The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and Political Parties for Good Governance has called on President Bola Tinubu to revoke the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) bestowed upon Atiku Abubakar.
The coalition asserts that this action would serve as a deterrent to others and underscore the significance of respecting the office of the president.
A Strong Message to Uphold the President’s Office
The convener of the coalition, Dr. Lilian Ogbole, made this plea during a press conference held on Thursday in Abuja.
Dr. Ogbole highlighted that Atiku’s recent press conference, characterized by attempts to seize power through sentiments and fabricated lies, can only be described as a face-saving ploy to capture power surreptitiously. Furthermore, she deemed Peter Obi’s belated press conference on October 11, 2023, on the same issue as childish, shameful, and laughable.
Lack of Evidence and Disregard for Democracy
Dr. Ogbole emphasized that instead of presenting evidence to contradict Tinubu’s submissions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Obi laughably requested the President to provide evidence that would invalidate the certificates and information already submitted to INEC.
The convener asserted that it is becoming increasingly evident that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is at odds with national interests and has consistently disregarded true democracy and the rule of law.
Questioning Atiku’s Leadership Abilities
Dr. Ogbole expressed her view that Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party in the 2003 election, does not possess the qualities and leadership antecedents necessary to be entrusted with the welfare of Nigeria.
She stated, “The fact that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar repeatedly lost his bid to become the President of Nigeria is not a sufficient reason for him to tarnish the image of Nigeria and the esteemed office of the Vice President, which he once held. This is an unacceptable behavior, and we will not sit idly by and allow him to continue doing so.”
A Plea to Protect the Image and Interest of the Nation
As stakeholders in the nation-building process, the coalition extends its call to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, urging him to exercise the authority conferred upon him by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to safeguard the image and interests of the country by stripping Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Sadiq of the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).
The coalition asserts, “It is our belief that a man with Atiku’s character is not worthy of such an honour and should not be allowed to retain an award reserved for honorable individuals of repute.”
