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NIM Aims at ‘Grassroots’ Soul : Is Platform A Macron Movement Nigerian Style?

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By Peter Ikenna

The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the supposed ‘mega’ opposition- the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be concerned or rattled.

Those they ought to be lobbying to join their parties are already on a journey; and have formed a new political movement- National Intervention Movement (NIM).

Owing to the caliber of membership NIM could be the force Nigeria and Nigerians have been waiting for to address the anomalies, injustices, corruption, and other vices that have earned the country bad reputation among other nations.

Thus, the message went viral on social media as NIM, over the weekend, released the Provisional Tasks Team and Steering Committees Membership List, cutting across the six get-political zones in Nigeria.

NIM’s style seems to have been influenced by Emmanuel Macron’s movement prior to French elections last year.

The iconoclastic, then French economy minister Emmanuel Macron, poised to shake up the political landscape before the presidential race, launched a political movement.

This sparked speculation about his own ambitions to run for power.

Today, Macron, a charismatic and straight talking former investment banker, has had a meteoric rise to become one of France’s most popular Presidents.

Two years before he launched the platform, Macron was ‘unknown’, belonging to no political party and never having run for elected office; he never delayed in sending a rocket through traditional French politics.

As the Guardian UK puts it, “While serving in a Socialist government, he has systematically attacked the taboo subjects of the left – from the 35-hour week to Sunday working, and the vast public service – and decried what he calls the terrible limitations of a ‘sclerotic’ France, paralysed by economic immobilism and the dire discrimination against the country’s multi-ethnic youth on housing estates”.

He started by hosting a “citizens’ rally” in his home town of Amiens, in northern France, where, Macron announced he was founding his own political movement, called En Marche!, or Forward!, which was neither “of the right nor the left”.

The platform was open to anyone from any political party, the movement is rounding up support from MPs and funding. Its aim is to come up with new ideas to solve the “blockages” holding France back.

“I’m in a leftwing government, unashamedly,” Macron said. “But I also want to work with people from the right, who commit to the same valuesThis ambition, it’s radical, it’s a bit crazy, but there is such an energy in this country.”

No doubt, Nigeria urgently needs ‘Macron’ to redeem her from socio-economic, political and other quagmires that have befallen the land.

This is why I feel NIM is on a right course and pray fervently that the foundation does not receive attacks from the political hawks.

What NIM Means

This platform is a ‘third force’ political reality to provide a credible alternative platform for ideal and acceptable political leadership and governance in Nigeria.

It is a purely owned political platform by the mass movement of the people of Nigeria. It does not have founding fathers owners and money bags investors. Every member Nigerian will contribute his token and widows might to fund and grow it and also fundamentally run it for the purpose of access to equal and unbiased opportunities to contest or run for elective offices in Nigeria under ideal democratic rules, tenets and ideals.

According to Olukayode Salako, Head of New Media and Networking, NIM National Secretariat, Abuja, “It is not a political party per se, but a mass movement of ideologically compatible and patriotic Nigerians to move a against the frustrating governing order statuscuo and operate as one force majoure entity under a political mission and agenda to always ensure the entrenchement of a new and ideal leadership order in Nigeria”.

Salako said that NIM will work with other splinter political, civil society and professional groups of interest in Nigeria to negotiate for power and elective offices for its members; support them to contest and help to install acceptable governments in every part of Nigeria.

NIM is already becoming a house hold name; it is growing as expanding fast across the six go political zones in Nigeria and will surely and strategically contribute prominently to the emergence of the new political order in the 2019 elections.

It is obvious Nigerians are earnestly asking for the emergence of the third political order in the present Nigeria.

This is one some concern, prominent and patriotic Nigerians are already building for you.

A. STEERING TEAM

1. Olisa Agbakoba
2. Rabiu Ishyaku Rabiu
3. Pat Utomi
4. AbdulJhalil Tafawa Balewa
5. Donald Duke
6. Ghada Abubakar
7. Kemi Jorge-Oyewusi
8. Aisha Aliyu
9. Frank Nweke Jnr
10. Jibrin Ibrahim
11. Isa Aremu
12. Emeka Okengwu
13. Olubunmi Usim Wilson
14. Hauwa Shekarawu
15. Eugene Enahoro
16. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye
17. Mary Manzo
18. Oby Ezekwesili
19. Bisola Clark
20. Ikpe Obong – Labour
21. Peter Balogun – Labour
23. TUC
24. PLWDs
25. Wale Ajani – Youths
26.Naseer Kura
27. Charity Shekari
28. Olawale Okunniyi – DG

