FORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is "humbled" by the decision of the Consensus Committee, which chose him as the North's candidate for President.
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Atiku, who signed a statement, which was released barely five minutes after the announcement, paid tributes to his co-aspirants –former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Gen. Aliyu Gusau and Governor Bukola Saraki.
The statement said: "A short while ago, the Consensus Committee of the Northern Elders Political Forum announced me as the consensus candidate from among the four who submitted themselves to this process to endorse a candidate to contest the forthcoming primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
"This came after what were obviously wide-ranging and painstaking consultations across the length and breath of this country.
"I am humbled by this endorsement, and I accept it wholeheartedly, with humility and sense of responsibility.
"I commend the Consensus Committee for this endorsement and for their sacrifice, their patriotism, their commitment and their integrity.
"They have made an important contribution to the unity and stability of this country.
"I am profoundly grateful to the other aspirants who were screened by the Consensus Committee for their commitment to the consensus process. All three of them, former President Ibrahim Babangida, former National Security Adviser, General Mohamed Aliyu Gusau, and Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State are eminently qualified for the office of President.
"Their decision to abide by the decision of the Consensus Committee is a further testimony to their patriotism, honour, service and selflessness. Nigerians will forever remain grateful to them for their contribution to the peace, unity and stability of this country. I will continue to count on their support in the campaign to win the PDP primaries and the 2011 presidential election.
"I commend Nigerians for their patience, understanding, support and prayers. I shall need the support of all as I seek the mandate to be the flag-bearer of the PDP in the 2011 presidential election.
"This is a time for sober reflection on the challenges facing our country and the immense opportunities that exist for us to address them. I hope that the conclusion of this consensus process will mark an end to the divisive politics which our opponents have been promoting.
"In the days ahead I shall be addressing the press, and will continue to unfold my agenda for providing good governance and building a new Nigeria for all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or sectarian affiliations. With your support and prayers we shall make good things happen."
Ex-Vice President: I'm humbled (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/19703.html)