Breaking: Tambuwal Dumps Presidential Ambition

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines Tuesday, November 18th, 2014

Ayodele Afolabi, Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal has suspended his presidential ambition following concern expressed by some respected members of his party.

Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker, Nigeria’s House of Representatives

This was contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to reporters Tuesday evening.

Tambuwal expressed his gratitude to his friends, political associate as well as his colleague who believe in his capacity ti rule the country

His words:

“I have carefully considered the concerns expressed by some of our leaders, whom I deeply respect and whose support and counsel I enjoy,to the effect that my entry into the presidential race at this point may necessitate having to rework some equations on the political chessboard of the party.

“Having consulted widely, taking into consideration the concerns of some elders of the party, I have decided to suspend my participation in the presidential contest for now.

“I have done so as a sacrifice for the cohesion and unity of the APC. I am suspending my participation in the presidential race for now because I do not have any inordinate ambition to occupy any office.

Nigeria is a country too great to sacrifice on the altar of partisan politics and personal ambition. What any one becomes in life is exclusively in the hands of God. Only God gives power to whoever he pleases”.

Tambuwal said that he came into the APC to enhance and build, “therefore in the interest of our great party the APC and indeed in the overriding national interest I wish to appeal to all my associates, colleagues, supporters, admirers and friends nationwide to show some understanding”.

He said It has not been easy coming to this decision and that he very well understand the frustration, disappointment and disbelief of many who have committed so much to the project including sacrificing not only their physical, financial and intellectual resources but indeed their personal ambitions in the 2015 electoral contest.

“I pledge my loyalty to our party the APC and cooperation with my uncles and senior brothers and colleagues who are already in the race for the APC Presidential ticket : I refer to; General Muhamadu Buhari, Alh Atiku Abubakar, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Governor Rochas Okorocha and Mr Sam Ndah- Isaiah. There is no doubt that they are all eminently qualified.

“To all my associates, colleagues, friends,admirers across Nigeria who have faith that I am that instrument for the change we all desire, I assure you that your faith is not in vain, it is noble and will endure until this great nation of ours is rescued from the clutches of institutionalized corruption, gross incompetence, greed and divisiveness.

“I charge you to be comforted that your strength lies not in the limited capacity of a single leader, but rather in the collective capacity of the millions of great citizens of this nation. One day, and I believe not too long away, this formidable collective capacity will be ignited and the good Lord will lift Nigeria high up where she belongs”, he said.