Sunday 30 January 2022

As Umar Guber aspirations gain momentum, APC supporters meet in Yola to chat away forward


By Tom Garba, Yola

In a town hall meeting today (Saturday) thousands of All Progressives Congress members, including members and supporters met in Yola and vowed to chat a way forward for the gubernatorial ambition of Alh. Umar Mustapha Madawaki (Otumba of Ekiti) is aspiring to be the next Governor of Adamawa state.

The meeting with the theme; "Facing the future together" brought together APC Stakeholders from Yola South, Fofure and Girei had fruitful discussions at Farama Hall in Shagari, Yola-town, Yola-South LGA area of Adamawa state.

In the meeting, people took turns and delivered hopeful and ambitious speeches of winning an election come 2023, to them Umar is the most sellable aspirant in APC.

Madawaska in his speech to the mammoth crowd and APC stakeholders reiterated his decision to run for the seat of the governor was borne out of an arch desire to provide the needed dividends of democracy to the people of Adamawa State.

While seeking their support to enable him to emerge as the APC Flag-bearer in the 2023 Gubernatorial Election, he said if the mandate is given to him, he promised to ensure that the party wax stronger in the State as well as emerging victorious in the coming 2023 general Elections.

"I know and I recognize how important you are to our great party, APC, hence my decision to call for this town hall meeting for us to rob minds on how to take over power from PDP in the State," Umar said

He expresses his readiness, willingness, commitment, and determination to carry everybody along and run an all-inclusive government by God's will if he wins the election in 2023.

A stakeholder, Alh. Sallau Amanda in his speech made a passion to all party leaders in the state and the twenty-one local government areas to unite for the overall goal of winning the election in 2023. 

He said this can only be done when party stakeholders are fair to all members and it's only unity of purpose when harps in fair play in whatever the party is doing will guarantee victory.

According to him, Umar is one among many aspirants who come this time will help in bringing the party to the table of Consensus, this is all we are praying for, APC should sit down and give us who to work for in 2023.

"I believe that our party is to beat come 2023, we have all that it takes to win the election," Salla said

In his speech, the APC Chairman of Yola-South LGA, Alhaji Ahmadu Mohammed Mbamoi extolled Otumba's foresight and ingenuity of sponsoring revalidation of voters' cards across the state to all people irrespective of the party divide.

He said this effort by Umar takes only a Leader whose love is for humanity and shows is has a special regard for APC and the people of Adamawa state.

He assured the APC gubernatorial aspirant of unrelenting support whenever he secured the party ticket.

Another APC Stakeholder, Alh. Babalu Hassan said it gladdened his heart for someone from Adamawa Central senatorial zone to declare his intentions for the governorship seat they are looking for for a long period.

He called all people to rally around Umar to see the dream of the Central zone producing a Governor comes true.

Open letter: Lukman wants those undermining APC national convention sanctioned



The former Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and a chieftain of the ruling All All Progressive Congress (APC), Salihu Moh Lukman, has said the ruling party is no longer what it was between 2013 to 2015, alleging some leaders no longer committed to it vision at merger.


Lukman who recently resigned from office due to controversy trailing the convocation of APC national convention, in an open letter to all the party leaders titled: "Politics of Change: APC on the Brink" also called for sanctioning of any leader undermining the forthcoming national convention.


In the open letter released to newsmen Sunday in Abuja, the political activist said problems of intolerance to disagreements and criticisms, with some leaders expecting members to be blindly loyal is becoming a common attribute of the ruling party.


According to Lukman, the truth is that APC is being held captive by some few leaders whose interest is only about imposing themselves as candidates for elections. 


"So long as that is the case, it means what we have as APC today wasn’t the party negotiated and produced out of our legacy parties. Rather than the envisioned party, which allows for internal debates and disagreements among party leaders and members, based on which there could be negotiations and agreements, APC today has been diminished to only an election platform, which is what the founding leaders and members wanted to change. The commitment to change the profile of political parties beyond being election platforms was precisely part of why Nigerians supported the APC in 2015.
 

 
"This reality is very disturbing. APC today, wasn’t the APC of the period 2013 to 2015. Perhaps outside President Buhari, there are very few elected leaders in APC who are still committed to the founding vision of the party to provide leadership to change Nigerian politics. Given where the nation is coming from under PDP, changing Nigerian politics would require departure from requiring citizens to be blindly loyal to elected leaders. It should require that citizens and party members are free to disagree and criticise elected leaders. In other words, politics of change should produce elected leaders who should be highly tolerant and where possible even accommodate disagreements and criticisms as part the process of decision making.
 


"Every founding leader and member of the APC must rise to challenge of arresting the drift in the party. Few individual leaders of the party must not be allowed to continue to impose themselves and destroy a party with potentials to provide the needed democratic platform for negotiated resolutions of all the problems of Nigeria. 


"As it is today, APC is the only party where contestation is taking place. Again, thanks to President Buhari who is providing unbiased leadership to the party, it is possible for ordinary members to express themselves, including disagreeing with decisions of leaders of the party. This unique leadership of President Buhari has helped a lot to sustain the hope of both party leaders, members and Nigerians desirous of political change.
 

"Beyond the unbiased leadership of President Buhari, there is the need for all party leaders and members committed to the politics of change to ensure the emergence of party leaders at the February 26, 2022 National Convention who must be tolerant to criticisms and disagreements and should not expect members to be blindly loyal."


Lukman said if APC is to return to its founding vision of driving the process of change in Nigeria, it must produce leaders who would be able to compel elected representatives produced by the party to be accountable to Nigerians. 


On the forthcoming national convention of the APC slated for February, the APC chieftain said the new APC leaders must ensure that structures of the party meet as and when due as provided by the party’s constitution. 


"APC leaders must wake up to the responsibility of returning the party to the era when party leaders are tolerant to criticisms and disagreements. Both party leaders and elected representatives must not expect ‘anticipatory obedience’ from both party members and Nigerians. Not expecting ‘anticipatory obedience’ should be part of what will endear the party and its candidates to Nigerians based on which winning elections can be guaranteed just as it was the case in 2015 and 2019. 



"Finally, it is important to once more appeal to APC leaders to ensure that the February 26, 2022 National Convention is not just about electing National Working Committee (NWC) members. There must be some reflections about the challenges facing the country, with priority focus on problems of insecurity, rebuilding public education and health through mosilisation of massive financial investment in these sectors. Conclusions and recommendations from the Convention should guide the review process of the party’s manifesto and bring out some of the campaign agenda of the APC for the 2023 campaigns. A major indicator for this would also include a review of the APC manifesto at the Convention.
 


"The campaign to return APC to its founding vision must have strong expression and resonance at the February 26, 2022 National Convention. The current drift, which is systematically destroying the APC must be arrested based on all the outcomes of the National Convention. 



"Any leader working to undermine the National Convention should be sanctioned. Party members need to appeal to party leaders at all levels to return APC to its founding vision, which encourages internal debates and negotiations based on which agreements are reached and respected. APC, being a party of change, encourages members to be critical. A party of change must promote internal debates. Leaders of the party should not expect ‘anticipatory obedience’ from members and Nigerians. That is the APC founded on the sacrifices of leaders and members of our old legacy parties, it is the APC that the February 26, 2022 National Convention must return to!!!"

