A senatorial aspirant from Kogi central senatorial district on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Natasha Akpoti, on Tuesday vowed to use legislation to drive Industrialisation through steel sector reform
She said she was also ready to promote host communities rights via Social Justice.
Speaking with newsmen in Lokoja, the state capital, she said her major policy trust would be the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel complex and all other ailing steel companies in Nigeria.
According to her, a functioning Ajaokuta steel complex was capable of generating huge employment opportunities to the citizenry, high revenue generation to the country, technology transfer among other benefits.
“I would push for reforms in the steel sector, the creation of the steel laws, the creation for the steel authorities and so much more to ensure that social justice is included in the constitution”, she said.
She said her aspiration to the Senate was geared towards boosting the economy of the state and work with the present administration to promote policies that would place control of common natural resources in the hands of citizens.
“It is unethical, unwise for some persons to keep holding on to the dark age that government is responsible for the economic growth and development of a nation”. She said
Akpoti stressed the need to create a responsive government framework which shall stimulate the entrepreneurial ecosystem to support the growth of new businesses in Kogi Central, attract private sector investment.
Akpoti said, “It is also worthy to note that I will push for inclusive governance which forms the fundamental principles of what the SDP stands for.
“It is all about bringing government closer to the grassroots, ensuring that their voices are captured and represented, ensuring that laws and government meet the weakest of those in our society”.
She said her people had been marginalised from the necessity of government, adding that the people had been neglected over social justice and economic development.
“So I can be the voice of the voiceless, though I have been a known advocate for the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company, and we have achieved some milestone that’s not enough and there is so much that needs to be done”, she added.
Akpoti said apart from the right to life as enshrined in the constitution, she would also advocate for rights to potable water, good roads, quality education adequate healthcare delivery and inclusive governance which she said the SDP stands for.
“Although Social Objectives are captured in the second Chapter, section 17 under the Fundamental Objectives and Directives Principles of State Policy in the same Constitution, it is NOT a right. Objectives of government are different from the RIGHTS of citizens.
It’s important to mention that the dividends of Democracy can only be derived when the laws spelling out the legal and political rights of citizens also recognise Social and Economic rights”.
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