By Emeka Amaefula
ATIKU ABUBAKAR UNITES, CALLS FOR ONE NIGERIA IN 2023
The Former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar had called for the unity of Nigeria as one indivisible nation. He said this in his declaration speech at Abuja on Wednesday, 23rd of March, 2022. The declaration has former Vice President Namadi Sambo; former Governor of Niger state Babangida Aliyu former Governor Kogi state Idris Wada’ former Governor of plateau state David Jang, Former Governor of Kaduna state Ramalan Yero, former Governor of Imo state Emeka Ihedioha; Former Deputy Governor Akwa Ibom state Patrick Ikpotu. Others present were High chief Dr. (Mrs.) Evangelist Aleruchi Nice Toboulayefa Alamieyeseigha South South Women leader of Atiku Support Organization; Senator Ben Obi; Senator Dagash and Honourable Muazu Magaji and former Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria Maina waziri. The Waziri of Adamawa condemned how the incumbent administration of All Progressives Congress-APC has divided Nigeria using security, agitation for separation and other divisive tendencies to make Nigerians suffer untold hardship. He therefore urged Nigerians not to give up amidst the daunting challenges.
Addressing the mammoth crowd that graced the Declaration he narrated his humble beginning in life as he battled rustic economic background from being a Cattle herder to rising to become Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria and owner of successful businesses across Nigeria. He therefore pledged to give Nigeria credible leadership come 2023 as he offered himself to be that man on a rescue mission to salvage Nigeria from the present sinking ship being led by the APC government.
The Peoples Democratic Party -PDP Presidential Candidate hopeful therefore took his audience down memory lane of how he went under political tutelage of late Shehu Musa Yar’adua and Moshood K.O Abiola. He took an interest into key programmes of his administration if voted into office come February 23rd, 2023 as he will focus on Unifying Nigeria, tackling security issues while reviving the economic sector. Other areas include Education as he identifies himself as a unifier promising a new Nigeria where everybody will have equal voice and equal opportunities. The Waziri of Adamawa promised to deliver quality leadership where justice and fairness shall be paramount in his administration.
He identified the failures of APC led government as he will not take the welfare of Nigerians for granted including that of Service personnel who secure the Nation. He bemoaned the lapses of APC in the ravaging poor economic policies which has brought the exchange rate to an intolerable state as he stated that if he can manage his businesses and grew them to an enviable height it shows that he can manage Nigeria to a successful and boisterous economy. The cardinal policy of his administration shall offer free Education to Nigerians with an offer of inclusive governance that will adhere to policies that will be reviewed to meet with the changing global trends.
He identified with Nigerian Youths who he admitted will be handed power to having seen his incoming administration as a transitory one that will focus in having agile youth to lead Nigeria saying “after rain come sunshine”
The amiable political stalwart expressed gratitude for the teeming crowd of supporters who honoured him with their presence while appreciating everyone that made the occasion a successful one.
The colourful declaration for the 2023 Presidential bid witnessed the presence of various Supporters Groups and high-profile dignitaries with the Governor of Adamawa state Ahmed Fintiri and former Governor Boni Haruna all present. One of the visible groups included Atiku Abubakar support Organization-ASO-2023 a political pressure group of PDP. Among very high-profile political figures that graced the occasion include Alhaji Adamu Waziri whose speech hinged on having credibility in the process that will throw up true leadership and that Atiku Abubakar represents that process.
Senator Dino Melaye in his electrifying speech said “If you speak the truth, you die, if you lie, you die, I have chosen to speak the truth and die…” concluding he admitted that PDP has two options in 2023, being either to zone or to win. Senator Dino Melaye queried the high cost of living with rising prices of commodities and as he addressed APC as a Non-Governmental Organization-NGO. Hajiya Chiroma spoke extensively on zoning and the need to look out for a candidate that has capacity like Atiku Abubakar that will pilot the affairs of the nation properly. Nnaemeka Maduagu said, although unapologetically Igbo that he supports Atiku Abubakar for he is a unifying factor that Nigeria needs come 2023. For lady Obianuju Kanu who berated Nigerians for suffering and smiling under excruciating economic hardship everywhere but that Atiku Abubakar is someone who will put the correct smiles on peoples faces. However, in the goodwill message of Muhammad Garko who lamented on the present bad governance of APC as he urged people that blood transfusion never recognizes ethnicity or religion the two factors the present administration has used to divide Nigeria.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included former Governor of Anambra state Peter Obi, Chairman North east Business Forum, Col. Kefas Sabo; Speaker Adamawa House of assembly; General Hussaini, Captain Yahya Abubakar, representative of the Governor of Benue state Dr, Samuel Ortom, Minority Leader of House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu and Senator Ben Bruce.