Youth group faults OBJ on Atiku

Evelyn Okakwu

A group of young Nigerians under the auspices of Nigerian Youths for National Consciousness, (NIYONAC) has faulted erstwhile President Olusegun Obasanjo over his recent comment against former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, and urged him to appreciate the strong points of Atiku and give him a chance to express himself to Nigerians.

This was contained in a statement by the leadership of the group, jointly signed by Prince Okoi Eteng, and Etim Iwara, National Coordinator and National Secretary respectively.

“With due respect to our former President who in all ramifications is a true patriot, and have contributed enormously to the empowerment of Nigerians, especially the youth. He should appreciate the person he worked with for eight years, who supported his administration in laying the foundation for democracy, which Atiku seeks to sustain by aspiring for the coveted office of the presidency”, the statement said.

Continuing, the statement said “A national daily, over the weekend credited a statement to the former President, urging the APC not to field Atiku as presidential candidate which we want to remind Obasanjo, that Atiku, was the same man who supported him in laying this foundation that has lasted and growing.”

The statement also stated that it is an established fact that the success of the Turaki Adamawa, who won the Adamawa state Social Democratic Party (SDP) guber ticket in 1991 and attempted the presidency in 1992, but stepped down for Chief MKO Abiola, has impeccable records in the Nigerian Customs.

It said this record took him to where he is today, including his success in managing the foundation of the democracy enjoyed today in Nigeria, arguing that this has qualified him as a patriotic and detribalized Nigerian.

They pledged to support his quest to rule Nigeria, come 2015, while believing in his commitment towards achieving a sustainable democracy given the fact that he is experienced, tested and trusted.