Group Faults Asari Dokubo Over Controversial Interview On Makarfi

Reactions have continued to trail ex-militant, Asari Dokubo over statements accredited to him in an interview he granted to the Sun Newspapers wherein, he made some uncomplimentary remarks concerning Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi.

 
A political group, the Makarfi National Movement which is made up eminent persons and supporters loyal to Distinguished Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi have lambasted Asari Dokubo describing his statement as unfortunate, misleading and a complete falsehood.

 
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Chairman and Secretary, Mallam Imam Abubakar Lawal and Honourable (Dr.) Dogara Matoh respectively, the Makarfi National Movement expressed its concerns with the statements made by Asari Dokubo which cast uncomplimentary aspersions on the integrity of their principal, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi and is capable of of is leading innocent nigerians.

 
The group noted that, “as supporters and strong believers in the Distinguished Senator, we are conscious of the contributions and personal sacrifices of Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi towards the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in ensuring its continued existence as a strong and united party in opposition”.

“As an individual, we cannot deny Asari Dokubo his rights and privileges but these rights do not guarantee him rights to demean, malign or, misinform the public over other persons including a man of great attributes such as His Excellency, the Distinguished Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, CON whose stint as governor of Kaduna state elevated him to a pedestal reserved only for persons who have served the people meritoriously”, it said.

 
It noted the performance of this distinguished citizen endeared him to his people and this saw him representing his senatorial district for another eight (8) years in the Hallowed Chambers of the Senate of the National Assembly.

 
“Senator Makarfi’s emergence as Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the PDP was another proof of the belief of the stakeholders of the PDP in his capability to steer the party back to greatness and this manifested throughout the trying period the party was in crisis”.

 
The statement by the Makarfi National Movement noted that, “to prove his leadership qualities, SAM, as this gentleman with exceptional calm and disposition is fondly addressed, ensured that the PDP conducted a free, fair and transparent party national convention that has drawn wide commendation from Nigerians”.

 
“Falsehood, misinformation and outright lies will not serve any purpose in trying to portray Distinguished Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi in bad light”.

 
“Makarfi’s aspirations into any elective position or office has never been a do-or-die affair but his political craftsmanship and sincere posture ensured his victory as governorship candidate of his political party and eventual emergence as elected governor of Kaduna state in 1999 under the umbrella of the  Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. It must be recalled that after his two term tenure of eight years as governor, he ran for elections for the Kaduna North Senatorial District, winning in a keenly contested struggle”, it stressed.

 
It is however, understood that his attempt at re-election in 2015 to the senate was not successful but then, Makarfi’s electoral experience could be likened to that of Abraham Lincoln who struggled to become the President of America. Lincoln had pursued his senatorial ambitions with a never-give-up candour and any one conversant with his history knows the story.

 
Again, it is pertinent to also know that, Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shagari who was a mere holder of a National Certificate of Education degree, from a failed contest of running for Senator, rose to become President, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Another case in mind is that of an obscure Goodluck Jonathan, Governor of oil rich Bayelsa state in the South-south region who was projected by a united PDP to the Presidency; from a state whose population is less than the population of Igabi and Zaria Local Governments in Kaduna state.

 
Therefore, it becomes expedient for all to look beyond and see the prospects of a Makarfi candidacy as President; a man of unparalleled vision, sound articulation of mind and purpose and a peace loving personality.

 
Continuing, the group noted that, “Asari Dokubo should pursue his campaign of calumny elsewhere but, the fact remains; should SAM indicate his interests to vie for the Presidency, come 2019, many Nigerians will stand behind his candidature and support him because:

* Makarfi is a detribalized Nigerian with great respect for all irrespective of religion, tribe or ethnicity.

* Makarfi is a calm leader with capacity to lead and build bridges across every strata of society.
* Makarfi is a pillar of true friendship, loyalty and love for what he believes in; the PDP where he has remained a unifying factor since 1999 while not allowing political gains to guide his sense of patriotism.
* Makarfi remains the candidate to lead the PDP back to its glory, come 2019 as President.
The Makarfi National Movement enjoined Nigerians desirous of sound and effective leadership to ignore the statements of Asari Dokubo and his fellow co-travelers and instead, stand beside the candidacy of Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi I his quest to continue to serve Nigeria and Nigerians.