Politics

The Heroes of a Turbulent Time

Published

2 years ago

December 4, 2022

News Net Global

The Heroes of a Turbulent Time

By: Senator Kashim Shettima

Being a speech by His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, at a Reception in His Honour, at Rockview Hotel (Royale), Abuja, on Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Protocols…

I am humbled by this day. I am humbled because I know that receiving such grand honour is a rare experience in one’s home. You and I are the heartbeats of the same home, and wherever we go, whatever we do, and whenever we act, we carry with us their stories, their beliefs, and their expectations. On our best days away from home, we are celebrated as gifts to humankind. On our worst days, we are harshly remembered as offshoots of our home, as ambassadors of our people. So, you must understand my joy that I’m not standing trial here.

We live in a time where your origin can be the beginning of your nightmare if you find yourself in the wrong place. Sometimes, you are compelled to work harder than others to fit in. Other times, you are not even given the chance at all. You are either written off or treated as a wild stereotype by fellow countrymen. You are expected to function in a system where you must relegate your origin and identity, or apologise for the affiliations you never got to choose. None of us here got to choose where we were born, and to whom. But we all have a choice to create a world where nobody ever experiences discrimination based on the languages they speak, the places they worship, and the colour of their skin.

You and I may not have the magic wand for surviving the bigotry of our kind and the extremism of corrupting dogmas. What we have is a glorious history that reminds us of the beauty of a diverse nation. We know the consequences of treating others as different from us or lesser than us. We know we are a collage of various ethnic, religious, and racial groups bound by a common destiny. We know that Borno remains standing amidst a wave of attacks on our lives and properties because of this refusal to let go of what defines us, that we are bound by the same humanity.

Our brotherhood and sisterhood across generations are an enduring heritage that not even a nuclear weapon can annihilate. We have survived conspiracies designed to turn us against one another. We have witnessed the comings and goings of anarchists who wished to profit from our conflicts. We know why they have failed. They intended to distort and misinterpret our realities to suit their agenda. Our people have not surrendered to any alien idea because the subjects of the dreams we have in Konduga are the same as those had in Argungu, Abuja, Abakaliki, and Aba. All of them dream of a quiet to live gainfully and love indiscriminately.

I am also here today because I fought for a benign world to chase my dream. From the intellectual splendour of Yerwa, I yearned for a time and place where I would partake in helping our people to climb up the social ladder. I dreamt of touching lives beyond the boundaries of my city. I rode on the kindness of familiars and strangers to get here, Christians and Muslims, Hausa and Igbo, and northerners and southerners. My dream took off because I encountered people who knew the danger of treating me as a label, people who didn’t feed on stereotypes to sabotage me.

I would’ve veered off to a place of hate if I had allowed the bigotries I encountered to define me. Even as a two-time Governor and, now, Senator, I’m just as vulnerable to bigotry as every Nigerian. If you intend to see where the truth goes to die in Nigeria, then don’t look too far away from the electronic exchanges on social media. Most of the falsehoods dispensed are, unfortunately, carefully-coordinated attacks by agents of those running for the highest office in the country.

My venturing into politics has taken me to the bank of this river of hatred between and among groups in the country. Sometimes, you come across the energy devoted to promoting their improbable fiction that you begin to wonder if their redemption is possible—if they would ever agree to submit to superior facts. But we have to thank the exceptional citizens and journalists volunteering to fact-check the imaginary stories.

As a Governor, for instance, I engaged with various groups in Borno State to learn from their experiences or as a courtesy required from a leader whenever I came across them. Some of such encounters were with vigilante groups helping us in the war against Boko Haram or with Fulani herdsmen within our jurisdiction. So, whenever photos from such meetings are shared to make certain allusions, I was unsure of whether to laugh or cry for the nation. Their allusions are a product of the usual unchecked ethnic profiling, and that’s a risky political strategy for a country already too divided.

But we can’t afford to give up. We can’t afford to take their bait. The day we embark on responding to profiling any group with similar colour of hate, we are halfway to the end of this union. This is the chaos they seek. But we are far too sophisticated to see any Nigerian as an enemy just because of their ethnicity, religion, or region. We will weaponise neither our ethnic nor regional identity to oppose any individual, whether their agenda is printed on a billboard or intended to be a secret campaign.

READ ALSO: https://dailypost.ng/2022/12/02/many-iswap-fighters-killed-in-damboa-after-pledging-allegiance-to-new-isis-leader/

The darkest irony in our politics today is the sponsorship of hate campaigns by front-line political candidates against an opposing group in the very country they are asking to govern. I expect you to be the voice of reason in teaching conflict profiteers in our midst about the enduring bond we share. We would’ve been long overrun if we had paid mind to any politician who invests in divisions, the ones who’ve seen and experienced the devastation of violence firsthand.

