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Peter Obi Sends Poster Boy, Alabi Quadri Back To School

April 19, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

“Despite all he has been through, his only dream is to return to school and complete his education, and I will make sure he gets it. I am committed to it”

Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, has vowed that those responsible for the ordeal of the teenage boy, Yusuph Quadri Alabi who, in raw admiration, stood in front of his Campaign vehicle in 2023, must answer to their acts of wickedness.

This is as Obi has promised Quadri that he would take up the responsibility of his education.

Quadri is a child of destiny. The teenager sprang to national consciousness when in 2023, amidst a mammoth crowd, managed to block Obi’s vehicle while the Labour Party Presidential Candidate was on a Campaign tour of Lagos State.

The picture captured of that incident was iconic. It melted hearts. The teenager, with his hands outstretched, gazing into Obi’s eyes as if his life is dependent on Obi, and a smiling Obi, looking straight back into his eyes.

Disarmed by the picture, a number of Obi’s fans and loyalists gifted Quadri with some money. But the gifts instead of bringing joy to Quadri and his poor family, brought sorrow.

In the Amokoko area of Lagos where he lives with his widowed mother, he became a target for urchins who wanted a share of the monetary gifts. His family was forced to buy a cow with which they hosted them so as to have peace. But the urchins wanted more. They threatened fire and brimstone if Alabi failed to share all he got.

In January, they carried out their threats. He was on his way from where he does some menial jobs when the urchins accosted him. They dragged him to the Amokoko Police Division and falsely accused him of being one of the bad boys who engage in street fights.

Surprisingly, the Police detained the 17-year old, and falsely filed a charge of armed robbery against him along with three other fellows he never met before. To nail him, the Police, also, criminally, falsified his age from 17 to 18 years.

Hauled before an Apapa Magistrate Court, Alabi was thereafter thrown into the Kirikiri Prison. For three months, he was there, just languishing until his story became public.

Lawyers picked interest with Activist-Lawyer, Inebehe Effiong as the lead. Obi, once he heard the sad fate which befell the teenager, picked more than a passing interest. He contacted Inebehe who was already on the case.

On Thursday, April 16, the Magistrate, based on the advice of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, threw the case out. The teenager is innocent, the Court declared.

Then the good news: Celebrating Quadri’s freedom on his X page, Obi decided to be responsible for the teenager’s education. In a discussion with Quadri when he was taken to Obi by Inebehe after his release, Obi said what was most important to the teenager was to go back to school and get educated. In Obi, once it concerns education, Quadri has found not only a father, but a mentor. Not surprisingly, Obi has taken up his education.

Disclosing this on X, where he posted the photograph he took with Quadri during the visit, where he, also, appreciated the Lawyers who fought for his release – Inebehe Effiong, Dele Farotimi, Hassan Nurudeen – Obi wrote: “I listened to Quadri today (Friday), and one thing stood out clearly: his unwavering desire for education.

“Despite all he has been through, his only dream is to return to school and complete his education and I will make sure he gets it.

“His determination is not just inspiring, it is a call to action, and I am committed to ensuring that he gets the education he desires and deserves.

“In addition, we must not stop at his release. Those responsible for this illegal incarceration must be held accountable. As we strive to build a Nigeria where fairness and integrity prevail, we cannot afford to allow such acts of criminality to go unpunished.

“I once again thank the Lawyers and everyone who stood and remained unrelenting for Justice.

“Together, we will build a Nigeria where education, freedom, rule of law, equity, and justice, care, and protection of the less privileged in our midst will stand as the foundation of our democracy.”

Meanwhile, on release on Thursday, Quadri and his mother slept in a hotel for fear of attack by urchins in his area. The ultimate is to relocate the family from that environment. Lawyer Inebehe, immediately, took that up with an appeal to good-hearted Nigerians to help with funds. And, within two hours of that appeal, the account which was provided, had already been credited with the sum of N3 million (Three million Naira, and counting).

Umahi’s Double Standards: Betrayal Of Integrity And Democratic Principles

The Source

April 18, 2025

By Abraham Amah

In a functioning democracy, the voice of public office holders carries the weight of influence, direction, and national consciousness. When that voice becomes inconsistent, contradictory, and opportunistic, it not only erodes public trust but also exposes a deeper crisis of character. Such is the case with Nigeria’s current Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, whose recent statements have become a study in political doublespeak and shifting allegiances.

In a viral statement just recently, Umahi claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “inherited an economy on life support.” While this may reflect the realities of Nigeria’s economic condition, it is a striking departure from Umahi’s glowing tributes to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Not too long ago, Umahi described Buhari as the best president Nigeria ever had, lavishing praise on him for “uniting the nation,” “transforming infrastructure,” and “showing integrity.” He once prayed publicly for “another president like Buhari” to lead the nation.

What exactly does David Umahi want? Why such an extreme shift in narrative? Is it that he suddenly discovered that Buhari’s policies brought the economy to its knees? Or is it that his new loyalty to Tinubu requires a scapegoat to explain the weight of unfulfilled expectations? These contradictions are not born out of sincere concern for Nigeria; they are the hallmarks of a man who speaks from the expediency of political survival, not the anchor of principle.

For those who have followed Umahi’s career over the last twelve years, this is not new. From his days as Deputy Governor under the PDP in Ebonyi State, to defecting to APC in 2020 after benefiting immensely from the same PDP platform, Umahi has been known more for tactical realignments than ideological consistency. He praised PDP to the heavens while in power, only to call it “corrupt” after he jumped ship. Today, it’s Buhari who is being subtly discredited—tomorrow, it might be Tinubu.

This is the tragedy of Nigeria’s political class—where loyalty is seasonal, and integrity is transactional. Umahi, who once organized elaborate rallies in praise of Buhari, is now disowning that same legacy to endear himself to the Tinubu administration. This isn’t governance—it is desperate survivalism masked as patriotism.

Nigeria’s problems are real. Our economy, infrastructure, security, and national unity require urgent, focused, and credible leadership. They do not need politicians who will say anything, align with anyone, and shift narratives just to stay relevant in the corridors of power. That kind of leadership breeds cynicism, not hope.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be warned—the likes of David Umahi do not serve anyone’s long-term interest. Today he flatters, tomorrow he blames. As soon as power slips from your hands, he will be the first to say you failed the country. Such people are not nation-builders; they are political chameleons who see governance only as a ladder to personal elevation.

When a man speaks in one direction today and the opposite direction tomorrow, he becomes a danger to truth, loyalty, and leadership. There can be no transformation from such a man, no foundation for unity, and certainly no moral authority to lead in any sector of public life.

It is important to note that when Nigeria’s economy truly began its downward spiral under the Buhari administration, Umahi was silent. He did not speak when Nigerians suffered from inflation, currency crashes, and subsidy mismanagement. He did not speak when insecurity spread or when ASUU was on strike for months. Instead, he praised Buhari and called him “father of modern Nigeria.” Now that the heat is on, he conveniently shifts blame to maintain favor with the current administration.

This double standard is not only dishonest—it is dangerous. It creates a false narrative that deceives the public and manipulates history. If leaders cannot own their past endorsements, then they cannot be trusted with future visions. Umahi’s conduct is, therefore, not a slip—it is a pattern. And that pattern must be condemned by all who value truth and leadership with integrity.

I urge the Nigerian people, and especially members of the political class, to reject political sycophancy dressed as patriotism. We must demand accountability not only in policy but also in speech and loyalty. If we continue to elevate individuals who have no ideological spine, we will continue to recycle leadership that thrives on falsehood and deception.

Let the record reflect that the voice of David Umahi has lost credibility. He cannot claim to be speaking for Nigeria when his statements are designed only to appease whoever holds power at the moment. Leadership must be grounded in values—not vanity, and certainly not opportunism.

Nigeria must rise beyond the deceit of those who serve no one but themselves. If we must make progress as a nation, we must choose truth over tactics, substance over soundbites, and character over convenience.

