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Dele Momodu Reacts To Postponement Of 2019 Elections By INEC
Published
6 years agoon

Dele Momodu Reacts To Postponement Of 2019 Elections By Dele Momodu has joined other Nigerians in reacting to the postponement of elections by the Independent Nigeria Electoral Commission (INEC).

The media personality who had earlier persuaded the electoral commission’s chairman to react to rumours of the postponement of elections, stated that he pities the pity the foreigners, media crew, election monitors, who are already on ground to work.
He tweeted;
He further buttressed his claims in an article titled ‘Pendulum: Four Years After, We Are Back to Square One’. Read the article below;
Fellow Nigerians, how time flies indeed. About four years ago, we went through this very ritual, though the election was shifted by six weeks, for reasons we believed was an excuse to get the ruling government better prepared to consolidate its grip on power. Before long, the six weeks arrived, and there was no hiding place. Even as I write this, many doubting Thomases still believe the APC government is not sincerely ready for today’s Presidential election and that it may still spring a surprise on us. Thus, there have been unconfirmed stories of the elections being postponed for a matter of days because of logistic problems. For my own part, I doubt that the authorities will act in such a cavalier manner, particularly as there are numerous local and international observers and world media around. All eyes are on us.
As you know already, my people are never short of conspiracy theories. These have been fuelled by strange events and activities that are occurring very close to E-Day! For example, there have been reports of sporadic fire outbreaks in a few INEC centres, very strange indeed when one considers the proximity of such fires to the election date. However, I have not seen much coverage explaining the magnitude of the respective conflagrations. We have also read reports of some sample ballot papers being found inside many sacks in Kano. Again, no one has come out to explain what any sane human being could be doing with sample ballot papers. The main thing is that PDP is being treated to mind-games in this high-stakes plot, the end of which no one can predict.
Say what you will, I choose to trust two key people in the whole of this election saga. The first is the Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who has already attained the peak of his academic career and would not want to taint and end his distinguished life as a fiendish villain despised by all and treated like a maggot. So far, Professor Yakubu and INEC have managed to acquit themselves well in the preparation and run up to these general elections. They may have blotted their copy book particularly with regard to INEC’s role in the Osun State governorship elections but as this is one of the election cases currently trundling through the courts, I will say no more. It would be the height of foolishness and foolhardiness on his part to lower the bar as set and measured by what his immediate predecessor, Professor Attahiru Jega, achieved with a resounding ovation, barely four years ago. I refuse to imagine that Professor Yakubu would sacrifice his personal reputation and remarkable life, for politicians whose lives have almost expired.
Two. The other important man I choose to trust, almost blindly, although I know little or nothing about him, is the new Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, who recently took over from the querulous, cantankerous and rambunctious Ibrahim Idris who fought more battles against real and imaginary enemies than he tackled the horrendous security challenges in the land. I have taken time to watch and study Adamu, as meticulously as possible, in the short time since he has been appointed acting I-G. and I’m reasonably convinced that he is educated, intelligent, smart, charismatic and cosmopolitan. I am unsure about some of the decisions he has taken, one relating to the re-deployment of Commissioners of Police in Ogun State. It seems to me that this decision is in good faith and is made because of the disgraceful way in which street urchins and thugs were brought into the arena to hurl stones at the President and other APC leaders during the Presidential rally in Ogun State. This was a remarkable show of shame orchestrated to serve the interest of an opposition candidate and shows the real tragedy that has befallen APC, as the general elections loom. It is inconceivable that the Police would not take steps to ensure that the mayhem that occurred that day is not allowed to repeat itself during the elections. For me, it would be a calamity if it turns out later that I have wasted all these superlative adjectives on another recklessly irresponsible police officer. It is always a pity seeing some overzealous people throw decorum to the winds in order to please a god with feet of clay. Time will tell.
