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2023: What Role For Governor Zulum?

By
The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

In the past couple of weeks, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has been trending.

Aside from his now frequent  update on the security situation in his very embattled State, trying to paint a  fair picture of it, speculations have been rife that, whichever way his Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, zones its Presidential ticket against 2023, Zulum could be on the cards.

The Professor has been having good reviews in the Media. Both his former boss  – his predecessor in office-  Senator Ibrahim Kashim Shettima, and the Presidency, have singled him out in the past one week for praises.

Senator Shettima described him as incorruptible. He said when he appointed Zulum as one of his Commissioners, he had no doubt in his mind that he had found a successor who would work selflessly for the people.

He said Zulum handled, and allocated thousands of houses to people without allocating anyone to himself, even when he had no house of his own.

Shettima said he thought it was not true, until he visited Zulum and found out he was living in his father’s house.

Shettima said when he told Zulum he would be his(Shettima’s) successor, Zulum turned it down, on the grounds that he had no money to prosecute the project.

So, said Shettima: “I purchased the form for him, and I funded his election.”

More good testimonials followed a few days after, this time from the Presidency.

In an article titled “Zulum Zooms In”, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, devoted his weekly outing to  Zulum. After reeling out the Governor’s many praise-worthy achievements  in office, Adesina informed Nigerians that they would hear more of Zulum in the coming weeks and months.

Was that a hint that something bigger would come Zulum’s way soon?

Was that a confirmation of the speculations that Zulum  would play a prominent role in 2023? Not a few people think so.

They think Zulum, perhaps, is being prepared either for the office of the President or the Vice President. Probably  the later, especially given what Shettima said of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a frontline Presidential aspirant under the APC.

Just two days ago, Shettima endorsed Tinubu, asking the North to reciprocate what Tinubu did for the Zone. It is pay back time to Tinubu, Shettima urged the North.

But here is the slack.

If Tinubu gets the APC ticket, it will not be quite possible for Zulum to be his running mate. Both are of the Islamic faith. The Nigeria of today is not the Nigeria of 1993 when both Chief MKO Abiola, a Muslim,  the presumed winner of the canceled election,  had  Babagana Kingibe, another Muslim as his running mate.

So what gives?

Political analysts are of the opinion that if the Buhari Presidency is so sold on Zulum as a Vice Presidential candidate, then a Christian candidate will be the Presidential candidate.

This medium gathers that Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Transportation Minister, Rotimi Chibuke Amaechi, and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi are on the cards for consideration.

For now, like Adesina said, a lot of eyes are focused on Professor Zulum. Born in 1969, age is certainly on his side.

Jonathan Mourns Magajin Garin Sokoto, Danbaba

By
The Source
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Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed sadness over the passing of Magajin Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Hassan Danbaba who died on Saturday after a brief illness.

In a condolence message to the Sultan of Sokoto, the Government and people of Sokoto State, Dr. Jonathan described the late Danbaba as a distinguished leader and traditional ruler whose peaceful disposition endeared him to many people across the country.

The former President stated: “I am saddened by the sudden exit of Alhaji Hassan Danbaba, the Magajin Garin Sokoto. He was a distinguished traditional ruler, charismatic leader and bridge builder who was unflinching in his constant engagement with both traditional and political leaders across the country, towards fostering national unity.

“He will be sadly missed not only by the people of Sokoto but by all who related with him because of his peaceful disposition and love for humanity.

“May Allah forgive all his shortcomings and grant him al Jannah Firdaus.”

Danbaba, a grandson of the Late Premier of the defunct Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sarduana of Sokoto, slumped in his hotel room in Kaduna on  Saturday, February 12, 2022, and died.

Until his death, he was the Head of Sokoto Kingmakers.

Truckers Protest: Nigeria Accuses Canada Of Double Standards

By
Uche Mbah
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Alhaji Lai Mohammed

By Uche Mbah

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has accused the Canadian Government and Social Media Giant, Twitter, of double standards over the Truckers protest against COVID-19 restrictions in Canada.

