ND Campaign Trail 2006: Dr. Baba Jibrin Adamu, the National Secretary of the New Democrats (ND) 2007 pre-campaign assessment

June 10, 2006

From Abuja

Dr. Baba Jibrin Adamu, the National Secretary of the New Democrats (ND) is currently in Nigeria for the Party initial 2007 Campaign Trail. The Campaign Trial is expected o test the water in few states of the Federation in order to assess the political situation in the states. The states include Kaduna, Kano, Abia, Oyo, Lagos and Bauchi, and of-course the FCT Abuja.

Dr Baba J Adamu started from his home town, Kaduna meeting with key people and grassroots leaders within the various communities in the state for 3 days before moving to Abuja for another 3 days campaign and advocacy activities. Dr. Engr. Baba J Adamu who was also the Advisor to the National Political Reform Conference appeared in various newspapers and television including the famous morning AIT TV show “Focus on Nigeria”. During the campaign trail, the National Secretary was accompanied by Alhaji Abiodun Salami, the Gubernatorial Aspirant for Oyo State, his Campaign manager Mike and his Financial Manager. Also, the Gubernatorial Aspirant for Kano State, Alhaji Hamisu Lamido Iyan-Tama and his entourage, the ND Financial Secretary and Kaduna State ND Exco and local government chairmen aspirants.

In one of the TV and Radio interview with Dr Baba J Adamu, when he was asked “Why is New  Democrats new and what does New Democrats stand for? Dr. Baba J Adamu said that “New Democrats (ND) is “New” because first it is very much a work in progress; it is “the right way” of doing politics. It is a paradigm shift that will transcend all communities and modernize "old-style politics in Nigeria" and its reliance on sycophancy and ethnic fundamentalism.

He further said “we believe in the Third-Way that rejects the old left-right debate and affirms Nigeria’s basic bargain: opportunity for all, special privileges for none, responsibility from all, and community of all. We believe Nigeria can and must be better: better schools, better hospitals, and better ways of tackling crime. New Democrats stand for free enterprise to stimulate economic innovation and growth and in public activism to ensure that everyone can share in Nigeria’s prosperity.  That is why we believe we now have both the opportunity and the responsibility to guide our nation for the next 1000 years. We will do everything we can to turn the ship of Nigeria around. And with the Nigerian people support, make sure that it keeps sailing in the right direction. We want a Nigeria that is one nation, with shared values and purpose, where merit comes before privilege; run for the many not the few, strong and sure of itself at home and abroad. We want a Nigeria that does not shuffle further into the century afraid of the future, but strides into it with confidence. We believe that government's proper role is to equip working Nigerians with new tools for economic success and security. Knowledge is power. The availability of such knowledge is empowerment. ND will provide tools of empowerment to the younger generation including women. And we are confident Nigerians will realize ND is the only Party with realistic approach to our problems. Our aim is no less than to set Nigerian political life on a new course for the future.

When asked “What are the priorities of ND if it takes over power come 2007?” Dr. Adamu said

“The broken promises of the past few years have tainted all politics. That is why we have made it our guiding rule not to promise what we cannot deliver; and to deliver what we promise, the patient rebuilding and renewing of this country - renewal that can take root and build over time. We aim to put behind us the bitter political struggles of tribe and religion that have torn our country apart for too many decades. Many of these conflicts have no relevance whatsoever to the modern world. It is time for this country to move on and move forward. We are proud of our history, proud of what we have achieved - but we must learn from our history, not be chained to it.

Our priorities are setting tough inflation targets, investing in education and agriculture, creating jobs and investment opportunities, forming a new and efficient National Health Service, to provide basic healthcare for all Nigerians and significantly investing in technology and skills training. We will foster entrepreneurship innovation; establish an efficient transport system that is vital to the country’s future, to our economy and to our quality of life. But most of all, our topmost priorities are sustainable electric power supply to the whole nation, stable water supply and addressing the issue of security and corruption. We will also create wealth by supporting the wealth creators. That is why our priorities will be the national infrastructure and of skills, science, regulation and planning, and transport. The economy of the future will be based on knowledge, innovation and creativity. That applies both to manufacturing and services. In a fast changing global economy, government cannot postpone or prevent change. The modern role for government, the case for a modern employment and skills policy is to equip people to succeed, to be on their side, helping them become more skilled, adaptable and flexible for the job ahead rather than the current practice of government walking away leaving people unaided to face change. Successful manufacturing industries are vital to our future prosperity. Economic dynamism and social justice must go hand in hand, and ND is committed to providing just that.”

The ND secretary went further to address the issue of energy and water as well as security in the country making a bold statement that ND is committed to providing sustainable power supply within three and a half years after taking power contrary to the current administration which said it will take fifty years to accomplish that. Dr. Adamu further said that the solution to the energy shortage in decentralization of power production and the formation of National Grid, so that states can be able to produce electricity and even sell to the neighboring states. He further said that

“The Nigerian economy is currently severely handicapped by the dire shortage of electrical energy. This shortage was predicted as far back as 25 years ago. What steps were taken by our leaders and electrical engineers in senior management positions in NEPA and within the civil service to forestall this shortage? For example, Ontario with population of 8.5 million, the most populous of Canada's ten provinces and three territories and the nation's industrial heartbeat produces total Electrical Power of 30,481 Megawatts. Whereas Nigeria: with population of 135 million, only produces total electrical Power of 5902 Megawatts, operating most of the time at less than 50% efficiency until recently (PHCN) managed exclusively since 1972  by the defunct NEPA with a workforce of: 33,000.

Nigeria has three hydro power stations with combined installed capacity of --1,930 megawatts and six thermal power stations with combined capacity of-- 3,972 megawatts, mainly coal fired units and no natural-gas-fired generating stations. Whereas Currently, Ontario's electricity is generated as follows.

ND is committed to providing stable electricity in three and a half years if elected into power. This is yet another of our bond with the people”.

While in Abuja, Dr. Baba J Adamu, made a courtesy call to the Debt Management Director Dr. Mansur and congratulated their efforts on the debt settlement, he also visited the Daily trust Office in Abuja, the Thisday office in Abuja and met with Chairmen of other Political Parties as well as Senators and members of the National House of Assembly in Abuja.

Dr. Baba J Adamu is expected to travel to Kano, Abia, Oyo, Lagos and Bauchi states before the end of June, 2006