Politics

SHETTIMA/ ZULUM AND POET AT CAPITOL GATE

Published

2 years ago

June 29, 2022

News Net Global

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

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