GRPolitics

2019: Aspirants throw ‘debate challenge’ at Buhari

Published

6 years ago

May 26, 2018

grassroots

By Punchng.com

As 2019 general elections draw closer, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; a former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau; and other presidential aspirants interested in contesting in the election have challenged President Muhammadu Buhari.

The other presidential aspirants who have challenged the President to a debate are a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu; a former presidential candidate of the KOWA Party in the 2015 election, Prof. Remi Sonaiya; Publisher, Sahara Reporters, Mr. Omoyele Sowore; Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher; and Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies.

According to the presidential aspirants, if they emerge as their parties’ candidates for the next election, they will engage in any presidential debate they are invited for and would like President Buhari to make himself available for such debates should he also emerge as the candidate of his party, the All Progressives Congress.

Buhari had in 2015 shunned the last round of a presidential debate organised by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group, which was attended by the then President, Goodluck Jonathan (Peoples Democratic Party), Sonaiya (KOWA Party), Martins Onovo (National Conscience Party), Godson Okoye (United Democratic Party) and Chekwas Okorie (United Peoples Party).

But for the next election, Atiku said he would take part in any presidential debate if he emerged as the PDP candidate.

In a message on Twitter, he gave kudos to the Independent National Electoral Commission for recognising debates as a vital part of democratic process, saying “debates are a vital part of the democratic process.

“Our democracy and governance will be better enriched when voters have the opportunity to make the needed distinction in the offerings of those who apply to govern them.”

When asked if he would be ready to face other presidential candidates in a debate, including Buhari, if he emerged as the APC candidate, his media aide, Mr. Paul Ibe, said, “His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, will make himself available for a debate.”

Former Presidential candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, also said it was important for those seeking to occupy the office of President to participate in a debate.

This, he said, would go a long way in assisting the public to make informed choices about those who want their votes.

Shekarau, who is also seeking to contest for the Presidency on the platform of the PDP, spoke through his Media Adviser, Mallam Sule Ya’u Sule, on Friday, saying he was “prepared to participate in a presidential debate anytime anywhere.”

He said, “It is like attending a job interview, which will provide the prospective employer with an opportunity to assess individual candidates; Nigerians deserve to be given the opportunity to hear directly from those who seek their mandate to occupy the highest office in the land.

“If you will recall, His Excellency is not a stranger to debates as a trained teacher and public servant long before he became a politician. He has been involved in explaining and executing policies and plans on how to make this country better.”

Also, Moghalu, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Young Progressive Party, on Friday, expressed his readiness to confront Buhari in a debate ahead of the 2019 elections.

In a telephone interview with Saturday PUNCH, he said, “Yes, I am fully ready to face the President in a debate. Broadly, the areas that will be of interest to Nigerians are the economy, security, the fight against corruption, health, and education, among others.”

Moghalu, who expressed worry over the rising incidence of incessant killings and unemployment in the country, said his ambition to contest for the presidency in 2019 was borne out of the realisation that past leaders had failed.

Sonaiya, who has also expressed interest in contesting in the next presidential election, said if she emerged as her party’s candidate, she would “definitely participate in a debate,” adding that Buhari “should participate too as it is a duty; it is one of our duties to strengthen democracy.”

“If you talk about strengthening democracy and so on, this is one way to do so and I think that even if there is no law that compels a candidate to participate in a debate, every candidate should see it as a responsibility.

“It is one of the platforms to engage with the people. I participated in the debate the last time so there is no reason for me not to participate again,” she said.

According to Sowore, he cannot wait to debate with President Buhari on issues affecting Nigerians.

He said, “I can’t wait to debate with President Buhari, I think Nigerians are anxiously waiting for such an important moment in our political history. A popular debate will afford the President an opportunity to state to the Nigerian public where he thought he performed well and also present us an opportunity to lay before the Nigerian people our programmes of action to lift Nigeria to progress and prosperity.

“I decided to run against the President because I came to the conclusion that he has failed in every ramification and ought not to be re-elected to office again for another four-year term.”

Hagher, who hopes to contest for the presidency on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, said he was “ever ready” to have a presidential debate with Buhari, adding that “even if it is now, I’m ready for him. I don’t want to wait, let him come out, he is a colossal failure.”

Another presidential aspirant on the platform of the PDP, Adesanya-Davies, also said that she was ready to face President Buhari in a presidential debate should both of them emerge as candidates of their parties.

Adesanya-Davies told our correspondent that she would like to take the President up on issues concerning the economy, education and security, especially why the Christian girl, Leah Shuaibu, had not been released by the Boko Haram sect.

She explained that though the President did not participate in the 2015 presidential debate, Buhari should be able to be part of the 2019 presidential debate to explain certain things to Nigerians.

“Certainly yes; I am ready for a debate if I emerge as the candidate of my party; the PDP. I know that before the 2015 election, President Buhari did not go for any debate. He should not dodge the debate this time if he emerges the candidate of his party.

“He (Buhari) should not only be talking to me; he should be talking to the entire Nigerians. We need him to explain why he should be the President and also the Minister of Petroleum. Why did he give a person like Babatunde Fashola multiple portfolios when one portfolio is already difficult to handle?

“At such a debate, I will like to discuss the economy and education. We will like to talk about security; we have yet to find the Christian girl (still with the Boko Haram sect),” Adesanya-Davies said.

The presidential aspirant also queried the age and physical ability of the President, saying, “We will talk about the incumbent’s age and his health; why is he coming back again without considering his age and health?”

GRPolitics

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

…it is time to end it…Reports SANDRA ANI

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

grassroots

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.

GRPolitics

Jigawa Youth Agenda Refutes Allegations Against Badaru

By, Al-Amin Aliu, a Public Analyst

Published

6 days ago

November 16, 2024

grassroots

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.

GRPolitics

Unmasking the Campaign of Calumny against Dr Bello Matawalle

Writer: Habib Usman, writes from Abuja

Published

1 week ago

November 13, 2024

grassroots

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.

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.

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.

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.