Politics

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Professor Kingsley Moghalu, a politician and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said that withdrawing from partisan politics has given him happiness and peace of mind.

Moghalu disclosed this in a tweet on his verified Twitter handle on Wednesday.

According to him, partisanship is divisive and it is time he contributed to nation-building from a nonpartisan perspective.

“I am happy and have found peace in withdrawing from partisan politics. No apologies. As a citizen I will always have my preferences and will vote for specific candidates, but there are times and circumstances when one can better contribute to nationbuilding from a nonpartisan perspective” He said.

Moghalu also disclosed that he would not publicly endorse any candidate despite calls from different people that he should do so. He noted that he could not publicly support such candidates because they were not in anyway like him.

“I understand the passions and goodwill of those who argue on this street that I should formally “declare/campaign for this candidate or the other. They argue so because they believe my views are listened to and may be “influential”. But I urge such people to also understand, and respect my own personal decisions. They have not, like I have been, presidential candidates (without having a war chest of stolen public funds) or stood in the arena. bloodied but unbowed. No regrets, but only I know what I have sacrificed, the personal price I have paid.” He stated

In June 2022, Kingsley Moghalu lost the presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and resigned his membership of the party after the defeat.

By Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng

The unprecedented mammoth crowd that welcomed Atiku’s campaign entourage in almost every state they visited is shockingly mind-boggling. The recent one in Katsina, President Muhammad Buhari’s home state, speaks volumes and needs no further political argument that the opposition party has amicably conquered the heart and minds of the northern populace.

Most of the north-eastern electorates feel they now have ample opportunity to produce a president from the region after considering the clear development this has brought to the north-western parts of the country. It’s general knowledge that most of the Federal Government initiatives, such as National Social Investment Schemes, N-power, and other beneficial capital projects, under this current government were enjoyed mainly by in the north-western states. They are making it more developed in politics, infrastructure, and the economy.

The above issue is a welcome development because the region is considered core-north large and more densely populated than the northeastern parts.

But, the northeastern parts, for example, are yearning to produce the first-ever president from the region, which will undoubtedly pave the way for social, political, and infrastructural development. Thus, the hit helps curb the devastating effects of extreme poverty, and hardship occasioned by the Boko Haram Insurgency in some parts of the Borno and Yobe States. And communal, Farmers Herder’s clashes in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, and Bauchi States.

Unquestionably, whoever understands the psyche of a typical northerner must agree that it is difficult for one to reject Atiku despite the current circumstances in the country mindfully. Therefore, the northern populace that massively voted for Buhari in the previous elections unopposed should have no regrets about doing the same for the leading People democratic party’s candidate.

Besides, even the elites and the ruling party stalwart knows that are a shot of words on how to stop people, especially from the north, from voting for the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the upcoming general election. Thus, remain with no option but to beat around the bush, able to maintain their political positions and offices.

Atiku may win or lose the election, but undoubtedly, the staunch and unalloyed support Buhari previously enjoyed in the north will certainly be transferred to him and no other.

The northeastern people have never rejected Atiku Abubakar in Nigerian political history but chose Buhari ahead of him due to the political exigencies of the time.

Interestingly, the era of political manipulation has gone. As a result, an average Nigerian from the remote and urban centrist now has a proper knowledge of the game of politics. Consequently, it allowed individuals to amicably exercise their constitutional franchise by considering the most deserving candidate regardless of religion, region, or political party.

Above all, politics, they say, is a game of numbers and interest, and whoever wants to play it should imbibe the culture of flag-waving, unity in diversity, and national Integration.

Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng writes from Yola.

By Uzair Adam Imam

There has been tension in Labour Party (LP) as Dr. Doyin Okupe, the Director General of the party, resigned his position.

The Daily Reality gathered that Okupe resigned following his conviction over money laundering charges.

The disclosure was made Tuesday in a later Okupe wrote to Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the party.

He argued that he had rather invested so much in the party’s campaign.Details later….

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Nigeria Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement Working Group (Naija MAYE) has called for the involvement of youths in politics and urged political parties to ensure health and development agenda in political parties manifestos in the country.

The call is an aftermath of a one-day summit organized by MAYE and held at Belmont Hotel in Abuja on Wednesday.

In a press statement signed by the Chairman of MAYE, Olympus Ade Banjo and other leaders of the group, the group charged the Nigeria political class to ensure the involvement of youths in politics and prioritize health and development in their party manifestos

The group also lamented the slow implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They noted that many Nigerians are yet to experience the economic and political dividend of the SDGs.

