Greed, Desperation And Lust For Power: Sen Emmanuel Bwacha As A Case Study In Southern Taraba Politics (2)

BY ISMAILLA DAUDA

The legendary Bob Marley once said "money is numbers, and if it takes money to make one happy, then just like numbers have no end, the pursuit of that individual may have no end.

This explains exactly the classical political dilemma Senator Emmanuel Bwacha found himself in right now in a titanic wild goose chase that may end in heartbreak and disaster running after money and political relevance.

As predicted earlier in our first writeup before now, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, never used to opposition politics has become vulnerable, distraught and confused ever since he abandoned his juicy Deputy Senate Minority leadership position under PDP for the All Progressive Congress APC where he was promised heaven and earth in exchange for huge sums of money.

The first shocker he received was his miscalculated attempt to use the arranged opportunity of meeting President Mohammadu Buhari to tell big lies that he was General TY Danjuma's foot soldier , but the General knowing the full import and consequence of those false statements, and having fallen victim of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha's antics and blackmail himself before now promptly moved to Aso Rock the next day to tell President Buhari to disregard the Senators claims and that he knows nothing about his political moves. This singular mischief raised a huge question mark above the Senator's head in Aso Rock and the personality of the Senator.

Second shocker was the grand APC mega rally to be held in the Taraba State capital Jalingo to welcome him immediately after he decamped. After being cajoled into parting with another huge sums, the mega rally couldn't hold because majority of the APC's bigwigs in the state still view Senator Emmanuel Bwacha's coming with cautious skepticism and high dose of suspicion knowing him as a very treacherous and Chameleonic character.

The backlog of historical trust deficit concerning the Senator is now coming back to hunt him as he tries to gain acceptance into the APC at the local level in his constituency so he can contest for governor. Ever since he bulldozed his way into the APC from Abuja, he has been running from pillar to posts all in the quest to penetrate the party at the local level where he ought to have started from, but to no avail.

Clearly Senator Emmanuel Bwacha's failure to read the handwriting on the wall that his time is up,or at least mellow down politically for now after spending a record 20 unbroken years consecutively in the political frontline may be his albatross. The battle fronts opening up against him in the coming days may be the fiercest.

Already some highly placed individuals in the state are dusting up paperworks for his recall and many other legal battles being line up by foes in his past coming back to have their own pound of flesh.

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha's another attempt to test the political waters last weekend ended in disaster and disappointment where a certain political grouping known as " Muri political Forum" in Kaduna ordered participants to throw away all his political souvenirs in the trash can.

The last may not have been heard yet as the Senator's desperation is slowly building up into frustrations which may eventually lead to many more political mistakes.

The acclaimed larger than life political dexterity of the Senator is gradually being demystified and chipped into rubles as no single councilor, Chairman of local government or legislator has decamped in solidarity to meet him ever since he left the PDP.

As the odds continue to stack up against the 3 term Senator who appears to have been cornered in his own game, political wolfs and fraudsters are having a field day selling to him at premium all sorts of fake and mundane suggestions and permutations and smiling to the banks.

Last weekend , one of his close confidants revealed that the Senator is seriously considering decamping to another political party again considering the frustration he is facing in the APC. He complained to a close to the individual that some elements in the APC collected huge sums of money from him without fulfilling their promise of handing the party exclusively to him to run as promised.

Ismailla Dauda Writes From Jalingo

Greed, Desperation And Lust For Power: Sen Emmanuel Bwacha As A Case Study In Southern Taraba Politics (2) https://kakaakireporters.com/2022/03/15/greed-desperation-and-lust-for-power-sen-emmanuel-bwacha-as-a-case-study-in-southern-taraba-politics-2/

*PRESS RELEASE BY THE CARETAKER/ EXTRAORDINARY CONVENTION PLANNING COMMITTEE (CECPC) OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) ON RECENT EVENTS AND THE STATE OF LEADERSHIP IN THE PARTY*

Gentlemen and Ladies of the Press,

The Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, makes this Press Release to clarify the events of last week and reassure the membership and stakeholders of the Party, as well as the Nigerian people in general, that the Governing Party is crisis-free, strong and remains united in giving the country the transformative leadership and good governance which she promised them.

The CECPC therefore informs the Press and the General Public as follows:

1. That the CECPC was appointed, and has always done her best, to steer the affairs of the APC in line with the mandate invested in her at inauguration by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress.

2. That on the 28th day of February, 2022 the CECPC Chairman took a long-delayed trip abroad on health grounds, leaving behind written authorisation for other members of the CECPC to continue work in his absence, particularly the day to day management of the APC.


3. That in his absence, sundry activities earlier scheduled for action appeared to develop fresh urgency in order to satisfy the Timetable for the 2023 General Elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), thus galvanizing some within the CECPC to act in their best understanding of both the situation and the leadership dynamics in the Committee/Party.

4. That all such actions were clearly identified at all times as happening in an acting or proxy capacity, and under the auspices of the substantive Chairman, His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, contrary to widespread speculations that the Chairman, Secretary or some other officials of the CECPC have been removed from Office or otherwise replaced.

https://youtube.com/shorts/iACcKUS1ar0?feature=share

5. That the CECPC is intact and functional as originally constituted.

6. That delivering a seamlessly successful National Convention for the APC on March 26, 2022 is top on priority for the CECPC and we shall continue to execute such assignments as are legal pending the return of the Chairman who is on his way back to the country and shall resume Office on arrival with the full support of all members and other stakeholders.

We are grateful to INEC for her firm guidance in the entire circumstances.

Meanwhile, the party has engaged a team of senior lawyers to address a purported court order halting the planned APC National Convention. We hereby call on the Judiciary to give the matter the needed and expedient attention in our bid to vacate the purported Court order and allow for the conduct of a transparent and rancour-free National Convention deserving of our great party, APC.

The Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) hereby restates absolute loyalty to the APC, thanks the National Organs and leadership of our Party led by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and reassures our members and citizens that the Party is stronger than ever before and poised to extend her winning streak since 2015 into 2023 and beyond.

Ladies and gentlemen of the 4th Estate of the Realm, we thank you.

SIGNED:
*Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe Ph.D*
National Secretary
APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee
15th March, 2022

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUHARI ASKS FOR ORDER IN APC

President Muhammadu Buhari warns the leaders (and membership) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from name-calling and backstabbing ahead of the oncoming March 26 Convention, remain steadfast and maintain its unity if the party is to continue in the path of victory and its dominance at all levels throughout the country.

President Buhari asks the members to look at the once-powerful, ''main opposition'' Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now enfeebled and adrift and learn lessons in disunity, mismanagement and corruption.

''They failed in 16 years in power and a failure as opposition.

''Yes, we are entitled to our own share of dissent and intra-party discord. These are common in all parties, left and right all over the world.

''But parties splintered by competing egos destine themselves to the worst possible fate,'' the President warned.

''As the country prepares for the long run up to the 2023 presidential election, we all expect a robust debate on the issues that matter and what is going in the APC should be a reflection of this, not the infighting we are seeing. There must be no more distractions ahead of the convention to choose new leaders.''

He recalled that the APC started out with a confidence of victory and the party today enjoys that confidence in nearly two-thirds of our 36 states.

Yet, he noted, this is a party that has been in existence barely for eight years, becoming the dominant party because it has thrown open its doors to defectors from other parties, big and small.

This alone, addition to the fact ''we didn’t start on the note of arrogance of power, nor see government as a vehicle for self-aggrandizement, to be held at all costs, but a vehicle to bring development to all without discrimination-political, ethnic or regional to our dear country made this success possible.''

The party, he went on to note, is proud of the fact that in its short period of existence, it has won two general elections decisively and despite losing a few states in 2019, it steadfastly expanded its pan-Nigerian outlook with significant defections of the opposition Governors and parliamentarians into its fold.

''Given all that is at a stake, we can expect contests into offices as we are now faced with to be heated although candidates and their promoters for party offices are not so much debating policy differences but differences of management, personality, character, and suitability for the most important leadership roles in our country and therefore the continent.''

It is equally clear that over the last week or so, the internal management affairs of the APC have been afforded generous media coverage – over and above its importance to the voters of Nigeria.

It is important to ask what benefits the poor are getting during the period of intense negative coverage.

When precisely the party’s convention is held and who is the party’s chairman is hardly a matter for the average voter: vastly more important is who convention delegates will elect as the party’s flagbearer in the coming weeks to take forward the party’s platform to the people in the general election in February next year.

It is therefore important for the media to put such matters into perspective. No one is debating policy differences here. That is for the general election. None of the declared aspirants and any of those that may step forward will change because of who may be in the party in the chairman’s seat. It is essentially the same party.

Of course the media are welcome to comment on the content of the character of the potential APC candidates; discuss their suitability for leadership; scrutinize their offer to the membership. But to focus on the routine internal divisions and magnify them into what they have become today is a waste of everyone’s time, amounting to no more than a discussion over seating arrangements.

This is not what Nigerians talk of in their communities. They have an inclination only for things that matter.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 12, 2022

.

Further to the Media Conference earlier held by the Spokesman of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, the Party wishes to note that the Secretary of the CECPC, Sen. John Akpan Udoedehe, never sent a resignation letter to the Party to the best of its knowledge and neither was he sacked as some social media blogs speculated. All those are utterly false.
The APC is one family, the Caretaker is one unit. We have an acting chairman who is racing against time to deliver a convention and committee members that are united in supporting him in carrying out that onerous mandate.

So please like I said, disregard social media stories that are not rooted in fact or even sound reasoning.


This clarification should please be given the widest publicity possible.

Comrade Olumuyiwa Onlede
Executive Director, Citizens Awareness Against Corruption and Social Vices Initiative( CAACASVI) has said haven exhausted the seven (7) days ultimatum for the management of NNPC limited to make fuel readily available without long queue, it is now pertinent for the group to mobilise likemind Civil Society Organisations and patriotic Nigerians across the country for a peaceful protest in selected States in the six geopolitical zones of the country .


