The All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured Nigerians
that this will be their last Christmas celebration under the bondage of
insecurity, corruption, unemployment, widespread hopelessness and poor
leadership.
In a Christmas message to Nigerians, contained in a statement issued in Abuja
on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the
party said hope is in the horizon for the millions of Nigerians who could not
celebrate this year due to the prevailing gloomy atmosphere across the land.
“Many cannot travel home due to fears of kidnapping, ethno-religious crisis and
insurgency, depending on which part of the country they are from. Many cannot
celebrate due to the effects of the economic downturn, as manifested in
weakening Naira and falling oil prices, both exacerbated by widespread
corruption.“Many will mark the holidays in darkness as the country’s public
power supply seems to have fallen in a direct proportion to the huge funds
ostensibly pumped into the sector in the past few years. Many will be stuck on
the roads that have become clogged due to their poor state“While there is no
magic wand to solve the myriad of problems facing our country in one fell
swoop, an APC government will begin to positively impact on the citizenry
within its first few months at the helm, to such an extent that Nigerians will
have a better Christmas celebration in 2015,” it said.APC said Nigerians hold
the power to bringing about the much-needed change, hence they should vote
wisely during the February 2015 general elections so they can install a
government that will address, squarely, the challenges facing the country.
“We have, through our manifesto, entered into a honest social contract with
Nigerians. But we are aware that we cannot do it alone, hence we need the
consent and participation of the people.“Our eight pledges for a better
Nigeria, which are highlights of our manifesto, form the core of our social
contract with Nigeria. During our first term in office, we pledge to create 3
million new jobs a year through public works programmes and by shifting the
economy towards value-added production will be our primary economic target; we
will strengthen security by employing at least an extra 100,000 police officers
and establishing a properly-trained and equipped Federal Anti-Terrorism Multi-
Agency Task Force to destroy Boko Haram and any form of insurgency. We will
also introduce an immediate pay rise and improved conditions for all five
security services.“To fight corruption, the cankerworm that has eaten deep into
the fabric of our society, we will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to the vice
– rooting out dishonest public servants and imposing tough sanctions including
jail sentences.
“To position our youth for better job opportunities, we will provide
interest-free loans for university/technical school students who meet the
required entry qualifications, and this will be funded by providing guarantees
to the banking sector and by absorbing the interest. Also, we will introduce a
free daily school meal for all children attending primary school.“As a first
phase to battling poverty, we will introduce direct conditional monthly social
security payment for 25 million of the poorest Nigerians. To ensure a more
healthy society, we will create a network of local health centres providing
free services and drugs, such that no one lives more than 5km from help. And
will will create a more equitable distribution of national revenue to the
States and local governments because this is where grassroots democracy and
economic development must be established.
“We know that for our long suffering people, hope springs eternal. We urge them
to continue to keep that hope alive, because help is on the way,” the party
said.Meanwhile, APC has also sent fraternal holiday greetings to all the men
and women in uniform, who are battling the insurgency that has held the nation
by the jugular.The party said the huge sacrifices being made by these gallant
men and women, for the love of country, are very much appreciated and will not
go unrewarded.“We greet our soldiers and indeed all security agents whose
sacrifices keep us safe. We know they will be on duty as many of us celebrate
and enjoy the holidays. We urge all Nigerians to remember them in their prayers
and to continue to support them in their onerous task of securing the nation,”
it said.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Abuja, Dec. 24th 2014
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