Politics
BEFORE APC GOES TO THE EAGLE SQUARE: KASHIM SHETTIMA ON MY MIND
BEFORE APC GOES TO THE EAGLE SQUARE: KASHIM SHETTIMA ON MY MIND
By: Inuwa Bwala
Somebody described the forthcoming convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC as unusual. Everybody is still guessing whether it will hold or not and what might be the likely outcome.
Nothing in the air suggests whether the convention will hold as the usual media frenzy that predates such an important event is not there either.
No committee or subcommittee is seen on the field doing what is associated with national conventions of major political parties.
Except for the posters of contenders for the National Chairman in particular, the Eagle Square bereft of the preparations which take weeks to effect. There are no signs of any upcoming event, yet the convention is barely a week away.
The absence of certain conventional characteristics however does not suggest that nothing is being done to reposition the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Reading the body language of major stakeholders of the party, it is quite possible that they are working towards a consensus arrangement that may tend to redress possible fallouts of competitive contests.
Besides this, I also know as a matter of fact that, the party is scheming to produce a National Working Committee that will not only improve upon the fortunes of the APC, but will give the opposition the run for it’s money.
In the last few weeks, since the confirmation of the date of the National Convention, individuals and groups have tried designing a roadmap for the party, even as others are manipulating the media to push for the emergence of their preferred candidates.
It is not an anathema for people to sell candidates, but it is most uncharitable to sell candidates based on their geopolitical, religious or sociocultural identities.
Without prejudice to the candidature of those who have openly thrown their hats into the ring, my bet still remains Kashim Shettima, former Borno State Governor, now Senator, representing Borno Central.
If the APC hopes to reposition and sustain its hold on power, the next National Chairman should be in the mould of Senator Shettima: an intellectual per excellence, a go-getter, team player, demonstrable leader, loyal party man, a detribalized Nigerian and a statesman.
The vision with which he governed Borno, the ideas he pushed into the Northern Governor’s Forum, as its Chairman and the dexterity in his presentations in the Senate, coupled with his known political sagacity, remain Shettima’s highest selling points.
Even as a science oriented intellectual, Kashim Shettima is blessed with exceptional oratorical capabilities, which often captivates his audience, including his colleagues in the red Chamber.
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Shettima speaks reason into a vaccum, gives hope in despair, builds confidence in cowards, instills mutual respect amongst antagonists, and predicts the future like a seer and above all leads with the Wisdom of Solomon.
Some once described Kashim Shettima as a shrewd contriver, a master schemer and a cautious optimist, all of which combine to make him the leader the APC needs at this point if political rebirth.
Governors of the APC should be comfortable with him coming from amongst them, and against the roles he plays in building bridges of friendship. His fellow Senators should be at home with him, being conversant with his mediatory roles in conflicts, party elders could see in Shettima a young man imbued with statesmanlike qualities, they should agree that Shettima has been the bridge between them and the older generation.
Women respect Kashim Shettima for his demonstrable gender sensitivity. The South have in Shettima a brother born in the North, while the North see in him an advocate for equity, justice and fair play. With time, when he may have been tested, Nigerians will agree that the solution to the clamour for good leadership is right here.
Given the calibre of leadership in the main opposition, the PDP, the APC needs the services of an intellectually studded leadership, a politically motivational Chairman, a bridge between the old and the younger generation, the North and the South, Christians and Muslims and Nigerians generally. The APC needs Senator Kashim Shettima.
Should the APC decide to go otherwise, they may be missing what they need most, and should they tow the line of my thought, which many others share, then one can safely say they are home
BEFORE APC GOES TO THE EAGLE SQUARE: KASHIM SHETTIMA ON MY MIND
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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