Don't Contemplate Having Military Back, Atiku Warns Nigerians

By Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

A former vice-president and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has admonished Nigerians not to contemplate having the military back in power.

Against the background of a statement made by the Army Chief, General Tukur Buratai, that some politicians are lobbying the military to take over power, the former vice-president asked anyone toying with such an idea to perish such thoughts as the worst form of democratic rule has been adjudged to be far better than the best form of military dictatorship.

In a goodwill message to mark the Democracy Day celebration, Atiku noted that democracy and the representative government which it brings to birth remains the best and only hope for the country.

A statement by his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku said: “Nigerians should be proud of themselves for doing away with military governments in 1999, in favour of democracy, which the world over, gives voice and a sense of belonging to more people in the society.”

According to him, “Since Nigeria instituted the democratic system in 1999, the nation has been able to accomplish a lot in social, economic and human development.”

Details later…