Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2019 elections, Atiku Abubakar, will bring grace and dignity to any assignment he is given.
Obasanjo said this on Saturday during the turning of Abubakar as the seventh Waziri Adamawa by His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Muhammadu Aliyu Barkindo Mustapha, the Lamido of Adamawa.
He said: “When we were in Abuja and dealing with the affairs of governance, you did not take lightly cultural affairs back home.
“By every standard, you are a cultured and a cultural person.
“Whatever responsibility you have at the national and international level, I know you will carry this new office with respect and dignity.”
Abubakar vowed to ensure the relevance of traditional institutions in the country by promoting their values and principles to the rest of the world.
He said he would not relent in promoting and advancing the cause and principles of Adamawa Emirate and traditional institutions in general in the country.
Referring to Obasanjo as his boss, the former vice president thanked him his contributions to his mentoring.
He added: “Your royal highness has now given me the highest honour available to anyone from a modest background and achievement.
“The late Lamido, HRH Aliyu Mustapha, may his soul rest in peace, appointed me Turakin Adamawa at the age of 35, making me a confidant and council member of the emirate.
“As his successor, you have accorded me the second highest position, which I am receiving with profound humility with my turbaning as Wazirin.”
Mustapha said Abubakar was honoured because of his contributions to the development of Nigeria in general and Adamawa State in particular.
He said: “Atiku has also contributed greatly to unifying the people of Adamawa and providing useful advice to the emirate.
“The position of Wazirin, which is the highest in the council, puts him in charge of administration of the emirate and is given to people who are educated, honest and God fearing.
It’s not hereditary and can go to anyone who deserves it.”
