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How Otoge Movement And Offa Robbery Caused A Revolt For Saraki In Kwara Politics

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In 2011, Bukola Saraki retired his father, Olusola Saraki, from politics by backing Abdulfatah Ahmed against Gbemisola, his own younger sister, in the governorship race. Their father had been the godfather Kwara politics for decades and the popular saying was: “Anywhere Saraki goes, Kwara goes.”

After controversially installing Bukola, his first son, as governor in 2003, Saraki – who was senate leader in the second republic – wanted the younger sister as the next governor and pulled every trick in the book. He failed, Bukola had his way and the conclusion was that Kwara now had a new godfather.

Well, not for too long. Bukola’s reign lasted for exactly eight years. He will not be returning to the senate and, except his party,the PDP, wins the presidential election and he gets a key position, the senate president may be on his way to political oblivion.

The nation’s number three citizen was defeated in the Kwara central senatorial district race by Ibrahim Oloriegbe of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who polled 123,808 votes to defeat Saraki’s 68,994 – a margin of 54,814.

A former governor of Kwara state and two-time PDP presidential aspirant, Saraki’s defeat is the biggest news so far in the 2019 general election. Here are five possible factors that may have caused Saraki’s fall.

THE ‘O TO GE’ MOVEMENT

For some years now, Kwara residents have been under the leadership of the Saraki family, a culture many refer to as the ‘Saraki dynasty’. Saraki’s late father, Olusola, was known for installing governors. In 2003, his son took over from Mohammed Lawal as governor of the state, an office he held for two terms. From there, he proceeded to the senate form where he is said to have been calling the shots in Kwara.

But as time went by, the people were said to have been “fed up” of the influence from Saraki’s family and gradually, a popular movement known as ‘O to ge!’ began. Loosely translated as ‘enough is enough’, the movement – or revolt as you may wish to call it – was spearheaded by key political figures in Kwara including Abdulrahman AbdulRazak, APC governorship candidate in the state, with the help of prominent figures there such as Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture.

Time and again, Mohammed lamented about the “Saraki dynasty.” The minister once said: “The main issues here have to do with how our state has been governed in the past 50 years, 40 of which have been dominated by a single family. What has happened to the commonwealth, which has been cornered by a single dynasty at the expense of the people?”

Fun fact: With what we understands that some of the voters did not even know the name of Saraki’s main challenger; they were simply motivated by “O to ge”.

Another key factor that led to the ‘downfall’ of Saraki is the popularity of President Muhammadu Buhari. The president, it was gathered, is even more popular than Saraki in in most parts of the state.

Interestingly, as the results of the presidential election tickled in, figures showed Buhari was having a comfortable lead in Kwara against Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, despite Saraki being his (Abubakar) campaign director-general.

Apart from the fact of the dwindling influence of the Saraki family following the ‘O to ge’ movement, the presence of Lai Mohammed, the information minister, helped boost the president’s popularity. In fact, in the build-up of the elections, Kwara was one of the major states of interest for the president and of course, the minister acted as the president’s front as events played out.

SORE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PEOPLE

It is believed that Saraki’s not-so-good relationship with the people of Kwara robbed him of some votes in the senatorial election.

Some reTheCable claimed to TheCable claimed he does not have a good relationship with the people like his late father Olusola. “He is not free with his people like his father was,” a resident said when asked about the senate president. “People used to throng to their house when the father was alive but not anymore.”

OFFA ROBBERY

On April 5, 2018, armed robbers attacked banks in Offa, Kwara state, killing 33 people, including pregnant women and 12 police officers. It later emerged that some of the suspects had links to Saraki and the Kwara state government. This created a major PR disaster for Saraki as he became publicly involved in a spat with the police hierarchy.

http://gyonlineng.com/end-of-the-saraki-dynasty-kwara-politics/

The tragedy shook Offa to his very roots and apparently tarnished the image of Saraki in the state, and this might have contributed in no little to cutting down his influence and hurting his political fortune.

