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2023 Presidency: Assessing the Options Before Nigerians

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Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

 

By Adnan Mukhtar

As the 2023 general elections knock on the door with 18 presidential candidates on the ballot, pundits have narrowed the options available to Nigerians to just four.

This is the first time that Nigeria will witness the rise of major presidential contenders under unpopular platforms. Despite practising multi party system, Nigeria has always witnessed two major contenders for the office of the president since 1999.

It was Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae in 1999. It was Obasanjo of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Muhammadu Buhari of the All People’s Party (APP) in 2003. It was Umaru Musa Yaradua of PDP and Buhari of All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) in 2007. It was Buhari of Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) and Dr Goodluck Jonathan of PDP in 2011. But in 2007 and 2011, Atiku Abubakar and Nuhu Ribadu flew the flags of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) respectively and both came third.

Buhari contested for this office three times and lost before he won in 2015 after the merger with other political parties which won him the southwest and north central.

The decision to elect Buhari in 2015 and 2019 has however turned out to be a regrettable one for Nigerians as sorrow, tears and blood have been the lot of the masses.

With all these challenges facing the country, who can rescue and unite Nigeria at this critical moment?

2023: NNPP Gubernatorial Candidate tackles FG over universities’ increase in registration fees

The All Progressives Congress has Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its flag bearer, Peoples Democratic Party has Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party is fielding Peter Obi and the New Nigeria Peoples Party has nominated Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Analysts are of the view that it’s a repeat of the 1979 general election with five candidates among whom Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) emerged victorious.

Despite having four major contenders, the race is strictly between Atiku and Tinubu. The other two – Obi and Kwankwaso – are just regional candidates like Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Nnamdi Azikwe of the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP) and Aminu Kano of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), in 1979.

While PDP and APC have structures across the country, LP and NNPP have not fielded candidates for all the National Assembly, State House of Assembly seats and governorship positions across the country.

While Atiku and Tinubu are aiming for the top prize, Obi and Kwankwaso are apparently in this race to garner experience for the future and claim they were once presidential candidates.

Tinubu’s candidacy has problems of its own. His party is deemed to have failed the country and his presence of mind and general health status are suspect.

Tinubu is relying on the core north to give him votes but his approval rating in the northwest has plummeted in recent weeks with new naira notes palaver and acute fuel shortage supervised by the APC moving people to the edge.

Hajia Najatu Mohammed’s defection to the Atiku camp and recent campaign against the APC candidate have also done incalculable damage to the chances of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket in the North.

Obi is winning the southeast, parts of south-south and parts of north central but there is no credible path to victory for him.

As attested to by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Obi’s performance in Anambra is also not inspiring, aside saving monies he should have spent on infrastructure and human capital development.

Kwankwaso’s performance as Kano State governor was incredible. He sponsored the children of the poor for postgraduate and undergraduate studies abroad.

His understanding of national politics is however shallow. Like Obi, he has to shatter a huge glass ceiling to be able to get near the Villa.

The NNPP according to analysts can only win Kano, his home state, with a slim margin but cannot go anywhere in Kaduna, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

A vote for NNPP will only strengthen Tinubu’s APC. It is a vote for continuity of Buhari’s failure. The party is no where outside Kano, therefore will not be compared with Aminu Kano’s PRP in the second republic with two governors and members of the National Assembly from Kano, Kaduna and other Northern States.

Atiku is an old war horse, a restless fighter who has experience at the highest level to lead Nigeria to greater heights.

Atiku is contesting for the 5th time. He did it in 1992, 2007, 2015, 2019 and 2023. The ‘unifier’ has built bridges across the country. He was instrumental to bringing El-Rufai, Nuhu Ribadu, Okonjo Iweala and some other best brains into government. The economy was very stable until when he left as Vice President in 2007.

He has the best policy document and has the ability to implement it from the look of things. His ideas are lucid and convincing and everywhere he goes he holds the audience spellbound with his massive presence of mind, clarity of thoughts and clear headedness.

Obviously, he is the best man for the job. He is the right candidate to heal the wounds and cure the illness of that the Buhari administration represents.

 

Adnan is a Political PR Consultant. He writes from Atiku Abubakar Campaign Office, Zaria Road, Kano.

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Opinion

Uromi Killings, Barau’s Intervention and Responsible Representation

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By Abba Anwar

Before any note on the barbaric Uromi mob action, let me begin with prayer for The Almighty Allah to Bless and Forgive the gentle soul of Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the son of the late Emir of Kano and Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniyya, Sir Muhammadu Sanusi and the father of the Kano State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Abbas.

