The PDP will between Saturday October 6 and Sunday October 7, 2018 pick a presidential candidate for the 2019 general election. It comes to many observers as referendum for true democracy and the expression of the fundamental rights of Nigerians to chose a path they wish to travel. A path of unity or divisiveness. A path that would uphold the overall interest of the people or that of cronyism, clannishness and exclusiveness. More than ever before, Nigerians, irrespective of socio-economic standing, have become more politically aware, and therefore ready to not only interrogate the kind of leadership the political class is providing, but essentially, ready and willing to play active roles in designing a Nigeria of their dreams, by utilizing their constitutional rights at the polling booths. The PDP, having suffered a humiliating defeat in the 2015 presidential election that brought the current All Progressives Congress (APC) government to power, knows that it can’t afford to make further mistake that could keep the party out of power for another four years. This makes the Port Harcourt convention very critical. And raises the stakes. The high-stake of the coming 2019 presidential election, is apparently reflected in the caliber and number of the aspirants the the PDP would be choosing its presidential flag bearer from this weekend. The party earlier cleared 13 aspirants, including the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, his predecessor, David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal among other high profile individuals, which would make the task of making a choice all the more difficult. But for those of us who have followed these public officers closely, the choice is simple. While Governor Tambuwal might not be the physically tallest amongst these respected group of aspirants, he towers far above them all in stature and refreshing candor, when you bring to the table, his impressive democratic credentials, impeccable records and achievements in public offices, unblemished image, strength of character, humility, exposure, knowledge and understanding of Nigeria’s many complexities, challenges and diversity, broad world view, and general preparedness for leadership of a unique nation that needs urgent rescue from stagnancy brought upon her by successive failure of government, particulatly the present one. It is important to note that Tambuwal’s experiences as active player in the three arms of government, Legislature, Executive and Judiciary, distinguish him from the rest. He was in the House of the Representative for 12 years, four of which he was speaker. In the judiciary, he is a life member of Body of Benchers, a position he earned as a result of hard work and professionalism as a lawyer. As governor of Sokoto state, his impressive footprints in the executive arm is well documented. These unique qualities and attributes are not lost on either his contemporaries or the generation of leaders before him. For instance, former president Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, few days ago in Minna, capital of Niger State spoke so glowingly of Tambuwal who he described as “very bright and grounded leader.” Adding that he was “proud that my generation of leaders would be handing over the mantle of leadership to a successor generation that is bright and digital as His Excellency, Governor Tambuwal.” His colleague governor, Ben Ayade of Cross River State, extolled Tambuwal’s humility and strength of character as he said this of him: “Tambuwal like my humble self is a digital governor. Indeed, what you will find exciting about him is humility. He is urbane, hospitatable, well educated with impressive finesse. In spite of his impressive achievements in life, Tambuwal remains very respectful, very friendly, in fact his second name is humility. And I envy him for that great leadership virtue.” His zest to provide purposeful 21st Century leadership that would make Nigeria proud in the comity of nations and intellectual depth are reflective in his conversations. He has assured Nigerians that if given the opportunity to serve as president, “From my experience and exposure and broad world view, and having visited and interacted with people in all the 360 federal constituencies, as speaker, I have full understanding of the complexity of Nigeria’s unique diversity. And I know that our strength is in our diversity. “We need a leader that has the ability, understanding and willingness to unify this great nation and bring her to the path of peace and progress because Nigeria has never been this polarized along ethnic and religious lines. Nigeria belongs to all and everyone has the right to live and prosper in any part of the country without fear.We must say no to clannishness. “In me, Nigeria will have a leader that will make her proud in the comity of nations, a leader that has the credential of togetherness, visionary leadership, bridge-building and a leader that will not take decisions shrouded in ethnic and religious biases,” Tambuwal has declared. He has also pledged not to shy away from the burning issues of restructuring. His take on the subject doesn’t necessarily mean the balkanizing of the physical structure of the nation, but essentially devolving more powers to the states in order to give them more capabilities to bring more development to the citizenry by rejigging the federal revenue allocation sharing formula that would ensure more funds are given to the states. He has also given his word that his government would work hard to ensure fiscal discipline and transparency in the way government businesses are carried out, by reforming government institutions. He is fully persuaded that “Nigeria needs a democrat that will unify the nation and return her to the part of progress, not a nepotistic leader that believes in the interest of a few. I will not be a leader that will shut doors against critical national issues. I will work for a united, prosperous Nigeria, where the rule of law is supreme and respected. And where every citizen will live peacefully in any part of this great nation without fear of molestation or intimidation.” *Dibiana, media strategist wrote from Abuja.
DISCLAIMER : jomotv.com do not claim ownership of any of the Songs OR News that we upload or post, and any copyright infringement complaints will be executed immediately! It is our policy to honor all take-down requests! If You Feel Your Rights Are Being Infringed Upon, Email Us : jomotvonline.com@gmail.com Promote Your Music, Video, Comedy Skit Here On JomoTv.com whatsapp:- +2348109403485 or call: +2347016093180
Comments
Post a Comment