Politics
THE POLITICAL MORALITY OF 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Published
3 years agoon
THE POLITICAL MORALITY OF 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION BY ROBERT OPARA
On Monday the 29th of March, Kaduna state, North-West Nigeria was agog with the 12th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium, an annual ritual to celebrate the birthday of former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Though the APC Leader has not officially declared to run, Nigerians will never easily forget that he played maximum strategic roles in showing the Pdp the red card through the exit in 2015 when Jonathan lost his bid for a second tenure. His deft moves and body language speaks volume. The APC succeeded in 2015 largely through his large army of strategists like Chief Tom Ikimi, Alhaji Shekarau, a two-term former Governor of the defunct ANPP in Kano State. I had also played a key role with Lai Mohammed to mobilize a national network of frontline Journalists under George Moghalu, former Secretary of the ANPP Caretaker Committee that midwifed the APC.
An intimidating statement by Femi Adesina, Buhari’s spokesman read: “President Muhammadu Buhari joins the governing party, All Progressives Congress, and its teeming members in congratulating Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his 69th birthday, March 29, 2021, sharing the joyous occasion with the former two-term governor of Lagos State, whose acumen and influence continue to resonate around the country and beyond.
“Without question, you have written your name in gold. You have devoted your life to public service with extraordinary courage, resilience, and tenacity of purpose. We appreciate your patriotic commitment to nation-building”, Omo-Agage said.
“The Jagaban of Borgu kingdom means many positive things to different people. To some, he is an emancipator; to others, he is a great philanthropist. Yet, to some people, Asiwaju is a rallying point, a unifying pillar. His democratic credentials are unrivaled. His philanthropic activities transcend borders. To the Asiwaju, life is nothing without touching the lives of people”, Gbajabiamila said glowingly of his leader.
The ruling party, APC, in a statement by its National Chairman Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Mai Mala Buni, said Tinubu is not just a man of excellence but a true democrat and a great leader.
“Asiwaju Tinubu’s ability to identify, nurture and engage talents is unequalled. His life has been a testimony of human capital development in an unrelenting struggle for a better life for the people,” the Ekiti Governor said, while the Northern Governors Forum described Tinubu as an accomplished politician and seasoned administrator, whose strides in the nation’s socio-political landscape have remained outstanding.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu’s latest beneficiary in the Centre of Excellence, also has kind words for him, describing him as a visionary leader and a rare mentor with exceptional abilities in various areas of human endeavors.
On the face value, the APC ticket should have been given to him but the current realities within the party, especially in his home zone of South-West, point to an apparent groundswell of opposition, and he may as a result of that face a stiff opposition, even from among his trusted allies.
While Fayemi has failed to deny his potential opposition to his benefactor, Amosun, who has been unusually quiet lately, is believed to be actively banking on his famed closeness to President Buhari since their days in the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), for the actualization of his ambition.
Also, within the South-West is a greater form of opposition to Tinubu’s ambition, with growing followership. This group includes both the young and the old, especially those who are yet to forgive him for the role he played in bringing the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to power, seen by them as the worst thing to have happened to the region.
Among this group are also younger elements in the region, some of whom are supporters of Yoruba self-determination groups, agitating for Oduduwa Republic. For these younger elements, Tinubu is only wasting his time, as they insisted there won’t be an election in 2023, especially in their ‘Oduduwa Republic ‘.This group also has an axe to grind with the APC National Leader, accusing him of criminal silence in the face of the murderous activities of Fulani herdsmen in the region, while others dismissed his late coming statement on the herders’ crisis in the zone as a mere exercise in political correctness.
The new leader of the Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, however, has a different view of Tinubu’s ambition, as he believes the former Lagos State governor is merely engaging in a wild goose chase. According to him, Tinubu is only deceiving himself if he thinks President Buhari will hand over to him.
Nigerians may also look to the corporate world and there, Igbos qualified to govern Nigeria creditably and acquit themselves with distinction are also an avalanche. Top on the list should Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, the President of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria. He may not be a politician but he is sufficiently politically exposed. My problem with Ibo kinsmen is the who will bell the cat syndrome.
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com
Politics
BEHOLD THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF OSADEBE AVENUE BECKONS
Published
2 days agoon
March 26, 2024BEHOLD THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE OF OSADEBE AVENUE BECKONS
In the spirits of the exigencies of present charged up political topical realities and conversations,I am inherently inclined to ruminate and juggle our consciousness around the personage of Hon Senator M.Okpebholo and his walk towards becoming the Governor of Edo State.
Humanity has always been subsumed,inundated with transformative phases culminating into palpable tangible events and outcomes and leading to positive disruptive developmental changes.
Undoubtedly,ideas visions and actionable goals shapes our world into transcendental growth and transformative developments.
A purposeful and iconoclastic idea whose time has come breaks down all barriers and obstacles to shine and glow into unparalleled unbridled fruition and acceptance.
In this sense,it’s pertinent to encapsulate rather unequivocally that Senator M Okpebholo emergence as the flag bearer of APC in the forthcoming Edo State elections is an idealistic momentous indication of an idea whose time has come-he is the rave of the moment that everyone should reasonably pander to and readily identify with without hesitations or scruples.
Resoundingly loud in the lips of rational citizens and netizens in and beyond Edo State is the very unmistakable ubiquitous voices,agitations,drumming,clamoring,for the easy going,down to earth,soft spoken,unassuming,humane,humbleness personified mien of Hon Senator M Okpebholo whose time has come to become the Governor of Edo State.
Typically,analogically and apparently the difficulties encountered with attempting to stop a moving train is the same struggle and resistance cum obstinacy to be overcome all attempts to stop the movement of SMO trains into Osadebey Avenue.
