Atiku’s rally in Jos
By Jide A & Nuhu S
jideayobolu@yahoo.co.uk
Atiku’s campaign in Jos, the capital city of Plateau state witnessed unprecedented crowd and massive turn-out, not only from all over the state, but indeed from all nooks and crannies of the country. The people turned out en-masse to see for themselves the democratic wind of change that is blowing frantically across the length and breath of the Nigerian federation. The Plateau state capital had not witnessed this kind of mammoth crowd in a very long time. The people were so enticed and receptive of Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the effect that the whole state stood still for him.
On the train of the Vice President Atiku Abubakar were noticeable politicians like Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos state, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’Abba, Chief Adeniyi Adebayo, Chief Alex Anielo, Senator Adefuye, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Yahaya Kwande, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi, Chief Adebisi Akande, Malam Bashir Dalhatu, Chief Segun Osoba, Alhaji Lam Adesina, Hajia Laila Dogonyaro just to mention but a few.
So massive was the turn out that virtually all the hotels and guest houses in Jos were fully booked, notwithstanding the fact that a lot of people arrived from neighbouring states like Abuja on the day of the rally. The traffic situation was very hectic, as the town witnessed unprecedented influx of party supporters from all over the country.
At the rally, which held at the old polo ground, the venue was jam-packed. Different speakers took their turns to address the crowd on sundry national issues ranging from federalism, agriculture, job creation and poverty reduction, infrastructural development, good governance, peace and unity, provision of basic amenities to security.
Atiku, who spoke in both English and Hausa languages, on his part promised to offer good governance that is not only friendly, but always willing to listen to the people at all times. He envisioned that tangible dividends of democracy will get to the people at the grass root within the shortest possible time under his administration.
He explained that the present government has failed in certain areas because it is not a listening one. He promised to work assiduously and conscientiously to make sure that the needs, desires, expectations and yearnings of the people are properly met.
He said he will neither witch-hunt anybody nor victimize anybody. He said the very essence of seeking public office is to serve the people and make life truly better for them. And if anyone in position of authority can not deliver on his electoral promises, he is not only a political failure, but he should be held accountable by the people.
He went on to stress the fact that in a democratic setting, people in power derive their legitimacy from the electorates so they must always be accountable to the people. And that he who wants to serve must be ready to be the servant of all. He then went on to speak specifically on agriculture, solid mineral development, job creation and poverty reduction in the north central, as well as other economic palliatives to make life meaningful and worthwhile for the masses.
He said he would not engage in lies, deceit, half-truth, prevarications rumours, vacillations, manipulations, empty promises, reign of terror, and the iron law of oligarchy like the present PDP government.
He said it is for these reasons that he has not dwell on campaign of personalities but on issues, which touch on the wellbeing and welfare of the people. Much of what he told the crowd is contained in his policy document, which is his economic blueprint, which is in tandem with the manifesto of the Action Congress.
Alhaji Atiku also met the various religious leaders, traditional rulers, party chieftains, gubernatorial candidates and all other stakeholders in the political process across the North central geopolitical zone with the hope of strengthening the fortune of the party, as well as getting to know what the sundry problems of the people of the areas are, and what modalities can be put in place to solve them. It is important to note that this is just a zonal rally. The state-by-state rally to campaign based on issues that can shape the future of Nigeria for the better will commence very soon.
The people of the north central zone and Jos in particular were so supportive of the Action Congress and Atiku that one could make a guess as to what the result of the election would be. One could see that the people are tired of the autocratic rule and benevolent dictatorship of the PDP led government. They want a new lease of life.
Prior to this time, there had been rallies in Kano and Benin, and the crowd have been massive and the people are ferociously gearing for a change through exemplary leadership. The paramount traditional ruler in Jos prayed for the vice president and wished him good luck in the coming election. He commended his forthrightness, commitment, dedication and resilience. He said only few men have the courage to stand firm in the murky waters of Nigerian politics. He thanked the VP for finding time to visit him.

Jide Ayobolu and Nuhu Shuaib, wrote in from No. 19 Gongola Street, Garki 2, Abuja .