Former Head of State and three-time presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday said that the Peoples Democratic Party-controlled Federal Government has spent a whopping $20 billion on power generation in the country in its 15 years’ rule without commensurate result.
Buhari pointed out that when PDP came to power in 1999, Nigeria was generating about 4,000 M/W of electricity, noting with regrets that 15 years after, with $20 billion spent, the nation is now are generating between 3,000 – 4,000 M/W.
The former Head of State stated this while formally declaring his intention to contest for the next year’s presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
He declared that no failure was more glaring than this.
According to Buhari: “When PDP came to power in 1999 Nigeria was generating about 4,000 M/W of electricity. After 15 years and $20 billion spent we are generating between 3,000 – 4,000 M/W. No failure is more glaring than this.
“We in APC are resolved to bring change to Nigeria. We plan to do things differently.”
Buhari contested for the nation’s presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011 on the platforms of the All Nigeria Peoples Party and the Congress for Progressives Change.
The former Head of State between December 31, 1983 and August 27, 1985, promised to change the Nigerian economy if elected.
Buhari will ne contesting the APC presidential ticket with former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Governor of Kano State, Engr. Rabiu Kwankwanso; and Publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah.
Buhari, who arrived at the Eagle Square venue of the presidential campaign launch in a long convoy, went round in an open Sport Vehicle Unity.
Among those that attended the declaration were Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Ameachi; Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola; Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole; and Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura.
Others in attendance were: former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timpre Sylva; Tony Momoh; Senator Ali Ndume; former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdulahi Adamu; Sen. Ibrahim Musa; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Hon, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba; Prof. Tam David West; and members of APC’s national working committee.
Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who spoke on behalf of the governors, said: “The governors of APC are determined to work together to deliver APC.
“Whoever that emerges as flag bearer, we will all work for him.
“If PDP has somebody that is anti-corruption like Buhari, let them bring the person.
“Even half a person.
“Even the fight against Ebola, Rivers State government spent N1.106 billion to fight Ebola.
“The Federal Government brought only N200 million last week.
“If we had waited for Federal Government’s money, we would have all died by now.
“Rivers State is not on their hand.
“Lagos is not.
“Kano is not.
“They are planning to use security to intimidate us, but we must fight with our lives.
“One thing is that this party believes in anti-corruption.
“If we save what they steal, we shall have light all over Nigeria.”
Presenting Buhari to the public, the Coordinator of the Buhari Campaign Organization, Chief Audu Ogbe, said Buhari is not a fanatic, pointing out that those who are propagating these things “are enemies of this country”.
According to Ogbe: “How can we have a country for Muslims and another country for Christians?
“Buhari is as cool as cucumber.
“He is not rash.
“Is it because he has money?
“No, he does not have money.
“Here is a man of unusual character.
“He wants to contest now because there comes a time in the life of a country when extraordinary people are called upon to match extraordinary circumstances.
“”There is unbridled corruption in the country and that is why we need a man like Buhari.”
Ameachi led the APC governors to the venue of the declaration, while Senator George Akume led the National Assembly members to the venue.
Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora from Lagos, who spoke on behalf of the elders of the party, said there is a wind of change and the wind of change is blowing and nobody can stop it.
According to Mamora: “Come 2015, you will have APC government installed in Abuja.
“The time has come and we must all work for the change.”
In his goodwill message, Akume, who spoke on behalf of the National Assembly members, said age is not a barrier for Buhari.
He said what is a barrier is inexperience.
His words: “APC is a great party, richly endowed.
We members of the National Assembly are happy with the campaigns of our aspirants.
“Buhari is the only General and former Head of State without an oil well.”
Hajiya Rabi Ishaqu, who spoke on behalf of the women, stated that Buhari is the only person that has consistently fought for the good of all.
Ishaqu said: “Women are the poorest in the country and this is due to bad leadership and corruption.
“General Muhammadu Buhari is our one and only Mandela.
“APC for women means General Muhammadu Buhari is in Aso Rock in 2015.”
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