Elder Amah is a Political Analyst & commentator

PANDEF Calls On NASS To Checkmate The Excesses Of Rivers Sole Administrator

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 18, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Pan Niger Delta Forum PANDEF, on Friday, April 18, 2025, appealed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to take urgent steps towards reversing most of the unconstitutional and illegal measures and appointments taken in Rivers state by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas rtd.

The Forum, also, lauded the National Assembly for its decision to constitute a Committee to monitor the implementation of the State of Emergency declared in Rivers State by the President.

The Source reports that Abbas, earlier in the week, inaugurated a 21- member committee ,charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the state of emergency in the state is carried out in line with the resolutions of the House ,during the approval of the emergency proclamation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

There have been growing concerns about the activities of Admiral Ibas, especially, in the area of appointments, and dismantling of democratic structures.

In an open letter dated Friday, April 18, 2025, addressed to Speaker Abbas , and signed by its Chairman Amb. Godknows Igali, PANDE , reiterated its opposition to the state of emergency imposed on the State.

The Forum, while calling for the immediate reversal of the controversial decisions and appointments made by the Sole Administrator, also demanded for the restoration of democratic institutions in the State.

The apex socio-cultural body of Niger Deltans, insisted that state of emergency under whatever guise will not provide solution to the festering crisis in Rivers state.

“On behalf of the leadership and people of South- South geo-political Zone, we, the Pan Niger Delta Forum PANDEF, the apex socio-political body of Niger Deltans, extend our profound appreciation to you, and the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives for your courage and foresight in constituting and promptly inaugurating the Ad-Hoc Committee to provide oversight on the current state of emergency in Rivers State, particularly, as it concerns the roles and functions of the suspended Rivers state House of Assembly.

While we acknowledge that this action aligns with the constitutional responsibilities enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), we are convinced it is also a testament to the visionary and focused leadership that the House of Representatives has demonstrated under your stewardship.

“The decision to offer impartial and dispassionate oversight in Rivers State has, as you may have observed, been resoundingly applauded by patriotic Nigerians across the country.

“It is especially heartening that the Chairmanship of the Committee has been entrusted to Professor Julius Ihonvbere, a globally respected scholar, accomplished public servant and principled politician whose integrity and character are widely acknowledged.

“We extend this commendation to the over 20 members of the Committee, many of whom also embody these exemplary qualities.

“We trust that they will collectively deliver the highest standards of national service in carrying out this crucial assignment.

“PANDEF has consistently opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which we believe does not align with the constitutional criteria for such a measure.

Despite political disagreements by individuals, peace has been maintained in the State – unlike in several other parts of the country where security and human lives are under constant threat.

“Indeed, so to say, not even a fly has been harmed in Rivers State, and economic activities remain intact.

“Nonetheless, we continue to urge the good people of Rivers state and, indeed, the entire South-South region to uphold the peace ,and under the current unusual circumstances ,to cooperate with the imposed Administrator.

“That said, we must reiterate our firm position that the appointment of the Sole Administrator is not only a constitutional aberration, but also a serious dent on Nigeria’s democratic image, and its standing within the international community.

“In the light of the above, we hold the expectation that members of the newly inaugurated Ad-Hoc Committee will seize the opportunity to etch their names in gold by providing effective oversight of the Administrator’s actions, and where appropriate reversing some of the unlawful measures he has undertaken since assuming office .

“A case in point is the arbitrary dissolution of duly constituted democratic institutions, followed by rather whimsical and capricious reconstitution of same.

“The Administrator’s pattern of governance has included the appointment of Sole Administrators for Local Government Areas, Heads of Government Agencies without due process and democratic norms.

“It would not be surprising, therefore, if he proceeds in due course to appoint Permanent Secretaries of his choice.

“Similarly, his decision to cancel ,or suspend all ongoing procurement processes, ostensibly to implement his own preferred projects and priorities, raises serious concerns about governance integrity and fiscal transparency”, part of the PANDEF letter reads.

The body emphasized the need for the Ad-Hoc Committee to be encouraged as part of its responsibilities to put machineries in motion for the effective resolution of the political crisis in Rivers state .

