7 Basic Features A Nigeria I Lead Must Have – Atiku

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has listed ‘‘seven basic features’’ a Nigeria he overseas must characterise.

Atiku said if voted in the February 16 presidential election, he envisions a ‘‘New Nigeria’’ that will enjoy amongst other things an indivisible and indissoluble nation.

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In a speech he delivered on Wednesday at the Lagos Island Club Quarterly Business Lecture in Lagos State, the former vice president listed the seven features as:

‘‘1. An indivisible, indissoluble, ethnically diverse but strong country that protects its citizens and secures their socio-economic benefits.

‘‘2. A modern, dynamic and competitive economy that is capable of taking its rightful place among the top 20 economies of the world. Nigeria has the potential to double its GDP by 2025.

‘‘3. A strong economy that is capable of providing in the next 5 years, a minimum 3 million job opportunities annually, reducing poverty rates to below 20% and significantly closing the income inequality gaps.

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‘‘4. A Nigeria that guarantees citizens’ access to economic opportunities and makes the basic needs of life, including health, education, electricity, water and housing, readily available and affordable for everyone.

‘‘5. A new political structure that guarantees freedoms and ensures accountability at all levels of government. Tomorrow’s polity shall reinforce the country’s concept of true Federalism by conceding unfettered autonomy to the subordinating units.

‘‘6. A Nigeria that promotes the politics of inclusiveness and minimizes citizens’ frustration and alienation and completely eliminates the compulsion to take up arms against the society or fellow countrymen.

‘‘7. A country that recognizes the central place of the rule of law and ensures the supremacy of law over all persons and authorities. The Nigerian constitution will be the anchor on which the independence of the judiciary, personal liberty and democratic and other fundamental rights rest.”

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