Presidential Canditates Debate On National TV

Presidential Canditates Debate On National TV
Cyril Okonkwo, Lagos

Three presidential candidates in the April general election in Nigeria  have appeared on televised presidential debate, stating what their governments would do if elected.

The three were Major General Muhammed Buhari (Rtd) of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and Mr. Ibrahim Shekarau of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP.

The debate touched on Health, Education, the economy, Budget, Niger Delta, Petroleum Industry Bill and many other issues.

The Specifics

On the Niger Delta, Ribadu said his party has a Marshal Plan that would tackle unemployment, poverty, and make oil companies take more responsibility in the development of the region.

Shekarau said his government would be hinged on human development and social justice and would work to restore the confidence of the people in the Niger-Delta.

Retired General Buhari said if elected he would ensure that government at all levels, traditional rulers and oil companies in the region meet and find solution to the militancy in the region.

The candidates also spoke on their plans in the areas of power, security and education.

First to speak was Nuhu Ribadu, then Ibrahim Shekarau and Muhammadu Buhari.

The aspirants defended their positions on a number of issues.

Point Of Departure

Shekarau said he had to stop polo immunization to reposition health facilities and restore people’s confidence before immunization could commence.

Muhammed Buhari said though a retired military officer, he is capable of operating under a democratic dispensation for the socio-economic and political turnaround of the country.

On his part, Nuhu Ribadu defended his relationship with Bola Ahmed Tinubu whom he once described as corrupt, stating that he is one of the most outstanding Nigerians he knows and never stood in judgment of Tinubu’s character.

President Goodluck Jonathan the candidate of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, did not participate in the debate.

The debate was organized by a NN24 television.

The Nigerian Election Debate Group will host the next presidential debate on the 29th and 30th of March.

Nigeria’s general election will commence on April 2nd.

Williams/Qasim