Omiete Joseph
Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze has felicitated with the former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, at his 78th birthday anniversary.
In a statement made available to Journalists in Port Harcourt, Eze, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, described Atiku as a detribalised 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.
He said “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, the Waziri Adamawa, as he turned 78 on November 25…”
Eze said November 25, is symbolic, stressed 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”.
According to the APC chieftain, “Atiku is a worthy politician and an illustrious son of Adamawa, a 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 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.
He said the PDP Presidential candidate has through the years, as a seasoned politician, shown enviable leadership skills, guiding the 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.
“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.”
He told Atiku that “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.”
Eze praised Atiku that God has been very kind to him, raising him from an obscure background to limelight as a Vice President of Nigeria.
“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. ”