Politics
Open Letter: The Only Prophet Who Consistently Maintained Tinubu’s Victory, Joshua Iginla, Requests Good Governance, Advocates Kanu’s Release
Published
1 year agoon
Open Letter: The Only Prophet Who Consistently Maintained Tinubu’s Victory, Joshua Iginla, Requests Good Governance, Advocates Kanu’s Release
Sahara Weekly Reports That Of a truth, according to Daniel 2: 21, it is God who controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.
On this note, I heartily congratulate Your Excellency for emerging victorious in the most keenly contested presidential election since the return to democracy in Nigeria. Your emergence is a divine mandate ordained by God as revealed to me by God several times and which is all over the public domain.
As you take charge of steering the destiny of the nation in these challenging times in various spheres of the lives of Nigerians, may God Almighty endow you with all the necessary tools, good health, and wisdom to enable you to lead the nation into greatness in all ramifications.
His Excellency sir, I write this open letter to you not only as a prophet of God but as an authority who has a degree in Political Science and a Master’s in international Law and Diplomacy to be objectively ready to tackle Nigeria’s greatest challenge of insecurity, widespread corruption, and a general sense of dissatisfaction among citizens and as well, meet the expectation of the people.
I call on you to tackle the problem by unifying the country and solving major socio-economic, religious, and ethnic problems confronting the country as a father of the nation.
I want to remind you that Nigeria is a heterogeneous country battling crises of insecurity, kidnapping, and extreme poverty.
Since no one will expect you to tackle all the crises at once, Nigerians will be expecting you to dedicate your administration to genuine renewal work, at least to let Nigerians see and feel the difference, however little.
As a unifier, don’t step out as a vindictive leader. Rather, bring all warring parties on board to objectively discuss the way forward to a better Nigeria.
It is an open secret that Nigerians are yearning for good governance as past administrations have left an open sore in the hearts of the citizens with bad governance and broken electoral promises. His Excellency sir, I am very sure you are aware of the loopholes of these past administrations which I believe should be your target.
Addressing loopholes is not tantamount to fighting the past; rather, it means you should learn from the past administration, which, of course, you’re part of, to address the crises now for a better Nigeria.
It is not too much to say that you have a lot to do to convince huge numbers of the youth who have shown dissatisfaction with the performance of your party in the past eight years.
Also, I want to plead on behalf of Nigerians and that is, you should do anything in your capacity to end the insecurity that is ravaging our country. The hydra-headed menace has undermined the propensity of our beloved country for progress.
No country develops in chaos. That is why you should, as the first step to renewing the hope of a country long trapped in hopelessness, pay attention to its security situation and not play politics with the appointment of service chiefs.
Aside from that, it is obvious that Nigerians voted on their religious and ethnic affiliations, rather than on the policies and qualifications of the candidates.
His Excellency, I salute your capacity to put up with criticism from religious leaders. However, I urge you to exercise patience, wisdom, and tolerance with religious leaders be they pastors or Imams, and treat them with respect.
Any leader that witch-hunts religious leaders are digging a pit for his downfall. Personally, when I see the persecution of religious leaders, I speak up. I will not keep quiet. As a unifier, I beseech your administration to handle their issues with wisdom and preserve national harmony.
Also, as a unifier, I will appeal and suggest that His Excellency should forgive and release Nnamdi Kanu.
Furthermore, as a barrier breaker and a line crosser, I beseech you to implement your objective which is to foster a new society based on shared prosperity, tolerance, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to treating each citizen with equal respect and due regard.
I want to remind you of your 10-point agenda which formed your manifesto during the campaign:
1. Build a Nigeria, especially for our youth, where sufficient jobs with decent wages create a better life.
2. Manufacture, create, and invent more of the goods and services we require. Nigeria shall be known as a nation of creators, not just of consumers.
3. Export more and import less, strengthening both the naira and our way of life.
4. Continue assisting our ever-toiling farmers, through enlightened agricultural policy that promotes productivity and assures decent incomes, so that farmers can support their families and feed the nation.
5. Modernise and expand public infrastructure so that the rest of the economy can grow at an optimal rate.
6. Embolden and support our young people and women by harnessing emerging sectors such as the digital economy, entertainment and culture, tourism, and others to build the Nigeria of tomorrow, today.
