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ATIKU ABUBAKAR and the audacity of Hope.

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Atiku

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‘’The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership, there is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character, there is nothing wrong with Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else’’_
Prof. Chinua Achebe.

 

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Nigeria’s near inchoate democracy in spite of almost nineteen years of the fourth republic typifies the piquant cliché “the sweet and sour.” Our chequered history is riveting, No gainsaying, the sour tastes of unfulfilled promises, failed governance and a defunct change agenda outstrips the expected “sweet” dividends of democracy. So far in our annals and at fifty-eight years of independence, our sign-post can best be described as a moribund ‘work in progress.”

 

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Ironically, our country’s pride of place amongst the comity of nations in Africa can never be over emphasized. The signification of Nigeria’s status within the African continent be it in her population, one out of every five African is a Nigerian. We are rich in abundant repository of natural resources as well as a relatively urbane and upwardly mobile intellectually capable citizenry with a mammoth global reach.

 

 

 
Painful as it is with the litany of our national inadequacies, one can best be pacified by the undeniable fact that we are expected as a nation to be a leading force in building strong states, veritable democratic institutions, enduring and modern economies. In the sight of our sorry impasse and persistent clamor for a national rebirth is the profound question, when will our leaders navigate our pathetic history out of the maelstrom? Is it the wrenching poverty besetting majority of the people, the primordial ethnic creeds that instigate dichotomy and finally the wracking vortex of corruption which has decimated the very fabric of our existence? Even the alternation from civilian to military rule and vice versa in our quest for a better Nigeria did not yield the anticipated beacon of light that ought to have illuminated our trajectory to greatness.

 
Perhaps the most tragic of issues bedeviling our nation is the consistent lethargy and failure to attain our full economic potentials, the attenuated democratic dividends and a nefarious political class. We have a nation which merely thrives on the brinks of our potentials rather than forging enduring monuments that will make Nigeria great. we breed a votary of recalcitrant ethnic sentiments and religious bigots that limit and enervate our capacity to build a great country. It is disconcerting to say the labyrinth we have descended showcases our self-deceits, greed and dissonance. The grand larceny, perfidy and trickle-down effect associated with our political leaders is such that voters for a morsel of cake and a mess of pottage sell their birthrights through the permanent voter’s card. Like Dele Giwa of blessed memory once wrote “Nigeria a nation where nothing works”- Newswatch magazine. 1985. The man will obviously die a second time given the opportunity to witness the level of our decadence thirty-three years after.
When you ponder at the indefensible agitations that our political leaders canvass in national discourses and the tapestry of our political life, they have inordinately intruded in our common senses by promoting their selfish whims and caprices to becloud any reasonable sense of patriotism. It is evident that in this guise our spirit of nationalism becomes seemingly distorted, we seek for things that divides us as against the unifiers. Our yardsticks of success and accomplishments as a nation is measured thereafter in warped antiquated indices mainly because the political class is consumed with an indefeasible satanic agenda to subjugate the rest of us right down to the fourth generation.
We seek for fluent and lucid paths in our trajectory to a better Nigeria because our confidences in the present A.P.C. led government has irredeemably waned. The social contract necessitated by the dubious political slogan “Change’’ merely created an anachronism in tune with the party’s name “Apathy Pandemonium Corruption.”

 

President Barrack Obama did say “if the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists, to protect them and to promote their common welfare, then all is lost” The 2019 elections will assuage our yearnings, a watershed and an opportunity for stock taking. It will be a time for veritable choices far removed from the diatribe and narcissist posturing of the ruling A.P.C. Late eminent author and critic Prof. Chinua Achebe captured it succinctly that “the Nigerian problem is the willingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility to challenge personal examples which are the hallmark of leadership” painfully begging issues ranging from unbridled penchant for sectional political appointees, the former SGF Babachir lawal debacle, the ikoyi gate $43m loot, the Ogoni clean-up and a host of others. Contrary to the much vaunted position of President Buhari’s anti-corruption mantra is a disingenuous attitude akin to what late Dim Emeka Ojukwu surmised as a case of “selective amnesia” in the mindset of the President such issues are mere figment of our imaginations.

 

 

 

We are mindful to the shenanigans of the A.P.C led government and the devious “change mantra” needless to say, the change we aspire for is ostensibly in the eradication of “the poverty of the mind” so that we can vote in a leader that understands the intersection of realistic policies and playing politics leveraged on well thought out economic blueprints and guided by social justice driven on a focused leadership with the ability and vision to harness men and women of similitude in enlightenment, integrity and uncommon patriotism . I daresay that our hopes are rekindled and I am persuaded to prognosticate that we are weary but not subdued neither will the pontifications of the A.P.C. hoodwink well-meaning Nigerians.