While addressing a press conference in Lagos earlier this year, Oloriegbe had accused Saraki’s family of not sharing in the “common heritage” of the people of the state. He also made it a point of duty to restore the state’s “lost values”.

The APC candidate had said: “In the past 16 years, our society has been in the grip of people who do not share our common values and heritage. They are dealers whose concerns are at variance with the people’s aspirations. They are leaders with (an) inordinate appetite for wealth acquisition. They are political voyagers and power merchants. They don’t share our Islamic values and culture of leadership.”

‘WRATH OF CIVIL SERVANTS’

A key factor that dealt a massive blow on Saraki’s ambition is the “poor welfare” of workers in Kwara state. Residents who spoke to TheCable complained the civil servants both at state and local government levels are usually not paid their salaries – and when they eventually get them, the salaries come in percentages.

“Sometimes, they pay workers as low as 30 percent,” a resident said, adding that workers have been abandoned over the years.

But Saraki is not the governor – so why direct their frustration at him? “Ask a typical Kwara man what his issue is and he may tell you Saraki has no paid us,” another resident told TheCabe. “It is true he is not the governor but he is the one calling the shots; so the people know if Saraki wants salaries paid, they will be paid.” Many believe that Kwara resources are still under his control.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Ondo APC Primary: Comrade Aiyitoba Emmanuel Sends Congratulatory Message To Gov. Ayedatiwa

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Ondo APC Primary: Comrade Aiyitoba Emmanuel Sends Congratulatory Message To Gov. Ayedatiwa.

Ondo APC Primary: Comrade Aiyitoba Emmanuel Sends Congratulatory Message To Gov. Ayedatiwa.

 

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The Executive Administrator of Ilaje Progressive Summit Group( IPSG), Comrade Aiyitoba Emmanuel has sent a congratulatory message to Gov. Ayedatiwa over his victory on the APC’s primary election in Ondo state last week Saturday.

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Ondo APC Primary: Comrade Aiyitoba Emmanuel Sends Congratulatory Message To Gov. Ayedatiwa.

 

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Gov. Lucky Ayedatiwa won the highest number of votes of 48, 569 among the aspirants, and therefore declared the winner by the Governorship Primary Election Committee.

Aiyitoba in his statement said, his group will work and campaign tirelessly for his Excellency, Gov. Ayedatiwa to win in the 16th November, 2024 Governorship election in Ondo State. ” I’m from the same village, Obe-nla kingdom with Gov. Ayedatiwa; he’s our son, uncle, brother and father and we believe he’s capable of bringing development in all ramifications to Ondo State”.

As the IPSG co-ordinator, Comrade Aiyitoba assured that his group will work hands- in- hands and campaign door to door to assure his Excellency’s Victory at Ilaje area and Ondo state as a whole for the November governorship election in the State.

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PUBLIC NOTICE: URGENT APPEAL FOR PEACE AND SECURITY IN RIVERS STATE: A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE PRESIDENT*

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**PUBLIC NOTICE: URGENT APPEAL FOR PEACE AND SECURITY IN RIVERS STATE: A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE PRESIDENT**

Dear Esteemed Citizens of Nigeria,

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As concerned citizens and representatives of the Dwellers of Coastal and Waterways Communities of Africa (DCWCA), our hearts weigh heavy with concern for the safety and security of our beloved nation, particularly in Rivers State. Recent developments have seen allover the internet news online a troubling plot that threatens to undermine the peace and stability painstakingly built by our coastal communities.

We are gravely disturbed by reports indicating a sinister scheme aimed at disrupting the commendable efforts of Royal Fouchee Security Limited, spearheaded by the esteemed Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari. It pains us deeply to learn that the very guardians of our security, the Nigeria Security Agencies, are allegedly orchestrating an assault on the dedicated workers of Royal Fouchee Security Agency and other private security entities in Rivers State.

