All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday promised a safer country, if elected next month.
He spoke of plans to make some elements of the nation’s security apparatchik technology-driven.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday during an interactive session with members of the Federation of Construction Industry in Nigeria (FOCI) in Abuja. The session was facilitated by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, as part of the ongoing engagement of critical stakeholders ahead of the general election.
Tinubu, who spoke off the cuff, stunned his audience with erudition and brilliance.
Addressing the issues raised on insecurity, the APC standard bearer said his administration will give priority to security, noting that without a secured society, development would be far-fetched.
He said: “I will do everything possible to stabilise Nigeria’s security by adopting appropriate strategy to ensure that every inch of the country is adequately protected and secured.
”We will strengthen our security. I cannot spell out in full details here, but some of the elements of it are in secrecy and about strategy. But I can assure you that every inch of this country is crucially important for us.
“We, as a government, must take it as number one item; we will strengthen security for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will employ all means necessary, including introducing technology. I am assuring you, we will make it (security) a priority.”
The frontline presidential candidate also promised to create employment opportunities and quality education to further improve security.
On monetary and fiscal policy, the former Lagos governor said: “On the monetary and fiscal policy, I am a finance person and an accountant with Deloitte experience. I have been involved in liquidation and acquisition. My administration will see the two items – monetary and fiscal policy – as two parallel lines. I will separate monetary policy from fiscal policy. I did it successfully in Lagos.”
Tinubu said if elected, his administration will not scare away investors, promising to put in place policies that will ensure accountability.
On the demand for the establishment of a Construction Bank to provide funds for infrastructural development by FOCI members, Tinubu pledged support. He, however, advised those in the construction industry to subscribe to it.
Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), identified infrastructure as the backbone of a nation’s economy. He said Tinubu would continue with the infrastructure rebuilding started by President Buhari if voted into power.
The President and Chairman of FOCI, Chief Vincent Barrah, thanked the APC candidate for honouring the invitation of the body to interact with him. He said Asiwaju Tinubu’s presence confirmed the high regards he has for members of the federation and the importance of the role of the body in the scheme of things in the country.
Barrah described the construction industry as the largest employer of labour after the government.
Also speaking, both the Minister of Mines and Steel Development and Minister of State, Works and Housing, Olamilekan Adegbite and Umar Ibrahim El-Yakubu, expressed confidence that the Tinubu presidency will take Nigeria to loftier heights.
Also at the consultative session were the Minister of Sports and Youths Development Sunday Akin Dare and Babatunde Ogala (SAN).
Apart from the three ministers, others present at the consultative session were the Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Chief Sunday Akin Dare and a legal luminary, Babatunde Ogala (SAN)
