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Nigeria Does Not Need Another Weak Vice President

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Naira Redesign: El-Rufai Explains Why Emefiele Is A Saboteur

Nigeria Does Not Need Another Weak Vice President

By Omotoriogun Emmanuel

 

Nigeria Does Not Need Another Weak Vice President

 

There are three fundamental principles in choosing a leader, especially when it comes to a country like Nigeria. Character, capacity, and energy are the most essential ingredients in picking a 21st century leader. This simply means that a leader in Africa’s most populous nation is expected to be a paragon of integrity, and a high flyer whose capacity in politics and public affairs must transcend both the state and federal government.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria also needs a leader that exudes energy and resourcefulness to drive the dividends of democracy to the people. And having elected Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2023 election, the APC’s quest for choosing his running mate must revolve around the aforementioned qualities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So far, three names have been shortlisted by the party for its Vice-Presidential slot. Babagana Zulum, the incumbent governor of Borno State, his Predecessor, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the current Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El Rufai are alleged to be the key contenders.

 

 

 

 

 

But which of these men has all of what it takes to become Nigeria’s next vice president? It is no longer a hidden secret that the Office of the Vice President has for a long time been something of a delightfully bland euphemism for ceremonial leadership in Nigerian politics. An office that has been occupied by a series of men lacking in capacity and ability to inspire economic and political change. Except for Atiku Abubakar whose effect was in a way felt during his time, all other vice presidents that had emerged since Nigeria’s return to democracy have been merely political spare tyres. Goodluck Jonathan for instance was rather ineffective when he occupied the second-highest office in the land, and the unfortunate demise of his principal, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, which led to his enthronement as President was a vindication that occupying political offices was entirely not one of his strengths.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GEJ’s deputy, the meek and unmotivated Muhammed Sambo also had nothing of value to offer as Vice President. Then came in the amiable Professor of Law, Yemi Osinbajo—one we all expected had the X factor to switch things up. But yet again, we were offered another ceremonial figurehead—this time, a smooth great talker who, in almost eight years has been a little doer. It must be pointed out that Nigeria does not need a manager, it needs a leader, and It perforce follows that for over a decade, the tradition of non-performing attributes has pervaded largely the position of the vice presidency in Nigeria.

With that in sight, it is expected that the APC’s choice of a running mate for Tinubu must be someone viable enough to create the needed political effect. Note that Tinubu’s candidacy for the presidency has conjured up a lot of reservations among Nigerians, and if the party must clear several doubts regarding the nation’s topmost job, then it must present to Nigerians a good enough vice-presidential aspirant. Of all three, Mallam Ahmed El Rufai is by far the most qualified for the job. He is suave, he understands better Nigeria’s current reality, and he is yawningly the most detribalized northerner in the mix. The truth also remains that Babagana Zulum will not be a bad pick either, but unfortunately, he is not El Rufai.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note that, Mallam El Rufai singlehandedly coordinated all the APC governors to support the bid for Tinubu’s Presidency. He is a man who commands more respect in the Nigerian political clime than most of his counterparts. If picked, Mallam El Rufai will be the perfect piece to the jigsaw of an APC government that is in dire need of a reformative swagger.

To many, El Rufai comes off as a man that is overly principle, but it is his kind that Nigeria needs as number two at this point of reckoning. One of the most cosmopolitan breeds from northern Nigeria, El Rufai’s public service records speaks volume. This is a man whose reformative mind transformed a large part of Obasanjo’s government, not that he was even Nigeria’s vice president at the time. As minister of the FCT, El Rufai established the Abuja Geographic Information System, creating the first computerized land register and information system in Nigeria. He led reforms in the Nigerian public service and oversaw a transformation in the Ministry of Commerce and Interior while playing a key role in the country’s national economic team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

El Rufai is a political outlier and a pragmatic statesman that can hardly go missing in the business of statecraft. It is these leadership qualities that made him share a close connection with President Obasanjo during that dispensation, one that bears semblance to the connection enjoyed by President Richard Nixon and his brilliant aide, Henry Kissinger (for those familiar with the history of 20th century US politics). It was the same connection that made Nuhu Ribadu describe Mallam El Rufai as the ‘de facto no. 2 official’, tagging him the vice president given his active contribution to Obasanjo’s government.

