fbpx
Connect with us

Politics

Why the North-West Shouldn’t Expect the Senate Presidency in the 10th Assembly

Published

on

Ali Sabo

By Ali Sabo

The race for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly is already heating up, with major contenders for the third and fourth most powerful positions in the country demonstrating their capacities, qualifications, and flexing their muscles. Underground works and lobbying have also commenced.

Unfortunately, insinuations of vote buying have also surfaced, as has become part of the business in the country’s politics. Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has remained silent on the issue of where the leadership of the 10th National Assembly will go, while stakeholders within and outside the party have been calling on the president-elect and the party leadership to quickly address this by zoning the positions to avoid what happened in the eighth assembly.

Unlike the outgoing president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president-elect is a real politician and strategic. As such, he knows the importance of having a loyal house in running his government smoothly and executing developmental projects for the citizens. However, his silence regarding the leadership of the house is sending negative messages to well-meaning Nigerians who have been expecting him and the party chairman to call an urgent meeting to address the issue before it plunges the party into an avoidable crisis.

Recently, heavyweight members of the APC have been announcing their interest in leading the 10th National Assembly, especially the red chamber. Among the heavyweight senators-elect who have publicly declared their interest are Senator Uzor Ojikalu, representing Abia North, a former governor of Abia State and one-term senator going for his second term; Senator Barau I. Jibrin, representing Kano North, a former member of the House of Representatives, a two-term senator and going for his third term; and the former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, who was a former member of the House of Representatives. Although the other two senators have more legislative experience than Yari, and experience being part of the precondition for becoming either Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives, in Nigerian politics, anything is possible.

While politics rewards people based on their performance and contributions to their party, equity must be applied in sharing the major political positions in the country in the spirit of fairness, justice, and national interest. Before delving into that, let’s look at the votes each zone gave to the winning political party in the 2023 general election. The North-West, which has the highest number of registered voters in the country, gave the President-elect a total of 2,652,824 votes. The South-West produced 2,542,979, the South-East produced 127,605, while the South-South gifted Mr. Tinubu 799,957. Based on percentages, the North-West gave the President-elect the highest percentage of the votes he garnered, which is 30%, while the South-East contributed only 1%, the South-South contributed 9%, and his home zone, the South-West, contributed 27%.

From a common-sense perspective, one would conclude that since the North-West gave the President-elect the highest number and percentage of votes, coupled with the fact that the zone has never produced a Senate President, it should be given the chance to produce one this time. However, fairness and equity in the distribution of political positions and resource sharing are what keep the pillars of democracy firm and solid. Even though the South-East contributed a meager 1% and the South-South contributed 9% of their votes, these zones should be allowed to produce the next Senate President. Going contrary to this will further escalate the crisis, discomfort, and alleged sidelining of a certain group of people, especially Christians,

Ali Sabo, ANIFR is the Campaign and Communication Officer of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD). He can be reached via his email address: aliyuncee@gmail.com

Politics

Gov. Gida-Gida and Ganduje: The Firing of Unwarranted Political Salvos-Adamu Aminu

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Politics

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Is The Head of All Political Parties in Kano-Dala

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Politics

Non-indigenes in Kano Unite in Prayer for Dr Nasir Gawuna’s Success at Supreme Court

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending