Politics
2023: MUSING OVER OSINBAJO AS APC’s JOKER FOR PRESIDENT
2023: MUSING OVER OSINBAJO AS APC’s JOKER FOR PRESIDENT
By: Inuwa Bwala
If truly Nigeria’s diversity is an asset, then our quest for peace, justice and equality must be seen in our attitudes towards each other, in trying times, as we seem to be now.
To this effect, where the next President of Nigeria should come from ought not to elicit any form of debate. It may not be in our written laws, neither does there need to be an agreement that power should rotate between the North and the South, but common sense dictates that we should give each other a sense of belonging.
We all know and are witnesses to attempts by particular groups in other climes to dominate leadership and the often disastrous outcomes of such attempts.
It may be needless restating my position that in the spirit of justice and fair play, the next President of Nigeria should come from the Southern part of the country. Those who argue that it can come from any part of the country are being uncharitable to Nigerians, in the face of the tension being generated.
Except if we accept that the North wants to dominate political power perpetually, we need to give others a chance. Since 1999 when Nigeria returned to Democratic rule, the position of the President has been oscillating between the North and the South. The attempt to breach that unwritten accord was what saw the back of Goodluck Jonathan from the Presidency in 2015.
Also Read: Nigeria travelers to UK will still be quarantined
Many highly placed Nigerians who are concerned about a future peaceful country have echoed this position to the effect that the South should produce the President after Muhammadu Buhari. It is therefore needless restating justifications for the call to allow the South produce the next President, as the reasons for it are all known. What should occupy our minds should have been the type of person who has the capacity and who commands acceptance across regional, ethnic and religious lines.
This argument supports the submission of the South East, to the effect that one of their own should be given the chance. This throws up such names as Rochas Okoraocha, Peter Obi, Ike Ikweramadu, and Hope Uzodinma amongst others. But the activities of IPOB have generated too much suspicion lately, and insisting on a South Easterner at this point may not be feasible. Perhaps, we need someone who will stabilize the feelings of exclusivity.
Many people also want former Lagos State Governor, now National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, but the odds do not seem to favour him either, given his state of health and other considerations.
It was while musing over the right calibre of person Nigerians should consider in the days ahead that my mind switched to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Nobody seems to be talking about Osinbajo, since he cautioned against using his perceived ambition to heat up the polity. And he does not appear ambitious either.
But come to think of an Osinbajo leadership, in the face of the potential he has exhibited as vice President. We have seen the impacts he made on governance and politics, during his regency, when the President was away.
I have not met the Vice President before in life, but I have keenly monitored his activities and utterances and I dare say the man is intellectually well grounded, easy going, unambitious, God fearing and exhibits a high sense of patriotism and deligence.
In his several outings, I have seen a man, who even as a lawyer, has good organizational ability, high economic sense and brutally frank, besides his noticeable unalloyed loyalty to the President.
If truly we seek for a leader with broad knowledge of contemporary trends in governance, and who has the requisite connections in every endeavour, I think there cannot be a better choice for the APC than the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. This is assuming if the party hopes to win the 2023 elections.
He may not have shown any form of desperation, nor exhibited the type of contumacy often displayed by people in leadership, rather, he has demonstrated a rare sense of retrospection towards the good of Nigeria.
I know that Professor Yemi Osinbajo is being nudged to join the fray, but he may feel it is too early in the day to speak. But if the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step, then I feel it is time we begin taking that step now by identifying suitable combinations for the Presidency in 2023.
Should Yemi Osinbajo be the APC joker, I am of the view that his running mate should come from the North East. This is given the fact that, the region will be better off with the Vice Presidency than they would with any other position, Is including that of the National Chairman if the APC.
After a more critical reexamination of the situation, I feel the North East should produce the Vice President to make up for what it lost with Ambassador Babagana Kingibe in the 1993 annulment. The region should therefore support the emergence of the National Chairman of APC from either the North Central or North West, while pursuing the possible emergence of the Vice President from the North East. I will not suggest names, as that is a more likely choice, as that will be a topic for another day. But the body language of Nigerians are suggestive of the likely choices from Borno in particular, who could fit into the combination.
With Osinbajo, a Christian from the South West and a Muslim, North Easterner, I feel Nigerians will be coming closer to erasing perceived notions about domination and suppression. The South East could have the Senate Presidency for now, and the North Central the Speaker of the House of Representatives or National Chairman of the APC, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation or the National Chairman of the APC goes to the North West. The next Chief Justice of the Federation can go to the South/ South as well as the Head of the Civil Service. The Security Chiefs and heads of Security agencies will be evenly spread.
