In his great book Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler wrote that “all great reforms have a unique aspect where, at first, one man steps forward as a champion to represent many millions of supporters. His goal is the same as the heart’s desire inside hundreds of thousands of men from centuries before. The world waits until someone finally appears as the herald of the masses to raise the flag of their deepest desire and lead them to victory with a new idea” (Hitler, the New Ford Translation, P.282). Alhaji Atiku Abubakar fits this picture as a political colossus and the only man standing prominently and distinctly in Nigeria’s political firmament. The time is now ripe for him to rise to the occasion and heed the divine call to lead Nigeria to victory with both his new development and economic transformation agenda. Now is the appropriate time to answer the clarion call and raise the patriotic flag to herald and rouse Nigerians to stand up and take their destinies in their own hands and make Nigeria work again to fulfil the yearnings and aspirations of the masses of the much-neglected and long suffering Nigerians; not satisfy the egoistic and materialistic interests of only the power elite as is the current sad situation. As it stands, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will not be a leader of contented, satisfied and well-fed people whose self-seeking ventures and personal satisfaction is well known in the country, but rather will mobilize, unite and lead the suffering, discontented, unhappy and dissatisfied, and, finally, cater for those who cannot find peace but remain perpetual victims of the pervasive insecurity with mindless killings and massive destruction of properties across the country. The former Vice President and Waziri Adamawa is slated to celebrate his birthday this month end. Due to his distinguished status, his globally-acclaimed leadership qualities, his monumental contributions to the socio-economic and political developments of the country, and, above all, his plans to reform and transform Nigeria for the better, and wipe the tears of the masses of suffering Nigerians, he deserves something special as birthday gift. After brainstorming for months and embarking on endless search, we discovered that there is nothing under the sun that would gladden our hearts as ardent supporters of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, put us in celebration mood and make this year’s birthday celebration remain evergreen on our minds than giving him the leadership of Nigeria.Three major factors will play significant roles in mobilizing and actualizing the Atiku 2023 project. These are the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian electorate and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar himself. These are the forces that will interface, interact and produce the expected results that will make Nigerians rejoice and celebrate endlessly in 2023.In the first instance, the PDP will nominate the candidate using a combination of the Board of Trustee members, party elders and party leaders at all levels. With the party taking a firm stand and nominating the former Vice President, the road would have been comfortably cleared for a new Nigerian leader come May 29th, 2023.The second factor is the electorate. This group is made up of a myriad of coalition forces ranging from party financiers, strategists, publicists, party supporters, numerous support groups and, most importantly, the ordinary voter. These diverse groups will coalesce and transform into a powerful mass movement and will become the strong backbone for the 2023 success. This group should be effectively managed to contribute its quota and impact positively on the outcome of the forthcoming presidential poll.Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is the personification of the entire project. He will make or mar the success of the 2023 project by the way and manner he handles both the nomination, campaign and electoral processes. First, there’s no question of his leadership qualities to effectively manage Nigeria and produce the positive results Nigerians want in terms of economic transformation and security of lives and properties. With his vast experience as former Vice President, he can easily handle state matters and produce positive results. His visionary leadership can create a buoyant and booming economy, provide employment for the teeming population of unemployed youths, and return Nigeria to its old good days. But with the current dysfunctional leadership, lack of capacity and visible gloom, Nigerians only siddon look and mourn their sad fates. He should set the ball rolling for the 2023 battle. Since he’s not a novice in the power game, with political experience running into three decades, I’m sure he’ll make a world of difference when given the PDP ticket and the mandate to lead Nigeria in 2023.The voters are the real power brokers; they control the levers of power through the exercise of their francise and should be the major beneficiaries of the democratic process. However, they are at the receiving end of poor policies. Now, they should be treated with utmost care. The diverse groups should be adequately mobilized and guided to do the needful to enable the PDP return to power in 2023 under Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.In recent months, the north received vitriolic attacks, insults and condemnations for leading the country and failing woefully to address the myriad of problems confronting the north; not the entire country. Professor Attahiru Jega enumerated some of the problems at the Maitama Sule Leadership Lecture Series which include poverty, unemployment, insecurity, infant mortality, etc. He spoke in Katsina penultimate Monday at the lecture organized by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG). In similar vein, Alhaji Bashir Tofa identified some challenges bedeviling the north which include the collapse of institutions and services, widespread poverty and inequality, mutual suspicion, endemic insecurity, disunity, despair, and a dearth of hope across the region. All these problems are the consequences of the dysfunctional leadership of Mr. Integrity whose dismal performance has become a new global watershed.When the north indicts itself and blames northern leaders for insensitivity and disconnection with the poor or downtrodden, it has come to grips with the stark reality staring it in the face; it is saying enough is enough of clueless, unproductive and inhumane leadership. In some quarters, it is believed the entire north is bereft of visionary, capable and competent leaders. The truth is that the north’s top grade, better prepared and competent democratic leaders are not given the opportunity to lead Nigeria. That’s why cluelessness, incompetency and woeful performance are the order of the day with dire consequences.This is where the sterling qualities and wealth of experience of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar would come handy, save Nigeria and uplift her from the doldrums and bring her back to limelight. Nigerians should wake up from deep slumber and jettison sentiments and primordial considerations and think of how to make their country a better place to live for themselves, their children and generations to come. The only man that can transform Nigeria and make it a global business hub with immense accruing benefits is the former Vice President and Waziri Adamawa. With him at the helm of affairs, with our abundant human and material resources, Nigerians will see the difference between what is and what should be; between light and darkness, clear vision and shortsightedness and, lastly, performance and mediocrity. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has his plans and programs ready. He’s set to become Nigeria’s modern-day Lee Kuan Yew, prepared to transform Nigeria from Third to First World like Singapore.
PIONEER NEWS 