B. FINANCE TEAM

1. Donald Duke
2. Rabiu Ishyaku Rabiu
3. Olisa Agbakoba
4. Pat Utomi
5. AbdulJhalil Tafawa Balewa
6. Kemi Jorge-Oyewusi
7. Abisola Clark
8. Akin Osuntokun
9. Adenike Sobajo
10. SECRETARIAT

C. IDEOLOGY COMMISSION
1. Jibrin Ibrahim
2. Pat Utomi
3. Eugene Enahoro
4. Kemi Jorge-Adewusi
5. Sam Amadi
6. Bolanle Onagoruwa
7. Isa Aremu
8. Opeyemi Agbaje
9. Femi Aborishade
10. Odia Ofeimun
11. Natasha Akpoti

D. POLITICAL COMMISSION

1. Olisa Agbakoba
2. Issa Aremu
3. Emeka Okengwu
4. Shittu Kabir
5. Alistar Soyode
6. Akin Osuntokun
7. Dare Falade
8. Adijat Oladapo
9. Kassim Afegbua
10. Folashade Grace Brent
11. Ogbeni Lanre Banjo
12. SECRETARIAT

E. CONTACTS & MOBILISATION TEAM

1. Shehu Gabam
2. Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu
3. Kemi Jorge-Oyewusi
4. Olubunmi Usim-Wilson
5. Rachel Oniga
6. Naseer Kura
7. Aisha Aliyu
8. Tony Uranta
9. Wale Ajani
10. Adenike Sobajo
11. Adijat Oladapo
12. Chigozie Ubani
13. Shettima Yerima
14. Seidu Ahmed TAL
15. Foluke Daramola
16. Bunmi Oriniowo
17. Mojisola Olusoga
18. SECRETARIAT

F. STUDENTS & YOUTHS’ CELLS TEAM

1. Mary Manzo
2. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye
3. Abbah Ejembi
4. Ismail Olawale
5. Wale Ajani
6. Steve Aluko
7. Japhet Odesanya
8. Rachel Oniga
9. Gbenga Ademujimi
10. SECRETARIAT

G. REPORTS HARMONISATION

1. Olawale Okunniyi
2. Emeka Okengwu
3. Naseer Kura
4. Promise Adewusi
5. Bolanle Onagoruwa
6. Prof Anthony Kila
7. Inn. C.
8. Fatima Bako

H. STRATEGY & MARKETING TEAM

1. Tony Uranta
2. Inn. C.
3. Victor Enahoro
4. Opeyemi Agbaje
5. John Ekwuyasi
6. Rachel Oniga
7. Dare Falade
8. Saidu Ahmed TAL
9. Kola Onadipe
10. Anthony Kila
11. Ejembi Abbah
12. Emeka Okengwu
13. Bunmi Oriniowo
14. SECRETARIAT

I. LEGAL TEAM

1. Olisa Agbakoba
2. Femi Falana
3. Mike Ozekhome
4. Femi Aborishade
5. Ayo Obe
6. Supo Sasore
7. Osagie Obayuana
8. Jiti Ogunye
9. Ebun Adegboruwa
10. Supo Ojo
12. Esther Uzoma
13. Malachy Ugwumadu
14. Ubani Oyenkashi
15. Mohammed Fawehinmi
16. Joe Nwokedi
17. Natasha Akpoti
18. Yomi Dada
SECRETARIAT

J. DIASPORA COMMISSION

1. Baba Adam
2. Bola Abimbola
3. Moshood Aderibigbe
4. Taiwo Akinola
5. Lanre Ijaola
6. Alistar Soyode
7. Muyiwa Okunniyi

THE NATIONAL SECRETARIAT

Olawale Okunniyi, DG
Naseer Kura – (DDG) – Publicity
Promise Adewusi – Administration
Ronnie Dikko – Documentation
Chris Azor – Research
Abba Ejembi – Strategy
Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye – Contacts
Kayode Salako – Social Media & Networking action.

Nigerians, this is your NIM!

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

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With Commitment, Resilience We’ll Defeat Banditry and Terrorism – Badaru

…it is time to end it…Reports SANDRA ANI

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Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called  on the Nigerian Airforce to intensify the use of their various platforms to bring an end to banditry and terrorism.

According to the Minister, you are key to this this fight and we must put our acts together on your active component to end this war.

In a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike, director information and Public Relations, Badaru said this during his operational visit to the Air Component Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA at Katsina state on Monday 18th November 2024.

The Honourable Minister appreciated the heroic Air warriors who has continued to shine as beacons of hope, courage and resilience which is an inspiration to Nigerian people.

Furthermore, “the Minister opined that their efforts are yielding positive results as farmers are gradually returning to their farms, schools are reopening, businesses are picking up and Nigerians can now sleep peacefully.”

