BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Leaders of Fulani communities (Ardos) across the country have endorsed the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2023 general elections.
The Fulani leaders made the declaration on the platform of Fulbe United for Peace and Development (FUPD), a socio-cultural organisation for Fulani people.
Special Assistant to the APC Presidential Candidate on Media and Publicity, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, quoted the leaders of Fulani ethnic nationality, who converged on Abuja on Sunday, as saying that they were satisfied with the antecedents of Tinubu and his plans for Nigeria.
At the event, held in collaboration with a socio-political group, Arewa New Agenda (ANA), the Fulani leaders promise to deploy their 33,661 strong-membership to mobilize millions of their tribesmen and women to support and vote for the former Lagos State Governor come the February 25 presidential poll.
Leader of the group, Ardo Aliyu Liman Bobboi, who addressed the gathering after performing the kola nut-sharing tradition, said with the sharing of the kola, they would all go back with the message to their people on the decision reached by the meeting.
He described the gathering as an avenue to underscore their support, trust in the APC Flag bearer’s leadership qualities, and capacity to administer the country effectively if he emerges victorious at the poll.
Bobboi said the Ardos, as leaders of the people, have the final say on the position of their people and would follow it to the latter to ensure compliance.
Acknowledging Tinubu’s Fulani associates, who accompanied him to the meeting, including Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano and Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa state as well as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, Bobboi expressed optimism that the Tinubu led presidency would ensure the well-being of the Fulani ethnic nationality in Nigeria.
The group also conferred on Tinubu the title of “Barkindo” (the blessed one) which they described as a revered title among the Fulani.
Speaking glowingly of Tinubu’s leadership qualities, Governor Ganduje said the Fulani people, who have cohabited peaceably with their fellow Nigerians, have become an endangered specie that deserves to be catered for and protected in the years ahead.
In his remarks at the occasion, the APC Standard bearer, while reminiscing the cordial relationship between his late mother Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, himself, and Fulani inhabitants of Lagos State over the years, expressed gratitude for the show of love and support for his ambition.
According to him, there should be no doubt about his commitment to an enabling environment where Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds, shall cohabit and live peaceably with one another without let or hindrances.
“Prior to this day I never thought I would meet a Fulani man who speaks better Yoruba. That is very wonderful. This is the Nigeria that we want, we expect Nigeria to be united with one voice, sharing of culture and belief in each other. I want to tell you if we stay here for the next five hours it’s the same story you would be hearing from me. Thank Almighty Allah.
“We have had problems with herders. But I guarantee you today that the problem would be solved permanently. The blueprint is almost ready. We will plan with it. The world is fair and good for all of us.
“We have to live in peace not only because of today but because of our children and grandchildren. What we learn about the Fulanis is their simplicity and commitment to promises”, the former Lagos State governor said.
Further praising the Fulani people, Asiwaju Tinubu said; “When they give you the commitment you get it. I hope I can transfer the blood, and spirit that I got from you to my grandchildren for the unity, stability, and peace of Nigeria.
“You know you are in my heart. We will make Nigeria great. And we will make the name Fulani a very respectable name.”