Whenever I sighted the late Galadiman Kano, my mind naturally recollects the face of his respected and revered father, our Tijjaniyya guide, beacon of hope, an epitome of greatness and scholarship, Sir Sanusi, whom I was privilege to visit in both Azare and Wudil, with my parents, when I was much younger, but not toddling.

We had a tradition back in the family, that the younger ones were included in such visits turn by turn. So I was included in two visits to Azare and two visits to Wudil. Where the blessed hands of Sir Sanusi were on my head full with prayers. Alhamdulillah.

ALLAH YA JIKAN GALADIMAN KANO, ALHAJI ABBAS SANUSI

Coming down to the barbaric incident that affected legitimate hunters, in Uromi, Esan North East of Edo state, where 16 hunters were burned to death, an incident that went viral in both the traditional and the new media, the action was condemned across the nation.

Political leaders, governments and other humane elements were up and doing dismissing the anti-human development as condemnable and animalistic.

While I acknowledge and appreciate the concerns of many, I was personally moved by extra efforts put by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, for moving extra miles and strategizing ways for redress. Responsive and responsible leadership at work.

He immediately condemned the mob action dastardly exhibited when it happened. Then followed by many other well meaning Nigerians. Kudos to all in this direction.

When the Governor of Edo state, H. E. Monday Okpebholo paid a condolence visit to Barau in Abuja, the Deputy Senate President said,
“We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want – all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to, is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction. And I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected.”

To tell you how concerned Barau is he further stated that, ” I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts.

If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere. And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again.”

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The Deputy Senate President didn’t stop at that, he called the attention of the President and other well meaning Nigerians, including the security agencies, lamenting over the sad development.

Edo state Governor, started with Senator Barau and from there, based on his fruitful discussion with the Deputy Senate President, he was convinced that his coming to Kano, could douse tension and portray him (Edo Governor) as right thinking leader. Of which he attested to that.

Even before he left Senator Barau in Abuja for Kano, the Governor was made to understand the importance of paying condolence visit to the hometown of the slained victims. Which he also complied. A good of him indeed.

So he came to Kano, visited the Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf. From there he proceeded to the see the families of the victims.

What I am trying to portray here is, how the DSP put all the strategies in place for bringing the culprits to book, to douse tension and see ways of giving helping hand to the families of the deceased and to those who sustained injuries.

Governor Okpebholo’s first disclosure about his effort in dealing with the situation was first known during his visit to the Deputy Senate President, when he explained that, “It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy.

The President is doing something drastic about this. He is not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.

So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a Committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased.”

Distinguished Senator Barau did not stop at that, he visited families of the victims who were gathered at At-Taqwa Mosque, Sabon Fegi, Bunkure local government, as all victims came from Bunkure, Rano and Kibiya local governments, Kano state.

To cushion the effect of trauma in those families he gave the sum of One Million Naira (N1m) to each of families of the 16 deceased ones. Making it a total of N16m in all.

During his visit he was quoted to have said, “I was worried when the incident happened. I had to call the Governor, security agencies and all stakeholders involved.

They swung into action. So far apart from the 14 people who have been arrested, two more suspects have been nabbed. The state governor, who visited my house in Abuja, has assured me that the state government will support you.

We will not take it lightly. We will ensure that the culprits are brought to book and face the wrath of the law.”

Examining and appreciating Barau’s leadership qualities since the occurrence of the ugly incident, the entire families of the deceased commended him through the Chief Imam of the area, Sheikh Zainul Abidina Auwal.

They unequivocally thanked the Senator for his unwavering efforts in ensuring justice, adding that, “Rankai dade Senator you prove to be an excellent representative of your people. You are the leader we so much cherish. Your style of leadership is direly needed for the country’s development.”

To compliment his effort with legislative action, DSP Barau assured that when Senate resumes after Sallah holiday, he would sponsor a Bill to look into the activities of Vigilant groups and their modus operandi.

This will go a long way in checkmating their legitimate activities and other nefarious activities allegedly attach to their operations across the country.

His understanding of the situation and his great concern for Nigerians regardless of where they come from, prompts his moves from multi – faceted approach to make sure that Nigeria is safe and developed.

