The Social Democratic Party, (SDP), THE Galloping Horse That Seeks A Better Nigeria For All

By Uchem Obi

The SDP, under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, is awake, stronger and better focused to help Nigeria and Nigerians to overcome the plagues that have clogged our wheels of progress. It is unfortunate and sad that a country so richly blessed would struggle in such dehumanizing poverty, forcing its citizens to scrape from hand to mouth. SDP as a party has evolved strategies to bring back our lost glory and reposition our country, not only as a giant in Africa, but as a global force to be reckoned with.

Nigeria needs a pragmatic party with answers to the critical issues that affect us all: the future of the country. As we strive to be recognized again as a major player on the global stage, we must acknowledge the challenges that hinder our progress. The SDP is a party with such insight, that believes that with committed approach, we can overcome these obstacles and lead Nigeria into a brighter future.

The kind of brighter future envisioned by our constitution, especially in Chapter 2 – “The Fundamental Objectives And Directive Principles Of State Policy.” This chapter ought to be the grundnorm for every government. It outlines the principles and objectives that should guide the governance of Nigeria and the responsibilities of the government towards its citizens. But Nigeria as it is now, is not an ideal country. What we have as political parties are just a movement of epicureans, motivated by only self aggrandizement and a dubious rush for the balkanization of our common wealth, to the detriment and deprivation of majority of Nigerians. SDP is the only ideological political movement in the country, that was fundamentally formed with the objective of promoting the welfare and security of the citizens. The provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution provide a framework for governance and they guide the actions of SDP as a party.

While other political groups see the provisions of Chapter 2 as not justiciable and therefore, easily circumvented, SDP as a political party sees the provisions as the only fundamental approach to good governance in the country. The philosophy and mandate of the party is woven around them, and therefore, the party’s commitment and focus to descalate individuals interests while promoting and protecting the interests of all citizens is the illuminated contrast between it and the others.

The party envisions a broader economic growth, driven by diversification beyond oil and gas. SDP seeks to lead the country back to agriculture, by harnessing the country’s vast arable land and investing in modern farming techniques. Nigeria can become a major food producer, reducing imports and creating jobs.

The recent report by the World Bank, that 139 million people in the country are living in multidimensional poverty, is alarming and requires urgent ideological approach, which has always been the focus of the SDP.

An SDP administration is poised to implement targeted poverty reduction programs, invest in education and healthcare, and create jobs through economic diversification, while establishing social safety nets and promoting good governance. The party believes that taking a comprehensive and urgent approach, leveraging multi stakeholders partnership and using data to inform decisions, will help the country make significant strides in reducing poverty and improving the well-being of its citizens.

The cardinal mission of the Social Democratic party is to ensure a firm farewell to poverty and insecurity.

The party’s vision underscores the potent need to invest substantially in the manufacturing sector. By establishing industries that add value to our natural resources, we can create employments opportunities and increase our GDP.

Technology is another core area that the party believes will transform our economy. By embracing innovation and investing in Tech infrastructure, we can position Nigeria as a hub for startups and digital entrepreneurship.

The country cannot achieve its potentials without adequate security. The party believes in the urgent need to strengthen our security agencies properly. Provision of adequate training, equipment and resources to tackle our security challenges is a primary focus of the party.

The party thinks that the place to begin is to address the root causes of insecurity in the country, by tackling poverty, unemployment and social inequality, which often fuel insecurity.

The SDP will foster community engagement which will encourage citizens to take ownership of their communities and work with security agencies to prevent crimes.

In the areas of general development, the party seeks investment in human capital, that will prioritize education, healthcare and vocational training, to create a skilled and healthy workforce.

The need for a robust improvement in infrastructure is Paramount, as the party is committed to developing modern transportation systems, energy and communication networks to support economic growth.

As far as the party is concerned, the promotion of good governance is not negotiable. The party is committed to transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in governance to build trust and confidence in our institutions.

The party’s vision for Nigeria is one where justice and progress is accessible to all Nigerians. It is a vision of prosperity, security and development. To create a nation where our diversity shall be our strength, not our weakness. A nation that is respected globally for its stability, innovation and growth.

To achieve this laudable vision for our great country, the party calls on all Nigerians to join in this journey. Together, we can gallop to progress and build a brighter future for ourselves, our children and generations to come.

Uchem Obi Esq. is Publicity Secretary of Anambra State Chapter of SDP.