By Emmanuel Enebeli
ABUJA/Nigeria: His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a fervent call for accountability, the safeguarding of constitutional rules, and the relentless pursuit of truth within Nigerian politics.
This resounding message was delivered during a press conference at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja earlier today.
Atiku Abubakar, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, underlined the pivotal roles that political leadership and active citizenship play in shaping the nation’s future. He emphasized that leaders have a profound duty to promote the welfare of the people and the nation as a whole.
Drawing upon his own experiences and the challenges his generation faced in the struggle to restore democracy, Atiku urged the current generation to uphold the democratic values and principles enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
He reminded all Nigerians of the importance of preserving and advancing the democracy they have fought so hard to establish.
A significant portion of Atiku’s address was devoted to the vexing issue of the credibility of certificates presented by candidates for public office—a matter that has ignited a nationwide debate.
He expressed his concerns regarding the protracted verification process for such certificates and argued that responsible institutions should streamline their operations to ensure the credibility of elected officials.
He expressed his gratitude to legal professionals both in Nigeria and the United States for their support in shedding light on this matter, which has remained unresolved for nearly a quarter of a century.
He used the occasion to pay tribute to the late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, whose unwavering dedication to truth and accountability has been a source of inspiration. He underscored the significance of Fawehinmi’s vision finally materializing in the ongoing pursuit of these values.
Quoting former American President Thomas Jefferson, Abubakar stressed the indispensable role of journalism in holding governments accountable and ensuring transparency. He commended the work of independent journalist David Hundeyin and other young journalists for their relentless dedication to uncovering the truth. He also acknowledged the millions of Nigerian youths and citizen journalists who have been unyielding in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
The former vice president made it abundantly clear that his mission was not a personal one but a collective endeavor to instill truth, morality, and accountability in Nigerian public affairs. He issued a rallying cry to well-meaning Nigerians, thought leaders, religious figures, traditional leaders, political leaders, and citizens of all affiliations, urging them to unite in the campaign for probity, accountability, justice, morality, and uprightness in the government.
Atiku’s clarion call serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of these principles in Nigeria’s political landscape.