 

 

Our expectations inclines to the inevitability of a new era that will ultimately dispel the raging storms of conflicts across the country from the brigandage of the Fulani herdsmen to the Boko haram insurgency, spates of kidnapping and abductions etc. Come February 2019, we will through the ballot box call forth a new leadership with clarity of purpose that will meet the lofty yearnings of the common man .Indeed, an Atiku Abubakar Presidency will birth an era of rising tides of prosperity and quicken the still waters of much desired peace which has eluded some parts of the country.
Nigerians assuredly recognizes the options before us come February 2019, obviously the right choice is an Atiku team[A-Team] at the helm of affairs. Every vote cast for Wazirin Adamawa will be an eloquent repudiation of the A.P.C. government, our votes will mark an epoch as well as monuments for us and generation yet unborn because through the ballot box we will challenge sense of lethargy ,hopelessness, resignations, frustrations and the hypocrisy of an oppressive capricious A.P.C led government . An Atiku Presidency will further defeat the militating factors that impede our journey to a deserved greatness amongst the comity of nations. In deference to President Obama and for our people in the intervening months leading up to the elections, Our votes will proclaim “an end to the petty grievances, lopsided corruption, insurgency, nepotism and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas that for so long have strangled our politics” Alhaji Atiku Abubakar buoyed by the audacity of hope on your imminent emergence as the next civilian President of our beloved country. I make bold to write that your mandate to rule Nigeria come 2019 is a “divine call” merely vested on you in trust and as a caretaker for the masses of Nigeria. It is neither for any emerging cabal nor political mongers even the over patronized elites cannot appropriate undue benefits. It would be in recognition of the “unsung, uncelebrated and anonymous Nigerians. Men and women scattered across the nooks and crannies, from the creeks of the Niger-delta to the slums of Ajegunle, Ogbunabali,Okpoko as far as the hillsides of the mambila,chibok, bakkasi peninsula etc Obscured and unacknowledged in their daily enterprise of toiling to eke out a living, struggling against all odds with an unmatched resilience and ingenuity encouraged by individual industry for survival, in most cases just to put food on the table and merely meet the basic needs of the youth and children.

 
It is a clarion order and God will judge you harshly if you fail to meet the yearnings of the people, HE has been inestimably benevolent to you in your quantum accomplishments in life, it is payback time. Needless to point out the incumbent fact you will address in tandem with the National Assembly and stakeholders to the project Nigeria the clamor for a restructured federation, bring to an end such unwholesome and shameful enterprise of fuel importation, insecurity, dearth and decay of social infrastructure and most importantly economic degradation. The votes of the people will be a sacred charter, a social contract that will dismantle the pervading parochial interests, nepotism and mediocrity which has been the nemesis to a true egalitarian Nigeria. It is not a tentative inkling but an audacious hope that your emergence as the fifth Executive President in the fourth republic come May 2019 will engender policy thrusts which would erase stale political promises and practices that stagnates our economy, democracy and most times diminishes our stature before the international community. We hope for a vital reengineering which will consign to the dustbin of history those glaring bad habits of our political leaders and further promote realistic templates that will justify our common good . As well as encourage enduring convictions on the supremacy of our country as a “unifying vessel to our providential destinies as Nigerians.

 
This piece was written by
Asika –Richard Lukusa, an Entrepreneur and member of the ATIKU SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT from Abuja

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Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

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Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

 

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Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

 

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President Bola Tinubu has called on religious leaders to refrain from vilifying or denigrating the nation in their sermons.

 

Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

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Speaking during Ramadan Iftar with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the State House on Thursday in Abuja, the President emphasized the important role of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among citizens.

He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective positions.

President Tinubu also declared that his administration is determined to turn Nigeria’s challenges into prosperity.

He reiterated that no terrorist can defeat the collective will of Nigerians, no matter how hard they try to prey on innocent citizens.

He urged traditional and religious leaders to forge a strong bond with the government to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in the country.

”Yesterday in Abuja, I attended the burial of the 17 soldiers killed in action at Okuama, Delta State. I saw their pregnant wives and little kids.

”The love of the nation is in your hands. Pray for our country. Educate our children. The sermons we preach to the members of our churches and mosques are important.

”Do not condemn your own nation. As a Yoruba man and as our fathers will say, ‘No matter how slippery the bottom of your child is, you must leave the beads there.’

“Leave the beads there. This is your country; do not condemn it in sermons, do not abuse the nation. Leadership is meant for change.

”Yes, this leader is bad, fine. Wait until the next election to change him, but do not condemn your country. Do not curse Nigeria. This is a beautiful land.

The President, who acknowledged the birthday wishes and goodwill extended to him on the occasion, reminded the leaders that his birthday on March 29, 2024, coincided with Good Friday.

“I have earned the honour of having my birthday fall on Good Friday, and I pray that on this Maundy Thursday, you all shall return to your homes safely. May God guide and keep you and your families in good health, and lift your spirits,” the President prayed.

Different speakers at the dinner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together in the spirit of Ramadan to share a meal with the President and renew the bonds of friendship that unite the nation.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima emphasized the pivotal roles of religious and traditional rulers in promoting peace and unity, urging them to continue to ‘‘build bridges that transcend ethnic and religious divides.’’

The Vice-President expressed delight that the nation’s economy is on a rebound, noting the strengthening of the naira against the dollar.

”The President means well for the nation, and he has continued to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership.

”For many years, fuel subsidy was an albatross. The President took a bold decision from day one, and he hit the ground running. Now the economy is turning the corner,” the Vice-President said.

Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, assured the President of the unwavering support of traditional rulers and commended the government’s efforts to address the hike in food prices and the security challenges.

”You are not alone, Mr. President. The prices of food items and goods are gradually coming down. You are doing your best on security, and we cannot allow you to do it alone. We will join hands to support your vision for the betterment of our nation,” the Ooni said.

Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, empathy, and unity.

On the security situation in the country, the Emir of Zazzau, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of NSCIA, expressed optimism that the country will return to peace and stability.

”I am happy to see representatives of Muslim and Christian communities in this room. I pray God Almighty blesses the President for him to do more to take the country to the Promised Land,” the Emir prayed.

Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), noted that the Ramadan dinner with religious and traditional leaders, coincided with Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.

The General Secretary, who delivered the address of CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended President Tinubu for fostering a harmonious relationship between the State and the Church.

”We are encouraged that your administration has shown great determination in tackling the challenges of kidnapping and banditry and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

”We shall continue to show our support to your administration so that you can execute your noble intention for the nation,” CAN General Secretary said.

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Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

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Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

*Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

 

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The presidential election of Senegal have been held but if outgoing President, Macky Sall could turn the hands of time around, He would take the prophecy of Nigerian prophet, Primate Ayodele regarding the election seriously and follow his instructions – Maybe that would save his anointed candidate, Amadou Ba.

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Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

 

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The election saw the candidate of the opposition party, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye becoming victorious in an unprecedented manner; the ruling party’s candidate had to congratulate him even before the results were fully released just to show that it was a landslide victory.

Beyond what many experienced in the Sunday election, Primate Ayodele had warned President Macky Sall before the election about his anointed candidate, Amadou Ba, who was the immediate past Prime minister of Senegal.

The prophet in a video publication mentioned that the people of Senegal will not accept Amadou Ba’s candidacy in the election while also giving the president some advice on how to go about winning the election for his anointed candidate.

Primate Ayodele mentioned three major instructions to President Macky Sall and they include changing strategy, seeking the face of God for the candidate and ensuring that Ousmane Sonko, the major opposition leader doesn’t come out of jail before the election.

These were his words

‘’Senegalese president Macky Sall doesn’t understand what politics is. The people don’t want his candidate, he needs to quickly do two things; he should strategize urgently to seek the face of God for his candidate to have his way. Also, if the main opposition still produces the man he sent to jail and he wins at the court and faces his own candidate, He will defeat your candidate. Don’t allow him to come out, let him stay as long as you want him there but the moment he is released from prison, He will toughen your candidate.’’

@primateayodele

#africantiktok #africatiktok #African #Africa #primateayodele #iescworldwide #senegalaise_tik_tok #senegal #senegaltiktok

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele

From the foregoing, it’s obvious Primate Ayodele had foretold the loss of the President’s anointed candidate and if he had known, he would have followed instructions by seeking the face of God for Amadou Ba or even changing him since the prophet revealed that people will not want him to represent them.

Unfortunately, instead of doing things as instructed, President Macky Sall went ahead to jeopardize the chances of his party by attempting to extend his tenure and postponing the presidential election indefinitely.

Meanwhile, Primate Ayodele had warned the president against attempting to create tension in the country to avoid a military coup. Macky Sall went through the wrong route and this affected the chances of his party greatly in the election.

Similarly, the opposition candidates, Ousmane Sonko and Diomaye Faye were imprisoned but released 10 days before the election. As the man of God stated, their release from prison generated so much buzz around the candidacy of Faye and contributed to his victory in the election.

President Macky Sall was warned in Primate Ayodele’s prophecy about an imminent loss, he was given prophetic solutions to salvage the situation in his favour but he ignored all of them and decided to do things his own way. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out well for him.

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General Buratai (CFR): From Battlefields to the Farms

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General Buratai (CFR): From Battlefields to the Farms

A Glimpse into the Retirement of a Nigerian Military Icon

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In what can be described as a stunning departure from his renowned military career, former Nigerian Army Chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, captivated the online world on Friday with a post on his Facebook page titled “Best Retirement Hobby.”

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The post featured General Buratai draped in exquisite Fulani traditional attire as he shared a series of snapshots showcasing his leisurely moments at his  farm.

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Renowned for his remarkable feats as a distinguished military strategist and seasoned diplomat, General Buratai earned widespread acclaim for spearheading critical military operations that led to the liberation of territories once held captive by the notorious Boko Haram insurgents in Northeast Nigeria.

 

Moreover, his visionary leadership was instrumental in bolstering the Nigerian Army’s capabilities and fostering a culture of excellence aligned with global standards.

 

 

 

Transitioning seamlessly from the battlegrounds to the serene environs of his snake farm, General Buratai’s post not only offered a glimpse into his newfound passion but also showcases his multifaceted persona beyond the realms of military valour and diplomatic finesse.

In this part of the world where transitions are often met with uncertainty and apprehension, General Tukur Buratai’s graceful segue into a tranquil retirement marked by his compelling engagement with nature testifies to his indomitable spirit, resilience, and enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations far and wide.

General Buratai (CFR): From Battlefields to the Farms

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