He said on Friday in a statement he signed that the protest was to demand that the president relieves key management staffs of NNPC Limited of their appointment and bring new head and idea on board so as for things to be done differently.


He said arrangement for the protest is already in top gear and we call on relevant civil society organisations and individuals who are interested in salvaging the current fuel situation by joining the protest to come out en masse without fear to lend their voice to correcting the anomalies and the situation in the oil sector due to sharp practices and agenda to exploit Nigerians at all cost.

"As we speak today, fuel is being sold in filling stations beyond the official pump price, for example in Kaduna State a litre of fuel sells for between #250 to #280, the situation is the same in Sokoto, Ibadan, Oshogbo,Uyo,Calabar,Imo,Enugu and Porthacourt to mention a few.

"Our findings shows that it is only in FCT that marketers are adhering to the official pump price of #165 per litre and this is due to the closeness to the seat of power, every other states in Nigeria is experiencing long queue and exploitation.


"We will not relent on our effort in fighting for the good of the country and her people by demanding for a change of baton in non performing agencies NNPC Limited inclusive, as we believe that this is the only way we can have the present situation overturned,"he said.

He said the group calls on Nigerians and civil society organisations to take note of the following information;
That interested protesters should converge in the following selected locations by 9 am on Tuesday 15th March 2022 to meet our coordinators and members for further instructions.

"Lagos ----Gani Fawehimi Freedom Park, Ojota
Abuja-----Unity Fountain
Oshogbo------Nelson Mandela Freedom Park
Kaduna--------Kofar Gamji Park ,Doki
Ilorin----------Kwara Amusement Park .Unity Road
Jos-------------Solomon Lar Amusement park, Domkak Bali Road
Porthacourt-------Isaac Boro Park , Mile 1
Owerri---------Imo Golf and Amusement Park , Ugwu Orji.

He recalled that on the 3rd day of March, 2022 we wrote a protest letter to the management of NNPC limited giving the Group Managing Director a 7 days ultimatum to end the fuel scarcity and long queue, pain and anguish being experienced by Nigerians in filling stations across the country or face mass action.


But for reasons best known to the management of NNPC limited instead of acting to salvage the situation they have decided to look the other way, proving once again that their only priority is staying put in the exalted office they occupy and the benefit accrued thereof.


For the record, our struggle is geared towards a better living condition for Nigerians and a better country as a whole where the impact of government will be felt positively by the people through judicious use of power and resources for the betterment of the people.

The advent of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to lead the country at the time when the major source of revenue is at the lowest ebb in the international market is suppose to be a blessing and not a curse as being proven on a daily basis by the actions and inactions of some of his appointees that seems not to be working in tandem with the presidents vision and the manifesto of his party.

The assertion that the president is a good man but lacks good people to work with must be corrected in one way or the other as we believe that among the 200 million people of the country there are alot of good and competent people that can help the president achieve his aim of transforming Nigeria to a better country in all ramification.

It is so sad that as citizens and civil society organisation our attention is always on the president for blame game thereby giving non performing appointees the leverage to always work at parallel line with the president, we must change this attitude if the kind of precarious situation we find our self as a nation must change.

*Press briefing by the Youth Representative and spokesperson of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed on activities of the CECPC this week on Friday, 11th March,  2022 at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja.*

As part of efforts towards the hitch-free conduct of the March 26th National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) stepped up preparations this week.

*Summary of activities by the CECPC*

1). Convened a meeting chaired by the Acting Chairman and Governor of Niger State, H.E. Abubakar Sani Bello where strategies were adopted to fast-track the process towards conducting a National Convention;

2).  35 State chairmen of the APC and that of the FCT were sworn-in and mandated to work towards ensuring unity and harmony in their states. They were also charged to mobilise the members and the people to enable the party win future elections;

3.).  Received and deliberated on the report of the Committee on zoning. After exhaustively deliberating on the report, it was approved and the zoning formula was made public. The zoning formula was well-received by members of the party and all Nigerians;

4.).  Assigned schedules of specific responsibilities to each members of the Caretaker Committee aligned to the existing Directorates at the Party’s headquarters. The purpose is to ensure speedy execution of the various activities leading to the National Convention on March 26, 2022. The exercise has the additional benefit of ensuring synergy between the leadership of the party and the Directorates.

5.)   Deliberated on and disagreed with the Federal High Court in its judgement on the status of the Governor of Ebonyi state over his sound decision to leave the PDP and join the APC along with the majority of members of the State House Assembly; CECPC regards the judgement as a travesty of justice and stand with the Governor and Ebonyi state legislators on appealing to a higher court;

6.).   Streamlined and expanded the   leadership of the various sub committees for the conduct of National Convention by bringing in more Governors and Ministers of the Federal Republic to spearhead the process. This has obviously fostered and deepened sense of belonging, inclusiveness and reflect the mosaic nature of the membership of the party;

7.) Reviewed and strengthened the membership of the National Convention Subcommittees by making them compact and lighter. The subcommittees earlier composed were unnecessarily unwieldy and comprised excessive number of members, a situation that can reduce their efficiency;

8.). The CECPC committee chaired by His Excellency the Governor of Niger State has issued a notice for a meeting of the National Executive Committee of the party on March 17, 2022. As usual, a number of important issues will be discussed at the meeting;

9.) I want to urge the media to continue to be steadfast in monitoring and accurately reporting activities in the APC precisely.

NOTE: Reacting to questions from journalists, Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed disclosed that the previously scheduled Zonal Congresses will now be part of the National Convention. He assured that the March 26th National Convention was on course and sacrosanct.

The immediate past Deputy National Coordinator, North & Diaspora, Buhari Campaign Organisation Amb. (Dr) Hussaini H. Coomassie has welcomed the change in the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja.

The Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, (CECPC) Governor Abubakar Sani Bello took over power from the former CECPC chairman, Mai Mala Buni after issues regarding the party's national convention came on board.

Reacting to the development, Amb Coomassie who's also the United Nations SDG Ambassador and Global vice Chairman, Advocacy For Good Governance and Social Justice Network says he welcomes the recent changes in the party and pledge allegiance to the new leadership of the (CECPC) headed by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.

He called on all party faithfuls to be ready to move the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a greater height while assuring them that the new leadership of the party would fight for the interest of everyone.

It could be recalled that Gov. Bello who assumed the leadership of the party after its predecessor, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State went on a medical trip abroad, assured that by next week, the party will hold its National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting.

*REMARKS BY THE ACTING CHAIRMAN, APC CARETAKER/EXTRAORDINARY CONVENTION PLANNING COMMITTEE (CECPC) AND GOVERNOR OF NIGER STATE, H.E. ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO DURING THE INAUGURATION OF NATIONAL CONVENTION SUB-COMMITTEES ON WEDNESDAY 6TH MARCH, 2022 AT THE PARTY’S NATIONAL SECRETARIAT*

Ladies and gentlemen, members of the media. First of all, let me recognise members of the CECPC for your efforts and the hard work of ensuring a hitch-free National Convention.

For those of you that have been monitoring events in the National Secreteriat since Monday we have started the effort to ensure that there is a free and fair National Convention. We have made efforts to ensure a successful National Convention and part of those efforts is to inaugurate Chairmen and Secretaries of the Sub-Committees in consideration of track records and loyalty to the party.

We task you to exhibit these qualities to ensure the success of the National Convention. I know a lot of our party faithfuls wanted in one way or the other to serve in various committees as their support or contributions towards a healthy party. However, we must be mindful that we cannot accommodate everyone in the Sub-Committees. So we trimmed down the number to a workable size without undermining everyone and I think this decision is the best for our party.

I want to also commend the Caretaker Committee members for their efforts in compiling the list because our party being the largest party in nigeria, probably in Africa. They went through hell because everyone wants to serve but I think they did their best. If you didn't see your name in the list please don't be offended. I am sure other opportunities will come in future.

I want to remind you that you have to  work hard to ensure that the National Convention will go on 26th of March 2022. That day is sacrosanct.

During its regular meeting on March 8, 2022, the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) approved the recommendations of the Committee on Zoning as detailed below:

*NORTH-CENTRAL*: Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau States

1. National Chairman
2. National Vice Chairman (North Central)
3. Deputy National Secretary
4. Deputy National Legal Adviser
5. Deputy National Publicity Secretary
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organising Secretary
9. Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex - Officio Member

*SOUTH-SOUTH*: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers States

1. National Vice Chairman (South South)
2. National Publicity Secretary
3. National Women Leader
4. Deputy National Treasurer
5. Deputy National Welfare Secretary
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organising Secretary
9. Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex - Officio Member

*SOUTH - WEST*: Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States

1. National Secretary
2. National Vice Chairman
3. National Youth Leader
4. National Physically Challenged Leader
5. Deputy National Auditor
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organising Secretary
9. Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex - Officio Member

*SOUTH-EAST*: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States

1. Deputy National Chairman (South)
2. National Vice Chairman (South East)
3. National Treasurer
4. National Welfare Secretary
5. Deputy National Organising Secretary
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organising Secretary
9. Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex - Officio Member

*NORTH – EAST*: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States

1. Deputy National Chairman (North)
2. National Auditor
3. National Vice Chairman (North East)
4. Deputy National Financial Secretary
5. Deputy National Women Leader
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organisig Secretary
9.  Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex - Officio Member

*NORTH -WEST*: Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States

1. National Vice Chairman (North West)
2. National Legal Adviser
3. National Organising Secretary
4. National Financial Secretary
5. Deputy National Youth Leader
6. Zonal Secretary
7. Zonal Youth Leader
8. Zonal Organising Secretary
9. Zonal Women Leader
10. Zonal Special Leader (Persons with Disabilities – PWD)
11. National Ex-Officio Member

Zonal Representatives on the CECPC wil coordinate the process in each zones.

SIGNED:
*Salisu Na'inna Ɗambatta*
Director (Publicity)
APC National Headquarters, Abuja.
March 9, 2022.