This arrangement could go a long way in assuaging the feelings of neglect, now rampant amongst various interest groups. Just musing.
2023: MUSING OVER OSINBAJO AS APC’s JOKER FOR PRESIDENT
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
By: Yahaya Wakili
President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid a condolence visit to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Northeast Youth Forum, Haruna Adamu Sardaunan, over the passing of his beloved father, Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, at Potiskum.
During the visit, President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, prayed for the repose of his soul.
Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, urged his son, Haruna, to draw strength from his father’s memory and continue along the path of dedicated services to our people.
Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, until his demise, was the chairman of the Yobe State Hunters Association.
Senator Lawan extended his deepest condolences to Haruna and his family and prayed that Allah (SWT) grants them the fortitude to bear this great loss.
“May the soul of Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama rest in Aljannatul Firdaus Amin, Sardaunan prays.
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has called for the prosecution of those that were involved in electoral fraud in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State
A statement on Thursday by the NGO Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said:
“it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable. The government must be unequivocally reminded that its foremost duty is to serve the interests of the citizens, not to facilitate or condone actions that silence their voices.”
Mamedu said: “For over 15 years, ActionAid Nigeria has been consistent in her work around electoral processes in Nigeria including observing elections in the 36 states and FCT, although not physically present to observe the just concluded Edo State governorship election, we stand firmly in solidarity with our fellow Civil Society organisations and partners who have reported significant irregularities throughout the electoral process. This election has been marred by serious allegations of manipulation and rigging, as thoroughly documented by multiple civil society groups within the state. Disturbing accounts of disruptions at collation centers, including intimidation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and attempts to manipulate results contrary to established electoral provisions, have raised profound concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
“We recognise that INEC has acknowledged reports of result tampering and has pledged to investigate any proven violations but their track record in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections has been severely undermined by persistent accusations of inefficiency, manipulation, and undue political influence. While the investigation is a step in the right direction, it is important that these investigations translate into swift and effective action.
“Also, beyond the investigation, it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable.”
He added that: “The time has also come to critically reassess INEC’s role in our electoral system. When an institution entrusted with safeguarding democracy continuously falters, we must explore alternatives. Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is genuinely independent, transparent, and accountable. There is a need to reform INEC as a commission in order to make it more efficient, effective and accountable in carrying out its mandate as an electoral umpire.”
Mamedu said: “A comprehensive electoral reform in Nigeria is urgently needed. First, there must be a complete overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a more transparent, accountable, and independent body, free from political influence and led by individuals of proven integrity.”
He called for more roles for civil society organisations and international observers in Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that: “Civil society organisations and international observers should play a more significant role in observing elections, ensuring that their recommendations are taken seriously, with mechanisms in place for swift action against misconduct.”
He added that: “The adoption of more robust electoral technologies, such as biometric voting systems and real-time result transmission, is crucial to minimizing fraud.
“Security personnel must also be deployed impartially to prevent violence and intimidation, ensuring that party agents, the media, and observers have full access to maintain electoral integrity. It is essential to incorporate technologies like the BVAs and IREV into the Electoral Act.
“The judiciary must uphold its role as the guardian of democracy, prioritising electoral cases with swift, evidence-based verdicts. Any officials found complicit in electoral fraud must be held accountable, necessitating comprehensive reforms in the judicial sector to ensure just outcomes.”
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
By: Michael Mike
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has extended his warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa on his election as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. In a congratulatory message, Ize-Iyamu praised Idahosa’s victory as a reflection of his dedication to public service, noting that the people of Ugboko in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Idahosa’s maternal hometown, are particularly proud of his achievement.
Ize-Iyamu highlighted that Idahosa’s success represents not only his hard work but also his deep connection with the aspirations of the people of Edo State. He expressed confidence in Idahosa’s ability, alongside Governor-elect Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to drive significant progress in the state, given his wealth of experience and passion for development.
He further prayed for wisdom, strength, and courage for the newly elected leaders as they take on the challenges ahead, emphasizing the hope that Edo State would experience peace, unity, and prosperity under their leadership. Ize-Iyamu also expressed optimism about the positive impact the duo would have on the advancement of Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Ize-Iyamu wished Idahosa success in his tenure as Deputy Governor and looked forward to the transformative leadership he would bring to Edo State.
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
EU Says It’s Interested in Stable, United, Prosperous Nigeria
CISLAC Asks for Transparency and Openness in Handling Rebirth of Nigeria’s Mining Companies
VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News8 months agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News8 months agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS9 months agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns9 months agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions9 months agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Opinions3 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
National News9 months agoFraud and Mismanagement Rock INGO’s IDP Cash Assistance Effort in Bama
