Politics
IF I WERE TINUBU
IF I WERE TINUBU
By: Inuwa Bwala
Since his emergence as the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has enjoyed the services of so many Advisers, on what should form the criteria of his choice of a running mate.
Some told him that being old fashioned and lacking knowledge of contemporary trends in governance and International Relations: Knowing that he is frail and his health could fail him at a very critical stage of his stewardship; he should go for a younger, healthier and more intellectually vibrant person, who is vast in international Relations and economy, as running mate.
Others said, that being an APC man: a party with large followers in the North and as a Southwesterner and a Muslim from a Christian dominated zone: Tim bu should pick a Northerner, possibly a Christian to run with him.
To some, given that we are in a season of backstabbing, blackmail and betrayals by political associates, he should rather be a staunch loyalist, who is betting his life for his sake.
Also the fact that he has very strong challengers amongst those seeking to be president from other parties: at a time his own party the APC, is facing internal wranglings, defections or threats of defection and disaffection: Tinubu should nominate a unifier, with proven record of mobilizing support in trying times as this, to be his running mate.
Coupled with the kind of propaganda and mudslinging, which threatens to cast doubt over his credentials and the attendant ethnicization of politics, he should pick a non-Hausa person: even in the face of Hausa/Fulani domination of the political space.
The last, and seemingly the one that seems to catch his fancy is the one which suggests he should pick a Muslim Northerner, preferably from the North East: which has the position zoned to it.
These and many others have been the general theorization being bandied before Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at this seeming labyrinthine time.
Perhaps, the overbearing interests and calculations that accompany each suggestion led to the nomination of what has been termed “placeholder”, whatever that means. The choice of Masari, a hitherto obscure personality in national politics as the fall guy makes it even more intriguing as it is a strange lexicon in Nigerian politics.
The Independent National Electoral Commission described it as an aberration to the known laws.
With the available window left for Tinubu, to substitute Masari with another person, it means there is still room to take a second look at all the suggestions and make a choice that can sell better and who has capacity to effectively deputize for him.
In my opinion, the totality of these suggestions point to a Muslim/Muslim choice. So many people, especially Christians view this option as an anathema, capable of jeopardizing the established tradition of joint faith candidature for past Presidential tickets. As against the issue of competence and capability, this issue seems to have taken the center stage, and as a Christian, I tended to disposed to a Muslim/Christian ticket.
Given that political calculations differ with the issue of religious doctrines, I have come to realize that a Muslim/Christine ticket may appeal to our sentiments, but may not be politically expedient, in a game in which Christians have chosen to play the backbenchers.
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Before now, Christians regarded politics as a game fit for the spiritually unclean, and the unlearned. The realities of contemporary politics seem to have opened their eyes now to the effect that it may not be the anathema they thought.
Be that as it may, I feel the brightest option left for Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to go for a Muslim Northerner, with record of good political outing and who poses little or no threat to the faith of others. After all, even with a Muslim/Ticket, the laws of the land recognizes Nigeria as a secular state: and not even such a ticket can alter that fact.
In choosing whom to pick, I recommend Senator Kashim Shettima, who seems to have met all the criteria contained in the diverse suggestions, except: being a Muslim.
My last check reveals that even Bola Ahmed Tinubu is disposed to Shettima, having tested him on all requisite credentials.
Should that permutation fail, Boss Mustapha; the Secretary to the Federal Government, SGF, fits into my estimation; having met all requirements, except one: being a Christian.
A Tinubu Shettima Ticket is both sellable and leaves no room for betrayals, just as a Tinubu Mustapha ticket; creating room for continuity.
IF I WERE TINUBU
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
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.
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.
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