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Tag: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

Deborah: I am not afraid to speak, my position on sharia got me abuses – Atiku

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Abubakar Atiku, has said he is not afraid to speak on critical issues but that every tweet on his official social media handles must get his approval before publication.

Atiku, one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirants, said this when he paid a consultative visit to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State at the Government House in Benin.

Atiku had earlier condemned the gruesome killing of Miss Deborah Samuel who was accused of blasphemy.

The post was soon taken down after a backlash against the former president by some Muslims on social media.

According to Atiku, “Every tweet has to get my expressed approval but this one didn’t so I asked them to take it down.

“I took a stand about Sharia law and was abused, thrown stones at, but how long did it last? Despite that, I didn’t change my position on that. I am not afraid to take a stand on critical issues,“ NAN quoted him as saying.

May 14, 2022
Vote Atiku Abubakar For Better Nigeria – Musa Chaye Yola Urge Nigerians

By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

Nigerians have been called upon to elect the former Vice president Atiku Abubakar as president of the federal Republic of Nigeria in the forthcoming 2023 general elections for the betterment of the country.

The call was made by Alhaji Musa Chaye Yola, a front line supporter of the former vice president Atiku Abubakar, in an interview with our correspondent shortly after the former vice president officially declares to run for presidency last Wednesday.

He disclosed that Atiku remained the best alternative for Nigerians in the forthcoming 2023 general elections,adding that “Our leader is always ready to work for the progress of our country especially at present when the nation is in need of competent leader who knows how to transform without bias”. He emphasized.

Chaye announced that Atiku Abubakar as an elder statesman and well recognised person across the globe, would certainly use his development policies and strategies to bring genuine progress to Nigeria in a democratic dispensation with optimum result.

Commenting on the large turnout during the grand declaration ceremony, Musa Yola said that the gathering is a clear indication that PDP is getting ready to seize power from the ruling party especially when their is nothing better to show at both urban and rural settlements in Nigeria without bias.

Furthermore, Alhaji Musa Chaye Yola reassured that Atiku Abubakar being an experienced business tycoon would use his professionalism to restore the economic potentials of this great nation and open a windows of opportunities to international investors for economic development in every sector.

In conclusion, Chaye commended Nigerians for supporting the Waziri of Adamawa Atiku Abubakar and the people’s Democratic Party PDP in order to ensure and actualize excellent national development and better livelihood in 2023.

March 25, 2022
2023: Atiku Formally Declares Intention To Run For President

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has formally declared his intention to run for the 2023 presidency.

The former vice-president declared his intention to contest in the 2023 presidential election at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.

Atiku said his interest in contesting the 2023 presidency and his “enduring persistence” is born out of his passion “to rekindle the Nigerian dream that I was privileged to live”.

He said currently, Nigeria is a “sinking ship” that must be rescued urgently.

He described Nigeria as a land of possibilities that is in dire need of a visionary leader.

“The 2023 election is not just like the usual elections; it is a referendum to decide whether we want greatness or continuous destruction. It is a choice between two paths: the path of unity and progress or the path of division and backwardness,” Atiku said.

“We need a new kind of leadership that will steer us to a positive path. In 2023, we want a President who has ideas on how to fix Nigeria. We want a president who understands, inspires, and is empathetic.

“I have contested for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria a couple of times in the past. My enduring persistence is borne out of my passion to rekindle the Nigerian dream that I was privileged to live.

“Nigeria is a land of possibility. There is no challenging background that will make any Nigerian give up. I am a living witness to what is possible in Nigeria.

“You and I know that Nigeria is in dire need of visionary leadership. Our fundamental principles and purpose as a nation have never been challenged as it is today. Presently, Nigeria is a sinking ship; it must be rescued urgently. That is why I am happy to announce my candidacy for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“I offer myself to rescue the sinking ship. Under my captainship, this ship will sail to a brighter course by the grace of God. However, this journey is not mine alone. It is a journey I am taking for all Nigerians. It is also a journey to a destination I planned with my late great mentor, Major General Shehu Musa Yar’adua, and with my beloved compatriot, the late, and great, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. May their souls rest in peace.”

