Edo traditional chiefs support Atiku presidential bid

Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, ambition to contest the 2019 presidential election on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has received the backing of traditional chiefs in Edo State.

This was coming barely few days after he declared his intention to contest for the President of the largest populous black nation in the African continent.

The traditional chiefs under the aegis of OTU ODELEVBO – OSIOBA, declared their support a communique issued at its meeting held at Igueben, the administrative headquarters of Igueben Local government Area, over weekend.

The communique signed by High Chief Jackson Igbinoba (Osagiobariase of Benin Kingdom) and High Chief Matthew Irabor (Oniha of Igueben Kingdom), stated that they were supporting the former Vice President due to his overwhelming track record in the various offices he had held in the past.

The group said: “During his eight years as Vice President, he was never indicted or found wanting in his duties. This group of Chiefs is essentially a non-political organization, but as a responsible group of elders and stakeholders in the Nigerian project, we decided to throw our weight behind Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is a proponent of restructuring of Nigeria.

“And as a dedicated and detribalized patriot, we believe that Atiku if elected will restructure this country to ensure a balanced peaceful, stable and prosperous nation.

“It is interesting to note that the present democratic dispensation under President Muhammadu Buhari has not found any skeleton in his cupboard despite the fact that he is now in the opposition.

“Those clamouring for young people to rule should stay clear now, because they don’t have the guts and courage to question past leaders just like former President Jonathan who was young, but unable to question leaders older than him about the state of affairs.

“Nigerians should reject any contender to the presidential office who is  not in support of the restructuring of the country.

“We want to say that a leader with fear of the Almighty God, and having the spirit of justice and fair play should be elected and this can only be possible if Nigerians choose somebody with the political will and boldness to restructure this country.”