The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) presidential candidate, Nuhu Ribadu, said yesterday that he would not spare any corrupt leader in his party if elected president in next month's presidential election. Mr. Ribadu spoke yesterday at a forum organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation in Abuja for five presidential candidates who presented their plans to Nigerians. Mr. Ribadu and the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) and the Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP) candidates, Ibrahim Shekarau and Pat Utomi, participated in the programme. President Goodluck Jonathan of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Muhmmadu Buhari of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) did not show up for the event and gave no reason for their absence.
"I want to assure you that I am Nuhu Ribadu, and I will remain Nuhu Ribadu forever and ever," the Adamawa State native told the audience. "It is too late for me to change. I am 50 years old. I can assure you that I will do what is right. I will do justice. I will stand by the people. There are areas I can never compromise. I can assure you I will not be corrupt, and I will not allow corruption in my government. I will not allow anyone close to me to be corrupt. If you cross the line, you will face justice."
The former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission chairman criticised the PDP, saying its administration had failed Nigerians. He expressed his disgust with the way government officials, including former ministers, enriched themselves before moving on to other parties where they were celebrated. Mr. Ribadu, who described the late Murtala Muhammed as his hero, said that the country needed redirection to make it work.
"If given the chance, I will give the country the best direction," Mr. Ribadu said. "We will not cheat Nigerians. We will tell the world and Nigerians that hard work is what is needed."
Promoting social justice
Mr. Shekarau, on his part, promised to focus on human development and social justice. The Kano State governor said that he would continue with the privatization process involving government-owned agencies, but would ensure that it was properly implemented. He also said that in order to achieve adequate power supply, his administration would bring clusters of states together to initiate a system to improve power generation.
"The earlier we decentralize power generation, the better for us," he said.
Mr. Shekarau said that he would improve security by adequately funding the police and other security agencies. He also said that to enhance the performance of the force, his government would address the payment of retirement benefits, the issue of welfare, and the provision of adequate facilities and training.
Passionate about education
Mr. Utomi described Nigeria as one of the world's poorest nations, adding that he had a blueprint with which he could reposition the country. The presidential hopeful from Delta State said that he would embark on massive infrastructural development, if elected. Mr. Utomi also talked about revamping the country's education sector.
"The system has broke down completely," he said. "If garbage goes into university, what exits is garbage. Let us start with primary education and we will get it right. It is the foundation."
Mr. Utomi said that he would free up funds for existing universities by reversing the government's decision to open new federal universities.
"I am not in politics because of position but because the country is dying," he said. "If the opposition progressive parties had united, I do not mind if I am given the role of cleaner."
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