Friday 28 January 2022

Hon.Dubanni Commends Gov Ganduje For Swift Handling Of Murder Case of Hanifa Abubakar



• Says Ganduje showed excellent leadership qualities

•Charged security agencies to arrest the killers of Asmau Waallamu 


A chieftain in All Progress congress in Zaria Kaduna State Hon. Aliyu Habibu Dubanni has commended Kano state governor  Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje his swift reaction to the murder of Hanifa Abubakar.



It could be recalled that Hanifa Abubakar a five year girl was Kidnapped by the proprietor of her school and gruesomely murdered despite being paid the ransom he demanded for .

Governor Ganduje had  announced that once a death sentence  is passed by the court , he would assent to it. 

In addition to that, the Governor had also revoked license of all private schools in the state following the dastardly event .



Speaking to media practitioners in his home town in Zaria, kaduna state, Hon.Dubanni who is also the village head of low cost Kuyamban of Zaria local government
explained that Governor Ganduje had shown exceptional leadership quality by ensuring that the security agencies were able to track and arrest the culprit .

Dubanni further praised the Governor for going further to revoke license of private school operators in order to forestall future occurrence.

" I will like to seize this opportunity to commend the for taking vital steps which culminated in the arrest of the Kidnapper and killer of Hanifa Abubakar.

" The swift arrest of the murderer, the revocation of licences of private schools would send a strong signal to would be kidnappers that Ganduje means business and that Kano is not safe for criminals .

" In this regard, the Kano state Governor has shown strong and excellent leadership qualities, Hon.Dubanni said .


The Zaria based politician and business mogul also warned parents to be mindful of which schools they choose for their children and ward. He further warned guardians to be vigilant and watch their wards carefully

Speaking further, Dubanni also lamented a similar case also happened in Zaria .

"Asmau Alhaji Waallamu of Uban Dawaki was kidnapped for several week and was killed by kidnappers after collecting huge ransom from the family of the victim 

"Uptill now, the killers of Asmau have not been arrested and so no justice for her 

He prayed that the security agencies in Kaduna state would intensify efforts to arrest Asmau's killers 

He also charged all Nigerians not to loose hope but keep on praying for God's intervention .

2023: We like Bindow's leadership qualities, says Adamawa electorates


Some electorates in Adamawa Yesterday (Thursday) paid a courtesy call to the corporate office of the General News (TG NEWS) in Yola and ruminated over the leadership qualities of the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, and described it as an excellent virtue of good leadership.

Alhaji Baba Iyali Adamu who came in the company of five others and spoke on their behalf stressed the need for the state to scout out political office seekers in the like of the former Governor.

Iyali said it's only in Bindow you will see a passion to give selfless service to the people of the state and humanity in general, a Man whose high level of humility has distinguished him out to be exemplary.

Adamu is not a partisan politician but however said is an ardent follower of government activities in the state through listening to the radio, watching TV, and have unrelenting reading his news from TG News, following on daily basis the online platform that gives accurate, timely and reliably information.

Their visit to the TG News office is said is to show their solidarity and appreciate the online company that has been contributing positively to the development of the state and Nigeria through the dissemination of information.

While giving kudos to the publisher of TG News, Tom Garba for standing Strong and tall for writing and publishing stories that are facts and cross-checked to educate, inform and entertain the generally of Adamawa people despite unwarranted attacks by enemies of the state who do not want anything good to be said on Adamawa state, he praised him by giving him a pat on the back to continue the good work.

"Only a good thing can be attack, darkness will always fight the light and whenever you said the truth people will always attack you because the truth is bitter.

" My Brother we are here to encourage you and to tell you that many people are watching with keen interest all the happenings in the state and to appreciate your resilience in keep to the tempo of informing us about the state, the country and even the world." He said

He inferred that for him  Bindow remains the leader for his choice and is only him that can work the work of liberation for the people of State.

According to him Bindow has been tested and found in him trusted leadership qualities, and this can mean that 2023 shall be a year of no negotiation of who the All Progressives Congress (APC) will give the Governorship ticket to fly if they want to win the election.

"As for us that visited you here, if Bindow will be given a ticket we would not mind to join APC, and our voter's card and that of our children and grandchildren will be kept safe to reelect him again." Iyali said

Thursday 27 January 2022

Kaduna NUJ: I Remain Chairman Farida Says, Warns Public Against Imposters





The Chairman of the NIgeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Farida Abubakar has alerted members of the union and the general public that they should be wary of imposters who are illegally parading themselves as executives of the  state council.

She expressed this in a statement made available to newsmen by her campaign Director General, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, dated Thursday January 27, 2022.

"Though we are not surprised that imposters are parading themselves as Kaduna NUJ Executives, we are worried that they are pushing their luck too far.

"Same impostors, which their emergence is  alien to the NUJ Constitution, we learnt, are constituting committees, holding congresses and even embarking on official duties in the name of NUJ KadunĂ  executives," it said.

The statement pointed out that only the Credentials Committee is empowered to screen candidates and  conduct NUJ elections and swear-in those who emerge winners.

"We also remind the general public that on December 16, 2021, the Evangelist Mordecai Ibrahim-led credentials committee swore-in Farida Abubakar and subsequently, the outgoing executives led by Comrade Adamu Yusuf handed over to her all documents of the council.

"We are law abiding citizens and hence believe in the rule of law and have resisted provocations by the impostors who later on December 16 last year, broke into the NUJ and swore-in a different group without the credentials committee.

"That illegality is now been taken to the next level by the imposters, who have since occupied the NUJ Secretariat. We have faith in the judiciary and await them on these matters," it said.

Chairmanship: How my emergence 'll end internal crises in APC - Sen. Musa




A leading national chairmanship aspirant of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming  national convention, Senator Sani Musa has said that his leadership of the party will bring an end to internal crisis in the party.


The lawmaker representing Niger East Senatorial district of Niger state in the Senate said he would actualise this by institutionalising the party, ensuring strict adherence to the party's constitution and regularly observing the party's conventions.


He also unveils a three-cardinal-objective plan, code-named 3-Rs (Reconciliation, Reorganisation and Restructuring) as his action plan to reposition the party for efficiency and good governance delivery. 


He revealed the plans  Wednesday night on Channels Television programme - "Politics Today" in Abuja.


"We plan to make APC an institution; a corporate entity and when I make it an institution, that means it is an entity whereby we must abide by all the guidelines, rules and regulations. We have a constitution we must abide by, we have guidelines that we must follow and we have a manifesto of which everybody elected under the party just give a sense of belonging to the party and as such the supremacy of the party is intact.


"In everything we do, we have to follow the party convention. What are the conventions? There must be meetings in the party secretariat."


Musa who said he was in the race to make the difference in party administration, vowed to transform the party not only for producing candidates for elections but to be an entity that will build leaders at all levels of government in the country.


To this end, the chairmanship aspirant planned to introduce what he called 3-Rs for the repositioning of the party.  


"When elected as the National Chairman of APC, I am coming in with three cardinal objectives and those objectives are my 3-Rs. That is reconciliation, reorganisation and restructuring. First, I will reconcile all the divisions that we have. I will try as much as possible based on what we have as the constitution of the party and what the guidelines have spelt out. I will work towards that, I will try as much as possible to create cohesion, build bridges."


On his antidote to the regular face-off between party leaders and their state governors, the chairmanship hopeful proffered strict adherence to the party constitution as an elixir to such frictions.


