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When The Going Was Going Good

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Bola Ahmad Tinubu

 

By Bala Ibrahim.

The popular phrase is, When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. The ambition of the phrase is that when there are problems, strong people work hard to solve them, or, when the situation gets critical, those who aren’t weak in will, work harder and never give up. The proverb is attributed to Joseph P. Kennedy, the father of former US President, John F. Kennedy.

Someone somewhere wrote something similar and supportive, but with a sarcastic intention, thus, when the going goes good, the goodies get going. The advanced interpretation of the phrase could carry a cynical query, that would ask, what was being done when the going was going good, and the goodies were going round?

This article intends to juxtapose the position of both phrases with the political situation of the APC, with respect to the issue of return on political investment, as they stand on the fate of Asiwaju, chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaba of Borgu.

Tinubu’s Tender And The Ordeal Of Osinbajo

To say that Tinubu had contributed in the political development of Nigeria, especially in entrenching and ensuring the distribution of good democratic dividends is an understatement. But is there a price, if yes, has it been paid?

Perhaps the answer would come when we know what was done when the going was going good.

Political scientists say political risk assessment helps political investors understand the political environment of the country, in order for them to know the kind of return or returns they would reap from their investments.

Has Tinubu made that risk assessment before his investment, and is there, or was there any goodies he got when the going was good?

Yes, as things stand, the going may not be too good for Tinubu, as far as his life long political ambition is concerned, because feelers from everywhere, are suggesting he may not get the presidential ticket of the APC, a thing that has made him to start the outburst of anger.

Speaking recently in Abeokuta, while addressing the APC delegates ahead of the party’s primaries, Tinubu said, “If not me that led the war front, Buhari wouldn’t have emerged. He contested first, second and third times, but lost. He even said on television that he won’t contest again. But I went to his home in Katsina. I told him you would contest and win, but you won’t joke with the matters of the Yoruba. Since he has emerged, I have not been appointed minister. I didn’t get contract. This time, it’s Yoruba turn and in Yorubaland, it’s my tenure.”

Tinubu also categorically said he nominated Prof Yemi Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate.

Things must be bad now, but were there any goodies, when the going was going good?

On the same occasion, with the anger that portrayed the emotion of a man feeling betrayed, Tinubu again lashed at the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, for openly endorsing the presidential aspiration of Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo. He said Dapo Abiodun is an ingrate, and that without God and him, Abiodun would not have emerged in 2019 election as Ogun Governor.

So when the good was good, Tinubu was given the powers to single-handedly select who becomes the Vice President, the Governor, and perhaps other undisclosed lucrative positions.

In what seems like a response to the Jagaba, my friend and colleague, Sham Faliya Sharon, wrote and I quote:

“IN ANY CASE, DIDN’T BUHARI OVER-COMPENSATE YOU? Kano, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Adamawa, Yobe, Niger and Kaduna states that brought the lion votes are yet to have any completed railway project or any major infrastructure by President Muhammadu Buhari. But your Southwest region that brought a total vote less than what Bauchi State alone brought now has several railway projects, roads and other infrastructure completed! How about key appointments? You have the VP, Minister of Works and Housing, SDGs, Speaker of the House of Reps, and many other top jobs that determine key projects. Are they a loss to you? If all those who worked for the emergence of Buhari as President in 2015 are to have this overrated sense of entitle-mentalism, and are to also demand special attention and preference over others, then shouldn’t we be on our knees begging people like Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to come back to the fold? Actually, I can also personally make my own boast, because I know what I did on newspaper pages for several months, to sway a lot of minds and opinions in favour of Buhari. And I know many others who did the same. So? Only God Almighty gives power. Let’s not sink the APC because of some overrated ego or some over-expectations”.

I don’t know if Tinubu has gotten the desired returns he wanted, but I know politics is like the game of Ludo, if you don’t get the throw you want, you must make use of the throw you get, to win the game.

I know because of Tinubu, a new nomenclature was introduced in the organogram of the APC hierarchy, with the title of, the National Party Leader. This title couldn’t be like the inconsequential title given to me from the University, of Mr. President. Unlike my unimportant title of Mr. President, which doesn’t accord me any privilege even at a Bukka, the Jagaba’s National Leader title opens every door on the corridor of power.

I read somewhere that, Buhari, through the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN, awarded a contract to a private firm, REMITA, which is the acronym for Remi Tinubu and Ahmed, as consultants for the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), at 1% commission. REMITTA has collected over N2.5 trillion last year alone, through E-Collections, and on the average, it smiles to the bank with an average of N25 million daily.

N25 million daily? With that kind of goodies, some people can change their religion.

I am an ardent supporter of Tinubu, but I think he needs to borrow a leaf from the saying of Lionel Messi, that, “Sometimes you have to accept you cant win all the time.

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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