Interestingly,but ironically rumor mill and social media tends to be irreverently awash with arguments and postulations for or against and about the antecedents and benevolent overtures of SMO in the past as indices,parameters and anecdotes or measuring yardstick for future performances upon emergence as Governor….and l am simply miffed,wondering and asking rhetorically for the umpteenth time a subliminal regurgitation of our memories as to the performances of our erstwhile Governor Oshiomhole Gov Obaseki,Gov Igbinedion,Gov Odigie Oyegun
before they became Governors of Edo State??
I will be stultified and jolted into coalesce,condescension and submission if one can point at a meaningful remembrance of any grandiose project or remarkable charitable contributions they made in their respective local governments or senatorial zones prior to their being elected as Governors.
Suffice to state that I am struggling to decipher the rationale behind the conversation that previous acts of charity and projects done becomes a major political indicator and justification for becoming a Governor of Edo state.
Therefore and rightly so,it aggregates to cheap assailable blackmail all attempts to profile Hon Senator M Okpebolo on the basis of his personal acts of charity as a vicarious lens of assessment and for voting him into Office as Governor or otherwise.
He is irrevocably the beautiful bride of Edo Politics whose time is now.
An impeccable candidate with no baggages.He is his self cheerleader.
He is your everyday people person who operates an open door policy.
He is a rare silent achiever and an astute leader with pedigree of talking less but doing more.
He is an asset and a gift to Edo State
He is not your regular run of the mill boastful politician who speaks with both sides of the mouth denigrating with prism alluring lies uncensored
In the main,the whole essence of political participation is intended to make policy decisions that could shape up and lead to definitive changes,gains and democratic reforms for the generality of the public interest.
And l boldly posit unapologetically that voting Hon Senator M Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State is a wise choice to make come Election Day cos he will walk the talk by matching words with actionable and transformative deliverables of democratic dividends upon becoming the Governor of Edo State.
Vibes up the Rhythm
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Ondo governorship aspirant, Akintelure is dead
Sadly, one of the frontline governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Paul Akintelure, is dead.
Before his untimely demise, Akintelure had raised concerns about both direct and indirect threats to his life.
He had expressed hope that the situation would improve over time but sadly, it escalated as the APC governorship primary election scheduled for April 25 approached.
Akintelure’s alarm on threat to life
Akintelure in a statement released by his spokesperson, Oladapo Akintelure, on Thursday, March 21, 2023, said, “Initially, I hope these incidents would dissipate over time, yet regrettably, they have escalated to pose a serious threat to my life”
“The threats against me only strengthen my resolve to stand up for what is right and just. I will not allow fear to dictate our path forward.
“Let us embrace peace, progress, and unity. Our collective strength lies in our to stand together as one, regardless of our differences.”
Political background
Recall Akintelure ran as the deputy governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with Rotimi Akeredolu (the incumbent Ondo State governor) against Olusegun Mimiko, the then Labour Party flagbearer, who won the election.
Earlier, he had contested the senatorial election against the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, but he was defeated.
He was a medical doctor and hailed from Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
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Politics
Senegal: 44 Year Old Faye To Be Announced Winner As Opposition Parties Concede Defeat
Published
2 days agoon
March 26, 2024Senegal: 44 Year Old Faye To Be Announced Winner As Opposition Parties Concede Defeat
Senegal opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a political newcomer popular among the country’s disaffected youth, was set to be declared the next president after his main rival called him on Monday to concede defeat.
Provisional results showed Faye with about 53.7% and Amadou Ba – from the current ruling coalition – with 36.2% based on tallies from 90% of polling stations in the first-round vote, the electoral commission said.
Ba and President Macky Sall both congratulated Faye, who turned 44 on Monday. They hailed the outcome as a win for Senegal, whose reputation as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies took a hit when Sall postponed the vote.
“The Senegalese people have reinforced the good health of our democracy.. I wish him (Faye) success at the head of our country,” Ba said.
A peaceful transition of power in Senegal would mark a boost for democracy in West Africa, where there have been eight military coups since 2020.
Some of the juntas that seized power have cut ties with traditional power-brokers in the region such as France and the United States, and turned instead to Russia for help in their fight against a jihadist insurgency spreading through countries that neighbour Senegal.
Senegal’s international bonds rose on reports that Faye was close to being declared a winner, reversing sharp falls from earlier in the day.
Many hope the vote will bring stability and an economic boost after three years of unprecedented political turbulence which saw several waves of deadly anti-government protests.
“I am happy to see there is a wind of change,” said Tall, an opposition supporter who joined revellers during the night as street celebrations broke out in anticipation of Faye’s victory.
“It is wonderful because democracy has won. Many thought it would not happen,” he said, only wishing to give his first name.
Full, official results are expected to be announced by the Dakar appeals court on Friday.
YOUNG VOTERS
Faye has not publicly spoken since he cast his vote. He owes much of his success to the backing of firebrand opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was barred from running due to a defamation conviction.
The two former tax inspectors, who were both released from jail this month, campaigned together under the slogan “Diomaye is Sonko”, promising to fight corruption and prioritise national economic interests.
They are particularly popular among young voters in a country where more than 60% of people are under 25 and struggle to find jobs.
Police crackdowns on protests, the government’s failure to cushion rising living costs and concerns Sall would seek to extend his mandate beyond constitutional limits buoyed the opposition.
Anger crystallised around Sonko’s prosecution only grew when authorities sought to postpone the vote, initially scheduled to take place in February, by 10 months.
Investors are meanwhile wary about a potential change in leadership to an anti-establishment government that may not pursue the same business friendly policies seen under Sall’s government that has attracted investments into infrastructure.
Senegal is set to start producing oil and gas this year.
Faye has promised a raft of changes including plans to renegotiate the country’s oil and gas contracts, though he sought to reassure investors last week that the country would respect its external commitments.
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