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HAVE YOU HEARD? Atiku condemns killings, says Nigeria’s diversity, its strength.

  

Atiku condemns killings, says Nigeria’s diversity, its strength.

Abuja, Nigeria, 03 January, 2018: Former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has described as unacceptable the cycle of blood-letting that has led to the loss of precious lives across the country.

Atiku Abubakar made the charge against the backdrop of recent killings in Rivers, Kaduna, Benue and other parts of the country including the Wednesday early morning suicide bombing attack, at Gamboru Mosque in Borno, barely three days into the New Year.

The Waziri Adamawa, according to a statement by his media office in Abuja on Wednesday, said the killings in those states, and other senseless killings and reprisal blood-letting that has preceded them in the past across our country is ungodly, a throwback to the stone age, and a hindrance to the promotion of peace and unity in the country.

Atiku Abubakar stressed that the diversity of Nigeria remains one of its strongest points, reminding leaders of all persuasion and at all levels to ensure that they promote the things that unite us rather than those that create divisions.

“That the Almighty in His Wisdom made us a nation of different tongues and tribes; made us Africa’s most populous nation with more than 300 tribes is no accident. If well enhanced, our diversity should be our biggest strength.

“There cannot be development when innocent lives are being lost in a seeming endless cycle of attacks and reprisals. While we should hold every life as precious, it is more painful that the victims of these attacks are women and youths – the demography that we depend upon to drive development.”

Atiku Abubakar urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of the New Year to reflect on these needless killings and to resolve to live in peace and harmony.

He prays for fortitude to the bereaved families.

61, Ebitu Ukiwe Street

Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria.

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A MUST READ: As History beckons on Atiku Abubakar once again!

As History beckons on Atiku Abubakar once again!

By Valentine Amala Ulasi

Call him a cat with nine lives; Alhaji Atiku Abubakar popularly called Turaki Adamawa is a man who has bestrode the nation's political space like a colossus and can go down well as the most influential Vice President ever in the history of democratic rule in Nigeria.

After a successful career at the Nigeria Customs which saw him rose to the rank of a Deputy Comptroller  and after an eventful career which spanned 25 years, he took a bow from service in 1989 at the age of 43.

He ventured into an oil Servicing  business known as  Integrated and Logistics Services (INTEL) which he had established in 1980s with an Italian partner named Volpi which has grown into a multi-billion naira business providing over 15,000 jobs in Nigeria and other African countries, and paying hefty dividends to its shareholders.

The Turaki Adamawa was elected governor of Adamawa State in 1998 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but was later selected by the PDP presidential candidate, Olusegun Obasanjo as his running mate.

Atiku has made indelible marks in Nigerian politics and has moderated all topical political issues with unassailable logic and candour.

His incisive and penetrating perspectives on national issues cannot be faulted either. When other eminent politicians were prevaricating on former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure elongation bid, Atiku vehemently opposed it.

The Turaki Adamawa also spoke strongly in favour of restructuring the country even when notable northern political elites have spoken against it. Without any fear of contradiction, Atiku has stridently postulated that Nigeria will not fare well if not restructured.

His business interests cut across real estate, oil servicing beverages and higher education. Atiku established the American University of Nigeria (AUN) Adamawa. Modeled after the American university system, the AUN is, no doubt, one of the best private universities in the country today.

As the nation continues to drift into State of hopelessness under the watch of president Buhari, history beckons on Turaki Adamawa to step into the ring and stop the drift.

#Atikuforpresident#

Ya Kpotuba
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What Nigerians Should Know; What If ATIKU Fails?

What If ATIKU Fails...

By Ikuku Amanoya.

In 2019, the choice that Nigeria as a nation is faced with is a choice that would either put a nail on its coffins or that which would raise the dying giant back to life. It is to say a 'do or die' affair. It's a do or die affair not in the sense that politicians would have to do everything possible to get to power. Rather it is a do or die affair in the sense that the choice we would make this time would either do (make) us or die (send) us to where we are already headed to ...... oblivion. 

This is about who would lead the once great Nigeria out of the impending doom or who is already bent on leading the country to a nowhere but anarchy, tyranny, militancy , gory deaths, hunger, joblessness, hopelessness, crimes, corruption; name it! I have had times to discuss with fellows on what they think about the future of Nigeria after 2019. Some are of the view that there is no hope for the 'cursed' nation, that we would never get it right. Others hold that the current leadership has succeeded in confirming that there is no hope by even thinking of re-contesting in the coming election. Hence ensuring that indeed Nigeria is cursed! I was not only worried about how far our people have lost hope in the leadership but also how terrible the situation has deteriorated in weakening the tenacity of a once resilient people. I was forced to further discuss who would bring a solution. Who would restore the hope of a once giant of a powerful continent. Many who robbed minds with me hold the view that the situation is further complicated with ethnic hatred, selfishness, partisan blindness, lack of the value of the common good, clannishness; name it. These factors would make it almost impossible to arrive at a good choice. I am not a proponent of zoning. I would scrap it some day when I do have my way. However, so far it is still a strong issue in Nigeria. The South East is due to produce the president. The North would want to complete her eight years. And one would ask: which is more plausible? I think facing reality would suggest that there's more plausibility that the North should continue in 2019. However sentiments would tempt one, this is reality times. So, what can the North offer? Who have they got to step in in this very dire times of 'do or die'? The task is tough, really. And past history has not made it any easier. 

