Okiro to contest for Senate
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- Category: Politics
- Published on Friday, 24 September 2010 05:02
- Written by Next
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A former Inspector-general of Police, Mike Okiro, yesterday joined the increasing number of public figures that will be contesting in the 2011 general elections.
The 62-year-old retired police boss is expected to publicly declare his intention today for the sole senatorial seat in the Federal Capital Territory. He announced that he will contest on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). If his bid is to be successful, he must first overcome the incumbent, Siddi Alli, who is vying for another term, Philip Aduda who represents the FCT in the House of Representatives and Ireti Kingibe who will be making her third attempt to win the much coveted Senate seat.
Mr Okiro picked up his nomination form earlier this week at the Garki ward of the PDP in the FCT.
The ex-police boss promised to "bring about positive development in the nation's capital and also bring about face-lift to FCT" if he gets the mandate.
As part of his declaration tour, Mr Okiro visited Abaji local council. While at the palace of the traditional ruler, Adamu Yunusa, he said, "I will utilize my wealth of experience in the police to serve residents of FCT."
While receiving the former police boss, Mr Yunusa said he was not happy at the level of marginalisation his area has been subjected to over the years. The traditional ruler warned that "if Abuja city is not decentralised, it will become a failed capital like Lagos."
If Mr Okiro wins the seat, he will be joining the league of retired police officers in the upper chamber: Nuhu Aliyu a retired DIG, and Simeon Oduoye.
