Politics
UNDERSTANDING SHETTIMA ON OSINBAJO AND LAWAN
UNDERSTANDING SHETTIMA ON OSINBAJO AND LAWAN
By: Inuwa Bwala
Those who play around with the English word, risk being misunderstood by those who tend to translate their expressions from their literal meanings.
This explains why it is often difficult to understand poets when they write or to appreciate literary artists when they use slangs, idiomatic or figurative phrases in conveying messages.
This perhaps was the position Senator Kashim Shettima found himself in, when he made those remarks on Television, about the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, which are now being turned around to haunt him.
Shettima had come out to explain that, he meant no harm in his remarks, and coul not have been as impolite as he is being interpreted to be. To him, he was trying to make a figurative comparison of politics and less controversial trades, to the effect that, a hawker is a more dignified person that those who engage in competitive contests, seeking to lead.
I watched the clips over and over, trying to grasp what the Distinguished Senator was trying to make, and I feel, those phrases were actually figurative and not intended to denigrate the two personalities mentioned.
As a journalist, I understood where my friend Seun was driving Shettima to in his line of questioning and I felt, those who tried to impute meanings into Shettima’s responses were somehow being uncharitable to him.
Although not a poet nor a trained literary artists, it is true that, Senator Kashim Shettima is literarily endowed and plays around with the English language even more than some of those trained in that art.
His reference to popcorn selling or groundnut merchant in my understanding were meant to explain the public perceptions about people not cut out to play politics, rather to engage in some other vocations.
No matter how impolite he might have wanted to be, he could not have used that expression to contest their surface interpretations.
In describing the Vice President as a Goodman nice person, and too nice to occupy position of leadership, Kashim was trying to say Osinbajo as a gentleman, is better suited for a more friendly and persuasive vocation and not the competitive and rather murkier politics, that he is involved.
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Shettima in my understanding, knowing he often uses such figurative expressions to explain other situations, was trying to say, that people like his principal are known to have been in similar fights and may be ready to do it again: dirty as it seems, while the likes of Osinbajo are strangers to the dirty brand of Nigerian politics.
I know that,his remarks were a mere coincidence with what Asiwaju Bola Ahmed was quoted as having said about the president, Muhammadu Buhari, but in seasons of politics, people ascribe deregatory meanings to hitherto innocent views.
As for the remarks about the Senate President, Shettima was referring to the public perceptions about the ordinary northerner in the south, which portrays Lawan as just another merchant of a commodity commonly found in the north.
Shettima has personally explained how he holds the duo of Osinbajo and Lawan, and I am sure, handlers of the two personalities will explain the true imports of Shettima’s remarks.
My personal advice is that, people should not try to wedge a nail in hitherto cordial relationships for sheer political scores, as this may tend to make our politics even murkier.
UNDERSTANDING SHETTIMA ON OSINBAJO AND LAWAN
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
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
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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