Still On Atiku, The Contenders And Pretenders -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

As a patriotic Nigerian, my ultimate interest is to have peace and progress in my country. And as one of the many Nigerians in Diaspora who have witnessed development in the Western world, I would desire that my country grow, develop and take its rightful place in the comity of nations. The role of effective leadership in the growth of nations cannot be over-emphasized. In the advanced Democracies the people chose their leaders based on what they want as scholars would always say that every society deserves the kind of leadership it has. In advanced democracies the citizens vote based on character, the pedigree and the accomplishments of the candidates for election. But, in Nigeria the reverse seems to be the case. Nigerians vote on primordial ethnic and religious sentiments. People make voting decisions, as critical as it is, on hearsay only to growl and grumble later.

As an activist and civil advocate and one who desire the unity and progress of this great but toddling nation, my advocacy also include pointing out to Nigerians things about the many people jostling to assume the position of leadership in the country especially as the 2023 general election beckons. This is to ensure that we do not repeat what is now known as the mistake of 2015. For if that happens, there may not be Nigeria after 2023.

As the intensity of politicking increases so is the number of aspirants. We have the contenders and the pretenders. The political contractors, jobbers and pretenders have all been mobilized by their principals. One sickening thing about Nigerian politics is that it never ideological based. And so is political campaigns; they are never issue based. Another worrisome thing is that most of those in politics have no job other than politics and so they are willing to do anything to be at the corridors of power even when they have nothing to offer. These are the ones that will whip up ethnic and religious sentiments, engage in mudslinging and character assassination. And their victims are usually their opponents and most often the more qualified candidates.

As the consultations and political campaigns hot up following the release of INEC timetable, the political atmosphere is charged and as is usual some people are singled out for attack. As I observed earlier, instead of focusing on issues many of the political jobbers are trying to malign the character of some gladiators. And one of those who have been unjustifiably vilified is His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (GCON), the Wazirin of Adamawa. There is no gainsaying the fact that many people are afraid of the Wazirin because of his pedigree. The political opponents are fidgety about him and those who could not measure up to him are truly apprehensive of his dominating presence in the political scene. But I am not surprised. The Igbo have a saying that it is the tree that has ripe and mellow fruits that attracts stones. I have passionately monitored the events in our political scene since the lifting of veil on political activities by INEC in January. I have noticed the intrigues, the maneuverings, the horse trading, the mudslinging and all of that that characterized what is called politics in the country called Nigeria. While the gale of defection is going on moles are being planted in different scenes for the dirty man’s job. The political arena is charged high intensity sycophants and lackeys have been placed in the overdrive mode ready for the kill. And many are poised to do the hatchet man’s job against the interest of their party. And Atiku seems to be the primary targets of these character assassinators.

Even among his party fold the spirit esprit de corps seems not to be there anymore. It appears many are willing to do anti-party just to get at Atiku. First it was Kassim Afegbua ranting about Atiku abandoning him after the 2019 election and the Nyesom Wike talking about taking him for granted, Ayo Fayose talking about zoning and Bala Mohammed bragging about he being better than Atiku and many more. All these go to say that there is no rapprochement among them in PDP fold. They seem not to know what lies ahead of them. Truly party should not talk publicly they way they are doing. I think that the interest of their party and that of the nation should be paramount and not personal or sectional interest. PDP must wrestle power from APC and rescue the nation from the brink.

As I indicated above, the reason umbrageous attack at Atiku is very obvious. His opponents are afraid of his towering stature and dominance in our political sphere which he has bestridden like colossus. For over two decades he has been there. But truth must be told there is no politician now that is as nationalistic and as liberal as Atiku. His contributions are legendary. No Nigerian today has made more sacrifice for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria like Atiku. No Nigerian today is accepted across the Nigerian geo-political bloc as Atiku. No Nigeria has advocated for the unity of this country at present as Atiku. Nigerians shine your eyes; the undertakers are here again with their lies and propaganda. They are spreading their rumors like wild fire. Be vigilant; do not repeat the mistake of 2015 it will be disastrous if you do.

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