7. Train and give economic opportunity to the poorest and most vulnerable among us. We seek a Nigeria where no parent is compelled to send a child to bed hungry, worried whether tomorrow shall bring food.
8. Generate, transmit, and distribute sufficient, affordable electricity to give our people the requisite power to enlighten their lives, homes, and dreams.
9. Make basic healthcare, education, and housing accessible and affordable for all.
10. And, most importantly, establish a bold and assertive policy that will create a strong yet adaptive national security architecture and action to obliterate terror, kidnapping, banditry, and all other forms of violent extremism from the face of our nation.
His Excellency sir, as a prophetic voice to nations who stood out as a lone voice of truth in the wilderness to declare your emergence as revealed by God since 2021, I will stand as a watchman to ensure you don’t derail in your God-given assignment and if you do, I will not hesitate to pen you an open letter like this to guide, correct and rebuke if necessary.
May God Almighty support your administration for the desired growth for Nigeria.
Related
Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]
You may like
Politics
Governor Usman Ododo and The Desecration of His Oath of Office By Nelson Ekujumi
Published
2 hours agoon
October 13, 2024Governor Usman Ododo and The Desecration of His Oath of Office
By Nelson Ekujumi
On being sworn into office on the 27th of January, 2024 as the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo swore with the Quran to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
However, since his assumption into office and with subsequent events surrounding his immediate predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who is presently on the run from the law, have exposed Governor Usman Ododo as a leader who is violating his oath of office and by extension, pushing to the back burner, the welfare and well-being of the good people of Kogi State.
On several occasions, Governor Usman Ododo has abused his office to assault the constitution in preventing the EFCC from arresting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the latest being his abracadabra visit to the EFCC office in Abuja, where he was pictured, holding hands with the wanted suspect and thus, misused his constitutional immunity to prevent a wanted Yahaya Bello from being arrested.
Sadly, we also recollect how the EFCC stormed the Kogi State Government lodge in Abuja on two separate occasions in April 2024 and on the 18th of September, 2024 with the intention of arresting Alhaji Yahaya Bello for questioning over corruption allegations while in office as governor after failing to honour EFCC’s invitations and how Governor Usman Ododo on both occasions prevented the arrest by leveraging on the immunity he enjoys as a sitting Governor.
As we write, former Governor Yahaya Bello has been declared wanted by the EFCC for failing to honour it’s summons to explain himself on issues surrounding the misappropriation of billions of Kogi tax payers’ money. In addition, ex Governor Yahaya Bello’s wanted person tag has been affirmed by the courts, though he has tried unsuccessfully to have it removed from his neck.
Fortunately, while Alhaji Yahaya Bello is on the run from the law, though temporarily, one is aware that some of his accomplices who partook in the alleged illegal and corrupt siphoning of the people of Kogi state’s money are presently standing trial for the crime of corruption and abuse of public office and misuse oftrust. In addition, some of the stolen funds have been traced to where they were lodged by Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
However, in the midst of the commendable efforts of the present EFCC administration to live up to it’s core responsibility of fighting corruption as mandated by the constitution, one is shocked and ashamed that the Kogi State House of Assembly which ought to be in the forefront of supporting the anti graft agency in it’s war against corruption for the collective interest of the good and long suffering people of Kogi State, is rather waging a parochial, self serving and anti people war against the EFCC for carrying out it’s statutory functions.
The Kogi State House of Assembly which ought to put the collective interest of the people of Kogi State as it’s topmost priority, which is the reason why they were voted into office, by their conduct so far, have proven to be enablers of corruption by waging a campaign of blackmail and calumny against the anti graft agency to hands off ex Governor Yahaya Bello, that the Kogi people’s money is not missing!
While we are embarrassed by this condemnable and anti-people conduct of the Kogi State House of Assembly in prioritising the interest of an individual far and above the collective good of the people of Kogi State, we are not surprised that they are following in the shameful, despicable and condemnable footsteps of the Delta state house of assembly in 2013 during the former Governor James Ibori saga, when they claimed that Delta state funds is not missing, that EFCC should leave him alone, even in the face of the incontrovertible facts of James Ibori attempt to bribe the then EFCC chairman now National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu with the sum of $15 million dollars which was deposited with the CBN as an evidence.
