Buhari's Minister, Ogbonnaya Onu Declares For Presidency, Says He Has The Experience To Lead Nigeria

Onu, who made his intention known in Abuja on Friday, while urging his party and the electorate to elect him as the country's "Chief Servant" said that Nigeria can no longer deepened on foreign countries for its salvation as it has its key to unlock its own prosperity.

"This key is a knowledge economy driven by science, technology and innovation. This is so because no nation has ever become truly great, whether in ancient or modern times, without the efficient and effective deployment of science, technology and innovation to nation-building.

"I am convinced that I have the knowledge, the experience, the credibility, the education having been trained in one of the best universities in the world, the vision, the integrity, maturity and a man who can be trusted.

"I most respectfully ask my political party, the APC, to elect me as its presidential candidate, and the people of Nigeria to elect me as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for me to be the chief servant of the nation."

The former governor of Abia further described himself as a "man of great compassion", adding that under him the state provided free treatment in public hospitals.

"As a man of great compassion, and also believing that women are great builders of nations, I did not want any pregnant woman or child to die either during pregnancy or childbirth, which are the most challenging periods in any woman's life, just because the woman cannot afford to pay hospital bills.

"Hence, all pregnant women received free treatment in public hospitals," the presidential hopeful said.

"I want all Nigerians, particularly the youth to know that Nigeria has a bright future. Let there be nothing that can make any Nigerian lose hope about the future of Nigeria.

"The Almighty God that created us, gave our dear nation, everything that she needs to be a leader in the world. Working together, we will make use of knowledge economy driven by STI to make Nigeria truly great."