Politics
2023: Kashim Shettima’s BIG steps in mending fences, saves APC in Southern Borno
2023: Kashim Shettima’s BIG steps in mending fences, saves APC in Southern Borno
By: James Bwala
APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima has begun the unity move and back to one fold from the home front when he wins back the southern Borno Chief political foot soldier, Hon. Aliyu Mamman Kachallah aka Opanka. The former House of Assembly member and crowd puller left the party to join the opposition PDP after a political brush with the Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. The feud was over his bid for the Borno state House of Assembly ticket.
Hon. Mamman Kachallah would have become a stumbling block for the ruling APC in the buildup for the general elections in southern Borno. He was known to have a big political bite and his move has changed the political stirs in Biu by painting the street red with PDP flags following his rooting for the opposition.
Many had described Opanka’s move as a bad sign as those who understand the politics of southern Borno especially in Biu know that the people do not mince words when it comes to their interest.
However, Kashim Shettima has always been a sweet talker and is fat on his negotiation skills. He has mastered the act with the ability to win both the devil and the Saint in political calculations. Opanka falls in one of the sides and the root if allowed to grow before 2023 general elections would have been disastrous. He is one of Hon. Betara Aliyu’s strong gatekeepers and a strong holder of position among the frontline foot soldiers.
Also Read: Kashim Shettima: From the steps of the Senate to power
When Hon. Kachallah felt abused by the actions of the Borno state governor towards his ambition to return to the Borno state House of Assembly, he turned out all political foot soldiers in the Federal constituency against the move to support Zulum in the Betara’s stronghold. Many described the situation as a disaster waiting to happen. According to reports, they would do Betara and APC at the National level but vowed to deliver the block votes of the southern Borno to opposition PDP during both the gubernatorial and Senatorial elections in the zone.
The sins of APC were simply the denial to play by the rules during the Primaries in southern Borno. Despite inaugurating the committee on reconciliation, the southern Borno Senatorial District appeared to be a brick wall for no negotiations. However, with the move by Kashim Shettima, who took time to intervene in the matter, it seemed the coast was clear for the APC to March forward in southern Borno. The young men who are doing the jobs of moving to the left or moving the right were seen calling on one another to move to the right following the ‘Camp Shettima’s ‘ move lifting Opanka’s hand high indicating victory for APC over a successful negotiation.
Winning the home front, makes Shettima’s footprint thick in the ongoing business to mend fences with those aggrieved members of the All Progressive Congress to progressive to the upper level. It is believed that other negotiations will go concurrently and pricelessly with Kashim Shettima doing the magic. The big surprise coming to Nigerians may perhaps be the winning back of NNPP Presidential candidate and former Kano state governor, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. If that happens, APC will be on the top board before noon on Election Day.
The smooth move and gaining grounds across the north shortly after the unveiling of Kashim Shettima promises a good outing for the APC. It appears that in most states especially in the northeast, the move is becoming clearer that the people are announcing where the block votes are already tilting. The Tinubu/Shettima’s flags are taking the streets and the usual voices of victory have been echoing from the rooftops. As the fences are being mended from the home front, the rest of the country will soon witness the overflowing rivers of the songs of victory.
2023: Kashim Shettima’s BIG steps in mending fences, saves APC in Southern Borno
News
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
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
News
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
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
News
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
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
-
News8 months ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News8 months ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS9 months ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns8 months ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions9 months ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Opinions3 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
National News8 months ago
Fraud and Mismanagement Rock INGO’s IDP Cash Assistance Effort in Bama