Since the birth of our present democracy in 1999, I have followed with keen interest the public service life of key players in our political terrain, restricting myself to reading of commentaries and articles without a single contribution. This was necessitated not only because of a self acknowledged deficiency in writing abilities but also for lack of motivation. Though still struggling with low writing abilities, there could be no better motivation for breaking the silence than the “MAN HIMSELF, MAN OF THE MOMENT” – Alh. Atiku Abubakar. Turakin Adamawa.
For a truth, Atiku Abubabar is the “Man of The Moment”. From his #MeetAtiku and #HungerGames Lagos event with popular youth activists, to his official declaration in Abuja, the Nigerian media has been crammed with stories of virtues. Some free thinkers like me and other paid image makers/ brand agents have been busy trying to sell these perceieved virtues to fellow Nigerians.
Just eight days ago, I engaged a group of young Nigerians on a debate about Atiku’s chances in the forth coming presidential election. While this debate lasted, I played out odd as the rest of the group continued to show their bitter surprise and disappointment at my expressions of strong convictions on Alh. Atiku’s favourable chances in 2015 based on my perception of his strides and efforts in creating sustainable and gainful employments. I listed a few of the companies (INTELS, AMS, WAMS, PRODECO, ORLEAN) which Atiku owned and stated how gainfully employed and happy his employees are. I went further pointing out that Atiku provides the highest number of gainful private employment even in the NigerDelta, which in my fair opinion gives him good chances of coasting high in the region if such selling points are well propagated by his media ombudsmen. My innocent attempts on convincing them further, got them piqued to the extent that one of them said to me that if Atiku has paid me to launder his image, I better report back to him and inform him that he is totally unsellable. Expectedly at this point I was put-out by their wrongful accusations of being paid to launder Atiku’s image, but had to pause to analyse the resonating point in their own argument; “your man is BLANTANTLY CORRUPT and Nigerians cannot be deceived”. I suddenly came to consciousness and realisation of a “moment of truth”- Atiku is hard to sell.
For a truth, Atiku Abubabar is the “Man of The Moment”. From his #MeetAtiku and #HungerGames Lagos event with popular youth activists, to his official declaration in Abuja, the Nigerian media has been crammed with stories of virtues. Some free thinkers like me and other paid image makers/ brand agents have been busy trying to sell these perceieved virtues to fellow Nigerians. For me, I have strong admiration for his entrepreneurial skills and its value chain on meaningful job creation especially I my region NigerDelta. I also heard a few of those who attended his #HungerGames sessions saying how amiable his is, how he freely relate with youths. Others mentioned his eloquence in discussing politics/economy, alluring smile, healthy and smart looks as suitable qualities for our next president. But for the greater majority of Nigerians I have interacted with, those reasons stated above are nothing but his Maradona approach to securing Looting powers. Majority argues that if Atiku can acquire such unprecedented magnitude of looting credential as a Custom boss and vice president, then expect Nigeria to be sold into his pocket if he ever becomes a president. In trying to balance my view on Atiku, I immediately recalled what my secondary school teacher would always say to a very notorious class mate of mine who was reputed for his neat dressing and a smiling face – “Your Evil outweighs your good”. Am so certain and convinced Atiku has some obvious qualities that can be admired by any objective mind, but it equally seem his vices out numbers his few good sides. The more attempts made to sell his candidacy; the more vividly Nigerians are reminded of his ugly sides. This explains the reaction that greeted the recent series of media and image making events organised by his handlers. Just this week, a wikileak report (link sent to ur dm) resurfaced in the media. This report quoted ex FCT minister who also belong to same political party (APC) with Atiku as saying – he had been surprised by the blatancy of Atiku’s corruption. He also went further comparing Atiku to IBB, and this in essence suggests that Atiku is so clever in style and approach to corruption such that he only competes with the grand master himself-IBB. This suggests that even in th circle of his political party-APC, there are doubts on his candidacy.
Like him or not, Atiku is the “Man of The Moment”. But is Atiku unsellable? As Nigerians continue to pour out their reactions on this, it would be interesting to observe how Atiku’s handlers correct the raising negative perception in the minds of many Nigerians in the wake of 2015
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culled from YNAIJA
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