The Rise Up Naija (RUN) movement, a civic support organization within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has commended former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his intervention in the life of Yusuf Aliyu, a teenager discovered working at a mining site in Niger State. According to the group, Atiku's gesture demonstrates his long-standing vision for education and leadership.
Atiku's decision to offer a full scholarship to Yusuf Aliyu has been praised by the RUN movement, which sees it as a highlight of the qualities required of the next Nigerian president. The group noted that Atiku did not merely announce the scholarship from afar, but also invited Yusuf and his parents to his Abuja residence, demonstrating a commitment to due diligence and a "fatherly figure".
The RUN movement also took note of Atiku's proactive call for child-protection measures to ensure that the assistance provided does not result in intimidation or retaliation against Yusuf's family. This, according to the group, shows that Atiku cares not just for education, but also for the safety of the vulnerable.
However, the RUN movement criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, questioning the government's inability to identify and prosecute the owners of mining sites where children are employed. The group labeled the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, as having failed in his duties.
The group alleged that illegal miners are exploiting the widespread poverty and unemployment created by the current APC-led administration. According to Comrade Usman Okai Austin, the spokesman of the RUN movement, Nigerians must take a stand to ensure a change in leadership at the Aso Rock Villa, asserting that an Atiku presidency would prioritize equal opportunities for all citizens.
The RUN movement further urged the investigative committee set up by the administration to investigate the matter to remain accountable to the Nigerian people rather than to the government officials who have presided over the sector's decline. The group argued that the committee must not be reduced to a "mere damage control mechanism" for the public.
Atiku is also scheduled to pay a condolence visit to the people and Government of Niger state over the incident. The RUN movement's statement highlights the need for a government that is truly ready to govern and end the atrocities happening in the mining sector.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar offers a full scholarship to Yusuf Aliyu, a teenager working at a mining site in Niger State.
- The RUN movement criticizes the FG for failing to protect child miners and for hiding the identity of mining site owners.
- The group alleges that an Atiku presidency would prioritize equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of social class.
