BODE OLAGOKE examines comments made by some prominent Nigerians to mark the 70th birthday of a former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and sums up that only time will reveal the undertone which may not be unconnected with 2019.
The teaming supporters, political associates, business partners and admirers the world over of the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar were shocked when he declared days before his recent 70th birthday that they should not bother themselves placing paid adverts and congratulatory messages in the media for the purpose of his birthday celebration but rather that they should divert such resources for the good of Internally Displayed People (IDPs).
Atiku said in a statement that he wanted his friends and associates to celebrate him in the service of humanity instead of devoting money to adulatory and self-glorifying advert messages.
According to the former VP, giving back to humanity has been his passion and that his friends and associates can honour him better if they spend their resources on charitable causes to celebrate his special day.
For some, it was a good move while others felt otherwise. It would have been a moment for some political sycophants to identify with a man they believed will have a role to play in 2019 whether as an aspirant or as a candidate.
For the celebrant himself, the real motive behind this low key celebration must be best known to him alone. This is because this man in the view of manu of his admirers has crossed the living limit of his lineage, as one whose wealth, popularity, acceptability have gone beyond the shores of Nigeria.
Whatever was the real reason, analysts believed this could be another political strategy to get sympathy of the v masses in the society ahead the next political contest which permutations seem to have begun in earnest.
Atiku’s appeal to people not to place congratulatory adverts did not, however, stop the stream of press releases from the high and mighty using different words to pass across messages about the past, present and the future of the Turaki Adamawa.
Some of these messages as are still been given different meaning by Nigerians from different spheres of life. While Atiku’s die-hard are reading meaning that best suit their purpose, those who think otherwise also think otherwise.
For President Muhammadu Buhari in a letter he personally signed, the President said he was delighted to welcome Alhaji Abubakar “to the 70s club,” and prayed that Allah would grant him “many more years of good health and service to Nigeria.”
The President added: “Over the years, I have admired your courage and doggedness in defending your interests and your generosity in promoting education. The American University in Yola is one of your noble legacies, and my hope and wish is that it will endure.”
President Buhari said both himself and the former Vice President should be grateful to Allah, who has granted them grace to be in the 70s club, and sends “kind personal regards.”
In a letter signed by the Party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the Turakin Adamawa was hailed for his solid contributions to the growth of the Party and entrenching democracy in the country.
The letter reads: “Our great Party, the All Progressives Congress celebrates with your Excellency on the occasion of your 70th birthday.
“The history of Nigeria is incomplete without copious reference to your immense contributions to the social, political and economic development of the country.
“Over the years, you have proven yourself as a democrat, detrabalised leader, elder statesman, successful businessman, political icon and philanthropist.
“The Party particularly laud your investment in the country’s education sector and other business ventures. These investments have touched lives positively and generated employment for many Nigerians.
“As a Party leader, the APC attest to your solid contributions to the growth of our great Party and entrenching democracy in the country.
“The APC wishes you many more happy, healthy and fulfilled years of service to the Party and Nation.”
National Leader of APC Bola Tinubu urged Atiku not to relent because the country need him.
“Do not relent because Nigeria needs you and others like you to continue to make life more meaningful. We must continue to explore common grounds towards promoting the common good.
“I write to felicitate with you on the attainment of the proverbial age of three scores and ten, 70. Your life has been a life of service to your people, your country and the causes you believe in. Nigeria has been well-served by your stewardship and leadership.
“Your steadfastness in walking the democratic path sets you apart as a leader with substance.
“Your passion for education has seen you invest your time and resources in education, knowing full well that when you educate people, you educate a nation.
“You are a man of faith. Your faith has kept you going and kept you strong. I urge you to accept that there is a tide in the affairs of men. You must continue to serve Nigeria well even as a private citizen and a notable leader.
“I pray for a long life and continued good health for Turaki Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar”.
The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja, described the former Vice-President as a detribalized Nigerian and bridge builder whose influence, selflessness and astuteness has continue to positively impact humanity both within and outside the shores of this country.
While wishing the celebrant many more years of fruitful service to God and humanity, he urged the political class to borrow a leaf from his many acts of generosity and passion for education.
“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is one man that has continued to inspire his peers and upcoming generation alike in all aspects of life. He is a man of great courage and vision that has helped to shape the development and democratic advancement of this country in no small measure.
“He is a true gift to humanity and we are blessed to have a personality like him as one of the major stakeholders in the Nigeria. I can only but wish the Turaki Adamawa excellent health, long life and continued service to humanity on this occasion of joining the Septuagenarian club,” he said.
The House of Representatives Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media & Public Affairs Mr. Turaki Hassan in Abuja, the Speaker showered enconiums on the former Vice President describing him as a democrat, patriot and elderstatesman.
“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is an icon of democracy and one of those who struggled to enthrone democratic governance in Nigeria.”
“We celebrate him as one of the greatest political leaders in Nigeria and a role model “
“We commend his unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the Nigerian people through his philanthropic activities especially in helping thousands of the internally displaced persons in the North East recently.”
“Atiku is one person who even at the height of the insurgency when people were running and closing their businesses he was establishing schools and manufacturing industries to provides jobs for our youths.”
“As he clocks 70 years we wish him God’s continuous guidance, protection and sound health to continue with his invaluable service to the nation and humanity in years come.”
The game of 2019 politics is on and as time ticks and events continue to unfold gradually, political analysts say whatever the intention of these gladiators might be, it is a matter of time and the breeze will blow and what is now secret will come to light.
As he clocks 70 years we wish him God’s continuous guidance, protection and sound health to continue with his invaluable service to the nation and humanity in years come
