Accra, May 29 GNA - The Accra Polytechnic (A-Poly) Branch of the Tertiary Education Students Confederacy (TESCON) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has endorsed Alhaji Abu-Bakar Saddique Boniface, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing for the Vice Presidential slot of the NPP to partner Nana Akuffo-Addo for the December 2008 elections. A statement issued and signed by Mr Prince Osei Asiamah and Mr Adjei Ransford Adjetey, Vice President and Secretary respectively of A-Poly TESCON said a careful assessment of the performance, contributions, public appeal and competence of Alhaji Saddique stands tall among other personalities that have come-up in the media as possible running mate of Nana Akuffo-Addo. The group said Alhaji Saddique's vigour and affability make him a more popular politician than many of his age and combining his vision and youthful exuberance is what is needed to partner Nana Akufo-Addo for the crucial election.

The statement said his popularity and ability to attract floating voters was not limited to any religious or ethnic group but cut across the country as well as his capability to break the NDC's monopoly over the Zongo votes which was very crucial for the December elections. The group said Alhaji Saddique's competence as Member of Parliament for Salaga and Minister of State was unbeatable. The statement said his handling of the Dagbon crisis as the Northern Regional Minister who succeeded in bringing the disputing parties together, first for the installation of a Regent and then the successful burial of the late Ya-Na of course not discounting the role of the three eminent chiefs won him many admiration in the country and saw his elevation to cabinet status. The statement said Alhaji Saddique was famous as a Minister of Youth, Manpower and Employment for the introduction and implementation of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) which have employed over 107,000 young men and women. The youth policy have helped many of the youth today who might have been jobless, and no wonder, he is the toast of the youth across the country.