From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday in Kano promised to rebuild Nigeria and make it far more better than Dubai if elected as President in 2023.
Tinubu who addressed leaders of the Islamic Tijjania Sect at Africa House, Government House, during an interactive session said will dedicate 100 percent of his time and energy in developing and uniting Nigeria.
He promised to fight banditry and insurgency, ensure qualitative education, adequate power supply, industralistion, food security, physical security, among other Democratic dividends.
The APC presidential candidate advised Nigerians never to support a party (People’s Democratic Party) which ruled for 16 years, spent $16 billion on power supply, without anything to show for it.
Tinubu positioned himself as the best presidential candidate to redeem Nigeria, saying, “we are only three left (in the presidential race), one just failed the most important examination when he was asked: ‘are you a divider or Uniter, and he said ‘I am from the North… “
Making reference to the National Anthem, Tinubu said the time has come when Nigerians should do away with ethnic interest and promote national unity and cohesion.
He re-emphasized his desire to devote hundred percent of his time and energy to serve, lead and unite the country, saying, “no one will come and divide us again. Let me ask which one you will take: here is the right hand giving you hundred per cent, the other hand is giving you 50 per cent, I am sure you will take hundred per cent. I am the only one that gives you 100 per cent.
“I promised 100 per cent, I Will give you 100 per cent.. Even Dubai is 50 per cent. We will be better than Dubai. We are giving you a blueprint that is progressive.
” I just want to thank you for the endorsement. I just want to thank you for your prayers, commitment and support.
“During our primary election, I spoke with most of you Ulamas, you offered me your prayers. You should be proud that I am standing before you today. It is only few steps away to become the President. So, your prayers are answered.”
In his remarks, Kano State Goveenor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, described the occasion as historic and urged the Tijjania Sect to support the Tinubu/Shetima presidential ticket.
The leader of the Tijjania Sect in Kano, Khalifa Bashir Tijjani Usman presented the position paper of the Tijjania Shura Council to Tinubu.
Their demand to Tinubu if elected president include string and realistic national security, sustainable food production, adequate power supply, creation of state police, youth development, healthcare delivery, education development, inclusion of Tijjania members in constitution review and appointment in leadership positions.
He also offered prayers for God to allow Tinubu become the next president of Nigeria.
Tinubu also had interactive session with the Izala Sect (Ahalussun’a Islamic group) who also encouraged him to remain steadfast in his desire to rebuild Nigeria.
The spokesman of the group, Dr. Sale Pakistan recalled the long standing mutual relationship between the Sect and Tinubu.
He commended the giant strides of the APC administration under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in Kano State, and prayed for the success of APC candidates, including gubernatorial and presidential in 2023 general elections.
In his brief remarks, Ganduje described leaders of the Izala sect as very knowledgeable and thanked them for endorsing the Tinubu/Shetima presidential ambition.
Tinubu while addressing the Izala sect said, “I stand to accept your endorsement. And Insha Allah, we will win the presidency.”
He promised to ensure that the items in their document which include building a university and inclusion of their members in the cabinet will be done.
He promised to invite them specially for a longer discussion and interactions.
Tinubu played host to a number of other religious and interest groups where he promised to carry them along if elected the president in 2023.
