Former Senate President Bukola Saraki Gives Buhari's Ministers Important Advice
- Bukola Saraki has outlined the importance of having public office holders resign their positions before getting involved in contesting for elective positions
- The former Senate president it is all shades of wrong for those who are in government parastatals or agencies to vie for elective positions
- According to Saraki, the newly amended Electoral Act would give Nigerians the opportunity to elect leaders into key positions
The past Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has called on all ministers and other public office holders seeking electoral positions in the 2023 general elections to resign.
The Punch reports that Saraki said this after a meeting of the National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Pary (PDP) with the zonal and state youth leaders at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Saraki's remarks followed the request by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly seeking the amendment of Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act.
Source: Depositphotos
He said there is no basis for anyone to remain in an appointed office while contesting for an elective office.
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His words:
“I disagree with that. I mean, why should someone in political office use the influence of political office to contest? We talked about the participation of youths.
"What chance does the young Nigerian have to contest somebody who’s sitting in public office; has access to power by influence; has access to funds of government?"
The new legislative instrument would empower Nigerians in their quest to seek and elect the right leaders into key sectors.
Saraki said:
“If you truly want to represent this country, why do you have to remain in political office? Step out and contest. And if we are talking about youths, we’re talking about people having an opportunity."
"What chance does a 25-year-old young man or woman have against somebody who’s a director in a government agency? We should not encourage things like these."
Darkest moment: Saraki finally speaks on failed attempts to remove him as Senate president
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki had addressed the attempts that were aimed at removing him from office.
Saraki speaking at a retreat revealed that the move was one of the darkest moments in the country's democracy.
According to him, this was a result of the executive’s desire to control Nigeria's legislative arm of government.
Saraki Pleads with Nigerians
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Saraki pleaded with Nigerians to give the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a chance to rule the country again come 2023.
Saraki issued the plea on Friday, March 19, while commissioning some projects by the Delta state government in Asaba.
According to the former federal lawmaker, PDP governors are doing so well in their respective states that Nigerians could expect a replication at the centre if they vote the party into power in the next general elections.
Source: Legit.ng
