By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JCNYA), has thrown its support to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming election.
Briefing newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday, its convener, Murtala Abubakar, said that the members of the group cuts across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying, “It took us this long to arrive at this decision. Within this period, we note the footprints of President Buhari, took stock of his gains in the last seven years plus.
“We also x-rayed those battling to succeed him, especially in his political party the APC. But we came to the conclusion that they are not only worthy of the position, but are out struggling to get power for their selfish interests.”
He observed that the contradictions, grandstanding, opposition within them and outright abuse of President Buhari by same people who once worshipped the ground Buhari walked on, shows their desperation to get to power by hook and crook, for their selfish interest, saying that thank God Nigerians have seen through their antics and pretences.
In pursuing his presidential ambition, the convener stated that twice Atiku Abubakar picked his running mates from the South as his running mate, an indication of his fairness and equity in carrying Nigerians alone irrespective of tribe, religion or section to move Nigeria forward.
“With this endorsement, we are assuring all Nigerians, especially southerners that when Atiku is elected and sworn to office, which Nigerians would do on saturday peacefully, we would hold his legs to the fire and ensure he remains the leader for all we have known him to be. We assure all that Atiku will not let them down. We promise as we want you to hold us responsible for this promise,” he assured .
He added that they took the decision after taking into consideration, recent Abuja declaration by Arewa groups during the 10 years anniversary of the Northern Elders Forum and similar stand of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) that was delivered in wisdom and gave qualities of the next President Nigeria needs, stressing that their endorsement and adoption of Atiku Abubakar is in that line as the qualities they described fits only Atiku Abubakar.
According to him, “To the youth of this country. We are the future of this great nation. The leader we elect on saturday will make or mar Nigeria. We can not afford to elect some opportunists who will take us through hell for another 4 years. We need an Atiku who will lift the country out of duldrum, secure, unite, develop and make us all proud.”
He explained that the time is not to sit on the wall, it is the time to save Nigeria and Nigerians, adding that it is time to prepare their future, that of their children and unborn generation.
He stressed, “Atiku knows, understands, appreciates Nigeria and Nigerians just as he knows, understands and appreciates his loving family. Nigeria is Atiku’s family.”
