By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has said that his Presidency if elected in 2023, will run an inclusive government by recreating a nation where the rich and the poor are equitably and fairly represented.
And where Citizens’ interests will supersede political interests and the existing trust gap between the government and the governed will be reduced to the barest minimum.
Obi’s view came in the remarks he made at the weekend to the Queen’s College Lagos Old Girls Association who were marking the 95th anniversary of their alma mater.
The former governor of Anambra State noted that experience has shown that inclusiveness is an essential element in effective public policy making pointing out that he intends to stop the under representation of critical components of the society in decision making such as women, youth, and the vulnerable in the society
The LP standard bearer said female representations in his government will be assured recalling that as governor of Anambra State, his administration achieved close to a 60-40 gender balance in appointive and elective positions while that of federal government hovered around 30 to 35% , but he assured the women that his Presidency if elected “intend to progressively aim for between 35-40%, with aggressive gender mainstreaming action plan and rigid benchmarks”.
Obi announced that education is central to his government policy thrust and said he will pursue a Marshal plan-type programme on education that incorporates compulsory technical and vocational skills, sports, entrepreneurship, programming, and digital skills from primary to the secondary level.
And “Inevitably, we will improve access to finance, MSMEs, youths and women, to significantly reduce unemployment and insecurity.”
According to the former Anambra state Governor “We will introduce a mandatory ‘No Child left Behind’ educational policy, mindful that Nigeria’s inadequate investment in the social sectors – health, education, and housing has resulted in the current dismal social and demographic trends reflected in low life expectancy, high maternal mortality rate, large number of out-of- school children, huge unmet housing needs as well high youth unemployment.
“Our government shall prioritize education to serve the following functions: technical and industry relevance; alignment with local comparative advantages and factor endowments; modern skills proficiency, critical thinking, ethical citizenship values, global competitiveness, and talent export.”
His plans also will be to “prioritize a structured approach to developing the digital skills of our young population to give them the competitive advantage to receive offshore jobs in the new gig economy, while also improving the efficiency and productivity level of our economy.
“The Obi-Datti administration, when elected President of Nigeria, will sustain national development. Our governance principles, priority projects and programmes shall be anchored on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Meanwhile, Labour Party has announced October 25, 2022, as the new date for the flag off of its presidential campaigns for the 2023 general elections.
Chief Spokesman of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Yunusa Tanko, said the Campaigns will begin in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
His remarks contained in a statement that ”On behalf of the LP Presidential Campaign Council, we hereby announce adjustment to the campaign timetable.
“Official Flag off comes up on the 25th Oct. 2022 in Lafia, Nasarawa State. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
“The Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had apologised to supporters and Nigerians over omissions made in appointments of members of the party’s Campaign Council and promised that it would be resolved within the next few days,” he stated.