According to him, "the basic thing is that, once there is rule of law, once there is constitutionality, I didn't think we should have any problem and it all depends on the kind of leadership we are going to put. If you put a leadership that will be going for personal interest instead of public interest, then there will be a problem and I will tell you that the kind of leadership I want to bring is the leadership that will protect the interest of Nigerians, will protect all members of the APC and even those elected under the banner of APC.


"I don't have any fear. Everyone has his kind of qualities in terms of leadership and when you come up with a leadership that is very transparent and clean, I believe that even the governors also want to see themselves to be very clean and transparent. If you are playing politics, in every organ of that political structure those that have been elected under the platform of that political party are partners in progress. We must partner, we must coordinate each other. We must also give that due respect to each organ of this political setup. Democracy is all about people and all we need to do is to see how we can engineer the system along with the Constitution of the party."


The chairmanship aspirant then expressed optimism of the party winning the 2023 general elections, insisting that the records of achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in the areas of infrastructural development and social welfare are the unique selling points that attract Nigerians to the ruling party.

NLC Says It Shall Continue To Engage FG Despite Suspension of Proposed Fuel Hike




• Despite Suspension of Hike, We Shall Continue Engaging FG



The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has commended Nigerians for standing by it and heeding it's calls to resist the proposed fuel hike which subsequently forced the hands of the Federal Government to reverse it's planned fuel hike.

Deputy National Security of the Organization, Comrades Bello Ismail during a press conference on Wednesday, 26, 2022, added that NLC would be watchful of what the FG does in order not to be caught of guard .

“We will not go to sleep despite the reversal of the subsidy removal by the government. We will continue to be vigilant over the issue.”

“Following the reversal and reapproach by government, the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress had an emergency.


Fielding questions from Journalists, the scribe of NLC revealed that group has also engaged the Federal Government in all key critical areas  which has forced the hands of the government from increasing the prices of cooking gas or  electricity tariffs the way it had wanted .

" I can tell you that the Federal Government had wanted huge increment in the prices of cooking gas and electric tariff, but because of the way we engaged them it was forced to pushed down its proposed hike .

" We shall continue to engage the Federal Government with so that it would redeem it's pledges it made to provide buses during our negotiation,he added 



Text of the press conference



“Following the reversal and reapproach by government, the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress had an emergency virtual meeting this morning to consider the new position of the government. After vigorous debates, the NEC decided to suspend the planned nationwide protest scheduled for 27h January 2022 and the

national protest in Abuja scheduled for 2nd February 2022.

“The leadership of the Congress has communicated this organ decision to our civil society allies who have stood stoically behind Nigerian workers in our quest for social and economic justice for workers and the downtrodden people of our country. Going forward, we will continue to engage with the government on the very critical issues of ensuring local refining of petroleum, creation of sustainable jobs and provision of petrol at an affordable price for Nigerian workers and people.

“Fellow Nigerian workers and citizens, you would recall that on the 23 of November 2021, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning at the launch of the World Bank Development Update

disclosed to Nigerians government’s plans to remove subsidy on the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also commonly known as ‘petrol’ or fuel’.

“The policy of removal of petrol subsidy, as we all know, has become a euphemism for hike in the pump price of petrol. The attendant effect of the proposed removal of petrol subsidy would push the pump price of fuel to between N320 and N340 per

litre. There is no gainsaying the fact that this would have terribly exacerbated the current scourge of inflation in the country, deepened poverty, heightened social tensions and pushed the country and millions of her poor citizens to the very precipice.

“Immediately, the Minister of Finance unveiled government’s plans on petrol price increment, the Nigeria Labour Congress issued a press statement on November 24, 2021 condemning the proposed government policy and warned of the dire consequences that would follow the implementation of the policy. The Congress went on to convene national organ meetings to deliberate on the issue.

“After series of statutory organ meetings culminating in a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which took place on the 17th of December 202 1, the Nigeria Labour Congress renewed its traditional

position of resisting incessant increases in the pump price of petrol.

“The NEC went ahead to give directives for the mobilization of workers and citizens for national protests if the Federal Government fails to reverse the planned hike in the pump price of petrol.

“At the peak of very rigorous mobilization of Nigerians by the Nigeria Labour Congress and a host of her Civil Society allies, the government through the Minister of Finance yesterday, 24th January 2022, made a public announcement reversing the plans to increase petrol pump price. The position of the government was also officially communicated to the Congress with calls for further engagement.

“We commend the Nigerian workers and people particularly civil society allies for their unwavering solidarity and support during this struggle. We  are stronger together,” he

Tuesday 25 January 2022

SWAN Kaduna prepares or 2022 sports week, Inuagurates commitee

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kaduna Chapter has set up a seven-man committee which shall organize its 2022 SWAN WEEK.

The composition of the committee was announced at its monthly congress meeting held on Saturday January 22, 2022.

Furthermore, seven-man committee was mandated to partner with organisations and raise funds for the week which is expected to feature several activities.

The State Chairman of SWAN Mr .Isaiah Benjamin who announced the composition of the committee,listed the following as members :


Shehu Abdullahi, chairman of the committee.

Jacob Onjewu Dickson  secretary, Idris Dari, Albert Solomon, Coach Jide Bodunde, Amina Anebi and Juliet Nonye Ekwenugo are members of the committee.

While inaugurating the committee, Kaduna SWAN Chairman, Comrade Isaiah Kemje Benjamin charge the commitee members  to hit  the ground running.

“We will use the period to also present awards to distinguished personalities who have contributed immensely to sports development in the state.

“Tentatively, we would hold the WEEK in March or first week of April,” he declared.

Monday 24 January 2022

Choose Your Leaders Wisely In 2023- Hon Dubbani


Hon.Aliyu Habibu Dubbani has charged Nigerians to be very conscious of whom to elect as their representatives, Senator, Governor or President in 2023.

Mr. Dubbani  who was fielding questions from Journalists in home town of Zaria explained that there is the need for Nigerians to elect politicians who would work for them, listen to them and change all the facets of Nigeria for good .

" I will advice Nigerians especially the youths to come out massively next year to elect those that would work for them

" Nigerians should watch closely before casting their ballots .Interrogate any politician that wants to contest critically before you give him a chance, he said 
 

The astute businessman cum politician further charged Nigerians to be more godly than religious and to pray to God to help salvage Nigeria from poverty and corruption,adding that,

 "it is not good enough for you to go to the Mosque or Church and pray just because you want to called a true believer .

" If you are a Muslim, if you are a Christian, then you must live your lives the Holy Books said we should . That means you must not cheat, you must steal and you must not be corrupt .



According to him youth has a role to play towards reshaping the scheming of the nation politics 
He appealed to the government to put a measures  toward the bringing of an ending of  insecurity which have posed a threat to lives of Nigerians citizens 

Uzor-Kalu Visits APC National Chairmanship Aspirant, Sani Musa



By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON


Ahead February 26 national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senate Chief Whip and former Abia state governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has on Sunday evening  paid a solidarity visit to a leading national chairmanship aspirant of the party, Senator Sani Musa.


Kalu who is also a presidential aspirant in the governing APC said he was at the Maitama residence of the Senate Service Committee Chairman on a solidarity visit.


The recuperating chairmanship aspirant just returned from a medical trip abroad.


Kalu praised the chairmanship aspirant for being very proactive and in pursuance of ways to move the APC to electoral victories in all elections.


