As 2019 general elections draw nearer, the ‘presidential waters’ seem to be thickening as swimmers keep increasing by the day, especially on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Days after former Kano state Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, made his intention known, another aspirant, also from northern extraction, Tanimu Turaki, a former minister of special duties under former President Goodluck Jonathan, has been endorsed by the party to contest for the much-exalted seat of the nation’s presidency.
Mr Turaki, a prominent politician from Kebbi state, got the endorsement on Saturday by his state chapter of the party.
According to the state chapter chairman of the party, Haruna Saidu, Kebbi people are solidly behind Mr Turaki every step of the way in his quest to rule Nigeria as he is the first from the state to declare his intention
DAILY NIGERIAN observed that billboards containing Mr Turaki’s pictures were spread all around the state’s capital, Birnin-Kebbi.
Similarly, a youth group, Coalition for good governance, CGG, has described Saturday’s endorsement of Mr Turaki as highly commendable.
The group, in a statement by its coordinator, Vincent Michael, said though Mr Turaki is yet to publicly declare his intention to run for president, his endorsement shows that he is widely accepted as the man to lead the party to reclaim power in 2019 presidential election.
The group, therefore, urged other Nigerians to rally support round the former minister to not only unseat the current APC led administration but to also bring about economic development that will provide jobs and improve standard of living.
According to Mr Michael, the endorsement shows that Mr Turaki enjoys the support of his party and he is acceptable to the people.
He said: “we are in a critical stage in our national development. There is no doubt that things are very bad.
“Actually, it has never been this bad. If the PDP is serious about reclaiming power, then it has to field formidable candidates with unblemished record capable of fixing Nigeria.”
Glimpses at Mr Turaki’s profile
Mr Turaki was born in Nasarawa, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State. He attended Nasarawa Primary School, Birnin-Kebbi 1968–1975; Barewa College Zaria 1975–1980, Sokoto State College of Arts and Science 1980–1982.
He read Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State and graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Laws, LL.B. He was called to the Bar in 1986 having completed the one-year mandatory Law School programme.
He has had a successful legal practice and business life. His firm (K.T Turaki & Co.) where he is the Principal Counsel, is retained as legal adviser and external solicitor by several banks, financial institutions, government agencies which include, Dantata Organisation and American Consulate.
Others are: Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Assembly, Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation among others.
He also attained the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2002.
He holds the membership of many professional bodies such as Nigerian Bar Association, African Bar Association, International Bar Association, Institute of Industrialists and Corporate Administrators, and Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Turaki is also a Fellow of the African Business School, and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators North American branch. He was appointed Chairman, Nigerian Copyright Commission in 2012.
He partook in the National Political Reform Conference of 2004. Between 1998 and now, he has moved from all People’s Party to United Nigeria Peoples Party UNPP and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, holding key positions at every stop understandably.
In 1992, Mr Turaki joined the rank of publishers when he started publishing the Newmarshall newspaper and festival news periodical. He has a number of publications to his name which include: Intrusion of English Law on the Inheritance of Land in Nigeria, (1985), Problems of Bail in Nigerian Lower Courts (1990), Legal Profession: Practice and Challenges (2012).
He comes across as one who is very passionate about the Nigerian project and a great man with a compassionate heart for the less privileged which is expressed through his many philanthropic activities. It is therefore not surprising that recognition has come for him locally and internationally. His award chest is quite impressive with over 20 of such in his kitty.
These include African Meritorious Service Award for Good Leadership, Life Patron National Association of Nigerian Students, Barewa Old Boys Association Merit Award, 2009 Kwame Nkrumah Distinguished Leadership Award, Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio Award, 2006 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award by SUG, University of Jos, NBA Kano Branch Merit Award among others.
Alhaji Turaki, is currently the Chairman, Committee on Continuous Dialogue On Resolution Of Insecurity Challenge in the North,
Dan Masanin Gwandu, Zarumman Kebbi has brought his wealth of private practice management acumen to bear on his work which has helped him and his team to succeed in the last one year since his appointment.
He is married with children.
