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Igbo Presidency: Will they have it in 2023?

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President Ohaneze Ndigbo

 

Abbas Yushau Yusuf

Igbo Presidency may have become silenced as agitators may have tired due to its seemingly unending realization

When pundits are asked when will Igbos have a shot at the Presidency, many Nigerians will think that the question is rhetorical or meant to tease the third most populous race in Nigeria.

By the time Nigeria get independence in 1960, an Igbo man that had the only chance to rule Nigeria was Major General Johnson Thomas Umanakwe Aguiyi Ironsi for only six months.

Since the counter-coup that swept him from office Nigerian politics did not augur well for the Igbos.

The July 29, 1966, counter-coup that removed General Ironsi from power plunged the country into a three-year civil war.

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Nigeria did not recuperate from the war until after the introduction of three R’s by General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s  Pre- War and Postwar Head of state.

The three R’s of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction made the war-torn Southeast to be rehabilitated and reconstructed.

But for the past 54 years what has been preventing the Igbos from accessing the highest office of the land?

The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 regards the whole country as the constituency to which an aspiring President has to drum support before being elected.

The blunders said to have been done by Igbos of the south-east may not be unconnected with strictly aligning to one political party since Nigeria return to Democracy.

In its 21 years of Civil rule from 1999 to date, Igbos did not even play the second fiddle, they only had the chance to be senate Presidents from Evans Enwerem to Chuba Okadigbo to Anyim Pius Anyim, Adolphus Wabara and lastly Ken Nnamani.

In his four-time contest before becoming elected President of Nigeria, President Muhamadu Buhari had picked two late Igbos as running mates but he only ends up getting embarrassed votes from the southeast.

The first Igbo running mate chose by President Muhammadu Buhari was Late Chief Dr. Wilberforce William Chuba Okadigbo and late second Republic House speaker Chief Edwin Ume Ezeoke,   but still, the Igbos refused to give President Muhammadu Buhari block votes during his four-time contest.

Therefore one will ask are the Igbos ready to bring the southeast into mainstream national politics like what the southwest did in 2015 and 2019.

Atiku tried to woo them in 2019 general elections but was beaten by President Muhammadu Buhari.

With the exception of Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe and General Aguiyi Ironsi that once had a shot at Nigeria’s highest office as a result of realities of their time.

The way  South-east has been distancing the region from mainstream national politics it will be hard for an Igbo man to become Nigeria’s President in the near future.

If the APC agrees to the power shift arrangement it had with the southwest the pendulum will swing in the southwest and likely a Yoruba man may succeed President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2023.

Read aslo:The new trend of Hausa film making in Nigeria

The political equation will only favor Igbos if they woo other Nigerians and aligned themselves with the mainstream National politics and deviate from banking in only one political party.

Even Nigeria People’s party of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe did not fetch him the Presidency in the second republic let alone in the 21st century when every Nigerian is becoming more aware and sophisticated with realities of the ground.

 

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Politics

Gov. Gida-Gida and Ganduje: The Firing of Unwarranted Political Salvos-Adamu Aminu

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Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Successor Abba Kabir Yusuf

 

By Adamu Aminu.

It is extremely disheartening to see how recently our two elder statesmen, the Kano state Governor, His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusif, politically known as Abba Gida-Gida, and his immediate predecessor, the ex-Kano and present APC National chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are busy exchanging salvos directly at each other.

The exchanges of verbal brawls through their spokesmen emanated shortly after Governor Abba Kabir Yusif inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry to investigate cases of misappropriation of public property, political violence, and missing persons from 2015 to 2019 to 2023.

It was unfortunate; all the accusations and counter-accusations from both sides were riddled with harsh and demeaning words, deemed unrepeatable and unworthy to come from our respected leaders who are beating chests of leading Kano, the state that has reached the zenith of political maturity in the whole nation.

I was automatically dumbfounded by how the exchanged salvos and political sarcasm were randomly so directed at each other, without revisiting the fact that history never lies; someday, posterity will judge them.

This comes at a time when the warring parties should set aside their differences and make Kano their concern and priority, but they resorted to opening the doors of all blackmailing arsenals at their disposal, overtly directed at each other, without knowing that their utterances and accusations are doing more harm than good to Kano state in general.

This came at a time when our counterpart States in the South, like Lagos, Rivers, and others, have already set politics aside and deeply engaged in the execution of developmental projects for their people, but Kano, a state of whole-tenure politics, is dragging feet towards the fulfillment of promises during electioneering campaigns.