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In this hour of uncertainty, we turn our eyes to the highest office of the land, the esteemed President of Nigeria, with an impassioned plea for intervention. Mr. President, we beseech you to heed our call and use your authority to halt any actions that may endanger the lives and well-being of our coastal citizens. Your decisive action is imperative in preventing further escalation of tensions and preserving the peace that is the lifeblood of our coastal communities.

While we cannot definitively prove the political undertones behind these alarming developments, the whispers of suspicion linger in the air. It is incumbent upon our leaders to rise above partisan interests and prioritize the safety and security of every Nigerian, particularly those in our coastal regions who are vulnerable to various challenges.

Let us not forget the lessons of our past, where political differences were allowed to sow seeds of discord and division among our coastal brethren. Instead, let us unite in solidarity, transcending political boundaries to safeguard the sanctity of our democracy and the welfare of our coastal people.

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Mr. President, we implore you to intervene swiftly and decisively, sending a clear message that the security and well-being of every coastal Nigerian is non-negotiable. Your actions today will shape the destiny of our nation and reaffirm our collective commitment to peace, unity, and progress.

With unwavering hope and trust in your leadership,

Dwellers of Coastal and Waterways Communities of Africa (DCWCA)
[Tom Inko-Tariah ACI arb
President/CEO]

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Edi Abali Group Raises Alarm Over Security Threat to Ancestral Home, Assets of Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari

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Edi Abali Group Raises Alarm Over Security Threat to Ancestral Home, Assets of Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari

Edi Abali Group Raises Alarm Over Security Threat to Ancestral Home, Assets of Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari

 

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by The Army

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Sahara Weekly Reports That The Edi Abali Group has raised an alarm concerning a security threat to the ancestral home and assets of Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, the Paramount Ruler of Edi Abali Group of War Canoe and Chieftaincy Houses in the Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers State, by the military.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edi Abali Group Raises Alarm Over Security Threat to Ancestral Home, Assets of Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari

 

 

 

 

 

In a public notice issued by the Edi Abali Group it states that credible intelligence has revealed plans by elements within the 103 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Obuama to provoke a confrontation and disrupt the peace in the area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the notice, the plot specifically targets Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, who is currently out of the country. The army allegedly plans to exploit his absence in order to create a crisis that could be wrongly attribited to the community members, resulting in attacks on innocent individuals. The Edi Abali Group clarifies that there are no issues between their community, the army, and Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari or his company, Royal Fouche Services Limited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The notice highlights that the tensions arose after Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari spoke out about the involvement of some elements of the Nigerian Army in oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta. These activities reportedly deprived the government of the much-needed revenue, leading to displeasure among these elements. The group believes that they are deliberately instigating a crisis involving the personnel of Royal Fouche Services to justify an attack on innocent indigenes of the Kalabari communities, particularly in Obuama where Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari is based, as well as the 103 Battalion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr Mpakaboari Pankin Braide said,

 

 

“The army in Obuama is aware of his absence from the country and plans to exploit this to create a crisis, which will be wrongly attributed to community members, leading to attacks on innocent individuals.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Edi Abali Group calls upon the Nigerian Army to be aware of this plot and to ensure that they are not manipulated into compromising peace and security in the area. They also highlight the proven record of collaboration between Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari and Royal Fouche Services Limited with security agencies in combating terrorism, kidnapping, and insurgency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The group aims to inform the public, as well as the people of Kalabari and Rivers State, about this planned provocation targeting innocent individuals, including Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari. They emphasize his commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government and Governor Sim Fubara-led Rivers State Governments in ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Said Mr Mpakaboari Pankin Braide

Secretary Edi Abali Group Of War Canoe and Chieftaincy Houses,

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We want the public, people of Kalabari and Rivers State to be aware of this planned provocation targeting innocent individuals, including Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, who remains committed to supporting the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government and Governor Sim Fubara-led Rivers State Governments in ensuring safety and security for all Nigerians.”

 

 

 

 

 

Released and signed by;

Mr Mpakaboari Pankin Braide

Secretary Edi Abali Group Of War Canoe and Chieftaincy Houses

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