The 31 page manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC) , which was
distributed to leaders and elders of APC at a stakeholders’ meeting in
Abuja, presided over by its Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi
Akande, has pledged to address the problems facing the development of
theNigeria
The manifesto reads in part: “APC in Government shall muster the
political will to wage strident War Against Corruption; otherwise our
post-oil economy will be disastrous.
“It is our considered view that none of our cardinal programmes will
succeed if the current level of corruption and looting going on in the
land is allowed to continue
“We shall strengthen and make independent the EFCC, ICPC and other
anti-graft agencies and repeal the laws which inhibit their
independence.
“We shall embark on public sensitisation campaign and civic education against corruption in schools and town halls.
“We Shall encourage civil society organisations, advocacy groups and whistle-blowers in the anti-graft vanguard.
“We shall stop the corruption of our electoral process by making
Independent National and State Electoral Commissions (INEC) truly
independent.
“We shall establish special courts for corruption, after due and thorough review of the Penal Code.
“To actualise this, we shall make the appointment of the chairman and
top officials of National and State Electoral Commissions public as
enunciated in the Uwais Electoral Reform Report.
“On all election matters, the burden of proof shall rest with the
Electoral Commissions.”The party also said it would enhance politics and
governance with reforms through more accountability and transparent
process.
The party said: “APC will prevent abuse of executive, legislative and
public offices through greater accountability, transparency and strict
enforcement of anti-corruption laws whilst strengthening all
anti-corruption agencies.
“Amend the constitution to remove immunity from prosecution for elected officers in criminal cases.
“Ensure full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act so that
government held data sets can be requested and used by the media and
the public at large and then published on regular basis.”
On Federalism, the manifesto added: “APC will initiate action to
amend our constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties and
responsibilities to states and local governments in order to entrench
Federalism and the Federal Spirit.”
On power, APC has pledged to generate and distribute up to 40,000
Megawatts of electricity in four to eight years. The manifesto said:
“Power is the centre-point of the development process. All other indices
of development anchor on power and energy. The failure to make power
supply efficient has impacted negatively on the economy. It has made the
cost of production and business high and has invariably raised the cost
of agricultural produce and other finished goods and services thereby
thwarting the growth of our economy.
“The crisis in the power sector is one of the major causes of the
present collapse of the industrial sector and the inability of
small-scale industries to thrive. To kick-start industrial growth in the
country, stable and affordable power supply is an absolute necessity.
“The APC Government shall vigorously pursue the expansion of
electricity generation and distribution of up to 40,000 megawatts in
four to eight years. The party will also work assiduously at making
power available from renewable energy sources, such as coal, solar,
hydro, wind and biomass for domestic and industrial use, wherever these
prove viable.
“As a matter of pressing priority and urgency, tackle the paralysing
lapses with electric power generation, distribution and supply. Resolve
all stalemate around the reform of the power sector and develop a
transparently agreed power generation and distribution milestones with
clear timelines and targets. Liberalise the monopoly of the Federal
Government in power generation and supply.
“We shall devolve much of power and energy to the private sector.The
gas and thermal stations will particularly be encouraged to increase
their supply capacities. Alternative power sources, including hydro,
solar, coal and wind energy will be explored and developed. Regular Turn
Around Maintenance (TAM) of existing facilities will be done to ensure
steady and uninterrupted utility supply.An aggressive and efficient
tariff/ revenue recovery system will be pursued.
“All avenues of waste, corruption and abuse will be checked. Rural
electrification will continue to be encouraged.Improve management
efficiency of the nation’s distribution system, improve commitment to
consumer service and sensitise a national energy conservation and
maintenance culture on electricity supply.Regarding national security
and defence.
APC said it would decentralise the police and expand its local
content to include community policing.The manifesto said: “APC will
urgently address capacity building of law enforcement agents in terms of
quantity and quality as this is critical in safeguarding the sanctity
of lives and property.
“Establish a well-trained, adequately funded, equipped and goals
driven Serious Crime Squad to combat terrorism, kidnapping, armed
robbery, militancy, ethno-religious and communal clashes nationwide.
“Begin widespread consultations to amend the constitution to
decentralise the police command and expand local content by including
community policing.
“Push for more support in the security and economic stability of the
sub-region (ECOWAS) and AU as a whole and maintain a strong, close and
frank relationship with the international community.
“Take renewed measures to secure our borders, which are currently too
porous for effective control of…“Take renewed measures to secure our
borders which are currently too porous for effective control of
unwarranted movement. Establish a National Coast Guard to protect our
coastal waters.”
Concerning the economy, APC in its manifesto, said it would make
“Nigerian economy one of the fastest growing emerging economies in the
world achieving a real GDP growth averaging 10 per cent annually.
“Embark on vocational training, entrepreneurial and skill acquisition
scheme for graduates along with the creation of small Business Loan
Guarantee Scheme to create at least 1million new jobs every year, for
the foreseeable future.
“Create additional middle-class of at least 1 million new home owners
in our first year in government and 1 million annually thereafter, by
enacting a national mortgage system that will lend at single digit
interest rates for purchase of owner occupier houses.”
source:
theheraldng