The former Abia governor however informed the Senator of his preparedness to aspire for the Presidency of the country if the party zoned it to the South.


The two leaders discussed ways of improving the fortunes of the party, how to ensure a rancour-free forthcoming national convention of the party and agreed to work together for the electoral success of the APC at all levels in future elections.


Senator Sani Musa expressed gratitude to the Chief Whip for deeming it fit to visit and check on him after his treatment. 


He thanked Senator Kalu for his humility and sense of leadership.

Sunday 23 January 2022

Invest In Bizlon Program, Hajiya Dikko Charges Nigerians

By : Gambo Abubukar, Kaduna

Nigerians have been called up on to join the Bizlon Program in order to gain access to interest free loans, loans without guarantors and other forms of soft loans .

Hajiya Binta Dikko, the Northern Ambassador for Bizlon made this call yesterday while speaking to Journalists during a one day seminar with the members of the public and some beneficiaries .

"This is also an opportunity for the society  irrespective of their religion, ethnicity and gender, to collect loans directly without collateral, for either interest nor guarantor", she said .

She further urged the beneficiaries to make good use of their capital by establishing small scale businesses, adding the Organization would always stand by them to give good advice and assistance.

She further explained that the  N2500 is the registration fees that intending participants are  expected to pay.

" up on payment an  account is opened  for the individual, the more number of people you bring  to the program the more amount (low power) you get".
And for those that interested with the program they should contact me on this 08082373483," she added 



She added .


The bizlon program was established under moonlight by the united state of America in the year 2011,and introduced to Nigeria in April 2020 during the covid 19 pandemic.

*OPERATION HADIN KAI: GENERAL SHAIBU ASSUMES COMMAND OF 7 DIVISION/SECTOR 1 OPHK*

...Succeeds General Eyitayo as the Number 11 GOC. 

Major General Waidi Shaibu has on Friday, 21 January, 2022 assummed command and leadership of 7 Division Nigerian Army as the number 11 General Officer Commanding and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI.

General Shaibu a member of Course 41 Regular Combatant Course and from the Nigerian Army Armour Corps whom until his appointment as the GOC was the Director of Training at Army Headquarters Department of Training Abuja. He was also the former Commander, 21 Special Armour Brigade Bama with wealth of experience in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North East having been at the forefront of the Sambisa Forest and environs.

The handing and taking over ceremony was conducted in 3 phases in accordance with the Nigerian Army tradition. It commenced on Thursday, 20 January with a facility tour to notable ongoing projects within Maimalari Cantonment. A guided tour was also taken to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital where they met and commisserate with wounded in action troops.

The second day of the handing over ceremony and grand finale was the signing of handing and taking over notes, address to officers and troops by the outgoing and incoming GOC as well as the lowering of the old flag signifying the end of an era and hoisting of a new flag also signifying the begining of a new command.

Earlier, the outgone GOC Major General AA Eyitayo expressed immense gratitude to God Almighty for the gift of life and blessings upon him. He also appreciates the immense support, sacrifices and commitment of Formations and unit Commamders, officers and troops of the Division adding that their absolute cooperation and loyalty earns him the accolades and successes he recorded during his tenure. He therefore urge them to extend same cooperation to his successor.

In his remarks, the new GOC commend the outgone GOC for his leadership style in ensuring the Division maintains the tempo in the fight against insurgency.  While soliciting for same cooperation and supoort accorded to his predessesor, he charged officers and troops to remain resilient, dogged and more committed with  determination, we will bring an end to this insurgency he stated.

Highlights of the occasion were the signing of handing and taking over notes, address to officers and troops, lowering of old and hoisting of new flags at the quarter guard, group photograph with officers and finally departure by the outgone GOC.


The ceremony was witnessed by Formations and Units Commanders, Principal Staff Officers from Headquarters 7 Division and gentlemen officers amongst others.

Abdul Isiaq emerges SDP National Chairman, as NEC suspends Agunloye, Gabam



Former deputy national Chairman (North), of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) Dr. Abdul Ahmed Isiaq, has emerged the new National Chairman of the party.

The National Executive Committee(NEC) unanimously approved Dr Isiaq, as the New National Chairman and Engr Simon Adewole Adeshina as the New National Secretary.

According to the NEC, the illegal suspension of Dr Abdul Ahmed Isiaq and that of Kano Chairman Alh. Ado Bello was thrown out and were restored to their various positions ante. This allowed them to be admitted into the NEC meeting before it went further. 

Equally, the suspension of Alh Kolawole Balogun elstwhile Oyo State Chairman and Dr Webster Okwonko, the Anambra State elstwhile Chairman was lifted immediately and other suspensions were also lifted immediately.

The NEC which held in Abuja on Saturday, suspended the acting national Chairman, Dr Olu Agunloye and national Secretary, Shehu Gabam.

The two party leaders were alleged to have committed various abuses of the constitution.

The NEC also accused them of cornering the fees for expression of interest and nomination forms paid by the party's governorship aspirant in the recent Anambra State election, Obinna Uzor.

A communique of the party stated that; "The NEC considered the various abuses of the constitution by the following underlisted officers and therefore agreed by majority to suspend, Alhaji Shehu Gabam and Dr. Olu Agunloye."

The NEC at the meeting discussed various issues concerning the Party and observed as follows; "The wanton disregard to the provisions of the SDP constitution especially Article 12.5.1(iv); 12.2.2(viii) and Article 19.4 to suspend some officers from the Party."

The NEC added that it is desirous of reversing the ugly trend and has resolved to do so.

SDP Sets April 27-29 For NC, Sacks Acting National Chair and Secretary

Rising from it's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, the NEC set-up the convention planning, zoning and reconciliation committees comprising two members from each region for each of the committees.

The NEC also suspended the acting national Chairman, Dr. Olu Agunloye and national Secretary, Shehu Gabam respectively.

The two party leaders were suspended for alleged various abuses of the constitution. They were also accused of cornering the fees for expression of interest and nomination forms paid by the party's governorship aspirant in the recent Anambra State election, Obinna Uzor.

On the suspension of the duo, the communique stated; "The NEC considered the various abuses of the constitution by the following underlisted officers and therefore agreed by majority to suspend;  Alhaji Shehu Gabam and Dr. Olu Agunloye."

The NEC was presided over by the party's deputy national Chairman (North) Dr Abdul Ahmed Isiaq, who was hitherto suspended by the party.

Attempts to disrupt the gathering by some youth allegedly loyal to the Agunloye camp were repelled by security operatives present at the venue of the meeting which held in a hotel at Area 3, Garki Abuja.

Isiaq who was readmitted into the party on Saturday by the NEC, said the emergency meeting was called based on the provisions of Article 14(2)1 which states that the NEC 
may summon an emergency any time it seems fit provided a seven-day  notice is given to all those statutory to attend.

Madawaki: APC Guber aspirant sponsors party's membership drive through voters registration over 2023 ambition

In his quest to become the next Governor of Adamawa State under the All Progressives Congress, APC, Umar Mustapha Madawaki has bought the idea of increasing the numeric strength of the party muted by the Party's Youth leader, Abubakar Abubakar.

Leveraging on the ongoing voters registration by the Independent National electoral commission (INEC), Umar has sponsored the Adamawa Youth leadership to mobilize people who are eligible to vote in 2023 to register for the exercise.

Umar who is the Otumba of Ekiti is after driving more people to APC, and vowed to strengthen the party's membership through the aforementioned exercise as one of the strategy to gain much grassroots support in the interest of the party.

