Politics
RE Keyamo: How Not To Be a Spokesman
RE Keyamo: How Not To Be a Spokesman
By Sly Ikechukwu
I read with utter disappointment a concocted opinion piece authored by one Phrank Shaibu with the aforementioned headline. In the rather toxic piece, Shaibu, a known political hustler, renowned content thief and plagiarist oozed such a strong sense of rage and bitterness, much to the chagrin of many astute Nigerians.
Sahara Reports That The reason for which Phrank Shaibu and his allies chose to respond to Keyamo’s assertions was not out of concern for Nigerian citizens or out of love for Nigerian students caught up in the ASUU/FG crisis, but rather because the Minister stated unequivocally that the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had never held an executive position that would have qualified him for the job in 2023.
Without clothing him in a borrowed apparel, it is a statement of fact that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has never held any executive position in Nigeria till date and whatever decisions or policies implemented between 1999 and 2007 were unquestionably approved and sanctioned by only one Commander In Chief, Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR on whose table the buck stops.
The aforementioned, a statement of fact which Keyamo reiterated formed basis for Phrank Shaibu’s tirade against the person of the erudite Senior Advocate, who is well-respected for his exceptional brilliance and mental soundness.
My first knowledge of Phrank Shaibu dates back on Sunday, September 23, 2012 when I chanced on an article on Daily Trust Newspaper, written by renowned Professor of Journalism, Farook Kperogi, describing him as not only an intellectual thief but also a “nakedly transparent fraudster” who often plagiarized the former’s Grammar Column.
No doubt, every election season throws up all manner of political hacks that traffic in a one-way lane already strewn with shipwrecked characters that operated on reverse osmosis thinking of decency and societal good. The result is that history not only repeats itself, but it matches.
So, when Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, FCIArb UK, the Nigerian Minister of State for Labour and Productivity was announced as the Campaign Spokesperson of the ruling Party, All Progressive Congress (APC) for the 2023 presidential election, the derangement syndrome that it caused in the opposition camps was surprising but not unexpected.
Leading the opposition cyber militias to express the trepidation in their camp was one social media hack or prankster with no fixed address who goes by the name Phrank “prank” Shuaibu. In 2019, after all effort to pitch his tenth with President Buhari’s campaign team failed like crumbled cookies, Shaibu surfaced in Atiku’s camp and began to spool some crap in the media space.
In his chameleonic signature, yet again Phrank Shaibu wasted no time in showing how scared the major opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is, by frontally attacking the introductory media interface by the Honourable Minister after he was appointed Spokesperson, not on seminal issues but purely hybridization of facts and also, trying to obfuscate the picture of the Minister’s interview, albeit, poorly.
It is worthy of note that Festus Keyamo has a mandate, borne out of an eloquent testimony of verifiable performance record which the naysayers cannot assail. He will not be distracted from the objective, which is to market the APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the enthusiastic and well-informed electorate of Nigeria. Hence, he will not dwell on Phrank’s uncouth manners, intemperate disposition and Nollywood theatrics but focus on the onerous mandate to tell Nigerians the congenial qualities of his principal, which sets him apart from other pretenders and political prostitutes.
If performance is the yardstick for measuring success, then Festus Keyamo, SAN, is indeed a campaign spokesman to beat and the opposition is aware of this fact. He is a tested and effective campaign spokesperson who needs no introduction to Nigerians as his entire life and career has been in public space.
Also, his outstanding performance contributed immensely in terms of political communications and reputation management to President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection in 2019. The outstanding performance record undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s choice to re-hire him for the same position, going into the general elections of 2023.
Even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) hasn’t formally pronounced the campaign season to the open, it is broadly acknowledged that the different political parties are already working hard unobtrusively in the background, to promote their candidates. And the emergence of Keyamo as the leading Spokesperson of the APC campaign machinery is apt and has been roundly applauded as a good choice, as he’s well apprised of the contending issues of our polity.
Many discerning Nigerians were therefore taken aback a few days ago, when an opinion post with the authorship of one Phrank Shaibu entitled “Keyamo: How Not To Be a Spokesman” first appeared online a few days ago.
In the aforementioned article, Shaibu who was in a hurry to disparage the reputation of the learned silk and further questioned his suitability to serve as the All Progressives Congress – APC’s campaign spokesperson dished out loads of fallacies, including exposing his ignorance or blatant disregard for the Nigerian constitution in public domain.
Shaibu’s outburst is sequel to an interview Keyamo granted Channels Television days back. During the interview, Keyamo marshalled out reasons why he thought that the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar is not the candidate to beat in the forthcoming 2023 election.
He also bared his mind on the lingering ASUU strike among other issues, saying that he subscribed private individuals weighing in and if need be, even for parents to beg ASUU to sheath the sword. His passionate and unbiased analysis of the ASSU saga surely revealed the Hon. Minister’s inner feelings of empathy for the university students and their parents.
As a product of the system and a known advocate of the masses of Nigerian whose own family members also surfer the adverse effect of this unfortunate situation, Keyamo merely expressed a harmless opinion which himself was willing to champion as a parent. But regrettably, it hit Shuaibu and his paymasters on the wrong chord.