Truckers have occupied major cities of Canada protesting against mandatory vaccines and face masks, vowing to occupy the Government House and Parliament until their demands are met. The Canadian Prime Minister had relocated to an unknown location.

Recall that during the #EndSARS protest against police brutality and alleged bad Governance in 2019, the Canadian Government condemned, in strong terms, the actions taken by the Nigerian Government to contain it.

The Canadian government had tweeted, using their verified twitter handle, @CanadaFP:“Canada is deeply concerned about the excessive use of force during the ongoing protests in #Nigeria. Those responsible for #HumanRights violations and abuse must be held accountable.”

Mohammed now accuses Twitter and the West of double standards citing the way they are handling their own crisis.

During a news briefing Sunday, the Minister said  that the Canadian protesters, “who have blockaded roads and resorted to inconveniencing others, have been branded as terrorists or insurrectionists and subjected to a number of clampdown by Government and Private Organisations.”

According to him, the crowdfunding company GoFundMe has closed down the campaign to raise funds for the truckers, even after raising over $10 million.

He did not add that the GoFundMe later rescinded their decision.

He also said that Twitter has suspended the truckers account just as the Ontario State Government froze access to millions donated through an online fundraising platform GiveSendGo meant for the protesters.

“Jim Watson, the Mayor of Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, has also declared a State of Emergency in the city in response, saying the protests posed a threat to residents’ safety,” he said.

“Recall, gentlemen, that during the EndSARS protest, which culminated in the blockage of public roads and massive destruction of Government and private property, Canada was one of the countries that spoke out in support of the protesters.

“Recall also that Twitter actively supported the #EndSARS protesters and even helped them to raise funds while GoFundMe was used to raise funds for the protests.

”Now both the Canadian Government and Twitter are now rushing to distance themselves from the protesters in Canada and even denying them the use of their platforms.

“This is similar to what played out during the January 6th 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol In Washington, D.C. where those involved are either still being investigated or have been charged to court. I don’t blame them. Nobody wants their country destroyed under the guise of protests.”

Although he denied gloating over the Canadian debacle, he claimed to be calling attention to their double standards .

“Don’t misunderstand this intervention. We are not gloating over the unfortunate development in Canada. But we are only calling attention to the double standards involved in the way protesters deemed to be violent are perceived in Nigeria and in the West.

“Those who referred to the hoodlums who destroyed public and private property in Nigeria under the guise of #EndSARS as peaceful protesters have tagged similar protesters in their own countries as insurrectionists and terrorists. This glaring double standard should not be lost on all Nigerians.

“We have always said that you must have a country before you can even enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by your country’s constitution. If there is no Nigeria, no one will be talking of freedom of expression or freedom of association and the likes.

“This realisation explains why every country goes the extra mile to protect and preserve itself. And this also explains why we have continued to insist on the regulation of social media to ensure responsible content. In this area, I can confidently say we are far ahead of most countries in the world, who have now realized that social media must be regulated in the interest of their own people.

“In this regard, our successful negotiation with Twitter to fashion out measures to ensure responsible use of that platform which, by the way, will also apply to other social media platforms, has made us a global trailblazer in efforts to prevent harmful content from social media platforms

“Gentlemen, we must not allow anyone to destroy our country under the guise of protest or unbridled freedoms. We all must put Nigeria first at all times,” he concluded.

Abuja: PDP Is President Buhari’s Landlord

By
The Source
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0
President Buhari
President Buhari

By Gideon Njoku

Muhammadu Buhari is the President of Nigeria, by which position he lives in Abuja, the Federal Capital, and appoints the Minister in charge. But he is a Tenant, and does have a Landlord.

Buhari’s residence and office are within the Abuja Municipal Council, AMAC.

In the Area Council Election held in Abuja on Saturday, February 12, 2022, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, made a strong statement. It gave the All Progressives Congress, APC, a bloody eye.

Of the six Area Councils in Abuja, the PDP won four of them, leaving two for the APC as consolation prize.

The icing on the cake for the PDP, is its victory over the APC in AMAC.

AMAC, unarguably, is not only the most cosmopolitan Council in the FCT, it houses   Nigeria’s State House where  the President lives and works. In sum President Buhari is PDP’s tenant.