According to him he is ready to sponsor the mobilization trips across the twenty one local government areas of the state because of his firmed belief that APC is taking over the state from PDP come 2023.

"What we are doing is to strengthen our support and membership base and to also strengthen our nascent Democracy. We have all what it takes to win the 2023 elections in all ramifications.

" If you talk of the political who is who in the state you will discover that most of them are in APC, our support base and party acceptability is second to none. So the exercise is more of educating our people on the need to be relevant during elections, their voters card is their only weapon for silencing underserved leaders.

"I promised our APC Youth of my unrelenting support either cash or kind to successfully carry-out the mobilization exercise in the interest of our party and democracy." Umar said

APC chairmanship: South-south forum urges Buhari to support corruption-free aspirant


The South-south Emerging Leaders' Forum (SELF) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sustain his anti-corruption policy by supporting a corruption-free aspirant among all the contenders for the position of national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).


The forum said President Buhari's major legacies after 2023 should include his successor and those that will emerge the leadership of his party are not indicted by any anti-corruption agency.


In a statement Sunday in Abuja, national coordinator of the forum Barrister Preye Wilson, also challenged Northern political elites not to support a corrupt Southern politician as President Muhammadu Buhari's successor.


Barrister Wilson said his forum has taken it upon itself to help the President identify credible national chairmanship candidate among the eleven aspirants jostling to lead the ruling party.


According to Wilson, a challenge has been thrown to the North to also ensure that only a credible and corruption-free presidential aspirant from the South is supported.


The statement declared that only Senator Sani Musa, currently representing the Niger East Senatorial district of Niger state could be trusted as a corruption-free national chairmanship candidate.


The South-south forum urged the President and all the APC leaders to reward the Niger Senator not only for his contributions to the party but as a good ambassador of the ruling party and the anti-corruption stance of Buhari-led administration.


The forum said in the statement: "As a forum we are mindful of what becomes the anti-corruption fight of Buhari's administration after the President might have left in 2023. We are also mindful of legacies our amiable President will leave behind in terms of a successor and those who lead the ruling party.


"It is a known fact that corruption is contagious and it spreads like a virus that must be avoided. Its spread faster than cancer, if a corrupt or any indicted person is allowed to lead the ruling party one wonder how it will be easy to lead anti-corruption campaign henceforth.


"It is a fact that all the contenders are qualified to be APC national chairman in terms of their political experiences but integrity should be the yardstick and not how long one has been in politics or positions such individuals have held im the past.


"We have, however painstakingly studied the records of all the prominent eleven aspirants that are jostling for the position of APC national chairman and we can only beat our chests for the Senator representing Niger East at the Red Chamber, Muhammed Sani Musa, aka 313.


"We therefore challenge other reputable organisations like ours to cross-check this fact and also do their separate due-diligence in terms of corruption records of all those currently seeking endorsement to lead the APC."

Saturday 22 January 2022

President of Igbo World Assembly Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze Presents Joint Communique for 2023 Power Rotation



Leader, Igbo World Assembly, Dr.Nwachukwu Anakwenze made a strong case for powershift  during a virtual meeting with journalists,social cultural organisations and religious leaders drawn from all sections of the country  by presenting a joint communique issued by Afenifere, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Middle Belt Forum (MBF) and Igbo World Assembly (IWA) 


The Communique which was titled
"2023 Power Rotation Inter-Ethnic Dialogue" was generated  earlier in Awka, Anambra State, on the 4th January, 2022, out of a-one day ethno-political summit titled" 2023 Power Rotation Inter-Ethnic Dialogue", convened by Comrade Kennedy Iyere, President/CEO of Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI), a frontline NGO,  in collaboration with the aforementioned foremost groups representing Nigeria's  ethnic nationalities 


The Communique as read by the President of IWA, Dr. Anakwenze, reached critical decisions on key national issues relating to the 2023 presidential transition 

Minutes of the Communique issued by Nigeria's foremost ethnic nationalities 



1. They demanded that the country must be restructured before the 2023 general elections, in order to guarantee true federalism and also define our corporate existence as a pragmatic federal republic 

2. They demanded the unconditional zoning of the 2023  presidency to the Southern region, hinged on the existing agreement of “rotational presidency”, which since 1999, has been the order of power rotation, only allowing both the northern and southern regions, to hold and rotate power for either a single tenure of four years or double tenure of eight years,  laying strong emphasis on the need for justice, equity and fairness, since the Buhari-led current northern presidency of straight eight years will terminate in 2023.Therefore, the next Nigeria’s president in 2023 must come from the southern region without further negotiations.

(3.) They launched two great political movements created out of the desire and efforts to compulsorily enforce north-to-south power rotation in 2023 and to also provide a unified national grassroots platform for mobilizing youths and other eligible voters for ballot revolution. The two political movements include “Power-Shift Movement” and “Forty Million Ballots Movement”.

3.They demanded that the Igbo Nationalities who are amongst the major ethnic and have not occupied that exalted position should come out from their shell, build bridges and declare their interest as others have pledged unalloyed support.

4 They all agreed to pursue Nigeria’s continued existence as one united Nigeria but demanded the urgent restructuring of the 1999 constitution which is lopsided and does not guarantee true federalism

5: They demanded and unequivocally call on President Muhammadu Buhari to act urgently, as a matter of national interest, in signing into Law, the Electoral Bill,as presented to him by the National Assembly, noting that his “wild goose chase” approach is not healthy for our electoral process. They referenced the Petroleum Act Bill, which he accented to, despite the fact that he observed some amendments were necessary but effected the changes through a letter to the National Assembly. Same way, president Buhari is expected to sign the Electoral Bill into Law and then effect the necessary changes.



 6. They rejected all forms of land grabbing, banditry and killing of host communities and destruction of crops by herders. They frown against these land grabbers and urged government to stop the menace.

7. They urged youth voters who constitute over 60% of Nigeria’s voting strength to mobilize against bad Governance through their ballots or PVCs by recruiting themselves as members of the “Forty Million Ballots Movement”.

Jointly signed by:


Dr Pogu Birus, Chairman, Middle Belt Forum (MBF)


Chief Sola Ebiseni, Secretary-General, Afenifere


Comrade Kenneth Robinson, National Publicity Secretary, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)


Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Chairman, Igbo World Assembly (IWA)


Comrade Kennedy Iyere, President/CEO, Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI)

Dr Tanko Yunusa, Spokesperson, National Consultative Front

APC Leaders Back Akume For Party Chairmanship, Say He Will Uphold Constitution

 
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON



Ahead of the national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), some leaders of the ruling party have given assurance that the former governor of Benue state and the current Minister of Intergovernmental affairs, Senator George Akume, will uphold the party constitution, respect the party's organs among others.


The APC leaders declared that Senator Akume currently stands tall among all other aspirants in the race based on his experience, capability, integrity and support among all interests.


Led by Chief Simone Shango, former National Publicity Secretary of National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Barr. Sam Ode, former Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs and a governorship aspirant, Chief Ray Murphy, Publisher, Summit Newspapers, Chief Terlumun Akputu, a governorship aspirant, Prof. Terhemba Shija, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, among others.


Speaking with newsmen Friday in Abuja, Chairman Contact Committee and Media group for Senator George Akume campaign team, Chief Simon Shango, who led other prominent APC leaders and media personalities, said if elected the minister will work towards ensuring that APC becomes a model in political party administration in Nigeria and beyond.