It’s lamentable the inability of some political communication jobbers to communicate effectively principles that will unite Nigerians from all regions into a cohesive democratic force but instead resorted to elevated propaganda, demagoguery and falsehood of what a true Nigerian President should represent beyond their parochial interpretation of programmatic thrust.
“Prank’ Shuaibu should realize that it’s not easy to shape his institutionalized memory of his vile against the APC in his futile attempt to twist Keyamo’s comments and hoodwink intelligent Nigerians as to the presidential candidate who has gathered more political IOUs in Nigeria other than Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the quintessential Jagaban.
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment
The Zamfara State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the release of funds for the payment of Gratuity Batch 3 for the 2024/25 period. This decisive action underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants who dedicated years of service to the state’s development.
The Accountant General of the State is already working diligently to ensure that all eligible retirees receive their payments promptly and efficiently, reflecting the government’s resolve to uphold transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.
This timely gratuity payment is a testament to Governor Dauda Lawal’s people-centered leadership, which recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of retirees to the progress and stability of Zamfara State. It also reaffirms the government’s pledge to honor its financial obligations without unnecessary delays.
The Zamfara State Government calls on all retirees in the affected batch to exercise patience as the necessary administrative and financial processes are finalized. Every effort is being made to ensure smooth and uninterrupted payments.
This initiative is part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s broader vision to empower citizens and retirees, strengthen confidence in public service, and sustain the morale of those who have committed their lives to the growth of Zamfara State.
Politics
APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition
*APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition*
The APC National Vanguard has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support a second term in office for Siminalayi Fubara, citing what it described as “impressive and verifiable developmental strides” across Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Dr Gbenga Salam (JP), the group said its position followed an extensive assessment tour of key infrastructure and public service projects executed under the Fubara administration.
The APC National Vanguard said the appeal was based strictly on performance, arguing that governance outcomes should outweigh partisan considerations, particularly in a state as economically significant as Rivers.
“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to support the continuity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara beyond his current tenure, in recognition of his commitment to development, prudent resource management, and people-focused governance,” the statement read.
According to the group, its delegation visited multiple project sites across the state, observing ongoing and completed works spanning road construction, urban renewal, and public infrastructure upgrades.
It noted that the scale and distribution of these projects reflect a deliberate effort by the state government to extend development beyond traditional urban centres and into underserved communities.
“Our findings from the tour reveal a government that is not only active but intentional in its development agenda. The execution of capital projects across various parts of Rivers State demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of the people and a commitment to addressing them,” Dr Salam said.
The group particularly commended what it described as prudent financial management by the administration, noting that the projects reviewed showed evidence of careful planning and efficient allocation of resources.
“At a time when economic pressures are evident across the country, it is commendable that the Rivers State government has managed its resources in a way that delivers visible and impactful development without signs of fiscal recklessness,” the statement added.
The APC National Vanguard further observed that despite political tensions in the state, the Fubara administration has maintained focus on governance, ensuring continuity in project execution and service delivery.
The group argued that such stability is critical for sustained development and should be encouraged rather than disrupted.
“Leadership must ultimately be judged by results. In Rivers State, there is clear evidence of progress—projects that are not only announced but executed, and policies that translate into real benefits for citizens,” Dr Salam noted.
The group warned that discontinuity in leadership could stall ongoing projects and reverse gains already recorded, stressing the importance of allowing a performing administration to consolidate its achievements.
“Rivers State is at a pivotal stage where continuity will allow for the completion of ongoing initiatives and the deepening of development gains. Supporting Governor Fubara for a second term is, therefore, a decision in the best interest of the people,” the statement said.
In addition to its call on the APC leadership, the group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his administration’s broader economic and governance reforms.
The APC group urged Nigerians to remain supportive of efforts aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening public institutions.
“We reiterate our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national development. With sustained support, the administration can consolidate its reform agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Dr Salam added.
The APC National Vanguard concluded by calling on political actors to prioritise development and public interest over partisan divides, insisting that governance should always be guided by performance and accountability.
“Where leadership demonstrates prudence, delivers development, and remains focused on the welfare of the people, it deserves continuity. This is the position we have reached after a careful and independent assessment of Rivers State,” the statement added.
*Renewed Hope Ambassadors Step Into the Next Phase
Fresh from the successful APC 2026 National Convention, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National, Zonal, and State leadership gathered in Abuja over the weekend, for its fourth strategic meeting, setting the tone for nationwide grassroots activation ahead of 2027.
Chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo State) the Director General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside Deputy Director-General, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as Secretary, the session reinforced one clear direction: One Party. One Message. One Mobilization whilst also laying out a strategic roadmap for the activation of the network across all communities in Nigeria.
Backed by the strength of 31 APC-led states, the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of progress and reform to every corner of Nigeria.
From bold economic restructuring to initiatives like NELFUND, the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, and strategic investments in critical sectors, including PNiCGI, the mission remains clear: helping Nigerians understand both the purpose and the progress of the Renewed Hope vision.
This is coordination at scale. This is grassroots engagement with purpose. This is the next phase of Renewed Hope with One Party, One Message, and One Mobilisation framework
#RenewedHopeAmbassadors #APC #WeAreAPC
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