At the end of the summit, Naija MAYE was quoted to have made the following suggestions:

1:- “Ensure inclusivity of youth health and development agenda in all 2023 party manifestoes blueprints, and campaign messages.

2:- Review the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to recognize adolescent and youths as part of vulnerable population by improving access to quality youth friendly health care services.

3:- Adopt innovative and diverse approaches in financing social health insurance for young people taking into consideration that they are about 70 percent of Nigeria’s population and the high rate of unemployment which is about 40 percent.

4:- Ensure National Council on Health should approve reduction of age of independent access to sexual and reproductive health services including HIV testing from 18 to 14years.

5:- Ensure a comprehensive range of sexual and reproductive health services required by diverse groups of young people is integrated into training curriculums of healthcare providers at all levels of training
Ensure that policies supporting youth and female engagement in governance is actively implemented. Ordinary people should be given opportunity to serve from the local government to the Federal level.
Strengthen Micro Finance to give reduced interest rates to young people’s mini and small scale businesses.

6:- Create meaningful occupational counselling structures for young people in secondary schools and institutions.”

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, has pledged to dredge the River Niger, assure that the Onitsha Port is functioning, and revive the economy of the South East.

Atiku made the pledge to party supporters yesterday in Awka, the capital of the Anambra State.

When he met with Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, hours before the start of the campaign, he stated that Soludo had made some of these requests.

Atiku was quoted as saying, “On our arrival today we visited their governor Prof. Soludo, and he said to me. I know you are going to work but make sure that all the federal roads that pass through Anambra State are reconstructed.

“And I promised him, I’m going to do that, he said ‘make sure that you control our erosion, because Anambra is the erosion headquarters of the world. Erosion is destroying our farmlands, is destroying our houses and everything have.

“This is a very gigantic project. And I promised him I’m going to do that, and you know I have worked with Soludo before, he is a first-class patriotic Nigerian.

“You have an excellent governor. He also appealed to me that Onisha port this time around we are going to dredge River Niger and Onisha port will function.

“We are also going to help Anambra industrialize the state so that the state will create as many jobs for our young men and women.”

By Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng

Before, Adamawa, as a sovereign state, was counted among the most underdeveloped states in Nigeria. Many transitional administrations we had in the past failed to deliver their mandate in providing basic social amenities to the teeming populace.

The incumbent governor of Adamawa state, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, was accurately counted among the few that impeccably excelled in delivering the security, education, health, and infrastructural needs of the state in his first four years in office. Something that is least expected from him. But the man surprised many by changing the narrative in running a system that touched the life of a common man in every nook and cranny of the state.

Unfortunately, none of the past administrations followed the right blueprint on how a committed and effective government should operate the way this current administration is doing.

Interestingly, it’s become a surprise to many that this current administration has succeeded in leaving no single stone unturned when talking about the provision of social amenities and workers’ welfare. A welcomed development that everyone, irrespective of their political parties, is applauding. If truly one has it in mind that we want Adamawa to develop and compete with other states in terms of infrastructural, political, and socioeconomic aspects, then this administration is moving on the right channel.

It’s now general knowledge that little or none among those that voted Fintiri into power regret their action, except those that are not interested in what is called ”Good governance” but focused more on stomach infrastructure. 

More often than not, those who truly had a dream of seeing progressive Adamawa through governance are usually not concerned with political affiliation, religion, or region, among other factors that characterize us as individuals. Rather individuals’ capacity to deliver, based on track record and physical projects, need no further political analysis. Political Candidates that will lead with utmost patience, a high sense of responsibility, and sincerity of purpose. 

Besides, very few among the most sophisticated and critically equipped minds think and analyze issues while keeping their personal biases and prejudice in interpreting and analyzing things that have a direct effect on societal wellbeing. Others find it difficult to think. Thus, remain with no option but to follow the Bandwagon.

The experience, they say, is the best teacher, and with what Adamawa state has been going through for years, regardless of the political party, one can be able to judge fairly on the kind of administration that instantaneously impacted positively the life of all and sundry.

Therefore, it’s high time we learn to turn a deaf ear to self-centred politicians who are influenced by the number of greedy sycophants surrounded with, seeking cheap political gains.

One is at every liberty to criticize or defend a particular divergent political view. But we should not deny the fact that some state governors have performed wonderfully well.

Truth is bitter and difficult to comprehend, but lies are sweet and travel faster than one could ever imagine. Though, understanding the complex game of politics is not for all but a few.

Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng writes from Yola, Adamawa State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, has fired the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, for blaming President Buhari over the lingering security issues in the country.

Mohammed added that it was under the watch of PDP that Boko Haram insurgency started in 2009, adding that the party more or less nurtured the insurgents to the monster it later became.