There is no gainsaying how Mallam El Rufai has transformed Kaduna State in the most progressive ways. Under his stewardship, the State attracted a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of $2.61 billion in 2021. His progressive method of cutting the cost of government to reforming the state civil service and education sector is arguably the best policy thrust embarked upon by any current governor in Nigeria. Last year, he appointed a 28-year-old into his cabinet, and he is the only governor in northern Nigeria with a deputy as a woman—Dr. Hadiza Balarabe. Note that 53% of commissioners under his aegis in Kaduna State are women—a milestone that reaffirms Mallam El Rufai’s position as an incomparable modern statesman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If anything, the APC stands a better chance of retaining their seat in Aso Rock should they go for Mallam El Rufai as Tinubu’s running mate. This is a man who can give Nigeria 20 hours of his time daily and can create compelling connections with Nigerian youths. There is a sense that if Nigeria finds a vibrant and disciplined Vice president like El Rufai, the country may as well get it right from 2023.

 

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Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation?

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Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation? By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation?

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

 

The recent verdict by the Edo State Governorship Elections Tribunal dismissing the PDP’s petition against the 2024 election outcome has once again raised critical questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. While the tribunal cited the absence of competent witnesses and lack of substantial evidence, a deeper analysis of this ruling, coupled with the broader political climate under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suggests a concerning pattern: the calculated erosion of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

 

Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation?
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Legal Grounds or Judicial Bias?
The Edo State Governorship Elections Tribunal ruled that the PDP’s petition failed primarily due to a lack of competent witnesses and insufficient evidence. While documents were provided, the tribunal deemed them inadmissible without credible testimony to authenticate them. Furthermore, the tribunal insisted that oral evidence was necessary to prove allegations of over-voting, referencing Supreme Court precedents. However, this ruling raises fundamental concerns. If documents submitted were indeed official election records, why were they disregarded solely due to the absence of certain witnesses?

The tribunal’s insistence on strict evidentiary standards while allegedly turning a blind eye to glaring irregularities raises suspicions of bias. By disqualifying the testimony of the PDP’s witnesses on technical grounds, the ruling effectively denied the petitioners a fair chance to prove their case.

Tinubu’s Blueprint for a One-Party State
Beyond the tribunal’s ruling, the broader actions of the APC-led federal government suggest a systematic effort to stifle opposition and consolidate power. Since assuming office, Tinubu’s administration has embarked on a relentless campaign to weaken opposition parties, coerce key political figures, and silence dissent.

Key examples include:

Governor Dave Umahi’s Political Turnaround: The former PDP governor of Ebonyi State defected to the APC, citing pressures that many believe were orchestrated by Tinubu’s allies to weaken the opposition in the Southeast.

EFCC’s Selective Prosecution: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has targeted opposition figures, including PDP chieftains, while largely ignoring corruption allegations against APC loyalists. Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, an APC stalwart, remains untouched despite numerous allegations.

Judicial Interference in Opposition-Led States: Several opposition-led states, including Rivers and Zamfara, have faced judicial interventions that appear politically motivated. The removal of PDP-aligned governors through questionable court rulings further fuels suspicions of a grand strategy to dismantle opposition strongholds.

Forcing and Silencing Top Officials
Under Tinubu’s administration, several top government officials have been forced to align with the APC or face political and economic consequences. Notable cases include:

Godwin Emefiele, the former CBN governor, was arrested and detained shortly after Tinubu assumed power. While official reasons cite economic mismanagement, many believe his removal was politically motivated, given his role in the controversial Naira redesign policy, which was seen as a challenge to Tinubu’s pre-election financial war chest.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been largely sidelined, despite his significant role in the Buhari administration. His reluctance to align fully with Tinubu has seen him politically isolated.

Peter Obi and Labour Party Persecution: The Labour Party (LP), which posed a significant threat to APC’s dominance in 2023, has faced relentless attacks. LP members have been harassed, and attempts have been made to delegitimize Obi’s growing influence.

The Death of Democratic Institutions?
Under a true democracy, political competition should be encouraged, not stifled. However, Tinubu’s administration has exhibited autocratic tendencies, from the questionable removal of political opponents to the strategic co-optation of opposition figures.

The Judiciary’s Role: The increasing frequency of court rulings favoring the APC raises concerns about judicial independence. The Edo Tribunal’s verdict fits into a broader trend of politically convenient judgments, which often seem to align with the ruling party’s interests.

The Media’s Struggle: Independent journalism has suffered due to growing restrictions on press freedom. Media outlets that criticize Tinubu’s government face the risk of intimidation and economic strangulation. Channels Television and Arise TV, for instance, have been warned over their critical reporting on government affairs.

