By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
As more Nigerians are declaring their intentions to run for the Office of President of Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023, Spokesman of Nigerian Business Community and Group Managing Director, Sahara Group, Kola Adesina, has advocated that the next President of Nigeria must carry ‘‘the banner of hope for a new Nigeria , not a banner of self.’’
Adesina who spoke on Tuesday night at an Iftar dinner at Presidential Villa, Abuja hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari for members of the Business Community and the Leadership of Political Parties, also urged the President to henceforth ask anybody who comes around to show interest in becoming the next President for their manifesto and how to achieve them.
The business mogul who was commenting on the type of leader Nigeria needs after President Buhari, posited that the Presidential aspirants should not be telling Nigerians what they want to do when they become President but should tell the nation how they want to do it.
‘‘We are transitioning and I want to respectfully ask the President that anybody who comes around to show interest in leadership, you must ask them for their manifesto. Not what they want to do but how they want to do it”.
‘‘The challenge has always been how, not what,’’ he said.
Adesina, who thanked the President for sustaining investments in infrastructure across the country, including the Second Niger Bridge, the East-West Road, among others, stressed the need for continuity by the next government.
Earlier in his remarks at President Buhari appealed to political leaders and business community to join hands to defeat insecurity in Nigeria.
A statement signed by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity revealed that President Buhari at the event on Tuesday in Abuja urged all political parties in the country to keep elections and election-related differences aside and join the administration’s drive to defeat insecurity in the country.
The President described insecurity as a ‘‘common enemy’’ bedevilling the country.
‘‘Without mass, popular support to our hard working Armed Forces, it will take us much longer to finish off the successful war we are waging against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. Our country must be kept safe for progress and prosperity to be entrenched.
‘‘I look forward to seeing the reflection of this spirit in the relationship between the parties and the government, especially as the electioneering season will soon be on us,’’ he said.
Also, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the National Chairman of APC urged leaders of political parties to make firm commitments towards peaceful and successful 2023 general elections, and challenged them to work in unison to achieve the purpose.
Adamu said as leaders, leadership demands that they take responsibility in ensuring peace and stability and inspiring the party faithful and Nigerians to conform to the laws of land in matters relating to electioneering and the elections.
Speaking on behalf of leaders of other political parties, Engr. Yusuf Yabagi, the Chairman of Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Coordinator Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) who described the President as a true democrat, said the Iftar event and the invitation by the President has introduced ‘‘credibility, respect and admiration in the polity’’.
