INTRODUCTION
First Published on this Blog on September 8, 2013, and on my FaceBook on September 8, 2017. Following the victory of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the recent PDP Presidential Primaries, an elderly friend on FaceBook who participated in the debate during its initial publication in 2017, revisited the essay again. \That prompted another round of debates as you can see below. After reading this short essay and the accompanying debates or discussions, you will no longer search for the origin of ATIKULATE. It all began on my Facebook Timeline by Yours Truly. Happy reading.
Atiku's Strenght and Weakness is an excerpt from a 2013 essay on The Progressive Option.
First Published on this Blog on September 8, 2013, and on my FaceBook on September 8, 2017. Following the victory of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the recent PDP Presidential Primaries, an elderly friend on FaceBook who participated in the debate during its initial publication in 2017, revisited the essay again. \That prompted another round of debates as you can see below. After reading this short essay and the accompanying debates or discussions, you will no longer search for the origin of ATIKULATE. It all began on my Facebook Timeline by Yours Truly. Happy reading.
Atiku's Strenght and Weakness is an excerpt from a 2013 essay on The Progressive Option.
"Since the exit of President Obasanjo, Atiku is the only political leader on the scene who is able to articulate his motivations in power - what his goals are as a President."
"His clarity of thoughts on public affairs is outstanding. I want to be very frank and honest here; the fact that the materials on his campaign website or his published interviews were put together by advisers or consultants is irrelevant. Irrelevant because his opponents cannot boast of similar contents or thought it prudent to put together similar materials."
"How can you be an effective performer, if you cannot conceive or develop a coherent narrative for the office that you seek to occupy? I have no doubt in my mind that Atiku is much better than his peers in that aspect - that is, on "why I want to be President."
"His major weakness; allegations of corrupt practices aside, is his unwillingness to ruffle heads or be seen to be overtly antagonistic.
He should have taken a lesson from South Africa main man - Jacob Zuma on how to game the process legitimately. When Zuma time came, he stood firm - no scandal manufactured by man or self-inflicted can take my title away from me. He was battle-ready, emerged onto the scene gallantly like a true warrior and got his Presidential title."
"For instance, when Obasanjo was using EFCC and INEC to disqualify and un-disqualify Atiku years ago from running for the Presidential ticket under PDP, he should have taken his fight to the street - the people. He did not do that, and he paid for it badly."
"Atiku is a management and administrative strategist. No question about that. But politically speaking, he is no Mr. "If You Tarka Me, I Will Daboh You." That is the number one problem he must first overcome.
September 8, 2013 by Alex Aidaghese
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Comments
Alex Aidaghese Owanlen, that was my opinion in 2013. And I still stand by it. Maybe I am the architect of the propaganda. You cannot articulate what you don't know. In other words, if you cannot explain it, it means you don't know it. If you don't know it, you have no business aspiring to lead. I am talking about motivations in power - why do I want to be the President or Governor. It is no longer: I want to fight corruption. Tell me how you want to fight corruption. We are in a recession, yet no noticeable spending and investments going on. If after more than two years in office, President Buhari doesn't know that his Minister for Power, Works, and Housing is a huge failure, then, he doesn't deserve my sympathy vote. By the way, what was the economic explanation for retaining three Ministries in Mr. Fashola? It's just common sense - What did President Obama do to revive and resuscitate the American economy that was near comatose? A massive bailout, spending, and investments. The one hour drive from Benin City to Esan is now about four hours. And they are bombarding me with the massive hull they are making in recovering of stolen funds from all the Maduekes, and you have no investment to show for it. I'm Liberal and Progressive, but I must speak my mind.
Matthew Oribhabor Alex Aidaghese’s it may be true that Buhari is fighting cirruption, but I am yet convinced. I will be on his side if I see people like Oshiomole, Amaechi, Tinubu, Obasanjo and many others are tried for corruption, and jail them if find guilty. How many…See More
Alex Aidaghese Matthew Oribhabor. Speaking Truth to power. 2019 is their last chance, both APC, PDP, APGA or SDP. Between now and 2023 is the breaking point - either a revolution in the mode of the Arab Spring or a revolutionary President parked with all the elements of Ghana Rawlins.