According to the Minister, the President and commander in chief of the Armed forces Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has expressed confidence on their unwavering loyalty, perseverance and professionalism. He recognizes the personal sacrifices you make every day to keep our country together.

It is pertinent to know that the President has provided the Nigerian Airforce with state of the art Aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance their attack capabilities. With the induction of these new platforms including the   T129 Attack Helicopter, ” I am confident we will make Mr President and Nigerians proud.”

Consequent to this, ‘it is no coincidence that I am here today to flag off this critical phase of the Operations’. “I therefore urge you to synergize with the ground forces and other stakeholders to ensure maximum effect from these combat enablers” Badaru said.

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni continued his operational visit by also going to sokoto to inspect the combat readiness of the platforms and also toured the new site where the permanent base of the newly established  Airforce component of military operations against banditry and terrorism  and facilities will be built at Sokoto Airport.

In his remarks, the chief of the Air staff ,  Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, appreciated the Minister’s servant leadership style which is an inspiration to all. For him , the T129 Attack Helicopters will transform our operational capabilities to those who think they can destabilize our nation.

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Jigawa Youth Agenda Refutes Allegations Against Badaru

By, Al-Amin Aliu, a Public Analyst

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Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar
Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar

The Jigawa Youth Agenda has vehemently denied the unfounded allegations made by a mysterious group claiming to represent APC youth in Jigawa State against Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.

After thorough investigations, it was revealed that this group is not officially registered with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa and seems to have been hastily formed to spread misinformation and disrupt party unity.

The Youth Agenda are in solidarity with Minister Badaru Abubakar as they reaffirmed its unwavering support for Minister Badaru Abubakar, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the APC and Nigeria. His leadership and commitment are indisputable, from his transformative tenure as Governor of Jigawa State to his current role as Minister of Defence.

The them, Minister Badaru has done excellently well and the highlighted his key schievements to include but not limited to the following:

– Strengthening National Security: Minister Badaru Abubakar has enhanced Nigeria’s military capabilities, ensuring protection of lives and property.

– Forging Strategic Partnerships: He has fostered vital alliances with global defence organizations to bolster Nigeria’s security and modernize defence infrastructure.

– Promoting Youth Empowerment: The Minister has launched initiatives focused on education, employment, and entrepreneurship in Jigawa State.

– Advancing APC Unity: Minister Badaru Abubakar promotes unity within the party, fostering collaboration across Jigawa and nationally.

The so-called APC Youth Group’s allegations are an attempt to create division within the united APC family. The Jigawa Youth Agenda urges APC members and the public to disregard these unfounded claims and focus on strengthening party unity and ideals.

Minister Badaru Abubakar’s legacy remains a source of pride for Jigawa State and Nigeria. His dedication to national development, APC principles, and the Tinubu administration demonstrates his integrity and effectiveness. The Jigawa Youth Agenda urges Nigerians to recognize his achievements and support his efforts to build a stronger, more secure nation.

The Jigawa Youth Agenda reaffirms its full confidence in Minister Badaru Abubakar’s ability to lead and contribute positively to Nigeria’s development. Together, let us reject misinformation and uphold APC unity and progress at state and national levels.

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Unmasking the Campaign of Calumny against Dr Bello Matawalle

Writer: Habib Usman, writes from Abuja

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Bello Matawalle

Recent protests and allegations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, have stirred controversy.

Organized demonstrations outside the Department of State Security (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, filled with hired crowds by APC AKIDA sponsored by Tijjani Ramallan and the Zamfara state government with unsubstantiated accusations, reveal a calculated attempt by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to discredit Dr. Matawalle.

This orchestrated campaign, fueled by political motives and a desire to undermine Matawalle’s position, demands closer scrutiny.

Reports indicate that these so-called protests are not spontaneous outcries from Zamfara’s citizens but rather an agenda-driven spectacle designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.

According to sources, the protestors arrived in approximately 12 long buses, clearly organized and funded to create an image of discontent aimed at the minister.

The protestors, reportedly waving placards accusing Matawalle of colluding with criminals, are part of a broader strategy to mislead the public and manipulate the narrative around Zamfara’s complex security situation.

This orchestrated misinformation aligns with the ongoing media offensive spearheaded by Governor Lawal who has now recruited Tijjani Ramallan and his cohorts. Despite lacking concrete evidence, the governor has been on a persistent media campaign, linking Matawalle with criminal elements and falsely alleging his complicity in the state’s banditry crisis.

However, these accusations have repeatedly failed to withstand scrutiny, as underscored by a recent ruling from the Kano High Court.

The court issued an interim injunction barring Governor Lawal and his associates from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle, stating that any further defamatory actions would be illegal until a substantive hearing on the matter.