For whatever it means, and because I bear him no grudge, I have said it numerous times, and reiterate, that I personally like President Muhammadu Buhari. His personal attributes particularly his discipline and abstemiousness are worthy of emulation. He has demonstrated in the past that he is a credible person, although that has been put to question by some of the actions that his government has recently been taking. There is a hint of desperation to cling to power which does not augur well for our country or indeed the President himself. I therefore will wish, and pray, that President Buhari meant every word he uttered in his various promises to the nation that he’ll execute free, fair and credible elections starting from today. I have no reason to doubt him. He is acclaimed as a man of integrity. This is the time for him to prove that he is indeed a man who is passionate about Nigeria and means his word that the country will not be broken up and Balkanised. God has been very kind to President Buhari and his family. He practically returned from the dead less than two years ago and has somehow managed to steer the ship of State from then till today. Nigerians have not complained too much about the situation they found themselves. Rather, as is typical, they prayed for the restoration of good health to their President and their prayers were answered. Therefore, if Nigerians reject him at the polls, in a free and fair contest today, or whenever it pleases the almighty INEC, he should thank Allah for the uncommon opportunity and grace given to him for the second chance to serve Nigeria as it’s supreme ruler. He should go home in peace, to enjoy quality time with his gorgeous wife, beautiful children and adorable grandchildren. The Presidency is nobody’s personal property or fiefdom. He should take solace in joining the commendable and enviable company of other incumbent Presidents in Africa, like Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria and John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, who made no fuss before accepting defeat in good faith, no matter the secret pains. President Buhari should remember to call his successful opponent, most likely, Atiku Abubakar, and offer his best wishes. I promise, this gesture will turn out to be an icing on Buhari’s cake for final retirement. His apotheosis would also have been guaranteed instantly.
On the other hand, if Atiku Abubakar, fails in a free and fair contest, he should accept his destiny with equanimity. I can understand that it would be a difficult time for him because it has been a long arduous journey for him to eventually land the presidential candidacy and ticket of a mainstream party. It is natural that he and his supporters will feel very disappointed having worked extremely hard to defeat and unseat President Buhari. Atiku should take solace in the fact that he has fought a good fight. His campaign has proceeded in a decent manner and he has concentrated mainly on the issues and not allowed himself to be dragged into the gutter politics that has sometimes been employed against him by some of his more overenthusiastic and fanatical opponents. Atiku must accept that in every contest, only one person can win. As long as the election is free and fair enough, the over-all interest of the country must be considered. Besides, there are remedies already embedded in the electoral act if there has been any unfairness. Justice may tarry, but it will come eventually, no matter how much people may try to manipulate the system and the judiciary.
My only worry is about President Buhari’s footsoldiers. From their utterances and body language, it is obvious that they are spoiling for war and are only ready to go down fighting. They do not seem to care about the outcome of free and fair elections as long as their candidate does not lose. They have boisterously announced to the world, and the President himself has echoed them, that no one can unseat him. That statement may be considered condescending and outrightly arrogant and capable of pouring petrol into the raging fire.
This is very sad because only four years ago, we witnessed the public ignominy suffered by Elder Peter Godsday Orubebe who was busy throwing tantrums like a baby while results of the contest between Buhari and President Jonathan were being announced. It was such a show of shame. Why would the government that came in after that disastrous melodrama repeat the same nonsense? Indeed, on reflection, it seems to me that this Government has in recent times been following the same path to perdition that the PDP and Jonathan followed towards the end of that administration. It is like history repeating itself. There is a surreal element of déjà vu playing out. It is my hope that the same silly season and scenario does not repeat itself come the final collation and announcement of results. Nigeria cannot afford such shame and indignity again.
What is wrong with some of the young folks in APC who behave as if they can’t find other things to do expect government work? And because of their own personal avarice and self-aggrandizement, they are unconcerned about the greater good of the greater number of people and their country. No one should ever think of setting Nigeria on fire again. Nigeria has been too kind to these people, and they should, please, leave Nigeria in peace and not in pieces.
From where I stand, I can see very clearly that whatever happens, whenever this election is held, now or in the near future, the ruling government is clearly in trouble and the ruling party has virtually collapsed, with almost no hope of redemption in sight. A house divided against itself that still wishes to stand tall may be mere wishful thinking. APC has abdicated governance and its leadership has started behaving like Emperors and conquerors. The in-fighting is so much that we no longer know who is actually in charge. In all honesty, how can a party that can no longer direct its own affairs, and a President who seems to be clueless about how to maintain party unity, discipline and loyalty, and is apparently not in charge of virtually anything, ask for people’s votes in good conscience? Such a party cannot deliver good governance, much more the change that was promised four years ago. However, it is ultimately the people’s choice as to which road they want to traverse.
From Lagos to Ogun to Adamawa to Imo to Rivers to Zamfara to Kaduna to Delta, it has been one tale of woe or the other. And it all boils down to the refusal of party chieftains to act as true democrats. What is worse, the party has rubbished some of the key figures that brought it to power, many of who have since returned to where they came from, PDP. The major assets that brought Buhari to power have all collapsed and it mainly liabilities that can be seen all around.
