24th April, 2022
By Emmanuel Mogbede
Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu, a former Minister of Information and Culture in the military administration of late Gen. Sani Abacha has said he joined the 2023 presidential race because of his conviction that he is eminently qualified to govern the country.
Mokelu, who said this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday noted that the country was in a critical time in its political history because of the forthcoming 2023 presidential election.
“It marks the prelude to the end of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. It, therefore, throws up the most crucial question,” he said.
Mokelu said the most pertinent question was who could take up the country’s leadership from where the current administration would stop, and lead her to greater heights.
According to him, the answer clearly lies in the emergence of a capable, tested, trusted, safe and experienced hand that can make the country the envy of other nations by enthroning good governance.
He said he was joining the 2023 presidential race after due consultations, adding that he was convinced that he was eminently qualified to take on the challenge.
“I have a rich political and polity pedigree. I was born and mentored by two great nationalists and independence fighters.
“My belief in the enduring legacy of our forefathers led me to develop and encourage the crafting of various elements of what is now the 1999 Constitution.
“It is on record that during my short tenure in office, I fostered one of the best relationships with the media and civil society, even at the risk of losing my job.
“Once the country returned to democracy, I worked with friends to build the foundation of party politics in Nigeria, and became a founding member of most political parties,” he said.
He said that as the chairman of the National Committee for Stability between 1993 and 1994, he went around the country preaching peace, and oneness of the nation after the presidential election annulment.
Mokelu added that this led to his appointment as the Minister of Information and Culture and member of the Executive Council of the federation where he was tasked with explaining the importance of the Constitution.
He further added that having travelled around the country, he understood the challenges of the people and knew the solutions, saying; “all I ask for, is the opportunity to serve you.”
Mokelu assured that his presidency would apply the values of honour, character, and integrity in the application of efficient and sustainable governance at all levels of government and in the three arms of government.
“Beyond these, I find it paramount that my determined conviction to consolidate on good governance is something that we owe Nigerians as a party.
“My personal integrity and austere life are assets that I have, and have exhibited all my life,” Mokelu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ikeobasi Mokelu was a delegate to the National Constitutional Conference between 1994 and 1995.
He was the chairman of several subcommittees, including security, power-sharing, and social welfare among others.
Mokelu was the founder and convener of #Istandwithbuhari, an All Progressives Congress (APC) movement established in all the 774 Local Government Areas of the country.
He was also the initiator of #Handshake across Nigeria and Movement for Brotherliness across Nigeria. (NAN)