By Baron Ike
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has constituted a 58-man council drawn from across Nigeria whose core business should be to woo delegates to Atiku’s side ahead of the People’s Democratic Party presidential primaries.
Newspaper mogul, businessman and politician, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was named among the panel members, many of who have paid their dues in politics, business and other professions .
Iwuanyanwu is believed to be Atiku’s points person in the South East for that purpose.
Atiku is seeking the PDP’s ticket to run in 2019 presidential election along side 12 other aspirants.
Director General of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organization and former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel said on Thursday while announcing the members hip that “the work of this council – as the name connotes – is to mobilize PDP delegates from all the states of the country for Atiku to emerge as the presidential flag-bearer of our great party.”
“Of course, when by the grace of God our aspirant becomes the candidate of the PDP, membership into this council will be expanded and more people will be drawn into the council,” Daniel added.
Making his remarks, Atiku said the struggle for national renewal is usually a difficult one.
He however said it is one that patriots must engaged in if they hope to improve the lives of their compatriots.
Atiku said: “Assembled here today (Thursday) is a diverse group of Nigerians, including experienced political leaders representing all regions and segments of our country. You are all here because you want a better deal for Nigeria and Nigerians. You are here because you are committed to fighting for a better Nigeria, a Nigeria that works.
“Nigerians are yearning for jobs, for opportunities, for unity and security. We must work with them to deliver these. We must also restore truth in politics, justice and fairness in governance, and a genuine federal system that helps us address local priorities and run a more effective and efficient government.”
Speaking the members of the council, Iwuanyanwu said: “We owe the Waziri (Atiku) a huge sense of gratitude for finding us worthy for this national assignment.
“The Waziri (Atiku) is somebody I know very well. He has enormous strength and he has what it takes to bring PDP back to power and make life more abundant for our people.