THISDAYonline

Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), General Mamman Kontagora (rtd), said yesterday that he would contest the the 2007 presidency on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Kontagora spoke to a group of party supporters at the FCT Secretariat of the party, where he had gone to donate 30 bags of millet to Muslim members of the party who are observing the Ramadan fast. He quickly assured that during Christmas period, he would make donations to Christian members of the party.

Kontagora said his presidential ambition was anchored on the desire to better the lots of the people, stressing that "I am here to tell you that I am still interested in improving the life of the people; I am here to reconnect and to tell you that I am available?"

According to him, "it took me three months for me to give my consent for the posters announcing my intention to be pasted on available structures in the street. Nevertheless, I am still gauging the mood of the people before I commence full-blown campaign?"

It should be noted that the former FCT minister was defeated at the PDP primaries to elect the senatorial candidate for the FCT by the current Senator Isa Maina. But Kontangora declared yesterday that he was not and would not be deterred by the defeat.

According to him "I would keep trying and trying. I am coming out to serve the people?"

He explained that he would push for the rehabilitation of displaced persons in the FCT in the wake of its designation and construction as the political capital of Nigeria.

According to him, "I would liaise with councilors from the FCT and other relevant stakeholders on the packaging of a bill that would seek clearer definition of Abuja so as to help the residents benefit more from government?"

Kontagora is rated high as one of the former Ministers of the FCT that performed very well while in office.