From TAIWO AMODU, Abuja
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
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Addressing journalists yesterday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Atiku who on Monday emerged as the anointed candidate of the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) for the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) presidential ticket declared that the battle for the 2011 presidential election has just begun, as he scored the incumbent, Dr Goodluck Jonathan low on economic performance.
“The struggle to pick the PDP ticket has just commenced; we must redouble our efforts. We shall prevail because we are on the path of honour, honesty and sincerity.
“Why is our budget not being implemented? Why is it that this present administration has been depleting our foreign reserves? Why is it taking us back to the era of foreign debt accumulation? We need a new leadership and that’s why I am offering myself for service. I am ready to provide the leadership needed to realize that vision. By the grace of God, we shall make good things happen. The real battle has just started,’’ he declared.
He assured the other presidential aspirants who were screened by the Mallam Adamu Ciroma Committee of his readiness to seek their support at all times in the battle ahead, as he disclosed his readiness to integrate their campaign teams into his own.
“I feel humbled to have been chosen and I commend the NPLF for their patriotism and commend the other aspirants. They are all qualified and their willingness to abide by the NPLF’s decision shows their sincerity, selflessness and commitment to the sustenance of democracy. I will continue to count on their support in the struggle ahead.”
In his veiled reaction to insinuations that he was a sectional candidate, having emerged through a platform instituted by the North, the former Action Congress (AC) presidential candidate submitted that the desperate efforts by a group within the PDP to jettison a collective agreement informed the initiative of the NPLF. ‘Zoning, rotation have never been perfect , but a mechanism to ensure that every section of the country, especially the minority have a say in the administration of the country. In 2002, it was reaffirmed and our current president was at the meeting. It was a rude shock to Northern leaders when indications emerged that Jonathan would seek the presidential ticket on the platform of our party, the PDP.
“We were alarmed. It was that concern that led to the formation of NPLF to alert Nigerians to the danger of President Jonathan’s ambition to the corporate existence of Nigeria. Those behind him are prepared to use the power of incumbency to achieve their aim, even if it means tearing the nation apart.
“The 2011 election isn’t about North/South divide; it is about honour, about fairness. That our words should be our bond.’’ Those who attended the press briefing were Dr Udenta Udenta, Senator Ben Obi, Dr Raymond Dokpesi and Mr Chris Mammah, the Directors-Generals of Dr. Olusola Saraki, General Aliyu Gusau, General Ibrahim Babangida and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar campaign organisations, respectively.
Others were former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, among others
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