A former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has revealed that he would still take a shot at the presidency if he has the opportunity.
Duke disclosed this in Lagos on Tuesday when he spoke at a programme, ‘‘The Nigerian Symposium for Emerging Leaders.’’
He explained that it was because of his preference for the presidential seat that he did not vie for any federal legislative seat after serving out his terms as governor.
He said that though he once aspired to the position of President and did not emerge the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he would still contest for the highest office in the country at the appropriate time.
“I do not have the flair for the legislature; standing up and sitting down at the chambers to raise a point. That was why I did not contest for the Senate but the presidency, after serving out my term as governor.
“I contested the presidency before; I will still give it a shot when the opportunity presents itself. I believe I still have the energy in me,” he said.
He however canvassed the reform of the country’s political system to accommodate wider participation and good governance and suggested the review of the electoral law to allow for independent candidacy.
Duke said that the country’s democracy would fare better if young people, who form the larger proportion of the population, took more active part in its political process, adding that most developed countries had young people as their leaders at one point or the other in their democratic history.
He however urged young people to participate in the political process and use their prime to add value to the country, saying power was never given easily.
“I want to urge young people in the country not to see leadership as if it belongs to some people, but do everything positive to be part of it. You can only make a difference at the prime of your life.
“You can actually add value now, not when you are above 50. So, you need to be part of the political process and play your part. It is your right to be there; nobody is doing you a favour.
“You represent more than 60 per cent of the population; you don’t have to beg for it. Just make effort to make that change and contribute your quota to nation building,” he said.
Also at the event, Seun Onigbinde, Chief Executive Officer of Budgit, called on governments at all levels to always carry the people along in their budgetary proposals and implementation to achieve accountability.