Benjamin Omole Alex, l do not in anyway dispute your opinion of the situation as it is on the ground here. I am saying that Alhaji Atiku is not in anyway in a better position to change Nigeria given his antecedents. I am talking about propaganda from his agents here in the mass media. We need a new clean hand, clean motives & clean public spirit, not soiled fingers. The economic objectives of a clean hand should be: full employment for, by vigorously pursuing new investments & revamping the weak infrastructure on the ground; reducing the crazy level of inflation to very low level, Balance of payment equilibrium, i.e. Export=Import, concentrating not only on export of finished agricultural products not only on oil & gas; & economic growth.
I agree with you, fighting corruption should not be the main preoccupation of government. Alex, you always thrill me with a brilliant analysis of situations.
I agree with you, fighting corruption should not be the main preoccupation of government. Alex, you always thrill me with a brilliant analysis of situations.
Alex Aidaghese Owanlen, Benjamin Omole, thank you so much for the compliments. As perfect as Papa Awo was, he was branded an ethnic chauvinist, and Nigeria was denied his wealth of wisdom. Atiku may have a "soiled fingers" like the rest of them, but he is no doubt the best prepared. And that explains my obsession with him. By the way, you have all it takes to be a Minister of Trade or Commerce, but you were never given the opportunity to contribute to the development of your state. They are not going to sponsor or root for a guy like you who knows what he is talking about. So, that is why I am pitching for him before they impose another candidate on us.
Alex Aidaghese Brother Fred Iyoriobhe, if it is true that he is a looter, he does not enjoy any immunity; therefore, he should be taking to court and tried by EFCC or ICPC. Like IBB, Atiku is not a tribal or religious bigot. You cannot accuse him of nepotism or race-…See More
Patrick Ibomhen Alex, this is a masterpiece on Turaki of Adamawa, particularly against the background of our politicians seeking for public office without any iota of idea on the drawing board of what and how to implement the programmes. This is where the late sage Awolowo was hundred of kilometers ahead his peers. Unfortunately for Atiku, the public perception of him as corruption personified is not debatable and a huge burden on his shoulder. Added to that is the bracket, he is 70 now and Nigeria cannot afford to have another octogenarian as President. We have had enough of this age on our political landscape for a very long time. It is time we begin to seek out bright Nigerians in their forties and fifties for the presidency in this country.
Alex Aidaghese My Elder, well stated. I quite appreciate your concerns. In that case, maybe it's time I announce my readiness to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the next Presidential Election. Just maybe. I am ready. I am prepared. And I know the issues more than every one of them. I have followed Papa Awo since my Grammar School days - I know what he stood for, and I know what he did to accomplish all the FIRSTS that happened during his time. I may not be all-knowing; however, I sure know when to seek support and guidance from experts in specific areas.
Alex Aidaghese Thank you so much, Madam Ngozi Onyia. When I see highly respected professional and distinguished Lady like you, as well as elders like Mr. Benjamin Omole, Barrister Patrick Ibomhen, and Pastor Fred Iyoriobhe, taking the time to comment on my analysis I know the that the leadership crisis wrecking this country is no longer a sit-down-look kind of crisis.
Anthony Odigie Enosegbe Atiku was there as vp for 8 years and did nothing. He only succeeded in selling govt firms to himself. He amassed wealth in the process and attempt to fight his boss. He established and operated 'port logistics firm' that rendered services to NPA while still serving as senior custom officer. What conflict of interest can be more than that? The role he played in PTDF while serving as vp is also on record. Atiku is just too corrupt to be Nigerian president.
