Politics

Ten (10) Years in Office: Governor Zulum, Assembly Members Celebrate Rt Hon. Lawan

Published

4 years ago

February 9, 2022

News Net Global

Ten (10) Years in Office: Governor Zulum, Assembly Members Celebrate Rt Hon. Lawan

By: James Bwala

Nigeria’s longest serving Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abdulkarim Lawan today (Wednesday 9th February 2022) has uninterruptedly clocked 10 years in office having emerged as Speaker on Thursday 9th February 2012, after the impeachment of Hon Goni Ali Modu.

Borno which has been an epicenter of insurgents in the last 13 years and has witnessed unprecedented developments, specifically in the area of Education, Agricultural revolution, healthcare delivery service, poverty alleviation, securing lives and property of the citizenry and managing the plight of millions Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in camps, reconstruction, rehabilitation, resettlement processes and ongoing stabilization efforts in liberated communities under the leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum despite the unfortunate activities of the sect members.

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This is even as the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Abdullahi Askira and other Lawmakers continued to pour their encomium on the Speaker for his simplicity, principles and transparency in all legislative matters in the last 10 years, describing him as a detribalized politician.

Although, reconstruction, rehabilitation and relocation of IDPs started during the tenure of former Governor Kashim Shettima, now Senator representing Borno Central, continual efforts were carried out by the present administration, as most of the Local Government Areas of Northern Borno Senatorial District as well as communities in Central and Southern parts of the state were carried out by Governor Zulum APC led administration under the state Chairmanship of Hon Ali Bukar Dalori, with support from the members of the state House of Assembly, Judiciary, Media, security agencies and development partners among others, which led to millions of IDPs return to their liberated communities voluntarily.

With the cordial relationship that exist between the Executives, Judiciary and the Legislatures, being spearheaded by the Most humble and gentle looking Speaker, his Deputy, Abdullahi Askira and the entire House, Governor Zulum has within just two and half years executed over 600 people oriented projects spread across the 27 local government areas.

Lawan while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday thanked Allah (God), and the present government under the leadership of Professor Governor Zulum, his colleagues at the assembly, and the good people of the state, especially those from his constituency (Guzamala) for giving him the mandate to offer service to humanity.

He then passed a vote of confidence on the leadership style of Zulum’s APC- led administration, especially in the ongoing stabilization and resettlement of millions of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs back to their ancestral homes.

Lawan said, during the years under review, uncountable Bills were passed into law under his leadership, however, he explained that, he always feel proud of the Bill passed which led to the establishment of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) that came into force in 2013 as a volunteer group helping the military to combat Boko Haram, and as well the Bill that was recently passed and signed into law for domestication of Child Rights Protection Act, which will provide western education, healthcare delivery service and other needful for children roaming about the streets in the state.

His words: “On behalf of humble myself and family, I want to use this opportunity to thank God Almighty for making it possible for me to clock 10 years of uninterrupted leadership in office.

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“I also want to commend the government, all my colleagues at the assembly, and the good people of the state, especially those from my constituency (Guzamala) for their unflinching support and by giving me the mandate to offer service to humanity.

“I want to also express confidence on the leadership style of Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum’s APC- led administration, especially in the ongoing stabilization and Resettlement of millions of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs back to their ancestral homes as well as execution of over 600 people oriented projects across the 27 Local Government Areas.

“Since the establishment of the Civilian-JTF there has been a tremendous improvement in return of gradual peace, and relationship between the civilian populace and the armed forces.

“I want to pay tribute to all our gallant officers and men who have paid the supreme sacrifices for us to have peace in this part of the world” he said, adding that the tribute also was for CJTF, many of whom have died, paying the far reaching sacrifice for the state to have peace.” The Speaker stated.

He equally enjoined the people of the state to continue to give their maximum support to the present administration of governor Zulum’s transparent and accountable leadership which has taken Borno to greater height within the shortest time.

Shedding more light, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Engr Abdullahi Askira in an interview described Lawan as a Team Player, very humble and hardworking Legislator, who believes in transparency and rule of law in all his dealings in the House.

