Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says he will not tolerate insecurity if elected president in 2023.
Atiku declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election on Wednesday at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The former vice-president said under his leadership, he would focus on five key areas –unity of Nigeria, security, economy, education and devolving more resources and powers to the federating units.
He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed in its responsibility to protect the lives of its citizens.
He said if elected, he would use modern technology and intelligence to fight insecurity, and also improve the welfare of the security forces.
“The APC administration has failed in its fundamental responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians. The most significant human right is the right to life, which has not been protected under the APC administration,” he said.
“Our military forces are fighting on the front lines without equipment and morale. That is not fair. If we get into power, we will increase the welfare of all security forces. We will use modern technology and intelligence to combat insecurity. We will also increase the number of personnel for our security agencies.
“Why security? Because national security is the first sign of a functional government, and where it does not exist, we must not blame those who threaten it. We can only blame a government that allows it to be threatened. And if I am elected as your President, insecurity is one thing I will not tolerate.”
Describing himself as “a unifier that has come to bond the broken union”, he said if elected, he would open dialogue for disgruntled Nigerians to air their grievances, and that everybody will be treated equally.
“Since the civil war, the unity of Nigeria has never been threatened as it is today. Nigerians are losing hope in the oneness of this country. My fellow Nigerians, I am the unifier that is coming to bond the broken union,” he said.
“We will open doors for dialogue to hear the grieving voices of all Nigerians. Under my presidency, there will be a new Nigeria, where everybody has an equal voice and is heard
“Throughout my life, I have never looked at Nigerians as divided people. In my eyes, all Nigerians are the same. When I see you, I don’t see Yoruba or Hausa or Igbo or Fulani or a northerner or southerner; when I see you, I only see a Nigerian, and I expect the best from you.
“All Nigerians are equal and should be seen and treated equally. There is no unity without justice and fairness. That is why I will deliver leadership of justice and fairness.”
