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Kwankwaso/Obi ticket – a nice combination which shouldn’t have even started

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Muhammad Suleiman Abdullahi

There are a lot of good things that should have happened to Nigeria but such good things were and are still averted by Nigerians who feel threatened by others. Our collective psyches teach us to be myopic and to lack reason. These make us to promote selfishness, ethnic chauvinism or even some other worldly material gains at the expense of best public interest.

Now that Kwankwaso/Obi ticket has been ethnically killed, I am happy that it didn’t come to fruition as it would have been disastrous to the nation as Obi supporters are turning into something else. Now that it didn’t happen, it left behind some issues to ponder about, especially on our reasoning that it shouldn’t have even been thought of in the first place. It left us with no hope as to the politicians we see who are a sort of “young” bloods when compared to those whose real age, patriotism, source of wealth and health status are all not certain.

All of us in the North, without an iota of doubt, believe that Kwankwaso is by far, better than Obi. Infact they are not even comparable in whatever capacity. From the academic credentials to practical experience, national spread, political platform and even patriotism. However, one irony about the ticket was that, the way Northerners believe in Kwankwaso is equally the way those South Easterners believe that Obi is better. They believe that Obi is the only answer. In their bid to justify that, they reduced Kwankwaso to pieces, saying that he is over ambitious. This is where they woefully failed. This was what made the thought of bringing the ticket even more worrisome.

Obi’s suporters shouldn’t be blamed, as the country is programed as such. People only know and promote he who they are so much close too, naturally. What will happen if this natural knowledge is mixed with bitter secessionists’ sentiments and arrogance that beclouded their thought of anything if not theirs?

There are some reasons why Kwankwaso shouldn’t have even thought of Obi. Probably Kwankwaso did that out of nationalism and another way of garnering support from the other end, but one thing Kwankwaso failed to realize was that, Obi’s candidature was no long his own. It had long been hijacked by a fake Christiandom, Obidients/OBiafrans and other disgruntled politicians from the other end. However, some points should be considered here.

1) The way Nigeria is; a country with such a vivid religious divide, with Muslims as the majority and Christians with a significant number, the Christians must definitely feel offended if they do not feature as number two, if not number one in the country. In this case, someone may say that, democracy is, to some extent, a hoax. If not, why shouldn’t majority carry the board all the time? But in Nigeria’s situation, Christians are many and they would feel somehow alinieted by Muslim/Muslim ticket.

Therefore, it will be a sort of miscalculation for anyone to ask Obi to deputize instead of being the lead. Christians may not take it lightly. They have already fought the Muslim/Muslim ticket and failed and now the only option left for some of them, shouldn’t be tempted or played with. Therefore, looking at it from this angle it was a very bad idea right from the beginning. Reuben Abati confirmed this in an interview when he opined that, during one of their talks about Kwankwaso/Obi, he asked one single question! And the answer to that question, given to him by the NNPP representatives convinced him that the Kwankwanso/Obi arrangement was dead on arrival.

According to him, he asked them, is it fair, that after a Northener – and may be a Muslim – finishes his 8 year tenure, for another Northerner to rule again immediately? He said the Kwankwanso/NNPP representatives responded that, that is not an issue to be disturbed with. This is their point of reasoning which should be understood.

Another point is the regional affiliation. This doesn’t give much but many Southerners may prefer to have someone healthier than Tinubu, not minding his religion the way the Northerners do. Here, Obi as the lead may be more appealing to them.

On the other hand, there is an issue of Igbo presidency. In real sense Igbo politicians have been too stubborn, divisive and too much regional in their approaches to national discourse. They always create problems for themselves, to which Obi’s candidature is part of. You can’t disown your country, engage in series of treasonable felonies, condone crimes and support terrorism against your nation and then think you would be trusted. The idea of rallying behind Obi as the only source of salvation is another mistake made by the Igbos. It will make them more stubborn or more alienated. If Obi fails – which will likely happen, some of those overzealous OBiafrans who now threaten all those who talk against Obi will surely be more stubborn and restless. And the mainstream politicians would put them aside as they know they are inconsequential.

Now that the ticket has been killed and most commentators agree that even if it had happened, it wouldn’t change anything. The real fight is seen to be between the two giansts. Now both camps should sheath their swords and forge ahead.

Kwankwaso and his supporters should continue to aim high. Merging with anyone among the two major parties cannot produce result and going alone is not the solution. Madugu and his team should think within and outside the box and come with real solution.

As for Obi’s real supporters, the real Obidients, they should learn tolerance and know that Nigeria is not Imo, Abia or Enugu. Two state’s votes in the North can be equal to the total number of states in the entire South East region in terms of everything and more. This is based on the latest voter statistics released by the Independent National Electoral Commission which showed that the North has more voters registered in the Continuous voter registration that ended last Sunday.

Therefore, these #OBidients, including the OBiafrans among them, should be more civil, tolerant and open minded. They should interact well with others and show decorum in their manners and shouldn’t allow the #OBiafrans to always lead them.

@muhammadunfagge
muhammadunfagge@yahoo.com

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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