PDP’s candidate, Christopher Zakka, defeated APC’s Murtala Karshi by a total vote of 19,302 to Karshi’s 13, 209 to clinch the Chairmanship seat. Out of the  12 Wards, which include the City Centre, the PDP won 10, leaving the APC with two.

The Area Councils won by the PDP are:

*Abaji.

*AMAC.

*Bwari.

*Kuje.

 

The APC won:

*Gwagwalada

*Kwali.

With the 2023 General Elections gradually approaching, many in the PDP are excited about the results, saying it is  harbinger of good things to come in the election year.

Ekiti Governorship: PDP Harps On Alleged APC Misrule

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign Organization of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Governorship candidate in Ekiti State, has challenged the All Progressives Congress, (APC), to start using the achievements of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s Government to campaign.

The Bisi Kolawole Campaign Organization (BKCO) said insecurity, workers sack, infrastructural decay, among others,  are Fayemi’s achievements that will make Ekiti people use their votes to send APC out of power on June 18, 2022.

The APC candidate, Biodun Oyebanji, had boasted that Fayemi’s achievements will be used to win the Governorship election.

However, BKCO Spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, said on Sunday that “Fayemi’s achievements Oyebanji can build on are banditry that has turned most Ekiti roads to nightmares,  kidnappings, workers sack, bad roads (Akure to Ekiti, no road) and blanket looting of public funds.

“In Ekiti, under Fayemi and his APC government, even primary school teachers are not being spared by bandits, with teachers in the State having to contribute N500 each to pay ransom demanded by kidnappers of one of them recently.

“Just on Saturday, a former member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Edu Mayokun was kidnapped along Ikere – Igbara Odo road. Last week, more than 10 people were kidnapped at Ikole area of the State alone.

“In Ekiti under Fayemi and his APC, kidnappers have gone to the ridiculous level of collecting food items, cigarettes, alcohol drinks, etc as ransom.

“In December 2019, when Ekiti people were preparing for Christmas and New Year celebrations, over 1,000 workers of the State University were sacked and up till now, the court judgment directing their reinstatement is yet to be obeyed.

“Even when they said they were employing workers, it turned out to be scam as over 100 Ekiti indigenes, whose names had been released as those who were successful among the applicants in the November 2020,  Teaching Service Commission recruitment exercise did not get employment letters up till today, after they were made to pay a sum of N5,000 each for induction, handbook and others.

“Other achievements that the APC and its candidate will campaign with are the killing of innocent students of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), by trigger happy security aides of Fayemi’s wife, killings by political thugs, especially during the EndSars protest and the last year’s House of Assembly bye-election in Ekiti East Local Government.

“In September 2019, three students of Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), were brutally murdered by security aides of Fayemi’s wife.

“It is alarming that the candidate of the APC in the June 18 governorship election, Biodun Oyebanji, is joyfully saying that he will continue with this legacy of killings, sacking of workers, kidnappings and infrastructural decay and we await what they will tell Ekiti people when they mount campaign podium.”

Afegbua To Atiku: Nigeria’s Constitution Is Very Clear On Zoning

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kassim Afegbua

By Ayodele Oni

Embattled chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Edo state, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has reacted to claims by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, that zoning the Presidency is unconstitutional.

The Benin Prince maintained that zoning public offices, including the Presidency, is a constitutional requirement in Nigeria, contrary to counter claims made by some aspirants.

In a statement on Sunday, Afegbua pointed out that “Nigeria’s long upheld federal character principle, which is codified in its 1999 constitution and expressly recommends the political balancing of positions and appointments across the regions that make up the country, is the same as zoning.

“For selfish and egocentric reasons, I have read some aspirants talking about the absence of zoning in the Nigeria Constitution.

“In order to serve their selfish end and contest the 2023 presidential election against the run of play, they have resorted to making references to the 1999 constitution to support their weak argument against the zoning of political offices.

“It must be stated unequivocally that zoning means the same thing as Federal Character, which is expressly captured in the 1999 constitution.