But while the show of shame by the Delta state House of Assembly as an enabler of corruption lasted, former Governor James Ibori was arrested by the authorities in London, prosecuted and jailed for corruption, only for the same shameless Delta state house of assembly to come back to public glare and demand for the return of the seized bribe money of $15 million from ex Governor and convict James Ibori to be returned to the state coffers that they previously mounted a campaign that it was not stolen from.
Tragically, it’s sad and unfortunate that in our democracy today from the Kogi State show of shame by Governor Usman Ododo and the Kogi State House of Assembly, we are now witness to the violation and abuse of the constitution by persons who ought to uphold the provisions of the constitution for the collective good that they swore to on oath; but have rather turned violators because of individual, personal, self-serving and corrupt interest, this is condemnable in it’s entirety.
But we must commend the EFCC under the present leadership for it’s professionalism and diligent conduct in the face of intimidation, provocation, campaign of blackmail and calumny to distract it from performing it’s constitutional duty. We urge EFCC to remain focused, law abiding and consistent to ensure that the war against corruption is fought to a logical conclusion with the Yahaya Bello case and others in tandem with the provisions of the law and the collective good of the people of Nigeria.
Nelson Ekujumi, is a good governance advocate and rights activist.
Related
Politics
Appreciating Betara’s Rare Leadership Disposition* By Ali Adamu
Published
9 hours agoon
October 13, 2024*Appreciating Betara’s Rare Leadership Disposition*
By Ali Adamu
The legislative arm of government is entrenched with the powers to make laws for good governance. Effective representation, however, goes beyond lawmaking. It demands a deep understanding of the people’s needs and a willingness to address them. Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, OON, exemplifies this commitment, leveraging his parliamentary expertise to drive transformative change.
To Rt. Hon. Betara, parliamentary practices are about service to humanity. He believes that laws are made for people and therefore strives to ensure his diligent efforts cover tangible, measurable interventions that better the well-being of his constituents and society. Born on November 22, 1966, in Zarawuyaku Ward of Biu town, Biu Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Aliyu is a five-time lawmaker and accountant. He began his education at Biu Central Primary School in 1973, completing his First School Leaving Certificate in 1978. He then attended Biu Central Junior Day Secondary School and later Government Technical Secondary School, Benisheik. His exceptional leadership qualities and obedient disposition earned him respect and admiration, leading to his appointment as head prefect.
After obtaining his West African School Certificate in 1983, Rt. Hon. Muktar proceeded to Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, where he earned an Ordinary National Diploma in Business Administration in 1986. He later obtained a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and Business Administration in 1992. As a pragmatic and foresighted statesman, Rt. Hon. Betara began his career in public service as an accountant with the Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI) from 1986 to 1990, and later with Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) from 1993 until his voluntary retirement in 2006.
Initially, Rt. Hon. Betara didn’t plan to venture into politics. Instead, he considered starting a business with his savings. However, due to pressure and clamour from his people, he decided to represent them and become their voice. This marked the beginning of his political journey, which led him to become a member of the House of Representatives in 2007.
In 2007, he succumbed to their pressure and joined the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and was elected to represent Biu/Bayo/Shani/and Kwaya Kursar Federal Constituency from where he has consistently and continuously represented them through the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and now 10th Assembly, with the current and immediate past in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A core nationalist, Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, OON, consistent presentation and contributions both nationally and transnationally include interventions in human and natural disasters. For instance, he was among the first to copiously donate to the victims of the Borno flood disaster.
This benevolence stands him out not only as a bridge builder and crisis interventionist but also as a humane philanthropist who can sacrificially use his personal resources to not only meet the yearnings of his constituents but also be in synch and solidarity with those in dire need and affliction.
Aside this resourcefulness and the saying goes that, ‘charity begins at home’, he has among other things embarked upon the following hallmark projects; supply of medical equipments to Sir Mohammadu Sanusi General Hospital, Tokarawa and Yankaba Primary Health, provision of empowerment materials to youths and women of his constituency, provisions of fertilizer to farmers, provisions of grants to youths and women farmers, installation of solar light in communities in Biu.
A strong and formidable force in national politics, his successes, usefulness, and stalling achievements far outstretch his immediate constituency but have affected national life and policies.
