Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a true champion of the people as well as detribalized Nigerian whose unwavering sense of patriotism to national ideals and immutable sacrifices to the development of democracy remain a bastion of inspiration to the younger generation of leaders.
Eze stated this when he extended a warm felicitation to Atiku, in commemoration of his 78th birthday anniversary, in a statement made available to media houses on Friday.
The statement read, “I wish to sincerely join well meaning Nigerians to identify with one of Africa’s reverred democrats and a politician of international repute, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, GCON, the Waziri Adamawa, as he turned 78 on November 25…”
“November 25, is symbolic in view of the fact that it marks the birthday anniversary of a thorough-bred politician, humane, Philanthropist of note, amiable, admirable, remarkable and an exceptional individual – who has devoted his life to rendering selfless service to mankind.
“Atiku Abubakar is a worthy politician and an illustrious son of Adamawa; As leader per excellence, Eze said he cannot help but feel grateful to God for the tireless efforts exhibited by the former VP to place Nigeria on the path of socio-economic and political prosperity.
“In deed, you are a definition of who a true champion of the people and democracy is, going by your antecedents as Nigeria’s most admired politician and the highest employer of labour in the North-East outside government.”
“By his huge presence and visible contributions in Nigeria’s political landscape, spanning over three decades, Eze said Atiku has steadily demonstrated commitment towards the emancipation and uplift of the down trodden.
“His unassuming passion for social justice, respect for rule of law, equality, and freedom has inspired countless Nigerians to get involved in the political process and become great politicians.
“As a visionary, pragmatic and proactive leader, he said the PDP Presidential candidate has all through the years, as a seasoned politician, shown enviable leadership skills, guiding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to becoming a force to reckon with in Nigeria’s democratic governance.
“Without mincing words, I make bold to state in the strongest term that your political sagacity, integrity, honesty, business acumen and ability to mobilize men and resources have earned you enormous respect and admiration from Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora.
“As we celebrate and mark your birthday anniversary, I feel delighted and privileged to honour you for your dedication, perseverance, and selflessness in championing the course of good democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Let me remind you at this juncture that not a few Nigerians acknowledge the sacrifices you have made for the greater good of the country and we sincerely express our deepest gratitude for your services to this nation.
“From our stable, and on behalf of my family, I wish you many more years of leadership, wisdom, and compassion. Happy birthday to our beloved most renowned Africa’s democrat and politician.
“It is pertinent for me to state here that as a true democrat, proactive and visionary politician, many Nigerians are still yearning and praying for your kind of humane and purposeful leadership that relegated discrimination, tribalism, sectionalism, nepotism and favouritism to the backdrop.
“Ever since you and former President Olusegun Obasanjo left office in 2007, Nigeria has continued gradually to slide into a lawless and failed state due to clueless successors and morally debased political leaders and ethnic bigots at the corridors of power.
“Even your worst, habitual and armchair critics have attested to the fact that if not for the obvious flaws and continued interference in Nigeria’s electoral system by the supposed umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria under your presidency would have been let out of the woods and jaws of bad leadership.
“They conspire, betray, blackmail and backstab you because they know the stuff you are made of. The fear of the name Atiku, is the begining of wisdom for politicians in the country. Any bootlicking hangers-on and political pauper, who has not dropped Atiku’s name to curry favour, has not started playing politics.
“As a rallying point of progressive democrats, many Nigerians know that your visible and tremendous achievements as a politician of high repute, far outweigh your few minuses. It is understandable because nobody is 100 percent perfect.
“Your Excellency Sir, God has indeed been very kind to you, raising you from an obscure background to limelight as a Vice President of Nigeria. Remain blessed Sir.
“Unlike some mentally deranged political neophytes and power drunk politicians, you have never allowed power to intoxicate or overwhelm you, making you to stand out as one of Africa’s most admired and followed politician.
“You are a living legend, an iconoclast and a lovely but caring father who has continued to exhibit uncommon humility, nobility and selfless leadership to Nigerians, irrespective of their political leaning, ethnicity or religious affiliation.
“To the Waziri Adamawa, this is just to celebrate you at 78. May God continually protect and guide you all the days of your life, in good health, happiness and prosperity.
“Peace and prosperity are the priceless gifts always for every patriotic citizen like you. Thank you for your contributions towards laying a proper foundation for Nigeria’s democracy to excel.
“Happy Birthday His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar (GCON), Waziri Adamawa, Former Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
