Information AboutAtiku Abubakar |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT ATIKU ABUBAKAR | |
| vice presidents of nigeria | |
| 1946 births | |
| nigerian politicians | |
| living people | |
|
Atiku Abubakar came up the Party ranks of the ruling P.D.P. (People's Democratic Party) primarily, due to the pivotal role he played in its formation. An ardent opponent of the corrupt Abacha regime, he risked life and limb fighting that regime. At the time of the nomination of the current president Olusegun Obasanjo , his influence came to the fore, during various Party primaries, when he almost single-handedly ensured the Presidential candidacy of Olusegun Obasanjo - first in 1999 and later in 2003. Atiku's source of wealth has caused some curiosity among Nigerians but that also goes for many other wealthy Nigerians, including the current Obasanjo himself. He was, at some point in his career, a Controller of the Nigerian Customs & Excise (a known corrupt and moribund government Agency) based at the International Airport. It was during his tenure and under his remit that the infamous "53 suitcases" scandal involving the then Emir Of Gwandu happened;and was about to face prosecution but for the timely, albeit co-incidental intervention of ex-dictator Ibrahim Babangida who overthrew the government of Muhammadu Buhari . Though, there was no suspicion of corruption on Atiku's part but the shadow of dereliction of duty and favouritism refuses to go away. There are also unproven allegations that Atiku engaged in unwholesome practices during the privatization of many previously State-owned Parastatals. There is suspicion or trepidation on the part of European and other western government on how to react to Atiku Abubakar's ambition, essentially because of reasons of religion and long dominance of Nigerian political scene by Northern Muslims. However, Atiku remains popular with many Nigerian Governors and Legislators, most of who are now claiming to be witch-hunted and harassed by the President's cronies because of their support for Atiku's presidential ambition come 2007. Friends and associates nonetheless believe Atiku is one of the most liberal and detribalized northern Muslims; a claim critics say, is not necessarily the only quality needed to be president. Many observers still think Atiku is a victim of conspiracy and mudslinging. Atiku is sometimes his own worst enemy: It was alleged that he was witnessed by a large crowd asking his aids to physically beat up, in full public glare, a journalist who had written a disparaging article about him. Atiku is currently having a face-off with President Olusegun Obasanjo due to the latter's attempt, allegedly, to perpetuate himself in office by amending certain provisions of the constitution, in order to run for presidency the third consecutive time. Atiku, who has been largely rendered redundant as a result, is widely expected to part company with Obasanjo very soon. His political future remains a subject of conjecture. |
|
|