Mallam Saliu Mustapha, the Kwara Central Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the 2023 election, has reacted to his absence at the debate which was planned and organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents Chapel.
Mustapha has lettered the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondent Chapel, Mr. Hakeem Garba, informing him about the reason for his unavoidable absence.
Mustapha revealed via the statement that he embarked on a business trip oversea for an important engagement with his multinational business partners.
He stated that all efforts to make himself available for the debate on Monday proved abortive.
“Mr. Chairman, sir, you will recall that upon receiving the invitation letter for the debate on September 23, 2022, I wrote to inform the chapel of my inability to attend the debate on the rescheduled date due to my absence from the country.
“In the interim, I had made great effort to adjust my tight schedule abroad, but all attempts to ensure my physical presence at this morning’s debate were unsuccessful.”
The Green Chamber hopeful has tendered apology to the members of the chapel, the attentive audience and his fellow political actors from other political parties.
Mustapha has however enumerated his agenda for the tenth (10th) assembly, which he contests to be part of.
He said, “While all previous occupants of the office, including the incumbent, have endeavoured in various ways to justify their election and deliver their best, I am confident in my ability to provide our senatorial district with even more commendable representation.”
Mustapha’s four cardinal points (agenda), include advocacy for reforms and laws, collaboration with the Kwara State Government and reduction of poverty through integrated empowerment programs.
- Initiation and advocacy for laws and reforms that will improve people’s quality of life, safety, and well-being.
- Collaboration with the Kwara State Government, lawmakers, religious and traditional institutions, and pressure groups to fast track development of communities.
- Reduction of poverty through empowerment programmes and increased employment opportunities, vocational and entrepreneurial trainings.
- Developing the human capital assets of our communities through deliberate policies and initiatives that improve our people’s well-being.
“All of these things and more are on my agenda, not because they are politically expedient, but because I am determined to help improve the lot of my people.”
“If I have consistently done what I could for our people and communities for nearly two decades through my non-profit organisation, the Saliu Mustapha Foundation, I am optimistic that I will have an even greater impact as an elected representative of the people.”
