Politics
NDUME AGAIN?
NDUME AGAIN?
By: Inuwa Bwala
At the early stage of the contest between incumbent Senator, Mohammed Ali Ndume, Mohammed Tumala, Idris Mamman Durkwa and Aliyu Lawan Buba, the permutations were that, it could be anybody’s game.
Recent events however indicate that, the odds are tilting towards a clear winner and losers, even before the blow of the whistle.
Each of the four aspirants were banking on the support of the Government and the top echelon of the party, knowing that, they each have wide enough financial war chest to pick their bills and possibly woo or compromise delegates during the primaries; now rescheduled for the 27th of May.
But ahead of the rescheduled primaries, there were unconfirmed reports that all three aspirants have been disqualified by a panel that screened the aspirants for sundry reasons, leaving only one, to contest against himself.
Whether true or not, a close study of the body language of the party hierarchy points to outspoken Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, as the preferred aspirant, given his experiences, his track record of performance and ostensibly his connections to the powers that be.
Ndume has since launched his campaign to fly the flag of the party, nothing seems to be on his way to getting it.
Like most people, I have been in the virtual dark about goings on in the party, and nobody has invited me to seek my imputes into what may shape the race, even as a stakeholder. I was quick to accept Mohammed Ali Ndume’s invitation to join his campaign tour of the senatorial district.
I was initially surprised and reluctant, but I considered it an honour to be asked to be part of a team, at a time all others seemed to have shunned me.
Although in the same party as Ndume, and even as a fellow intellectual, we have never been on the same page politically. But after discussing with him on his new vision towards redefining the politics of Southern Borno, and to give our people a sense of belonging, I accepted to stand and be counted.
I have also studied the dispositions of our leaders in Borno, which favours Ndume’s continuity: which was why I was asked to tarry in my own political quest, while another person who wanted to contest against Ndume was asked to step back to take up where I wanted to go.
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It was against this background that I joined the Senator on his tour on Wednesday, and I have no regrets I did, even when I had to reschedule my medical trip to Egypt just to do so.
From Bayo through Kwaya-Kusar to Shani, Hawul and Biu Local Government Areas, the moods are ominous that the people still love the Senator.
Not only were the crowd ecstasic and tumultuous, but also smooth and successful, in what was supposed to be a consultation with delegates to the primaries.
While securing the endorsement of the delegates at every stop, Ndume was quick to remind the electorates that he came to renew his bond, with the Senate as his bride and the delegates as the guardians.
In what seemed to be a renewal of their confidence in his leadership, Ndume sought for forgiveness where he might have wronged his people at every stop and extracted commitment from that, to the effect that if there is going to be primaries, he will be the man to beat.
What impressed me most in all that Ndume said or did was his concentration on issues as the basis for his campaigns, where he gave a rundown of his achievements in his legislative functions and the infrastructural support to communities and individuals in his constituency.
I was surprised reading reports from some quarters that there was a clash during Ndume’s tour of Biu. As an eye witness to everything, that clash perhaps existed in the mischievous mind of the authors of the report.
It was obviously a hatchet job, but that will neither take the shine off him nor change the course of things.
I leave the details of what he has done for his 12 years in the Senate to his handlers to tell the world, but I must not fail to mention the fact that, at a point, Ndume was rated as having moved the highest number of motions in the Senate and sponsored the highest number of bills.
Ndume’s return to the Senate puts him in a very good stead to lead the Senate, as much at it makes him the longest serving Senator in the history of Borno State. What becomes of him in the days ahead is in the belly of time
NDUME AGAIN?
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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