According to PANDEF, the task of resolving the crisis should be pursued with a sense of urgency, diligence and unwavering neutrality .

It is the conviction of the Forum that normalcy be returned to Rivers State, owing to its pivotal status as one of the economic nerve centres of the country.

“Again, Boko Haram Kills Two Soldiers, Many Civilians In Attack On Gworza Military Formation

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 18, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Two soldiers, and a number od civilian have been reported dead in a deadly insurgents attack on the new settlement of Yamtake Community in Gworza Local Council of Borno State.

Locals said some suspected Boko Haram elements launched a surprise midnight attack on Thursday, April 17 ,targeting a Military formation ,as well as civilian population.

According to local sources ,the attack which occurred at about 11:30pm on Thursday night could not be controlled early enough due to late arrival of reinforcement efforts .

Two soldiers ,land several civilians were said to have been killed, while a significant damage was inflicted on the Military Facility in the new settlement.

“We are waiting for the reinforcement team to return but we leant that two of our men and other civilians were killed”,a Military source stated.

Although as at the time of reporting, the Military hierarchy were yet to react to the situation, however Senator Ali Ndume,while expressing regrets over the loss of two soldiers and some civilians, lauded the efforts of the Military in repelling some of the attacks on the area in recent times.

Senator Ndume who is representing Borno South In the Senate, informed that Yamtake is one of the communities recently resettled by the Borno State Government to accommodate displaced persons.

He, however ,expressed sadness over the killing of soldiers and innocent civilians .

The All Progressive Congress Senator while sympathizing with the families of the victims, commended the Military Commander of the Gwoza Military base, Brigadier General Nasir Abdullahi and the troops for their steadfastness, gallantry and resilience in the face of the security challenges.

Particularly, he expressed satisfaction with the way troops have been defending Gworza an integral part of his constituency.

However, Ndume lamented the frequency of the attacks in recent times, noting the urgent need to beef up security through the establishment of armed community defence units across the security- challenged areas of Borno State.

The Source reports that Thursday’s attack came on the heels of several others both in Gworza and other parts of Borno State in the last few weeks, a development that has forced Governor Prof Babagana Zulum to raise alarm.

Kano APC Sets Conditions For Welcoming Kwankwaso, Others

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 18, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The speculated defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP to the All Progressives Congress, APC, would be precedent upon some conditions which must be met, the party leadership has insisted.

At a media briefing on Friday April 18, 2025 at the APC Kano State chapter Secretariat, its Chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, emphasized that Kwankawanso must of necessity, publicly apologize for his several past insults and disparaging of the APC, its chieftains, particularly the President and his Vice.

The Source reports that the National Chairman of the APC Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, had, during a meeting with some NNPP Federal Lawmakers from Kano in Abuja earlier in the week, hinted on the possible return of the leader of the Kwankwassiya political movement to the party.

However, Abbas, while noting that the doors of APC is wide open for anybody, including Kwankwaso to join, insisted that the NNPP Presidential Candidate must not seek entry under the canopy of his kwankwassiya movement, or any other cult-like association.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let me emphasize that the APC, as a political party does not, and will not encourage or promote the existence of cult-like associations in the name of political activities or groupings.

Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas — Kano APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas

“We are also aware that some politicians are trying to run away from accounting for their corrupt misdeeds both in Government and party administration ,and seeking refuge in the APC so as to escape from the fangs of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC .

“However, joining APC as a political party is not a panacea to escaping from their past sins”, Abbas stated.

Further speaking ,the APC chairman maintained that as a veritable precondition to accessing the party, all those who had, at one point or the other, disparaged the party and its leaders must first tender unreserved apologies.

“Without prejudice to our desire to welcome new members and in respect of the constitutional rights of citizens to belong to political parties of their choice, we wish to state our position as a State Chapter of our great party in Kano State.

“We unequivocally call on all those prospective decampees who had earlier made derogatory remarks against our leaders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shetima, to offer a public apology as a sign of remorse and respect for future relationships”, the Kano APC chairman noted .

According to him, the leadership of the party has issued guidelines to Ward Executives on the modalities to adopt in registering new entrants into the party.

