By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Leaders of Fulani communities (Ardos) from across the country under the under the umbrella of Fulbe United for Peace and Development have endorsed the Presidential Candidate of the All progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, just as they also conferred on him the title of Barkindo (the blessed one) which they described as a revered title among the Fulani.
The Special Assistant to the APC Presidential Candidate on Media and Publicity, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, disclosed this in statement issued on Monday, 13 February, 2023.
In the statement obtained by thegazellenews.com, Abdullazis said the leaders of Fulani on took the decision and conferment of the title on Tinubu at their meeting held in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Sunday.
According to him, leaders of Fulani ethnic nationality at the event said they were satisfied with the antecedents of Tinubu and his plans for Nigeria.
He said the event was held in conjunction with a socio-political group, Arewa New Agenda, adding that the group vowed it would use its 33,661 members to mobilize millions of their members to vote for Tinubu in the presidential poll.
Addressing the gathering after performing the kolanut-sharing tradition, leader of the group, Ardo Aliyu Liman Bobboi, said with the sharing of the kola, the leaders would go back with the message to their people on the decision reached at the meeting.
He said the gathering was an avenue to underscore their support, trust in his leadership qualities and capacity to administer the country effectively if he emerges victorious at the poll.
According to him, the Ardos, as leaders of the people, have final say on the position of their people and would follow it to the latter to ensure compliance.
Liman, who made reference to Tinubu’s Fulani associates who accompanied him to the meeting, including Governors Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Abubakar Badaru of Kano and Jigawa states, respectively, and pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, expressed optimism that the Tinubu led presidency would ensure the well-being of the Fulani ethnic nationality in Nigeria.
Ganduje, who rolled out Tinubu’s leadership qualities, described the Fulani people, who have cohabited peacefully with their fellow countrymen and women, as an endangered specie that deserve to be catered for and protected in the years to come.
Speaking at the event, the APC Presidential Candidate, who recollected the cordial relationship between his late mother Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, himself and Fulani inhabitants of Lagos State over the years, expressed appreciation and gratitude for the show of love and support for his presidential ambition.
Tinubu vowed to create an enabling environment where Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds shall live peaceably with one another without fear or hindrances.
