A presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, says he is willing to give all it takes to resolve Nigeria’s intractable nationwide security crisis.
Speaking on insecurity, Mr Hayatu-Deen disclosed that his sister was kidnapped and held captive for three years, describing the experience as traumatic for his family.
“My sister was abducted and held for three years. This issue is personal to me in ways very few public officials can understand,” Mr Hayatu-Deen stated.
He pledged that his administration, if elected president, would designate bandit groups and kidnap syndicates as terrorist organisations.
The ADC aspirant also promised to pursue financiers of violent crimes aggressively and strengthen regional security cooperation with neighbouring countries to tackle cross-border criminal activities effectively.
“These are not second-term promises. They are priorities that will begin from the first day in office,” Mr Hayatu-Deen declared.
Mr Hayatu-Deen described the ADC as a party founded with citizens’ welfare at the centre of its political vision and programmes.
He concluded by urging young Nigerians and ADC members to mobilise massively ahead of the party’s presidential primary election
“Vote for jobs, safer communities, disciplined leadership, and competence. Vote for a Nigeria that places young people first,” the presidential aspirant appealed
Mr Hayatu-Deen stated this on Thursday during a youth town hall held in Abuja, ahead of the party’s presidential primary scheduled for May 25.
Mr Hayatu-Deen lamented that more than 18 million Nigerian children remained out of school, while millions of graduates struggled to secure employment opportunities nationwide.
He noted that his campaign remained focused on jobs, security, and the future of young Nigerians through policies aimed at reducing poverty and insecurity nationwide.
Mr Hayatu-Deen unveiled proposals guaranteeing 100 days of public work annually for low-income Nigerians and tax incentives for businesses employing NIN-verified workers from vulnerable communities.
“Jobs are not only economic policy; they are also security policy. Every employed young Nigerian reduces recruitment into crime, banditry, extremism, and violence,” Mr Hayatu-Deen added.