Rt Hon Askira stated that in the last 10 years, the Speaker has brought stability and due process, as we have never had any problem among ourselves, as we operate rancor free despite our ethnic or socio cultural backgrounds.

“Recall that at a point in time youths became worried over the incessant killings and destruction of properties by insurgents, and the House under the leadership of the Speaker had to pass the Bill for establishment or emergence of the Civilian JTF.

“The constitution of the Civilian JTF was a Child of Necessity, which has brought sanity, normalcy and peace not only in Borno, the north east, but the country as a whole. In Fact, it was when Borno established it’s own Civilian JTF before some other states of the federation started emulating us, so the credit must be given to the Speaker in this regard.” Askira Said

On the recent passing into law of the Child Rights Act/ Violence Against Persons (VAPs), and subsequent signing into law by governor Zulum, the Deputy Speaker said, it took the House more than nine months, studying the voluminous and contentious nature of the Bill, before we engaged all stakeholders who critically contributed by coming up with some clauses that replaced the ones that suit our own system.

According to a member representing Hawul State Constituency, Hon Ayuba Wakawa said, “Hon Abdulkarim Lawan is a natural born leader who united the House under one umbrella for the common good of Borno state, I tend to learn a lot Working with him”.

Likewise, Member Representing Marte Local Government Area, Hon. Engr Mohammed Gambomi in his response said,

“It is neither by accident nor by surprise for Hon Abdulkarim Lawan to be leading the Borno House of Assembly for over 10 years as Speaker.

“Indeed his honesty, transparency, respect for the rule of law and his principle of ‘one for all, all for one’, have made him a Leader with respect and integrity. I congratulate him and wish him well.”

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Another Member representing Nganzai State Constituency, Hon Mohammed Ali Gajiram said, “the Speaker has exhibited successful leadership, by making the lives of his team members and workers better.

“This he achieved by setting a harmonious working relationship between the House and the Executive, by maintaining a cordial relationship with the entire assembly members and the management”.

Also in an interview with the Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to the Speaker, Maina Ma’aji Maina Modu said, “in recognition of the people oriented legislation under Lawan’s leadership, the articulated parliamentarian, administrator and manager per excellence has received a number of awards which includes; Excellent Leadership and Good Government Award by the National Institute of public Administration and Management Development, Peace Ambassador by Universal peace Foundation during the First African Summit on Agriculture in Dakar, Senegal, as well as Anti-Corruption Ambassador (M Clean) by ICPC and Foundation for Transparency and Accountability (FTA) and host of others too numerous to mention.

Ten (10) Years in Office: Governor Zulum, Assembly Members Celebrate Rt Hon. Lawan

Related Topics:Ten (10) Years in Office: Governor Zulum

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Politics

2027: Ishaya Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Published

3 days ago

April 8, 2026

News Net Global

Vice President Kashim Shettima.

2027: Ishaya Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

By: Dr. James Bwala

Insinuations by one, Mr. Ishaya Malawi, on the political happenings should be seen as the imaginations of his mindset. While he is free to make comments or statements as democratically allowed, there is a need for him to trade with caution, particularly in his attempts to drag the personality of the vice president, Kashim Shettima, into his imaginative sentiments. Recently, Mr. Ishaya Malgwi made an assertion suggesting that northern leaders might consider urging Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, to contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This claim has sparked considerable debate and requires a measured response grounded in fact, loyalty, and an understanding of the current political trajectory of Nigeria under the APC administration. It is crucial to address this insinuation with clarity and responsibility to uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions and promote constructive political discourse.

Firstly, it is essential to establish that the suggestion by Mr. Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima himself. His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, is unequivocally loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and firmly committed to the collective vision and mission of the APC government. The relationship between the president and the vice president is founded on mutual respect, shared goals, and a dedication to the welfare of Nigerians. To insinuate otherwise undermines not only their personal integrity but also the unity and progress of the ruling party.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/umth-when-vp-kashim-shettima-acknowledges-ahidjo-and-hospital-staff-for-their-services-to-victims-of-maiduguri-bomb-blasts/

The APC government, since its inception, has been dedicated to fostering good governance, promoting inclusive development, and ensuring security and stability across the nation. Contrary to the portrayal of a fragmented administration, the APC operates as a cohesive entity working tirelessly to address the myriad challenges facing Nigeria. The claim that the APC is running parallel or competing governments within itself is unfounded and detrimental to the image of the administration both domestically and internationally. Such assertions risk sowing discord and confusion among citizens, detracting from the government’s focus on delivering tangible results.

