Atiku to states: Stop depending on FG’s handouts

By Bode Olagoke

Abuja

Former Vice President and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, has charged states across the country to stop depending on federal hand outs coming from the federation accounts and build a viable economy that will be the envy of all.

The Wazirin Adamawa also said the Nigerian elite owed a responsibility to the younger generation to help state governments in developing the various states.

Speaking at a dinner in his honour by the Adamawa community in Abuja at the weekend, Atiku said recent developments have shown that crude oil would soon become less important as a source of energy across the world, a development that would grossly affect resources available to government.

“We can have our political differences and political fights, but let us know when to apply the brakes to ensure that what is destined for Adamawa – be it projects, provisions or positions – are not lost because of our petty quarrels and what some call “pull-him-down syndrome.” I believe we will be remembered not by the number of people we pulled down, but by the number of people we lifted up.”

While appreciating the organisers for honoring him, he said, “as little boy in Jada, who at a point, wasn’t sure whether he would be allowed to go to school, one thing I know I didn’t dream I was becoming Waziri Adamawa. But the God that we all worship has His plans for all of us.

“What I have done all these years is work hard at whatever position I find myself in and take advantage of opportunities that arise for self-improvement and social advancement. Along the way I have had a lot of help from a lot of people, relations, teachers, friends, colleagues, business partners and associates.

“Adamawa and the North east generally have been in the news in recent years often for the wrong reason: the spate of insecurity occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency in the area. But we are more than that. We have more than one story. Our story is not just the Boko Haram story.

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