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The National Coordinator, Disciples of Jagaban, Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has said presidential candidates and their supporters must focus on issue-based campaign and factors that will unite Nigerians, instead of whipping up religious, ethnic or tribal sentiments.
In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, Alawuje noted that Nigerians are coming from the unfortunate background of a nation that had fought a civil war and are neck-deep in mutual suspicion, adding that citizens must eschew divisive tendencies that can only pull them apart, rather than unite them as a country.
“As a people, particularly as Africans, it’s obvious we couldn’t totally do away with religious and tribal affiliations, yet we must be fair to ourselves as a people united under the territory called Nigeria.
“As Nigerians, these days, both internal and external factors have combined to put us in a precarious condition, hence, it is high time we start tightening our belt to jointly face our common problems and put our country on a sound pedestal, particularly as we prepare for the general elections.
“We must teach our youths to give preference to competence, excellence and capacity to deliver good governance. We must not place them on the same negative path of centrifugal forces that can only lead us to mutually assured destruction. The youths of this generation should not be deceived or made to imbibe the religious bigotry and tribal irredentism.
“Our youths are our future. They are the leaders of tomorrow and must be made to separate themselves from the unfortunate practice and tradition that led to the fatricidal war of the South West and the civil war involving Nigeria and the South East region,” he said.
Alawuje noted that as disciples of Tinubu, the group acknowledged that the three leading candidates are blessed with one thing or another, adding that the candidates must emphasise on their areas of strength and lay emphasis on what they could offer.
“No doubt, none of the candidates can be completely free of blemish, however, Nigerians must beware of voting anyone who has been part of our woes in the past.
“We in the DOJ make bold to say Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a truly detribalised Nigerian, is both physically okay and mentally fit. Even his critics attest to the fact that he is skillfully blessed by God to reinvent Nigeria and put it on a pedestal of greatness. Tinubu is a politician of note who will be difficult to undermine or suppress. We all know that his political sagacity and administrative dexterity have been tested and trusted. He is not only psychologically sound, he has the knowledge on how to develop and position our youths for greatness.
“Tinubu has no peers when it comes to mentoring and developing youths and positioning them for greatness. He picked Babatunde Fashola, (SAN), Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Akinwunmi Ambode, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Hon James Faleke, etc; exposed them and gave them a headstart.
“Tinubu’s strategic planning and thinking systematically turned garage boys and touts to useful union men who have now become employers of skilled and unskilled labour.
“To Tinubu, no child is beyond rehabilitation and redemption. Hence, he skillfully turned the touts of yesteryears to responsible parents who do not only sponsor their own children, but offer scholarship to children of the less privileged.
“DOJ is therefore challenging the supporters and lovers of other contestants to come to the public with the credentials of their principals. Let them organise public debate where contestants could be x-rayed instead of mudslinging, name calling and lies peddling. Let’s be fair to all.
“DOJ is willing to engage the supporters of other contestants, in a conducive environment, with undisputed facts in support of Tinubu. We patiently await yours,” Alawuje added.