Politics

2023: On the road to Aso Rock

Published

2 years ago

April 15, 2022

News Net Global

2023: On the road to Aso Rock

By: James Bwala

Many battle ready stallions were seen parading themselves. The atmosphere is beginning to charge with songs of war. The battle drums are being heard from a distance and with each passing day the battle line is being drawn with massive voices calling on the names of those gladiators they are permuting on to stand tall on the road to Aso Rock.

Both the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC and the strongest opposition party in the country – the People’s Democratic Party, PDP have brought on the battle fronts a formidable formation. While it is natural to have these politicians falling over themselves at such time as this, it is becoming very interested to follow the unfolding situation particularly in the APC where according to many reports incidents coincide with the Biblical history of the month which saw the greatest betrayal in the story presented of the Lord Jesus Christ and his disciple Judas Iscariot.

While some have brought this scenario to the political platform Nigerians to witness between the APC National Leaders, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his political son, the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, it is however, to be reminded that such occasions in politics is no news to those who are following political events. Although it took many by surprise, the declaration of Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo is something that most happened owing to the political arrangement on the road to Aso Rock.

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A lot had happened in the last seven years of the Buhari’s administration that gave Nigerians the opportunity to look inwards to decide what future they would love to have after the Buhari regime most have expired in 2023. Both Tinubu and Osinbajo are products of the APC administration and both have the privilege of support from the over 40 million membership of the party.

With a sizeable number of those seeking to seat where Buhari had sat. The road to Aso Rock in 2023 may not be taken on a smooth ride with daring moves as seen both within the ruling party and opposition PDP. The much talked about people’s democratic party, PDP are governor Wike of Rivers State, Tambuwal of Sokoto and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to say a few. But on this national acceptability is seen playing alongside with Atiku than the rest.

While APC is reeling from names like Ameachi, Rich, Tinubu and Osinbajo to mention a few. That party in the local runs may have just presented the biggest political challenge the nation may experience in the unfolding events. Although equally strong in their individual character, the tune by which the echo of war drums are beating does not present nationality in the open spaces especially on the account of Tinubu and Osinbajo.

I have read a piece by Farooq Kperogi and stories from MURIC as well as the REDEEMERS body language and I concluded that this perhaps is going to be the most sensitive political time in Nigeria’s history. The sensitivity could be heavier than the experience of the 2015 general election that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to power.

But time will tell whether Farooq Kperogi is right, whether MURIC is right or whether the REDEEMITES are right. I will take the observer position and see the unfolding realities and to further understand claims on all parties to fulfill these dramatic appearances from all parties to the game as Buhari concludes his part on the stage. Whether Tinubu, Atiku or Osinbajo Nigeria will continue to be remembered but people will fall especially those who are taking a do or die posture to this drama that will come and go as it continues to revolve around our history since the return of democracy in 1999.

Already there has been accusation and counter accusation since the declaration of the Vice President about a week ago. Although supporters of the Jagaban would want Nigerians to believe that they are not moved by this declaration, it is understandable that political pains can also come with laughter. It is only natural to have courage in the face of disappointment.

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The declaration by Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo of his desire to run for the office of the president was considered morally unjustifiable and legally blind by supporters of the Asiwaju movement both at home and in diaspora. From the many pieces and writings floating on social media one can understand the pain of what they term ‘betrayal’.

But the truth is that Asiwaju cannot contest against himself. If he needs to be a president, these are signs that should strengthen his position rather than showing a sign of weakness by choosing who should fight alongside him and who should not in this unique arrangement.

What is more moral in a political situation like this than to be politically immoral? I think the Vice President regardless of his ambition and those supporting his move for such an open challenge against his one-time Boss could be the highest legal Cross he had to take in fulfilling his desire and call to lead.

2023: On the road to Aso Rock

Politics

Togo Elections: ECOWAS Deploys Election Observation Mission

Published

2 weeks ago

April 28, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Togo Elections: ECOWAS Deploys Election Observation Mission

By: Michael Mike

The President of the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has deployed an Election Observation Mission of 40 observers to Togo to monitor the legislative and regional elections scheduled for 29 April 2024

According to a statement at the weekend, the mission is in line with the provisions of Article 12 of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and constitutes support from the regional organisation to its Member States for the conduct of their elections.

