Former Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has been described as the only credible Nigerian who can lead the country out of its political and economic crises in 2019.
A Coalition of Igbo politicians in Northern Nigeria, which described Makarfi as a patriotic Nigerian and a democrat, therefore, urged him to contest the 2019 presidential election on PDP platform.
The coalition vowed to mobilise Nigerians to ensure that the former Kaduna governor becomes the next President.
The group, led by its President, Chief, Frank Okonkwo, made this declaration when members paid Makarfi a courtesy call in his country home in Kaduna.
According to the group, Makarfi is the only credible Nigerian now who can lead the country out of its present predicament, adding that he has all the qualities to be the president l in 2019.
“We have keenly followed your track records on leadership and governance and we came to conclusion that you are the best option for Nigeria now. As a detribalised Nigerian, it is on record that between 1999-2007 when you served as the Governor of Kaduna State, you appointed several non indigenes into your government which included three Igbo sons as Special Assistants, several others as Community Assistants and some into Board Members of government Agencies. During your tenure as a governor, you were able to calm religious and communal crisis in Kaduna State.
“Your transformation and infrastructural development of Kaduna State has not been equaled. Nigerians still marvel at your accommodating style of leadership and governance. The most recent was your ability to miraculously managed the crisis and fractionalization created by Amodu Sherrif led PDP. Many thought that the 2019 National Convention of the PDP was going to be the end of our great party but you proved them by applying your leadership quality.
“Your achievement here can be best described in the immortal words of our legendry leader, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe of the blessed memory, the Zik of Africa when he said; ‘Greatness can be achieved by an idiot, just like immortality can be achieved by an ass but worthwhile greatness can only be achieved by a selected few.’ .
“Having mentioned a few of your numerous achievement, we the Igbo politicians in the North reinstate here that you are the best presidential material for PDP in 2019. In view of the above, however, we join millions of other Nigerians to urge you to go for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2019,” the group said.
In his response, Makarfi urged the group to keep faith with PDP as there is hope for a better Nigeria if the party comes back in 2019, adding that the concern of Igbo politicians in the North is a reflection of the views of most Nigerians now.
“We, at the PDP, are aware of the plight of Nigerians now. That is why we will do everything within our power to rescue Nigerians from the present crisis,” he assured.
