…BLAMES COVID 19 PANDEMIC FOR ADMINISTRATION’S SLOW PROGRESS
The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on Monday, said his 2023 presidental ambition is still in the hand of God.
He said that the rumour about his interest in the Presidency in 2023 remains a speculation.
Lawan stated this while responding to questions from State House Correspondents after joining other residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on a Sallah homage to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to the Senate President, his joining the 2023 presidential race under the All Progressives Congress (APC), would be determined by God.
He said for now his mandate was to ensure the stability of the country to enable those with political interests to forge ahead with their ambitions.
He disclosed that the Buhari-led administration has been working to put the country in shape through the full implementation of the budget.
He explained further that it is only when the country and it’s economy are stabilised, that the people would have a place to contest elections.
“I thought you were going to ask me about what we want to do in 2022. We passed the budget for 2022, a budget for consolidation of what we have been able to achieve in 2020, when we had an implementation of 100%.
“2022 has just finished, another 100% implementation of budget and we’re looking forward to ensure that the 2022 budget is also implemented by 100%.
“If we stabilize our economy, we stabilize our country, then people can contest, but for now everything is speculative and I believe that God, in His infinite mercy, will show us the way.” He said.
Lawan pleaded with the citizens to shun partisianship and work towards making the country a better organised society.
He equally observed that but for two recessions and the COVID-19 pandemics, the country would have been in a better condition by now.
“Today, we are happy to say that we’re still making progress, but would have done far better if we hadn’t had the COVID interruption.
“So, I believe that as a nation, we are moving in the right direction and President Muhammadu Buhari is giving us the leadership that we need.
“And all that we need to do is to continue to support our leaders, continue to support our government and it’s in the best interest of everyone.
“Let no politics, let no partisanship, let no sentiments derail any of our programs and projects because you need to have a Nigeria first if you are running to take over government at whatever level.
“You need to have a country, you need to have a stable country, you need to have a peaceful country in first place and if you do that, you can contest, for example. But as individuals, we have a date with a history.
“How much do we give to our nation? How much do we sacrifice for the sake of others in our communities and in our country? That determines a lot how far we can go because if we decide to be selfish, then I’m sorry, we may not make that kind of progress that we believe can take us to the Eldorado.” He stated.
