A group, the Northern Emancipation Network (NEN), has described the appointment of the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Rufai Alkali, as Special Adviser on Political Matters by President Goodluck Jonathan as a step in the right direction.
In a release signed by the group’s coordinator, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the NEN said Alkali’s appointment was tantamount to putting a square peg in a square hole.
Suleiman recounted Alkali’s performance as National Publicity Secretary of the PDP and said he has the capacity to neutralize the mounting opposition in the north.
“With his recognized diplomacy and wide political outreach, Alkali can make the presidential reelection project a lot more easier in the north particularly, “Suleiman said.
He noted that there has been a great display of wisdom in President Jonathan’s careful selection and deployment of aides since his assumption.
The group recalled with nostalgia Alkali’s contribution to the development of political science department of the Nigerian Defence Academy when he was a lecturer sometimes ago.
“Professor Alkali has a robust intellectual and political pedigree to make a mark on this appointment,” adding Prof Alkali should endeavor to carry the numerous groups that have shown genuine commitment to the President’s desire for the transformation of the country.
However the group urged the President to consider appointing other individuals who have invested a great commitment in managing the image of his administration.
“While there a certain individuals that do not add any value to the President’s transformation drive, there are others who have expended substantial energy in ensuring the success of the president’s administrative and political agenda, “the group pointed out.
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