March 23, 2022
2023: You are an enemy of Nigeria – Shina Peller Tells Atiku

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller has described former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku as an enemy of Nigeria.

Peller, who represents Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency, in Oyo State, made this disclosure on Monday.

Atiku is one of the leading figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) jostling to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

Recall that Atiku had last week purchased his expression of interest form to contest the 2023 Presidency on the platform of PDP.

Peller, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has, however, described Atiku as an enemy of Nigeria.

He said that Atiku is a typical Nigerian politician who is ready to twist the fact.

He alleged that the former Vice President is ready to manipulate and mislead the people in order to satisfy his presidential ambition.

The lawmaker in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Monday, through his Press Secretary, Kola Popoola said that Atiku was making a deliberate attempt to mislead the people for selfish political reasons.

He said, “Going by his recent utterances, Alhaji Atiku has just proven to us again that he is one of the typical Nigerian politicians who is ever ready to manipulate the people, twist the fact and mislead people to satisfy their political interest, even if it means at the detriment of unity, peace and progress of our dear country.

“For me, I strongly believe that only an enemy of Nigeria will want to keep power in the North as far as 2023 is concerned.

“The South is bleeding: Yorubas are agitating for Oduduwa Nation; the Igbos are agitating for Biafra, a clear indication that these groups feel marginalized, while the Northerners have retained the position of the President for eight years (2 uninterrupted terms of 4 years). In the interest of peace, it is only fair that the South should produce the next Nigerian President”.

March 21, 2022
2023: Atiku set to declare Presidential Ambition

All is now set for the official declaration of interest in the 2023 Presidential election by former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

In a letter of notification transmitted to some political leaders and interest groups, the declaration is slated for Wednesday, 23rd day of March, 2022 in the nation’s capital.

The official declaration comes on the heels of several meetings and consultations between Atiku and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the past few months, within and outside the shores of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT

In a letter of invitation sighted by our correspondent, the event will commence at 11AM with important dignitaries expected to attend.

Signed by the chairman, Technical Committee of the Atiku 2023 Presidential Project, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, the letter reads in part: “It is with great delight and respect that the Technical Committee, TEECOM cordially invites you to the official declaration for the Office of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2023 by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Wazirin Adamawa, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999-2007).

“The historic event will hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 11AM. Your presence will certainly add colour to the event as we expect your presence at the ceremony.”

It would be recalled that a few hours after the Office of the National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, commenced sale of nomination forms for all elective offices in the 2023 general election last week, a group, North-East Business Forum, stormed the party’s secretariat and obtained the Presidential expression of interest and nomination forms for the former Vice President at a combined sum of N40m.

March 20, 2022
2023 Presidency: Atiku’s Statement On Zoning Is Inconsistent – PANDEF

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed disappointment at a statement credited to former vice president and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, on the zoning of the presidency.

According to a statement by its spokesman, Hon. Ken Robinson, PANDEF said it is rather unfortunate that the former vice president drew such a conclusion.

“He knows his statement is inconsistent with established and justifiable protocols and conventions, which have helped to sustain considerable understanding, peace, and stability in the polity.

“Truth is, the narrative that there is no zoning in the nation’s Constitution is a conscienceless mockery of our democratic evolution, and indeed, the country’s constitution.

“It bears underscoring that Nigeria’s Constitution, though flawed, has ample provisions that emphasize inclusiveness, fairness, and equity,” PANDEF’s statement partly read.

The forum through its spokesman further stated that Section 14(3) of the Constitution (as amended) provides that “the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few States or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or any of its agencies. It added that the intent and purpose of this section are precise and explicit.

According to PANDEF, zoning and rotation of key political positions in the polity cannot be discarded in a diverse and complex society like Nigeria, particularly, under the prevailing circumstances. PANDEF, accordingly, further called on all political parties to zone their presidential ticket to the South; any political party that does otherwise shall not have our support in 2023.

“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and other northerners expressing interest to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 ought to understand that their desire flies in the face of natural justice,” PANDEF declared.