Chief Shango said: "If elected APC National Chairman, Senator George Akume will be committed to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Constitution of our great Party the All Progressives Congress. To this end, he will respect the powers and responsibilities of all organs and officers of the Party, which is necessary to entrench internal democracy and party discipline. 


"All the Party organs, officers and stakeholders need to work in harmony to consolidate our position as the dominant and ruling party in Nigeria. Senator George Akume's vision is an APC which will be a model in political party administration in Nigeria and beyond."


According to Chief Shango, Senator George Akume has done a lot for our great party APC right from the time of the Inerger. Also, he is not a businessman as he consistently sets his Illind towards service to the good people of Nigeria. Thus we call on our teeming supporters across the country to remain calm, "as nothing good conies easy.


"In relative terms and by all accounts including the views of many APC stakeholders and generality of Nigerians, Senator George Akume is clearly the best aspirant for the job. Consequently, such press attacks are not surprising but would not dampen but augment the support of key stakeholders and Nigerians in general."


The media team assured that Akume will encourage women in general to strive to occupy significant portions of the political and governance spaces.


Other six points agenda, the media team said include; "To bolster confidence in APC, Senator George Akume will hold periodic Town Hall Interactive Sessions around the country and convey feedback to the APC Governments at all levels. Also, he will promote and participate in a robust social media communication scheme to feel the pulse of Nigerians, especially the youths and encourage the respective APC Governments to appropriately act on key issues raised. Senator George Akume will passionately see to the faithful implementation of APC's Manifesto.


"The calm, focused and foresighted, Distinguished Senator George Akume will bring his extensive experience and competences to bear on the job, by thinking and acting outside the box in prioritizing the tackling and solving of APC's myriad problems.


"Senator George Akume is well placed to achieve these goals, having been two-term elected Governor of Benue State, three-term (12 years) Senator including as Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senate Minority Leader, and currently, Minister of the Federal Republic, among others.


"Senator George Akume will deploy his PR skills to effectively engage and collaborate with all shades of stakeholders to achieve sustainable reconciliation and peace by being firm but fair to all.


"Senator George Akume will devise credible ways and means to create space for youths and encourage them to participate meaningfully in the political arena both in terms of elective and appointive offices at the Federal, State and Local Government levels."


Born on 27th December 1953 in Wannune, Benue State, Senator George Akume had served for three terms (12 years) as the Senator representing North-West Senatorial District (2007-2019) and was Chairman Senate Committee on Army and also Senate Minority Leader. Since 2019, he has been the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

Thursday 20 January 2022

MNJTF Commander Urges Troops To Be Focused, Ruthless In Decimating Remnants Of BHTs, ISWAP



The Force Commander (FC) Multinational Joint Task Force, Maj Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim made an operational visit to Headquarters 3 Battalion in Gamboru Ngala on  January 18,  22.

According to a statement signed by the Chief of Military Public Information HQ MNJTF Ndjamena Chad, Colonel Muhammad Dole dated January 19,  2022,  the FC was received by the Commanding Officer (CO) Lt Col AS Olasegbe.

 The FC and his entourage were given an operational brief by the CO and thereafter, entertained by the cultural dancing groups of the Ngala community. 

The FC addressed troops of the Battalion and thanked them for their courage doggedness and dedication. 
He encouraged them to be more focused and ruthless in decimating the remnants of the BHTs/ ISWAP by supporting their CO in his operations. 

He also informed them that he has been briefed on their extended stay in the mission area and he is also aware being their former general officer commanding,he however assured them that the AHQ was working assiduously to rotate them soonest and that they should remain patient disciplined as always. 

The FC then addressed the Civilian Joint Task Force and Hunters in Gamboru by thanking them for volunteering to assist the military whenever called upon and assured them that plans were underway to ensure an end is brought to the menace of the BHts/ISWAP. He also met separately with  government officials and representatives of security agencies in the area. 

Thereafter, the FC and his entourage accompanied by the CO 3 Battalion visited the MNJTF Sector 1 (Cameroun) troops at Wulgo. 

The Commander Col Njock John William received the FC and his entourage and gave them an operational brief at his Headquarters. 

The FC commended the Commander and his men for their hard work in holding their ground in-spite of the repeated attacks by the BHTs/ISWAP. He thanked them for their service and promised to support them at all times. 

The FC called for more collaboration between the MNJTF troops and the 3 Bn troops in order to rid their AOR of the terrorists. The FC then addressed the Civilian Joint Task Force and Hunters in Wulgo by thanking them for volunteering to assist the military whenever called upon and assured them that plans were underway to ensure an end is brought to the menace of the BHts/ISWAP. 

The FC was taken on a guided tour of   Wulgo town where it was observed that normalcy had been restored as traders were in the markets and farmers were in their farms. 

The FC also had a meeting with the Theatre Commander Op HADIN KAI who was also on an operational tour of his area of responsibility. Issues discussed bordered on improving synergy and cooperation between the 2 operations. 

Visit was hitch free and the FC has returned to his Headquarters in Ndjamena Chad. 

In another development, the FC MNJTF Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim assured the United Nations (UN) continuous collaboration and synergy with its agencies in the course of execution of MNJTF mandates. 

The FC made the remarks when he received a UN delegation led by the Deputy Director, Regional Operations Division, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) Mrs Poussin Florence at the HQ MNJTF on 19 January 2022. 

General Ibrahim welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the visit, which he said will surely reinforce and enhance the exiting relationship. 

As part of the activities marking the visit, an information brief detailing the MNJTF activities was presented to the delegation and thereafter an interactive session took place.

While highlighting some of the MNJTF mandate, the Force Commander was emphatic on the positive impact of critical roles of the UN agencies and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the implementation of the MNJTF mandate.

He added that, the MNJTF facilitates the return of the IDPs and refugees to their ancestral homes, hence the urgent need for UN intervention to stabilize the situation in the Lake Chad region. 

“The personnel of the MNJTF across the sectors are equally engaged in retraining on Human rights and International Humanitarian laws, so as to keep abreast with contemporary global best practices” he said.

In her remarks, while acknowledging the unique nature of the MNJTF of using a collective approach to solving the security challenges within the region, Mrs Poussin Florence thanked the FC for the detailed brief and warm reception to the delegation. 

She said, UN will continue to support and collaborate with MNJTF to enable it achieve its mandates. Explaining that, the UNDSS is responsible for risk management by assessing the level of risks of any programme proposed by the UN to its different strategic partners. 

She commended the recorded successes of the Force, as she noted that the intensity of the terrorists’ obnoxious activities have considerably reduced in the Lake Chad basin. The visits were hitch free.

Wednesday 19 January 2022

Convention: Don't elect EFCC-indicted ex-governors as chairman, Emerging leaders warn APC


...Roots for Senator Sani 313


Ahead of the national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) slated for February 26 in Abuja, a South-south Emerging Leaders' Forum (SELF) has warned leaders of the party not to elect some former governors and individuals in the race who have been indicted for some financial crimes by anti-corruption agencies.


In a statement released to newsmen Wednesday in Abuja, national coordinator of the group Barrister Preye Wilson, warned that the ruling party does not need a national chairman that will be dragging in and out of the anti-corruption agencies' offices to explain their dealings in the past.


