Banner Online News

 

Atiku Abubakar, Presidential candidate of PDP.

By Alhaji Auwalu Tukur

The job of leading Nigeria post-May 2023 requires the critical consideration of every Nigerian beyond partisan, ethnic and regional sentiments.

Nigeria has despite it’s peculiar challenges, remained a hub of potential that holds the ability to transform the lives and welfare of Nigerians, especially the bustling young population that has become fed up with the undefined system that the present administration has done little to address.

Every country has its peculiar challenges, however Nigeria of today appears unable to have a proper grasp of it’s issues, which ultimately is a function of the government’s ineptitude for the past seven years.

The 2023 elections draws near and decision day approaches. For the average Nigerian, tales of disaffection and harsh economic realities will define the standpoint adopted at the polls, however for the sake of national integration and definite progress, the candidacy of HE Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON and Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa should be seen as the best choice to make, by Nigerians of all tribes and sections.

The suitability of the AtikuOkowa candidacy for Nigeria can’t be overstated, however for the purpose of adequately balancing issues and underscoring the necessities of a Nigeria beyond 2023, some issues need to be put in clear perspective for the correction of certain misconceptions, held over the years.

In many quarters, the suitability of Atiku for President is unarguable, and a reason for this is in the very needs of present day Nigeria.

As is common during electioneering periods, the noise and razzmatazz of political parties and fanatics rises to feverpitch, however for the progress of the nation, Nigerians must subject themselves to critical thinking and learn to sift through the noise, to get the real crux of issues.

What does Nigeria need today or what is the most obvious problem that needs to be solved in the country? UNITY.

Not a few persons believe that the nation has never been divided along ethnic, religious and tribal lines the way it is today, sadly the progress of any entity rests on the level of unity that exists therein. This goes to say that without unity, there can’t be progress.

Atiku Abubakar GCON, is a politician whose standing and relevance stretches beyond partisan clannishness, as he commands the respect of politicians, businessmen and individuals from different walks of life, within and beyond the Nigerian Scene.
This fact finds expression in the present electoral discussion, where even opponents at the 2023 polls yet consider the person of Atiku Abubakar as a leading light, as acknowledged by Labor Party’s Presidential Candidate HE Peter Obi.

In answering the question of leadership and the ability to carry every section of the country along, the acceptability of the individual in position of authority is essential, and the acceptance and acknowledgement of Atiku Abubakar GCON, as a leader to so many active and passive politicians remains a bright point that should be exploited by Nigerians.

In another argument, the leadership of a nation requires an all-rounder, one who is vast in areas like governance, administration, finance/business/economy, education, security, etc., being areas that Nigeria presently needs a solution approach.

From the antecedents of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON, it can be argued that he has maintained that image of a solution provider, being a man whose contacts and sphere of influence gas the capacity of attracting the necessary investment that will boost the nation away from issues it faces.

Of course, it is said that no man is an island of knowledge, or simply put, no one knows it all, however that ability to inspire others to take actions that will redefine or reshape the financial, educational and security issues of the nation, is nearly as important as taking the actions itself.

As a businessman, Atiku Abubakar’s investments in Education in Nigeria, remains a good example of a man who not only believes in the nation, but also values and considers education as a way out for the country. Basic business approach by most businessmen in Nigeria borders on the desire to make money, and not a solution based approach. Atiku Abubakar’s investment in Education places him over and above the rating of a common businessman. He identified a problem and invested in the solution, which is is more that can be said about other businessmen. Definitely, with an Atiku Abubakar Presidency, ASUU’s issues will receive speedy attention, as against what is prevalent today.

Furthermore, the Presidency not only speaks about the office of the President, and this point brings us to analyse the vice presidential candidate, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State.

There has been so much said about the choice of Okowa as Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP, but beyond the noise and squeaks that have been recorded, is the viability of a man who in his own light, is an achiever, a core politician and master strategist.

The PDP is coming into the election as an opposition party that has the best chance of staging an upset, however what matters most at this point is presenting a ticket that appears less confrontational, that properly seduces that average voter to a Pro-PDP inclination.

This is what Senator Ifeanyi Okowa brings to the 2023 contest. For the past 7years, Okowa’s has maintained a mild approach to political and social issues, without compromising his standing as one of PDP’s most influential and committed member.

Even as a 2term Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has served creditably, over and beyond his calling as Governor, where in his state his administration as Governor is responsible for landmark projects such as:
1. The construction of a modern State Secretariat.
2. The construction of a contemporary Storm Drainage System.
3. A State of the Art Leisure Park that nears completion in Asaba.
4. Multiple Human Capital Development Initiatives like STEP, YAGEP, GEEP etc.
Governor Okowa represent unity, Okowa is a detribalised Nigerian who sees all Nigerians as his blood brothers.a man with a large heart,a humble leader.who believe in due process,a great achiever
Similarly, with the need to present a position that further compliments the soft and acceptable approach of an Atiku Abubakar Presidency, a vice president in Ifeanyi Okowa, is the befitting compliment that accentuates the PDP’s Presidential Candidacy.

Heads or Tails, In or Out, Atiku Abubakar is on the ballot to unify Nigeria, and remains the country’s best approach to new and positive advancement.

* Alhaji Auwalu Tukur
*Chairman, Delta State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.