Politics
The Voice of Dan Balki: An Attempt to Derail the Gains of Building a Stronger North with VP Kashim Shettima as “Jagoran Arewa”
The Voice of Dan Balki: An Attempt to Derail the Gains of Building a Stronger North with VP Kashim Shettima as “Jagoran Arewa”
By: Dr. James Bwala
The emergence of influential voices and opposing forces shapes not only the political ideologies in the North but also the trajectories of leadership, particularly now that the North is seeking one true leader under its umbrella to champion the course of the North returning history to the glorious days of its shining. Many voices supporting the One North rise are rallying around Nigeria’s vice president, Kashim Shettina. But opposing forces are marching in their characters and building on rented voices. One such figure is Dan Balki, whose rhetoric and activism against Vice President Kashim Shettima embody a larger struggle for the soul of Northern Nigeria. As Shettima assumes the mantle of “Jagoran Arewa,” or the leader of the North, by his position as Nigeria’s vice president, it becomes paramount to dissect the implications of Dan Balki’s recent opposition and the collective efforts of dissenting factions aiming to undermine Shettima’s God-given position of leadership chosen from amongst hundreds and perhaps thousands who feel equally important for this ambitious position.
Despite the pushback posed by Dan Balki and his allies, Shettima’s vision for a stronger North remains valid and essential for the region’s socio-political and economic advancement. To understand the contentious relationship between Dan Balki and Shettima, we must first delve into the historical context that has plagued Northern Nigeria. The North has faced myriad challenges ranging from economic deprivation, educational underachievement, and security concerns, culminating in a loss of political power and relevance on the national stage. In this atmosphere of disillusionment and tension, Shettima, formerly the Governor of Borno State, emerged as a beacon of hope, propelled by his development initiatives and commitment to addressing the unique challenges facing the North. His policies aimed at fostering unity, peace, and economic revitalization resonate deeply amidst a populace yearning for effective leadership.
However, the recent emergence of vocal opponents like Dan Balki signifies a critical fracture within Northern politics. Dan Balki’s narrative encapsulates a blend of regionalist sentiment and skepticism towards Shettima’s administration by powerful individuals who are not satisfied with the position they currently occupy. Framing Shettima as a pawn of broader national politics, these individuals are using Dan Balki to leverage populist rhetoric to cultivate dissent among constituents, thus sowing seeds of division. His recent arguments often highlight grievances related to perceived neglect of certain local interests or failure to adequately involve grassroots stakeholders in decision-making processes. These tactics are reminiscent of age-old political maneuverings in which leaders are pitted against one another to create distractions from pressing issues.
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The impact of Dan Balki’s voice should not be underestimated. He serves as a reminder of the plurality of opinions in Nigerian politics—a reflection of diverse aspirations and ideologies within the Northern constituency. Yet, while this multiplicity is vital for democracy, it can also hinder progress if left unchecked. Dan Balki’s continued criticisms could lead to a paralysis of governance, where leaders are more preoccupied with countering dissent than implementing crucial reforms. Such a scenario would ultimately serve only to stifle the progress Shettima seeks to achieve.
Counterarguments may posit that Dan Balki’s resistance stems from legitimate grievances that reflect the authentic desires of constituents. To some extent, this claim holds merit. Indeed, Shettima must engage with various stakeholders across the North to solidify his position and capitalize on the victories he has championed. However, it is essential to distinguish constructive criticism from polarized antagonism. True leadership demands an understanding of nuance—a recognition that dissent can serve as both a catalyst for improvement and an obstacle to advancement. For Shettima, navigating this political minefield necessitates a thoughtful approach that embraces dialogue while remaining steadfast in his vision for the North.
A crucial aspect of Shettima’s agenda is his commitment to economic development through infrastructural investment, education, and youth empowerment. These pillars are foundational for fostering a prosperous Northern region capable of competing on both national and global fronts. The initiatives launched during his gubernatorial tenure offer a glimpse into what can be achieved under his leadership. For instance, Shettima’s focus on rebuilding Borno State post-insurgency, including enhancing agricultural outputs and technological advancements, sets a precedent for sustainable growth. Detractors like Dan Balki may diminish these achievements, but the empirical evidence supports Shettima’s vision as one rooted in practicality and necessity.
Indeed, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of Shettima’s role within the national government. As vice president, he occupies a platform that allows for broader advocacy and representation of Northern interests on the national stage. Rather than viewing this as a dilution of regional identity, constituents should recognize the potential for leveraging such a position to attract investments and foster collaborations that align with the North’s unique challenges. Rather than allowing Dan Balki’s divisive rhetoric to distract from this opportunity, it is imperative for Shettima to delineate how his policies can yield tangible benefits for the entire region.
Shettima’s commitment to unity is a cornerstone of his political philosophy. In a region often fractured by tribal, religious, and political divides, embracing a narrative of togetherness becomes increasingly significant. While Dan Balki’s voice echoes sentiments of dissatisfaction, it is vital to counter those sentiments with positive, inclusive narratives that speak to shared goals and aspirations. Campaigns highlighting collaborative projects and inter-ethnic dialogues would demonstrate that Shettima is not merely a politician operating in isolation but rather a leader attuned to the complexities of Northern Nigeria’s social fabric.
