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10Th Assembly Speakership: The Silence Of Shettima And The Baggage Of Betara’s Confident

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10Th Assembly Speakership: The Silence Of Shettima And The Baggage Of Betara’s Confident

By: James Bwala

Reading various scripts about the raging desires of some politicians circling around Borno legislator and Chairman, Appropriation Committee, Hon. Muktari Betara Aliyu over the problems of Speakership of the 10th Assembly is amusing. I respect Hon. Malik Salihu for having the guts to convene media in Abuja and discuss the vice president post with them. He might not have learnt anything about the relationship between the executives and lawmakers while he represented his own constituency in the green chamber. He may have been a bench warmer at the green chamber throughout his time there because his electorate did not vote to have him re-elected.

Let me just add that everybody who knows Kashim Shettima, the vice president, understands that he is a man of eminent intellectual character. Some of the accusations that Hon. Malik Sahihu wishes to discuss why his confidence Hon. Betara was unable to get domestic support for his speakership; desires are unfounded, particularly given that he is now contrasting Kashim Shettima with Muktari Betara Aliyu in his conversation with journalists.

When some of our elders in Biu were discussing it, that’s when I first learned that Betara Aliyu was applying for the office of Speakership. According to what I heard; they were upset because he did not consult them. I’m unsure of their ability to change whatever it was that they found offensive about his refusal to consult his constituents. But regardless of how compelling his arguments are, the individuals speaking I am aware of have experience with the system and have assisted Muktari Betara Aliyu in influencing his political ascent.

They are not speaking with one side of their mouth, I am certain of that. Since Betara Aliyu and Hon. Malik Salihu were close friends, he must be aware of how important the domestic front is to politicians. As a result, if the player loses control of the game’s main character on the domestic front, there is a potential that nothing he accomplishes outside of his stronghold will have an influence.

Kashim Shettima is not that less intelligent to speak of matters as presented by Hon. Malik Salihu in the manner he wants his readers to believe. Speaking about two presidential jets landing in Maiduguri would never change who is the Vice President and who is the Speaker of the house even if Hon. Muktari Betara Aliyu becomes one. There are no way that Hon. Muktari Betara Aliyu could out-shine Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri, Borno state or anywhere in Nigeria and outside the shores of this country. Number two and number four in the rank of numbers are not the same. There is a far and wide gap in the differentiation.

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Before becoming the governor of Borno state for eight years, Kashim Shettima served as a commissioner in five powerful ministries in the state. He served as a senator and is currently the Federal Republic’s vice president, holding the second-highest honor of GCON. Hon. Malik Salihu has demonstrated a lack of knowledge of his subject by stooping to the level of speaking like a child about the political climate that gave rise to the issues he was attempting to defend for his buddy and confidence. His argument lacks the material gains since there is no basis to which he argued.

Kashim Shettima was not the cause of Betara’s problems; rather, Betara’s loyalty-related mindset was. In creating political strategy, loyalty is essential. Politicians in the making and political science students should learn something from the race for the Speakership of the 10th National Assembly. In order to prevent disloyalty when it comes to the rise and fall of the players in this empty Chamber, I chose to look at the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Hon. Muktari Betara Aliyu as a case study.

Hon. Muktari Betara Aliyu was unquestionably adored and given favors throughout his political ascent. It’s not an easy chance to take the chairmanship of the committee on appropriations. He was helped, nonetheless, to advance to the point where opportunities for money and respect in the arena opened for him. This is a crucial stage in the courtiers game when the table holder must exercise caution because there are always greater forces at work, and only complete allegiance may propel such a table holder to the next level.

Some theorists contend that power induces intoxication. But I had the impression that one could only become inebriated by choosing to sip from the euphoric wine. When it comes to decision-making in this man-made chamber of power play known as democracy, many have welded power and stayed with the concept that devotion should matter—unless you reach the point where there is unquestionably no more god-father to serve. At that time, you become the alpha and omega.

Betara Aliyu has been moving from one political table to another while garnering praise. He dominated the field for a decade, earning acclaim from both sycophants and party men in the halls of power. He was too self-absorbed and overwhelmed by the money and admiration bestowed upon him until he started to disobey “the powers that be”—to use Major Hamza Al-mustapha’s phrase—when he spoke up for himself at the Oputa panel. I don’t want to go into details here but I will say a few.

I recalled that the All Progressive Congress’ (APC) Borno state chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, talked angrily about the attitudes of Hon. Betara Aliyu allegedly demonstrated when he allegedly disregarded party summonses. Many high-ranking politicians, both inside and outside the ruling APC, have criticized Betara’s views, particularly the way he handles the phone. I thought of several of his close friends, including Hon. Malik Salihu, who supposedly shared his confidence, may have heard these criticisms and offered advice.

