• Atiku As An Endangered Species – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

    Atiku as an endangered species independent newspaper nigeria - nigeria newspapers online
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    Sam Omatseye’s article, brimming with vitriol and sanctimonious pos­turing, demands a rebuttal rooted in truth and literary eloquence. Omats­eye, in his misguided zeal to malign Atiku Abubakar, reveals more about his own biases and mercenary pen­manship than about the man he seeks to discredit. It is time to set the record straight and highlight the strengths of Atiku Abubakar, a statesman and an endangered species whose vision and dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress far surpass the myopic self-in­terest Omatseye attributes to him.

    Omatseye derides Atiku for seeing himself as a chess player, implying a lack of humility. Yet, in the intricate game of politics, the ability to strat­egize and anticipate moves is para­mount. Atiku’s approach is not one of vanity, but of calculated foresight and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s com­plex socio-political landscape. Unlike the unnamed politician, presumably Bola Tinubu, who flaunted his power with a self-deprecating quip, Atiku’s humility lies in his persistent efforts to build bridges across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious divides.

    Omatseye’s allegorical comparisons of Atiku’s visits to historical betrayals and sinister handshakes are a testa­ment to his propensity for hyperbole. The handshake between Atiku and Buhari is not a clandestine plot but a public display of his commitment to national unity. Atiku’s visits are not sneaky or deceitful, like Odysseus re­turning in disguise, but open gestures of reconciliation and dialogue.

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    Omatseye’s insinuation that Atiku’s alliances are opportunistic ignores the political realities of Nigeria. Politics, by its very nature, involves the forging of alliances (and Omatseye needs to be reminded of alliances of his pay­master that led to the formation of the APC). Atiku’s partnership with figures like Nasir el-Rufai is not a sign of du­plicity, but a pragmatic effort to unite various factions for the greater good. The allegation that Atiku exploits eth­nic sentiments is ironic coming from a Tinubu apologist, considering Tinu­bu’s notorious manipulation of ethnic and regional loyalties to consolidate power.

    The critique that Atiku only remem­bers the north when seeking votes is baseless. Atiku’s investments in man­ufacturing, agriculture, banking, edu­cation, healthcare and infrastructure, particularly in the north, are well-doc­umented. The American University of Nigeria, founded by Atiku, stands as a testament to his philanthropy and com­mitment to providing quality educa­tion and fostering development in the region. In contrast, Tinubu’s legacy in Lagos, allegedly marred by allegations of corruption and cronyism, offers lit­tle to commend.

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    Omatseye’s selective presentation of poverty statistics in the north is a disingenuous attempt to lay the blame at Atiku’s feet. Poverty in the region is a multifaceted issue exacerbated by years of neglect by successive govern­ments. Atiku’s efforts, though signif­icant, cannot single-handedly rectify decades of systemic challenges. More­over, Omatseye conveniently overlooks the socio-economic disparities that persist in Lagos, Tinubu’s stronghold, despite his years of governance.

    Omatseye’s invocation of intellectu­al heavyweights like Michel Foucault and Zadie Smith to critique Atiku’s appeal to northern sentiments is mis­placed. Foucault’s exploration of pow­er dynamics and Smith’s discourse on identity could equally be applied to cri­tique Tinubu’s divisive politics. Atiku’s vision, in contrast, seeks to transcend prefabricated identities and foster a cohesive national identity.

    Labeling Atiku as the most dan­gerous politician, second only to Peter Obi, is a gross mischaracterization. Atiku’s political career is marked by his advocacy for restructuring Nige­ria, promoting decentralization, and empowering local governments. His vision for Nigeria is one of inclusive growth and sustainable development, a stark contrast to the status quo of political patronage and centralization championed by Tinubu.

    In conclusion, Sam Omatseye’s article is a tapestry of half-truths and unfounded allegations woven together with the thread of bias. Atiku Abuba­kar’s strengths lie in his strategic acu­men, his commitment to national unity, and his tangible contributions to Nige­ria’s development. Omatseye’s diatribe, far from discrediting Atiku, exposes the hollowness of his own arguments and the mercenary nature of his pen. It is time for Nigerians to see through the smokescreen of political propaganda and recognize the genuine leadership and vision that Atiku Abubakar offers. As Ralph Waldo Emerson aptly said, “A great man is always willing to be little,” and it is in this spirit of humble service that Atiku seeks to lead Nigeria to a brighter future.

    *Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku Abuba­kar, former Vice President and presi­dential candidate of the PDP, writes from Abuja

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