Presidential candidates must be grilled on experience, capacity, record – Donald Duke
Duke Urges Thorough Vetting of Leadership Candidates Amid Nigeria’s Crisis
In a recent statement, Donald Duke, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Redemption Party and former governor of Cross River State, emphasized the urgent need for experienced leadership in Nigeria amidst ongoing economic and security challenges.
Duke cautioned that the country’s deteriorating conditions do not leave room for “experimental leadership.” He called for rigorous assessment of anyone aspiring to govern Nigeria, particularly focusing on their experience, skills, and plans for addressing the nation’s pressing issues.
“I don’t think we should be testing. We’re in such dire states right now,” Duke said. “We should grill whoever wants to take any responsible position in the public space today.”
While acknowledging the gravity of Nigeria’s situation, Duke expressed optimism that a change in direction could lead to recovery. “We’re already in a disaster. This is a disaster. But it’s repairable,” he stated.
Duke, who served as governor from 1999 to 2007, pointed to his administration’s record as evidence that governments can effectively spur economic growth by leveraging local strengths, particularly in agriculture and tourism. “We wanted to prove that every federating unit in this country could also be an economic unit,” he remarked. “We took our strengths – agriculture, with our incredible land mass, and tapped into tourism, which succeeded spectacularly.”
The former governor stressed that the role of government should be to foster an environment where citizens can achieve productivity, rather than simply administer governance. “The main essence, the main function of government is the optimal productivity of our citizens within a safe and orderly environment,” Duke explained.
He further argued that investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure is essential for improving living standards. “That’s why we send kids to school. That’s why we send them to hospitals. We build infrastructure — all toward the productivity of our citizens,” he said.
Duke highlighted the importance of developing legitimate economic activities to enhance citizens’ livelihoods. He noted that even traditional practices, such as preparing local dishes, can contribute to a better quality of life.
Regarding the Tinapa project initiated during his administration, Duke defended its vision, urging that its current challenges should not overshadow its initial intentions. “To the extent that it was commissioned a month before I left office, it was successful,” he stated, suggesting that subsequent administrations should be accountable for its ongoing viability.
In a critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Duke acknowledged the president’s political acumen but distinguished it from effective governance. “He’s a formidable politician. My issue with him is governance, not politics,” Duke noted, expressing concern over the worsening living conditions and insecurity in Nigeria. He described the increasing poverty rates as a troubling trend that must be addressed.
Duke emphasized that his criticisms are not assertions of superiority but are rooted in a belief in the necessity for improved governance structures. “I’ll put in place a better governance structure than Bola Tinubu. That’s my conviction,” he said.
Looking ahead, Duke stressed that the emerging opposition coalition must go beyond simply replacing the incumbent. “We also have to have sincerity of purpose. It’s not just to remove one and put another face,” he warned.
He called for a collaborative vision among opposition members to determine a collective direction for Nigeria. In his view, establishing a common objective is crucial for the coalition’s success.
“Once we have a commonality in objective, the next question is who is best suited for this?” Duke said, reiterating the urgency of finding the right leadership for Nigeria in its current state.
“I don’t think we should be testing,” he reiterated. “We’re in such dire states right now.”
