By Cosmas Nkeremwem
A quasi-political group called the United Nigeria Group, TUNG, has urged ex-Vive-President Atiku Abubakar to consider contesting the 2019 presidency and pledged to work for his success at the polls
In a statement singed by Dr Emenena Bright, National Spokesman and Engr. Adamu Salihu, National Organising Secretary, the group, which described itself as a “grassroots movement for young vibrant Nigerians who believe in a fair and united Nigeria where peace and justice reigns, described “Atiku as a leader who can bridge the yawning gap of mutual distrust and crisis of confidence among the country’s nationalities and ensure our continuous existence and progress.”
It said the decision to invite the former Vice President to consider running for the number one job in the country was taken at a meeting of the group held at Ebiis Hotel, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on November 12 as part of the ongoing nationwide tour of the group.
It read in part; “We unanimously agreed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is yards beyond his contemporaries in the ability/capacity to achieve the feat of uniting us and putting us on the part of permanent economic progression.
“In reaching this conclusion, the group considered the following: That the avalanche of agitations that abound everywhere in the country today requires a leader who has the capacity and ability to bridge the gaps and heal the divisions along regional, religious and ethnic lines. The state of the economy of Nigeria and the need to put it not just on a recovery path but to fast track growth through major politico structural changes needs Atiku’s experience in dousing political tension and in business as evidenced by his private sector successes: His position on the need for Nigeria to change her politico economic form (true federalism):His respect for institutions knowing that institutions are the bastion of democracy: His commitment to the rule of law and love for democracy: His capacity to appreciate the causes of the agitations (discrimination/lack of fairness) responsible for the divisions and ability to apply dialogue to proffer appropriate solutions.
“The group therefore resolved that his Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Waziri Adamawa should throw his hat into the ring to contest the next presidential election, adding, “if this call is heeded, we promise to work assiduously to see that this ambition is achieved.