Alex Aidaghese Prince, I always respect your views, though I hardly agree with you. It is about preparedness and the ability to articulate your dreams for leadership. So far so good, and, if I may add, since the exit of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Atiku is the only candid…See More
Alex Aidaghese Let's do a historical analysis of all our civilian Presidents or Head of State. On gaining our independence, Sir Almadu Bello, the Sadauna of Sokoto, remained in Kaduna and sent his second in command, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to the South or to Lagos to go and take care of business. During the Second Republic, all Alhaji Shehu Shagari wanted was to become a Senator. But the power that is imposed him on his party NPN, while dispensing with quality and better candidates like Maitama Sule and Adamu Chiroma. Bashorun MKO Abiola was prepared - more prepared than his peers. But his mandate was truncated. Obasanjo was simply minding his business in captivity when IBB and his fellow power brokers took him out and made him the President - himself, did not prepare. When Atiku's was expected to commence his Presidential run, Obasanjo said: "I don't know who is going to take over from me as the President. But I know who won't." And the rest is now history. Obasanjo did not only stop Atiku, but he also rejected quality candidates like Dr. Ibrahim Ayagi and Nasir El-Rufai, and imposed a sick man on us. He had Odili or Donald Duke as Veppe pick, but he went for Dr. Jonathan - untested and unexposed. The non-aligned progressives, including this author, wanted Jonathan out by any means necessary, rooting for an all-round intellectual candidate, modern and authentically progressive in words and actions to run, whether it is a Muslim-Muslim ticket or Christian-Christian ticket. But the political leaders on the ground, arguably progressive in name, headed by Asiwaju, settled for General Buhari. His candidacy automatically garnered the endorsement of the international community for two main reasons. One, as a former Military Ruler, he has what it take to rein in on the Security agencies and the Military to defeat Boko Haram and restore peace in the West Africa sub-region. And two, he is not corrupt. Therefore, he would be able to successfully prosecute thieving politicians and civil servants and stem the tide of profligacy, corruption, and embezzlement of public funds. In my own humble judgment, Mr. President is not living up to expectations in the battle against insurgents and eliminating corruptions in the land. The moment he became the President he turned his back against the progressives forces that catapulted him into power - like Al Gore, he decided to be "I am my own man." Most important of all, he is not a father figure or an authentic inspirational leader in the image and likeness of Awo or Almadu Bello, or even, Balewa, sickness or no sickness. Now, Ritualists are on the loose. Herdsmen have become laws unto themselves. The secessionist campaign is at its crescendos. No one is in charge, no true leader on the scene with his conscience and credibility intact to reassure Nigerians that indeed, we are a nation with one destiny. The boom in evangelism today explains the absence of leadership - political leadership. The hopeless, the sick, the unemployed have no one to run to, but the church and their Pastors. Now you know why they are so rich and influential - turning most adherents of the faith to zombies - apology to Fela. So, my friend, there is a huge vacuum right now. And Atiku is articulating how he wants to manage the vacuum.
Imhanzenobe Richard My good brother Alex, I completely agree with you unalloyed but I still don't think Atiku will make the difference. I strongly believe in my instinct that Atiku will be our worst mistake.
Alex Aidaghese Imhanzenobe Richard. Richy, I strongly disagree. Atiku knows quality candidates like you. Buhari doesn't. Awo was great because he did relied so much on his boys to do his hiring for him. IBB, granted he didn't hand over power to Moshood Abiola, accomplished so much because he surrounded himself with superstars as Ministers and as Council of Economic Advisers.
Alex Aidaghese Owanlen, I am still waiting for other tickets. I am only expressing my views on Atiku's manifesto.
Anthony Odigie Enosegbe Surprised to hear Atiku has well thought out blueprints on how to run Nigeria. I would love to see the blueprint myself. Just last week the same Atiku in an attempt to fly his political kite remarked that Nigeria can not be said to be out of recession' until every citizen is able to afford 3 square meals. The best economy of this world has citizens that can't afford 3 square meals and are not in recession. Who thought Atiku economics? How can he understand or implement a blueprint if he does not know the meaning of economic recession? Comparing Atiku to the likes of Awolowo or Saduana is like comparing apple to orange simply because they belongs to fruit family. Awolowo and Saduana were selfless in their dealings. Atiku is a known thief. He is just too corrupt to be sellable!
Godwin Amhanyunose Please is there any of these politicians today that is not corrupt? Left to right Atiku is miles away better than the illiterate we called our president.
Ngozi Onyia I just copied and reposted on FB. I should have asked your permission first. I hope I have it. It was as a response to a comment on Atiku's ambition
Alex Aidaghese Mr. Anthony Odigie Enosegbe, here we go again. I am not equating Atiku's credibility with Papa Awo's virtues or Sadauna's selflessness. All I am saying is preparedness and the ability to articulate goals. For instance, did you know how Nasir El-Rufai, became the Chairman of the Bureau of Public Enterprise, courtesy of Atiku? I didn't get it from the grave vine. I got it from Nasir El-Rufai's own book - authored by him. Awo told his followers, I want to implement free education at all levels. And according to common sense, he summoned two gentlemen (Economists), he told them what he wanted and made them develop mechanisms for revenue sourcing or generation, with a view to implementing the program. And they did. It is the ability to know who can perform and Atiku did it for Obasanjo. Again, if Atiku is a known thief and he is still standing, then, something is wrong with this administration in terms of the war against corruption.
