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Party Politics And The Position Of Poisonous Policies

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By Bala Ibrahim.

Nigeria is operating as a Republic, with both a national government at the top and the governments of 36 states, in which the people hold power, but elect representatives to exercise and utilize that power, with the executive powers placed in the hands of the president and the governors. In line with this arrangement, called the Presidential system, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has a multi-party system, where today, the National Assembly is dominated by the members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, while the rest are in the minority. The APC got the mandate to lead based on the public conviction on it’s policies.

In highlighting the meaning of it’s policies or manifesto, the upper article of the APC constitution says and I quote:

1. To initiate action to amend our Constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties and responsibilities to states and local governments in order to entrench true Federalism and the Federal spirit.

2. Strengthen INEC to reduce/eliminate electoral malpractices.

3. Attract the best and brightest into our politics and public service by aggressive recruitment of private sector people, academics and professionals within Nigeria and in the Diaspora through internships, fellowships, executive appointments and special nomination to contest elective offices.

4. Prevent abuse of executive, legislative and public offices through greater accountability, transparency and strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws whilst strengthening the EFCC and ICPC.

Of the four ambitions above, none seems designed with a desire to inflict hardship on the people. In fact, to the contrary, the aspiration of item 4 is to prevent executive and legislative abuses, through transparency and accountability. An advanced interpretation of the APC manifesto could say, it is on a mission to rescue the people from poisonous policies, that are capable of inflicting any form of hardship on the people, including, if the need arises, through the action of amending the constitution.

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The position of the Nigerian Political party politics is clearly crafted to constitute the foundation for a good democratic government. The functions of political parties are therefore for political recruitment of credible candidates into the party membership, as well as political socialisation. The parties are also duty bound to engage in political education and the training of their political leaders, including those of them that are elected into executive positions. Where the party deems it fit, it can over rule the executive, on matters that may tantamount to perceived poisonous policies.

Pursuant to the execution of the new Naira policy, as a country, Nigeria is under terrible tension today, and the apprehension is on the rise, over the scarcity of the newly redesigned currency notes. The policy is perceived as poisonous. In many states, commercial banks, motorists and sales outlets are refusing to collect the old notes, while the public is threatening fire and brimstone. Many Nigerians are still holding on to the old naira notes due to the poor circulation of the new ones.

When I came out of the house this morning, I thought the government had made a new announcement while I was sleeping last night, saying the general election has been brought to today, as against the 25th of the month. As I drove along the road, intermittently I was seeing groups of people in front of buildings, rowdy, looking frightened, unsettled and perturbed. My initial instinct told me voting was going on in those buildings. Then suddenly I saw a bank logo on one of the buildings. It then dawned on me that the stampede is for people trying to carry out some transactions in the banks.

As I write this article, reports reaching me are saying at least three banks were torched today, Monday, 20th February 2023, in the Sagamu area of Ogun State. Just four days to the election. Last week, the story was terribly displeasing from all over the country. And the reason is simple – poisonous policy on money.

I’ve heard arguments by people saying the policy is aimed at checkmating governors who have stashed naira in houses ready for use to buy votes. I only laugh at the dopiness of such people. Incidentally, one of them once told me that his bank had made an offer to him, to bring to him at home, a bullion van, to evacuate whatever quantity of naira he has, in exchange for the new notes, or for deposit into his account. The question now is, if my friend, who is just a successful business man, can have such offer from his bank, what more of a governor, from whom the banks are falling over each other, in order to have state funds deposited with them? Cant he have better offers?

Whatever may be the reason for the policy, the fact that it did not anticipate the likelihood of the targets converting their money to foreign currencies, and using same for use in the election, or the penurious state of our financial infrastructure, with regards online real-time banking, means it was not done by people with foresight, because they would have been able to predict what is happening today.

It is however pleasing to hear that, the APC, as the ruling party, has responded to the public anguish with a human face. After a marathon meeting with all its governors yesterday, the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has called on the President, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Central Bank Governor, to respect the Supreme Court order, which instructed the maintenance of the status quo, in order to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.

Indeed as a party, this is a commendable action that is in compliance with the purpose of party politics and the position of poisonous policies in the polity.

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FMBN Chairman Nasiru Gawuna Resigns, Set to Defect to ADC Amid Kano Political Realignments

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Gawuna

 

The chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, Nasiru Gawuna, has resigned from his position.

Reports indicate that Mr Gawuna has perfected his defection deal with a former governor of Kano, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and is expected to defect to ADC on Tuesday.

In a resignation letter dated March 27, 2026, the former APC governorship candidate said his decision takes immediate effect and aligns with the President’s instruction aimed at ensuring adherence to electoral laws ahead of forthcoming political activities.

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He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as a privilege to contribute to the growth and development of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the country at large.

 

“My resignation is in strict compliance with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees to step down in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act,” the letter read.