A concerted effort towards grassroots mobilization can effectively mitigate the influence of opposition voices. Building a robust network of community engagement initiatives that directly involve citizens in discussions about their needs and expectations can circumvent the narrative of discontent framed by Dan Balki. By amplifying local voices within the decision-making process, Shettima can reinforce a sense of ownership among constituents, thereby reducing the allure of oppositional figures who thrive on creating rifts.
The challenge posed by Dan Balki and other opposing forces underscores the dynamic nature of political discourse in Northern Nigeria. While dissent is a natural element within any democracy, the prioritization of progress over partisanship is essential. As the North charts its path forward, the ability to unite diverse voices behind a collective objective will determine the strength and resilience of the region. Shettima’s position as “Jagoran Arewa” epitomizes an opportunity to rally support around a shared identity, catalyzing a movement towards rejuvenation and prosperity.
The voice of Dan Balki serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in politics, particularly in a region as diverse and historically rich as Northern Nigeria. Nevertheless, beneath the noise of dissent lies an opportunity for growth and transformation. As Vice President Kashim Shettima navigates this political landscape, his focus must remain unwavering—centering on building a stronger, more cohesive North. Through strategic engagement, inclusive dialogue, and an unwavering commitment to the aspirations of the people, Shettima has the potential to rise above opposition and pave the way for a brighter future. In the face of adversity, true leadership is defined not solely by the absence of dissent but by the ability to harness divergent views to forge a path towards unity and progress.
* * James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
The Voice of Dan Balki: An Attempt to Derail the Gains of Building a Stronger North with VP Kashim Shettima as “Jagoran Arewa”
Mass defection hits Gombe State NNPP, SDP, LP as over 1, 000 leaders join APC
Ahead of the 2027 general election, the camp of the ruling APC in Gombe State received a boost as over 1, 000 opposition political leaders and members from Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of the state, on Monday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The opposition leaders and members are from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Labour Party (LP).
They were received by Mr Inuwa Garba, member representing Yamaltu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in company of Mr Adamu Lambam, APC chairman, Yamaltu Deba LG.
Speaking during the ceremony in Lubo community in Yamaltu Deba LG, Malam Tasiu Isa, the Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the council said joining APC was to strengthen the good governance being delivered by the party.
Isa said that Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and President Bola Tinubu have done well for the people through the execution of live-changing projects.
“We, the executives of the SDP from this LG and all the ward executives are joining the APC today and we are more than 500 officials.
“If we join our supporters and members, then we will be talking of thousands of SDP members; we are convinced that APC is the party to be because the party has good governance as evidence,” he said.
Isa commended Rep member Garba for his people-centric approach to representation, saying that Garba’s leadership style was complementing that of Gov. Yahaya.
For Mohammed Hinna, Labour Party chairman, Yamaltu Deba LG, joining APC remained the best option for any patriotic Nigeria who wants to see a better future for the country.
Hinna said with the efforts of President Tinubu and Gov. Yahaya, it would be difficult to remain in opposition, “if you truly a political leader that has the love of the people at heart.”
Mr Adamu Lambam, the APC chairman for Yamaltu Deba said more opposition leaders and members have been joining the APC at the council because of the good governance being delivered by Yahaya in their LG.
Lambam said that the party would continue to welcome anyone who wants to join the APC, adding that “APC is the people’s party because of the developmental strides of Tinubu, Inuwa and Garba.”
Reps member Garba said with the defection, the structure of opposition parties in the council has been weakened and “this is good for APC ahead of 2027.”
Garba said that the performance of Tinubu and Yahaya would make campaigning for APC ahead of 2027 election easier for them when the ban on campaign is lifted in August.
He appealed to members of the APC to remain united while mobilising more members at the grassroots by informing them of the many good things that Mr President and Yahaya have done.
Mass defection hits Gombe State NNPP, SDP, LP as over 1, 000 leaders join APC
Politics
Bayelsa: APC Chieftain Condemns Marginalized Congresses, Alleges Diri’s Plan To Use Isowo As State Party Chairman
Bayelsa: APC Chieftain Condemns Marginalized Congresses, Alleges Diri’s Plan To Use Isowo As State Party Chairman
Faults Akpe’s Nomination, Says Governance Now A Family Enterprise
A chieftain and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Barr. David Perebo has expressed deep dissatisfaction over Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri segregational, sidelining mode of conduct of the party ward and local government congresses.
Condemning in strong terms of the segregational mode of conduct of the APC ward and local government congresses across the state, the chieftain described the congresses as witch-hunt of a selected group of stakeholders, leaders in the party.
The APC member condemned the governor deliberate segregation of key stakeholders in various wards and local government areas are geared towards generating division.
Pursuant to the marginalized mode of conduct of the congresses, ward and local government executives of APC in Sagbama addressing the press, expressed dissatisfaction over non-inclusion of critical stakeholders who stood firmly as an opposition in building the party in Bayelsa state.
The party executives said Senator Diri inability to conduct all inclusive congresses in various wards, local governments across the state, has proven beyond shadow of doubt of the governor incapability to manage affairs of the party in Bayelsa state.
