Former special assistant to a former Kaduna State governor, Zachariah Diwong, has asked the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) to stop distracting Nigerians from efforts to bring about genuine change in the country.
He faulted remarks from the Chairman of the forum, Anglo Abdullahi on presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, saying denigrating leaders he doesn’t like has become a pastime of the NEF chairman.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Diwong reminded Abudallahi that with only one PVC to vote, he is entitled to his opinion, which does not reflect the views of the great mass of Nigerians.
He said, “We understand Ango’s unhealthy obsession with publicity and his tendency to arrogate to himself the right to appoint leaders for Nigerians, but he should understand that he was only speaking for himself as an armchair critic.
“The suggestion by Ango that Atiku cannot fix Nigeria is not only utterly ridiculous, but also a reflection of detachment from our reality.
“Atiku’s track record of experience and understanding of Nigeria’s economy and its ethnic and religious diversity is indisputable, and no amount of smear campaigns by Ango can change that reality.”
The former aide in Kaduna Government House alleged that Abdullahi’s agenda is not to move Nigeria forward, but to throw spanners in the works of any competent candidate because of his self arrogation to decide who should contest for the country’s highest political office.
He continued: “Only the people of Nigeria have the right to decide who they should vote for and not a lame voice like Ango who is primarily interested in causing confusion for the sake of his desire for publicity.
“Running Nigeria is not a child’s play because it demands adequate preparation and great experience, and Atiku has no rival in this regard.
“If truly Ango cares about Nigerians, he cannot disregard experience and track record as the main qualifications for public office, especially the leadership of a country as large and diverse as Nigeria.
“Nigerians do not need a lecture from Ango Abdullahi because their current miserable experience of life is enough to motivate them to vote for change, and Atiku is their safest bet in terms of tackling our challenges.”
