By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Barrister Yahaya Washiri has averred that his party boasts of fielding the best candidates across board.
Washiri expressed this, while fielding questions from newsmen after a discussion organised by a non partisan group, Face 2 Face in Kaduna on Sunday.
“I have a lot of respect for People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, PDP was there for 16 years, APC has also been there for almost eight years, the electorate should be able to judge both parties performance.
“Although the NNPP has been in existence for almost 20 years, our candidates are the best ahead of the 2023 elections. Right from the presidential, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, here in Kaduna State for governor, we have Senator Urhman Hunkuyi,” he said.
Barrister Washiri said that for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, the incumbent representative, Honourable Yakubu Barde of the PDP has failed to provide dividends of democracy to the electorate.
“We are aware that Honourable Yakubu Barde has been there for 19 years, but we have never seen any dividends of democracy that has trickled down to the people of his constituency. No single federal presence.
“We believe his performance is below standard. We do believe if some of us are given the chance, we would do better,” he said.
When asked about how he would tackle insecurity affecting the constituency if he wins the polls, he said that ensuring security is an executive funstion.
“By international best practices it is the duty of executive to take care of security. At Federal we have the Commander-in-Chief.
“However, security involves everybody. As a lawmaker, through oversight function, the issue of security could be taken care of,” he said.
On calls for the establishment of State Police, he expressed reservation, saying that issue of security is not political, but if State Police is created, executive might use it against their opponents.
“It is likely going to be abused I would advocate rather, that the presence of policemen is increased through more recruitment,” he submitted.
