Nigerian Presidential Election: Atiku Abubakar is a Major Break from the Past.

Atiku is a Major Break From the Past. Part One. 

This is the closest, after Papa Awo, that we have come as a nation-state to making a major break from idea deficit, stagnation of thought, and cluelessness within the leadership. It has always been about "entitlement" and "it is my turn to rule" within the rank and file of the Generals since the end of the Second Republic. It has never been about ideas, visions, or what is good for Nigeria and Nigerians. 

Jonathan was an accident of history.

Musa Yar'Adua presidency was a compensation for the death of his elder brother Major General Shehu Yar'Adua. Death robbed Shehu Yar'Adua the opportunity of taking over from Obasanjo. 

Also, remember, following the death of Abacha, when IBB and his fellow retired power brokers decided to assuage the Yoruba tribe for Abiola's crucifixion, they went for one of their own - Baba. And Baba went for Buhari in 2015. Unfortunately, nepotism, infirmity, and mental impairment vanquished that esprit de corps culture of our retired generals.

If not for his death, President Musa Yar'Adua would have permanently retired the unwilling retirees of the uniforms and put a permanent end to the mistrust and ethnic divides that are hamstringing our cohesion as one nation-state.

Coming from a privileged background and the younger brother of an influential retired military officer, he knew first hand that the south is treated as a conquered territory. He knew of the absence of equal rights or equal opportunities in the disbursement of our national wealth and our natural resources. 

And He knew at the time that the people of Niger Delta aren't getting their fair share of the oil wealth. From the Ministry of Niger Delta to the Amnesty Program within two years, he was ahead of the pack and he was, no doubt, a major break from the status quo. And there was peace in the land. But it didn't last long. Death came too soon. 

Today, you have another chance to break from the past and embrace a digital future - a future where every one of us, in spite of our tribal, cultural, or religious differences, can feel a sense of belonging. 

To my friends and family members, lets rally round the Atiku/Obi ticket because the ticket represents that digital future. A future where reviving and escalating the audacity of Musa Yar'Adua, of his One-Nigerian philosophy, together with the vision, team spirit, and the audacity of hope of Papa Awo are the norms rather than the exceptions. 

Like Papa Awo, Atiku knows the issues; otherwise, he would not have been able to dissect and articulate them. He is interested in solutions, not excuses or "my hands are tied" escapism.

Think about that, Nigerians. Think and remember the answer Mr. Atiku Abubakar and President Buhari gave when they were asked the same question on how to revive our educational system. Atiku articulated what his administration did when he was the Vice President. He identified the problems they encountered. And he articulated what he is going to do differently if elected. 

On the other hand, President Buhari, confronted with the same question, digressed into the three levels of government and power structure, thereby holding the Local Govt Councils responsible for our educational decay. He couldn't identify what he has done or what he would do differently. Please, don't forget, ASUU is still on strike.

The difference is clear enough, Nigerians. To those of you who are still undecided, please watch the video of the interview again and again. Atiku is prepared. It is about the audacity of hope, of vision, and the way forward. Please, give him a chance to reform and move Nigeria forward. Enough of excuses and blame games. The idea speaks volumes. And he has them in abundance. Please, remember that. He is a major break.