Also, it is important to contextualize the prevailing issues of unrest, insecurity, hunger, and dissatisfaction within a historical framework. These challenges are not novel to the Tinubu administration; rather, they are deep-rooted problems inherited from previous administrations, exacerbated over years by complex socio-economic and political factors. While the current government acknowledges these issues and is actively working toward sustainable solutions, it is misleading to suggest that these problems originated solely with the APC’s leadership. Political discourse should therefore be grounded in reality and aimed at constructive engagement rather than unfounded blame.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/umth-when-vp-kashim-shettima-acknowledges-ahidjo-and-hospital-staff-for-their-services-to-victims-of-maiduguri-bomb-blasts/

Mr. Malgwi’s reputation for disseminating unsubstantiated claims and engaging in provocative rhetoric must also be considered when evaluating his recent comments. Political dialogue in Nigeria demands responsibility, accountability, and a commitment to truth. When individuals like Ishaya Malgwi resort to spreading misinformation or making baseless allegations, they do a disservice to the democratic process and undermine public trust in governance. It is imperative that criticism, when necessary, be based on factual evidence and delivered respectfully to enhance national cohesion.

In dispelling the notion that Vice President Kashim Shettima might run against President Tinubu, it is also pertinent to highlight the Vice President’s demonstrated loyalty and active involvement in advancing the administration’s agenda. Vice President Shettima’s role extends beyond mere symbolism; he is deeply engaged in policymaking, outreach, and implementation of government programs. His efforts have consistently aligned with the president’s policies, reflecting a harmonious partnership aimed at stabilizing and developing the nation. To drag his name into speculative and divisive narratives not only misrepresents his position but also risks damaging the political harmony essential for effective governance.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/umth-when-vp-kashim-shettima-acknowledges-ahidjo-and-hospital-staff-for-their-services-to-victims-of-maiduguri-bomb-blasts/

Mr. Ishaya Malgwi should know that the political unity within the APC is pivotal for Nigeria’s progress. The party’s platform is built on principles of inclusivity, democracy, and national development. Internal cohesion ensures that the party can effectively address pressing national concerns such as economic revitalization, security challenges, infrastructure development, and social welfare. Attempts to insinuate internal contests or rivalries without substantial proof serve no purpose other than to destabilize the party and distract from its governance responsibilities.

The insinuation by Mr. Ishaya Malgwi regarding Vice President Kashim Shettima’s potential opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu within the APC is baseless and misleading. It does not represent the views of northern leaders or reflect the reality of the administration’s internal dynamics. Vice President Shettima remains a loyal and integral part of the Tinubu-led government, which continues to pursue policies aimed at good governance and national development.

The APC is not a house divided; it is a government determined to unify Nigerians and drive the country forward. Political discourse should honor the principles of truth, respect, and constructive criticism to foster an environment conducive to Nigeria’s growth and stability. Mr. Malgwi and others must exercise caution and responsibility in their public statements to avoid unnecessary political agitation and focus instead on supporting efforts that uphold Nigeria’s democratic values and collective prosperity.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: Ishaya Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Politics

ADC; Coalition Is Not Enough

Published

7 days ago

April 4, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ADC; Coalition Is Not Enough

By Kunle Awosiyan

Sincerely, if you observe the politics of Bola Ahmed Tinubu keenly and critically, you will realise that he is a very thorough politician.

He goes beyond merely spreading his tentacles to bring people into his fold; he deploys every available tool to outmanoeuvre his opponents.

He looks beyond coalition-building, studying his adversaries like a football coach analysing opponents, identifying loopholes and exploiting them to secure victory.

