According to sahara reporters newspaper, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has recounted a chilling assassination attempt while delivering a keynote address at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) convocation ceremony for the graduating class of 2025. The elder statesman, who is also the founder of AUN, shared the experience as a lesson in courage and resilience. According to him, the attack took place in Kaduna State, where gunmen opened fire on him but missed. In a tense moment, he said he ensured the safety of his family before confronting the assailants.
“I hid my wife and children in a wardrobe and stepped forward to confront the attackers. They shot at me but missed. I stood up and demanded, ‘Why did you fire?’ That’s what courage looks like,” Atiku said, drawing applause from the audience. The statement, both bold and reflective, underscored the tone of his address, which emphasized facing adversity without fear.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, Atiku highlighted a significant episode from the military era when he was offered a governorship position without going through an electoral process. He said he rejected the offer, choosing instead to pursue leadership through democratic means. “When we resisted military dictatorship, they offered me a governorship without an election, I rejected it. In 1999, I earned it the right way and became Vice President,” he told the graduates.
The speech served as a powerful blend of personal experience and national history, aimed at inspiring the graduating class to embrace values such as integrity, resilience, and moral strength. Atiku encouraged the students to remain grounded in principles, regardless of the circumstances they may face. “I’ve faced tribulations. I’ve been hunted, but I never wavered,” he said, urging the graduates to hold firm to their convictions as they step into the next phase of life.
Atiku also stressed the virtue of patience as a powerful tool for those aspiring to make meaningful change. “Patience is not weakness. It is a weapon of the wise,” he said, reflecting on his decades-long journey through Nigeria’s turbulent political terrain. His message resonated strongly with the students, many of whom are preparing to enter a challenging job market and a complex global landscape.
In a moment of tribute, Atiku recalled the strength of his late political mentor, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, particularly during the period he was sentenced to death under military rule. “His blood pressure was normal on the day of his scheduled execution. That’s a soldier. That’s courage,” he said. The anecdote served to further illustrate the theme of unyielding resolve and dedication to principle, no matter the cost.
The ceremony was not just a celebration of academic achievement but also an opportunity for reflection on leadership, national service, and personal character. Atiku’s address stood as a compelling call to action for the graduates to lead with purpose and integrity. Through his recollections and reflections, the former Vice President provided a window into Nigeria’s political evolution and a blueprint for responsible citizenship in the years ahead.