The mission is led by the former Vice-President of The Gambia, Mrs Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang.

According to the statement, the mission is made up of Ambassadors from Member States accredited to ECOWAS; representatives of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and Parliament; Civil Society Organisations; media professionals and election observation specialists from the West African region.

It revealed that: “This observation mission is being deployed following the recommendations of a pre-election fact-finding mission that visited Togo from 15 to 20 April 2024 to assess the preparatory phases of the elections.

“During its stay in Togo, the observation mission will hold consultations with the main stakeholders in the electoral process and monitor the voting process up to 29 April 2024.”

Togo Elections: ECOWAS Deploys Election Observation Mission

Politics

Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande

Published

3 months ago

February 22, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande

By: Bodunrin Kayode

A Plateau elder Ambassador Yahaya Kwande has described the just concluded re-run election into the national assembly as a Triumph of Democracy.

In a release titled Congratulations to the Winners of Plateau State Bye Elections of February 3, 2024, he noted that the entire exercise was a victory to the people of the state.

“With great joy and profound gratitude, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected Senator, (Plateau North Senatorial District), Prince Pam Mwadkwon Dachungyang, and the Member of the House of Representatives, (Jos North/Bassa Constituency), Hon. Daniel Asama, on their resounding victory in the recently concluded bye election held in Plateau State.

“Your triumph is a testament to the true spirit of democracy and the unwavering support of the people.

“I have no doubt that both Prince Pam Mwadkon and Hon. Daniel Asama will live up to the aspirations and expectations of the voters, as they embark on this noble responsibility of representing their constituents. May your tenure be marked by dedication, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of progress for our beloved state and nation.

“As we celebrate this momentous milestone, let us not forget the challenges we faced during the post-2023 elections period. It is my sincere hope that Plateau State will swiftly recover from the divisions and tussles that marred our unity. Let us unite as one, for the strength of our state lies in our togetherness.

“It is essential for the government and the people to undertake immediate measures to reconcile and bridge the gaps that have emerged. We must never forget that every citizen, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity, is entitled to their fundamental rights. The use of religion as a tool of disfranchisement must cease; we must affirm that citizenship rights are not conditional on faith.

“Let us also strive to recapture the lost glory of our state, when Jos was hailed as the political Mecca of Nigeria, attracting momentous political events and embracing politicians from all shades and ideologies. We can revive this legacy by nurturing an environment that exudes peace, openness, and security for all. Together, we can restore Plateau State as a beacon of democratic excellence.

“In conclusion, I express my utmost optimism for the future of Plateau State. I extend my deepest appreciation to all who peacefully participated in the bye election, be it as candidates or enthusiastic supporters. Our journey towards progress and development continues, and I am confident that we will stand united, empowered by the unwavering spirit of our people.” said Kwande.

Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande

Politics

APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.

Published

3 months ago

February 13, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.

By: Jabiru Hassan

The National President of the APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG), Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervening to ease the hardships affecting Nigerians.

In a message he issued to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Ambassador Tsoken described President Tinubu as a leader with listening war by giving a marching order for the release of different food items to ease hardships for the people of Nigeria, which is a good initiative.

”APC-IGG has recognized what Mr. President has done in order to ease the hardship affecting the people on the food price hike, which is very good foresight from our leader. We therefore thank all those who have helped with the implementation of the process to release the food items from the federal government reserves across the country for their well-deserved thought.” The statement was added.

Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken reassured the people of Nigeria that the APC Initiative for Good Governance would continue to work selflessly in order to ensure that Nigeria is progressive under the present democratic dispensation without bias.

Amb Tsoken emphasizes that the emergence of His Excellency Sen. Dr. George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation depicts the fact that President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has reliable and credible individuals who have verse experience in governance from all ramifications; therefore, the deliverance of democratic dividends is something that Nigerians should believe in its workability and full efficacy in the near future, considering the fact that some of the policies and programs of the Renewed Hope Agenda have started gaining sway in the lives of the citizenry, he concluded.

APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.