Politics

LIKE THE COCK DESTINED TO CROW: Kashim Shettima On My Mind.

Published

2 years ago

June 28, 2022

News Net Global

LIKE THE COCK DESTINED TO CROW: Kashim Shettima On My Mind.

By: Inuwa Bwala

In a discussion amongst fellow commissioners some times in 2010, one of us said about Kashim Shettima, that, with the way he carried himself on assignments given to him, the young man could be anything in Borno and beyond.

That view was to resonate some month later, when Shettima was named as the Governorship candidate of our party and went ahead to win the election in 2011.

Of course, not many people gave him a chance of returning for a second term, given what had became an open secret that his predecessor and mentor, did not want him to return. The moves to stall his return bid were obviously because of the enviable but manifest traits of leadership noticed in Kashim Shettima, even as a first timer as Governor.

As an insider, I am aware of the so many booby traps, set up to undo the man, but how he scaled them and went ahead to takeover as the political godfather of Borno politics remains a mystery to me.

At the risk if sounding psychopathic, I concede to Shettima the fact that, he surpasses most of us his contemporaries, when it comes to scheming. Shettima is what one analyst called, “a shrewd contriver, a master schemer and a genius”.

His attainments as a leader of the revolutionary generation of politicians that dymistified the then political godfather, Ali Modu Sheriff, has remained one that places him higher amongst equals.

The God given vision in choosing and sticking to the candidature Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, as his successor is another attribute that makes Kashim Shettima the virtual political oracle in Borno State.

Being perhaps the youngest of the lot, Shettima defied hitherto held notions about the young, when he emerged the Chairman of the Northern Governor’s forum during his second tenure.

Also Read: Kashim Shettima: An epitomic genre from Borno

It is on record that, since he left, the forum has been in a virtual limbo and his tracks remain indelible, resulting to the clamour for him to take up higher responsibilities.

Whether it is palatable for him or not, his acts of benevolence of freeing Borno from the clutches of one man and the attendant nurturing of the current administration in Borno, viz- a- viz his recent expositions on the national scene leaves Kashim Shettima as the power behind the throne, and the people of Borno State owe him a measure of gratitude, for placing them on the national turf.

Nigeria is about to rewrite it’s history, with the 2023 elections by the corner. I believe that all those who have indicated interest and chosen or not chosen as potential President of this country, are eminently qualified. I will not therefore query their credentials.

But of all those who supported the candidates so far, I have not seen the type of fidelity to a particular cause or person, as Kashim Shettima has demonstrated towards Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,the candidate if the APC. I cannot speak about others, because I am of the APC.

If loyalty or demonstrable capabilities are cardinal requisite of a would be partner, I feel Kashim Shettima’s past exploits places him in a very good position to be chosen by Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a running mate.

Those who talk of Muslim/ Muslim Ticket as an anathema could have their points, but politics and religion cannot mix or bring about useful combinations, that could bail the country now.

Nigeria is at a labyrinth and religious or tribal irredentist may not add any value to the quest for good leadership. There are precedents, and unless we accept that promoting sentiments above national interest could be counterproductive, the closer we may be getting to the cliff edge as a country.

Whatever may be, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s personal permutations, his best option remains a Shettima of vibrance, competence and loyalty than a a Judas clothed in ethnic or religious garb.

LIKE THE COCK DESTINED TO CROW: Kashim Shettima On My Mind.

Politics

Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande

Published

2 months ago

February 22, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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.

Published

2 months ago

February 13, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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.

Politics

APC Campaign Team in Chibok Town Rally Ahead of Bye Election

Published

3 months ago

February 2, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

APC Campaign Team in Chibok Town Rally Ahead of Bye Election

… Campaign Team Receives Decampees and Highlights Continued Development in Chibok

By: Our Reporter

Borno State’s Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, led an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign team to Chibok town in preparation for the upcoming House of Assembly bye election scheduled for Saturday. The event saw the presence of several notable APC figures, including the APC Deputy National Chairman for the North, Ali Bukar Dalori, and APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, among others.

Addressing a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters, Deputy Governor Kadafur urged the people of Chibok Local Government to come out in large numbers and vote for the APC House of Assembly candidate, Pogu Lawan. He assured them that the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is committed to delivering more dividends of democracy, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, education, and basic amenities.

Deputy Governor Kadafur emphasized the administration’s achievements in terms of infrastructural development, not only in Chibok but across the entire state. He promised that more developmental projects are in the works in the coming years. He encouraged the people of Chibok to support Governor Zulum’s administration by ensuring a resounding victory for the APC in the bye election.

APC Deputy National Chairman for the North, Ali Dalori, APC State Chairman, Bello Ayuba, and APC State Vice Chairman for Zone C, Yerima Aliyu, all took turns addressing the crowd during the campaign rally. They urged the people of Chibok to consider the significant achievements of the APC-led administration and to reciprocate the gesture by voting for Pogu Lawan.

The APC leaders reiterated that the party remains the strongest and most promising in the country. They expressed gratitude for the warm reception received from the people of Chibok and expressed confidence in the party’s victory in the upcoming election.

During the rally, thousands of individuals, including the local government PDP Party chairman, decamped from the PDP to the ruling APC. The decampees were warmly welcomed by the deputy governor and other APC party stalwarts, with a promise of equal treatment within the party.

The bye election in Chibok is necessitated by the vacancy resulting from the death of the winner of the 2023 House of Assembly election, Late Dr. Nuhu Clark. As per constitutional requirements, the bye election will fill the vacant seat.

APC Campaign Team in Chibok Town Rally Ahead of Bye Election