Why we all need to be Atikulated

Whatever becomes the end result of this epochal political chess game of February 23, would definitely ricochet like a rubber ball on the entire nation and international canvass of opinion. The socio-economic and political lives of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria would practically be affected or impacted by this crucial general election. Hence, Nigeria is […]

Whatever becomes the end result of this epochal political chess game of February 23, would definitely ricochet like a rubber ball on the entire nation and international canvass of opinion. The socio-economic and political lives of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria would practically be affected or impacted by this crucial general election. Hence, Nigeria is practically the cynosure of the world’s eyes. How we tackle the choice of who will run the affairs of 200 million people, the largest headcount of black beings in the globe, remains a spectacle in mankind’s mind.

No wonder that democratic leaders and institutions the world over are keeping a tab on the pulse of events in the domain of the Giant of Africa! The United Nations, African Union, European Union, ECOWAS, world media and other well-meaning organisations have already detailed independent observers and monitors to ensure that the 2019 elections, which the opposition PDP’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is favored to win, turns out free, fair, credible and transparent. This is a task that must be done. For only equity can guarantee tranquility in a heterogeneous society.

The reality of world’s interest has jolted not a few in the incumbent APC Federal Government’s camp. Some have lost their tempers so much they have resulted to hate speech and unprovoked innuendos. The arrowhead of this is Governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai, who yelled hell to foreign election observers whom he referred to as those who want to interfere and shall “return to their countries in body bags.”  What?

Even President Buhari was quoted as teasing the beleaguered people of Zamfara State, to whom he prayed God brings abundant rainfall and bumper harvest, so the that these fellow countrymen and women “will have the energy to fight again.” Another oddity.

Therefore, is time not ripe for the candidate who wants to make Nigeria work and great again? Atiku surely has the Midas’ Touch to turn adversity into prosperity, poverty into plenty, apathy into sympathy, hostility into friendliness and people’s sorrow into collective joy.

Hence Nigerians, in their leadership quest, should endeavor to seek out a statesman of class and panache, one who sincerely loves the country and has proclivity and affinity with the people, a patriot with empathy and compassion, a knowledgeable welfarist, a bridge builder and unifier, a charismatic and humble element, a great listener and team player, a business-minded executive with belief in both job and wealth creation, a defender of democracy and constitutionalism, a proven law abiding citizen and, in a nutshell, a congruent leader who fuses capacity, competence and character together to enhance and advance people’s-centered vision, to create and propagate equitable national developmental innovations. Such a leader is the answer to Nigeria of today. And it is not an Eldorado!

And who can fix this messy scene? No other but quintessential humanist and political bridge builder, a detribalised Nigerian, non-fanatical man of faith, a wealth creator and educationist, Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007). His recent nationwide campaign of love and hope, is a clear testimony to the fact that Atiku is the People’s Choice. He is a unique unifier and a world class astute leader of repute.

At this juncture in our national history, it takes the wisdom and rare wit of a gentle giant to stake the odds. We need one who has been tested and trusted; one who can embrace the tedious trips to law courts and pay huge legal bills to secure judgement in Nigeria. The experience of such a great leader of men and women is what Nigerians require to tame current APC monstrous misnomers.   No doubt, Atiku has the sagacity and capacity to unweave the web of political entanglement that an incumbent administration can throw at any challenger gunning to become president this year.

Finally, eligible voters are enjoined to think right and help save Nigeria from falling off the political cliff. With Atiku, the best among the rest, Nigeria will work again. Surely, it is prime time to serve Atiku’s ripe fruits to Nigerians from the altar of Aso Rock Villa. Let’s all vote for an achiever and mentor to others. Let’s be Atikutated and get Nigeria working again.

Alaba Yusuf, Abuja