Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu welcomed the gesture by the people of Kebbi State especially APC supporters for inviting Abubakar Malami, SAN, to vie for the office of the Governor in 2023, saying he has absolute confidence in the ability and capability of the minister to deliver.
The governor described the Minister as a true and proud son of Kebbi state who has safeguarded the integrity of the state and performed remarkably well in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari that could be aptly described as the best Minister among his peers.
The Progressives Governors’Forum Chairman stated this at the APC Stakeholders and party members meeting at the Banquet Hall of Presidential lodge Birnin Kebbi this Thursday.
He said that Malami played crucial roles in ensuring the success of the March 26 National Convention of the APC.
The Governor expressed wholehearted support to the yearnings of APC members and other people of Kebbi state for the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to contest the governorship of the state in the 2023 general elections under the platform of the party.
Bagudu happily recalled that the convention was successfully conducted to the dismay of many cynics and doubting Thomases.
“He worked round the clock so as not to leave any legal vacuum or lapse in the conduct of the convention and this is superb.
“He is an unequalled member of FEC and he is a worthy representative of Kebbi APC, the people of the state and not only his family.
” I have always been praying to the Almighty Allah to make him President of Nigeria while I am alive and I will not relent in this direction,” Bagudu added.
He recalled that the two of them came from a humble background and that has immensely shaped their visions and missions in life.
Bagudu urged youths to emulate noble virtues such as those of the Justice Minister,saying, ” doing this will boost the socioeconomic development of the country.”
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu solicited the support of all APC members to strengthen their love for the party by ensuring its victory in forthcoming polls at all levels.
He affirmed commitment to upholding women and youth development as well as the upliftment of socio-economic wellbeing of the generality of the people of the state.
Earlier, Justice Minister and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, had expressed his desire to conditionally contest the gubernatorial position on the platform of APC.
“I will certainly vie for this exalted position only if approved by the people of the State.
“I will surely respect the good intention of the people of the state, especially the membership and leadership of our great party, the APC.
“I will do this whether they approve of my aspiration or not . Anywhere the pendulum swings, I will respect their wishes,” the Minister said at the party’s stakeholders’ meeting in Birnin Kebbi.
He extolled the sterling quality leadership of Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, whose political sagacity has provided a platform for credible leadership and unequalled development of the state.
According to the Justice Minister, the governor has the ability and opportunity to contest for three key postiions during the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
Malami said that Bagudu can aspire to become Nigeria’s number one citizen by seeking to be elected as President on the platform of the APC.
In the same vein, he can aspire to become the Vice-president and or a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as it is the practice by many former Governors.
Malami said,” in whichever case, we are solidly behind Bagudu and we will tirelessly work to ensure his success.”
He extolled the invaluable contributions of Gov.Bagudu to ensure his success as a member of FEC, representing Kebbi APC and the people of the state.
Abubakar Malami was emphatic that Senator Atiku Bagudu has served as the catalyst of the agricultural and industrial growth of Kebbi state.
The minister used the forum to enumerate various assistance and interventions he rendered to the people of Kebbi state including women and youth on agriculture, entrepreneurship, relief of covid-19 effect, and job placement.
He expressed immense appreciation to all APC members for their collective decision of finding him worthy of the office of Governor, paving the way for him to contest the gubernatorial election in 2023 urging them to strengthen their support to the party.
Other speakers at the forum were the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Kana Zuru, the Deputy Speaker Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Usman Ankwai, APC State Women Leader, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar Gunabi, APC Chairman Arewa Local Government on behalf of other chairmen and APC Kokani Ward Chairman, Mustafa Soja.
The rest were ALGON Chairman who is the Chairman, Birnin Kebbi Local Government, Alhaji Aminu Ahmad S/Fada, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Dr. Nasir Umar Idris, former Member House of Representatives, Hajiya Halima Hassan Tukur, Chairman of National Commission for Persons with Disability, Hon.Hussaini Kangiwa and the Chairman, Kebbi State Direct Labour Agency, Hon. Muhammad Bello Dantani .
On the occasion, the State Party Chairman, Abubakar Kana Zuru, announced that some patriotic members of the party have purchased form for Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu to contest for Senate seat in the 2023 general elections.
Various sums of money were also announced by organizations and associations for the purchase of governorship form for the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and the Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu to vie for the position of the senator in 2023 election .