Alex Aidaghese Please, I am proceeding to search for "Benjamin", so I won't be able to respond to comments until tomorrow.
Anthony Odigie Enosegbe Atiku is a Vacum himself hence can not fill another, not even an imaginary one. Atiku was handpicked in 1999 to compensate the grassroot democratic movement (GDM), a political group he inherited from late senior Yaradua. Obj on the other hand was handpicked in similar fashion to compensate the Yoruba over the political happenings preceding the 1999 election. Recall both obj and senior yaradua were imprisoned by abacha and the later did not make it out of prison. Thus Atiku road on the back of senior yaradua (shehu) to ascend to vp position with nothing to show for it in the end other than lining his pockets. as if abandoning yaradua's course did not offend the yaradua political group enough he went ahead to contest against junior yaradua. His political fame in the north diminished from that moment. The price for greed! GDM remains a major arm of PDP till present day. Most of its followers stayed back in PDP even after Atiku moved to ACN and later APC. They refused to follow him because they know he cannot be trusted. I am aware he has a hand in the new party APDA a group he is trying to use to nurse his way back to PDP since he is not sure of APC ticket. Our brother, Anenih (Mr fix it), another main frontier of GDM has Atiku dorsier. He was one of those that told Atiku there no vacancy in aso rock when he wanted to double cross obj. The last time Nigerians saw Atiku in APC rally was the day he lost presidential ticket to Buhari. He went awo after that primary election where he came a distant 4th. No good party man, statesman or sportsman behaves that way. The party went ahead to make some of his godsons and goddaughter ministers despite his open anti-party activities. The Atiku we see today cannot deliver his home state how much more win presidential ticket in a party with national spread like APC or PDP. The only thing he did in adamawa state as vp was the expansion of airport runway to enable his plane land whenever he visited. The second is his private university. The Tambuwa, Kwankwaso and host of others are way ahead of him. The price for greed and untrustworthiness!
Christian Akpotohwo Alex ,if you contest for the position. of Nigerian President, I will vote and work for you. For Atiku and his likes,forget them.Their selfish ambitions cannot becloud our reasoning on the parlours state of affairs. Talk is cheap. To hell with them.We need a young ,vibrant and articulate person with integrity pedigree. Am sure we will get out of this mess.It will only take a while.
Alex Aidaghese Mr. Anthony Odigie Enosegbe, your portrayal of Atiku is one of a nonentity. And I leave that to historians. Mr. Fix it has Atiku's dossier! Interesting. Prince, if it is true that "He (Atiku) went awo", what about Asiwaju? You cannot force yourself on …See More
Alex Aidaghese My learned colleague, Mr. Christian Akpotohwo, I appreciate your perspectives. Please know that the leadership crisis confronting us is exacerbated by the disinterestedness of the likes of Donald Duke to participate or show interest in the Presidential…See More
Alex Aidaghese Mr. Paul Adujie (the Social Media guru), I see you here, liking Owanlen Patrick Ibomhen' comment, Uncle Benjamin Omole'' comment, Prince Anthony Odigie Enosegbe' comments, and Pastor Fred Iyoriobhe's comment on the thread. I didn't know you visit my Timeline. What a world! This discussion must be going far and wide. Much much luv and respect. Na only my own you no come like. Okay o, no wahala. God dey,
Benjamin Omole My brother Alex, l do not want you to suffer the inevitable consequences of collateral damage resulting from supporting a political lep......... The man has all the money but ..........hmmmm. Pls. Your credentials are just too good to gamble with. Let us all continue to pray for devine direction. It shall be well IJN.
Alex Aidaghese Eldest, thanks for revisiting this discussion. It's like yesterday. And congratulations for his victory at the Primary. He has all the time in the world right now to prove he is the very best for the moment. And I Stand by what I said here and on my Blog about 5 years ago: Atiku is the best prepared for the office of the President of this great nation after Papa Obafemi Awolowo. And I wish him well.
Elliot Erannosijesu Owanlen Alex, your position about Atiku is perfect and you should not let anyone create unnecessary inconvenience to disregard your view. APC and Buhari Enekhoele supporters wouldn't agree with you on this, they have hundreds of words to discredit what you know is good about Atiku. More importantly, Atiku Will be the next president of Nigeria, Nigerians cannot afford to waste another precious 4 years in the wilderness of tears and sorrows, Buhari Enekhoele has failed himself and the entire world, so, he should be kick out of Aso Rock in the next election. Over 23 thousand Innocent Nigerians killed under Buhari watch without single condemnation from Buhari, no investigation and no arrest and you want reasonable Nigerians to vote for Buhari again? If Atiku is corrupt Buhari's administration should arrest him if they can provide evidence.