I am proud to share that we refuse to treat any Nigerian as an outsider because of the village in which he or she was born. We refuse to attack our citizens because of the architecture of their places of worship. We refuse to grade our citizens based on the prominence of their ethnic group. We refuse to make our politics a chamber for waging wars. This is the Nigeria we must work together to build.

Ladies and gentlemen, there’s no testimony greater than the words of objective witnesses to our part in history. We are here today because of you. We are here because you saw through the pedestrian mischief and lies. You know the churches and mosques we have rebuilt to reassure all groups in Borno State that the conflict in our place is from a common enemy. You are the heroes Nigeria seeks, the ones we all deserve to guide us to the path of peaceful coexistence, the path of alliances. Thank you.

The Heroes of a Turbulent Time

Politics

2027: The rise of a megaparty and potential internal strife leading to Tinubu and Kashim Shettima’s triumph

Published

4 days ago

September 3, 2024

News Net Global

2027: The rise of a megaparty and potential internal strife leading to Tinubu and Kashim Shettima's triumph

2027: The rise of a megaparty and potential internal strife leading to Tinubu and Kashim Shettima’s triumph

By Dr. James Bwala

The oppositions are still at odds in their meetings about what the year 2027 will hold for them; therefore, the entire narrative revolves around the storms they are coming face to face with in the buildup for 2027. We understand where they are coming from, and the questions in their brains have already shown the worries in their eyes. In actuality, they are attempting to insert flimsy concrete into the pillars that are supposed to support the structure they are assembling to construct. We know that they are simply exposing their fears if they keep pushing the narrative that there is a schism in the presidency. These are the characteristics of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice president, Kashim Shettima: people with tranquil hearts don’t talk louder.

I have been keeping a close eye on our political landscape lately, particularly with regard to the emergence of a megaparty and the growing momentum to unseat Tinubu and Kashim Shettima in 2027. I recalled those days when I used to sneak into our neighbors’ house as a kid to watch cowboy movies. It was fascinating to watch a group of criminals band together specifically to rob a bank, but in the end, a certain interest stemming from personal ambition exposes the groups into intoxicating situations, which causes the earlier agreements to give the Sheriffs an advantage when the group falls apart.

I’m not sure if the earlier report about Ahmed El-rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, joining the megaparty is accurate. Politics is interesting, of course, but I believe that given the recent smokescreen surrounding him, he should have proceeded with greater caution when pursuing his political goals. They used to say that hasty decisions are made in the devil’s way. If that is the case, based on his remarks prior to the general election on February 25, 2022, and his subsequent boasting about his love for Mr. President and the APC, I believe he may be playing politics to suit himself.

I also followed the lines on some pages and discussions ongoing between the former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, the Madugu of the NNPP and its presidential candidate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the almighty Peter Obi in drawing yet another mathematical formula for trunketting the APC administration come 2027. And I hope the figures to be brought by Peter Obi in these new arrangements will be looked at carefully and not through the magnifying lenses of the Labour Party presidential candidate, so that no madman can bring any advice to the table again.

In this rhetoric, who may drop their ambition for the common good? Who would be willing to sacrifice his interest in the race so that Obi, Atiku, or Kwankwaso may lead the team? Peter Obi may be very comfortable in the ongoing meetings, hoping that the table may turn for him and he may never settle for a VP position. We have seen this ambition in the past. Atiku has said he would run again and may need the support of Obi. Kwankwaso is no pushover, having established himself on many fronts as a spoiler in the past. And Atiku may never support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket because he loves to run and runs himself out.

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/police-witness-tells-iip-sars-how-peter-ekwealor-slumped-after-allegedly-confessing-to-killing-asp-akoh-ude/

As the clock ticks, only the fastest hand can pull the trigger first in this cowboy-like arrangement from the buildup. Amongst these gladiators, who is El-rufai’s interested in? That is to say that if he is not also ambitious of becoming an aspirant for the presidential race. Other gladiators with such ambition to go into the race may be aligning their cards to see the possibility of displaying their talents in the political murky water, as it is already ahead of the serious calculations at the table where the hearts are beating and only the eyes could explain the true state of the mind for a choice of coffee or wine.

Ambition knows no friend or brother of the same cross when it comes to choice. Therefore, the possibility for these ongoing arrangements to fail is rather louder for the things I know for now. I could go into debate over and again along the path of former governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Sule Lamido, on his statement over what President Tinubu stands and on matters of the 2027 presidential race. I stand with Alhaji Sule Lamido on this ground to say it is Tinubu and Kashim Shettima again that will decide the race in 2027. But that is not to say that the race will be easy.

I believe the trio of Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso knows very well the position of the race, as stated by Alhaji Sule Lamido. They know who Tinubu and his partner stand for. They know that the two lion hearts are living not only by their past achievements but also on their daily experiences in dealing with situations as confrontational as they come. El-rufai is a wounded tiger. His mistake would be to fight Tinubu and Kashim Shettima with a drafted heart. I will not speak about the Wike angles—that may be too early to say. However, those in the opposition who think Wike is done may yet be walking on hot coal.

Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: The rise of a megaparty and potential internal strife leading to Tinubu and Kashim Shettima’s triumph

News

We are going to make sure Okpebholo is elected governor – Edo Elders

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

We are going to make sure Okpebholo is elected governor – Edo Elders

By: Our Reporter

Edo elders on Tuesday outlined the priorities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

‘’We need a governor who cares about public education, health and the environment. We need a governor who cares about women, youths and elderly. Senator Monday Okpebholo understands Edo voters’ economic struggles and will work every day to make our state a better place to live. We are going to make sure that he is elected governor. We shall make the APC governorship candidate to succeed. This is the project of the Edo people. God willing, we shall succeed”.

They also described Okpebholo as the soul of a new Edo State.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo has vowed to serve the good people of Edo State faithfully and diligently. Thus, a vote for APC is a vote for transparency, accountability, due process, prudent management of scarce resources and development’’

The elders in a statement shortly after meeting in Benin City urged the electorate to reject political extremism, unremarkable politicians, brutal dictatorship and administrative incompetence.

“Senator Monday Okpebholo’s vision is virtually limitless. He will build structures for real, concrete development, translate our hopes to viable reality, fight for honest, transparent government, protect the interest of Edo people, build the infrastructure base of the state, appoint people from the three senatorial zones into key positions, create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish without official policy impediments and protect the wealth of the people in all parts of the state”

The statement issued by the Chairman of Edo Elders Forum (EEF), Chief Efua Abudu accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of failing to improve the state.

‘’Edo State needs a visionary leader, who can think out of the box, come up with solutions that will address the paucity of development in the state. Senator Monday Okpebholo has what it takes in terms of exposure, education and vision to take Edo State to the next level of development’’

Okpebholo joined the gubernatorial race to bring in the much-needed investment to develop the state, harness the huge resources, shore up revenue and fill the gap in infrastructure. He is favored to defeat Ighodalo and Akpata.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is committed to building a state where there would be economic buoyancy, a hub of modern development and beehive of business investments and employment generation activities. He will create new jobs, ensure proper training and enabling environment for the civil servants in the state, lead an all-inclusive government, bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, provide developmental initiatives and encourage women by reserving thirty five percent of appointment for them’’

We are going to make sure Okpebholo is elected governor – Edo Elders

News

EDO YOUTHS COME OUT HARD AGAINST PDP, REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR APC, OKPEBHOLO

Published

2 weeks ago

August 21, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

EDO YOUTHS COME OUT HARD AGAINST PDP, REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR APC, OKPEBHOLO

· LIST TERRIBLE CONDITION OF THE STATE, BETRAYAL, BOGUS CONTRACTS AS PDP KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

By: Our Reporter

Edo youths on Sunday reaffirmed their unflinching support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo remains an outstanding leader. He will improve the healthcare delivery system, allow the people to decide what types of programmes and policies to implement, channel more resources to poor communities, design appropriate institutional management and control mechanisms to ensure that funds are well spent and transform the state from its current state of economic distress to a more economically viable and prosperous state.

They also urged eligible voters in the state to reject the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) candidates in the September 21 governorship election.

‘’The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo will raise the standard of living of Edo people. His agenda is shaped with different goals in mind. First, he wants to protect the lives, property and rights of Edo people. Secondly, he wants to make the government more efficient and better, improve the state’s civil service and build railroads. Thirdly, he has interest in better education, youth development, industry and commerce’’

The highly intelligent and spirited men and women urged Edo people to make Okpebholo’s cause their own.

‘’Our long nightmare is over. Senator Monday Okpebholo is a man of principle, courage and an inspiration to the good people of Edo State. His words are sharp and emphatic. The other candidates lack dynamics, political skill, wisdom and experience’’.

In a statement issued by the Youth Alliance for Edo Unity and Progress (YAEUP) in Ekpoma, the youths approved Okpebholo/Idahosa ticket for the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

‘’What is needed at a time like this are men of honour and integrity who will promote peace, diligence, commitment and selfless service to the state’’

The statement titled Common Sense was signed by YAEUP Director of Mobilization, Dr. Matthew Agbonifo.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo will make life comfortable for the people of Edo State, appoint more youths and women to major posts, bring millions into the state’s social security system, provide funds for medical research, hospitals and urban renewal’’

The statement underscored Okpebholo’s ease of expression, gentlemanly nature and impeccable character.

The youths listed terrible condition of the state, widespread poverty, neglect of the economic wellbeing of the people, squandering the state’s meagre resources on bogus contracts and stunted growth as key achievements of the current PDP administration in the state.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is more interested in improving the lot of Edo people. He will put in place a dynamic cabinet, contribute to the growth of an industrial economy, create millions of jobs, build roads, provide good housing for Edo people, help the urban and rural poor and make other internal improvements’’

EDO YOUTHS COME OUT HARD AGAINST PDP, REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR APC, OKPEBHOLO