The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Canada, Omololu Akpata, says the emergence of Bola Tinubu as president will stop the exodus (‘japa’) of Nigerians abroad.

In a telephone interview from Canada on Wednesday, Mr Akpata said the emergence of Mr Tinubu as president would tackle the “japa phenomenon.’’

The APC chieftain said, “Well, the idea of ‘japa’ is not new in our human history. Immigration has been one powerful vehicle in how diverse our world has become. It is true that there’s a spike in the number of young people eager to leave the country due to the general sense that the country is not working for them economically.”

Mr Akpata added, “However, our country is not in a state of war. So, this is a voluntary exit and not a forced one. Nigeria has so much to offer her citizens that they cannot find abroad; that is why I see ‘japa’ as a temporary phenomenon that will eventually fizzle, especially when unemployment is reduced to bare minimum.”

The APC chieftain said Mr Tinubu was the only presidential candidate who could harness the many gifts nature bequeathed to Nigeria.

According to him, the presidential candidate and his running mate Kashim Shettima are the best men in the election.

“We live in Canada, and we are witnesses to how Canada has managed her great resources to the benefit of individual citizens and the country at large. If elected, our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will harness Nigeria’s resources for the country’s development,” stated the APC stalwart.

Mr Akpata added that Mr Tinubu’s “antecedents show him as a visionary and transformative leader who understands that poverty is often at the root of most societal challenges,” citing his “legacy” as a governor in Lagos.

“Shettima is not just smart. He is perceptive and sharp-witted, a problem solver. They are indeed a winning combination,” Mr Akpata said. “In the remaining few weeks before the election, we plan to intensify our efforts in as many areas as necessary for Tinubu’s victory come February.’’ 

(NAN)