my position on that. I believe in the power of the people and whatever the outcome is will be accepted.”

He said he was in the race because he believes he can contribute to the socio-economic growth of the nation and make life better for the Nigerian people, adding that his leadership experience as a governor and his performance in the three key areas of agricultural revolution, poverty alleviation and job creation.

He said: “These are what stand me out among other contenders. But then, I keep on asking Nigerians to ask other aspirants who among them is addressing issues that matter to their lives and families and could impact on their lives?”

He noted that Nigeria needed a leader who could address the problem of food, education, health, road and electricity. He said the issue of power supply ought to be tackled seriously, noting that the economic, psychological and medical loss of the people were unquantifiable since the power sector became comatose.

Dr. Saraki disclosed that his state enjoys electricity supply for about 20 hours daily, adding that the state government under his leadership took the power situation seriously to ensure that the people do not suffer unnecessarily, while commercial activities driven by electricity was equally encouraged through the government intervention.

He said: “I do know that the Kwara of 2003 when I took over is now different from 2010 and I thank God for that. Even the opposition and our critics can testify that the state has indeed witness a radical change.

“This implies that all we need is leadership that is focus, truthful and committed.”
to giving his people hope for a better life,” he added.

He also said the Federal Government ought not to lose hope on the possibility of getting crude oil in the Lake Chad area, adding that he would do everything possible to ensure the exploration was sustained. He said discovery of oil in the area would be his priority while agriculture would be given prominent.

While underscoring the need to conduct a free and fair election in the 2011 poll, he urged Nigerians not to allow their mandate slip into the hands of those he said could use power to advance personal interest. He said the collective interest of the citizenry ought to supersede individual gains.