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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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PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU TO RELEASE NNAMDI KANU AS DEMOCRACY DAY GIFT TO NDIGBO

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PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU TO RELEASE NNAMDI KANU AS DEMOCRACY DAY GIFT TO NDIGBO

IGBO HEROES FOUNDATION’S NATIONAL COORDINATOR, PRINCE CHINEDU NSOFOR, CALLS ON PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU TO RELEASE NNAMDI KANU AS DEMOCRACY DAY GIFT TO NDIGBO

 

 

BY JOSEPH MONDAY

 

 

As Nigeria celebrates yet another Democracy Day, we at the Igbo Heroes Foundation reflect on the journey so far with deep concern and patriotic hope. “Democracy, by its very definition, thrives on the principles of freedom, justice, equity, and the rule of law,” said Prince Chinedu Nsofor(KPAKPANDO NDIGBO), National Coordinator of the Igbo Heroes Foundation. “It is a system built on the voice of the people and the protection of their rights. As Nigerians across the federation mark this important day, we must remind ourselves of the ideals we claim to uphold. True democracy must be inclusive and must respond to the cries of the marginalized and the silenced.”

 

PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU TO RELEASE NNAMDI KANU AS DEMOCRACY DAY GIFT TO NDIGBO

 

 

In this light, Nsofor called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria to use this year’s Democracy Day as an opportunity to demonstrate true statesmanship and national healing by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). “The best gift the Federal Government can give to the Igbo nation on this Democracy Day is the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu,” Nsofor said. “His prolonged detention, despite various legal pronouncements in his favor, continues to hurt the soul of the Igbo people and stain the fabric of our national unity.”

 

Nsofor further noted that it is worth recalling that the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, in its 2022 opinion, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Kanu and compensation for his arbitrary detention. “Furthermore, the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, in October 2022, discharged and acquitted him of all charges, citing that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya was unlawful and in violation of international law,” he added. “These rulings should not be ignored in a country that claims to respect the rule of law. Democracy without respect for judicial decisions is no democracy at all.”

 

“We urge the Federal Government to heed these calls and take bold, reconciliatory steps that foster unity, peace, and healing,” Nsofor concluded. “The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not only pacify the aggrieved hearts in the Southeast but also send a strong message to all Nigerians and the international community that this government values justice, equity, and the sanctity of the democratic process. As we mark Democracy Day, may our leaders choose peace over pride, justice over oppression, and unity over

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division.”

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June 12: Lagos Speaker Praises President Tinubu’s Achievements, Calls for Civic Engagement

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June 12: Lagos Speaker Praises President Tinubu’s Achievements, Calls for Civic Engagement

As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, June 12, Rt. Hon. Dr. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has urged citizens to actively engage in the democratic process while appraising the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Dave Agboola, Obasa lauded the commendable leadership of President Tinubu, emphasising the significant strides made under his administration, which he said have fostered hope and transformation across the nation.

He further commended Tinubu’s dedication to improving security, driving economic development, and empowering communities. “This day reminds us of our collective journey toward a more just and equitable society,” Obasa stated while reflecting on the importance of June 12 as a symbol of resilience in the face of challenges.

The Speaker urged the people of Lagos to keep the hope of democracy alive and recognise their pivotal role in shaping the future of their communities. “Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, and every one of us plays a vital role in its success. Your voice matters, your vote matters,” he added.

With local government elections imminent in the state, Obasa passionately appealed for the support of all APC candidates, highlighting that voting for these representatives is an investment in the continued progress of Lagos State. “Together, we can ensure effective governance that delivers on the promises of democracy,” he asserted.

He emphasised the importance of unity and active participation in strengthening the democratic process.

In his closing remarks, Obasa appealed to Lagosians to remain supportive of the current administration, assuring them that efforts are continually underway to deliver the dividends of democracy to every citizen.

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Oshodi Local Government: When Leadership was Fused Humanity

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Oshodi Local Government: When Leadership was Fused Humanity

Oshodi Local Government: When Leadership was Fused Humanity

 

 

According to Steve Job, one of the founders of the Apple franchise “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”. This simply means the number of lives touched positively by your decision will eventually be the yardstick with which you are rated. What this means is that it will be right to address the current Chairman of Oshodi Local government, Otunba Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede popularly known as Kendu as an exemplary leader to the people just because he gave leadership a human face.

 

Oshodi Local Government: When Leadership was Fused Humanity

 

Coming at period many sees Local Government administration as only salary paying and at rare times drainage clearing arm of government, Otunba Oloyede has given his people a reason to to see the importance of the third tier of government unlike it used to be with the many people friendly projects his government has executed and is still executing in his just first four (4) years, thereby increasing their expectations for his next four years.

 

 

 

Kendu as the Chairman of Oshodi Local government is fondly called has shone brightly and his imposing track record in human development projects and empowerment across the local government and has attracted applause from the people and hatred from few who are used to the old way of administration.

 

 

 

Hon Oloyede’s innovative project to improve the lives of the people and alleviate the hardship in his community through the establishment of a monthly stipend driven scheme called the non-pensionable salary for aged, widows, vulnerable and some people tagged the decent boys (these are young men who could not learn any craft early in life and needs to be encouraged while being exposed to learning a craft to keep employed).

 

 

 

Findings revealed that Kendu led government has at ever time more than six hundred (600), of such people being paid monthly from this laudable non-pensionable scheme, a situation which has also increased the numbers of skilled workforce of Oshodi and reduced the population of miscreants in the community.

 

 

 

It was also revealed that Hon Oloyede’s government has also been partnering with the market women association (being a child of a market leader himself), to give grants to support the business of many who are having one financial issues or the other.

 

 

 

It is therefore not a surprise when the people of Oshodi who have seen the effort of the Chairman at meeting them at their lowest and compliment them when needed, to rally support for their working son with the love of humanity and support him for another term to the chagrin of the very few who are employing various unsavoury means to splash mud on his shinny garment, through lies peddling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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