Edo chiefs support Atiku

Atiku Abubakar

THE presidential ambition of former Vice-President Abubakar Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got a big boost during the weekend as traditional chiefs in Edo State under the aegis of Otu Odelevbo – Osioba thrown their weights behind him.

In a statement at the end of its meeting in Igueben, headquarters of Igueben local government area the royal fathers said that they threw their support behind Atiku due to his overwhelming track record in the various offices he had held in the past.

In the joint statement by High Chief Jackson Igbinoba (Osagiobariase of Benin Kingdom) and High Chief Matthew Irabor (Oniha of Igueben Kingdom) they explained that during his eight years as vice-president, he was never indicated or found wanting in his duties.

While insisting that the group is essentially a non political organisation but composed of elders and stakeholders in the Nigerian project, they said that Abubakar deserves their support because he is a proponent of the restructuring of Nigeria.

They said: “And as a dedicated and detribalised patriot, we believe that Atiku if elected will restructure this country to ensure a balanced peaceful, stable and prosperous nation.

“Of note is the fact that the present democratic dispensation under President Muhammadu Buhari has not found any skeleton in his cupboard despite the fact that he is now in the opposition.

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“Those clamouring for young people to rule should stay clear now, because they don’t have the guts and courage to question past leaders just like former President Jonathan who was young but unable to question leaders older than him about the state of affairs.”

They called on Nigerians to reject any contender to the presidential office who is not in support of the restructuring of the country.

The high chiefs said that a leader with fear of God and the spirit of justice and fair play should be elected and can only be possible if Nigerians choose somebody with the political will and boldness to restructure this country.

S-Davies Wande