*Says Nigeria bigger than an individual
*Wants mining removed from exclusive list, devolved to States
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde has declared that the 2027 general election will be a contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and Nigerians, with a declaration that Nigeria is bigger than one individual.
This is as he identified the nation’s security architecture, economy, education and socio political system as some of the areas that need to be urgently reset.
Engr. Makinde, who has Alhaji Lawal Isa Daura as his running mate, spoke on Thursday during the APM’s North West Town Hall meeting held in Katsina, the capital of Kstsina State.
His words, “And for the election, I maintain and repeat it: it won’t be APC versus APM, or APM versus ADC, or ADC versus NDC. It will be APC versus Nigerians.
“Please get your PVC and show the APC that Nigeria is bigger than individuals. It is bigger than even the systems that have held us down.
“So, on this basis, I want to implore you to know that what we have ahead of us is a daunting and challenging task. But if we do what we are supposed to do, with support, we can achieve it”, he said optimistically.
Continuing, he said, “So, together, let us embark on the Reset Agenda so that we can have a Nigeria that will work for everybody, irrespective of tribe, religion or which corner of Nigeria you decide to stay in”.
The APM presidential flag bearer made case for the devolution of mining, which is currently on the exclusive list under the nation’s constitution, to the states in the interest of better and effective result.
He however faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for not writing to the Senate President or the Speaker of the House of Representatives and
transmitting power to the Vice President while proceeding on his official leave.
At the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidency North West (Katsina) Town Meeting, the APM presidential candidate said, “We are determine to reset our economy. Yes, people will argue that Nigeria is rich in natural resources. But natural resources are not enough.
“You must have skills and knowledge, and you must also have intensive production. Our economy must work 24/7. Otherwise, if our economy shuts down at 7 or 8 o’clock in the evening, we cannot compete with economies that are running 24/7.
“We want to reset our education. We want to measure the data that we are being given. We want to know how many out-of-school children we have and how we get them back into school.
“We also want to reset the security architecture in Nigeria. A few days ago, we all woke up to learn about the 37 young souls who were lost in Niger State.
“Is it their fault that they were born in Nigeria? Is it their fault that they were looking for means to of surviving? No, sir. The answer is no.
“People may not want to take responsibility, but from what has been done so far and the actions that have been taken, we can see that we are focusing on the supply side of things.
“For every 10,000 illegal miners, you have perhaps another 10,000 on the demand side, legitimising the operation”, he said.
Continuing, Makinde said, ”
‘Right now, the issue of mining is on the Exclusive Legislative List in our
Constitution. Devolve that
responsibility to the states and let there be oversight only at the federal level. They will do better.
‘And we want to reset our socio-political system, which is what I have just mentioned. What level of government should take decisions on issues that affect our people?
‘Finally, I do promise you that this campaign for us will be issue-based. And that is why it is concerning to us, and to me personally, that our President is on working leave.
“I have looked at the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and, of course, as a state governor, I also operate under that Constitution. Anytime I have to travel out, not for work but on vacation, for more than 21 days, I transmit power to the Deputy Governor. Why is this not happening at the national level?
“Section 145 of the Constitution provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office.
“If the President is unable, whether through sickness, a medical trip or incapacitation, to function, we are all human. Anything can happen to anybody at any time. If that happens, the President should also transmit power to the Vice President.
“I promise you that, as your President, I will follow the Constitution to the letter. If I am not going to be available, if I am on vacation, I will transmit power to the Vice President. Record this and hold me accountable.
“So, on this basis, I want to implore you to know that what we have ahead of us is a daunting and challenging task. But if we do what we are supposed to do, with support, we can achieve it”, he said.
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