Prince Abbas explained that the guidelines will religiously apply in the acceptance of new members irrespective of the status of those concerned.

“We have already directed our ward chapters to open registers for prospective members irrespective of their political and social status, in line with our party’s constitution.

“We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register.

“For the purpose of seeking any future party or elective position, any old or new member shall be free to exercise his/her constitutional rights of voting and being voted for without any special preference”, Abbas said .

The State Chairman insisted that the party will not, for any reasons, compromise its cherished values on the alter of political expediency.

The APC, according to Abbas, remains the only attenuating platform for the fast fading political career of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

He stated that the former Governor of Kano State has squandered and abused his relationships with other political groupings in the country ,owing to his arrogant and domineering disposition.

“No Northerner Helped Tinubu’s Election More Than El-Rufai Did, The President Owes Him” – Fmr. Minister Shittu

Adesina Soyooye

April 18, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Minister of Communications under the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration, Adebayo Shittu, has said that President Bola Tinubu should have treated the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai better than he has been treated. His advice: The President should reach out to El-Rufai, and draw him close.

According to Shittu, no Northerner contributed to the reality of Tinubu’s Presidency more than El- Rufai. He recalled how El-Rufai stood by Tinubu through thick and thin to see that the Presidency went to the South, and even went to Court during the Central Bank’s deliberate cash crunch in the country. When no Northerner was bold enough to publicly support Tinubu, Shittu said, El-Rufai did, mobilising.

Shittu who spoke in an interview with The Punch insisted that El-Rufai deserved fair treatment than he has been given.

Said Shittu: “With regards to El-Rufai, I keep remembering the pivotal role he played in getting the North to support a Tinubu Presidency. I mean, there is no running away from that fact.

“We know, also, that Tinubu really courted his support with promises that he would be brought into governance. So, when we see what has happened, naturally, as a human being, El-Rufai will be disappointed. For me as an individual, and I am speaking the truth in accordance with my conscience, I don’t see any Northern politician who did much more for Tinubu’s emergence as El-Rufai. I don’t see it and I am being fair because being a very courageous person, when other people were not sure of supporting Tinubu, he came out boldly, agitating and mobilising.

“You also recall that at a stage, he took the Buhari government to Court when they were playing pranks about money redesign and all of that.

So, I think that President Tinubu should try and forge a new alliance with him. It is very important and it is only fair. To whom much is given, much is expected. I think he should be rehabilitated and brought in. It is better to make more friends than allow your friends to become enemies.”

Tinubu had nominated El-Rufai as a Cabinet member, but the Senate shockingly did not clear him. El-Rufai was later to disclose that they did that on Tinubu’s instruction after Tinubu had promised him he would be the Minister for Power.

El-Rufai, also, a former FCT Minister, has recently dumped the APC which founding member he is, for the Social Democratic Party, SDP. He is now mobilising against Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. A few days ago, he described Tinubu’s Government as the worst ever in the history of Nigeria as well as the most corrupt.

Ease Of Doing Business: VP Shettima Calls For Stronger Synergy Among Ministries, MDAs

James Orji

April 18, 2025

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, of government, as well as members of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, to deepen collaboration in order to foster a more conducive environment for doing business in the country.

Speaking on Wednesday at the closing session of the PEBEC Retreat for heads of MDAs and MDA Reform Champions held in Abuja, Vice President Shettima emphasized that the overarching goal is to ensure Nigeria remains a preferred destination for investors.

He stated: “This retreat was convened by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), an institution I am privileged to chair, not just to review reform progress, but to deepen something even more critical: synergy.

The business of government is too complex to be solved in silos. We cannot afford the luxury of working in isolation, while the problems we are tasked to solve are increasingly intertwined.”

Among the attendees was the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who commended PEBEC for organizing the retreat. He noted that it provided a valuable platform for peer review and constructive engagement among Federal Government appointees, aimed at improving institutional performance and reform delivery.

President Tinubu Preaches Unity At Easter Celebration

Ayodele Oni

April 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has admonished Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and resolute in pursuing national progress.