Rt. Hon. Betara is instrumental in the effective implementation of a revised budget cycle from June to June to a more effective and efficient successful current budgeting system of January to January, the compliance of which has seen a zero failure rate in appropriation and enactment.
His involvement in national security based on his critical decision skills is next to none as it has seen to several mending of fences and brokered people amongst warring communities and parties. He was singularly responsible for the upscaling of defence equipment and empowerment and sustenance of military operations against the rising insurgency of book haram in northern Nigeria.
Amongst his other notable achievements are; the construction of over twenty health centres with the provision of ten ambulances, the construction of a mini stadium in Biu to facilitate Sporting and Sports related activities and peaceful coexistence, and the installation of five hundred solar-powered street lights, amongst others.
Indeed, he gainfully used his positions as Chairman Subcommittee on NDIC, Banking and Currency, Member House Committee on Interior, and Chairman House Subcommittee on Customs, Immigration and Prisons.
In the seventh Assembly (2012 -2015), he was the Chairman, House Committee on Army and 2015 – 2019 he was Chairman House Committee on Defence. In his last assignment as the Chairman House Committee on Appropriation, Rt. Hon. Betara certainly has impacted Nigeria’s democracy and proved unequal and dexterous qualities.
Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara’s leadership as Chairman of the House Committee on FCT has been instrumental in enhancing infrastructure in Abuja. Through effective legislation, he has helped improve the budgetary allocation of capital, leading to significant developments. His commitment to the welfare and security of residents and natives is evident in his constant engagement with the minister, ensuring their needs are addressed.
As Chairman, Betara has played a crucial role in approving supplementary budgets for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), demonstrating his dedication to the city’s growth. Recently, he oversaw the adoption of an N288 billion supplementary budget for the FCTA, showcasing his ability to drive progress.
Little wonder then that in 2020, he was awarded the Democracy Hero’s Award for Best Performing Rep Member of the Year, and also the Award of Excellence by the North Eastern Zone of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in 2013. His bills on Defense Research and Development Bureau 2018, and the Bill for an Act to Repeal the Produce Enforcement of Export Standard remain one model Bills in the annals of modern-day Legislation, coupled with his wealth and responsibility of knowledge and experience, remains one of the reasons he commands so much respect amongst his colleagues.
In conclusion, Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, OON, embodies the essence of selfless leadership, compassion, and dedication to the betterment of humanity. Through his illustrious career, he has etched an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legislative landscape, leaving a legacy of transformative change that will endure for generations. As a champion of the people, a defender of the vulnerable, and a steadfast advocate for progress, Rt. Hon. Betara’s name has become synonymous with excellence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the noble ideals of public service. His story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring future leaders to emulate his exemplary qualities and pursue a life of purpose, driven by the pursuit of the greater good.
Adamu, a public affairs analyst, wrote this piece from Maiduguri.
Related
Politics
INSECURITY: SHAME ON GOVERNOR DAUDA POLITICIZING BLOOD OF THE INNOCENT CITIZENS ON HIS NECK
Published
1 day agoon
October 12, 2024INSECURITY: SHAME ON GOVERNOR DAUDA POLITICIZING BLOOD OF THE INNOCENT CITIZENS ON HIS NECK
Sahara Weekly Reports That The Zamfara State chapter of the APC just came across a sham supposedly written by Haliru Andi, PDP’s spokesperson in the state. We strongly believe it was written on Andi’s behalf because the writer doesn’t even know that Funtua is not in Kaduna. But in Katsina state.
Be as it may, we find it very much necessary to respond to the dense write-up which represents how his (Andi’s) principal and Zamfara governor Dauda Lawal is handling governance with enmity against just one person, his predecessor and current Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle at the detriment of Zamfara citizens while at the same time using the people to claim his cowardly innocence.
To start with, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence has made several efforts to connect with the governor both privately and publicly to find ways of tackling armed banditry in Zamfara even though he is a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but as a citizen of Zamfara, its immediate past governor and a minister, he feels genuinely committed to stand up for his state as its ambassador, but all he always receives from Dauda and his agents are bashings including the saying at many fora directly from the governor that they have nothing to take from Matawalle in the form of advice or action in addressing the insecurity bedeviling the state.
Concerned by the growing insecurity in Zamfara, which is considered the hub of armed bandits however, the federal government, under the focused leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, directed the Minister of State for Defence to move the Defence Ministry and the Chief of Defence Staff to the northwest region and fully tackle the bandits to eliminate them.
Seeing Zamfara not only as his state but as the supposed bandits’ hub, the Minister suggested that the operational base should be Zamfara because it is also central in the region bordering almost all the affected states, so he began to make efforts to contact the governor Dauda who has the mandate to give a site and his support for this onerous task.
Instead of jumping to the golden opportunity to save his people, the governor vehemently refused to answer Matawalle and even directed his aides against answering any calls traced to the Minister since time was running out and to avoid the governor’s earlier non-cooperative stance against the federal government when he once made a noise that the federal government was taking action against bandits without consulting him as the chief security officer of his state, the Minister moved the operational base to the neighboring Sokoto State where the governor and the people of the state expressed willingness and happiness to support the operation, a development which led to overwhelming successes against the bandits including the elimination of their topmost leader, Halilu Sububu.
As expected however, the governor, the government, and not the people of Zamfara were not happy that of all people, Matawalle’s coordination was succeeding after they made several efforts and blackmail to portray to the world through all available means that the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle cannot do it.
First, the governor and his aides tried to lay unsuccessful claims to make the operation look as if he (Dauda) was the one in charge, then they began to call on the federal government to sack Matawalle, only that they do not have tangible reason and now through the state PDP spokesperson, Andi, they want the Minister to be removed because he has been hailed over the successes being recorded against the bandits in all the states of the region.
While the Sokoto State governor, Ahmed Aliyu has constructed a military barrack in Isa local government with all required facilities and amenities, three Forward Operation Bases FOB to ease Air Force operations in his state as complementary to the federal government efforts, the request to replicate these through the provision of land for similar gesture strategically in Tsafe, Maru and Maradun to governor Dauda in Zamfara was not even listened to by the governor, thus, if the PDP was a serious party, it should take action against the governor as its agent who does not blink when the lives and property of his people are innocently being wasted by wanton criminals.
The currently inaugurated War-Hangers in Sokoto courtesy of Governor Ahmad Aliyu, who donated the state Hajj Camp to serve as an operational base for the operation to win the war against banditry in his state,e, which he appreciated the federal government efforts as another step in the right direction.
What is expected from the blindfolded Zamfara PDP government is to either commend the minister’s proactiveness by engaging directly with the local communities in Sokoto’s Gundumi forest in Isa local government, Turba, Tsamaye, Hawan Doro, and Mai Lalle communities of Sabon Birnin which all share borders with Shinkafi local government area of Zamfara State or keep their guts shut.
The mission of the Minister’s visit is to assess the security situation in the area to restore peace and security across the northwest states
Lots of measures have been put in place, such as the deployment of more troops to the area, which now makes bandits flee while some are being neutralized.
However, the Minister has announced officially that the federal government will establish three military formations in Sokoto that will combat banditry.
Let PDP and Dauda Lawal understand that the entire operation is for the Northwest, not Zamfara alone, and the federal government has the right to station its troops or operation from anywhere in the country where it believes it will succeed without any sabotage from the state government like that of Zamfara.
We advise him to focus on meeting his campaign promises and not to divulge in unnecessary or divisive noise-making.
Governance is a collective effort, not a one-man show or cabalism, as he is operating in Zamfara State.
He should know family and friends are good at dinners, lunch, and parties, not serious government business.
His envy of Matawalle will never succeed, and time will tell.
Yusuf Idris Gusau
APC Publicity Secretary
Zamfara State
12th October, 2024
Related
Trending
-
news6 months ago
PROFILE OF VICTORIA AKAI
-
society7 months ago
$87m Theft Case: Abayomi Oluwasesan, Wife Re-arrested, Remanded In Prison As Court Demands Stringent Bail Conditions (Video)
-
Business6 months ago
Afriq Arbitrage System Slams $10 million Lawsuit Against Micheal Okoh, Prince Humble Eteng, Hajj Ibrahim, Engineer Awajioma and Others (Video)
-
Business5 months ago
Maxwell Opara Goofed Says AAS Investors As They Stand By Jesam Michael, Demand For Justice