Governor Diri who couldn’t manage insignificant affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP leading to Mr George Turnah factional leadership in Bayelsa, has transferred the same attitude from the PDP to the APC barely four months of defection.
The statesmen said the governor has deceptively taken total control of the APC leadership structure in various wards and local government areas across the state, by installing his followers who defected to the APC from the PDP, while excluding old APC members who built the party.
Diri who preach all-inclusiveness in leadership, has deceptively taken over the leadership structures of Brass, Nembe, Yenagoa, Sagbama, Kolokuma-Opokuma, while allowing Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and David Lyon to nominate the Chairmen of Ekeremor, Ogbia and Southern-Ijaw as compensation.
Furthermore, the governor whose intentions failed woefully to use his relative, Mr Gesiye Isowo as at then Bayelsa PDP Secretary, as Bayelsa APC Caretaker Chairman before any official defection to the APC, has perfected preparations to use him as Chairman of APC in Bayelsa State.
Senator Douye Diri has perfected preparations to produce the Bayelsa APC Chairman, Secretary, including other relevant positions to take total control of the party structure in the state, as deliberate steps towards producing a governorship candidate in the next gubernatorial election.
Unknown to Lokpobiri, Ogbuku who are rumoured to have governorship ambitions in 2027, Governor Douye Diri will never support any of them as successor, rather he is nurturing a relative from Nembe extraction whose father is from Sampou to succeed him as Bayelsa Governor.
In the same vein, the APC chieftain has condemned the decision of the Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri over nomination of his maternal relative from Ayamasa town, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe as Deputy Governor with motives to revolve the government as a family enterprise.
The chieftain who that stands for justice, fairness, and transparency in governance, has expressed intense dissatisfaction over Governor Douye Diri’s nomination of his relative as deputy governor against Bayelsans.
The sudden passing of the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo whose cause of sudden death still uncertain, created room for timely replacement of the office of the deputy governor according to Section 191 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said the governor has privatized governance of Bayelsa as a family enterprise with Akpe nomination as deputy when expected to choose from other competent Bayelsans.
Senator Diri has virtually privatized governance of Bayelsa by appointing only relatives in sensitive positions: Chief of Staff now Deputy Governor, Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Domestic, Director of Transport, and other government house appointees.
The aggrieved party stakeholder said successive administrations since 1999 has credibly and transparently distributed political appointments across the three senatorial district, but the reverse has been the record in Senator Douye Diri administration.
The governor take decisions without putting into consideration of those who consciously built his political reputation. He defected to the APC without considering the feelings of leaders working closely with him.
Bayelsans has witnessed that the governor has no conscience and empathy, enveloped with greed and ingratitude against those who helped in building his political career and reputation; such as former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Dr. Timi Alaibe, Senator Seriake Dickson.
Senator Diri political trajectory has been driven by pettiness, rumours, propaganda, capitalizing on illiteracy, poverty and stomach infrastructure syndrome of some Bayelsans, while privatizing and managing resources of the state as a family enterprise.
In self-delusional, deceptive pretense of building peace, unity, he brought in opposition members to replace those who fought (some lost their lives) for his emergence, instead of acknowledging, and compensating them for their support and sacrifices.
Douye was very selfish to abandon Jonathan, Alaibe in PDP, especially Dickson who believed and trusted him as successor. Yet, he embraced the people who fought against those who worked for him in the election.
The way and manner the governor had shown ingratitude to Jonathan, Dickson, Alaibe, and others, same thing he will do to Lokpobiri, Ogbuku, Lyon, and other leaders in the APC.
Douye doesn’t understand that those who are praising him, are doing so for political patronage (monetary terms), and desert him after office.
Signed:
Barr. David Perebo
APC Chieftain Writes From Yenagoa
Bayelsa: APC Chieftain Condemns Marginalized Congresses, Alleges Diri’s Plan To Use Isowo As State Party Chairman
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
By Comrade Philip Ikodor
The National Progressive Hub (NPH), a leading support group for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on all Nigerians to rally behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR for a successful second term in office come 2027.
In a statement, National Coordinator/Convener, Honorable Bukie Okangbe, praised the APC administration for its efforts towards nation-building and economic stability. Okangbe highlighted the NPH’s previous support for President Tinubu, including a National Security and Endorsement event in 2022 that contributed to the party’s successful general election outcome.
The NPH is gearing up for a Grand Endorsement event for President Tinubu’s second term, scheduled to hold on February 26th at the Musa Yaradua Center, CBD, Abuja. The event will also feature the inauguration of 36 state coordinators, including the FCT, and address critical national issues.
“We invite everyone to join us at this significant event,” Okangbe said. “Your presence will be a testament to our collective commitment to Nigeria’s progress and the APC’s vision for a better future.”
The event promises to be a landmark occasion, showcasing the NPH’s dedication to the APC and President Tinubu’s leadership.
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
Police arrest three suspected kidnappers in Gombe
Youths attack and kill two army officers while responding to dispute in Cross River
New Tax Regime to Ease Burden on Workers, Small Businesses — Tegbe
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