Senate President of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Thursday kicked off his presidential campaign ahead of 2019 general election in Ebonyi State even as he endorsed Governor David Umahi for second term.
He said the choice of Ebonyi was informed based on the developmental agenda of the present administration and leadership prowess and his quest for inclusiveness in governance.
Saraki, a two-term Governor of Kwara state while addressing the stakeholders of Ebonyi State said Nigeria is at a crossroads and danger of living full life anchored of rule of law.
He said Nigeria has never been so divided like it is now and lamented that the unity our founding fathers propagated is at the verge of collapse while the country is drifting into anarchy.
“There is a high level of uninclusisivness in the country. We must choose leaders that have the capacity to move the country forward. What you are seeing in Ebonyi is not by chance, it is because your governor has the capacity that that is why you are witnessing development. How then can you choose a man with capacity in your state without choosing also a leader with capacity at the national level.
“We fight poverty, we will fight corruption too and not do a selective corruption fight. We will develop solid minerals in Ebonyi State. We will bring private investors into the country and turn around youth involvement in governance by bringing youths to governance.”
Responding, Governor Umahi, who was presented with the governorship nomination form purchased by the members of the State Executive Council, described Senator Saraki as a refined Nigerian and defender of democracy as well as friend to Ebonyi State.
Governor Umahi reiterated his earlier promise to return power to Abakaliki bloc in 2023 after his second term, adding that his administration remains focused on the developmental agenda.
“We will hand over a state that is most beautiful, best economy and richest in the country,” he said.
He commended Saraki for standing firm over the various crises and urged that the National Assembly must work together to unite the country and turn its fortunes to the best.
He called on the Senate President to look into the cost of projects in the country to stop profligacy in execution of projects in the country.
South-East will ready to support anybody who will be ready to recognise the rights and needs of the people of the above by way of negotiation.