APC SAYS FEDERAL HIGH COURT DECISION ON DEFECTION OF GOVERNOR UMAHI CLEAR CASE OF TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE & JUDICIAL RECKLESSNESS, EFFECT IS DEAD ON ARRIVAL.

1. Our attention has been drawn to the judgement made by Hon Justice Inyang Ekwo of Court 5 of Federal High Court FCT, Abuja and the travesty of Justice occasioned by the recklessness of his Judicial decision.


2. The crux of the matter is a suit by People's Democratic Party,PDP seeking to sack the Governor of Ebonyi State ,His Excellency Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE FNATE (Akubaraoha) and his Deputy for defecting to All Progressives Congress ( APC). The parties raised issues for determination which all bother on whether or not defection to another political party from a party that elected the Governor or his Deputy amounts to a breach of any section (s) of the constitution or the Electoral Act that should warrant a Judicial interpretation, raising declaratory and or injunctive orders against the Governor of a State and or his Deputy.


.3. The Presiding Judge committed a glaring judicial error by giving judgement sacking a duly elected and sworn-in Governor and his Deputy without relying on or citing any provision(s) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any provision of the Electoral Act that empowers the court to sack a sitting Governor and or his Deputy. This is purely a travesty of Justice.

4. The Court failed, refused and or neglected to understand the clear difference between a Governorship candidate of a Political Party as contemplated by the Electoral Act and a Governor of a State duly sworn in as contemplated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.The Court presided by Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo further went ahead to rely on the outdated authority of Amaechi v INEC( Omegha case) without exercising the Judicial power of Judicial distinction between pre-election/ electon matters and this matter of elected Governor defecting to another Political Party. He chose not to appreciate or he lacked the understanding of the difference between a Governor of a State and Governorship candidate of a Political Party. The Electoral Act and the judgement in Amaechi v INEC contemplate who is the right candidate of the Party and not the issue of defection, as you all know neither Amaechi nor Omegha raised issue of defection to another Political Party. So it is absolutely rediculous and questionable, as it shameful that a judge could decide a weighty matter such as conditions for sacking the Governor of a State without relying on any express provision of the Constitution or Electoral Act or Judicial Authority either of superior courts or even courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

5 It will be noted that a State High Court sitting in Ebonyi State presided by Hon Justice Henry Njoku ( who is more Senior in Bench than Hon Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court 5 Abuja) has given judgement on the issues sought in this Ekwo Judgement). The Governor of Zamfra State was recently given a clean bill of health in the matter for which this same issue of defection was sought to be determined. In that case the Federal High Court, in its well considered judgement stated that there is no provision in any law of the land or the Constitution of Nigeria that empowers any court in Nigeria to sack or tamper with the office of a siting Governor and or Deputy for the reason of DEFECTION TO ANOTHER POLITICAL PARTY.

6. The constitution of Nigeria upholds the supremacy of the right of association of persons (even to defect from one political party to the other). This is the prevailing position of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the case of AG Fed & 2 ors v Alhaji Abubarkar & 3 ors ( SC 31/2007) (2007) NGSC 118, 20th April 2007. The case interpreted the right of FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION to determine whether the action of a Vice President abandoning the political party whose platform he and the President were elected and joining another Political Party without resigning, amounts to CONSTRUCTIVE RESIGNATION from office, to warrant the seat of the Vice President to be declared vacant.

The Supreme Court held that the Vice President ( the President , the Governor, the Deputy Governor) can can only vacate office pursuant to section 306( resignation) or sections 143 & 144 of the Constitution of Nigeria which is parimateria with sections 188 & 189 of the same Constitution..

7. The Federal High Court sitting in Zamfra State has also relied on this Judicial Authority as the Law. In that case, the Court most recently held that Governor Bellow Matawallle VIOLATED NO provision of the Constitution of Nigeria and or PDP or APC's constitution by his defection.


8. We therefore urge the people of Ebonyi State, the associates and fans of the visionary Governor of Ebonyi State,His Excellency Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE FNATE (Akubaraoha) to go about their normal business and disregard the outcome of the Ekwo Judgement as being dead on arrival and having no iota of effect on the res of the matter as the Governor is sitting solidly and undistracted.

Signed
Salisu Na'inna Ɗambatta
Director (Publicity)
APC National Headquarters
Abuja.
March 8, 2022.

“I have read in the social media that I have resigned as Secretary of the APC Caretaker Committee. I want to state that it is not true. I didn’t resign. If I have resigned, you would have seen my letter of resignation written by me. Someone cannot just say somebody is dead when he is alive.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD7Y5OMhvs8

“I am not bigger than the party, or bigger than the President who is a leader of the country. I am waiting for the National Chairman to come back.

“We have done reconciliation, ward, local governments and state congresses. And we are about to do the National Convention. This is not the first time you are seeing power play.

“I am waiting for the Chairman. If we have directive from the President that we should resign, we are not bigger than the President, we will do so, if we hear from him. Somebody cannot say go and announce he is resigning. Like MKO Abiola used to say you don’t shave someone’s head in his absence.


“I am stating here that that breaking news is not from me. I don’t know who announced it.

“Someone cannot say ‘the president said’. I have not received any letter from anywhere. As I said, nobody is bigger than the party. The issue is that, have I resigned? The answer is no. I am the National Secretary of the Party”.

The meeting of Former Governors Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party held on Tuesday 8th March, 2022 at the Legacy House in Maitama District, Abuja looked critically at the state of the nation under the present All Progressives Congress led administration and passed a damning conclusion of a sorry state of affairs in the country.

The meeting attended by 15 former Governors and members of the forum also looked at the opportunities and challenges opened by the present situation in the country.

The meeting also looked at the state of structural development of the National Secretariat of the PDP which is still under construction and noted that there was still much to be done on the structure.

The meeting noted that over 80% of the entire citizens of Nigeria have agreed that Nigeria was going through the wrong path and was heading toward disaster.

It noted the sprawling increase in job loss, insecurity, poverty, bad economy, and loss of sense of belonging amongst citizens. It noted with grave concern the worsening state of petroleum scarcity and bad management of the country's resources by the ruling APC's administration.

It said most Nigerians across all levels and social strata were tired of the lies and deceits by the present government and were eagerly looking forward for a better change.

The meeting noted that the forum of former governors should play a more active and decisive role as strong reservoir and kinetic energy base for the PDP as the party prepares for the 2023 general elections which is at the corner in conjunction with the PDP Governors' Forum and all other relevant organs of the party. It called for a harmonious relationship between the former governors and the sitting governors of the PDP extractions.

It therefore appealed to all members of the forum not to be dismayed or be discouraged by the disposition of some of the organs of the party even as sitting it expressed optimisms that the present national leadership of the party would be opened and responsive to all stakeholders particularly members of the forum who are strong pillars and advisers for the party. It called on the leadership of the party to accord more recognition to members of the forum as a mark of respect.

The meeting charged members of the forum to be up and doing as major stakeholders and strong base of the party to assist it in the task ahead, (2023 general elections).

The meeting harped on the need for the party to use media spaces and communication tools to speak on topical issues that are begging to be put on the national front burners. It said there were several issues the party could speak on and whip up knowledge to create awareness on the maladministration by the ruling APC government.

It urged all members of the forum to talk and act as members of a political party who want to take over the reins of power. It said there is no need to stay timid and weak.

The meeting urged the leadership of the party to create a virile data base for members across the country which could be used in terms of preparations for general elections and such other relevant information base and centres for members.

On the choice of presidential candidate for the party ahead of the party's primary, the forum sued for calm and maturity amongst members so as not to give in to sentiments and primordial loyalties as the new leadership of the party was handling the matter headlong.

The forum of the former governors resolved to have a strong media unit that would be vocal and vociferous in talking and speaking on national issues and taking up challenges from the opposition parties as they may arise. The meeting enjoined members of the forum to avail themselves of the prevalence of various media windows such as the Instagram and such other social media platform to ventilate on national discourse.

The meeting commended the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja on the judgment on the Governor of Ebonyi state and his deputy as well as the state's legislators following their defection from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

It noted that the decision of the court had lent credence to true democracy, justice and fairness.

The meeting called on all citizens never to consider the APC for any subsequent elections as the party has proven not to understand administration, governance and how to addresses security issues or how to improve the lots of the citizenry.

It noted that the Nigerian 1999 constitution as amended is specific on the fundamental responsibilities of government which is the provisions of security to lives and properties of all citizens without let just as it noted that the APC led administration has totally ignored and failed to address.


Signed;



Chairman,

Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, PhD, OON, CON

(Talban Minna, Sardaunan Hausa)

It was a congregation of who is who in the political arena of the Nigerian state and particularly in Taraba State as encomiums and eulogies rained nonstop in honor of the North East Development Commission Education Endowment Fund's Chairman, businessman, philanthropist, and frontline Gubernatorial candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress APC, Chief David Sabo Kente on 3th March 2022 simultaneously at his expansive home in the heart of Abuja the prestigious Frazier Hotel in the capital city.

Without doubt in anyone's mind present, the gathering amplified once again the behemoth larger than life image, astounding popularity and towering standing of Chief David Sabo Kente who many neck named "too much money" because of his sometimes shocking free gifts to individuals in need and community facing challenges.


Like the proverbial saying that "but he that dares not to grasp the thorn, should never crave the rose." The hard earned national popularity and good will Chief David Sabo Kente enjoys amongst the youths has long translated into bitter envy and jealousy among some few elites and political rivals particularly within his community who are so scared of his astronomical rise in political stature and have left no stone unturned to shot him down using all means possible under the sun.

Several random opinion polls has always placed Chief David Sabo Kente tops amongst his contemporaries for the race of the Governorship in Taraba State basically because of his open mindedness towards every religion and tribe in the complex state, his accessibility and philanthropic activities spanning several years.


