What-About-Us Debate: Candidates promise to tackle problems of education, corruption, security

As the 2011 general elections draw near, another presidential debate has been held today on the platform of the "Enough Is Enough Nigeria" � a coalition of youth groups in the country. The presidential candidates who attended the debate include Mr. Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria [ACN], Mr. Dele Momodu of the National Conscience Party [NCP]and Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau of the All Nigeria People's Party [ANPP] as they tackled issues on education, corruption, security and the economy. The event titled "what about us" which took place at the Yar�Adua centre in Abuja brought together the youths and other members of the public as they sought to find out what the presidential candidates have to offer Nigerians if they are voted into power. Speaking about Nigeria's education sector, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau said the sector is suffering not because there are no funds but mismanagement and improper funding. "Getting it wrong by those managing our affairs" Shekarau stressed. Speaking on what he will do if elected, the incumbent governor of Kano state spoke of his achievements in Kano state and how he will implement it at the national level. �I will make sure the quality of education improves as well as the quantity supplied to Nigerian students�. The former Chairman of the Economic and financial crimes commission [EFCC] Mallam Nuhu Ribadu said his own focus is on unemployment. Ribadu who said he sees himself as a young person with young ideas said he will tackle the problem of electricity, invest in construction, agriculture and the non-oil sector which will give rise to employment opportunities in the country. Dele Momodu on the other hand said his administration will reduce funds channelled into the personal comfort of government officials and invest it in empowering the youth and job creation in the country. All the candidates seemed to agree on one of the questions raised by observers, the fact that the benefits of the National Youth Service Corp [NYSC] out weight its disadvantages and should be retained. Courtesy Of: Punch