National News
Shettima’s Remarks And The Limits Of Mischief
Shettima’s Remarks And The Limits Of Mischief
By: Inuwa Bwala
Vice President Kashim Shettima is a wordsmith, when it comes to speaking the English language. And I am confident that he could never have used the language inappropriately to refer to people.
One does not even have to wait for any official rebuttal to the obvious mischief, which seems to pitch him against fellow Northern Muslims or his fans.
Shettima spins the English language so perfectly: often more than he could of Hausa or his native Kanuri language.
One can fault Kashim Shettima on any other front but not on self expression in English, and even the reporter who first authored that piece of mischief must have struggled for long with how best to twist Shettima’s remarks out of context.
I thought those who take pleasure in dragging the Vice President into unnecessary controversies should have been thrown out of business, with their several futile attempts. I know they may be getting tired by now, seeing that, such a trade in not fashionable yet they do not want to cave in to reason.
Even those who read it at first, did not believe he disparaged fellow Northern Muslims, by saying what he was reported to have said.
My colleagues who were kind enough to seek for clarifications have since discarded the report as a piece of mischief, but those wanting to satisfy their paymasters syndicated it in the media.
knowing that he could not have said what he was quoted to have said, during that parley with people seeking for his intervention in the race for the Senate Presidency, the press became an obvious resort.
I know as a matter of fact that, Kashim Shettima is passionate about the renewed hope agenda of his principal, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but could not degenerate so low as to utter such obscene remarks, just to score political points.
Even if Shettima had spoken in Hausa, which he often jokes as not having adequately mastered or any other language, such words attributed to him were completely out of his character.
But even pundits of the English language will agree with me that. Senator Shettima’s mastery of the language and his perfect blend of words, is next to none, and he could not have derailed because of any audience.
Against this background I wish to reproduce verbatim the official reaction of the Vice President’s media handler Abiola Shola: “Reports of Shettima’s Appeal for Southern Senate President in Context
During an interactive session with senators campaigning for the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin to lead the 10th Senate, yesterday, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the nation’s current political structure and made a case for the emergence of a Southern Christian and a Northern Muslim as the fairest balance to promote inclusivity at the centre.
Vice President Shettima’s statement was motivated by a profound awareness of the divisive factors within our great nation and was in harmony with the governing party’s pledge to ensure inclusivity across all regions and among all groups. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has wholeheartedly reassured the country of his dedication to providing every group with equal representation, which has resonated with the Vice President who shares the same commitment to this honourable endeavour.
Unfortunately, the Vice President’s remarks during the parley with the senators, yesterday, have been stripped of context and mischievously circulated as an attempt to minimize the suitability of Muslim contestants in the race for the Senate leadership. The remarks have not only been taken out of context but also misinterpreted to suit an agenda that sabotages our collective bid for unity.
What Vice President Shettima advocated during the meeting was that, considering Nigeria’s President and Vice President are Muslims, it would not be ill-advised for the lawmakers to choose a non-Muslim contestant, even if against a more qualified Muslim option, in order to achieve balance. It is alarming that such an unambiguous plea has been unfairly misconstrued to imply that the Vice President said the most incompetent Christian candidate is superior to a Muslim candidate. One can understand why this absurd interpretation would be found distressing and hijacked by those with a malicious agenda to push.
Vice President Shettima’s position reflects the stance of the APC, which has not only assigned the leadership of the House of Representatives to the North-West but has also designated the position of Deputy Senate President to be held by the same region. At the time of the Vice President’s remarks, approximately three contenders for the Speakership race had withdrawn their candidacy to support the candidate from the North-West. This well-considered balancing strategy aimed to mitigate the potential for crisis within the country, particularly by those anticipating the domination of leadership from the same religious faith in all branches of government as a signal.
It would be illogical for the Vice President, who is himself a Muslim and an essential member of the community, to second-guess the competence of fellow Muslims in a nation headed by a Muslim President who has demonstrated unmatched leadership qualities, on the strength of which they were elected under the banner of the APC last February.
The Vice President wishes to distance himself from the wrong and dangerous inferences drawn by the public from his remarks. While some are made innocently and without mischief, there are entities that have seized on the story to cause further chaos that transcends the realm of power politics. This weaponization of our divisions is why the Vice President appeals for inclusivity to prevent any agenda designed to undermine the new government and Nigeria as a whole.
Before the media interface, the Vice President became aware that some entities and individuals were covertly pushing for Muslim leadership of the National Assembly with the sole aim of using the instance to legitimize their grievances against the Nigerian state and to prove to their communities that they have been marginalized and must rise to cause chaos. This sheds light on the paradoxical situation where the same lawmakers who opposed a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket are now actively campaigning for political arrangements that would result in Muslims occupying all the highest four or five positions in the country.
