Gov candidate prays for ACN, CPC alliance

The Congress for Progressive Change governorship candidate in Ogun State, Mr. Olawale Okunniyi, on Tuesday, said he had embarked on fasting to make sure that the presidential alliance talk between his party and the Action Congress of Nigeria yielded positive result. Okunniyi, who described the talk as desirable, added that his party was willing if the ACN was also willing to present a common front. “I am praying that the talk will work. The progressives need to come together to present a common front if we must push the ruling PDP out of power. With the alliance, we have a high chance of winning,” he said. Okunniyi spoke at a stakeholders’ forum in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, where he revealed his plan and policy for the state. The CPC candidate said the thrust of his administration would be exemplary leadership, zero tolerance for corruption and all-inclusive government. He said he would empower the youths by guaranteeing employment for all employable youths and graduates within his first 100 days in office. He also said he would increase and pay N25, 000 bursary to all Oguns State students in higher institutions of learning and initiate an enduring plan for affordable housing, urban and rural development among others. “Funds are available for all these projects; only that they are being stolen. We will do nothing of such but use the money generated for the betterment of our people in Ogun State. My word is my bond and I promise to be faithful to the state.” Okunniyi, who described the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the last National Assembly election as average, said his party did not do well in the state because of late preparation. “But I am very optimistic about the presidential and the governorship elections. We have our priority right now. Our candidate will be voted in as the next president, while I will come in as the Ogun State governor, come May 29, 2011,” he said. By Francis Falola and Sesan Olufowobi, Abeokuta Courtesy Of: Punch