By Our Reporter
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has urged political leaders across the country to place national interest above personal ambitions, warning that selfish political pursuits could undermine Nigeria’s unity, stability and democratic progress.
Akume, who made the call while receiving a delegation from the Miyetti Allah Fulaku Yesoyeso, led by its National President Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, in Abuja, observed that Nigeria's democratic stability depends on leaders demonstrating restraint, respect for political agreements and commitment to the collective interest of the nation rather than pursuing personal ambitions at the expense of national unity.
Akume reiterated that political leaders must rise above sectional considerations and electoral calculations to safeguard the country's unity, democratic institutions and future generations.
He called on Nigerians, particularly political stakeholders, to sustain the spirit of patriotism, honour established political understandings and work collectively towards a stronger, more united and prosperous Nigeria.
Akume recalled the political understanding reached in 1999 by PDP governors-elect at a meeting in Kaduna under the leadership of the late Chief Solomon Lar, with the late Adamu Ciroma as deputy party chairman, where an arrangement for alternating presidential power between the North and South was agreed upon.
He explained that the understanding provided for eight years of presidential leadership from the South, followed by eight years from the North, in a rotational arrangement intended to promote political inclusion, fairness, national cohesion and stability.
“And I told them, our son, may his soul rest in peace, Muhammadu Buhari, did eight years from the north. We have to now move to the south and do eight years. Tinubu has done eight years, I was surprised that Atiku, who was in that meeting, and agreed, is now running for president after Buhari did eight years from the north. This is not the time for the north, the north will come into contest in 2031 That is what has stabilised this country”.
The SGF noted that the arrangement had been substantially observed through successive administrations, culminating in the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Akume maintained that President Tinubu, having completed four years in office, deserves the opportunity to complete another four-year term in accordance with the established political understanding, insisting that the North should allow the South to complete its turn before seeking to reclaim the presidency in 2031.
“Eight years in the south, eight years in the north. I want you to hear this. Eight years in the south, eight years in the north, eight years in the south, eight years in the north. Obasanjo did eight years, Yar’adu’a took over unfortunately he died, Jonathan took over and did six years. After Jonathan, Buhari from the north did eight years. Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over from Buhari. He has just done four years, therefore he has four years left”, he stressed.
He cautioned that attempts to disrupt the arrangement for personal political advantage could threaten the stability Nigeria had painstakingly achieved over the years.
“Let's not make any mistake. Don't do anything that will destroy this country, because we will suffer more. Personal ambition should not destroy our country. Wait for your turn,” Akume stressed.
Akume reiterated that political leaders must rise above sectional considerations and electoral calculations to safeguard the country's unity, democratic institutions and future generations.
He called on Nigerians, particularly political stakeholders, to sustain the spirit of patriotism, honour established political understandings and work collectively towards a stronger, more united and prosperous Nigeria.
Reflecting on his own political sacrifices, including his opposition to the Third Term agenda, the SGF urged political actors to exercise patience rather than allow personal ambition to undermine national peace. He stressed that in 2031, the North will be well-positioned to field any qualified candidate of its choice in the spirit of fairness, equity and national coherence.
The SGF further praised the organisation for its grassroot mobilization towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing such support as a demonstration of commitment to national interest and inclusive governance. He assured that the President is committed to consolidating on the ongoing infrastructural development for the good of all Nigerians.
Speaking earlier, the National President of the Miyetti Allah Fulaku Yesoyeso, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, reaffirmed the association's commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending the President for the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, which he described as a significant milestone in addressing longstanding challenges confronting pastoral communities.
He noted that the Ministry of Livestock Development had made considerable progress in addressing issues affecting pastoralists, adding that sustained government attention and continuity of policies were necessary to consolidate the gains achieved.
According to him, the association had submitted recommendations to the Ministry aimed at improving livestock management, addressing farmer-herder conflicts, preventing destruction of farmlands, promoting proper education among pastoral communities and enhancing animal healthcare.
Alhaji Suleiman disclosed that the association had commenced mobilisation efforts across various locations, including Kaduna, Yobe and Borno, to galvanise support for President Tinubu's continued leadership. He explained that the mobilisation was driven by the desire to ensure that pastoral communities benefit from government policies, become more settled and productive, and coexist peacefully with other ethnic groups in the country.
He further revealed that the association had incorporated technology and the expertise of professionals in ranching, information technology and other relevant fields to strengthen its mobilisation and communication strategies.
According to him, the initiative would enable the leadership to reach members, particularly those in rural communities, even when physical contact was difficult, while improving political awareness and participation. NNL.
