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Renown Islamic Cleric Opposes Same Faith Ticket For Presidency, Proffers Solution

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Sheikh Halliru Maraya

 

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

A renowned Islamic Cleric and the Former Special Adviser to the Governor of Kaduna State
On Islamic Matters and Hajj,Sheik Haliru Abdullahi Maraya has called on Nigerians especially Muslim politicians to avoid the pressure of succumbing to the calls for a Muslim-Muslim Presidential Ticket .

In a press release buttressing his opinion on Monday 4 July 2022 ,which was distributed to pressmen, the sheik explained that

“Nigeria is a multi-religious country of more than 200million people who are Muslims and non-Muslims. Hence, one can say that the country is owned by more than 200million citizens who are of diverse religious background. In order to be just to all the citizens of the country, and also to balance the apparent religious sentiments prevalent in the country, Nigeria’s politicians and its major political parties have avoided fielding same-faith presidential candidates since the present political dispensation from 1999.

He further explained that the country is better off with a presidential ticket which has the President and his running mate coming different religious backgrounds.
This he added would have fulfilled the constutional requirements of the country

“In any event, the combination of people of different religious background, on a presidential ticket, appears to give vent to the constitutional requirement that the composition of the federal government and its agencies should reflect the federal character of the country, and the need to promote national unity, thereby ensuring that there is no predominance of sectional groups in the government, as enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.

2023: Groups Urge Tinubu to Consider Marwa as Presidential Running Mate.
He went on to add “The combination of a Muslim and non-Muslim, in a presidential ticket, in Nigeria of today, also gives vent to the spirit of justice, fairness and equity as enshrined in the religion of Islam. Remember, the country is for the Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The religion of Islam orders the sincere administration of justice, on all, regardless of any distinction, be it religious, ethnic, geographical, tribal, inter alia. The religion enjoins its adherents to always stand for justice as a matter of principle, whether for Muslims or non-Muslims, even if justice should side against them. The Quran says: “and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just” (Q5:8). As a Muslim, one is enjoined by the religion to only love for mankind, regardless of any social difference, what they love for themselves. I don’t think there is a Muslim who will support a Christian-Christian presidential ticket. Undoubtedly, the Muslims would cry out for the perpetration of injustice against them. Hence, it’s wrong for a Muslim to support a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket as it is at variance with the spirit of justice which the religion of Islam promotes and defends at all times.

The revered Sheik slammed the idea of a Muslim-Muslim ticket as it would only exacerbate tensions along religious lines by adding those promoting such idea for not mean well for the country.

“Those promoting the idea of a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian presidential ticket, in today’s Nigeria, do not wish the country well especially now that it is divided along religious fault lines. I wonder what the country would be should the various agitations in the land assume a religious dimension. No religion has the monopoly of qualified people who have the capacity to serve as running mates to presidential candidates if merit should be the parameter for the nomination of running mates.

The Sheik further argued that all the religions in the country for have people adequately endowed to be nominated as running mates to either a Muslim or Christian presidential candidate

” Undoubtedly, both Muslims and non-Muslims, in Nigeria of today, are endowed with capable and qualified persons for the offices of the President and Vice-President alike. Consequently, justice, fairness and equity, as enjoined by the religion of Islam, demand that a Muslim presidential candidate should nominate a non-Muslim as their running mate, and a non-Muslim presidential candidate should nominate a Muslim as their running mate, in Nigeria of today, for the sake of the promotion of national unity and cohesion.

To balance the geographical and ethnic sentiments in the country, our politicians and major political parties have never contemplated fielding candidates of the same geographical and ethnic leanings. In other words, they have never fielded a north-north or a south-south presidential ticket.

In recent times, Nigerians have been divided on ethnic cum religious lines since Governor Nasiru El Rufai of Kaduna State urged the Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is a Muslim to choose a running mate who should be a Muslim as well

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Zamfara Residents Petition NERC Over Inadequate Electricity Supply

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Governor Dauda Lawal Dare

 

Electricity consumers in zamfara state have petitioned the Nigeria electricity Regulatory commission NERC to investigate the activities of the kaduna electric distribution company over inadequate supply of electricity to customers.

A cross section of residents who spoke to radio Nigeria in Gusau express concern that the company has failed to live up to it’s responsibility by not supplying them with adequate power especially at this period.

One of the resident Mal Awwal Umar Damba alledge that the company is now supplying power to customers of Band A at the detriment of the other bands.
According to him, since the commencement of the banding policy electricity consumers have not been getting supply from the company.
Another customer, Musa Mohammed Mareri expressed concern that non supply of electricity has hampered Small and medium enterprise activities as light was only given to them for only thirty minutes within twenty four hours.

He Said that this has negatively affected their businesses and called for action to address the sufferings of customers.
Musa Mareri explain that so far many businesses such as tailoring, grinding, welding and have close their operation due to non availability of power.

Radio Nigeria correspondent’s in Gusau report that the problem of inadequate power supply in the state has worsen in the last few days as some residents spent days without electricity thereby causing untold hardship to residents.

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Preside Tinubu Calls For Stronger Partnerships In Manufacturing Sector

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President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s investment climate has been bolstered by critical new reforms, with an array of opportunities across sectors for investors.

Speaking during the presentation of a letter of credence by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Vice-Admiral Kim Pan Kyu, at the State House, on Friday, the President said Nigeria is a huge market for Korean products, particularly for Korean goods manufactured and produced in Nigeria, while emphasizing that Nigerian goods will be of great benefit to the Korean market.

