By Phineas Padio, Yola
Yola, the capital city of Adamawa state was at a standstill yesterday when two former presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan led top dignitaries at the turbaning of Atiku Abubakar, PDP presidential candidate as ‘Wazirin Adamawa’.
The turbaning which was preceded by Founder’s Day on 24th Nov. 2018 being Atiku’s birthday, saw Senator Ben Muray Bruce, sparking the political fire, when he charged participants, especially, students of American University of Nigeria (AUN) Yola to dream big like Atiku.
Abubakar Bukola Saraki, President of the Nigerian Senate and Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, led a horde of National Assembly members at the occasion.
Governors Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa state), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa-Ibom), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto state), Ishaku Darius Dickson (Taraba state), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe state) and Adulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state were sighted by our reporter.
Political coloration betrayed what was meant to be a cultural event, as PDP symbols saturated the twin cities of Yola. This is because all major streets were decorated in PDP colors, such that one would mistake the state for a PDP controlled one.
Earlier before the turbaning ceremony, and even after it, Peter Obi, Atiku’s running mate anchored sideline political meetings on the need to reassess and to solidify the PDP strategy towards wresting power from the ruling APC.
Saraki, Director General of Atiku Presidential Campaign, took charge of the meeting of PDP presidential aspirants, to perfect the cementing of unity. Tambuwal, Kwankwaso, and Dankwambo assured of their commitment to the Atiku project.
Former President Obasanjo who was a special guest described Atiku as a well-cultured man who has what it takes to reposition the country.
Speaking of his relationship with Atiku, Obasanjo recalled how Atiku handled his duties with a deep sense of responsibility.
“I have known Atiku for a while and can state that he handles all responsibilities meticulously.
“Let me thank the Lamido on half of all of us who are friends, colleagues, and co-workers of Atiku for the honor you have done him by conferring the title of Waziri on him”, said Obasanjo.
Former Chairman of DAAR Communications, Raymond Dokpesi, took a swipe at APC and President Buhari. He described the APC as a “party branded in propaganda and lies”
“Buhari was marketed to Nigerians on the false assumption that as a Major General he has what it takes to end Boko Haram.
“But the stack reality is that he does not what to do, the man was overrated; and let me tell you Buhari has never passed any military exams in his life”, Dokpesi said.
President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by FCT Minister, Musa Bello, just as Governor Jibrilla Bindo, also boycotted the event. He was, however, represented by the deputy governor, Martin Babale.