Nonetheless, there are so many people in the North who are interested in the job of number one citizen of Nigeria. But reality again would force keen followers to narrow down to two major gladiators. The incumbent president who has been adjudged by almost all and sundry to have failed the nation one more time having failed woefully three decades ago is still interested in re-contesting in 2019.

ATIKU Abubakar who was the former Vice President under Olusegun Obasanjo is obviously interested in taking over from the incumbent. There are equally ably qualified contenders as far as one can see at the moment. The journey has started along with accusations and counter accusations that go with our type of politics. Hope it would not escalate into witch-hunts and intimidations that have always been a custom. Now back to the candidates. Many think that with these two as major options, we do not still have great choices. But again, many have expressed that the difference between ATIKU and the incumbent is like Heaven and Hell. Many like me would definitely think that BUHARI deserves no third chance. He had his first chance three decades ago and the nation was plunged into an economic desert that it had never experienced since amalgamation. The same man came back severally begging for a second chance. He was severally rejected because the scars of his terrible leadership had not left the masses even after three decades. Then in 2014, he came back to beg for this same chance. In one of his interviews with the CNN, Buhari told the world that it would be unfair for Nigerians to keep judging him with his leadership of over three decades ago. In 2015, he eventually got, or rather took, his second chance. And what a chance it's turned out! Woes upon woes! The leadership is adjudged by many who witnessed his previous regime as comparatively worse. Now the same Muhammad Buhari is asking for a third chance!!!

Now, many colleagues of mine ask me: “What if ATIKU fails?”

 

Well, my answer is very clear. ATIKU is better educated, exposed and experienced. Everyone ought to be considered partly based on their interests and leanings. Buhari loves cows. That may explain why cows matter in this administration more than humans. In the high ways, in the schools, in the churches, in the private farms. The Fulani herdsmen have been audaciously having a field day in this administration whenever Buhari is in the country. Do you remember the last time anyone talked about these murderers when the president was abroad? On the other hand ATIKU loves businesses, quality education, building industries. Just like Fulani herdsmen boomed in Buhari’s administration, it would largely follow that those in these sectors of; businesses, quality education, building of industries would audaciously boom. 

To those who continuously ask what if ATIKU fails, these are my personal considerations and convictions. I do not think ATIKU would fail. Indices do not postulate such retrogression. As far as I am concerned the ‘Turakin Adamawa’ presents one last chance to 'do' rather than 'die'. #AtikuForPresident

#AtikulatedNigeria is possible

@ah2h2019

A MUST READ: Is Atiku Truly Desperate?

Is Atiku Truly Desperate?

By Tai Emeka Obasi.

Nigeria is known for extreme political tussles with this struggle to rule mankind getting to volatile levels in some occasions. But since the social media became the new order of easy and wider media circulation the Nigerian political terrain has witnessed new level of desperation and character assassinations in the name of pushing opponents over the contentious bar. The word ‘propaganda’ has been redefined to mean outright lies and deceit. And since there are no editors to checkmate one’s vomit in name of supporting an ally or subduing the opposition it’s become a field day of utter disgusting concoctions in the name of articles.

Last presidential elections in 2015 witnessed a very alarming degree of this redefined jet age tactic that the eventual winner of the two-way contest, retired General Muhammadu Buhari, masquerading under the kings of this latest surge, APC, literally strolled into Aso Rock based on the propaganda of quantum lies and deceits. Today, nearing three years of cumulative failures with measures to promises made, the APC propaganda machine is building up once more, with 2019 firmly in mind. Their searchlight is beamed on the biggest threat to their hoodwink – former Vice President Alhaji  Atiku Abubakar, Turakin Adamawa. One of such myriad of lies in name of the so-called propaganda is that the Turaki of Adamawa is desperate for power. They quickly put up instances in which the former Custom’s boss had tried to be president all in the past.

Yes, HE Atiku Abubakar had tried on few occasions to be president of this country but what acts within those honest attempts could truly be attributed to desperation? The late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua introduced Atiku to politics. That was in 1989 at age 43. Hear the Turaki himself, “Look, you are good, you relate well with people. I think you will make a good politician. Why don’t you join me in politics”, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua said to me one day. That was how it all started. The Yar’Adua Group, as we came to be known, wanted to build a bridge across the old fault lines of ethnicity, religion and region.’’ From that moment he remained loyal to the man who mentored him politically. When then military president, Badamosi Babangida lifted ban on politics and Yar’Adua angled to be president, Atiku supported his mentor with everything in him. IBB eventually banned Yar’Adua from further participation. And Atiku lamented, ‘ I had no doubt in my mind that he would have made a good President. He had a vision and he knew how to bring good people together to achieve his goals.’’ But IBB would scuttle all that. Having seen the qualities of the young Atiku (then 46) Yar’Adua supported the Turaki to run for presidency after he was banned. Now, it starts getting interesting.

