Politics
STANDING TRUTH ON IT’S HEAD : AN ACADEMICS WARPED NARRATIVE
STANDING TRUTH ON IT’S HEAD : AN ACADEMICS WARPED NARRATIVE
By: Inuwa Bwala
I am always fascinated by one anecdote about two neighbours: one kept sheep and goats while the other had a beautiful garden at the back of his house.
Very often, the neighbour’s animals invade the other neighbours garden and eat up his plants and flowers. On every such occasions, the garden owner complained to his neighbour, but no attempt was ever made to control the rampaging sheep and goats.
Every time, he explained that, he has the right to rear what he wanted, after all, he had no control over the sheep and goatd because they are animals.
Having been pushed to the wall, so to say, the garden owner abandoned his vocation and brought in two hounds, which he also left free around the house.
One day, the sheep and goats ventured into the hounds’ territory and were eventually devoured.The owner reported the matter to the authorities and a jury was called in to adjudicate.
The jury’s verdict was that: each of the neighbours were free to rear their animals and are not duty bound to control them since they are all animals.
This anecdote captures the political situation in Borno, between the All Progressives Congress, APC and the People’s Democratic Party. PDP.
When its hunt dogs were left free in their remarks: denigrating others, including the State Governor, the PDP never found anything wrong in their actions. Several times, the Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum personally pleaded with his followers not to retaliate: an approach which seems to embolden the PDP elements, pouring more invectives on him and even booing him on the streets.
It goes without saying that, unleashing street urchins on the chief executive of a state is most uncharitable and to start crying foul when faced in their own game is most cowardly.
It is even most mischievous to attempt to turn the Governors eventual response to the several acts of embarrassment, as a threat.
If I were not at the event where he spoke in Biu and if I were not aware of the several acts of disorderliness, often displayed when Governor Zulum visits, I would have swallowed the warped narrative being pursued by a nameless academic, via that audio.
When an ignorant tells stories from his or her uninformed position, people seldom take note, but when such an ignorant takes cover in an enlightened environment, like the academia, it becomes very dangerous and must be responded to.
If truly, the man speaking in that audio is an academic, I am sure most of those who listened him: especially those who know the truth must have been disappointed that, the refinement known of academics did not seem to have robbed off on him even as an ignoramus in that highly enlightened and sophisticated environment.
Listening to the audio made out by the nameless fellow claiming to be an academic about the Governors remark, one cannot but liken him to the sheep keeper, who did did not seem to care about the sensibilities of his neighbour.
I challenge him to go back and listen to what Professor Babagana Umara Zulum said, and I am sure he may discover that, the narrative he seeks to promote, by alleging threats; were actually his own conjectures.
Hear the Governor, “I am one Governor that have come here more number of times than any other one before me. Every time I come, I plead with people, including very small boys, but every time I don’t seem to cut the ice. I am here to tell you that I am prepared for any outcome of the elections. God gives power, and if he decides to do contrary to my preference, I am bound to accept, but given the chance, I will not allow anybody who shows no respect to others; even our leaders to come and work with me. If you insist, we will test our strength in the ballot box and I know that, whoever wins, both sides would have suffered at the end of the day”.
I beg to take only this portion, because this is where our so called academic seem to mischievously quote to bolster his narrative.
If there is anybody who does not seem to understand idiomatic expressions, it is evidently this faceless academic and not Governor Zulum.
If understanding the Governor or idiomatic expressioned was so difficult for the audio maker, there abound amongst his paymasters, many people who understood the Governor very well.
There is no need inflaming passions or appealing to the emotions of Bura people in his desperate quest to demarket the Governor.
Many people who spoke to me about the audio do not seem to fathom what the real motive was as the maker of the audio claims not to be a politician. I personally did not know what to make of it either, even after listening to the audio many time over.
Like the two neighbours in the opening montage of this piece, I think we need right thinking individuals to interprete to us the assumed threat. I did not hear it, and those with me did not hear it either.
If I were not at the venue of the event at which the revered Professor spoke in Biu, I could have easily believed in the nameless academicians theatrics, where in he attempted to stand the import of Governor Zulum’s message on its head.
STANDING TRUTH ON IT’S HEAD : AN ACADEMICS WARPED NARRATIVE
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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