When Betara essentially refuses to surrender to local politics within the state gates of the APC, his pride also takes a hold of him. His ongoing displays of dominance over the deputy governor, Hon. Usman Kadafur, have exposed him to issues surrounding his allegiance to both the deputy governor and the Borno state administration. Any duplicity of the deputy governor, who holds the position of second-highest authority in the state after the governor is a direct challenge to the authority of the governor. These steps Betara fails to acknowledge.

In the recently completed Presidential and Gubernatorial elections, Hon. Muktari Betara Aliyu has also been accused of anti-party behavior. Participants in the federal constituency where Betara wields influence claim that his attitude nearly assisted the opposition in winning the day. The leadership of Borno state and significant APC players did not take kindly to this.

The appeal to abandon Hon. Betara Aliyu’s ongoing campaign to become the leader of the green chamber is fueled by further transgressions committed by Betara. Political considerations that determine who emerge victorious from this current conflict take seriously any hint that he has lost popularity at home. Betara Aliyu may have been vulnerable to a knockout blow by self-destruction but I strongly believed that the Vice President, Kashim Shettima wish-well for Betara.

10Th Assembly Speakership: The Silence Of Shettima And The Baggage Of Betara’s Confident

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AND WE WILL WIN!

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AND WE WILL WIN!

By: Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez

Fidel Castro Ruz, historic leader and Commander in Chief of the Cuban Revolution, celebrates his 99th birthday today, in the prime of his life.

I write this in the present tense because that’s how I feel and because that’s how the celebration is unfolding for the beginning of a symbolic year for Cuba and for all those around the world who recognize the significance of his revolutionary leadership.

I’m speaking of the centennial or the eternity of a man who remains alive in time, even when the physical, the material, turned to ashes almost a decade ago and he left it clear that he didn’t want statues or monuments in his memory.

What not even he could decree was the impossible, that is, his oblivion. And there he remains, alive and present as only the eternal is. Because that destiny, as history has proven so many times, is not decided by anyone, only by the enduring power of the ideas of those who have guided hundreds, thousands, millions of human beings to achieve their dreams of emancipation and justice.

Fidel is eternal, not by his own choice or by those of us who try to follow in his footsteps and continue his immense work of social justice. He achieved that status by interpreting, synthesizing, and making his own the magnificent accumulation of Cuban, Latin American, Caribbean, and universal pro-independence, anti-colonial, anti-imperialist, and Marxist ideals that preceded him, placing himself at the forefront for all time.

In his intense public speeches or in his long private conversations, he displayed a total command of that infinite wealth of knowledge, dazzling the most diverse audiences from the first word to the last. But what has truly immortalized him is everything he said that he transformed, every action turned into work.

In these markedly Fidel-inspired days, when each of us displays, in books, videos, traditional media, or social media, the Fidel who accompanies us, we are taking credit for that eternity, to our own heartfelt emotion and that of others who feel the same. Or to the hateful denial of those who cannot bear the dazzling vitality of his ideas.

In my case, as you might imagine, Fidel is not just present. He is a constant: a guide and a challenge. An example and a source of sleeplessness.

I feel he remains at the forefront, as in the Sierra or at Girón. Every time threats grow, when necessity compels, when the blockade seems to close all exits, the question arises spontaneously: What would Fidel do?

The good fortune of having known him, of having seen him act, and of having received his guidance many times, makes the answers easier: they are in the people, in their infinite reserves of dignity and talent. And in the indispensable unity of all revolutionary forces around Martí’s ideal of achieving all justice.

He was supported by those certainties that we understand science and innovation as a pillar of government management. And with the talent, the solid material foundation he created, and the audacity of the country’s men and women of science and thought, which he shaped for the future that is now present, we faced and defeated the pandemic and continue to strive to overcome even seemingly insurmountable obstacles like the blockade and our internal inefficiencies.

In Fidel’s history, from his student years to his undeniable presence today, there is an infinite number of lessons, and they all coincide on one point: he never allowed himself to be defeated by circumstances. Even the greatest blows from his adversary only served to elevate his stature as a leader to a higher level.

Examining each of his battles, one can see the deep motivations that this leader, born from his very core, always awakened in this courageous people, turning setbacks into victory. Then we understand the full meaning of the farewell Che Guevara dedicated exclusively to him before leaving for other lands of the world, which the Cuban people made an irrevocable goal: Until victory, always. Never forgetting the Homeland or Death that makes it possible. Nor the optimism in a word: We will win!

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez
Cuban President, wrote this article on the 99th Posthumous Birthday of Former Cuban President Fidel Castro.

AND WE WILL WIN!

