Prepare to account for your sins, ex-Jonathan’s minister tells Buhari

Jonathan and Buhari

FORMER Minister of National Planning in the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Professor Abubakar Suleiman, has alerted President Muhammadu Buhari that he has a date with history when he would be required to account for what he said is the president’s misgovernance.

He said the president must be prepared to explain himself to God for the death of hundreds of Muslims, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and members of the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at his formal declaration for the post of the National Publicity Secretary (NPS) under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to him, under the All Progressive Congress (APC) government, Nigeria is at a crossroad, wallowing in corruption, inept leadership, strife and economic hardship.

He said: “Today, Nigeria is at a crossroad. Less than three years after the exit of our great party (PDP) from the government, our country bleeds profusely from corruption, inept leadership, civil strives and economic hardship.

“The state of insecurity is quite alarming. The number of casualties arising from the menace of kidnapping, terrorism, herdsmen genocide and other forms of state sponsored terrorism is very disturbing.

“Poverty is now more evident in most 8s, the Kyaris and many other corrupt cases of his beloved appointees in the last two years.

“Our president should also be ready to account for the blood of 400 innocent Shiite Muslims massacred in Zaria that of the lDP refugees, the massacre of IPOB members and other state sponsored attacks.

“Mr President must be prepared to account for the deep hatred he has shown towards certain ethnic groups, which is evident in the lopsided appointments and recruitments carried out by his administration against such ethnic groups in the country.

“I want to say with all sense of responsibility that these actions are neither Islamic nor do they portray the virtue of a good Islamic leader.

“It is abundantly clear that hypocrisy and double standards are the hallmarks of this administration and the game of the day.

“It is against this backdrop therefore, that the PDP as a matter of exigencies needs to rise up to the call, to salvage the country through vibrant opposition party and the needed advocacy.”

He observed that the task ahead of PDP as a party in opposition, “is not for an apprentice or an underdog,” noting that engaging on issues of governance with a party like the APC “which is characterized by political intimidation, despotism and a shallow respect for the rule of law can be very daunting.”

The former minister noted that PDP deserves a Publicity Secretary that exudes great personality, a person well known by the media and the general public, one whose activity has the capacity to command media attention and win the hearts of Nigerians, a cerebral, and a courageous and experienced person with good oratory skills.

“To be lacking in these will mean to derail the party once more,” he said.

According to him, “all these characteristics are some of God’s gifts which are inherent in me and flows through me with ease.”

Abubakar pointed out that he had always played the role of speaking out for the PDP even at a time others were afraid to do so.

“Being here, I cast my mind back to the time when my humble self and only a few other party members had to look fear in the face and confront the monster disguised as democrats in APC. It was rare courage and confidence that propelled my conviction that Nigeria’s democratic consolidation rests on such a noble cause,” he declared.

He called on delegates to the forthcoming national convention of the PDP to vote for him as the NPS of the leading opposition party.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of Former Ministers Forum, Tanimu Turaki, declared that Suleiman is the candidate of the forum, noting that the forum will therefore come out in full support for him.

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, in his remarks said Professor Suleiman is the most qualified person to speak for the opposition party.

He said PDP does not need officials who will be scared of criticizing the government.

Former House Leader, Mulikat Adeola-Akande admonished that the PDP must put its best 11 forward in the coming national convention, adding that the aspirant is the most qualified for the job as “he doesn’t just criticize but give constructive criticism that all will agree with.”

Other former ministers present at the occasion are Architect Mohammed Sada, Dr Mohammed Gulama, Chief Stephen Oru, Alhaji Maina Waziri, Alhaji Ibrahim Biu and Dr Mohammad Nurudeen as well as PDP national chairmanship aspirant, Chief Raymond Dokpesi.