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The Osinbajo/RCCG Connection: A Reason To Be Worried-Maiwada Dammallam

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Professor Yemi Osinbajo

 

Maiwada Danmalam

Public perception matters a lot in politics. Things are as correct as perceived by the public notwithstanding the correctness of the perception. The viral letter by the Assistant General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God  (RCCG) announcing the Church’s creation of the “Office of Directorate of Politics and Governance”, apparently intended to be a deft religious move to midwife the birth of “President Osinbajo,” is obviously a daft political move which may shoot down Osibanjo’s presidential kite even before it begins to fly.

One of VP Osibanjo’s liabilities as a presidential candidate is his premium subscription with the RCCG which, even among the different sects of the Nigerian christian community is a very unsettling variable and a huge liability which the RCCG should be working to downplay rather than be seen adopting as a political asset. The truth is, Nigeria is so demarcated along religious lines that VP Osibanjo’s mere title of “Pastor” is enough to cost him the support of a large chunk of Nigeria’s Muslim community much less, when he’s seen as a special project of a particular church; one that’s already being seen as the only focus of VP Osibanjo in matters of the state given the many allegations of his inability to separate matters of the state and religious matters. He’s at various times accused of giving undue attention to members of his church where and when the situation demands skillful and impartial disposition. If anything, it’s this aspect of Osibanjo’s perceived identify the RCCG should be working to pacify or altogether debunk. It’s quite a dicey matter that RCCG cannot afford to be seen directly doing so and must outsource.

Rivers Police Arrests 4 Kidnappers who Killed a Pastor

I’m afraid, by our actions and inactions, whether knowingly or unknowingly, we have allowed religion to take control of our political responses and inclinations and the rules cannot change overnight, not for Osibanjo or anybody. As we make our bed, so we sleep on it. I wonder why it couldn’t make sense to the RCCG that at some point in pursuit of his presidential ambition, Osibanjo’s predecessor, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a more seasoned politician with more aggressive presidential ambition, had to officially drop the title of “Alhaji” to downplay his regional and religious identity while enhancing a nationalistic image required for the tricky, volatile and highly unpredictable Nigerian political waters. Osibanjo and his handlers are doing exactly the opposite either pushed by naivety or flagrant arrogance and insensitivity to the religious and cultural make-up of Nigeria.

Of course, some people may argue that “JIBWIS” aka “Izala sect” campaigned vigorously for “General Buhari” at different points in his career as a politician, more prominently in 2015. Concurred! But let’s not forget, Buhari is no Osibanjo. While Buhari came into the 2015 arena with 12m votes in his kitty, Osibanjo is going into the 2023 arena not knowing what’s in his kitty beside the goodwill of his “estranged” political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who donated him to the APC in 2015 to balance the Buhari ticket in fulfillment of democratic obligations. Then, the kitty Osibanjo is carrying to the arena in 2023 could be said to be empty given his yet to be resolved conflict of interest with Tinubu, his political godfather.

As it is, Osibanjo is a political orphan being adopted by a very unqualified and clumsy foster political parents, the RCCG, who will do more harm than good to his presidential ambition by pushing him to tread on Nigeria’s most dangerous fault line. It’s my personal opinion he stand better chance going into the arena alone than in RCCG’s baby stroller. I don’t have problem with Osibanjo’s religious identity or his presidential but certainly, I’m worried with his choice of RCCG as a political vehicle to achieve the presidency of a religious diverse Nigeria. If it’s not already too late, he should choose a more all-inclusive platform to showcase the whys and hows he’s qualified to the next President of Nigeria.

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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Politics

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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Politics

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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