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VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

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VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

By: Dr. James Bwala

Vice President Kashim Shettima exemplified exceptional leadership stewardship in managing the burial process of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Before the burial, Shettima played a pivotal role in expediting the repatriation of Buhari’s remains from the United Kingdom by waiving the standard five-day protocol, enabling their return within 24 hours. This swift action reflected his diplomatic acumen and coordination with international bodies, including the Nigerian High Commission in London. 

During the funeral proceedings, Shettima led a high-profile delegation alongside President Bola Tinubu to Daura, Katsina State, where they conducted a solemn and respectful ceremony. The inclusion of military honors and adherence to Islamic burial rites underscored his commitment to honoring Buhari’s legacy with dignity and reverence. 

After the burial, Vice President Shettima continued to embody stewardship by ensuring that Buhari’s final wishes for a modest ceremony were fulfilled. His leadership throughout the entire process not only facilitated national unity but also demonstrated respect for cultural and personal values associated with state funerals. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s execution of assignments as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exemplifies a rare form of loyalty that underscores the essence of servant leadership. His unwavering commitment to the president’s vision and collective national welfare highlights his prioritization of service over personal ambition, a hallmark trait of true servant leaders. By maintaining unity within the administration and acting as both mentor and strategist, Shettima demonstrates responsibility and dedication that transcend conventional political roles. This steadfastness not only consolidates the administration’s objectives but also fosters trust among stakeholders.

Shettima’s ability to remain composed amid provocations reveals a deep-seated character marked by resilience and selflessness. Such conduct frustrates detractors while reinforcing his credibility as a leader who serves with humility and loyalty. Ultimately, the vice president’s approach reflects an exemplary model of servant leadership in contemporary governance, where loyalty is intertwined with accountability and genuine concern for the collective good.

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The participation of Vice President Kashim Shettima in the burial process of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura represents a significant moment of humility and solidarity among Nigeria’s elite. By actively engaging in lowering the remains into the grave, Shettima transcended traditional boundaries often observed by individuals of high status, demonstrating profound respect and unity during a solemn occasion. Such involvement is rare, as prominent figures typically maintain a distance from physically participating in burial rites. However, Shettima’s actions inspired others present to similarly set aside their social ranks and partake collectively in honoring the departed leader.

This event underscores the potential for societal leaders to model empathy and communal values during times of loss. The collective effort at Daura not only paid homage to the former president but also sent a powerful message about national cohesion and shared humanity. It challenges conventional norms regarding status and ritual participation, encouraging greater inclusivity in public mourning practices. Consequently, Shettima’s example may foster broader cultural shifts toward unity across socio-political divides.

At the third day prayers, Vice President Kashim Shettima assumed a distinctly fatherly role that transcended mere political protocol. His engagement with sympathizers was marked by genuine empathy and approachable warmth, fostering a sense of communal solidarity during a period of profound grief. This compassionate demeanor not only comforted attendees but also reinforced social cohesion among mourners who sought solace in shared remembrance.

The Vice President’s interaction with the bereaved family was characterized by carefully chosen words of encouragement and rare personal reflections. These moments provided emotional sustenance and helped to bridge individual sorrow with collective resilience. His address functioned as more than a formal eulogy; it became a sermonic message imbued with wisdom and hope, intended to guide the family through their ongoing journey of mourning.

This paternal engagement by the vice president at such a solemn occasion underscores the vital role of empathetic leadership in times of national loss. The enduring impact of his words is likely to resonate within the family for years to come, serving as both a source of comfort and an ethical compass amid adversity.

Indeed, Vice President Kashim Shettima stands as one of the most exemplary figures in Nigeria’s democratic journey. His leadership is marked by a profound commitment to humanity and an unwavering reverence for ethical governance, qualities that have distinguished him from many of his predecessors. Shettima’s approach reflects a blend of empathy and accountability, fostering trust between the government and the populace. This humane leadership style has been instrumental in addressing socio-political challenges with sensitivity and pragmatism.

Shettima’s governance is deeply rooted in moral principles, often guided by the fear of God, which underpins his decision-making processes. This spiritual foundation enhances his credibility and integrity as a leader who prioritizes national interest over personal gain. Consequently, his tenure will be recorded in history as one characterized by sincere dedication to Nigeria’s progress and stability. Through his exemplary conduct, Vice President Kashim Shettima exemplifies what it means to lead with both compassion and conviction within Nigeria’s democratic experience. 

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

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“Guguwar Buhari “Is Gone: The End of Handout Votes in Arewa Politics

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“Guguwar Buhari “Is Gone: The End of Handout Votes in Arewa Politics

By Isaac Abrak

In the wake of Nigeria’s 2015 general elections, a powerful Hausa phrase emerged: “Guguwar Buhari” —literally Buhari’s whirlwind.It aptly captured the tidal wave of support that swept General Muhammadu Buhari and many others into power under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The whirlwind was so intense that it carried along even political unknowns—individuals with no record, reputation, or merit—simply because they stood beside Buhari, either on campaign posters or on the ballot.