A Nation at a Crossroads:
Furthermore, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. The Edo Tribunal’s ruling is not just about an election petition; it is a symptom of a larger problem—the gradual erosion of democracy under Tinubu’s watch. If this trend continues, Nigeria risks sliding into a de facto one-party state where dissent is crushed, and political opposition is merely symbolic.

For democracy to thrive, there must be a robust opposition, an independent judiciary, and a free press. The systematic silencing of opposition voices, as seen in Edo State and beyond, should alarm all Nigerians who believe in democratic governance. The question remains: Will Nigerians allow this autocratic overreach to continue, or will they rise to defend the essence of democracy before it is too late?

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Oshodi-Isolo Chairman Otunba Oloyede Almaroof Strategize with Seyi Tinubu on Youths Engagement

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Oshodi-Isolo Chairman Otunba Oloyede Almaroof Strategize with Seyi Tinubu on Youths Engagement

 

In order for governance to reach the people president Bola Ahmed Tinubu had seek clarification from the Supreme Court to get financial autonomy for the Local government and It is not a secret that it is the tier of Government closest to the people. So while others are resting and merrying for the just concluded Ramadan, the Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local government Otunba Kehinde Adeola Oloyede Almaroof is engaged in a strategic meeting with Ambassador Seyi Tinubu, a known champion of youthful inclusivity, on how to positively impact the youths of his local government and Lagos State as a whole.

Seyi Tinubu, who is currently in Lagos for the festive break is known for his readiness to create chance to attend any meetings, functions or any discuss on how to better the lives of Nigerian youths and it is not strange that he’s discussing such with Otunba Oloyede the youthful oriented local government Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local government, who is also a usual go to.

Incidentally, while the meeting is going on, some of the detractors of wonder performing Chairman are busy peddling lies about the relationship between Otunba Kehinde Oloyede and Seyi Tinubu.

The meeting that lasted for several hours took place at a time many of the fake news merchants are preparing to embark on drinking spree at one night club or the other for the end of Ramadan celebrations.

Kendu as the Chairman is fondly called is in position to return for another term to serve the good people of Oshodi-Isolo and his overwhelming popularity amongst the populace has made him a target for smear campaigns by those whose chance, his achievements seems to have dimed.

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Let Peace And Unity Reigns in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo aide Daniel Eromosele plead with PDP

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Let Peace And Unity Reigns in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo aide Daniel Eromosele plead with PDP

Let Peace And Unity Reigns in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo aide Daniel Eromosele plead with PDP

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The desperation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State is alarming, to say the least. Despite their decisive loss in the September 21 election, they seem determined to inflict pain and suffering on the good people of Edo. Their strategy? To create chaos and violence across the state, thereby disrupting the peace and progress that the current administration is working hard to establish. With the intention to render the State ungovernable and create room for the declaration of State of emergency in Edo.

 

Let Peace And Unity Reigns in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo aide Daniel Eromosele plead with PDP

 

The recent gruesome killings of Muslims traveling through the state are a stark manifestation and reminder of the PDP’s wicked and bizzare intentions. What’s even more disturbing, however, is the fact that instead of condemning these heinous acts, some senior PDP officials are trying to downplay the severity of ugly incidents. They’re using these senseless killings to call on the Federal Government to declare a State of emergency in Edo State. Nothing can be more far from the truth that these same people are the perpetrators of these wicked and barbaric acts of criminality in the State. Its so sad that, their desperation has lost regard to sanctity of human life.

 

 

 

Let’s be clear: there’s no justification for these acts of criminality clothed in violence no matter the political leanings of the perpetrators or their victims. Every life is precious, and every killing is a tragedy that diminishes us all. Let it be known that those that orchestrated these acts of wickedness and criminality and those that defend them are guilty of the same offence and shall be so rewarded.

 

 

 

The hard truth is that whatever goes around comes around. The PDP and their failed candidate should let Edo enjoy the peace and progress that Governor Monday Okpebholo is working hard to achieve. They should wait for 2028 to try their luck again, instead of trying to disrupt the state’s progress through violence and chaos.

 

 

 

To the good people of Edo, let’s stand together these political Buccaneers and Vampires that are out to unleash violence against the good people. Violence has never been and will never be our culture.We deserve better, and we will not be swayed by the PDP’s antics. The good people of Edo State are solidly behind their ever performing Governor AKPAKO WONDER.

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