Mr Gawuna also stated that he is placing his future “in the hands of Allah (SWT),” while seeking divine guidance on his next course of action.

He further assured of his commitment to a smooth transition process, noting that he would hand over all responsibilities in accordance with established procedures and directives.

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Sallah Thanksgiving: NUJ President Commends Kano Correspondents’ Chapel For Fostering Love, Unity Among Journalists

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The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),
Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has commended the leadership of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, for providing platforms and occasions that foster love, unity and progress among journalists.

Comrade Yahya stated this at Kano Press Centre, on Sunday, during the 2026 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah Celebrations, Thanksgiving And Special Prayers Ceremony, organized by Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, to appreciate God for the successful month long Ramadan fasting period and the Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.

The NUJ National President used the occasion to urge journalists to reflect on the true meaning of the occasion and promote unity, peace, and tolerance, among themselves, in the course of their profession.

Represented by former chairman of Kano NUJ and a member of NUJ National Board of Trustees, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, the NUJ National President, who said he has been impressed over the activities of Kano NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, within the last one year, under the leadership of Comrade Murtala Adewale, emphasized the importance of compassion, unity, and addressing national challenges, particularly food security and insecurity.

Comrade Alhassan Yahya urged other NUJ chapels to draw inspiration from Kano Correspondents’ Chapel’s unity and camaraderie, highlighting their event as a model for promoting peace and solidarity among journalists.

He encouraged other chapels to organize similar events, fostering a sense of community and cooperation, which is essential for the growth and development of the journalism profession.

In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, a Professor of Communication in Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Prof. Yakubu Mai Nasara Kurfi, described the event as not only inspiring, but heart-warming, while urging the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel leadership to sustain the tempo.

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Prof. Mai Nasara Kurfi congratulated the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel executive members for their foresight to organize the event, and promised to borrow a leaf from them as he planned to introduce such occasion in the Faculty of Communication, BUK.

The Professor of Communication also used the occasion to canvass for collaboration and synergy among the NUJ, working journalists and the Faculty of Communication, BUK, so as to ensure training and re-training of both working journalists and student journalists for enhancement of the journalism profession.

The chairman of NUJ in Kano state, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, noted that the event was not only a Thanksgiving for the successful Ramadan and celebration of the Eid El Fitr, but a symbol of unity and togetherness among members of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, and the larger Kano NUJ family.

“This even is so special because some of the prominent scholars and practitioners in the media are here. I want to thank and commend the leadership of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel for organizing this event,” he said.

In his speech, chairman of NUJ Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Murtala Adewale, described the event as not just a celebration, but a moment to reflect on Allah’s countless mercies—granting us the strength, patience, and opportunity to observe the holy month.

According to him: “Ramadan has been a period of spiritual renewal, sacrifice, and discipline. It has reminded us of the importance of empathy, humility, and self-restraint. As journalists, these values resonate deeply with our professional responsibilities—to be fair, truthful, and guided by integrity in all that we do.

“This gathering also serves as an avenue to strengthen our unity as members of the Chapel. In the midst of our demanding schedules and the pressures of the profession, moments like this allow us to reconnect, share, and reinforce the bond that holds us together.”

He encouraged all imbibe the lessons of Ramadan, and continue to embody patience, kindness, and responsibility, “in our daily lives and in our reportage. Our society looks up to us, and we must remain committed to promoting peace, truth, and understanding.

“I sincerely appreciate all our invited guests and well-wishers who have joined us today. Your presence is a testament to the strong relationships we have built over time, and we do not take it for granted. As we share this special breakfast, let us also remember those who are less privileged and continue to extend a helping hand, as taught during the holy month.”

The event was designed as a special Thanksgiving feast to appreciate Almighty Allah for His mercies and offer prayers for peace and progress, after a 30-day spiritual rejuvenation in the fasting month of Ramadan.

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Breaking: Kwankwaso Resigns from NNPP

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Former Governor of Kano State and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced his resignation from the party. The declaration was made through a statement posted on his verified Facebook page earlier today.

Kwankwaso, who served as the NNPP’s National Leader and spearheaded its presidential campaign in the 2023 general elections, described the decision as “not an easy one.” He explained that his departure was driven by the need for “strategic realignment” in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

“Considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” Kwankwaso stated.

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In his resignation letter, Kwankwaso expressed gratitude to the NNPP’s leadership, including National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed, the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and members across all levels of the party. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, his loyal political base, pledging continued collaboration toward building “a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation.”

Kwankwaso’s exit marks a significant moment for the NNPP, which rose to prominence under his leadership and made notable gains in the 2023 elections. His next political move is expected to reshape alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, though he has yet to disclose the platform he intends to join.

Political analysts suggest that Kwankwaso’s resignation could trigger a wave of defections within the NNPP, particularly among members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who have historically followed his political trajectory.

 

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