The day of reckoning is here. The People will have their say. The contending gladiators must also ensure that the People must have their way. Their choice must prevail no matter whose ox is gored. Nobody is bigger than Nigeria.

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

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society
DANGOTE distributes 30,000 bags of Rice to the economically challenged in Osun
Published
15 minutes agoon
May 11, 2025
DANGOTE distributes 30,000 bags of Rice to the economically challenged in Osun
…Gov Adeleke lauds the philanthropic gesture
It was the turn of Osun State for the National Food Intervention programme by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) as the Foundation began the distribution of 30,000 bags of rice for the economically vulnerables in the state at the weekend.
The state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke who flagged off the distribution expressed gratitude to Africa’s foremost industrialist and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the unwavering commitment to the well-being of the vulnerable as well as the fight against hunger and poverty in Nigeria and Africa.
Governor Adeleke said the distribution of 30,000 bags of 10 kg size of rice to all vulnerable groups in all the local government areas of Osun state, would go a long way in alleviating the food crisis facing them due to the food inflation ravaging the country and Africa at large.
Adeleke, who was represented by the state’s commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Otunba Tola Faseru saluted Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the effort to support Osun state at this time of economic challenges impacting the vulnerable people in society.
According to him “The distribution of these bags of rice to the indigents is a significant step towards addressing food security and poverty alleviation in the state. I must commend the efforts of the foundation again in making life meaningful to this set of people who need food assistance. Together, we can build a prosperous society for all”
He said that many vulnerable groups and their members will benefit from the rice distribution, particularly people with disability (PWD), the aged, motherless babies’ homes, youth groups, farmers, artisans and many more.
The governor emphasized the need for continuous collaboration with the foundation on initiatives that bring relief to the vulnerable in the country. He added that it is on record that his administration continues to provide relief to the people of Osun via several palliative initiatives.
Victor Ejiro who represented the Aliko Dangote Foundation, said Osun state is “dear to the heart of our chairman Aliko Dangote and his foundation, hence the need to prioritize the state. He added that the foundation has continuously targeted one million vulnerable Nigerians in its Annual National Food Intervention Program. The 2025 rice distribution program, according to Ejiro, is targeted at beneficiaries in all the 774 local governments in Nigeria. He added that this is a direct response to cushioning the effect of the harsh economic conditions among the vulnerable.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Agriculture, Olaniran Akanfe Atidade who also attended the distribution ceremony described the foundation’s gesture as a significant effort towards food security and poverty alleviation. Representatives of various beneficiary groups were presented with their allocation of bags of rice, expressing their appreciation to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the invaluable gesture and support.
Recall that Aliko Dangote Foundation had in March commenced its 2025 National Food Relief Programme, aimed at distributing over 1,000,000 10kg bags of rice across the 774 local government areas of the 36 states and FCT in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Foundation, Aliko Dangote had said that the initiative was a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges faced by our nation.
“The rice distribution programme will commence in Kano and Lagos States with flag-off ceremonies before expanding to all the other 36 states and the FCT over the next two weeks,” he stated.
Dangote emphasized the importance of compassion and generosity during the holy month of Ramadan, when the distribution commenced saying “the distribution of rice symbolises our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of our humanity.”
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The Betrayal of a Dream: How Atiku Abubakar Undermined the PDP Legacy
Published
9 hours agoon
May 11, 2025The Betrayal of a Dream: How Atiku Abubakar Undermined the PDP Legacy
By George O. Sylvester (According to Chief Frank Anagu)
Once upon a time in the annals of Nigerian political history, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stood tall as the most beautiful bride of the Fourth Republic graceful, purposeful and built on the sacrifice of visionaries who gave their sweat and soul to end military tyranny. Founded in the wake of national despair, the PDP was not just a party it was a mission, a covenant between the people and democracy.
The party’s roots trace back to the courageous G34 group, a coalition of Nigeria’s finest elder statesmen led by the likes of the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Olu Falae, Pa Abraham Adesanya and other political patriots. Their singular goal: to oust the dictator Sani Abacha and restore the rule of law in a bleeding nation. It was not a game of power, but a fight for Nigeria’s survival. The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), originally founded by the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, played a crucial role in that struggle. Upon Yar’Adua’s death, his political heir, Atiku Abubakar, took the reins of PDM and merged it with G34. This union birthed the PDP, a party we all laboured to build.