The President, who Felicitates with Christians on the celebration of Easter restated his administration’s resolve in delivering a promise of renewed hope.

Tinubu stated in his Easter message released on Friday that “I heartily felicitate Christians in Nigeria and worldwide as they commemorate Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection—the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

“The Holy Week, which spans Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday and Good Friday and culminates in Easter Sunday, calls us to reflect deeply on the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope.

“As President of our blessed nation, I draw inspiration from this timeless message of hope and renewal. I remain steadfast in my commitment to delivering the promise of a Renewed Hope, a better, more just, and prosperous Nigeria for all.

“The recent tragic incidents and the loss of lives in some parts of our country deeply saddened me. I understand the pain and fear these incidents have caused.

“Let me assure you that my administration’s resolve to restore peace and security remains unshakable. Forces of evil will never prevail over our country. I have given clear directives to the Armed Forces and all relevant security agencies to end insecurity decisively and without delay.

“With the unwavering courage and commitment of our gallant men and women in uniform, we are turning the tide and making steady progress in reclaiming peace and stability.

“We are also grateful to all Nigerians for your patience and resilience as our economy begins to show encouraging signs of recovery. We understand the economic challenges many of you are facing, and we are working tirelessly to restore investor confidence, stabilise key sectors, and build an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all Nigerians.

“During this Easter, we join the global Christian community in thanking God for Pope Francis’s recovery. We pray that his renewed strength continues to inspire his leadership and service to humanity.

“I earnestly pray that Easter’s spirit fills every heart and home with renewed faith in the immense possibilities ahead of us as a nation. Just as Christ triumphed over death, so too shall our country triumph over every challenge we face. The present moment may be cloudy, but it will usher in a glorious day.

“I urge all Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and resolute in pursuing national progress. The task before us is enormous, but together, with faith and determination, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. Our unity and resilience are our greatest strengths.

“May the risen Christ bless our homes with peace and our nation with continued unity and prosperity. Happy Easter to all my fellow Nigerians.”

“But For Tinubu, Who Knew Babachir Lawal?” – Fmr. Minister Shittu

Adesina Soyooye

April 18, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

“In his State, Babachir Lawal is a minority. In the North, generally, he is, also, a minority. He wanted to be Tinubu’s running mate. How many votes could he have delivered?”

Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications under President Muhammadu Buhari has, literally, dismissed former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal as a nobody until President Bola Tinubu made him somebody. “Before Tinubu recommended him to Buhari as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who knew Babachir”, Shittu asked.

The former Minister, who is now the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Dave Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, said this in an interview with the Punch Newspaper of Friday.

Lawal and the President were very close friends. In the heat of a corruption allegation against him when he was the SGF, Lawal had said he didn’t need money from anybody; that Tinubu gives him money until he would almost beg him to stop. But the once enviable, solid, relationship has broken down irretrievably.

Things fell apart between them when after Tinubu won the Presidential ticket of their party, the All Progressives Congress in 2023, against Lawal’s advice, he picked Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

Lawal, a Christian from the North, hit the roof. He considered Tinubu’s choice of a Muslim running mate as an insult to Christians in the North. He was strongly against a Muslim-Muslim ticked. Lawal turned against Tinubu, and fought him every inch of the way so he would lose the Presidential Election.

The fight has not stopped.

After failing to stop Tinubu in 2023, Lawal is one of the arrow heads in the North fighting against a second term for Tinubu in 2027. Shittu, however, dismisses all that and gives Tinubu a 75 per cent chance of winning a second term in office.

Tackling Lawal, Shittu said he felt sorry for him, and asked who he was before Tinubu picked him for the position of the SGF. He disclosed that Lawal is bitter because Tinubu refused to pick him as his running mate in preference to Shettima. According to Shittu, Lawal does not have any clout either in his State or in the North generally to attract voters. He described Lawal as one who bites the fingers that feed him.

Shittu: “Babachir Lawal, I feel so sad about him. We were in the same Cabinet together. He told me it was Tinubu who recommended him for appointment as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Before that appointment, who knew Babachir Lawal? You don’t bite the fingers that feed you. So, his fight against Tinubu because of the Muslim-Muslim ticket was unnecessary.

