I’m not desperate to rule, says Atiku

By Umar Muhammad Puma

Former Vice-President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar yesterday said he was not desperate to rule Nigeria, but saw politics as a means of service and not for self-aggrandizement.

Abubakar, who spoke through the Ekiti state Coordinator of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Collectives, in Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Olajide Akinyemi, said his experience as a grassroots mobiliser would earn him the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He also promised to end the Boko Haram insurgency, if provided the opportunity to become Nigeria’s president.

Akinyemi described Abubakar as a highly detribalized Nigerian politician, a bridge-builder, who had structures all over the country and had genuine concern for the people’s welfare.

He said, “Atiku is a very courageous man, who is dogged, focused, and highly principled; someone who wants to right a wrong. He is an asset of sort; a courageous fighter for justice and democratic governance.

“Atiku is well schooled in the art of politics and well-experienced in marrying governance with politics. He is a fair-minded and God-fearing person. He believes in Nigeria where democracy, justice and equity shall prevail.

“Atiku believes the best way to put Nigeria on the path of federalism, freedom and justice is through devolution of more power to states. He has the international connection, grassroots connection, business acumen and passion to turn things around in this country.

“Based on his experience and pedigree, Atiku has the capacity to tackle and overcome insecurity and insurgency especially the Boko Haram menace.

“His quest to improve on the standard of university education in Nigeria led him to establish a private university, American University of Nigeria, Yola.”, he further said.

Akinyemi urged the APC delegates to vote massively for Abubakar at the party’s presidential primaries, to give him the privilege of flying the party’s flag at the February 14, 2015 presidential election.