We must sustain true democracy -- Atiku
From: KABIRU YUSUF, Abuja

AS early as 5.17 a.m yesterday, no one resident of the FCT might have been left in the dark pertaining what was going on in the city that day. This was sequel to constant patrol by police helicopters throughout the capital city of Abuja all in preparation of the return of embattled Vice President Atiku Abubakar from his annual leave abroad.
Our correspondent who went to the Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport as early as 9.47 am reports that as of that time security personnel have already positioned themselves in strategic locations while the posters of Atiku Abubakar adorned the major streets of the city.
Similarly, travellers passing through both domestic and international wings of the airport were living witnesses to the water-tight security around the airport as both public and private motorists were denied entering the airport forcing them to trek for about four kilometers to access the airport.
Although, even the press men were denied entering the presidential wing in the Airport, but through some aides of the vice president report reaching reporters have it the plane conveying the country’s number two man landed exactly by 4 pm.
In spite of the vehicles provide by the presidency to covey Vice President Abubakar, but the Action Congress presidential flag bearer decided to join his private Mercedez Benz with registration number AW 687 BWR while other vehicles provided by Adamawa state governor Boni Haruna gave him cover.
The embattled vice president was escorted home by the former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party Dr. Audu Ogbeh, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi, former Kaduna state military governor Brigadier Lawal Ja’afar Isa, his campaign coordinater and the former minister of internal affairs, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu among others.
Addressing the gathering in front of his residence, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who commended his political associates, supporters and well-wishers, expressed his satisfaction with the way Nigerians have sustained their struggles to ensure the survival of democracy.
He however stressed the need for all Nigerians to join him and those who believe in the sustenance of true democracy so as to save the country from anarchy, adding that Nigerians should not rest oars.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar explained that the country is in dire need of a positive change pointing out that ensuring survival of democracy can only be realised through positive change. “We should not relent in our efforts towards effecting positive change,” he said.
The Adamawa born politician who appeared in suit further said “ Imagine in a country which is supposed to be free democratically, where states are autonomous but are now been ordered in military way, denying citizens association”.
According to the vice president there is the need for all Nigerians to join hands in order to ensure the survival of democracy in the country describing the present regime as a mere military rule in democratic regalia.
He told the gathering that very soon he will address the nation on the need to come out emmass to defend democracy as well as to ensure its sustenance adding that Nigeria belongs to Nigerians.