The covert intent of their actions is evident to astute observers of our politics. This is the dimension to which our politics has descended, a dimension that does not align with President Tinubu’s and the APC’s vision of a Nigeria for all, which is the promise that propelled this government to power even when some interest groups attempted to mischaracterize the APC ticket.
The senators who met with the Vice President are known as the Stability Group, a group of 77 patriots who have signed up for the Akpabio/Barau ticket and believe the pair would represent the interests of the nation and the party. The group is neither an ethnic nor religious group but a collection of well-intentioned senators with a convincing solution to Nigeria’s stability dilemma, as their name implies.
The Vice President remains grateful to the media outlets that have seen through the mischaracterization and have been able to provide context to those who missed it. We are at a critical point in our nation and cannot afford to lose our focus because of mischief-makers obsessed with starting a fire where there is none. Vice President Shettima remains grateful to those who have read beyond newspaper click bait and those who have given him the benefit of the doubt and remain allies for the betterment of the country”.
Shettima’s Remarks And The Limits Of Mischief
Lula Extends Invitation to President Tinubu to Visit Brazil
By: Michael Mike
A high-level delegation from Brazil, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Viera arrived in Abuja on a visit aimed at boosting cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil in a move towards strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
The visit was also used to deliver an invitation of Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva known mononymously as Lula, to President Bola Tinubu to Brazil in the nearest future.
The bilateral relations between the two nations dates back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
During the visit, the Brazilian delegation is expected to engage in high-level talks with Nigerian officials, exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure development.
The two countries are also expected to sign several agreements aimed at strengthening their bilateral ties.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, while hosting his Brazilian counterpart in his office on Wednesday, noted that Brazil was the only Latin American country to attend Nigeria’s independence celebration, underscoring the strong historical ties between the two nations.
He said: “We share a lot in common, from our size and economies to our population and culture. This visit is a natural progression of our partnership.”
Tuggar, while citing their robust engagement between the two countries since independence, referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Brazil last year, where he attended the G20 summit and engaged in activities to strengthen bilateral ties.
Tuggar emphasized the significance of the visit, saying, “We welcome you and your delegation warmly, and we’re happy to see you here in Abuja.
This visit is a continuation of our efforts to strengthen the bond between our two countries.”
In response, the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mauro Viera, recalled his first meeting with Nigerian officials in Dubai in 2023 and the subsequent meeting between President Lula and President Tinubu in Addis Ababa in 2024.
Viera praised President Tinubu’s participation in the G20 summit in Brazil last November, valuing Nigeria’s contributions to the forum.
He also extended an invitation from President Lula for President Tinubu to visit Brazil in the near future.
This visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, building on previous engagements since President Lula took office in January 2023.
The Brazilian minister emphasized the importance of strategic dialogue and exploring deeper relations in various areas, including culture, economics, cooperation, education, and more.
He highlighted the close contacts between Brazilians and Nigerians, as well as the significant presence of Nigerians in Brazilian society and culture.
He thanked the Nigerian government for hosting the Brazilian delegation and expressed his enthusiasm for a productive day of work to further develop bilateral relations.
This visit marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Brazil and Nigeria, with potential collaborations in trade, investment, and cultural exchange on the horizon.
Lula Extends Invitation to President Tinubu to Visit Brazil
Nigeria-Korea Trade Hits $2.2bn in 2024 – Amb. Pankyu
By: Michael Mike
The Republic of Korea’s ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Pankyu has disclosed that bilateral trade between Nigeria and Korea increased by 38.6 per cent in 2024, reaching over $2.2 billion.
Pankyu disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday during a press briefing to mark the 45 years anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The envoy, who arrived Nigeria a year ago in the role, said that since his arrival, the relationship between Korea and Nigeria had grown significantly.
Pankyu, while disclosing that Nigeria is now Korea’s most important trade partner in Africa, noted that his country has not stopped working at improving trade and investment relations with Nigeria.
He said: “Nigeria remains Korea’s most important trade and investment partner in Africa and accounts for 10 percent of Korea-Africa trade and over 70 per cent of Korea’s project and contract in Africa.
“In 2024, our bilateral trade increased by 38.6 per cent, reaching over 2.2 billion USD.
He also said his country was eyeing more security collaboration with Nigeria, saying: “With 40 years of experience in military and security affairs, I am committed to enhancing our security collaboration, in particular, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is critical for both Nigeria and transit countries like the Republic of Korea.”
“We are committed to increasing Korea’s support for capacity building in the Nigerian military and security sectors. Additionally, we hope to finalise the defense industry cooperation’s MOUs that have been under discussions for some time.
The ambassador, while noting that his country had made several contributions to Nigeria in the past year, said such contributions demonstrate the mutual trust and friendship between Korea and Nigeria.
