BE A STATESMAN, REMAIN IN PDP, GOV. ALIYU URGES ATIKU

Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has called on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar not to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for another party. Aliyu, undoubtedly one of the staunch supporters of the former vice president, advised Atiku to put the PDP national convention behind him, take his defeat in good faith and join hands with other party members to ensure the success of the party in April, 2011 general elections.

The former number two citizen and PDP presidential aspirant received the highest percentage of votes from Niger State delegates in the presidential primary held in Abuja.

Aliyu, who gave the advice in Minna, said the outcome of the primary was the true reflection of the wishes of the people, pointing out that as patriots, those who failed to make it at the primary should wait for another time, believing that it is only God that gives and takes power when He wishes.

He cautioned the former presidential aspirant against leaving PDP, saying whatever consultations he engages in, should preclude the idea of leaving the party.

'May I specifically appeal to the members and supporters of our party, the PDP, to take the results of our National Convention and all the other conventions in good faith. In line with the principles of internal democracy of our party, we shall continue to respect the views and wishes of the people in the exercise of their rights to elect candidates of their choice in all elections.

'We should eschew all bitterness and work together for the success of our party during the general elections, so that we continue to deliver quality services to the people of this country, and Niger State in particular. This is the time for consolidation, appeasement and reconciliation as one big family'

Aliyu thanked the people of the state for the peace and stability witnessed during the recently-concluded party primaries in the State:

'I enjoin all political actors to continue with the spirit of politics without bitterness so that together, we can achieve a Niger State (and Nigeria) of our collective aspirations.

'Winners during the party primaries should be humble in victory and losers should take grace in fate, while we should all be encouraged by the fact that only Allah (SWT) gives and takes power when He pleases.'

Meanwhile, the governor said he has no regret over the overwhelming support delegates from the state gave Atiku at the Abuja convention.

Aliyu, who spoke through his media aide, Alhaji Bala Abdulkadir, said his boss, who is the Chairman, Northern Governors' Forum, could not have voted against zoning which Atiku represents.

According to him, Atiku represents zoning which the North stood for throughout the campaign. He said it would be out of place for delegates from Aliyu's state to vote against zoning, it would have portrayed the state as engaging in double speak.

'But as true democrats and genuine patriots, we in Niger State have put the primary behind us and are ready and prepared to join hands with other party loyalists to ensure victory for the party's candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan.'