fbpx
Connect with us

Politics

How Rigging Disrupts Anambra Election Calendar

Published

on

Anambra MAP

 

 

 

 

Abbas Yushau Yusuf, Political Editor

 

Since 2010, Anambra states the most politically volatile in the southeastern part of Nigeria never had an electoral uniform calendar with the rest of Nigerian states.

 

This was as a result of a court judgment in 2006 that gave victory to Peter Obi of the All progressives grand alliance.

 

When Nigeria disengage from military rule in 1999, the whole country has a uniform political calendar, but that of Anambra state was disrupted due to many reasons.

 

It’s one of the states of Nigeria where political godfatherism forms the basis of its political retrogression.

 

The Governor of Anambra state who was elected under the banner of the people’s Democratic party in 1999 Mr. Chunwuke Mbadiniju did not get the ticket of his party when he sought for re-election in 2003.

 

One of Mr. Chunwuke Mbadiniju’s political miscalculations was serving his political godfather, not the state, which contributed a lot in costing him his seat in the 2003 general elections.

 

In 2003 he contested under the Alliance for Democracy and lost to Senator Chris Ngige, winning the election by Senator Chris Ngige was not all for Anambra as another political crisis was set on July 10th, 2003.

Soludo wins Anambra Governorship Election

This made Nigerians remember the abduction saga led by Late AIG Raphael  Ige, AIG Raphel Ige led combat police officers and abducted a serving governor, it did not stop at that Chris Ngige’s signature was forged, taken to the state chief Judge claiming that Dr. Ngige has resigned and the Chief Judge was asked to swear in his Deputy Dr. Uke Udeh.

 

They said all the rest is now history Anambra ever know peace after the abduction of Dr Chris Ngige, one of his offence was after he was sworn in he fell out with his political godfather Mr Chris Uba.

 

When the abduction did not work well thugs were mobilised unleashed serious mayhem with the full aid of police officers, where the whole state secretariat was burnt down, it was done in anticipation of the declaration of a state of emergency.

 

When Chris Nigige was removed through the court process after spending almost three years in office, the APGA governor Mr Peter Obi face another crisis, some members of the state assembly impeached him,  his Deputy Mrs. Virgy Etiaba became the first female Governor, Obi went to court his impeachment was declared illegal and bounced back to his seat.

 

When Nigeria was conducting general elections in 2007 INEC conducted an election in Anambra, Mr Andy Uba was the candidate of the PDP, he was declared the winner and was sworn in on May 29 2007.

 

Instead of participating in the election, the outgoing governor Mr. Peter Obi and his political party APGA turn away from the 2007 election, Mr Obi went to court of appeal asking it to interpret a section of the 1999 constitution which says ‘’ A governor  begins his tenure of office from the day he took the Oath of office’’

 

Peter Obi took the oath of office on March 10 2010 instead of May 29 2003, he asked the court of appeal to grant his prayers,the court of appeal refused to grant obi’s prayers.

 

Before the handover on May 29, 2007, Mr. Obi went to the supreme court, he asked for the interpretation, before May 29, 2007, the supreme court did not deliver judgment.

 

But on June 14, 2007, when Andy Uba spend 16 days as the Governor of Anambra state the supreme court in landmark judgment faulted the Independent national electoral commission for conducting an election in Anambra state.

 

The supreme court declared and interpreted the section on taking the oath of office, it said peter obi’s tenure starts from the day he was sworn in in 2006 and his first tenure ends in 2010.

 

The landmark judgment was implemented by the federal government under Mr rule of law, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua , after 16 days Andy Uba vacated the government house and Mr. Peter Obi re-occupied it and spent 8 years.

 

This was how Anambra electoral calendar was disrupted, other states followed suit with judgments by electoral tribunals reversing the electoral fraud perpetrated in the year 2007 by INEC led by Professor Maurice Iwu.

 

 

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