2023: ‘I can solve Nigeria’s security problem, I’ve PhD in security studies’ – Gov Fayemi tells Bauchi delegates
By Charly Agwam – Bauchi
Ekiti State governor and presidential aspirant under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Kayode Fayemi has said that he has solutions to the country’s security problem.
Fayemi who addressed Bauchi delegates at the APC secretariat on Wednesday, said he has helped countries that had security challenges in the past to resolve their issues, while also noting that he has PhD in security studies.
“The unity of Nigeria is something we must not take for granted. But most of all, throughout this country, I see three priority concerns around security, jobs for our people and electricity. Of course, there are other things tied to that, but anybody who has solutions to these three problems will provide solution to the Nigeria problem.
“This will reduce tension in the land, it will reduce agitation for secession and we will ensure that we do an inclusive government at all levels, which will ensure that we have a prosperous nation. All these have informed why I have thrown my heart in the ring. I do not believe I can do that while sitting in Ekiti.
“I have what it takes to make a positive mark in the lives of our people. I may not be a soldier but I have a background in security affairs. I have a doctorate in security studies. I have helped Liberia, Serrie Loene and Rwanda to resolve their security crisis, there is no reason why I will not bring that experience to bear on governance. As the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have worked with the government on a number of issues including security and economy.
“I am here in Bauchi to listen to our leaders and to exchange ideas on how best we can move the nation forward. I am not saying that I want to be president by right, I am here to solicit for your support. Even though the federal government is doing a lot in the area of empowerment, there are still areas of impediment. Nation building is always a work in progress, that is why we want to build on the gains of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration,” he said.
Also Read: Nigeria needs more hands to tackle insecurity – Gov Fayemi
Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi, says to curb insecurity in the country, there should be more security personnel across Nigeria.
Fayemi made this disclosure on Wednesday while addressing All Progressives Congress delegates from Gombe State ahead of the presidential primary elections.
According to him, the number of security personnel manning the nation’s security architecture today is grossly inadequate for its security demand.
Fayemi said he would make security first, job creation number two priority if elected as president while electricity generation would be number three because the country’s economy cannot run without it.
“There is nothing wrong with our youths. They are strong and talented we only need to direct their energy to productive ventures that will bring development to the country,” he said.
He said he had not just the experience but also the courage and competence to man the affairs of the country.
The Ekiti State Governor said he was in Gombe State to assure all the party leaders that they wont not regret choosing him as the flag bearer of the party.
“I don’t see it as an entitlement, I have come to request, to plead, and to justify my candidacy to the leaders and members of our party. I hope having listened to me, having considered my experience, capacity, competence, my knowledge of the terrain and my vision, they will positively respond to my prayers because this contest is nothing but about competing visions,” he added.
Earlier, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, in his address said he should see the state as his second home.
Yahaya lauded the qualities of Fayemi as the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum which he said had endeared him to be the right candidate for the office of Mr. President for the country.
Yahaya said, “So many have mentioned what you have done and what you will do, from your days in the civil society to the days of NADECO, to when you became a minister, and to the governor. You are eminently qualified to be president of the federal republic of Nigeria and for so many reasons, the people in this room have reasons and ground to stand by you and to make sure you are delivered.”