The court order highlights the groundlessness of the governor’s claims and serves as a reminder that accusations against public officials must be substantiated by evidence, not driven by political vendettas.

By pursuing a smear campaign against a fellow public servant, Governor Lawal risks destabilizing not only his state but also the critical national security efforts in which Matawalle is involved.

Such actions could divert attention and resources from urgent security issues, ultimately harming the very citizens the governor purports to defend.

The governor’s tactic of repeatedly visiting media houses to disseminate misleading information about Dr. Matawalle has sparked concern among political observers and security experts alike.

His attempts to block Matawalle’s reappointment appear to be rooted more in political rivalry than in any genuine concerns about Zamfara’s security. It’s no coincidence that this intensified campaign began just as discussions about a potential cabinet reshuffle surfaced.

Dr. Matawalle’s growing influence, coupled with his steadfast loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has evidently made him a target for those who feel threatened by his rise.

For Nigerians, it is crucial to separate truth from politically motivated propaganda. The allegations against Dr. Matawalle are part of a coordinated campaign to undermine a dedicated public servant who has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s defence apparatus.

As the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle plays an essential role in shaping security policy, a responsibility he takes seriously and executes with distinction.

The public is advised to view the recent protests and media blitz with caution. It is imperative to consider the context: Governor Lawal’s relentless pursuit to discredit Matawalle, despite the court’s injunction against these defamatory efforts. Rather than yield to such divisive tactics, Nigerians should remain vigilant, prioritizing the integrity of national discourse over political maneuvering.

In conclusion, let us reject efforts to smear individuals serving in crucial roles, particularly when these efforts lack factual foundation and threaten to undermine national security. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, deserves due process and an unbiased evaluation, free from political interference.nmasking the Campaign of Calumny Against Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle

Recent protests and allegations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, have stirred controversy. Organized demonstrations outside the Department of State Security (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, filled with hired crowds and unsubstantiated accusations, reveal a calculated attempt by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to discredit Dr. Matawalle. This orchestrated campaign, fueled by political motives and a desire to undermine Matawalle’s position, demands closer scrutiny.

Reports indicate that these so-called protests are not spontaneous outcries from Zamfara’s citizens but rather an agenda-driven spectacle designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation. According to sources, the protestors arrived in approximately 12 long buses, clearly organized and funded to create an image of discontent aimed at the minister. The protestors, reportedly waving placards accusing Matawalle of colluding with criminals, are part of a broader strategy to mislead the public and manipulate the narrative around Zamfara’s complex security situation.

This orchestrated misinformation aligns with the ongoing media offensive spearheaded by Governor Lawal.

Despite lacking concrete evidence, the governor has been on a persistent media campaign, linking Matawalle with criminal elements and falsely alleging his complicity in the state’s banditry crisis.

However, these accusations have repeatedly failed to withstand scrutiny, as underscored by a recent ruling from the Kano High Court.

The court issued an interim injunction barring Governor Lawal and his associates from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle, stating that any further defamatory actions would be illegal until a substantive hearing on the matter.

The court order highlights the groundlessness of the governor’s claims and serves as a reminder that accusations against public officials must be substantiated by evidence, not driven by political vendettas.

By pursuing a smear campaign against a fellow public servant, Governor Lawal risks destabilizing not only his state but also the critical national security efforts in which Matawalle is involved.

Such actions could divert attention and resources from urgent security issues, ultimately harming the very citizens the governor purports to defend.

The governor’s tactic of repeatedly visiting media houses to disseminate misleading information about Dr. Matawalle has sparked concern among political observers and security experts alike.

His attempts to block Matawalle’s reappointment appear to be rooted more in political rivalry than in any genuine concerns about Zamfara’s security. It’s no coincidence that this intensified campaign began just as discussions about a potential cabinet reshuffle surfaced.

Dr. Matawalle’s growing influence, coupled with his steadfast loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has evidently made him a target for those who feel threatened by his rise.

For Nigerians, it is crucial to separate truth from politically motivated propaganda. The allegations against Dr. Matawalle are part of a coordinated campaign to undermine a dedicated public servant who has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s defence apparatus.

As the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle plays an essential role in shaping security policy, a responsibility he takes seriously and executes with distinction.

The public is advised to view the recent protests and media blitz with caution. It is imperative to consider the context: Governor Lawal’s relentless pursuit to discredit Matawalle, despite the court’s injunction against these defamatory efforts. Rather than yield to such divisive tactics, Nigerians should remain vigilant, prioritizing the integrity of national discourse over political maneuvering.

In conclusion, let us reject efforts to smear individuals serving in crucial roles, particularly when these efforts lack factual foundation and threaten to undermine national security. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, deserves due process and an unbiased evaluation, free from political interference.

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