For a state notorious for religious fanaticism and intermittent tribal skirmishes, Chief David Sabo Kente has consistently kept his head high above the mucky waters of religious bigotry and tribalism, demonstrating a very high level of understand and tolerance far above his age. This attributes points to his aristocratic background as a Crown Prince whos kiths and kins are practitioners of Christianity,Islam and traditional religion.


Several researches has alluded to the fact that Tabara state has suffered and continue to suffer arrested development and stunted growth, all attributes of poor leadership selection because the state has been held hostage by Marchants of religion and tribalism who must insist always that the only qualification needed to govern is to be endorse by pastors or imams to the detriment of high quality individuals with outstanding pedigrees and vision.

The forthcoming 2022 elections shall determine once again if the people of Taraba State are really ready now to break free from the shackles of stagnation and embrace good governance and prosperity or remain where they have been for decades when contemporaries of the state have moved on breaking new grounds.

The choices can never be more clearer than ever before as a respected religious leader in the state who prefers not to be named pointed out quote: "I don't know all the serious individuals contesting to be Governor besides Chief David Sabo Kente who has proven in both words and deeds despite never been elected into any public office.

Among all that I have seen so far, Emmanuel Bwacha would have been good considering his political experiences, but it is in full public knowledge that he is a well known selfish bigot and Tribalist harbouring a hidden and deep seated desire to use executive power to divide and implement other dangerous agendas that may set the state ablaze if he mistakingly grabs power.

As the call for Chief David Sabo Kente to come and salvage the comatose state continue to grow louder as demonstrated by the gathering at his birthday get-together in Abuja last weekend, sons and daughters, patriotic volunteers for good governance, progressive Elders and Youths must all rise in unity from all over the nation in the quest to enthrone decency, fiscal responsibility and great march towards Renaissance in Taraba State and give hope back to it's long suffering people.

The vivid choices on the table for the people of Taraba State moving forward is between marching away from the present decay by voting in Chief David Sabo Kente, a personality that shall unite the fractured state and grow prosperity and wealth with happy families or putting divisive elements with agendas other than the people to sink the state further into abyss.

Ishaq Mohammed writes from Mutum biu Gasso

Over 300 beneficiaries of Jagaba Adams Jagaba's Federal Government
influenced jobs at the Weekend, united in Kafanchan, saying that they
don't hate other contestants, but insisted that Kaduna South
Senatorial District should unanimously ensure the three term House of
Representatives member get to the Senate in 2023.

The over 300 people mostly youths who said they are not politicians,
added that if Jagaba Adams Jagaba can spread employment opportunities
to the eight local governments that made up Kaduna South Senatorial
District when he represented Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency in
the House of Representatives added that many lives will be touched in
the entire Southern Kaduna and beyond if he becomes a Senator.

They called on their parents, politicians and the youths to see the
reason for what they are doing and support Jagaba for Kaduna Senator
in 2023.


Speaking, one of the coordinators of the group, Jerry Gandi who said
Jagaba has given over 300 of them from Kaduna South Senatorial
District life, said they will work hard to ensure that he is given the
opportunity in 2023 to enable him to touch more lives.

"We are not politicians and we don't intend to go into politics now.
We are sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna.

"Our interest is Southern Kaduna and we are coming from different
local governments. Our interest is development, empowerment, welfare,
wellbeing and security of the people.

"For us to get all these things I've mentioned, people who govern us
are the ones to determine this. 2023 is coming. If you have somebody
that will legislate well, lobby well, partner well and provide
opportunities like Jagaba, all these things will be achieved.

"Jagaba is someone who has shown he has the interest of the people at
heart. He is somebody that has given us life, hope and name.

"We were somewhere without names but Jagaba brought us together. Some
of us don't know him. Our names were brought to his table and he
helped to ensure we get jobs.

"Some people work for him to be at the House of representatives. Over
300 of us got jobs. Now is the time for us to tell the people of
Southern Kaduna the truth. Now is the time for us to support his
aspiration for a bigger office so that other people will benefit,"
Gandi said.

According to him, "As beneficiaries, we want all the people of
Southern Kaduna to support Jagaba so that as many of us have
benefited, the younger ones should also benefit.

"He is going for a higher office, the Senate. If as a House of
Representatives member he touched the lives of many people, if as a
Rep member he performed the duty of a Senator, if we take him there as
a Senator, he will do more and expand beyond Southern Kaduna.

"Jagaba will be a small governor for us. Jagaba will be the president
close to us. If he did it for people he doesn't know, he needs to be
supported to do more. Not only in employment, Jagaba did alot in the
agricultural sector. He empowered a lot of people," Gandi added.

Meanwhile, a former Librarian of Federal College of Education Okene,
Kogi State, Takai Abagai who narrated how Jagaba took him as a baby
and work hard to ensure he got an appointment he served for 10 years,
said he never knew Jagaba until he played a good part in stopping
Obasanjo's third term.

"He attracted many people to himself not only in Southern Kaduna,"
Abagai said adding that even though they don't hate other aspirants,
said Jagaba is the only person that can protect all interest groups
and carry everyone along.

Abagai who was the Chairman of the occasion, said he is a proud
beneficiary of Jagaba good work in Southern Kaduna.

"We are not here because we hate other people that are contesting. But
we only know someone who have touched many lives and that person is
Jagaba Adams Jagaba. Everyone in Kaduna South Senatorial District
should support Jagaba.

"As human being, God wants us to show appreciation. No father wants
his child to be lazy. Jagaba has taken the lead. He is someone who
don't care where you come from. As I speak with you, I don't even know
Jagaba's real village because I see him as the face of Southern
Kaduna.

"I am not from the same LGA with him. I am from Zangon Kataf Local
Government. I am free to talk about Jagaba because I am no more a
civil servant. I spent 10 years as a college librarian because Jagaba
made it possible.

"We believed that Jagaba will not missed this. By the grace of God, he
will be at the red chamber because he has the qualities and merited
it.

"So, we are here with other sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna that
are working as civil servants today because of Jagaba. For me, I am a
politician but we have many young men and women here who are not and
they have benefited from Jagaba," Abagai said.

Speaking, Hon Jagaba Adams Jagaba who visited the venue of the
Programme to say "thank you" to the Southern Kaduna youths, said he is
overwhelmed by the show of love.

"I am excited by the show of love from these people that recognized me
as someone who have impacted their lives.

"This will spur me to do more. My determination has always been to
uplift the youths especially those in my Constituency, Southern Kaduna
and Kaduna State.

"I am only doing what I was convinced I should do and today, I am
happy with the result. Since you are supporting my aspiration, I want
to assure the people of Southern Kaduna that their votes for me won't
be a wasted vote.

"I will work hard to ensure that more lives are touch not only by our
legislative work, but many will be empowered. I need the support and
prayers of everyone in Southern Kaduna. I am assuring them that what
we've done is replicated. Every community will feel our impact. Your
vote for me won't be a wasted vote," Jagaba added.

2023: 'We Don't Hate Others, Jagaba Is The Best For Southern Kaduna' https://kakaakireporters.com/2022/03/07/2023-we-dont-hate-others-jagaba-is-the-best-for-southern-kaduna/

Our attention has been drawn to sponsored media reports on an imaginary leadership change in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

The media report is fake news and should be disregarded.

The APC is a progressive political party guided by rules. Leadership changes are not announced by 'sources' through name dropping in the media.

We urge our teeming supporters, members and indeed the general public to remain calm and support the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led APC CECPC conduct a rancour-free and credible National Convention deserving of our great party.

SIGNED:
*Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe Phd*
National Secretary
APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC)

BY MACAULAY HUNOHASHI

March 3rd, 2022, would remain indelible in the minds of family members, relatives, friends, political associates and well-wishers of chief David Sabo Kente, for a very long time, as it was the day they all converged to be treated to an exotic banquet to commemorate his birthday.

The venue was the prestigious Frazier Suites, located in the heart of the Central Business Distric of the federal capital city of Africa's most populous nation.

Although the epoch-making event was brief, it was embroidered with all the trappings and tapestry of nobility that are usually preserved for deserving aristocrats.

Devoid of speeches and time-wasting fanfare, there was enough to eat and drink as guests, that cut across all political devides, were treated to the most exotic of buffet, with a bouquet of a cross-cultural menu that wavered between our familiar African cuisine and continental dishes.

The celebrant, chief David Sabo Kente, who is providentialy imbued with the bluest blue blood of the Kwarrarafa kingdom, was regal in an intricately-embroidered white flowing gown with a permanent perch of a delicate smile on his face. He would advance regally with the feline suppleness of movement which had given him a reputation for grace far exceeding that of any man or woman in the banquet hall, shake hands, exchange pleasantries, throw banters and pose for photographs; all devoid of any hint of hubris.

The roll-call of special guests include Gen A T Ibrahim (rtd), Gen Ishaya Bauka (rtd), Amb George Manzo, former Head of Service of the federation, Danladi Kifasi, Barr Damian Dodo(SAN), chief Ezekiel Afukuyon, Bobboi Kaigama, Sen Joel Ikenya, chief Ishaku Tikon and members of the D 20 club, as well as management and staff of North East Development Commission.

Many of them interviewed ,but with a craving for anonimity, described chief David Sabo Kente, who is well known with the subriquet of DSK, as "a man of impeccable character, high moral values, highly cerebral, politically sagacious and very astute in business".

They were unanimous that DSK possesses an unequalled pedigree of successes which can be attested to by the vision he brings to bear in any of the assignments he handles, including his present position of chairman of North East Development Commission Education Endawment Fund-NEDCEEF.

They noted that chief David Sabo Kente holds the magic wand that can bring Taraba state out of her present state of desrepair, which also gives them the confidence that he would emerge victorious at the governorship election of 2023.