“The federal character talks about the political balancing of positions and appointments, which is the same thing as zoning.

“Zoning means ‘divide into or assign to zones,’ positions and appointments whether by way of election or appointment.”

He reminded those Presidential aspirants that are not from the South to bury the dream as it will spell doom for PDP during next year’s election.

Afegbua had earlier advised former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, against recontesting this time, describing, also, the aspiration by Alhaji Sule Lamido to be president in 2023 as dead on arrival.

“This is why a Sule Lamido, who benefited from zoning in 2019 by participating in the contest is trying to twist the logic and confuse the process by his recent declaration.

“Every Geopolitical zone has qualified Nigerians who are competent to assume Presidential office.

“In fact, with President Buhari’s dismal performance, using perceived competence to measure a would-be candidate or president, may no longer be apposite.

“President Buhari has lowered the bar of qualification to preside over Nigeria.

“Sule Lamido ought to be an advocate of justice, fairness and equity, being a man reputed for speaking out his mind, but his latest armtwisting approach would not augur well for the party.

“This is a rare opportunity for the PDP to right the wrongs and show leadership by example by insisting that the zoning formula or approach is well cultivated.

“You cannot have power reside in one zone of the country for 16 unbroken years in a country of diverse socio-political configurations and religious secularity.

“The right thing to do, given our plural status, is to give sense of belonging to all the nation-states within the nation to build cohesion and unity.”

Adesanya Retains UFC 271 Welterweight Crown, Defeats Whittaker

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Isreal Adesanya and Robert Whittaker

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC 271 Welterweight Champion, Israel Adesanya, has successfully defended his crown in a unanimous decision over arch rival, Robert Whittaker.

Adesanya faced Whittaker for the second time at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, United States of America in the early hours of today.

The fight against Whittaker was Adesanya’s fourth after wins over Yoel Romero, Paolo Costa and Marvin Vettori

The Nigerian Fighter constantly attacked the lead leg of Whittaker from all angles, and was in full control of the First Round and scored an early knockdown. Luckily for Whittaker, he got back on feet  quickly.

Noticing that Adesanya has won the first round, Whittaker attempted two takedowns in the second round but was well defended by Adesanya.

Prior to the fight, Whittaker had  looked for an Avenue to avenge his earlier defeat to Adesanya, and their fight in Texas was a huge chance.

Adesanya emerged victorious in their first fight at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, in 2019 to claim the middleweight title and was confident of retaining the belt against a much improved Whittaker.

The Nigerian however scored a thunderous second-round knockout of Whittaker in Melbourne, Australia to claim the title in October 2019 to cap an amazing run in just his seventh fight with the promotion.

Whittaker rebounded with three straight victories to earn a second shot against Adesanya after his brief stay atop the division.

Adesanya only loss in UFC was his light heavyweight against Jan Blachowicz.

In Round two of their fight, Whittaker was more aggressive but met more counterattacks from Adesanya.

Both fighters connected well during the third  round but Adesanya hit heavier.

Adesanya defended Whittaker’s first takedown attempt but Whittaker got him in his second attempt but Adesanya got back to his feet.

Adesanya rarely threw his right hand with the commentators claiming he might have hurt the hand in training.

Whittaker was landed several body kicks and he seemed to have hurt his legs, as he was expertly taken down by a stronger and determined Adesanya.

The champion landed several body shots.

Both fighters came out smoking in the last round as the race for the title rested on the final round.

Ekiti Gov Election: Segun Oni’s Rumoured Defection To APGA Hits Brickwall

By
Ayodele Oni
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Segun Oni

By Ayodele Oni

There are indications that the planned defection of former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni, to the All Progressive Grand Alliance, (APGA) where he hoped to be picked as the party’s flagbearer in the June election has hit the brick wall.

Oni, who lost out in the Primary Election of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), where he came a distant second, was rumoured to have concluded arrangements to ditch PDP and join APGA.

The social media has been awash with his supporters already displaying the logo and dress code of APGA with his picture.