Barrister Wilson said it is time for the ruling party to deviate from past experiences of electing former governor as national chairman.


While making reference to a media report titled: "APC faces integrity test, five chairmanship aspirants on EFCC radar," the South-south forum warned that if any of these allegedly indicted chairmanship aspirants is elected as a national chairman the party will be easily blackmailed by the opposition parties and other critics.


The report published by a Nigerian Newspapers argues that "President Buhari, who claims the fight against corruption is the cornerstone of his administration, has constantly frowned against corrupt persons taking up positions of leadership. With some of the aspirants still battling cases at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, will the President as the leader of the party, and the APC hierarchy be willing to look the other way or will they insist that anyone is free to contest? Providing an answer to this question would require looking into the profiles of the 11 aspirants."


The South-south forum, however, urged the party delegates and leaders at all levels to consider a brilliant Senator Mohammed Sani Musa's integrity, track records, firmness and simplicity among those parading themselves as chairmanship aspirants in APC.


"For us in the South-south Emerging Leaders' Forum, we believe that the best way the ruling party can continue to discourage corruption as clearly stated in the agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari is to elect a new national chairman that's free of EFCC or ICPC cases. 


"We also note that since the successful merger process the produced the ruling APC former governors have had enough time. From our father former governor of Osun state Chief Bisi Akande, who was succeeded by another former governor of Edo state Chief John Odigie Oyegun and later to another former governor of Edo state Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, we feel it is time to try a Senator and a competent hand at that.


"We therefore appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President and Speaker, former and serving governors, and all the APC leaders at all levels to support the aspiration of Senator Mohammed Sani Musa from Niger state to emerge the next national chairman of APC.


"This we believe that governing APC will not regret. We have taken our time to investigate all the aspirants, we have listened to them at various platform and also read about their plans for the party and therefore come to a conclusion that Senator representing Niger East is currently the best to lead an anti-corruption political party among other indices."

Adamawa: How APC can regain control in 2023 --part 2


By:
Tom Garba

In the first instalment of this two-part analysis, I tried to show how Adamawa, a political no man's land, transited from moderate to left-of-centre leadership with Governor Nyako rebellion against PDP in the twilight years of the Goodluck Jonathan presidency. 

President Jonathan expectably kissed the dust in the aftermath of the conservative North's gang-up aimed at favouring Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. 

Buhari, who had become a perpetual presidential candidate, repeatedly sought the presidency as though his life depended on it. He first tangoed with an Igbo running mate, then a Yoruba man, and then a Redeemed Christian Church of God pastor.

APC in Adamawa can still make it to the Government House if it does things differently.

Essentially, I am guiding APC's attention to the paramount need for togetherness and concentration on achieving the greater good, rather than self-aggrandisement. Without unity, the APC can achieve little.

We must help all people, young and old, to achieve only the best for the future and society. Unity is strength, so let us reach out to care for one another. 

The small redwood trees can provide shelter to both dwarfs and giants. Nature is like that...gives humanity a very crucial lesson. Our real strength is our willingness to care for and support each other. We are caregivers by divine ordination. Wisdom is the understanding of the simple universal principles in giving and receiving. In getting things you make a living, by giving, you make a life. This is one of the reasons for this appeal flagrantly violated with impunity.

The party got it all wrong in the last outing (2019 general election) when internal democracy mechanisms were not properly put in place. Today's politics is all about giving and taking, the reason democracy is as yet generally accepted as the best form of government. Result-oriented negotiations among stakeholders were not we're not undertaken, they were done with no sense of commitment, sincerity and honesty. This made people like Governor Murtala Hammanyero Nyako, alongside Abdulaziz, his son in the Senate for Adamawa Central, to cross over to the African Democratic Congress... not with a full conviction that he would win but driven by gross acrimony arising from the APC primaries. Other issues were skewed against the Nyakos.  That breakaway by Nyako the son deflated the APC considerably and took its toll on the electability of the ruling party.

The 113,237 ballots representing 13 percent of the total did break the camel's back. The PDP won. 

The arithmetic in the minds of many was that the over 113,237 votes of Abdulaziz, if he were in the APC, would not have gone to the opposition camp (PDP), thereby toppling Governor Muhammed Umaru Bindow of the APC who had polled 336,386 (38.61 percent) while Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of the PDP received 376,552 (43.22 percent) with a narrow difference of 37,476.

Another arithmetic that people are not considering is the fact that the rancour in the APC family in 2019 also infuriated people like Emmanuel Bello to leave the APC to the Social Democratic Party. He scored 29,792 of the total ballots.  It would have been a little push by the APC to still win the election despite son Nyako's exit to the ADC, considering the votes he polled. Remember the difference between Bindow and Fintiri polls is 37,476. When you compare Bello's votes (29,792) with the overall difference it gives a 7,678 difference … meaning that 7,678 would have been the magic votes to decide Bindow's fate if Emmanuel Bello had not quit for SDP.

The "enemy" within and lack of concerted efforts to reach out to all aggrieved members for peaceful negotiations led to the present predicament of APC. But if APC is united and works for a common purpose, it can take over the Yola Government House come 2023.

Yola North Local Government Area is a larger pool with higher electoral value than anywhere else in Adamawa. Jimeta, the seat of Governor Fintiri, will have problems because of many issues involving the stakeholders of the area.

According to an analysis by one Zayyad Jalo, nearly 90 percent of Fintiri’s road projects are disingenuously concentrated in the capital city. The same Jimeta area produced the Secretary to the Government, Bashir Ahmed, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Yayaji Mijinyawa, and some board appointees. 

Governor Fintiri did well for Jimeta in those areas. However, Fintiri will have serious political problems with the Jimeta people on two counts. The first and most prominent is the current attempt to balkanize Jimeta into three districts.

Secondly and where I also agree with Zayyad, the Fintiri government is weak in terms of youth empowerment and development, including ending the menace urchins or "Shila boys" who frequently rob tricycle passengers.

Jimeta indigenes in the Adamawa cabinet, especially the SSG, should have apprised the governor of the faux pas associated with more districts.
Generally in politics, incumbency and war-chests are important and go hand-in-hand, but the relationship is the key. To be fair, Commissioner Yayaji Mijinyawa has a good relationship with the youths.

Despite the lack of payment of allowances for district heads for nearly nine months, many communities in Adamawa need new districts and should be obliged. So far, the attempt by the government to increase the districts to 130 has also elicited more demands from 68 more communities, but in Jimeta there was no single request. The community was not consulted, and there is no need for new districts at all. The Jimeta community and its elders, including critical stakeholders from all the political parties, the business community, and clergy including many people serving in the Fintiri government see the attempt to create additional districts as ill-motivated. Jimeta (Yola North LGA) till today doesn’t have defined administrative boundaries which the government is supposed to address. 

Jimeta has the highest number of registered voters in Adamawa with over 250,000 and often their vote comes en bloc. They are also among the deciding votes in Adamawa politics. This is why ignoring Jimeta or imposing candidates on the electorate comes at a cost. It is indeed political suicide.

If the House goes ahead to pass its ill-advised gerrymandering of Jimeta, Jimeta voters have a unique way of casting their bloc votes during elections. For sure, they almost always "speak" with one voice.

If the APC family will leverage this fact and remain united, victory is certain. Relevant stakeholders should have a round table discussion of who gets what and takes what. From ward to local government level, let there be a round table meeting of all the stakeholders from each Senatorial District. 

