GRPolitics

2019: 15 Govs, 80 Senators, others set to end Buhari’s reign

Published

6 years ago

June 11, 2018

grassroots

Barring any last minute hitch, the coalition forces which intend to take over power from the All Progressives Congress (APC), and President Muhammadu Buhari, will take another giant step on Tuesday, June 12, as they will announce the platform of the political party on which to contest the 2019 elections.

Before then, the arrowheads of the coalition National Intervention Movement (NIM), Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP) Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) and 10 others will meet tomorrow, to fine tune their strategies and agree on the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the presidential aspirant, as well as the name of the party under which they will contest in order to give the current APC-led administration a run for its money.

Also, they will be meeting all the presidential aspirants from all the other parties and movements who are desirous of wrestling power from the current administration. The meeting, which the conveners have said to be very crucial, is scheduled for the day which keeps recurring like a decimal in the anal of the nation’s politics. On that day, they will decide on the party they would move to, in order to make their aspirations become a reality. “It is a very crucial meeting,” said a member of the movement, who did not want to be named.

“They are going back to the negotiation table after the initial talks broke down. The breakdown was occasioned by their inability to agree on who would lead the party. The talks were held in Abeokuta and moved to Abuja. While a group pushed for a new order and a clean break from the old order, the other wanted anyone but Buhari.

“Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a member of the Third Force, met with NIM chieftain, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, both in Abeokuta and Abuja, but the talks broke down.

“The fresh negotiations, it was further gathered, would centre on how to face the common task.

“They will attempt to put aside ego, engage one another in frank talk as well as agree on the manifesto, ideology and cardinal programme that can engage and sustain democratic ethos.

“Our source, who said that they are leading a ‘revolution’, said they are not looking for a saint to lead them, but a credible platform. “No one is a saint or Satan. Ours is a revolutionary movement which would throw up leaders with conscience,” our source said.

“For this, the movement has decided to make Olisa Agbakoba, former president, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as the face of the new breed political grouping.

Others are: Dr. (Mrs) Elishana, Allista Shoyode, Fela Durotoye, Thomas Ikubesin, Col.Abubakar Umar (rtd) and array of other stars.

A source familiar with the happenings in the coalition force said 80 senators (serving and non-serving), 15 sitting and 25 ex-governors, two former Speakers of the House of Representatives have all indicated their interests to be part of the talks.

Also, expected to be part of the negotiations, is the Liyel Imoke Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which the paper learnt may change its name and identity. “They are interfacing with us,” the source volunteered.

The Obasanjo men, the Sunday Telegraph further gathered, are back to the negotiating table, where the talk would culminate into a Grand National consolidation team.

Most of the national actors spoken to distanced themselves from the talk, especially those of the ruling party. This was as a result of a backlash from their party. “They are careful not to associate with us openly,” said our source. “But they have agreed to work behind the scenes and give the new breed all the necessary support.”

It is after this that they will come out with the manifesto and ideology which is absent in the current dispensation. “It is an aberration for the chairman of a party who does not know anything to come from nowhere and be the leader of the party. This is one of the areas we want to make the difference,” our source explained.

Spokesman of the NIM, Mallam Naseer Kura, confirmed the talks. He said that the NIM is interested in rescuing the country from going into a precipice. For this, they want to make it an all-inclusive. “We want the best for Nigeria. We want those who have the experience, the expertise and to start afresh. We want to stop recycling of those who have contributed to the rot in Nigeria.”

In the meantime, PDP is calculating how it would manage its success in the elections.

The party, which last month, inaugurated a Contact and Integration Committee charged with the responsibility of reaching out to other political parties and individuals who might be willing to forge alliance with it in the 2019 general elections, said absorbing new members who might join it from other political parties may not pose a problem because it has a political arrangement that ensures equitable devolution of powers.

The committee, which has former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke as its chairman, was initially given two weeks to complete its assignment, but later requested for an extension of time.

Though the mandate was to discuss with other political parties for either alliance or to be absorbed into the PDP, a party source, however, revealed that the major target was aggrieved members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), especially former PDP members (nPDP) who defected to APC before the 2015 general elections.

“We want them back, and the committee is to discuss with them, articulate their demands and report to the party leadership,” the source said.

He added that the delay in the submission of the committee’s report is the APC’s convention, which has been shifted to June 23.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, was not forthcoming on why the committee is delaying to turn in its report.

But he, however, admitted that the delay is on “the number of Nigerians in APC who want to leave the party either as groups or as individuals” who he said “are too large for our committee to complete its job just within two weeks.

“Also, don’t forget that the committee is going to engage other political parties, and you know the number of political parties we have in Nigeria today. So it is not an easy task.”

Ologbondiyan said Nigerians are more than united and ready to rally round PDP to rescue the country from the APC led Federal Government.

“We want all Democrats in Nigeria to join the Peoples Democratic Party and kick out this incompetent government,” he requested.

Asked how the party would be able to manage its victory if PDP wins in 2019, given the crisis that has dogged the APC since 2015, the party spokesperson said that the PDP is a well-restructured party.

“The Peoples Democratic Party is in existence for more than 20 years. Its organs are well defined and the functionalities are clear. People who are coming, either in form of alliances or to formally merge with the party, are coming into a party that is formidable, that has structures, that its organs are functioning.

“As a result of that, the issue of engagement will be in the areas of elections and the ability to oust the incompetence of the APC and its Federal Government.

PDP is super good when it comes to the issues of power engagement. We have used the issue of geopolitical zones arrangement as a form of devolution of power effectively,” he boasted.

Despite the confidence of the party to return to power next year, people are still leaving the PDP to other parties.

But Ologbondiyan said this would not affect the fortunes of PDP.

He said the advantage PDP has over other parties is its consistency, but quickly added that the nation’s democracy is still evolving unlike the United States of America and the United Kingdom where people are known, even by families, to parties.

“Parties that started with PDP 20 years ago, some of them are hardly remembered today, but PDP has survived it. APC came. Where are they today?” he asked.

On the relationship with other opposition parties, Ologbondiyan said that Senator Imoke’s Committee has been engaging and discussing with other opposition parties. (New Telegraph)

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

5 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.