DSK: Banquet For A Quintessential Aristocrat https://kakaakireporters.com/2022/03/04/dsk-banquet-for-a-quintessential-aristocrat/

Fuel Crisis: Ambassador Coomassie Pleads With PMB, NNPC Boss, Minister To End Nigerians Sufferings

...warns independent marketers to desist from taking advantage of the situation to inflict more pains on Nigerians

Following the fuel crisis that has hit the nation and the cry by Nigerians to end the long queues in filling stations across the country, caused by the unavailability of the product, the United Nations SDG Ambassador and Global vice Chairman, Advocacy For Good Governance and Social Justice Network, Amb. (Dr) Hussaini H. Coomassie has advised the president to find a lasting solution to the recent fuel crisis in Nigeria .

Amb Coomassie who is an advocate of Peace and Good Governance made this known during an interview with newsmen at his Abuja office earlier today.

According to him, NNPC GMD and the Minister of Petroleum should know that if they don't find a lasting solution to this hardship Nigerians are facing, the repercussion would not be endearing when Nigerians are pushed to the wall.

He called on Nigerians to be more patient as he believes President Mohammadu Buhari and his team aren't sleeping on this unexpected issue experienced at the filling stations across the country.

He also warns independent marketers to desist from taking advantage of the situation to inflict more hardship on Nigerians for their own selfish aims.

"I'm pleading with Nigerians to be a bit patience as the situation will soon be under control. I also want to use this opportunity to warn independent marketers to desist from taking advantage of the situation to inflict more hardship on the masses.

"I'm tasking H. E Timi Sylver and Mal Mele Kyari to double their effort in bringing to an end the first fuel scarcity since the beginning of PMB led Administration,"he advised.

Fuel Crisis: Ambassador Coomassie Pleads With PMB, NNPC Boss, Minister To End Nigerians Sufferings https://kakaakireporters.com/2022/03/04/fuel-crisis-ambassador-coomassie-pleads-with-pmb-nnpc-boss-minister-to-end-nigerians-sufferings/

After further consultations, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), H.E. (Hon) Mai Mala Buni has approved the composition of Sub-Committees for the National Convention of the Party (attached).

Party members are enjoined to disregard all previous communications on this matter.

The Chairmen and Secretaries are hereby invited for inauguration on Monday, 7th March 2022 at 2pm at the National Secretariat of our Party.

SIGNED:
*Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe Ph.D*
National Secretary
APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC)
3rd March, 2022

Click the link to download the full list.

APC Finally Release Approved National Convention Sub-committees List https://kakaakireporters.com/2022/03/03/apc-finally-release-approved-national-convention-sub-committees-list/

As Nigeria continue to suffer the hardship of lack of petroleum products in the country, a civil society group, Citizens Awareness Against Corruption and Social Vices Initiative (CAACASVI) has called for the change of Baton in NNPC leadership.

According Comrade Olumuyiwa Onlede, YTLC executive director
for CAACASVI, he said the organisation doesn't believe in the capacity or capability of the Group Managing Director/CEO of
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to change the current crisis situation and as such they will mobilise Nigerians in towns and even villages across the country to demand a change of guard in NNPC limited because as he stated , "You have failed in your promise to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians."



Read the full statement:

The Group Managing Director/CEO,
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited,
NNPC Towers, Central Business District,
Herbert Macaulay Way,
Abuja

Dear Sir,
PERSISTENT ENERGY CRISIS, A CALL FOR CHANGE OF BATON IN NIGERIAN NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION LIMITED.
For close to two months now Nigerians are being taken aback to the era of military dictatorship where the most productive hours of their day is spent in filling stations just in a bid to get fuel for their vehicles.
According to you, the crisis was created due to importation of adulterated fuel into the country by some marketers which they denied but as far as we are concerned NNPC limited is the major stakeholder in the energy chain and whatever argument being pushed forward by you does not hold water as it is obvious that some actions and inactions of NNPC limited is ultimately the reason and why bad fuel found its way into the country under your nose and someone must take responsibility and our conclusion due to the sampled opinion of Nigerians is that NNPC limited is complicit.
On the 16th of February 2022, you appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum and as the head of the company you gave an assurance that the long queues will varnish within a week, but three weeks down the line the situation is no better. So therefore you must take responsibility of all the actions and intentional act of sabotage in the petrol supply chain both in the NNPC limited and her vendors, haven caused Nigerians pains and damages to their vehicles without plan of compensation from any quarter even the aviation sector is not spared by the scarcity.
Our investigation in all 36 states of the federation and the FCT revealed that about 40% of security vehicles especially that of the police are at every point in time queuing in the few filling stations dispensing fuel thereby unable to perform their duty due to unavailability of fuel. This scenario drastically increased the rate of small crimes by 20% nationwide and this is as a result of negligence on the part of NNPC limited that failed to think outside the box by making special arrangement for security vehicles to get fuel without waste of time in NNPC retail outlets nationwide.
Sir, maybe we should remind you that your principal, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR will not for you or any other reason change his love for the masses as we all know that his immediate constituency is the masses, the poor and the vulnerable whom he promised to alleviate their suffering when elected. Today most appointee of the President have caused more enmity between the President and the said masses, even the President at a fora was forced to lament that so many trusted appointees and allies have disappointed him beyond imagination.
Sir, according to UN charter, the Civil Society has the right to demand for due process, improved performance and good governance from public office holders if those demand will translate to the betterment of the life of the people and that is what democracy is all about.
NNPC Limited is a new company that is evolving and so it is not in the best interest of the company and Nigeria to start on this note. This is why we will leave no stone unturned in appealing to sensibility of traditional institutions and Nigerians as a whole to support our mission to see a total overhaul of NNPC Limited so as to position the company for optimum performance. We do not believe that the crop of old hands that we have in the company right now can deliver the desired change as envisaged by the President and Nigerians.
So our resolution is to give you a seven (7) days ultimatum after which if the fuel queue failed to disappears nationwide we will be left with no option than to make the president see reasons why he must wield the big stick by relieving you of your appointment so as to give way for a more business oriented person to take over the affairs of NNPC Limited as Group Managing Director.
For us in CAACASVI we do not believe in your capacity or capability to change the current crisis situation and as such we will mobilise Nigerians in towns and even villages across the country to demand a change of guard in NNPC limited because you failed in your promise to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians, so therefore the time for us to awaken the consciousness of Nigerians to do the needful by bringing to the notice of the President your managerial incapability to lead NNPC limited.
Yours Faithfully,

Comrade Olumuyiwa Onlede, YTLC
Executive Director
For; CAACASVI


CAACASVI Calls For Removal Of NNPC Boss Over Petroleum Crisis https://kakaakireporters.com/2022/03/03/caacasvi-calls-for-removal-of-nnpc-boss-over-petroleum-crisis/

...commissions solar powered borehole in Echumoga

In fulfillment of his promised of providing water for his people, the State Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Cross River State, Alphonsus Ogar Eba Esq, has commissioned a solar powered borehole in Echumoga community facilitated by him.

Echumoga is a community under Echumofana Ward in Yala 1 State Constituency of Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.

While commissioning the project, he recalled the the visit of Mr Nelson Idah, who drew his attention to the water challenge of the Echumoga community and others who were injured during his defection to the APC.

In an emotional laden remarks, the State Chairman further used the occasion to pour glowing tribute to all the Echumofana ward accident victims particularly Mr Augustine Owogeka who lost one of his legs.

Alphonsus Ogar Eba further dedicated the project to the survival memory of Mr Augustine Owogeka and Eje Kurata, who were both involved in the unfortunate incident.

He said, "I want to acknowledge the young man standing here, Nelson Idah who came that evening and whispered to me that the greatest problem of Echumoga is water.

"Today I want God almighty to use this project and many more projects that would come as a prize of their gallant sacrifice."

He thereafter declared that the water will be like a living sprint water, for the use of everybody under the supervision of the elders, women and youth of the community.

He however assured that he will be responsible for the maintenance of the borehole to guarantee it's usefulness for many more years to come.

The commissioning, which was witnessed by notable leaders and stakeholders from Echumofana attracted the presence of Chiefs, elders as well as sons and daughters of Echumoga.

BY GAMBO JAGINDI

Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria and one of the eight most populous cities in the country.

Located in the center of Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is a city built in the 1980s based on a Masterplan by a Japanese architect, Kenzo Tange.

Abuja replaced Lagos, Nigeria's most populous city as the capital on Dec. 12, 1991.

Though development of the city is still in progress after more than three decades, the indigenous communities and the city's poor believe that Abuja was designed for only the rich, insisting that the masterplan has no place for the masses.

Some low income earners describe Abuja as a rich man's capital with no consideration for the poor who provide services for the affluent.

They have constantly accused the authorities of failure to provide social amenities or basic infrastructure in the satellite towns.

This class of people also argue that the creation of illegal settlements and influx into the city, which usually leads to the distortion of the masterplan, is as a result of neglect by the authorities to place some priority on satellite towns.

Most times Abuja residents struggle to put up structures, thereby infringing on sewage lines, electricity lines or on designated green areas.

In some cases, they even occupy construction sites, for easy access to social amenities which are only working in the city center.

This frequent violation of the masterplan by illegal occupants usually results in waste of resources by both the citizens and the authorities because the demolition of illegal settlements in order to restore sanity, is depleting the meager resources in government treasury that would have been channelled to other urgent needs.

This was the real story of
Abuja prior to the appointment of Dr Ramatu Tijja Aliyu as the Honourable Minister of State FCT, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

On assuming office on Aug. 21, 2019, Aliyu hit the ground running with the aim of providing solutions, especially in the area of giving priority to infrastructure in order to decongest the city center by making it less attractive.

It may interest readers to know that though the minister hails from Lokoja, Kogi State, she was born in Abuja and have been a residents since birth in 1970.

She's familiar with the challenges and many pains of Abuja residents, especially
the indigenous communities and the satellite towns dwellers.

As a professional urban planner, Aliyu is passionate about the development of the town and well equipped with the skills required to oversee the affairs of FCT Abuja successfully.

She left no stone on turned when she embarked on aggressive development of satellite towns by providing basic infrastructure through the Satellite Town Development Department (STDD), of the FCT Administration (FCTA), a unit under her office.

