President Muhamamdu Buhari on Monday inaugurated his 2019 Presidential Campaign Council, with a promise that governance will not be relegated to the background.
To drive home these commitments, the President has directed the National Leader of the party, Ahmed Tinubu to take full charge of the campaigns machinery, adding that “ operational buck of this campaign stops at his table”
The President, while inaugurating the 2019 Presidential Campaign Council PCC at the International Conference Center, Abuja, said his campaign will be “ issues based campaign” focusing on his modest achievements in the last three and half years.
According to the President “ Even though we have only 40 days, this campaign is going to tax us all, because we intend to touch all corners of our great and vast country. But I must also add that, though we will all be deeply involved, I would like to assure the nation that I will do my part without making governance or my work suffer. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my co-chairman, will be fully in charge, and is going to be on 24-hour vigil.
“That is to say, the operational buck of this campaign stops at his table, and I therefore urge all of us in the leadership of this campaign, in the field operations on the campaign trail and in the secretariat to consult with Asiwaju whenever guidance is needed.
This Presidential Campaign Council drew criticisms and public outrage last year with the inclusion of notable Nigerians including Africa richest man , Aliko Dangote and oil magnet, Femi Otedola into the Council.
The Council which will drive the Presidential campaign, was constituted with a conscious determination to ensure inclusiveness and excellence.
The President said the Council is expected to conduct a campaign based on issues focusing on his “modest achievements to turn around our beleaguered nation from insecurity, stagnation and massive abuse of scarce public resources”
He therefore appealed to all APC members to recommit themselves to the central task of ensuring victory in the elections.
“Having waited for all the dust raised by the nomination exercise, and the carefully worked out reconciliation processes to ensure some measure of healing, we are better placed to put together an all inclusive campaign council, that will effectively engage the entire voting public throughout the length and breadth of our federation, and deliver a resounding victory for us at the general elections”
The President noted that a victory for the party is a victory for all well meaning Nigerians, who are committed to CHANGE from an inglorious past.
“We have in the last 3 years and 6 months reversed this downward slide that the PDP took us in its 16 years of misrule. We have restored the territorial integrity of our nation, thanks to our gallant men and women of our armed forces.
The President boasted that his administration has succeeded in resetting the national values, adding that “ corruption is no longer condoned and is no longer seen as normal for public office holders. The agencies of government are no longer equivocal in dealing with anyone who flouts our laws “
“The high and low are receiving jail terms, loots are being recovered, and Nigerians are increasingly displaying the timeless values of honesty, honour and decency. I congratulate us all for making these changes possible
“Our economy has become a prudently managed enterprise. Our resources are now working for us, as we ensure the delivery of key national infrastructure, which were left unattended over these past years
“The direct impact of our policies on improvements in roads railways, and power supply are evident. There is greater evidence of economic diversification seen in growing local production of agricultural produce and solid minerals
“Our government has succeeded in the last four years in halting national drift, removing the shadow of insecurity and fear dominating our life and reviving our economy from decline to stability and growth. The macroeconomic health of our economy, indicated by several measurable factors such as a stable exchange rate, lower inflation, growing foreign reserves, has been applauded by independent local and international rating agencies.
He also reiterated his earlier promise to ensure free, fair and credible election
“Let me reiterate my commitment to free and fair elections. If there is one legacy I want to leave is the enthronement of democracy as a system of government. And for democracy to be enthroned, elections must be free and fair. That means citizens have a right to vote for candidates of their choice without intimidation in any form. I have warned INEC and security agencies to that effect “