The major problem of APC I can say is the governorship which has many qualified aspirants, each with a unique ability to govern the state well. The Adamawa Central, the area with a massive population, has begun a legitimate support campaign for other zones to allow it to produce a governor in 2023. A good and welcome idea as the group is agitating.  But if the aspirants can sheath their swords by bringing a neutral person even if it means wooing a sellable aspirant from another party and standing up to support him to the end, I can see success and a light at the end of the tunnel.

Southern zone of Adamawa exhibit similar voting patterns and characteristics. If no-holds-barred reconciliation is deployed and positions and offices are shared amicably, I see a victory for APC in 2023.

In the Northern parts of the state, with the new unfolded decision of APC stakeholders as regard the leadership of Mubi North and Mubi South local government areas leadership, these are areas with densely populated registered voters of over 250,000, it is a step at the right direction in holding fast the baton of control by APC if unity is the front line of thought by the APC family members.

Heavy weight politicians of this zone who owned orchids political successes if they will consider the penultimate decision, discard the paludal personal agenda and set up a round table meeting to decide the fate of Adamawa not on personal ground, this will produce to them a collective political interest.

The Ngilaris, patience and gentleman attributes are the best description of the former house of representatives members (Michika/Madagali), former deputy Governor and hold brief in the office as a former a Governor during the Nyako's impeachment turbulence. He is still a strong voice in the political say of Adamawa Northern zone and the entire State. The Bintas, a woman with one of a million rounds political applauses, a political Northern woman with a high intimidating profile as a two times former house of representatives member in two different state (Kaduna and Adamawa), pioneer APC State chairperson and one time senator to had represented the Northern zone, currently nursing an ambition to return as a senator. The Abbos, who is seen as the Young Man in Nigeria early enough to be in the corridor of power and making sound contributions in the national Assembly, presently as the Senator of the zone. For this gallant Young Man, I foresee a brighter political future for him than it is now if he can be patient, resolute and steady chasing after what I can call legitimate political struggles. The Jafars is another ruddy young politician who got it early in the political line up of the zone and doing well as a lawmaker representing Mubi South, Mubi North and Maiha. The Manas, former military Governor of Plateau state, former Senator of the zone and elder statesman. The Bindows, a Man with rare qualities of leadership, humble and easy going personality haven born with the Silver spoon. The down to earth gentleman is a thorough breed business Icon, was a former senator who passed the baton of senatorial seat to Binta Masi in 2015. The immediate past Governor of Adamawa state. If these heroes and heroin can sit down with a good mind set to iron out the little political folks that spoil the APC's vein, it is hopeful to say the party will have a work over celebration of regaining power come 2023.

In the Northern zone is undoubtedly to say that the former Governor of Adamawa (Bindow) is still in charge of the political structures, his political glory still reigns and the spectrums of his political light spread across the 21 local government of the state. He is still a high profile political personality to reckon with not only in Adamawa but the country at large. 

The aforementioned political juggernauts in the Adamawa Northern zone if they can have a self conscience of giving it up for others not for me, at a roundtable inwardly talk senses to themselves and take decision base on the whims of give and take Democratic principles not in the caprices of naira and kobo or personal gains, considering Bindow as their candidate from the zone may not be a bad idea, it may probably be the best option for the APC family in the entire state. As early stated in my first part of this piece and in this installment I reiterated that all the candidates aspiring to be Governor are well qualified and perfectly can deliver Adamawa state from the crutches of slow and steady administration. My own thinking is to call on every influential member of APC to employ the ubuntu principle togetherness and oneness in moving toward a target goal, which means Justice that emphasis is no me without you, and you cannot get there without me. A principle of one for all, and all for one.

I rest my case as I watch the unfolding events coming in the near future in the Adamawa APC family if they can get it right or wrong.

I see peace, I pray for unity and I write for all be it black or white, my pen is fill with indelible ink to write for the sake of justice, peace and Unity. God bless you all.

Tom Garba, Political Opinion writer 
Writes from Jimeta-Yola
Adamawa state
He can be reached through this means
08172570959

Monday 17 January 2022

APC presidential ticket: Nabena urges supporters to shun hate speech, campaign of calumny


Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Hon. Yekini Nabena, has warned supporters of different presidential aspirants of the party to desist from campaign calumny capable of demarketing whoever emerges the candidate of the party.


Nabena who urged the party members to avoid hate speechs and embrace issue-based campaigns rather than attacking themselves, said "It’s too early to be unnecessarily emotive."


While two APC presidential aspirants have made their aspirations known to the public, others are yet to declare publicly.


The APC chieftain warned in a statement on Monday that whatever negative comments made against any of those seeking the ticket of the APC now will later be used as a demonisation weapon by the opposition parties.


Nabena said since all those aspiring to fly the ticket of APC are all from the same political party, party supporters should see themselves as one and play up their advantages.


According to him, whoever emerges as the party presidential candidate during the primary will need to extend the olive branch to others because the party does not need a divided house if it must win an election.


Nabena expressed the belief that the party would give a level playground to all aspirants during the primary and support whoever emerges as candidate of the party.


The Bayelsa born politician said: "My appeal is for all our members to embrace issues-based campaigns strategies in selling whoever they feel should succeed our dear President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. There is no need to be unnecessarily emotive about it. 


"I believe that all our presidential aspirants are well qualified to pick the ticket. It is a fact that participatory democracy gives room for choices even within the same political party as it is a practice in the APC. We should therefore engage constructively without demonising ourselves bearing in mind that whatever we say against each other now will later be capitalized on by other political parties during the general elections."


Nabena tasked the APC members who were already attacking  aspirants against their principals to cool their tempers and embrace civility.


"It is also important not to distract both the party and some of our aspirants who are still holding one position of responsibility or the other. We should not deny Nigerians dividends of democracy we promised by unnecessarily heating up the polity," Nabena tasked APC members

Sunday 16 January 2022

COAS CELEBRATES HEROES, PRESENTS VEHICLES FOR THEIR SACRIFICES


In commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration(AFRDC) 2022, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has presented brand new Hilux Vehicles to 14  living heroes of the Nigerian Army for having served the nation, when their services were mostly needed. The COAS added that the presentation was in honour and recognition of the sacrifices of both the fallen heroes and veterans who are still alive for their services to the Nigerian Army (NA), the nation and humanity.The presentation was done nationwide, across all formations of the NA to signpost the significance of the celebration. 

Presenting the vehicles on behalf of the COAS to one of the beneficiaries, the Provost Marshal (PM), Army, Major General Robert Aiyenigba stated that Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration provided an opportunity for retrospection and  appreciation of the patriotism and  sacrifices demonstrated by both veterans and fallen heroes. " It is in appreciation of their services that the COAS presents these vehicles to the retirees" he stated.Gen Aiyenigba further pointed out, that the gesture is an affirmation of the high premium, the COAS places on welfare of personnel. 

The Provost Marshal symbolically handed over the keys and official documents of a brand new Hilux Vehicle to the former Regimental Sergeant Major, Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police (NACMP),  Ex Army Warrant Officer Akinyokun Felix, on the occasion of his retirement after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation. 

In his response for the kind gesture, Ex MWO Akinyokun Felix thanked the COAS for finding them worthy of the award, describing it as a morale booster to them and those they left in service. He added that they will continue to support the NA to succeed in  her constitutional mandate, even in retirement.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
16 January 2022