Politics
SHETTIMA/ ZULUM AND POET AT CAPITOL GATE
SHETTIMA/ ZULUM AND POET AT CAPITOL GATE
By: Inuwa Bwala
Dennis Brutus of the Shakespearean fame while being lured into the conspiracy to kill Caesar, was told that, he alone had the power to save Rome.
They told him to awake, that he was sleeping. They asked him to seek, strike and redress, as Rome looked up to him for solutions.
But what Brutus did not fathon with, was the fact that, he had the capacity to undo Caesar, but not to become the Emperor, or even return Pompey.
This seems to be the scenario paying out, with some sections if the ruling class, wooing Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, to abandon his ticket of potentially returning as Governor, to accept to be nominated as Presidential running mate to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
When I cast my mind back over oast events and ruminate over the potential dangers in that venture, I could not resist penning down my take.
When clubs and associations in Borno State pulled resources and purchased and presented the nomination form for Governor Zulum’s second term, he stated unambiguously, that he cannot be a Presidential running mate to any Presidential hopeful.
According to him, though offers had been made by some Presidential aspirants, before the party primaries, he had told those who reached out to him, that, he was not cut out for the position of Vice President for now.
Ostensibly upholding the bond he entered with the people of Borno State, to stay back and complete the job of repositioning the state, Zulum was not ready to abandon the Borno ship, even with the lures of the higher office of the Vice President.
He catalogued the many reasons he cannot leave Borno now, if only to bail the state out if it’s present quagmire, the antidote to which he seems to have.
In reaffirming his resolve to remain as Governor, Zulum promised to rather forfeit the lucres of the higher office, as a mark if sacrifice for his people, who allowed him to go into the primary elections of the APC, unopposed.
Besides owing the people some measure of gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, coupled with the mire cleared prospects of winning the elections, against the seeming gamble of going for the Vice President, Zulum was being optimistically cautious.
The Governor had told all those who cared to listen, that, the people of Borno State need him now, more than ever before, and he cannot afford to abandon them, no matter the lures of where other want him to be.
When I read the news that, contrary to his earlier promises, Governor Zulum was being prevailed upon by fellow Governor’s to renege and push for his emergence as Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate, I knew same to be a joke being taken rather too far.
Agreed that, he has demonstrated rare courage and pragmatism as a leader, the office of the Vice President is a different ball game from that if a Governor, where he is the ultimate boss.
It is an indisputable fact, that, his predecessor, Kashim Shettima staked everything to ensure his emergence as the candidate and eventually as the Governor, it may sound uncharitable, based on the nudge from other for Zulum to accept to compete with Shettima over the Vice Presidential seat.
I know as a matter of fact, that Kashim Shettima and Babagana Umara Zulum have come a long way, and their bond is such that defies known political soul marriages, where betrayal becomes the defining monster.
Also Read: Kashim Shettima: An epitomic genre from Borno
I also know as a matter if fact that, Zulum is a man of honor and will want to honor his bonds. I believe that he knows, taking up arms against Shettima will not only be uncharitable but politically suicidal.
Both Shettima and Zulum enjoy mutual respect for now, and do not have the luxury of fighting over positions, no matter the individual benefits, at the expense of that mutual friendship.
It is common knowledge that Zulum is fast ris g to glory under the tutelage of Kashim Shettima, to the extent that he maintains Shettima’s political structure.
There is every indication, that, if Zulum falls for the lures being dangled before him by fellow Governor’s, those who have so far supported him to success, may be compelled to take sides, and it may be with Shettima, who put them in positions abinitio.
If Julius Caesar had harkened to the warnings by his wife Portia and the poet, at the street corner, not to go to the Capitol that day, he might have survived the plots of the conspirators and still be the Roman Emperor at a later time.
Those who wrote the script and plan to sell it to our Governor are not being fair to him, to us or to Nigeria.
When Tinubu returns from France, by which time he might have read the warnings by non essential elements like me, I advice him to go ahead with his original plans and not accept to play to the gallery, at this early stage.
Those who were close to the Presidential aspirant have variously said it, that Tinubu body language suggests a preference for Kashim Shettima, and if the idea of a Muslim/Muslim Ticket still appeals to him, there is no need to change his mind.
Shettima withered the storm with him and delivered him to victory in the primaries, changing a winning team, midway into a game is a precursor for defeat.
So far, even those who do not like Kashim Shettima have given it to him, that he is highly intelligent, resourceful, loyal, committed and understands the dynamics of international, cum national politics.
Tinubu does not have to look too far away from his caucus to get the man with the desired credentials to serve as his running mate. Take it or leave, a Tinubu/Shettima combination is both deliverable and capable of turning around the fortunes of Nigeria.
SHETTIMA/ ZULUM AND POET AT CAPITOL GATE
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
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
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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