He assured that: “As ambassador, I will continue working to facilitate our long-standing partnership for the years ahead.”
Nigeria-Korea Trade Hits $2.2bn in 2024 – Amb. Pankyu
AU Condemns Attempt to Create Parallel Government in Sudan
By: Michael Mike
The African Union (AU) has condemned the proposed plan of the Sudanese militant group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to form a parallel government in war torn Sudan.
AU in a statement asked RSF and its affiliated political and social forces against the establishment of a parallel government in the Republic of Sudan, and warned
that such action carries a huge risk of partitioning of the country.
The Council called on all AU Member States and the international community not to recognize any parallel government or entity seeking to partition and govern any part of the territory of the Republic of Sudan or its institutions; and further called on all Member States and the international community to refrain from recognizing and/or providing support or assistance to any armed or political group toward the establishment of a parallel government or state entity in the Republic of Sudan.
The statement added that: “Council does not recognize the purported parallel government or entity in the Republic of
Sudan.
“Council reaffirmed its commitment to the preservation of the sovereignty, unity, and
territorial integrity of the Republic of Sudan, and the peaceful resolution of the current devastating conflict, which has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, causing the displacement of over 12 million Sudanese civilians.
“Council called on all parties to heed the calls for a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access during this holy month of Ramadan and to commit to comprehensive and inclusive peace talks
to end the conflict once and for all and restore the unity of the Sudanese state.
Council reaffirmed the AU unwavering commitment to continue to collaborate with all Sudanese stakeholders towards finding viable and durable solutions towards silencing the guns permanently in Sudan, based on the AU Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan, which
was adopted by the PSC at the Heads of State and Government level on 27th May 2023; and urged the need to the resumption of the process of the restoration of constitutional democratic order, through
the AU/IGAD-convened Political Dialogue process with political and civil actors and the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration signed by both parties, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)
and the RSF, on 11 May 2023; in this respect, Council underscored the imperative to continue to prioritize the six (6) pillars of the AU Roadmap particularly the call for a comprehensive and inclusive ceasefire, humanitarian access and a swift political resolution of the conflict.”
The AU expressed its support for the efforts of both the PSC Ad-hoc Presidential Committee and the High-Level Panel on Sudan to seek a consensual political solution to this crisis, which threatens
the sovereignty and integrity of the Republic of Sudan.
Responding to the statement by the AU,
Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Office of the Spokesperson and Media Directorate said the statement was received with keen appreciation.
It said it “welcomed the press statement issued by the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) following its meeting
today. The statement included a clear and unequivocal condemnation of the announcement made by the RSF militia and its affiliates regarding the establishment of a parallel government and expressed grave concern about this move, warning of the huge risks it poses to the unity of Sudan and the potential for its partitioning.”
The PSC confirmed that it does not recognize the purported parallel government, reiterating its
commitment to preserving Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
This strong position reflects the full commitment to the principles upon which Pan-Africanism has been founded, as expressed in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and previously in
the Charter of the Organisation of African Unity, the Charter of the United Nations, and all the rules upon which the contemporary international system is based. The most important of these
principles are the preservation of state sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and the rejection of interference in the internal affairs of states.
It added that: “This principled and decisive position from the continental mother organisation underscores the
international community’s total rejection of the conspiracy of the genocidal RSF militia and its regional sponsor, along with those who follow its directives in the region, against the unity and sovereignty of Sudan.
“This has been expressed in the statements of the United Nations Secretary-General, the United Nations Security Council, the Arab League, the International
Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the EU, and the brotherly countries and influential members of the international community.
“Sudan renews its appreciation for these clear positions that are consistent with international law, which constitute strong support to the Sudanese people and their national institutions in defending their sovereignty, unity, dignity, and independence.”
In his words, the media officer of Sudan Embassy in Nigeria, Almoiz Mohamed said the statement from AU emphasized Sudan’s sovereignty and rejected any separatist attempts that threaten its unity. It called for a firm response to these moves and the isolation of any arrangements that would undermine the country’s sovereignty and integrity.
He said: “We appreciate this responsible stance and commend the courage of member states in taking this decision, which strengthens the unity and partnership of African countries, in line with the common charters and principles upon which the African Union is based.”
AU Condemns Attempt to Create Parallel Government in Sudan
Joint Security Forces Repel Bandits’ Retaliatory Attack in Mada, Neutralize another Kingpin Kachalla Dogo Idin Madu
ISWAP Terrorists on 10 motorcycles Return to Recover Bodies of Fallen Comrades killed by troops in Yobe
Lula Extends Invitation to President Tinubu to Visit Brazil
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News12 months agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News12 months agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions3 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
National News1 year agoFraud and Mismanagement Rock INGO’s IDP Cash Assistance Effort in Bama
