The former Senate President, a ND a Presidential Aspirant in the 2023 elections, Bukola Saraki has lamented over worsening insecurity and economic challenges in Nigeria.
Saraki was speaking on Friday when he met delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State.
The campaign team led by the former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada and former presidential aspirant, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, was in the state to seek the support of party stakeholders and delegates on the candidacy of Senator Saraki ahead of the 2023 General Elections.
Saraki, who is also a former governor of Kwara State, said the security situation in the country had been giving him sleepless nights, vowing to make security his top priority if elected president.
“Nigeria is in very bad situation. The security situation needs to be rejuvenated. In 2015, I came to Katsina for campaign and we went to Zamfara State through Jibia but we can’t do that today because the roads are not safer. When you make me the president, I promise that you will be safe. We will ensure that the situation gets improved. We will put money and all the required equipment to ensure you are all safe,” he said.
Saraki said the level of killings and the attitude of the Federal Government in tackling the situation had been worrisome.
He also promised to provide employment for the youth.
“Katsina is my home. I see you as brothers and sisters. Anytime I come here, I remember my brother, (Ex-president) Umaru Musa Yar’adu’a of blessed memories. I have come here to make my home people know that I am seeking for the position of the president of Nigeria. And there is nowhere to start but home. That is why I am here in Katsina State.”
The Leader of Katsina State PDP and former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, who recieved Saraki with a large Entourage said Saraki has proven to be a “man of character.”
According to Shema, President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC-led government are afraid of the former president Senate President.
“When he (Saraki) was the Senate President, they tried to coerce him into giving them the go-ahead to acquire more debts for the country but he refused. They tried all they could but he stood his ground. Now that he is not in charge (of the Senate), the debts we have acquired is (are) scary. Only God knows when we will be able to pay the debts,” he said.
“He is a true Nigerian. A real definition of true Nigerian with good character,” Shema said.
He went further to describe Saraki as a competent, educated and politically exposed Nigerian who is capable of spearheading the affairs of the country.
Saraki is one of the 17 aspirants who obtained forms to participate in the presidential primary, but two out of the 17 aspirants failed during the screening.