The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has pledged to foster unity and equality among Nigerians if elected as the president of the country.
In a statement issued yesterday, the ACPN presidential candidate said she was determined to ensure that the constitutional rights of Nigerians always upheld by government.
Noting that there was a need to address the growing rate of poverty in Nigeria, Ezekwesili said that she was ready to ensure constitutionalism and uphold the rule of law in the opportunities available to every Nigerian regardless of their region, religion, status or gender.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria is a multi-plural nation. We are different people with diverse language, age, gender, religion, beliefs and status. As the president, I promise to play a role that acknowledges our differences and yet fosters unity of diversity. All citizens will be accorded the fundamental rights guaranteed within the provisions of our constitution and laws,” the presidential candidate said.
She added, “Our administration will work collaboratively with the judiciary and the legislature to safeguard every citizen’s rights. We are a constitutional democracy and must practice the ethos and principles to the utmost as the fundamental basis for strengthening citizenship. I will both ensure the protection of human rights and uphold the rule of law and constitutionalism.”
Ezekwesili warned that electing the Peoples Democratic Party or the All Progressives Congress would deepen poverty and hunger in the country as these parties do not appreciate the dignity that must be accorded every Nigerian citizen.
She also assured Nigerians that she would ensure quality and transparency in the appointment of cabinet members.
She said, “Extreme poverty in Nigeria is increasing by nearly six people every minute. But that is not even the worst part. According to the World Poverty Clock, if the current trends continue – or to put it another way, if we continue to elect this poverty-bringing APC/PDP leadership – the number of people living in extreme poverty in Nigeria would increase from about 88 million today to 120 million in 2030. What that means is that in the next 12 years, over 30 million more Nigerians will join the infamous number of extremely poor people who live on less than N700 per day.
