Engr Martin Onovo, the candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) for the 2015 presidential elections, while responding to questions during a meeting with NCP supporters and well-wishers, reiterated that: The NCP has solutions to Nigeria’s trouble.
What are your party’s plans and vision?
We have been crystal clear on what we intend to do. Our pledge is documented given our party’s 10-Care program [Employment, Food, Health, Housing, Education, Water, Electricity, Transportation, Telecommunications, and Security Care] and our Accelerated Development Agenda (ADA)
It may suffice to say that NCP made two general promises and three specific promises to the Nigerian people. The TWO GENERAL PROMISES to the Nigerian people are:
(i) We will consistently do the right thing.
(ii) NCP will lead by example.
NCPs THREE SPECIFIC PROMISES to the Nigerian people are:
(i) We will DOUBLE power generation, transmission and distribution in less than 3 years via a $9B investment. As an energy expert having studied petroleum engineering at the University of Ibadan and petroleum engineering economics at the University of Houston, Texas, I fully comprehend Nigeria’s power sector outlook. The figure, $9B, is the outcome of extensive research, consultations with several experts, and rigorous calculations. We looked at a range of data, including data from NERC (Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission). NERCs data asserts $1.5B per 1,000 megawatts. So, you could see we have done a lot of research. And many believe us. Many have realised that we know what we are talking. Of course, we will walk the talk if Nigerians choose NCP. We are very serious. Leadership is not a joke; rather it is a serious business with enormous responsibilities. We are very serious.
Nigerians know that inadequate power supply has been a major impediment to industrial, infrastructural, economic, social, and human development. Our plans include constructing world-class gas power stations since natural gas is super-abundant in Nigeria. Besides gas power costs much less than nuclear or solar power, and it has less safety and technological challenges. NCP-led government will revamp dilapidated gas, hydro and coal stations; upgrade generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. In respect of existing facilities, our plan is to revamp, upgrade, change, and extend as applicable.
(ii) We will INCREASE minimum wage by DECREASING maximum wage. There will be no change in the total wage bill to avoid inflation.
(iii) NCP will REDUCE fuel price by increasing domestic refining capacity. Fuel importation will stop if we are in power. Nigeria is the only country that has accepted importation of fuel as norm. Of course, it is no secret the reasons successive governments opt to import fuel when it could easily cut cost via domestic refining of crude oil.
Could you elaborate on what you mean when you said, “we will consistently do the right thing”?
For us at the NCP, good governance means ensuring the security and welfare of the Nigerian people, abolishing poverty in Nigeria, and solving other societal problems. Doing the right thing includes selfless service, transparency, eschewing corrupt practices, good governance.
On SECURITY, we will do the right thing by establishing and sustaining a world-class security system that indicates scope, expectations, feedback systems, work processes, corrective action capabilities. There will robust surveillance, monitoring, and intelligence. We will make sure adequate welfare and weapons for Nigeria’s armed forces. In other words, the NCP will make sure that there is adequate security of lives and property.
On CORRUPTION, NCP will fight corruption, using our Es: Enlightenment, Example, Empowerment and Enforcement, strategy.
On EDUCATION, we will give Free Primary Education to expand access to basic education that is essential for improving basic skills and knowledge. We will promote moral instruction and civic education in primary education curriculum. Discipline will be enforced at all educational institution to promote ethical values and sound conduct. NCP will refurbish dilapidated facilities in federal educational institution, and adequately fund research units in tertiary institution. For us, motivating staff and effective supervision of teachers and education administrators would be pursued to improve educational standards.
On AGRICULTURE, our party will make sure that there is enough food production in Nigeria. A quantum increase in mechanised agricultural output is necessary. Our strategies to increase agricultural production includes: Increased local fertilizer production, which could be achieved by revamping and upgrading existing fertilizer facilities and developing new plants. NCP will liaise and collaborate with farmers and their union. We have identified right incentives for increased agricultural production. There will be import tariff and tax incentives.
You recently said: I am the most prepared presidential candidate, how?
I am very ready; physically, psychologically, spiritually, mentally, politically, and socially. My preparation started since 1988.
How did you emerge as presidential candidate of the NCP?
It was a transparent, free, fair, secret ballot election under full view of all delegates and representatives of INEC. It was a keenly contested election with three officials of INEC in attendance. The party chose me with 72% of the votes. This is not to say that other contestants were not very good. They are indeed very good in my sincere estimation.
Why are you so confident that NCP can win 2015 presidential election?
NCP is distinct being the oldest party in Nigeria; founded by Chief Gani Fawehinmi in 1994. We have a good name, a good brand, a great legacy, and trustworthy candidates. The difference is obvious. Besides, Nigerians are, obviously, tired of old, recycled, failed leaders.