That year, the APC logo became a winning ticket. Voters, driven by their deep trust in Buhari, voted for any name attached to it. The former general himself fueled this trend with his now-famous campaign line: “APC sama da kasa”—vote APC from top to bottom. And that’s exactly what the Talakawa (the masses), particularly in the North, did. From the presidency to the National Assembly, governorships, state assemblies, and local councils, a wave of victories was handed out—not earned—thanks to one man’s charisma.

But mere months into Buhari’s administration, another Hausa phrase quietly entered public discourse: “Guguwar Buhari ta kwashi yayi”—“Buhari’s whirlwind picked up garbage”. The people began to wake up. The same whirlwind that propelled leaders into power had also brought in many unqualified, self-serving, and underperforming politicians. Disillusionment replaced euphoria. The Talakawa realized that too many of their elected representatives were unworthy of the offices they held.

By 2019, the tide was turning. Buhari may have secured a second term, but many of those who had previously clung to his coattails were rejected by a more conscious electorate. The blind loyalty was fading. Voters began asking tougher questions and demanding results. Northern Nigeria was slowly moving away from political sentimentalism toward issue-based engagement.

In 2023, another dimension to Buhari’s political capital emerged—*tthe myth of his “sacred 12 million votes. For over a decade, Buhari had consistently pulled around 12 million votes in presidential elections, largely from the North. This voting bloc became a prized political asset. Every major candidate, including now-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sought to harness this number. Whether he succeeded or not is a matter for future political autopsy. But what’s no longer in doubt is that the *whirlwind* that delivered that power is now gone.

Some politicians still believe they can inherit this legacy—that they can simply stand in Buhari’s shoes and command the North’s votes. But such thinking is delusional.

As one guest rightly noted during a special NTA broadcast on the day of Buhari’s burial, those 12 million votes weren’t earned overnight. They were built over decades of public service—beginning with Buhari’s tenure as Military Governor of the old North-Eastern State, followed by his service as Minister of Petroleum, Head of State, Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, and eventually President. It was a reputation forged through discipline, integrity, and patriotic service.

Even so, Buhari’s aura wasn’t untouchable. As his presidency wore on, the same Talakawa who had once idolized him began expressing disappointment. He was booed at campaign rallies in Kano and Bauchi in 2019, and most memorably in Maiduguri in 2020, when he visited after a Boko Haram attack. Angry residents chanted “Ba mu da shugaba!” (“We have no leader!”) and “Ba mayi!” (we don’t want!). His controversial border closure policy, intended to curb smuggling, had instead led to food scarcity and economic hardship. If “Mai Gaskiya” (The Truthful One) could be jeered, how much more any politician attempting to coast on his reputation?

Today, the Northern voter is changing. The Talakawa want more than slogans. They now demand:

  • Functional hospitals
  • Affordable, quality education
  • Food security
  • Reliable electricity
  • Clean water
  • And, above all, security from terrorism and violence

These are not campaign fantasies—they are expected deliverables. Any leader who wants to command the North must first prove they can deliver these essentials. The North is at a crossroads. It must move from dependency to productivity. Leaders must rise to this challenge or risk being discarded by a growing wave of enlightened voters.

Indeed, there is evidence of this awakening everywhere. On social media,young Northerners—many of them Hausa-Fulani Muslims—are openly rejecting traditional political formulas.Some now declare they would rather vote for a Christian-Christian ticket than a Muslim-Muslim one, if it means better governance. It’s tempting to dismiss this as fringe sentiment—but the message is spreading fast. And it’s reshaping public consciousness.

Let’s be clear: Buhari’s 12 million votes pampered a generation of politicians. Many rode on his back without offering anything meaningful to the people. That era is now behind us. The Northern voter is evolving. Political awareness is rising. And with it, a new demand for performance, integrity, and accountability.

Whoever aspires to lead the North, command the Talakawa, and inherit Buhari’s political legacy must offer more than recycled slogans. They must present tangible evidence of good governance not just political promises.

This shift isn’t a crisis—it’s a victory for democracy. And perhaps, it’s the greatest legacy Buhari leaves behind: a Nigeria where voters are thinking for themselves. If you doubt it, just wait for 2027. The Talakawa will speak again—and this time, even louder.

In death, Buhari has unexpectedly revived his 2015 campaign slogan:“Chanji Dole! no need to translate this one.

Isaac Abrak is a Hostile Environment Journalist, a One Nigerianist, and Chairman of the Northern Christian Youth Professionals.
isaaclinus@gmail.com

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