ALL is set for the November 25 presidential declaration of Vice President Atiku Abubakar with the inauguration of an 85-member committee to ensure a hitch-free ceremony.
Speaking at the event held at his official residence in Abuja, the Vice President said he has “the experience, democratic credentials and the vision to provide leadership that Nigerians yearn for.”
The committee is headed by former Senate President, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.
Alhaji Abubakar challenged the members to organize an event befitting the immense goodwill that he and his political associates and admirers enjoy across the country.
The Vice President said he was pushing ahead with his presidential aspiration because unfolding events in the country have clearly shown that Nigeria deserves a leader who is a democrat at heart and who will defend the constitution and protect the rule of law.
“It has become evident that Nigerians desire a leader who is truly convinced about the tenets of democracy and has the temperament to protect them.”
Vice President Abubakar said the lofty expectations of Nigerians about government in terms of better life, job creation, poverty alleviation, security of lives and property, good infrastructure, education, health facilities and peace and development in the Niger Delta can only be provided in an atmosphere of rule of law, democracy, freedom, peace and stability.
“It is my conviction that I possess the experience, the democratic credentials and the vision to provide the leadership that Nigerians yearn for”.
The Vice President who informed the Committee members that he had informed the President of his intention to offer himself for selfless service at the highest level said he was comfortable with the response he got. He thanked members for “enthusiastically accepting” to serve in the committee in spite of the atmosphere of intimidation, blackmail and threats that have been visited on him, his associates and supporters.
He said as a politician, he had witnessed similar persecution when he collaborated with fellow patriots to oppose continued military rule in the country.
The declaration committee is headed by former Senate President and Dr Ayu who is also the Director-General of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organization. Dr. Usman Bugaje, Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs and Chief Dubem Onyia, former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs are the deputy chairmen and the Deputy Directors General of the Campaign Organization.
Other members of the Declaration Committee are; Chief Alexis Anielo, Mr. Yomi Edu, Mr. Lai Muhammed, Mrs. Titi Ajanaku, Princess Funke Adedoyin, Chief Wale Osun, Chief Sunday Monidafe, Mr. Dele Alake, Mrs. Mathew Ugbene, Mrs. Chika Ebeneme, Mr Chief Ejiofor Onyeka,and Senator Ben Birabi.
Other members are, Chief Dosu Oladipo, Dr ego Queen Ezuma, Chief Raymond Wodin, Mallam Wada Maida, Chief Eze C. Eze, Mrs. Diana Lohor, Mrs Esther Okon, Mallam Garba Shehu, Dr Onukaba Ojo, Dr adeolu Akande, Mallam Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, Dr Andy Okoli, Ms Toun Onabanjo and Dr Sam Eke.
Vice President Abubakar told the Committee that he would be declaring on a “Platform of Ideas and Issues” that will guarantee democracy, rule of law, unity and better economic well being for Nigerians.