At this time when most Kano industries are not functional, there is no portable water, unemployment, poverty, hunger, and thuggery clogging the wheels of Kano’s economic development, instead, they resorted to engaged in trading bitter words and pointing accusing fingers at themselves.

I think it’s time for our Excellency, the state governor Abba Kabir Yusif, and his predecessor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to wake up from their slumbers and stop demeaning themselves politically.

Trading accusations of one’s incompetence, docility, and another’s accusation of land grabbing and rat-like behavior is not the utmost priority for Kano populace.

It’s time to stop deceiving ourselves with the longstanding Kano praise “Kano Tumbin Giwa, Ko dame Kazo An Fika,” which means Kano, the melting pot, whatever you came along with, you’re far left behind. Kano state in this modern era deserves to be far from where it is now.

I do hope and pray that Governor Abba and his predecessor Ganduje make Kano and Kanawas their utmost priority. They are our role models, exchanging incendiary remarks with each other will show that politics isn’t only a dirty game, it’s a dirty war of raining curses and abuses.

They should know that someday around this time, they will be no more; only their legacies will make them immortal in the memory of Kano populace.

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Is The Head of All Political Parties in Kano-Dala

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In a surprising turn of events following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent victory at the Supreme Court, Anas Abba Dala, a former APC chieftain and a devoted supporter of the Governor, has declared that Governor Yusuf is now the de facto head of all political parties in Kano. This assertion includes the APC, the NNPP, and the PDP.

Speaking exclusively to Kano based radio station Freedom Radio, Anas Abba Dala expressed his conviction that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Supreme Court triumph has positioned him as a unifying figure transcending party lines. Dala, who was once a prominent member of the APC, emphasized the significance of the Governor’s victory in unifying Kano’s political landscape.

In the interview, Dala highlighted the historical context of Governor Yusuf’s political journey, acknowledging the Governor’s ability to garner support across party lines. He commended the Supreme Court’s decision, declaring it a victory for not only the PDP but for all political parties in Kano.

Anas Abba Dala’s statement reflects a shifting political narrative, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership is perceived as a unifying force that transcends partisan affiliations. The Supreme Court’s validation of the Governor’s victory serves as a catalyst for a renewed sense of political collaboration and cooperation in Kano.

While this declaration is likely to stir conversations within the political sphere, it underlines the potential for a more inclusive and cooperative political landscape in Kano under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership. As the news of this assertion spreads, it will be interesting to observe how political dynamics in Kano evolve in response to this declaration of unity across party lines.

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Non-indigenes in Kano Unite in Prayer for Dr Nasir Gawuna’s Success at Supreme Court

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Honourable Seyi Olorunsola, a prominent APC stalwart and Opinion Leader in Kano, has mobilized the non-indigenous Christian community to fervently pray for the success of Dr Nasir Gawuna, the APC candidate, in an impending Supreme Court hearing. This legal battle arises from the NNPC’s appeal, led by Governor Abna Yusuf, challenging the results of the March 18, 2023, Gubernatorial elections in Kano State.

At a prayer conference organized by Honourable Seyi, the non-indigenous Christian community gathered to intercede for Dr Nasir Gawuna, seeking divine intervention in the pursuit of reclaiming his mandate. Honourable Seyi urged attendees to persevere in prayer until victory is secured and cautioned against potential interference, notably mentioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the need to remain unaffected by NNPP propaganda aiming to undermine the APC administration.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for upholding the rule of law, Honourable Seyi emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in ensuring justice. He encouraged them to remain vigilant until justice is unequivocally served, highlighting the commitment to a fair and impartial legal process, free from external influences.

Addressing NNPP concerns about the legitimacy of the APC victory, Honourable Seyi reassured the public of the APC’s commitment to the democratic process. The call for prayers from the non-indigenous Christian community not only testifies to their faith but also demonstrates solidarity with Dr Nasir Gawuna.

The prayer conference also included appeals for peace and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria at large, emphasizing a broader vision for a united and flourishing nation. The collective hopes extend beyond the immediate political context, envisioning a Kano and Nigeria where peace prevails, prosperity thrives, and democratic principles are upheld.

Honourable Seyi Olorunsola’s call for a prayer conference reflects not just the intensity of the political situation in Kano but also underscores the significance of faith and unity during times of uncertainty.

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