It is within this historical backdrop that the tragedy of Atiku Abubakar’s political missteps must be critically examined. According to Chief Frank Anagu, a founding member and former Chairman of the PDP South Africa Chapter and former Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), the party’s decline is not accidental it is the result of avoidable betrayals, unholy alliances and a chronic lack of discipline and ideological clarity from leaders who should have known better.
When the PDP was being formed, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was still incarcerated. Upon his release and in a spirit of national healing, the party’s founding fathers approached him to serve as a one-term transitional president. His mission was clear: to rein in the military, professionalize the armed forces and restore Nigeria to democratic sanity. Atiku Abubakar, in what was then considered an act of patriotism, supported Obasanjo’s emergence against the grain of party elders.
But power, as always, reveals the character of men. Once in office, Obasanjo reneged on the gentlemen’s agreement and sought a second term. Rather than defend the original covenant with the party’s founders, Atiku betrayed that agreement and justified it by saying Obasanjo had “knelt down” to beg for his support. At that time, Atiku wielded immense power controlling 28 PDP Governors and could have restored principle over politics. Instead, he enabled the betrayal. That was the first mistake.
On December 14, 2004, during the African National Congress (ANC) Convention in Stellenbosch, South Africa, a defining moment unfolded. Chief Frank Anagu, then PDP Chairman in South Africa, was at the Cape Town International Airport to receive Vice President Atiku Abubakar. With him were Chief Charles Rapuluchukwu Ufochukwu (PDP Chairman, Western Cape) and Dr. Tunji Olagunju (then Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa). But to their astonishment, the first person to step off Atiku’s flight was none other than Bola Ahmed Tinubu accompanied by Bayo Ojo. A chill ran down the spines of those present. This was no ordinary visit; it was a political omen.
Chief Frank Anagu, addressing Atiku, cautioned him strongly: “Be very careful about those who do not want you to be President of Nigeria.” The ambassador himself nodded in agreement and clapped, a silent but firm endorsement of the warning. Yet, Atiku, ever dismissive of internal wisdom, defended his closeness with Tinubu in front of the Nigerian community. Worse still, he uttered the words that would haunt him for years: “I can be President of Nigeria with or without Obasanjo.” That arrogance, that detachment from political reality, marked the beginning of his downfall.
Atiku’s perpetual DECAMPING from PDP to Action Congress (AC), then back to PDP, then to APC and again back to PDP reflects a man not anchored by principle but by political survivalism. Such instability has led to the erosion of the PDP’s ideological identity, resulting in the disillusionment of party faithful across the nation and in the diaspora.
Today, the PDP is a shadow of its former self not because it lacked talent or vision, but because leaders like Atiku failed to embody consistency, discipline and loyalty. Chief Frank Anagu, having served in several capacities within the PDP and having witnessed firsthand the integrity of the party’s formation, laments what the party has become: “This is not the party we fought to build. It was a dream born from sacrifice. Now, it is threatened by selfish ambition.”
The lesson here is simple: no political movement can survive the constant betrayal of its founding ideals. The PDP was never designed to be a one-man show, but a collective platform of patriotic Nigerians committed to unity, equity and justice. Atiku’s political zig-zagging and refusal to reconcile sincerely with key party blocs has cost the PDP dearly.
But all hope is not lost. In the spirit of political redemption, Chief Frank Anagu offers strategic advice: “Now that the Labour Party is in disarray, Atiku must be bold and humble enough to forge an alliance with the Obidient movement of Peter Obi.” This is not about Peter Obi or Atiku alone, it is about rebuilding the foundation of democratic politics in Nigeria. A merger of credible forces is not only strategic, it is necessary for survival.
The 2027 elections present a critical opportunity. Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of recycled confusion. A coalition that unites the PDP’s experience with the energy and idealism of the Obidient movement may very well be the last hope of rescuing Nigeria from the grip of impunity and visionless governance.
Chief Frank Anagu’s reflections must not be dismissed as mere nostalgia. They are a wake-up call. The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on whether leaders are willing to set aside ego for purpose, ambition for nationhood and manipulation for morality.
Let this serve as a historic record. The PDP was built on blood, sweat and a dream. It must not be allowed to die at the hands of those who benefited most from its birth. Nigeria deserves better. And so does the People’s Democratic Party.
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