The group said it would be sufficient to implore Atiku and the other northerners to shelve their ambitions now and support the emergence of credible individuals from the south as presidential candidates of their various political parties. In PANDEF’s opinion, anything otherwise would be undignifying and injurious to national concord.

February 14, 2022
Benue People are not happy with you – Ortom tells Atiku

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state, Sunday told former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that Benue people are not happy with him because he abandoned them when they came under the siege of Fulani herdsmen.

The Governor said the people of the state had expected the former Vice President to stand with the Tiv people who honored him with the Zege Mule Tiv being one of the highest Chieftaincy titles in Tiv land but when they needed a shelter he was not there for them.

The Governor who spoke when he hosted the former Vice President in Makurdi explain that the Benue grazing law was not targeted at any ethic group insisting that the Benue people had no problems with the Fulanis or any other ethic group in the country.

He said, ”I want everyone to understand that the challenge we have here today in Benue state is not about the Tiv and the Fulanis.

“In the past, former President Alhaji Shehu Shagari was a Fulani, and in Benue state alone we had three Ministers and several other appointments. We also related very well, we had no issues.

“When President Yar’Adua came, we saw a visionary leader within the little time we had with him, we saw that he meant well. He ensured that there was equity, fairness and justice. He ensured that Benue got the best.

“We will not forget when you a Fulani man were the Vice President, you gave support to our people and our leaders.

But when our state came under siege and we did not see you, we were not happy, I must tell you this.

“This was a time we needed a shelter over us. If you go to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps you will discover that they are being bitten by the sun because of lack of shelter. But we thank you for coming today because it is said that it is better late than never.

“I still want to repeat that we are being terrorized and harassed by Fulani terrorists who are not from this country. I am aware and I know from my research that the Fulani Nationalist Movement, FUNAM, and Miyetti Allah Kautal have claimed responsibilities for the attacks we suffered and I have persistently asked the President to disband them because they are dangerous.

“Even when our people were killed on New Year’s Day of 2018 they came out and took responsibility. The other one in MACBAN, those ones are soft and friendly; they adopted our ranching law but asked for more time.

“I must state that our ranching law is not targeted at Fulani or any ethic group group whatsoever, it is a win win for all. It sanctions those into open grazing and also sanctions those who rustle cattle.

“As I talk to you there people who rustle cattle including, Tiv, Idoma, Igede and even some of my kinsmen who I ordered to be arrested when they went to rustle sheep and cattle. They are all in detention as we speak. So we are not targeting any ethnic group. We all know that globally open grazing is not accepted, but ranching is the accepted practice.

“The challenge is the failure of the Federal Government to take decisive action against the Fulani groups like FUNAM and Fulani Kautal Hore.

“I must let the whole world know that I have nothing against the Fulani because the best of my friends are from Fulani group. In my government I have Fulanis and the law is not out to harass anyone.”

In his response, Alhaji Atiku who explained that he was unable to visit the state in its trying times because he was out of the country for further studies donated the sum of N50million for the upkeep of the IDPs in the state.

While condemning the killings in the state, the former Vice President said he had issues with the way the entire Fulani race was profiled in the course of the crisis as violent people but admitted that he had reconciled with Governor Ortom for the clarifications he had given.

He commended Governor Ortom for the growth of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state saying the explosion of the membership strength of the party in the state was a testimony of the exemplary leadership qualities of the Governor and the leadership of the party in the state.

“On a daily basis the membership of the party is increasing in Benue state and it goes to show that the Governor is doing well as leader of the party in the state,” he said.

February 7, 2022
Atiku Visits Ortom In Benue, Donates N50m To IDPs

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has visited Benue State and donated N50 million to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the north-central state.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Samuel Ortom, Atiku also called for more support for IDPs.

The former vice president also recalled how he led the first-ever private sector contribution to the fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic which elicited and encouraged others to support the course.

While calling for peaceful co-existence between the Fulanis and other tribes in the state and country, he warned against ethnic profiling, especially of criminals.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar poses for a group photograph with Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and other govt officials on February 6, 2022. Credit: @atiku.

