wales:

A Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called for a debate, on the economy, among all the presidential aspirants on the economy.



Abubakar, a former vice-President, made the call after submitting his nomination form at the PDP national secretariat on Tuesday in Abuja.



The Adamawa State- born politician said the economy should be the main issue in the 2011 election campaigns.



“The issue of economic recovery for Nigeria cannot be a matter of wishful thinking nor of rhetoric. It is a subject for rigorous analyses and provision of well-thought, viable, practicable and sustainable strategy,” he said.



Abubakar said that all aspirants must be able to tell Nigerians how they intended to confront the challenges of the economy and reposition it for the benefit of all at the shortest possible time.



He said, “Of all the aspirants that have declared interest in the presidential election, I consider myself the most qualified to address the daunting economic challenges facing the country.



“I am the only one who has successfully managed a business and you need extensive knowledge of the private sector to combine its potential with the authority of the public sector to address this challenge.”



The former vice-president said his approach to resolving the economic crisis in the country was contained in a 47-page Policy Document he presented on August 15, 2010 while announcing his intention to contest the 2011 presidential poll.



He said, “We are faced with a job crisis of monumental proportions. Unless we evolve strategies to dealing with the teeming population of young people churned out almost on a daily basis, we may risk the destruction of the next generation.



“If we fail to channel the energies of this huge population, they could be a potent force for instability and social unrest.”



Abubakar, however, stunned journalists when he said that he was not aware that the President had declared his intention to vie for the PDP ticket.



“I didn’t see it (declaration). Honestly, I didn’t watch it,” he said.



Twenty seven out of the 28 PDP governors were among thousands of people that attended Jonathan’s presidential declaration at the Eagle Square on Saturday in Abuja. The event was shown live by some public and private television stations nationwide.



On the reported move by some politicians to produce a consensus presidential candidate among the Northern aspirants, Abubakar said, “There is a process for the emergence of a consensus candidate in the North. It shows that North is even more united if “they” agree to bring out a consensus candidate.”



He also said he was not aware of the support that Jonathan was getting from the northern states.



Reacting to the challenge, the Presidential Adviser to Jonathan on National Assembly Matters, Senator Mohammed Abba-Aji, said the President was ready for such a debate.



“We are ready for it (debate) anytime. The President has talked about all the aspects of the economy when he declared. If they want more, we are ready for them,” he said.



Another aspirant, who is also the Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, also expressed readiness for the debate.



“We are ready for the debate. That is what we have been calling for. Without such an issue-based debate, we will not be able to get the best candidate. Saraki is ready for it,” one of the governor’s aides, Mr. Billy Adedamola, said.


http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20100922514865

HAH:

I wonder for nairaland commentators, in this civilized world someone contesting for presidency of this great nation is asking for presidential debate what happen in all civilized democracy all of you a busy abusing him. For goodness sake what is wrong about debate or is it because the candidate you support cannot withstand him.

Please let be objective and look at every issue according to its merit.

N.B. Am not Atiku supporter.

omo~fat:

Most sensible post on this thread so far. The man is calling for debates. A (potential) opportunity for all these kleptocrats to stand up on stage together and open each other's yanshes for all to see in their mad dash for survival and self preservation.

I think we should be backing that call

omo~fat:

Most sensible post on this thread so far. The man is calling for debates. A (potential) opportunity for all these kleptocrats to stand up on stage together and open each other's yanshes for all to see in their mad dash for survival and self preservation.

I think we should be backing that call

ayoola2002:

which debate is he talking about? After spending 8yrs looting nigeria money, our money, tax payer's money. Why cant he advise OBJ about economy of this country when they are in office? Can Atiku say he does not know abt Halibution bribe scandal? What has he done to the people of his state? Dibeti ko dibeti ni

afam4eva:

Let's give the slowpoke the benefit of the doubt and support his quest for a debate. Isn't this what we've always wanted? Pat Utomi go deal with all of them.

HAH:

I wonder for nairaland commentators, in this civilized world someone contesting for presidency of this great nation is asking for presidential debate what happen in all civilized democracy all of you a busy abusing him. For goodness sake what is wrong about debate or is it because the candidate you support cannot withstand him.

Please let be objective and look at every issue according to its merit.

N.B. Am not Atiku supporter.

SSaemoenl:

LOL Atiku, Sorry for urself. U are done!!!