Leadership is the ability to effectively influence subordinates and followers to carry out duties and responsibilities with ease, joy and happiness. Such influence comes through exhibition of selflessness, transparency, good initiative and courage of conviction in office (s) held. The subordinates must have been convinced in their conviction of the leader’s vision, initiative, innovation, creativity, intellectual capacity and his drive to make things done properly and most importantly make life less difficult for others. No one has shown the above qualities in quantum since 1999 than the Turaki Adamawa himself, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He is the most detribalized Nigerian alive as can be seen through his numerous contacts across Nigeria. Turaki Adamawa as he is popularly known has friends across the six geo- political zones in Nigeria with equal measure. There is virtually no state in the federation that Atiku does not have political and business associates in quantum.
In this era where leaders are constantly accused of religious and tribal biases, such can never be said of this great legend who treat all humans equal. The most important point I wish to make which is basically the crux of this message to Nigerians is the fact that he is the most prepared living leader to be elected president come 2019.
I wish to further state without fear of contradiction to the effect that in Nigeria political history, only Chief Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory and Atiku Abubakar are leaders who tried to develop and equip themselves intellectually to lead Nigeria. And that is why each time Turaki Adamawa speaks about his ambition, one cannot but appreciate his grasp and knowledge of Nigerian economy and leadership crisis.
He was, in 2007 who proposed the establishment of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs which was later brought to life by late Yar’Adua. However, since the idea was not his, he couldn’t develop a proper framework for clinical execution, neither could subsequent government. Ditto, ministry of power etc. Among the presidential aspirants today, no one can claim to have a better manifesto and blueprint like Atiku Abubakar. He has put his thoughts in a pamphlet and can conveniently defend it anytime, anywhere. He has been consistently consistent on the restructuring of Nigeria.
And I do know and believe very strongly that he is not one who speaks for the sake of it,but act based on his courage of conviction. Some of those clamouring for restructuring today does so out of political expediency, therefore when the become becomes becoming, they will flatter unlike Atiku who will tell you how he will perfectly restructure the country without any region feeling hurt.
This is not the time to be petty about politics, this is a season of sober reflection over political and leadership inertia in this country.
My final take: Let us drop all form of sentiments and for once campaign and mobilize delegates and electorate for Atiku Abubakar as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2019 as he is the leader that will move the country to a technologically driven height.
– Sylvester Ojogbane, a political analyst and strategist, wrote from Abuja.