Aliyu no doubt understands the cultural diversity of Abuja, and so is always in the forefront of bringing succour to the less privilege and uniting all ethnic groups for harmonious living, which earned her the traditional title of Maman palliative (Mother of palliative ), by the locals.

She also understood and recognised the importance of local governments as the catalyst for grassroot and rural development in Nigeria, and so worked very hard to secure approval for the upward review of the Area Councils' monthly subvention from N100million to N350million.

'''The honourable minister, through the STDD, is doing so much in the rural communities that a lot of people are not even aware of.

''So far more than 150 projects ranging from construction of roads, drainage, installation of street lights and safe water, are spread across the six area councils of the FCT, 13 of these projects have been successfully executed and completed 100 per cent,'' an official of the FCTA said.

Some of her priorities project in the satellite towns include the Apo-Karshi road, Wasa affordable housing, Nyanya Gbagalape road, fruit market road zuba, Abaji-Rubochi road, Kuchiako road Kuje, Rehabilitation of Bwari Law School Road through Kuchiko from FCT Boundary to Ijah (Bwari-Ijah) among others

From the foregoing there is no doubt that Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu has demonstrated the capacity to deliver on her mandate in FCT and should therefore, be encouraged to do more.

Jagindi, Chief Executive Officer of Aluta Media Limited, Publishers of Aluta News writes from Abuja via jagindi2016@gmail.com 07065466654

We Are Grooming Youth Leaders For Higher Responsibilities In Governance–Acting DG NIPSS

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), has begun a Youth Transformational Leadership Course (YTLC), to enhance good governance and political development in Nigeria.

Brig.-Gen CFJ Udaya (rtd), Acting Director General of NIPSS, made this known at the graduation ceremony of YTLC course 1, in collaboration with Princeton Leadership Forum (PLF), on Friday in Jos.

Udaya explained that the YTLC course was specially designed by the institute to boost the capacity of young persons before they could occupy very serious leadership positions.

He harped on the urgent need to close the poor leadership gap existing among youths occupying positions of authority in Nigeria.

According to him, a lot of young people have been thrown into leadership positions from local government up to the national level, without being adequately prepared or trained to be leaders.

Udaya therefore, stressed the need to train and and boost youths' capacity before they could get into higher positions.

He explained that the training was geared towards addressing that leadership gap among young persons and pledged NIPSS' determination to ensure Nigerian leaders were adequately equipped to handle offices.

Udaya, who explained that the YTLC was the most current course in the institute, urged state governments to sponsor their young citizens for the training, which would be run quarterly.

On his part, Mr Chibuike Echem , President of PLF, commended the management of NIPSS for their foresight and wisdom in embarking on capacity building, especially for youths.

According to Echem, training the youths will be more beneficial to the country because of their exuberance and ability to adapt to change, as well new ideas.

Earlier, Professor Para Mallam, Director of Studies, NIPSS, commended PLF and other organisations for the partnership and sponsorship.

Mallam assured them that the course would be an engine for training transformational leaders across the country.

One of the participants, Mr Udengs Eradiri, former President, Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, and former Commissioner for Youth Development, Bayelsa State, expressed appreciation to NIPSS and PLF for organising the training.

Eradiri acknowledged the tremendous impact the training had on him and pledged to put the knowledge he acquired into practice for the development of Nigeria.

Aluta News reports that
youth leaders from the six geopolitical zones of the country were selected and sponsored for the two weeks course by the
Ugwumba Leadership Center (ULC) , Niger Delta Developments Commission (NDDC) Citizens Awareness Against Corruption and Social Vices Initiative (CAACASVI), among others.

Participants were expected at the end of the training to be able to identify the indicators of good governance and political developments in Nigeria, and explain why it is difficult to achieve good governance.

They are also expected to. evaluate the impact of poor governance on political developments of Nigeria since 1960, as well as identify the roles youths can play in politics to ensure good governance.

'The Earlier The Warring Nation Rerun To Dialoguing, The Better For World Peace'–Amb Hussaini Coomassie Warns


...as he commends President Macron for his peaceful approach

The United Nations SDG Ambassador and continental director general, Advocacy For Good Governance and Social Justice Network, Amb. (Dr) Hussaini H. Coomassie has advised Russia and Ukraine to embrace dialogue to enter the face-off between both countries.

Coomassie who is an advocate of peace made this know in Abuja stressing that the neglect of peaceful talks would lead to deadly repercussion and lost of lives by both nations.

He warns that the international community shouldn't fold their hands and watch the killing going on by just condemning but to send assistance to those in need.

He stated: "Russia is a powerful state and one of the poles in the current global balance. Russia has the ability to unsettle world peace and take it 83-years-back. In other words, Russian power can usher in the Third World War. No country in the world will sit idly by when there is danger in its backyard.

"Therefore the world needs to come up with solution to NATO expansion – go back to the table before it is too late as this has the tendency of opening up other theatres of cold conflicts in the world. China may decide to invade Taiwan or other similar scenarios all over the world.

"Another important thing to note is that the Ukrainian leadership must understand that their country’s strategic position does not provide opportunities of playing sides against middle, rather than the dangerous one-sided posture it continuously take. They must remember none of their allies will go to war with Russia to protect Ukrainians and that even if it were to happen, the damage would already have been done.

"The Ukrainian leadership must also Unilaterally do what it must do to safeguard its people, rather than unnecessarily pushing the world into more conflict by proxy wars, let the United States and her allies concentrate on solving the conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Israel and Palestine, Morocco/Western Sahara as well as Libya," he concluded adding that te world cannot afford any more wars.


"The world needs peace and the great powers have the key to peace."

…debunk alleged N500bn fund to sponsor presidential ambition

Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, Thursday, blasted anti-Emefiele groups over blackmail on alleged moves to join presidential race ahead of 2023 general elections and also call for his resignation.

This was contained in a statement signed by Executive Director and South South Coordinator, African Leadership Strategy and Transparency Development Initiative, Nelson Ossaieze; South West Coordinator and Coordinator, Centre for Joint Action Against Underdevelopment and Poverty in Africa, Olumide Kingsley Egbeola; Focal Person and South East Coordinator, Advocacy for Good Governance; North West Coordinator, Network for Advancement of Democracy in Africa; North East Coordinator, Arewa Peace, Development and Democratic Front, Mallam Mohammed Ali; North Central Coordinator, Zero Tolerance and Anti-Corruption Network, Hajia Binta Ibrahim; Secretary General, Coalition of Civil Society Groups, Abubakar Ibrahim; and President, Coalition of Civil Society Groups, Bassey Etuk Williams.
The groups in the statement described that the news on a particular online medium as fake news sponsored to tarnish the image of the CBN boss.

According to the statement, the CBN Governor has rendered selfless service to galvanize the economy via various intervention programmes to sustain the economy amidst devastating challenges to boost the productive base of the economy and position it to create wealth that would in turn diversify the income base of government and provide stable levels of income.

It also pointed that any sincere analyst of Nigerian affairs, “without bias induced amnesia, would recall that things got so bad that states couldn’t even fulfill their most basic of responsibility to pay salaries not to talk of building much needed infrastructure for their people.

“Within this chaos Mr. Emefiele brought order and has implemented unprecedented number of interventions that have created a new class of engaged citizenry and strengthening key sectors of the economy such as agriculture. The launch of the historical rice pyramid amidst several contradictions still no doubt is a shock to the nay-sayers. Could it be that his only crime against those behind this new wave of vitriol against him is that his programmes have turned out to be a resounding success?”

The statement reads in part, “The attention of Coalition of Civil Civil Society Groups has been drawn to another round of campaign of calumny against the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the controversial online Blog Sahara Reporters story titled “2023: Central Bank Governor, Emefiele Brings In Three Airplanes For Presidential Campaign, Asked To Resign By Buhari Government Cabal", alleging that Mr Godwin Emefiele has allocated about N500 billion for his presidential ambition, leveraging his edge as the manager of the country’s most critical financial institution.

“It is important to know that these baseless allegations were not new, as it has become the priority, of Sahara Reporters and its co-travelers, to engage in smear campaign against Mr Godwin Emefiele, but as usual to their disappointment, it will not fly, because it is not true.

“Therefore, this latest round of smear campaign is one of the series of campaigns of calumny by these disgruntled characters, to malign the CBN Governor and the bank as an institution. Yet, typical of blackmailers and mischief makers despite failures, they have refused to give up. The online news medium's latest report against Mr Emefiele, is obviously fake and non-existent. It is only in their imagination and its sponsors, that one individuals would have purchased three aircrafts for a political campaign and kept a whooping N500 billion for same purpose.

“If it wasn’t for the timing, this puerile concoction masquerading as a news report would have passed for mere comic relief, but knowing the dangers of fake news to social cohesion there is a need to set the records straight as a responsible arbiter between government and the governed.

“The platform that published this assemblage of downright falsehood, which could only have been the product of a fertile imagination, has a well documented history of making such publications capable of demeaning the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its institutions. But as a patriotic group we cannot be bystanders at such a critical moment in our nation’s history, as it is our goal to ensure that public institutions are not drawn into the muddy waters of partisan politics.

“It is a fact that these ones couldn’t find their voices or even their pens when the nation was flush with cash and this excess was not invested in the productive base of the economy. That only now they are beginning to rack their imagination to come up with fictitious figures from institutions not under management of the CBN, as sponsors of a so called presidential campaign shows clearly the source, even though their cowardice wouldn’t let them come out openly.”

The statement also warned that, “The coalition will no longer tolerate any attempt to put the unity of Nigeria at risk, through the potent instrumentality of fake news and malicious reports.

“We will henceforth not hesitate to name names behind these falsehoods being spread in the public space for personal gain. It is an indisputable fact that the 2023 elections have not even commenced and we urge politicians to take the backseat and allow the government of the day finish their term in office and wait until the ban on campaigns are lifted before speculating on who is contesting for what and making statements capable of heating the polity further. Godwin Emefiele has not wronged the long suffering people of Nigeria by his policies that have created jobs and strengthened the productive base of the economy.

