Lagos, Feb. 7, 2023: Chief Franklin Ekechukwu, a US-based founder of Atiku Diaspora Support Group, says Nigeria needs a globally recognised President who is also versatile and experienced in business and executive positions.
Ekechukwu, in a statement titled, “Last appeal and submission before the 2023 Presidential election’’, and made available to 108scoop.com, stated that Nigeria has all the intrinsic economic qualities to become one of the great nations of the world.
According to him, a very good leader, such as Atiku Abubakar, Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, will bring out the best in Nigerians and the country at large.
“This is very critical since Nigeria as a country needs to sell itself once again to the world. It is only Atiku Abubakar who can command the respect of the world leaders, investors and leaders of industry that can emerge at this critical time.
“Fellow Nigerians, I appeal to your conscience, for the love of our country, the future of your children and the next generation, that come 2023, let Nigeria begin anew as a country and as a people by electing that leader who has the qualities to jump-start our country on day one.
“As we approach the most important date in 2023, knowing that this election is the most important election in our lifetime, it is critical I make my case for the love of our country.
“I come in peace and love to appeal to you, for the sake and future of our country, Nigeria. I submit that Nigeria has the potential to be one of the greatest countries in the world, but as of today, we are living in mediocrity based on our choices.
“I know we have been hearing these words for most of our lives, the truth is, and it is a fact,’’ he said.
Ekechukwu noted that the country needs to seriously evaluate the qualities of candidates contesting for president, by removing sentiments and most especially feeling of belonging and entitlement.
He, however, urged the citizenry to shun the idea of being persuaded by an individual who thinks he is entitled to be president or that he knows better because he was once a governor.
“Believe me, he does not care a bit for the people but wants to remain relevant; he and his cohorts are not affected by the cost of living, they do not even have an idea of how an ordinary Nigerian is making it,’’ he added.
Ekechukwu explained that Nigeria needs a President who is accepted by every tribe, one who is accepted and respected by every leader of all tribes in Nigeria, that could unify the country in no time and bring all stakeholders to the table to negotiate in unison.
“It is more critical at this time for Nigerians to look at the country with the same prism, same lens and work out all the irks that are killing the country without negotiating for one particular sect but collectively, understanding that as a country we are in together, one destiny for all,’’ he said.
According to Ekechukwu, Nigeria needs a President who can identify with the people.
”A president who has gone through different phases of life and can identify the suffering of the poor, the middle class, the rich and the stupidly rich.
”Yes, the rich and stupidly rich have their own problems too, it might not be the same with the poor and middle class.
”His Excellency Atiku Abubakar can identify with all Nigerians because he has gone through all the stages of life that all Nigerians regardless of their status have been through.
”His life experience expands from being an orphan as a child to be rich.
”I am sure, as an orphan, His Excellency knows how it feels to go to sleep hungry as most Nigerians are going through today. This point alone should win your vote, ” he said.
Ekechukwu also said Nigeria needs a president with civil service experience, not as a governor but as one who rose through the ranks.
He said that those who aspire to be president of Nigeria should understand the customary or traditional system in the country.
”Apart from Nigeria being under the presidential system of government, it is also important to understand the traditional method of governance applicable in the country.
“We have Kings, Emirs, Obas, Igwes and other titled traditional rulers in the country,” he said.