Though trained as an accountant, Tinubu has immersed himself in research, journalism, and law, transforming these disciplines into strategic assets in his political playbook.

This is where many of his opponents have faltered. Rather than studying him, they have focused more on blackmail and rhetoric.

Instead of carefully navigating the legal and institutional frameworks of politics, they appear fixated on hastily dislodging him by jumping into any available political platform without adequately addressing procedural and legal vulnerabilities.

They needed a platform, no doubt, but have shown insufficient patience and diligence to close loopholes that could ultimately undermine their efforts.

Those in the opposition today, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), appear unprepared for the level of work required to clinch power.

If Tinubu were a football coach, he would lose very few matches and only by slim margins. He would win many more, including major trophies. Any coach hoping to defeat such a team must not only be intelligent but exceptionally thorough.

It is time the opposition understands that democracy, in its modern form, goes beyond the classical definition of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It now encompasses the strategic deployment of law, not just the accumulation of votes, as a pathway to power.

Interestingly, the purported chairman of the ADC and former Senate President, David Mark, recently criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over its interpretation of the legal principle of status quo ante bellum.

This followed the derecognition of his leadership by the commission.

While the legal jargon may be complex, the implication is clear: those within the ADC understand the power of law in a democracy, yet have failed to deploy it effectively, choosing instead to blame Tinubu for their own strategic missteps.

The ruling party, All Progressives Congress, had swiftly replied ADC that neither the president nor the party is involved in its woe.

Ironically, two prominent figures within the ADC leadership ranks, Peter Obi and Rauf Aregbesola once benefited from judicial victories at different points in their political careers, underscoring the very importance of legal strategy in electoral contests.

Politicians seeking to challenge Tinubu, including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Nasir El-Rufai, Aregbesola, and Obi still have significant work to do if they are to mount a serious challenge. It is unfortunate that many appear to interpret democracy primarily through the lens of coalition-building, without deeper strategic grounding.

If Obi does not fully grasp this, one would expect Aregbesola given his political history with Tinubu to understand it better. Over the years, Tinubu has built structured teams: legal, economic, security, and political dedicated to analysing and countering opposition forces.

Among those in the ADC, Aregbesola may be the closest in experience to Tinubu’s model, but he cannot do it alone. One individual cannot match a coordinated network of experts working with a singular objective.

Let it be clear: INEC is not the enemy. However, it is bound by the rule of law and cannot act in defiance of court decisions.

Ultimately, for politicians who believe they can simply assemble themselves and appeal to public emotion through criticism of the ruling party, the reality is stark: modern democracy demands far more. It requires depth, structure, strategy, and above all, smartness.

ADC; Coalition Is Not Enough

Politics

Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari: The Unassailable Choice for APC Candidate in Borno State

Published

2 weeks ago

March 25, 2026

News Net Global

Distinguished Senator Abubakar Kyari

Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari: The Unassailable Choice for APC Candidate in Borno State

By: Dr. James Bwala

Let me look at this personality as Borno State gears up for the 2027 governorship election, intense speculation surrounds the candidate who will represent the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Among the array of contenders, one figure emerges with an unparalleled pedigree, extensive political experience, and strategic alliances that position him as the most compelling choice for the next governor of Borno state— Senator Abubakar Kyari. His distinguished background, formidable political track record, and connections to Nigeria’s top leadership underscore why he is not only the natural front-runner but also the candidate most capable of leading Borno State into a prosperous future.

Senator Abubakar Kyari’s pedigree is arguably unmatched by any other aspirant within Borno State’s political landscape. He hails from a prominent family with a deep tradition of public service. His late father, Brigadier General Abba Kyari, served as military governor of Kaduna State — a position that symbolized trust, responsibility, and leadership during a critical period of Nigeria’s history. This legacy has bestowed on Senator Kyari a foundation of respect and influence that few candidates can claim. History often demonstrates that political acumen and commitment to governance run in families, and if this pattern holds true, Senator Kyari is poised to etch his own name in the annals of Borno State’s political history.