Gbenga Daniel, the former Governor of Ogun state has warned against an almost established public mindset – the persecution of the rich, and the attendant celebration of poverty.
“Nearly every rich person is viewed as corrupt and stolen government money” the Director General of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation pointed out and explained that is why someone who could not make a productive venture out of cow business by multiplying his stock over the years can be hailed as a national hero on the premise of honesty.
“And that is what has gotten us where we are” the former Governor pointed out.
Citing a personal experience, the ex helmsman of Ogun state disclosed because of the generalization that every successful person is corrupt, especially those who served in Government at one point or the other, some went as far as claiming he stole government money to build the private house he erected in the 90’s when he left office as Ogun Governor in 2007!.
The much-respected politician revealed generalization is what Atiku is contending with.
“Atiku lost immunity since 2007 and he has not been charged for corruption since then. He moved from the ruling party to the opposition party, yet he has not been charged for corruption.” Daniel stated the obvious in a recent chat.
The top politician and role model businessman insists it is the duty of all Nigerians to break the cycle of unfounded allegations by digging beyond the surface repetitive rumour.
“Atiku resigned voluntarily from the Nigerian Customs and Excise Department, a place many considered fertile to go into private business. A man is innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” Daniel emphasized.
Insisting that the former Vice President remains the ideal candidate for the position of next President of Nigeria, the Atiku Campaign Organization DG disclosed that “Nigeria is a very complex country and we cannot compare it to a country like France, where 40 years old Emmanuel Macron is the President. They have systems that work. Theirs is not about the person, but it is about the systems. This is also applicable in a country like Britain and some others.
“The same does not apply in Nigeria. If you vote for a greenhorn or a young man as President, he will have nothing to offer. Some of the young men, who want to be Nigerian President don’t even know most parts of the country. Some of them don’t even know their states like some of us that have travelled wide.
“We need someone that is widely exposed and who understands all the regions such as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. He is well ahead of others.
“His first wife, Alhaja Titilayo Abubakar is a Yoruba woman and he has worked in many parts of Nigeria as a customs officer.
The man who opened up Ogun state to endless economic possibilities disclosed that contemporary classical economic theory has failed Nigeria and that the nation needs an Atiku, who understands the New World Economy like the back of his hand.
The Atiku campaign D.G defined the New World Economy as the ability of the government to attract foreign investment.
Daniel disclosed this is what is making Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) become an economic hub for traders all over the world. And is what is making former highly conservative Saudi Arabia open up her economy for foreign trades.
Reiterating worldwide growing concern over the “diminishing usefulness of Oil” and the inherent risk for the nation’s foreign exchange, Daniel pointed out “We need someone that can create an environment for investors to come in for business and grow the economy.
He provided another example to show Atiku is more than prepared “I was shocked when I saw the American University established by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Yola, Adamawa State. I asked if he was making money from it, he said no and I asked if he can make money from it in the next 10 years, he said no and I marvel at his passion for human capital development. He has been funding the institution for the past 10years and not making money and still doing it. That show’s Atiku is someone very passionate about Education and education is the future”
The former Governor spoke at a recent media engagement in Lagos state.
