Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is running with him, talked about how they would deal with Nigeria’s most important problems if they were elected in 2023.
Among other things, their plans call for adopting the security model of the United Arab Emirates, getting rid of multiple foreign exchange rates, ending the petroleum product subsidy regime, paying back money owed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, and selling off public assets.
A live conversation on “People’s Townhall,” an initiative of Channels Television and its partners, including remarks from Atiku and Okowa.
The PDP’s running mate also promised to use negotiation and restructuring to put an end to separatist agitations in the South-East. Okowa asserted that strategic inclusion in the security architecture is crucial to fostering a sense of belonging among South-East Asians.
Atiku added that he wouldn’t eliminate security votes for governors and other officials. He declared that he would like to promote security vote accountability, emphasizing that government officials could not use security votes however they pleased.
Atiku went on to say that he had visited the famed Sambisa Forest but was unable to locate any Boko Haram hideouts in Borno. He says that Boko Haram is motivated by both money and politics, and that the ten-year terror war can only end with good leadership.
UAE Security Framework
Atiku said that if he were elected president in 2023, he might use the security system in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to fix Nigeria’s security problems.
He insisted that adopting the UAE’s strategy of observing everyone’s movements would deter criminal activity.
“The UAE’s security architecture, which is mostly built on surveillance, is one that I admire. In the United Arab Emirates, you won’t see soldiers or police officers in uniform, but almost everyone is monitored on a daily basis, especially tourists. From the moment you enter the country to the moment you leave, you are being watched wherever you go, and this is how technology is being used to ensure security.”
That is to say, even while we are aiming for the highest goal, we must deal with the limitations of our current security system. How can we alter it to give our citizens a more secure setting in which to operate their own lawful companies wherever they may be, whether in rural or semi-urban settings, for example? said Atiku.
Privatization with regard to Nigeria
Former Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, Atiku, insisted that selling some public assets to the private sector is better for the nation’s economy.
Atiku made this statement in response to an inquiry about why he is so intent on selling government properties that former presidents had financed with tax dollars.
“I don’t have a fixation, but I believe that is best for the nation. Let’s face it: we have four refineries that have been shut down for, oh, how many years?Every year, money is budgeted for renovating these refineries, so why not give it to the private sector instead? he asked.
“You discover that the private sector is the engine of the economy in every great country in the world; they provide the jobs, they create the prosperity, and they do everything; why should we be any different? I’m not focused, then.
Tell me how they help the community or society, and “if you feel that is what is best for you, go and elect somebody who can come and leave them moribund; they are not working, and you are wasting money on them,” Atiku added.
The PDP candidate claimed that by selling off the idle refineries—while the government continues to budget for them annually—he would have the money to finance other urgent projects.
He asserted that he could sell the refineries for N10 billion and that the proceeds would go toward financing small enterprises, which would then generate jobs and prosperity.
The People’s Townhall’s main focus is on how to keep Nigeria’s democratic system strong. It provides Nigerians with a fantastic opportunity to raise significant issues and receive targeted solutions to the numerous problems this country is currently facing.
