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Tinubu’s Tender And The Ordeal Of Osinbajo

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By Bala Ibrahim.

It is now official that the national leader of the ruling APC and former governor of Lagos sate, chief Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaba of Borgu, has formally tendered, or put himself forward as a contender with interest in the 2023 presidency.

Yesterday, Monday,10/01/2022, Tinubu told newsmen that he had visited and personally told President Muhammadu Buhari of his intention to contest the 2023 presidency. This has put paid, or effectively stopped the long time speculation about the ambition of Ahmed Tinubu, who said, “his ambition of becoming the president of Nigeria is a lifelong ambition”.

Since yesterday, reactions have been pouring in response to the news, with some expressing disgust, while others are excitedly supportive. Amongst the early callers with negative comments is the critic and former minister of Education, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, who said, “the APC leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, does not have control of Alimosho, the largest local government area in Lagos State, what more of the whole of Nigeria. Tinubu is being over exaggerated”. Exekwesile said, “Tinubu was only able to deliver 86,897 votes out of the 650,000 registered voters in Alimosho in the last presidential election. Tinubu is believed to wield much power in the South-West. He worked for the election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Tinubu and his like in #APCPDP control only as much as we let them. Alimosho for example, is the largest local government in Lagos State with over 1.2million persons resident according to official census figures. In 2015, only about 650,000 of these people registered and obtained their PVCs. We must collectively tell the likes of Mr Bola Tinubu that the season of lowest common denominator of political leaders doing “turn-by-turn” incompetent governance of Nigeria is over. But the question is, “are the citizens ready to collectively do so?”.

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While some disagreed with Ezekwesile on this, believing Tinubu is fit for the job, me thinks the collective wish of the citizens is not the biggest challenge at hand now. The collective challenge to face is the blow given to the speculated ambition of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who served as the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice of Lagos state, when Tinubu was the governor. Its an open secret that Osinbajo wouldn’t have been where he is today if not for Tinubu’s foresight and policy of inclusiveness. Osinbajo is undoubtedly interested in the Tinubu’s tender.

But would that matter to the Vice President, who has been in the villa since 2015, enjoying the paraphernalia of power and listening to the whispers of the power mongers? In such capacity, he must be feeling extremely competent to continue from where his boss stopped. Confronted with such a choice, and sandwiched between it and the morals of personal loyalty to another boss, Osinbajo would be compulsorily compelled, or confused by the credo of the confidence of competence, to dare the godfather.

When asked by the press as to what he feels about the likelihood of the Vice President challenging him, Tinubu was evasive, saying that he would rather not discuss any individual now but himself. He said he has the confidence, vision and capacity to build on the foundation of the president and turn Nigeria better, just as he did with commitment and yielding zeal in Lagos State.

But that is not the speculation in town. Those rooting for the Vice President are saying it would be wrong of him to abandon his rumoured intentions to run for the president because of Tinubu, insisting that he should not allow his past to stand on his way to the future.

The biggest confusion is dependent on the body language of the President, because he holds the joker. Going by his conscious response to a question put forward to him at a recent media chat, PMB said he is not interested in who succeeds him. But if we go by his unconscious movements and postures, we can predict that the President is interested in a successor that would not become a liability to him and the country, particularly after putting a lot of efforts in the fight against the scourge of corruption.

The duo of Tinubu and Osinbajo have not been clinically cleared of the suspicions of financial wrong doings, at east in the public courts. In the periods he acted as President, news from the grapevine have indicted the Vice President of financial mismanagement and administrative recklessness; sins that have not been officially confirmed, but looking too true to be discarded, at least based on the subsequent display of disposition to such assignment by the President.

Tinubu said when he informed the President about his intention, the President asked him to go ahead, and he believes the President is a democrat who didn’t tell him to stop chasing his ambition. But like Osinbajo, he has not been cleared of wrong doings, particularly in the area of cash and carry politicking.

Which is exactly where the leadership of the ruling APC needs to be upstanding. To ensure a proper checkmate against the evils of financial inducements, which Mr. President said he wants to eliminate, the party chairman and his lieutenants must be high-minded.

Fortunately, as a tested and trusted politician, whose major ambition is a second term in office, H.E. Mai Mala Buni, the Governor of Yobe state and the caretaker chairman of the APC, has been demonstrating decorum in this direction.

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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