“It is really worrisome that some people could condescend so low to fabricate baseless allegation against the CBN Governor, for reasons that could best be described as mischievous. It is equally worrisome that Sahara Reporters could lend space for this obvious mischief. We really do not believe that it is because the price is right.

The coalition in the statement also urged Nigerians to disregard the campaign of calumny against the CBN Governor as all allegations were baseless and unfounded.

“For the unscrupulous elements and their cohorts, these campaigns would prod the CBN governor and the management of the Bank, to continue to serve the nation diligently and with utmost zeal and those whose immoral and illegitimate livelihoods have been affected by these people oriented policies would do well to support the Nigerian economy and help create jobs for our teeming youth to keep them out of the reach of criminal elements”, it added.

CSOs Blast Anti-Emefiele Groups Over Blackmail https://kakaakireporters.com/2022/02/24/csos-blast-anti-emefiele-groups-over-blackmail/ .

The Balvenie Makers Project Fetes Dignitaries With Exquisite Night Of Luxury Brand

...as the Trio Craftsmanship of Babalola Oluwafemi, Dotun Popoola and Jacqueline Suowari takes centre stage


Luxury regardless of its expression is underpinned by one key element... craftmanship.
The Balvenie, A luxurious range of whisky from the staples of William Grant and Sons distillery, Scotland, is crafted by Malt Master David C Stewart.

Every drop to the bottle is made with craftsmanship at its heart and as such, each expression of the Balvenie is unique, rich, luxuriously smooth, underpinned by a distinctive honeyed character.
Since its inception, the brand has constantly strived to collaborate with like-minded people who share in its passion to create.

Creatives who through their creativity share a unique insight into the dedication and sacrifice required to produce items by hand.
To bring this concept to life,

The Balvenie collaborated with three incredibly talented artists and hosted guests to an opulent evening of fine dining, classical entertainment, live music, art exhibition, and of course a taste of Balvenie.
The event was held at the prestigious Vanilla Restaurant, one of Abuja’s leading fine dining establishments for the past 14 years.
Compered by Actor, Artist, and choreographer Ibrahim Suleiman, playing host to the crème de la crème of Abuja high society, guests were introduced to the brand collaborators who in turn shared their Makers stories.

Introducing the trinity of Makers, Babalola Oluwafemi, who doubles as an artist, curator, designer, and a major promoter of African arts; Jacqueline Suowari a visual artist using the Ballpoint pen primarily as a means of expression and Dotun Popoola, a synergetic metal sculptor who has carved a niche for himself with his hyper-realistic monumental metal sculptures.
Tasked to share their Balvenie makers stories, the artists had these to say…

Babalola Oluwafemi:

As a fine artist, curator, designer, and major promoter of African arts, Babalola Oluwafemi, who hails from Ijumu local government area of Kogi State, has continued to show the world that he's an exceptional craftsman. With a Degree in Fine Arts (specialty in Art History), the CEO of the Artmazing studios, his story is one that would motivate anybody from the grassroots. Describing his craftsmanship, Babalola said he is inspired by originality.
He stated that in a world where little or no attachments to one’s roots and foundation are prevalent, originality becomes rare, almost endangered, all in the squalor of everyday living. Referencing the craftsmanship in The Balvenie brand, he explained that one could see how easily originality and tradition have been preserved, and where necessary, protected over decades with feats as simple as staying true to the idea of growing its own barley. ‘I like to tap right into that originality that so many of my contemporaries have, in the quest for modernization, abandoned. A lot of my art has been inspired by stories of old, sculptures of old times, traditional arts and fashion, and most of all, the will to keep things as connected to the beginning and the center of all things, as possible.’

Jacqueline Suowari:

According to Pablo Picasso, “Action is the foundational key to all success.” It’s not easy to stay focused on a goal, and often we drift away from it or trade it for something else. However, it’s important to remember that in order to achieve our dreams, we need to stop dreaming about them and start working on finding ways of turning them into reality.
And this reality has helped Jacqueline Suowari, a visual artist who uses the Ballpoint pen primarily as a means of expression to become who she is today.
She's one of the most respected female artists who have poured out her talent in painting exceptional arts that the world is reckoning with.
According to her, everyone is a social creature always looking for fantasy in real life to trigger their thought process and seek inspiration from them. Describing her craftsmanship, she said "Drawing is one of the oldest forms of human expression known to man. Art relies on the craftsmanship of drawing for the honest representation of ideas. For me as an artist, every visual rendition of an idea begins with a line. My work comprises hundreds of thousands of lines webbed up beautifully with the skilled mastery of the ballpoint pen.’
"The Balvenie harnesses skills from natural alchemy and centuries-old craftsmanship for its production; it is the most hand-crafted amongst single malts. Balvenie craftsmen have an intimate understanding of their materials and a desire to make the very best whisky possible. Likewise, the magic of my work lies in my creative process. This is a combination of many years of expertise, time, determination, skill, and the ambition to always attain new levels of excellence with each completed painting. These same elements make up the core production techniques of The Balvenie, giving it its unique character," she explains.
She added that every day, they come across multiple strangers but seek inspiration from only a few of them, and what sets them apart. This also helps them to be who they are.
According to Jacqueline, she always wants to create pieces that are riveting and relevant to the present time; pieces that her audience can immediately relate to, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
She pointed out that the place of an artist in today’s world encompasses and is interwoven between the roles of a Doctor - to heal, a Prophet- to see and a Soldier - to protect.

Dotun Popoola:

A synergetic metal sculptor who has carved a niche for himself with his monumental metal sculptures, he rose from a state of hopelessness to becoming a dealer in hope; giving himself to the service of humanity through his artistic practice and community services.
At the age of nine, his parents were sensitive enough to discover his creative ability with respect to art and the creation of beauty. They supported him tremendously and bought art materials for him as they noticed his enthusiasm, restiveness, and consistency in art.
According to him, history has recorded that the Balvenie craft is an undisputed luxury brand that believes in sophistication and simplicity, excellent craftsmanship rendered with passion and each expression is unique in a distinctive taste and character. In the same vein, his creative exploration thrives on the wings of passion, and dedication to his crafts, sacrificing his time of pleasure for self-discovery. "I take my time to select different scraps and weld them together, each piece is a product of tenacity, perseverance, and long-suffering but the end product gives a fulfilling breath."
Additionally, he explained that his artistic practice is based on a personal philosophy that art should be explored as an agent of change, and as a socio-cultural review. "My goal is to create a luxury brand out of discarded materials and wastes that make our environments unsightly and threaten the ecosystem," he revealed.
Dotun facilitates art workshops for students, professionals, NGOs, healthcare institutions, hospices, orphanage homes, rehabilitation centers, and schools locally and internationally. He has equally executed several monumental sculptures and large murals both in Nigeria and the United States of America. He continues to provide landmark mentoring opportunities for professional development for local and international artists in his studio in South-West Nigeria.
One of the high points of the event was the moment Mr. Dotun invited three of his students whom he tasked with an assignment to create unique metal sculptures by drawing inspiration from the Balvenie bottle. He revealed their final project much to the adulation of the guests in attendance.
His students Femi Ayanwale, Ajike Dominic, and Kunle Adewole thanked The Balvenie brand for the recognition, saying this experience was definitely the high point of their creative journey.

At the end ,Mr. Babalola surprised his fellow Makers with a portrait depicting the likeness of all three collaborators with the brand's iconic bottle serving as the centerpiece of the painting.

https://editor.guardian.ng/arts-2/the-balvenie-makers-project-celebrates-creativity-craftsmanship/

It seems that the heat is already on between President Osinbajo and his godfather, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as some northern group came to pay him a courtesy call, urging him to contest the general election come 2023.

Watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShsL0BCWT7I

In a bid to ease the current scarcity of petrol being experienced in different parts of the country, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) on Tuesday said it has commenced the distribution or one billion litres of safe Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), known as petrol, in its stock to various fuel stations nationwide.


The Corporation also noted that 2.3 billion litres of PMS would arrive Nigeria between now and February ending to address the current situation and restore sufficiency.

Mr Adetunji Adeyemi, Group Executive Director, Downstream, NNPC disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen.

Adeyemi said this would address the situation and restore sufficiency level above the national target of 30 days.

He said that the NNPC understood the current fuel supply disruptions in many parts of the country caused by the discovery and subsequent quarantine of methanol blended cargoes of PMS.

“As of today , NNPC has one billion litres of petrol in stock and the petrol being dispensed today at various fuel stations in the country is safe.

“In order to accelerate PMS distribution across the country, NNPC has commenced operations at its Depots and Retail Outlets,” he said.

Similarly, he noted that Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Depot Owners and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria have commenced 24 hours loading and dispensing activities in some of their designated outlets.

He added that NNPC has constituted a monitoring team with the support of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA) and other security agencies to ensure smooth distribution of PMS nationwide.

“NNPC implores Nigerians to avoid panic buying and assures that the ongoing efforts would be sustained to restore normalcy in few days time.

Scarcity: NNPC Distributes 1bn Litres Of Fuel Nationwide - - https://kakaakireporters.com/2022/02/15/scarcity-nnpc-distributes-1bn-litres-of-fuel-nationwide/

Following allegations over drug trafficking by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police on Monday arrested the embattled ‘Super Cop’ Abba Kyari, a Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Abba Kyari has been suspended in July 2021 following allegations of money laundering and other related cyber crimes by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).


Nigeria’s Minister of Justice says there is an established prima facie to extradite Abba Kyari to the United States to face trial.


Details later...

https://leadership.ng/breaking-police-arrest-dcp-abba-kyari/

Gwandara Development Educational and Cultural Association (GWADECA) Kaduna State Chairman has inaugurated new state executive members, urging them to eschew Peace and unity even as Suleiman Haruna emerges Chairman

The inauguration ceremonies were held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Nisama Community in Jema,a local government area of Kaduna State.

The association also unveiled programmes for social, cultural and educational development of Gwandara people in Kaduna state for the next three years.

