2011 POLLS: DON'T OVERHEAT THE POLITY, SARAKI ADVISES POLITICIANS

A presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki has advised other aspirants and politicians to evolve issues-based campaign to avoid overheating the nation's polity.

Saraki gave the advice at the weekend in Ilorin while answering questions from newsmen on his presidential aspiration and other sundry issues after casting his vote for the local government poll at his Ajikobi ward in Agbaji quarters.

The governor, who expressed optimism that only an issue-based campaign by politicians would guarantee the emergence of credible candidates in the 2011 general elections, said every vote must count this time around.

The presidential hopeful disclosed that he was in the race based on his personal conviction and ability to run a policy-driven administration that was needed to move the economy forward.

Dr Saraki, who also used the occasion to formally declare his interest to run for the country's presidency, called for the cooperation and support of members of the media family to realize his ambition.  According to him, the issue of who should lead the country should be based on credibility of the aspirant and not where he comes from or what language he speaks.  Nigerians, he said were now wise to choose a leader that could really make things happen and as such would decide who was best for the country.

'Nigeria has got to that level to effect positive change. It is time for a modern Nigeria, we want something different from the past,' the governor said.  He cited his achievements in the state in the areas of agriculture, power supply, roads network, transportation, health and education reform as enough credentials, saying that all these would be replicated if elected the country's president, especially in the area of agriculture which had the tendency to fight food security and poverty.

The governor disclosed further that the four presidential aspirants had resolved to work together and would accept the outcome of the committee's report in good faith to move the country forward.  Speaking on the issue of zoning, he maintained that the matter was not about zoning perse which he said had been over-emphasized but rather, which candidate had the ability to deliver and bring the expected rapid socio-economic transformation that the country needed most.

Saraki, however, appealed to INEC for a level playing ground for all aspirants to ensure peaceful and credible election next year that would be acceptable to all and the international community.