Politics
Between Shettima: Fulani’s and Ejike’s Mischief.
Between Shettima: Fulani’s and Ejike’s Mischief.
By: Inuwa Bwala
Anybody with a fair knowledge of inter tribal or ethnic relationships should be able to to tell about the close ethnic affinity between the Kanuris and Fulanis.
Very often, they joke, mock each other and exchange banters whenever and wherever they meet.
This is also true of the Babur\Bura with Karakare and the Tivs with Fulanis and several other ethnic groups.
It is rather nostalgic today, that such banters seldom find expressions in our relationships: such that we regard each other as real or perceived foes, based on either ethnic or religious profiling.
Kashim Shettima, the Vice President elect of Nigeria: a Kanuri by tribe often fascinates me whenever he encounters Fulani men or women by trying to relive that fast disappearing sense of humour in the relationship between Kanuris and Fulanis.
There was this old video of the Distinguished Senator Kashim Shettima, now Vice President elect, exchanging banters with some Fulani locals he met at a construction site.
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In the said video. Shettima could be heard telling the Fulanis that they are slaves to the Kanuris, in which he mockingly tried to remove the scarf of one of them, before patting him on the back.
I have witnessed several such jokes and banters between him and Fulanis, while I worked under him as Commissioner
Honestly. Shettima’s sense of humour is awesome, especially when he meets the lowly placed ones, more often labourers who work at sites or even in at public gatherings.
Shettima will jokingly seize Fulani scarfs or sticks and ask them to bail it or loose it. In such encounters, you will never believe Kashim Shettima is a highly placed individual, not even a state Governor, Senator and now Vice President elect.
Quite recently, he met some Fulanis in the holy land, and the video of the jokes he cracked with them was all over the social media, to the effect that he even gave them gifts.
It was rather uncharitable and obviously mischievous that one Ejike Celestine used the video of one of Senator Kashim Shettimas several banters with some Fulani folks to impute that Shettima visited bandits in their camp.
A curious viewer of the said video, could see that the setting and background was not a bandit enclave, neither did the conversations reveal any form of camaraderie nor any sinister motive.
It is even more dangerous; the attempt by the writer of the rider to the video, portraying every encounter between any other tribe with Fulani, as a visit to bandits, or to profile every Fulani as a bandit.
As Nigerians: no matter the issues that tend to divide us, we owe each other a duty to respect our relationships and give our leaders that statutory sense of respect.
Trying to embarrass Kashim Shettima using such devious techniques or trying to deepen ethnic cleavages by promoting hatred is a great disservice to our sense of nationhood.
This latest attempt to create a narrative about Kashim Shettima may not be new, and those behind it may not be in a hurry to stop, but it is also not lost on right thinking people and discerning minds, that Shettima is not a friend to bandits rather a compatriot of the Fulani.
The relationship between the two ethnic groups based on mutual banters predate Shettima’s birth and emergence as a leader, and I dare say, no amount of misinterpretation could change the order.
Between Shettima: Fulani’s and Ejike’s Mischief.
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
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