Atiku The Nigeria Democratic Icon At 77 -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

The heavens rejoiced 77 years ago when on the 25th day of November, 1946 a child was born in Jada who was named Atiku Abubakar. Orphaned at a very tender age, the young Atiku had to contend with many challenges and constraints but rather than being deterred by adverse circumstances, they acted as the catalysts that shaped the life of the star that was later to be the country’s number two citizen and a democratic icon. Atiku is a child of destiny who overcomes adversity to achieve success. He is an outstanding public servant, an accomplished entrepreneur, a seasoned politician and a statesman of no mean repute.

As a politician, Atiku has a class. He is a politician with a difference. He has clear political philosophy anchored on the ideals of democracy. He is the master of consensus politics and politics without bitterness. Atiku is far ahead of the current group of politicians in Nigeria in term of patriotism, experience and preparedness. Atiku Abubakar believes strongly in the rule of law and in the principles of separation of power. The former vice-president of our great country has worked assiduously and had made numerous sacrifices for the unity of our country and for the enthronement of genuine democracy in the land. Atiku’s record indicates that he is the best vice-president this country has ever produced for every landmark achievement during the Chief Obasanjo regime has Atiku’s imprint. For instance, in different occasions in the past, he has subordinated his personal interest and fought in the interest of the nation. That is why it is said that no politician in this era has contributed more to the advancement of democracy in Nigeria more than Atiku Abubakar.

As a business mogul the Wazirin Adamawa is in a world of his own with investments in almost every sector of the Nigerian economy. Atiku is articulate, courageous and resilient in pursuit of success and excellence and he achieved greatness by sheer hard work. He is among the highest employer in Nigeria after the Federal Government. As a professional who has achieved success in public service and in business. Atiku has excellent resource and people’s management skills that have made him build a flourishing business empire and maintain fruitful relationship with people across different strata of the society nationally and internationally.

Atiku is deeply religious but not fanatical. He believes in freedom of religion and worship. He is a true nationalist who does not discriminate on the bases of tribe, tongue or religion or political affiliation. He is a liberal and a progressive democrat who believes in the freedom of speech and association. Atiku is a bold and a courageous fighter who is not afraid to tell truth to power. Atiku is a conscientious politician who is always on the side of the people. Atiku is a team player who has friends and associates across every nook and cranny of the country. He believes in the unity and indivisibility of the country and hence he is fondly called the bridge-builder. He advocates religious tolerance, peace and unity without which meaningful progress cannot be attained.

Atiku is a philanthropist per excellence. In line with his religious orientation and personal philosophy shaped by his life experience Atiku has come to see giving to the society as a responsibility. Having experienced abject poverty, Atiku appears to be the only politician in Nigeria that never forgot his humble beginning for he is never indifferent to the plight of the common man. Thus, he has invested sacrificially to uplift the lives of people – the widows, the orphans, people living with disability etc. He has helped communities build Mosques, Churches, schools, hospitals and other social amenities. Because of his love for education which he believes made him what he is, he has awarded scholarships to indigent students and invested heavily at different levels of education. He was of the opinion that for development to take firm root in our country, education and human capital development should be a priority.

The Wazirin Adamawa is an inspiration to many. He overcome adversity and thrived where others failed. He is a mentor like no other who excelled where others fear to tread. Seventy-seven years years ago it was the inhabitants of the rustic town of Jada that celebrated his quiet entry into the world but today, millions of people from across the globe, his family, friends, associates and everyone that has had the opportunity of an encounter with him are celebrating his birthday. Yes, his admirers and teeming supporters and all those that he has touched through his charitable acts and those he has mentored directly and indirectly are celebrating Atiku. As Atiku marks his birthday, his success story reverberates across the nation where many see him as an epitome of success and a beacon of hope to rescue the nation from the brink.

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed
hajiahadizamohammed@gmail.com
An actress, social activist, politician
London, UK