He equally commended the administration of Governor Ortom for his peacebuilding efforts in Benue, calling on leaders to bring every Nigerian together, regardless of their religious, political, and ethnic differences.

The former vice president said he told the governor that since his last visit to Benue in 2019, he has always wished to see the IDP camps.

“I don’t label anybody, either ethnically or religiously. As leaders, we should try as much as possible to bring all our people together to understand themselves,” he said.

“The other time I visited the IDPs camp in 2019, since then I have not returned. I want to announce my own donation for their upkeep of N50 million.

“Let me recall at the beginning of the corona pandemic. I was one of the first initial donors in the private sector. My donation was not the highest, it was also N50 million. After that, so many donations came into billions.”

Over 1.5 million persons have been displaced following the conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in the state with several others killed.

February 6, 2022
2023 Presidency: Atiku visits IBB in Minna

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) stalwart, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has visited former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida in his Uphill resience, Minna, Niger State.

The meeting lasted for about one hour with no disclosure from both sides on the purpose of the visit.

However, it was gathered that the visit may not be unconnected with the Presidential ambition of the former Vice President of which he is still making wide consultations.

Atiku who is yet to make a formal declaration had taken the Presidential shot twice under the platform of the People Democratic Party. (PDP) but failed.

Atiku from the Hilltop drove to Government House where he paid the state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello.

In a brief interview with Journalists after the visit, the former Vice President said He was in Government House to pay a sympathy visit with the Governor over the incessant insecurity situation confronting the state, especially in the past few months.

“I only came on a courtesy visit to the Governor and to commiserate with him and people of the state over the incessant Banditry in Niger state.

“I just discussed with the Governor on the insecurity in the state and from what I heard, it is a very serious and pathetic situation and it is most unfortunate,” Atiku declared.

When asked about his Presidential ambition, Atiku said he would make it known when the time comes.

“I have only come on a visit. I will let you know about my Presidential ambition at the appropriate time,” he declared.

February 1, 2022
2023 Presidency: Age Isn’t On Atiku’s Side, Says Bauchi Gov

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State says former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is qualified to be president, but age is not on his side.

Although Atiku. 75, is yet to declare for presidency, there are signs that he is interested in the race.

One of his campaign groups headed by Chief Raymond Dokpesi, media mogul, had last week said Atiku would do a single term of four years if elected.

When he received the report of a Contact and Consultation Committee, which he set up for his presidential ambition, Mohammed said Atiku had tried for Nigeria but age is no longer on his side.

The Committee, which is headed by Senator Adamu Gumba, was inaugurated August last year.

It toured 16 northern states and met with various stakeholders.

Mohammed said, “I am aware that even in Bauchi, people are divided, my elder brother, Bala Hadith, had the courage to tell me that people of Bauchi don’t want me to go to the center and I appreciate him.

“This is because this is the opinion of Bauchi which is the appreciation of what we are doing together. Bauchi can be better if I’m at the center. I told my younger brother and my colleague (deputy governor) that he should not be happy to send me forth so that he will take over the governorship, I will do the two together.

“One of my brothers, a formidable and astute politician, Matawalle Sokoto (Aminu Tambuwal) did it before, so we are going to also test it. And I will not give (the governorship seat) to hold forth, such a big man, he will not give me back when I come back, but if he will give me, I will give it to him.

“There is no need for us to be greedy; of course, my presidency will not cause division. You can see that at the heat of the time that my elder brother, Malam Adamu was going round, we invited our elder statesman, the one that we respect so much, the Waziri Adamawa (Atiku Abubakar), we named a road after him.

“We invited him to Bauchi and we interacted and I told him that in this game, I know he’s the most senior, he’s very qualified but because of his age and fatigue that he has suffered so much for Nigeria, he should allow his younger brother to be his spare tyre not to take over just like that.

“But if Nigerians prefer him, I will support him. I am not too desperate but he should know that Nigerians like me too. And whatever he wants, I will do it for him, so this is our agreement, he has the highest respect from me.”

January 30, 2022