Ahead of the Policy Retreat Review at the Obasanjo Presidential Library which gets underway on Monday, there are indications that former Vice President and presidential aspirant of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku may be mulling the idea of accepting to earn a token salary of one Naira (N1) per annum.
Our Correspondent gathered from sources at Atiku Campaign Organisation that the former Vice President may have accepted in principle the recommendations of a memo on the subject.
According to the source, Atiku Abubakar accepted to take a flat rate of N1 per annum for the duration of his tenure if he eventually emerges victorious in the 2015 presidential election.
It was gathered that this decision is predicated on the avowed commitment of the leading APC presidential to “give back to Nigeria for all that the country has done for him.” Atiku had at the declaration of his intent to contest the 2015 presidential election said he will continue to give back to Nigeria for as long as he is able and capable.
The source disclosed that the balance of the salary that would have accrued to Atiku Abubakar should he emerge as President will be deployed to people-oriented charities of his choice.
“I believe that Turaki may be considering taking a token salary of N1 not because he is endowed like so many others but to underscore his preparedness to make personal sacrifices in the quest to rebuild and reinvent our dear country and by so doing engender a culture of sacrifice in his envisaged administration,” the source said.
But when contacted Mallam Garba Shehu, Coordinator of Atiku Media Office said he was unaware of this development. He, however, said that nothing is off the table at the policy review retreat.
Meanwhile, the Policy Review Retreat promised by Atiku at the unveiling of his economic policy in Abuja October 15 kicks off on Monday at the Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta the Ogun State capital.
The policy retreat is expected to bring together 50 experts drawn from diverse backgrounds and competences to analyse and review the policy document that will deliver on Atiku’s commitment of making Nigeria work again for all.
Shehu disclosed that the retreat will afford Atiku Abubakar the much-needed opportunity to have experts from diverse fields review and make inputs into the formulation of a road map that will encapsulate his blueprint and vision for Nigeria.
“Our country is tired of unprepared leaders in the saddle, and now requires experienced and able hand capable of retooling and re-engineering our economy to generate massive jobs for our teeming unemployed youths. It is about the effective implementation of the Power sector reforms, institution of a people-oriented health and education system for a sustainable and productive manpower base,’’ Shehu said.
He quoted the former Vice President and convener of the retreat as having urged the 50 International and local policy experts who will be attending the two-day session to use the opportunity to make meaningful input into his vision to make Nigeria work again for all.
THIS IS A WORK OF A DEMOCRAT CARRY ON TURAKI.
This shows that Atiku is ready for service with the masses at heart and not running for himself. His policy documents are on point and a full tenure of service to the people without pay is also welcomed because I believe Atiku has a lot to offer and should be given a chance to lead.
#ANigeriaForAll.