“If they had picked him instead of Kashim Shettima, could he have delivered the votes Shettima delivered? In his State, he is a minority. In the North generally, he is also a minority. This is an advantage that Shettima had over him.

“Babachir was expecting that because of the friendship he had built over the years with Tinubu, automatically, he would pick him as a Christian candidate. But Tinubu was strategic in picking the people who could deliver votes. That was what was important at that stage, not religion.

“So, Shettima, number one was a Borno person. He was, also, a former Governor and had influence in the North- east area of Nigeria. Again, the majority Northern North would still prefer a Muslim who could represent their interests, I mean, perceptibly.

“So, what would it have paid either Tinubu or even Babachir if they had picked him and he lost the election?

“Recall that the Presidential Candidate of the PDP is a Muslim from the North. So, if you bare not having a Presidential Candidate from the North and all that you could get from the North is a Vice Presidential Candidate, should you not go to the majority force in the North to pick a candidate who could be seen as representing their interest in the North? It’s bullsh*t.”

In 2023, Babachir Lawal worked for the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi. Now, against 2027, he is one of the Leaders of the Coalition against President Tinubu’s re-election.

“Rotimi Amaechi, Antagonistic, Bad Loser” – Shittu, His Fmr. Minister-Colleague

Adesina Soyooye

April 18, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Minister-colleague of Rotimi Amaechi, Adebayo Shittu, has berated him over his attitude towards President Bola Tinubu and his Government.

Both Shittu and Amaechi were Ministers of Transportation and Communications, respectively, under the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration.

However, while Shittu has remained loyal to the Party – All Progressives Congress – and the Tinubu Government, Amaechi has not only been absent in Party activities, he is a strong critic of the Administration.

Amaechi’s attitude is a direct reaction to the outcome of the APC Presidential Primaries in 2023 where Tinubu beat him to a distant second place. Since then, Amaechi, a former political ally of Tinubu, two of them having come together in 2014/2015 to push President Goodluck Jonathan out of office, has given Tinubu a loud space, and has become a bitter critic. A couple of days after the Primaries, Amaechi said that the delegates were bought, obviously referring to Tinubu’s victory.

But analysing Amaechi’s attitude in an interview with the Punch on Friday, Shittu dismissed the former two-term Governor ofvRivers State as a sour loser. He also referred to him as antagonistic. He asked if there was any Presidential aspirant then, who didn’t give delegates one thing or the other. He said Amaechi made a big mistake by antagonising the Centre, knowing that he no longer has any root in his home State.

Shittu: “Rotimi Amaechi, he’s my friend, but I think he’s been most unfair to the process. There was a primary election to produce a Presidential Candidate. He participated in it. Tinubu participated too. When he lost, he was claiming that Tinubu bought the delegates. Could there have been anybody who did not pay delegates either for transportation or for whatever? I think he’s just bitter at being a bad loser. Besides, how old is Rotimi? He still has so many years ahead of him and needs to be patient. Just because you lost an election, you are now trying to throw away the baby with the bathwater.

“I think it is not reasonable, and it is not in his long-term interest. He’s not too comfortable in his State. At the National level, instead of him to sustain friendship through peace building and all of that, he’s very antagonistic. I don’t think it is in his best interest. The election has come and gone. That is the Primary election.

“If he had issues, he ought to have gone to Court to challenge the process if he was sure that he could have won, or that immoral measures came into the success or triumph of Tinubu. But he didn’t do that.

“So, merely mouthing all over the place condemning Tinubu on the baseless allegation that people were bought, how does he hope to prove that. And how does that remedy his loss?”

Amaechi, a foundation member of the APC, and once the engine room of the party in Rivers, and very prominent and solid at the National level, has been pushed out of relevance by Nyesom Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory and Amaechi successor as Rivers State Governor.

Wike controls both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State. At the National level, the APC recognises Wike, even though he is not, officially, an APC member, more than it does Amaechi.

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