Connect with us

Politics

THE TRIUMPH OF TINUBU/SHETTIMA AND THE QUESTION OF NATIONHOOD.

Published

on

PHOTO-NEWS: APC Celebrates with Mathew Hassan Kukah At 70 in Abuja

THE TRIUMPH OF TINUBU/SHETTIMA AND THE QUESTION OF NATIONHOOD.
BY; Inuwa Bwala
Even in more controversial circumstances, there has never been a time a presidential election was upturned after the winner has been innaugrated. And our present situation is not an exception.
Agreed, that, there is always a first time, but it is equally true that history is not made out of a vacuum. It is a chronology of events that culminates into history. And there is nothing unusual to warrant the making of history with this.
And so, whether accidental or by design, the verdict of the Presidential Election Petitions Court on Wednessday, which coincided with the 100th days anniversary of their rule, remains the best gift to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The theatrics that followed the Declaration of the results were enough to cast doubts in some gullible minds.But even as a layman; bereft of any legal requirement, I was never bothered that the eventual Verdict by the Presidential Election Petitions Court, will upturn the Presidential elections of 25th February, 2023, in which Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima were declared victors.
By some form of distant magnetic allure, I could not resist watching what was happening in Abuja from Maiduguri.
I remained glued to my television set; watching in awe how the Vice President Kashim Shettima calmly watched and listened to proceeings in the court, as if nothing was at stake.
Many Nigerians thought the president was not bothered after all, which was why he could afford to travel to India during the pensive moment, leading to the court verdict.
I know, as a matter of fact, that the presence of the Vice President suffices, except for those trying to over dramatize the whole issue.
Those who follow debates, pre-dating the judgement by legal luminaries, could have seen through the futility of the appeal abinitio.
Though not necessary, Kashim Shettima’s presence in the court throughout the pronouncements was a soothing indicator that there was actually no cause for alarm.
The comic angle to the day long sitting of the court was how all lawyers, especially from the appelants side dozed off while the fates of their clients were being decided, while all the judges and the Vice President remained rapaciously alert.
Even with the battle seemingly over, some of appeallants have vowed to take further steps beyond this, others have wisely succumbed to the wise notion, that, “God gives power to whom he wills, and no amount of mortal discontent could ever change anything”.
Whatever option anybody takes, Nigeria seems to have gotten to a point where there is the need to reawaken our sense of nationhood and get on the same patriotic pages, if ever we hope to develop.
Events playing out following the 2023 elections have tended to portray Nigerians more polarised than ever before; along political, ethnic, religious, and regional lines.

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/nigerias-vp-kashim-shettima-in-100-days/
It is a tragic fact, that, in the face of our rich human and natural endowments, we often engage in needless ethnic, religious, regional or class squabbles, instead of harnessing our potentials and convert same into collective national pursuits.
It is a sad narrative that, rather than see ourselves as Nigerians, irrespective of political, religious, ethnic or regional clivages, we tend to ride on the backs of sentiments and emotions, with attendant threats of war on each other.
I wish we could cue into Vice President Kashim Shettima’s vission in his reaction to yesterday’s version.
“We cannot continue to gloss over the sensibilities of our people. We are conscious of our our problems as a nation, and as leaders, we owe our people the duty to treat every Nigerian equally and without prejudice. We have a covenant with Nigerians to be fair and just to all, and we have given indications of our good intentions to that. Let our dear citizens give us the chance to reposition Nigeria as we have pledged to do. “
Shettima has also reached to the agrirv3d parties, including Atiku Abubakar, sand Peter Obi, seeking for their cooperation in the task of moving Nigeria forward
Humility and Magnanimity in victory covets submission and cooperation in loss. This is why I was so touched by the Vice President’s efforts in reaching g out to fellow Nigerians, to bury the past and unify for the future.
The judgement by the Presidential Election Petitions Court is phase but out feature beacons.

THE TRIUMPH OF TINUBU/SHETTIMA AND THE QUESTION OF NATIONHOOD.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics

Togo Elections: ECOWAS Deploys Election Observation Mission

Published

on

Togo Elections: ECOWAS Deploys Election Observation Mission

By: Michael Mike

The President of the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has deployed an Election Observation Mission of 40 observers to Togo to monitor the legislative and regional elections scheduled for 29 April 2024

According to a statement at the weekend, the mission is in line with the provisions of Article 12 of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and constitutes support from the regional organisation to its Member States for the conduct of their elections.

The mission is led by the former Vice-President of The Gambia, Mrs Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang.

According to the statement, the mission is made up of Ambassadors from Member States accredited to ECOWAS; representatives of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and Parliament; Civil Society Organisations; media professionals and election observation specialists from the West African region.

It revealed that: “This observation mission is being deployed following the recommendations of a pre-election fact-finding mission that visited Togo from 15 to 20 April 2024 to assess the preparatory phases of the elections.

“During its stay in Togo, the observation mission will hold consultations with the main stakeholders in the electoral process and monitor the voting process up to 29 April 2024.”

Togo Elections: ECOWAS Deploys Election Observation Mission

Continue Reading

Politics

Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Politics

APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights