By A political group, the Women And Youths Support Group for Atiku Abubakar, has slammed former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his recent comments on the choice of Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in 1999.
Obasanjo had said picking a vice-presidential candidate when he contested for the 1999 elections was one of his biggest mistakes of his life. The comment has since sparked controversy within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and beyond.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, the Women And Youths Support Group for Atiku Abubakar, noted that it was uncharitable for anyone to play down the roles played by Atiku — who is the 2023 PDP presidential candidate — in stabilizing the Nigerian economy under Obasanjo administration where he served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007.
The statement signed by the group’s Acting National General Secretary, Hon. Alexander Akinwande, read in part, “It is with total disbelief to watch Chief Obasanjo castigating his vice Atiku Abubakar who in the face of total economic depression, led the team that put the economy on the path of sustainable development.
“At least, it is on record that Obasanjo administration was greeted with financial challenges, having just being birthed by the military government of Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar. It then, took the resilience, hardwork and total commitment of Atiku Abubakar led economic team to devise means for sustainable economic growth to move the nation forward.
“These involved drastic formulation of economic policies and reforms aimed at generating funds into the coffer of the government by plugging holes in which resources were being either stolen or wasted. In fact, this led to the creation EFCC and related anti corruption agencies.
“It is worthy to note that reforms carried out in the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) by the team as at that time, led to increase in revenue generation and effeciences as still seen today. Altogether, the team ensured the cancellation of the country’s external debt by the foreign nations.”
The group further advised leaders to appreciate the efforts of Nigerians, like Atiku who had helped in the process of nation building in the past for future leaders to emulate.