Alex Aidaghese Elliot Erannosijesu, that's a reasonable argument. President Buhari doesn't know what's going on in Nigeria. Read the pronouncements of his wife on national issues ... that's how you know who is conversant with the trends and developments in the land.
Tony Ojo The fight between obj and atiku then Was because of obj 3rd agenda which akitu object to seriously and was stopped otherwise those corruption allegations were just to scared atiku away and like Alex mentioned he atiku would have stood his ground bt anyway he has finally got wanted now, he will help in bringing back our country.
Abumere Oboh Ben, you seem to think that PMB is not the leader that will lead us to the promised land. Also it seems you don't believe that such leader is in the PDP choice of Atiku. But as things have played out so far, the political probability is not going to be…See More
Benjamin Omole The proverbial promised Land is not next year or before the next 40 years. All l am praying for is good governance, justice for all & a better future for the next-generation. With God, nothing shall be impossible. I am a believer.
Meanwhile we all k…See More
Meanwhile we all k…See More
Alex Aidaghese I thought I saw Uncle Benson Idin story on the thread. I know very well I didn't delete it
Tony Ojo I have these informations for our brothers and sisters who has been away from our dear country for a very long time but have interest of Nigeria their birth place at heart, the pdp presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has never been in the military let alone becoming a general and he kept on saying if there is one who has corruption allegation against him should come forward weather in diaspora or within Nigeria, it is also a good ideal to have young people contesting for president but how many people can afford the nomination form ? Obama became president of America not because he was rich but because that country is one the oldest democracy in the world so you don't need to be rich to be President, here is opposite but we will get there some day were by we have campaign funds and you don't need to spend ur own money to get to were you want as long as you are ready for the job, those of you living outside Nigeria also need to contribute for a better Nigeria politically, please come forward if you have any evidence against the man Atiku not by hear say and he is willing to face prosecution.
Anthony Odigie Enosegbe No point calling black white. Atiku have nothing to offer other than corruption. We need ‘too corrupt to rule’ law.
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Alex Aidaghese Anthony Odigie Enosegbe, you just did what I have consistently argued against on my Wall - cut and paste. But I will let it slide. Because of my work schedule, I have delayed the release of the name of my endorsed candidate.
And when I do, the entire P…See More
And when I do, the entire P…See More
Alex Aidaghese Osas Joshua-Eboh, my man, no wahala. Atiku doesn't enjoy any immunity presently. If this man is still standing unindicted, unarrested, untried, it doesn't tell a good story of your war against corruption.
Alex Aidaghese Please, please, an administration that has Festus Keyamo (SAN) as a friend and key Prosecutor, the ICPC, EFCC, and the Ministry of Justice to boot, deserves condemnations if the unproven allegation is the only weapon in its armory
Adoghe O Kenneth The APC government is great corrupt people. PDP is better for buhari . And is trying to Islamize Nigeria by using systematic way.
Alex Aidaghese On Atiku and Atikulation!
To My Friends and Family Members who have participated and still participating on this discussion, as you all know, this discussion started about a year ago and I wrote this essay in 2013, emphasizing one word - articulate. Now that the term Atikulation has become the dominant phrase in the Campaign, remember to always tell Nigerians that you know the Gentleman who coined the phrase around Abubakar Atiku and that you were part of the original discussion.
It all started on this Wall and on this discussion. Yes, I invented the Lyric. I thank all of you, especially my Biggest Mummy, Madam Ngozi Onyia for pulling the discussion from the archive a few days ago.
May God Bless us. And may God Bless the good people of Nigeria.
To My Friends and Family Members who have participated and still participating on this discussion, as you all know, this discussion started about a year ago and I wrote this essay in 2013, emphasizing one word - articulate. Now that the term Atikulation has become the dominant phrase in the Campaign, remember to always tell Nigerians that you know the Gentleman who coined the phrase around Abubakar Atiku and that you were part of the original discussion.
It all started on this Wall and on this discussion. Yes, I invented the Lyric. I thank all of you, especially my Biggest Mummy, Madam Ngozi Onyia for pulling the discussion from the archive a few days ago.
May God Bless us. And may God Bless the good people of Nigeria.
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