Anwar was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

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Opinion

Clarification On Recent Events During The Eid-El-Fitr Celebration In Kano: A Response To The GiGG’s Malicious Statement

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Clarification On Recent Events During The Eid-El-Fitr Celebration In Kano: A Response To The GiGG’s Malicious Statement

In light of the recent malicious statement issued by the Global Initiatives for Good Governance (GIGG), which disrespects constituted authority and has the potential to cause uncertainty and security breaches regarding the events during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano, it is important to provide clarification regarding the actions of both the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Governor HE. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

First and foremost, it is essential to clarify that there was no Durbar held during this Eid celebration. Rather, what took place was the Emir’s procession to and from the Eid prayer at Kofar Mata, located outside the eastern city wall. This procession is a long-standing Islamic tradition (Sunnah), which involves taking a different route from the one followed to the prayer ground when returning. The Emir’s procession, limited to his guards and close officials, followed this practice in accordance with Islamic traditions. Unlike the Durbar, which is a formal parade involving district heads and traditional horse riders symbolizing allegiance to the Emir and the Emirate, this procession was conducted with full attention to both tradition and public safety.

Durbar celebrations, as historically practiced, have not been held regularly in recent years, mainly due to concerns from security forces. The recent event was no exception. Both the Emir and the Governor acted with the intention of striking a balance between preserving cultural practices and ensuring the safety and security of the public. They did not disregard the law or public safety, rather, their actions were aimed at preventing the potential exploitation of the occasion by individuals seeking to disrupt peace and stability.

The breakdown of law and order that occurred was due to the actions of alleged, sponsored criminal elements who hijacked the occasion to create chaos. These individuals sought to tarnish the reputations of both the Emir and the Governor, possibly even attempting to blackmail them and state. We commend the Nigeria Police Force for their swift action in making arrests, which is an important step toward uncovering the full extent of the individuals and networks behind these destructive activities.

It is also essential to address the concerns raised by the faceless NGO. While the police do not have the constitutional authority to outrightly ban traditional programs such as this, they are within their rights to call for a suspension or cancellation based on actionable intelligence aimed at maintaining public safety. Any formal ban, however, would require adherence to due legal process.

The nation is now closely watching the Nigeria Police Force, and we are hopeful that justice will be served swiftly. We trust that ongoing investigations will identify all those responsible for these disruptive actions and ensure accountability.

A.T. Abdullahi
A Concerned Kano Indigene
31st March 2025

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Opinion

Periscoping Waiya’s Alleged Assault on Free Press Viz the Preponderance of Mob Reasoning

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By Al Amin Ubandoma

The recent controversy surrounding Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, has sparked heated debates about free press and mob reasoning. The controversy began with an opinionated article written by one Auwalu Ismail, which criticized Waiya that was widely circulated online.

The article contained allegedly malicious and defamatory statements about Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya. As a public figure, Waiya has the right to defend himself against such attacks, and his decision to report the matter to the police was a legitimate exercise of this right.

However, the response from journalists and Amnesty International was swift and merciless. Without recourse to the violation of Waiya’s rights, they condemned his actions as an assault on free press and a threat to democracy.

This mob-like response is a classic example of mob reasoning, where emotions and sensationalism override rational thinking and fairness.

The implications of this response are far-reaching. If public figures like Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya are not allowed to defend themselves against malicious attacks, it could create a culture of impunity where anyone can make false and defamatory statements without consequence.

Furthermore, the response from journalists and Amnesty International undermines the principles of fairness and justice as enshrined in journalistic ethics.

By failing to consider Waiya’s side of the story and his right to defend himself, Amnesty international, and its co-travellers perpetuated a one-sided narrative that ignored the complexities of the issue at stake.

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The controversy surrounding Waiya highlights the need for fairness and balance in public discourse. While free press is essential to democracy, it is equally important to protect the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya.

By prioritizing fairness and justice, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The mob-like response from journalists and Amnesty International is a reminder that even in the pursuit of press freedom, we must not trample on the rights of others.

Indeed, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mob reasoning and the importance of upholding fairness and justice in public discourse.

As we move forward, it is essential that we learn from Waiya’s experience and prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The protection of human rights is essential to creating a just and equitable society. By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures like Waiya, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In conclusion, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The debate surrounding Waiya’s actions is a reminder that the pursuit of press freedom is complex and multifaceted. While it is essential to protect the rights of journalists and writers, it is equally important to uphold the rights and privileges of public figures.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Waiya and the opinionated article highlights the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to public discourse.

By prioritizing fairness and justice, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The importance of protecting the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya cannot be overstated.

By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In the end, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing fairness and balance in public discourse, and it has indeed brought to fore how not to deployed mob reasoning on issues of human rights

Al Amin Ubandoma, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Lagos.

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