Some of the newly inaugurated excos of Gwandara

In his acceptance speech, Haruna thanked the association members for the confidence and trust reposed in him while promising to continue all the ongoing projects and bridge the gap between the Gwandara people and other tribes

The newly elected Chairman has also set three goals to be achieve during his first tenure in office

According to him, the new leadership will ensure unity and purpose for the reconciliation and peace, educational development and socio cultural development of Gwandara people

The newly elected executive council members include Comrade Bawa ibn Sabo Vice Chairman , Mr Danlami Yohana as secretary with 17 others

Earlier, the former Chairman, Mr Silas Usman has expressed appreciation to the Gwandara people for their support and corporations during his tenure and appeals that a similar gesture be extended to the newly inaugurated leadership.

The GWADECA is run by the National Executive Council which coordinates all the activities of the association.

The association maintains and enhances an engaged, vibrant community awareness . It helps connect Gwandara tribe to each other and promote cultural education sets through a wealth of community activities and events around the country.

GWADECA, Kaduna State Chapter Unveils New Exco, Urges For Peace, Unity - - https://kakaakireporters.com/2022/02/14/gwadeca-kaduna-state-chapter-unveils-new-exco-urges-for-peace-unity/

...demand Ex-VP jettison presidential ambition
…want power shift to South

Ahead of 2023 presidential elections, anti-Atiku protests erupted, Monday, in Lagos, Adamawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna States, demanding the former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, jettison his presidential ambition.

The protesters are former support groups for Atiku’s presidential bid in 2019, who said they are not supporting him this time around rather he shouls shelf the ambition for the South East region to emerge as Nigeria’s president come 2023.

In a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator and National Secretary, For North 4 North Support Group for Atiku, Mohammed Garba and Abubakar Sanni, respectively and read during the protest in Kaduna pointed that the former VP should have a rethink of his ambition.

The statement reads in part, “We for our part, have promoted the candidature of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for years, but we humbly call on the former vice president to do us a good turn in return for the many good turns we have done for him. We have sacrificed a lot pushing for the presidency of Atiku Abubakar all these years, even though we have been abandoned by him after each election cycle, it is time for him to project national interest outside of his need to become president. At almost 80years, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar does not have enough in the tank to put in the high level of physical and mental effort required to fix Nigeria.

“We must give all parts of Nigeria a chance to become president of the country, or we might slide dangerously into the narratives of divisionists enemies of the state who will have a ready recruitment pool from among disgruntled groups.

“Only one region in Nigeria has not been given a chance to take the presidency of Nigeria and it is only fair that 2023 almost a quarter of a century into our current democratic system the south east is reminded that they just as Nigerian as the rest of us.

“Fairness and equity is the major ingredient for sustainability of any society as history has clearly shown and Nigeria can be no exception to this clear and present rule of nation building; when a society begins to deviate from the principle of fairness and equity, it declines and slides down the rabbit hole of oblivion.

“The presidency cannot also afford to go to an older candidate, considering the enormity of the demands of the job in the 21st century, where there are series of factors playing into a tectonic shift in economic centers of gravity, coupled with the many challenges confronting Nigeria that requires a proactive person with energy to cope with the rigors of office.

“It is the unanimous position of Nigerians, as deduced from the sampling of opinions through our consultations on the subject matter thus far, that the presidency should go to a younger candidate in tune with the realities within which we exist in today’s world and capable of making decisions at the pace required there from.

“The southeast deserves the presidency of Nigeria come 2023, and we must narrow down our focus to searching for the best candidate from the region, rather than allowing the public discourse space to be crowded by a cacophony of distractions that will end up robbing us of the very best of us. No doubt politics is important as development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace, confidence and sense of belonging in the system.

“The only way forward for Nigeria is forward and we can’t afford to go back to the old ways of choosing presidents from certain parts of the country, to the exclusion of others.

“As a group based in the north, it is the dream of the founding fathers for the country to be united. We are, in the spirit of that unity, reaching out to our brothers and sisters in the south and assuring them of our commitment to stand side by side with them to achieve this goal in the interest of Nigeria’s future.”

Also another group, South West Development Frontiers, SWDF, during the protest in a statement with subject ‘Atiku Abubakar Should Drop His Presidential Ambition for the Sake of Nigeria's Unity’ signed by Convener, SWDF, Olufemi Osabinu, and Co-Convener, SWDF, Olufemi Lawson respectively.

The group said, “As the 2023 general elections, which will witness the election of a new President beckons: The need for justice and equity, becomes an inevitable task, for every Nigerian of good conscience.

“As the nation looks forward to the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent President Muhammad Buhari and warms up for the 2023 Presidential election, we must be conscious of our place in history, and as patriotic citizens, to demand for equity and fairness, as a step, towards consolidating, on our firm commitment, to the unity of Nigeria.

“To this end, we are as a generation, demanding that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and his promoters, bring a close to the perpetual ambition of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to be President of Nigeria.

“No only did we find insensitive, the quest to retain power in the North but it is also self serving and unjust, after President Muhammadu Buhari would have completed an eighth year term as the President of Nigeria, from the same Northern zone of the country.

“Over the time, we have been at the forefront of the call, for political parties in the country, to have their Presidential Ticket, zoned to the Southern part of the country, for the sake of equity and justice.

“We do not only want to appeal to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to drop his Presidential ambition, we are also reminding politicians who are canvassing for his presidency, to realize that they are trying to perpetuate injustice, which is against the unity of our country.

“Furthermore we make a clear and undiluted call on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to give second thoughts to his desire to contest for the office of president in the elections again in 2023. While Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has served the with distinction, as evidenced in the fact that we have been his supporters for years, it is also undeniable that at 77 years of age going into this race, it will be a mismatch of national priorities to support his quest, taking into consideration the unique interplay of circumstances currently confronting our country.

“Nigeria needs a young and more energetic unifier, who will be able to handle the rigors of being physically present in crises spots to make the physical and psychological statement of government being in charge and committed to finding lasting solutions to our national challenges.

“It is our humble appeal, that every Nigerian, including politicians from the south, rallies their support for a formidable candidate of Igbo extraction, as the next president of Nigeria.”

Another group, the Middle Belt Network for Atiku, MBNA, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, said during their protest pointed that a matter of common sense that the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has to returns to the southern part of Nigeria especially the region of eastern extraction.

The statement which was signed by its National President, Luka Pam​​​​​, and Secretary General, Madaki Yakubu, also argued that a survey it conducted indicated that in 2023 and beyond two major conclusions emerged, which are age and power shift to the southeast.

The statement reads in part, “Today, we have come out in our numbers as organization members from different parts of this state, and indeed other parts of the north central, to put our position in the public domain, to guide some who are seeking to profit from being in and around the corridors of power at the expense of the Nigerian people. Today, we make it clear that the Nigerian people are savvier than ever before and would not tolerate any recycled leaders or ideas in the 2023 general elections.

“Our argument about, who leads us in 2023 and beyond, having conducted an integrated and comprehensive opinion survey over the last six months, incorporating multiple data sources and collection methods, is rested on two planks namely: age and power shift to the southeast. Any candidates that fail to meet these criteria should not even bother to waste scarce resources or vital energy as their aspirations are dead on arrival, while the search for the best candidates will be within the framework of a young and south easterner.

“We are well aware that some are already positioning themselves, from the north, to run for the office of the president and commander in chief of the federal republic of Nigeria. It must be made clear that it is the right of every Nigerian who has attained the age and meets the other requirements to seek to serve as president of his or her country, but as a country that has to marry so many interests, there are certain principles and precedents in morality and equity that have defined how presidents emerge.

“It is a matter of common sense that the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has to returns to the southern part of Nigeria especially the region of eastern extraction, while those of northern extraction should support an eastern candidate, to pave way for justice and equity within our nation. Until we are able to fashion out a more solidified democracy, we need to maintain the zoning arrangement to promote national unity and peaceful coexistence. We are in an emergency and the 2023 election is not the time to gamble or play games with the collective destiny of Nigerians.

“As supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, we are also conscious of the fact that this position goes against the interest of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to run for office again in 2023. We take this position clear in our minds that we are first of all Nigerians and then democrats; knowing that democracy is about the interest of the larger whole over individuals and sub-groups. We further call on Atiku Abubakar, who at 77years of age is no longer the man he was a few years ago, to can his ambition and support a younger the southeast region that has never produced a president of Nigeria, in the interest of national unity and cohesion going forward.

“It is on record, and we stand to be corrected on this, that Atiku Abubakar never uttered a word when Fulani killing of our people was raging and at its peak. We therefore renounce our support for Alhaji Atiku.”

2023: Anti-Atiku Protests Erupt In Lagos, Adamawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue - - https://kakaakireporters.com/2022/02/14/2023-anti-atiku-protests-erupt-in-lagos-adamawa-kaduna-plateau-benue/

Baitullah:
This news is not clear. Did she die from the domestic abuse or what?

Read again

Late Mrs Busayo Adewuni, aged 34 of 19, Jibowu Street, Abule Egba, Lagos was a victim of several domestic violence unleashed upon her by her husband, Pastor Enoch Adewuni, leaving 3 children behind with the last being a 10-month old kid.
While alive, she confided in her family members without involvement of necessary security agents of assault upon assault from the husband.

On Sunday, 7th February, 2022, she died in circumstances yet to be unravelled by the police albeit the husband is in detention while his mother who lived with the family is now at large. The incident was initially reported at Oko Oba Police Division but case now transferred to the Homicide Department of Nigeria Police, Panti.

We commend the level of professionalism being displayed by the men of the force on the matter.

Women Arise for Change Initiative under the leadership of DrJoe Okei Odumakin is following up with the case.

#JusticeForBusayo

Send in by Olubunmi Folasade


https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159574910078950&id=824673949

Another DV Victim Beaten To Death By Pastor Husband https://kakaakireporters.com/2022/02/12/another-dv-victim-beaten-to-death-by-pastor-husband/