Highlighting the favourable economic outlook of the country, President Tinubu invited more South Korean companies to leverage these opportunities by establishing production bases in Nigeria.

”I am glad that you have a very good knowledge of Nigeria and appreciate the role of our country in Africa. Our doors are open for economic opportunities and trade, and I acknowledge that several South Korean companies and products are firmly entrenched in the Nigerian market.

”Nigerians appreciate South Korean technology, and Nigerian products can also be beneficial to South Korean markets. You need to bring more of your companies and manufacturing plants here. We have everything your industries require to excel as we progress over the near-term. We can partner on skill development and the systematic transfer of knowledge to further empower our country’s innovative youth population.

”We have investment opportunities in the solid mineral sector and other areas, and cooperation in these areas will strengthen our bilateral relations,” the President said.

Recounting his fruitful discussions with President Yoon Suk Yeol during the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, in 2023, and their mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation, President Tinubu pledged to build on the outcome of that meeting to further expand bilateral ties.

He welcomed an invitation from President Yoon to attend the first-ever South Korea-Africa Summit from June 4 to June 5, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea, and directed Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to keep him abreast of the matter.

Ambassador Kim underscored President Tinubu’s pivotal role as the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and leader of Africa’s largest economy, population, and democracy.

He noted the importance of Nigeria’s participation at the highest level at the Summit to enhance bilateral relations while also creating a future of prosperity for Africa and Korea as genuine partners in progress.

”Your Excellency’s visit to South Korea for the Summit will provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen the relations between the two nations,” the Ambassador said after reading a formal invitation from President Yoon.

Earlier, President Tinubu also received letters of credence from Ambassador Antit Mohsen of Tunisia and High Commissioner Muhali Imbuwa of Zambia.

At the separate events, the President emphasized the need to strengthen African unity and brotherhood that not only creates economic opportunities but also works toward eliminating conflicts across the continent.

Speaking with the High Commissioner of Zambia, the President said African unity and cooperation are important if the continent must overcome perennial conflict.

”We are ready to explore more areas of cooperation that promote African brotherhood and ensure sustainable growth across different sectors and provide economic opportunities for our citizens.

”Our doors are open, and do not hesitate to bring any challenges you may have in the course of your duty to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the President told the Zambian High Commissioner.

In his audience with the Tunisian Ambassador, the President affirmed Nigeria’s willingness to deepen partnership with North African countries toward achieving continental prosperity for all African people.

He declared that Nigeria is open for business like never before and that the international community is taking notice, while investor confidence in the country is returning.

He thanked the Ambassador for acknowledging the progress in the country in the last eleven months of his administration, promising that his government will continue to ensure a memorable and rewarding stay for representatives of foreign governments.

The Tunisian Ambassador said his government welcomes the new vibrancy and determination the President has brought into national leadership since his inauguration on May 29, 2023.

”We welcome the economic reforms and the enhancement of national security in Nigeria under your leadership.

”Because of what we have seen, we are emboldened to collaborate on a new level, particularly in the areas of trade, economy, and defence,” the Tunisian Ambassador said.

 

 

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Kano APC spokesperson accuses Presidency of sabotaging Ganduje

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Ahmad Aruwa ,Kano APC spokesperson

 

The spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, Alhaji Ahmad Aruwa, has issued accusations against the Presidency for undermining and conspiring against the suspended Acting National Chairman of the APC Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Mr. Aruwa articulated these claims in a short video he produced in Kano circulating on social media where he blamed the some forces in the presidency that are pushing for the exit of the former Kano State Governor as the Ag. national chairman.

He asserted their awareness of individuals engaged in conspiracies to sabotage Mr. Ganduje’s efforts, with the intention of fracturing his relationship with the President.

He warned of the potential for a significant political upheaval if any APC members dared to oppose Ganduje in Nigeria as he was one of the pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s success at the 2023 polls.

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“We will confront anyone within the APC who dares to challenge Ganduje, regardless of their status or political influence.”

Mr. Aruwa also criticized Tinubu for disregarding the support extended to him in Kano when others had rejected him.

He observed that no one in Kano, a state with largest voter turnout would support Tinubu’s cause, as Ganduje was the sole architect of his success in the state. Therefore, they will not tolerate any subversion at the Villa.

“I solemnly pledged that if anyone is to confront Ganduje within the APC, it would inevitably lead to a substantial political crisis which we are very ready to fight back.”

“Irrespective of the individual’s identity, we are acutely aware of the plotting and machinations orchestrated by certain APC members at the Villa.

“It was solely Ganduje who facilitated Tinubu’s presence in Kano when there was a lack of support from others.

“Every resident of Kano is refraining from associating with Tinubu, as those within the APC who are acquainted with him are distancing themselves due to Buhari’s influence.”

Reliable sources from the Presidential villa who pleaded for anonimity revealed that Ganduje’s trivails started when he was directed to galvanize the attention of Kano state Governor Abba Yusuf and his political Godfather Rabiu Kwankwaso to abandone thier political party (NNPP) and join the ruling APC.

It was reported that contrary to the terms of reference given to Mr. Ganduje, he arrived Kano and chaired a stakeholders meeting where he mocked Kwankwaso and Kano state Governor, a situation that stalled the negotiation process with Kwankwaso’s team.

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