Abubakar was reported to have expressed surprise over the continued presence of Boko Haram during his campaign outing at the weekend.

He said: “Let me quickly react to the statement credited to His Excellency, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has reportedly expressed surprise at the existence of Boko Haram.

“The former Vice President was quoted as saying he could not honestly understand the Boko Haram phenomenon, and wondered why Boko Haram continues to operate.

“Well, I think His Excellency didn’t need to look far to get the answers to his questions. He should simply ask his party, the PDP, under whose watch the Boko Haram insurgency started in 2009. For six years until 2015, when our administration assumed office and inherited Boko Haram, the PDP more or less nurtured the insurgents to the monster they later became.

“Alhaji Atiku should ask his party why it allowed Boko Haram to operate freely, bombing cities, motor parks, schools and other soft targets unrestrained. Alhaji Atiku, who was then residing in Abuja before porting to his new abode in Dubai, should ask his party, the PDP, while it allowed Boko Haram to bomb the police headquarters, the UN Complex, a shopping mall and motor parks in Abuja with so much ease.”

He added: “His Excellency may want to know that today, thanks to our patriotic troops, military objectives have almost been achieved in theNorth East, the home region of Boko Haram, thereby creating conditions for Stabilization Operations to take place.

“Despite the very large Joint Operational Area, Boko Haram Terrorists have been cleared from most of their strongholds while remnants are being restricted to the Tumbus/island around the Lake Chad that are difficult to access.

“The former Vice President may want to know that both kinetic and non-kinetic activities employed by the military have seen the terrorists surrendering in droves, thereby freeing large spaces for normal socio economic life to resume.

“The good news this year is that a bumper agricultural harvest is assured, as farmers were able to carry out extensive farming, which has not been possible since the beginning of insurgency/terrorism in the North East.

“While on the campaign trail and throwing political jabs, we advise His Excellency Alhaji Atiku to note the popular idiom that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones,” he added.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Birnin Gwari, a community in Kaduna State, rejoiced a visit by the Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday.

The traditional ruler of the town, His Roya Highness (HRH) Zubair Jibril Megwari II, who crowned Tinubu Dakari of Birnin Gwari, Fearless Warrior, expressed his happiness over the visit.

It was gathered that Tinubu became the first presidential candidate to ever visit the ancient town.

Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i, who shepherded Tinubu to the town, was also given the traditional title of Sadoki Birnin-Gwari.

“I never thought I would see the APC candidate and all of you here because of bandits and the bad road. We are so happy to see you. Whoever comes here cares for us and loves us. We appreciate you,” the monarch said.

Birmin Gwari is a community ravaged by bandits. Speaking on security issues, Tinubu promised he would frontally confront all forms of criminality in the land if elected.

He also said President Buhari would not relent in his efforts to restore peace to the land.

“We promise you we will work relentlessly to change Nigeria,” he said.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Reports coming from Gombe State Monday have disclosed how hoodlums attack the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign office in the state.

The Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Mr Oqua Etim, confirmed the attack to journalists and said it occurred last night.

He said the campaign office belongs to the state’s governorship candidate, Jibrin Barde.

Etim confirmed that, “Yes the attack happened and we will get full details before going public.

“We have started investigation because the attack happened in the night and it is too early to give details now.

“So just give me a little more time and we will get you the details,” he told journalists.

He also called on the political stakeholders to avoid chaos while carrying out their political activities.

Etim urged the youths to stay away from engaging in any acts that could breach peace, law and order.

“As you are aware we recently arrested and paraded some hoodlums causing disturbance in the metropolis,” he added.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Centre for Promotion of Shari’ah (CPS) expressed worries over the utterances of some prominent Christian political and religious leaders concerning the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The centre was also dismayed by the numerous social, political and economic challenges bedevilling the Muslim Ummah in the country.

This was contained in a communiqué signed by Aminu Inuwa Muhammad, the centre National Coodinator, at the end of a one-day stakeholders meeting in Abuja.

It said, “Current developments in the political landscape of Nigeria have become a source of serious concern to CPS and the general Muslim Ummah in the country.

“The decision of some parties in the choice of presidential candidates and their respective running mates has attracted unguarded statements from some religious and political leaders, a development that has worsened the already tense political situation,” it added.

The centre also called on the Muslims to vote for the political parties and candidates who will ensure justice and protection of their rights and interests.

“Muslims in Nigeria need to properly organise themselves in order to take full advantage of their obvious demographic strength during the 2023 elections.

“Muslims need to pursue proactive measures towards countering the negative profiling in the media as well as the moral drift and mischief prevalent in the social media.”