Politics
We should not be thinking of zoning of President at this time, but what unite us- Yahaya Bello
We should not be thinking of zoning of President at this time, but what unite us- Yahaya Bello
By: Michael Mike
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has said that Nigerians should encourage what further unite the country at this time, insisting that the zoning of the office of the President should be thrown off board.
It would be recalled that there are strong clamour for the President to come from the South after the ongoing President Muhammadu Buhari who is a northerner finish his second term in office in 2023.
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Bello, a northern from Kogi State in the North Central who has declared his ambition to success President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday at the opening of the second Annual GYB Seminar for Nigeria’s Political and Crime Correspondents in Abuja, described zoning as a divisive arrangement which should be jettissioned ahead of the 2023 elections.
Bello, while stating Nigeria deserves the very best to be in the helm, said he was putting himself forward as that man that would champion a new Nigeria where drawback sentiments would be a thing of the past.
He said: “I don’t think we should continue to dwell on that which divides us, which is the zone we come from or the religion we practice.”
Bello who claimed that no matter the option used to decide the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), whether direct, indirect or consensus option, he remained the man to beat, said: “If Consensus is going to be an option, I don’t think APC will go outside Governor Yahaya Bello. And if otherwise other considerations are put forward, that is either indirect or direct, Governor Yahaya Bello is the man to beat.”
He added that: “I am confident and I trust God almighty and I trust the judgement of the leadership and members of my great party, the APC. This time around is the time we must jettision this mundane sentiment of where he comes from. It is time to bridge that gap and cement that relationship and dwell more on that which unite us than what divides us.”
Bello while admitting that the APC wants to win the next election and as such in search of quality candidate, who can win at the General Election, said the body language of the nation today is Yahaya Bello as the youth and women are already clamouring for him being detribalised and capable of solving the insecurity challenges in the country.
He meanwhile, revealed that none of the chairmanship aspirants at the last national convention of the party was forced to step down for the new Chairman, Senator Abdulahi Adamu that emerged through consensus.
He noted that Adamu emerged as a result of the need of the party for a strong personality with historical knowledge of the country’s politics, while insisting that the emergence of Adamu has made the party stronger than ever.
He said: “APC is the party to beat; APC is the party that will be in the next government after President Muhammadu Buhari. APC wants to win all elections; APC is a party that is strategic. As a party we must be stable, as a party we must be solid, as a party we need that person or leadership that has historical memory of how politics or the evolution of politics and governance in Nigeria.
The Kogi State Governor said: “We require such an experienced personality, irrespective of where he or she comes from. Forget about what is put out there as whether zoning or no zoning. What is important is who is that man who will be the leader and put the party together and that quality was found in Senator Abdulahi Adamu.
He insisted that had the party gone by sentiment at the last convention, it would have been consumed and there wouldn’t have been APC today.
He noted that everyone in the party decided to tow the line of President to ensure that such a quality personality as Adamu be allowed to take charge of the party.
On deplorable state of insecurity in the country, Bello did not singled Buhari out for condemnation but rather blamed the problem on the successive failure of various administrations.
He however claimed Buhari has degraded Boko Haram insurgents and secure the nation’s capital that at a time witnessed series of bombings before he assumed office.
He said: “This insecurity of a thing is not a thing of Mr. President even though we should not pass the bulk, because that is why he came on board or we all came on board.
“It is a successive failure of various administrations. Let me remind us once again that certain military and police hardware werd not in existence or was last purchased during the administration of President Sheu Shagari. Even crash helmets
“Let me tell you, I will never come out here and point out the flaws. I will never do that. Wherever I observe any loopholes or lapses is between myself and President Muhammadu Buhari to let him know
“I will never be that governor who will come out here and tell you that President Muhammadu Buhari did not come and secure my state. He did not come and secure my schools or my highways, I will not do that. That is why as the Chief security Office of Kogi state, I ensured that I brought crime from the zenith down to the floor in my state. And Mr. President is assisting me to succeed in that area. I am sincere about fighting crimes and criminalities.”
He noted that: “If each and every one of us (governors) as chief executives are doing our job the way it should be, Mr. President’s job would have reduced drastically.”
We should not be thinking of zoning of President at this time, but what unite us- Yahaya Bello
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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