They were in SDP, Chief MKO Abiola was equally in SDP. But somehow, Babagana Kingibe, the chairman of the party, who was a member of the Yar’Adua’s PDM suddenly picked up presidential aspirations. And despite the fact that the PDM saw this as a betrayal, Kingibe stuck to his guns. Hence these three heavyweights sweated towards the final primaries. Seeing Kingibe posed real threat, the PDM persuaded Atiku to drop his ambitions and then throw their weight behind Abiola. While striking the understanding, Abiola was made to agree he would pick Atiku as running mate. Atiku and PDM supported Abiola who beat Kingibe. But guess what? Abiola reneged on the agreement and dumped Atiku for Kingibe. This enraged Yar’Adua so much that the PDM founder swore to withdraw PDM’s support for Abiola during the main election. But Atiku went to his political mentor and begged him to support Abiola or Alhaji Tofar wins. But Yar’Adua would not budge. So the Turaki went to one man he knew his mentor wouldn’t say no to – former head-of-state, Olusegun Obasanjo. Atiku met Obasanjo at his farm and prevailed on him to talk Yar’Adua into supporting Abiola. Obasanjo did. And Yar’Adua succumbed. Now, who in his right senses would call Atiku’s actions here as an act of a man desperate to become president? By then political calculations would mean eight years of Abiola, possibly another eight years of Kingibe….and then whatever followed. But Atiku was only determined for one thing – to push Babangida and the Army out of power. And for that he was willing to sacrifice anything. Whoever became the president didn’t matter, provided it was one capable enough. He, like most Nigerians, believed Abiola was capable.

But again, the monster ever holding Nigeria back entered Banbangida and his cabal…and they annulled the freest and fairest election ever held in Nigeria half-way through announcement of results and when it became glaring Abiola won the historic exercise. Enter ING’s Ernest Shoknekan, and shortly after Gen Sani Abacha. Abacha’s reign became another tough passage in our history. Suddenly the man from Kano built his own cabal and another vicious plot to hold onto power permanently began. Abiola was slapped into detention along with many politicians. Intimidation, maiming and outright assassination ruled. Yar’Adua and Obasanjo found themselves in Abacha’s dungeons, accused, convicted and detained for a coup that was hugely described as phantom. Then another interesting matter. While Yar’Adua was being detained, Abacha invited Atiku, told him straight to jettison Yar’Adua and PDM for his own (Abacha’s) new political structure. To which Atiku firmly declined. Knowing the danger of saying no to Abacha then, no one in his/her right senses would describe the Turaki’s risky option as desperation for power. Atiku showed what principle and loyalty meant by not betraying a man who then had already been condemned by Abacha’s court for coup plot. But his refusal had consequences. He miraculously survived a gun-battle attack on his residence where six policemen and a guard lost their lives. He had to leave the country. And even when his passport was seized and his movements closely monitored by the SSS, Atiku through his contacts, got smuggled out of the country. Where he was in America, he was making contact and struggles for America and her allies to intervene in Abacha’s crass abuse of human rights. Abacha’s death didn’t come early enough to save that man Yar’Adua, who died while in Abacha’s custody. But Obasanjo survived. The rest may be history but we won’t conclude it without mentioning that Atiku was part of the delegation who went to persuade Obasanjo to accept to run for presidency in 1999. The Turaki of Adamawa was not interested in running with Obasanjo. He believed Obasanjo would make a good president, especially at that very critical moment in our nation’s attempt at another democracy.

Again, chasing the army out of power and embracing democracy were Atiku’s driving force. He had already won governorship of Adamawa State before Obasanjo surprisingly chose him as running mate. Every political calculator in the country then had Alhaji Abubakar Rimi as eventual Obasanjo’s running mate. So he abandoned governing his state to being a second-in-command. Again he wanted to contribute to truly enthroning democracy in the nation instead of being the king in his state. Again that was a patriotic act and never that of one desperate for power. And when his relationship with then President Obasanjo turned sour, Atiku had all the structure in his palms to have effectively restricted his boss to one term and become the president in 2003. But he didn’t. He eventually supported his boss for eight years. That was no act any man desperate for power undertakes. When Obasanjo schemed him out four years later for vehemently kicking against OBJ’s third term agenda, Atiku still supported the younger Yar’Adua – Umaru to become president in 2007. Again it wasn’t any act of desperation. He left PDP based on personal conviction the PDP had lost focus. It wasn’t because he desperately wanted to be president. He left APC based on same principle that the country was not yet on the right track. If he declares interest to run, it won’t be out of desperation. It would be because he hates the situation Nigeria is in and most importantly because he has all necessary capabilities to effect genuine change. If there’s anyone desperate for power in Nigeria presently it should be a man who has never been known to have supported anyone else but himself to be president since a military coup eased him out of office in 1985. A man who records suggest is nearer 90 years than his eyes are nearer his nose … but who insists of a second term after a first term of monumental failure. Now, that is what I call the grandpa of all desperations! #AtikuForPresident

#AtikulatedNigeria is possible

@ah2h2019