Even as at last Friday, some of his supporters were expecting him to return from Abuja to Ado Ekiti, where he had gone to meet with the leadership of APGA to formalise his defection.

Surprisingly, when things did not work out as expected in Abuja, the tune changed as his supporters denied on Sunday that he ever dreamt of decamping to APGA.

Director of Publicity of Segun Oni Movement, Mr Jackson Adebayo, denied that Oni has joined APGA describing the claim as absolute falsehood.

“The concocted story that Segun Oni has joined APGA, as well as pulling out again, is just part of the orchestrated blackmail put together by those who are being hunted by the aspiration of former Governor.

Adebayo, in a statement in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, explained that though many Political Parties approached the former Governor to fly their ticket in the June 18 election, he didn’t agree to join any due to the ongoing wide consultations.

He claimed that some stakeholders in the Ekiti project attempted to convince Oni on reasons he should agree to contest on APGA’s platform, but he declined arguing that the people of Ekiti State would come up with a party they love before the close of the window.

“It now became laughable reading on social media that Segun Oni is leaving APGA that he has never joined before; or how can you resign from an association you never belonged to?.

“People behind such rumours are those who were being taunted by the geometrical growing of Segun Oni popularity and the negative effects it will have on other political party in Ekiti State.

“What they wanted to achieve with such a blackmail has however backfired on them as the people of the state refused to buy into the shenanigans.

“As it stands today the only person that the people could trust with the governance of the state is Eng Segun Oni as evidently displayed at every nooks and crannies of the state.”

“We will not be bothered as we are too focused than to be distracted by writings that was rumbled together to cause confusion.”

Substitution of names of Governorship candidates and their running mates by parties at the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) is expected to close next week.

Force Spokesman: Adejobi In, Frank Mba, Out

By
The Source
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0
Frank Mbah

By Gideon Njoku

Long serving Nigerian Police Force Spokesman,  Frank Mba, has taken a bow from the office he made exceptionally relevant.

Mba, a Commissioner of Police, is proceeding to the high profile National Institute of Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Jos, on the recommendation, and nomination of the Inspector General of Police. On completion, that will put him in a good stead for promotion to the rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, on merit, and when due once there is a vacancy.

In Mba’s place, another brilliant officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, has been appointed with immediate effect.

Adejobi comes into the office well prepared, having been a staff of the Department as Mba’s Deputy. He had also occupied, effectively, that position in a couple of State Commands.

A graduate of the University  of Ibadan where he came out with combined Honours in Archeology and Geography, he also holds a Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, also, from the same UI.

A great communicator, he is a member of a number of professional bodies and associations.

A statement signed by Benjamin Hundeyin, an Administrative Officer, Force Public Relations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, confirmed the change in baton.

Buhari Appoints Former NUJ President, Sani Zorro, As Aide, Deploys Him To First Lady’s Office

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Sani Zorro

By Uche Mbah

President, Muhammadu Buhari has approved  the  appointment of Sani Zorro, a Journalist,  and former lawmaker as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs and Strategy, Office of the First Lady.

In a statement Saturday signed by a Presidential Spokesperson, Garba Shehu, redeployments were also made which involved the office of the First Lady.

“At the instance of the First Lady, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, the President has also approved the immediate redeployment of three of the political appointees in her office to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, pending their assignment to some other Government Departments or Agencies.

“Those affected by the redeployment are: Dr. Mohammed Kamal Abdulrahman, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Health and Development Partners and Personal Physician to the First Lady; Hadi Uba, Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Wole Aboderin, Special Assistant to the President on Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs”, the statement said.

“Also approved with effect from 11th February is the disengagement of Zainab Kazeem, the Special Assistant to the President on Domestic and Social Events, Office of the First Lady.

“Zorro, a famous journalist brings to the new job decades-long experience in media practice, publishing and unionist leadership.

“He was at various times President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, West African Journalists Association (WAJA) and the Federation of African Journalists, FAJ”, the statement read.

It is not known why the deployments and redeployment were made, but they came 24 hours after the First Lady’s trip to Kano and Kaduna, and after her photographs, on a Kaduna-Abuja train,  made waves in both traditional and new media.

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