GRPolitics

Senate Presidency and APC’s Hypocrisy

Published

6 years ago

August 13, 2018

grassroots

By Zacheaus Adebayo

The wailings by the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the emergence of Dr. Bukola Saraki and Senator Ike Ekweremadu as President and Deputy President of the Senate, respectively, is not new. It started on 9th June 2015 after their election. While the APC national spokesman, Lai Mohammed issued a statement denouncing both men’s emergence as “a monumental act of indiscipline and betrayal”, vowing that the party would “met out the necessary sanctions to all those involved”, the APC’s spokesperson in Lagos, Joe Igbokwe, said the party wouldn’t mind cutting off their hands if they feel they were too tightly glued to the exalted seats.

True to the threats, both men have also been visited with thunder and brimstone and dragged before the courts, security, and anti-graft agencies in the bid to remove them. It climaxed with the failed civilian coups on the duo on 24th July and 7th August 2018, when security sieges were laid to their residences and the National Assembly, respectively.

Meanwhile, integrity, according to Cambridge Dictionary, is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change. So, the more one listens to the bizarre arguments by the APC leadership, chieftains, and senators, etc. on why Senator Bukola Saraki must resign his position as Senate President following his defection from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the more one just wonders in bewilderment over the ricocheting hypocrisy of a people that ought to be shinning lights in integrity and honesty.

What the Constitution says:

Section 50 (1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution clearly provides that “There shall be: a President and a Deputy President of the Senate, who shall be elected by members of that House from among themselves”. Section 50(1)(b) and Section 92(1) make exactly the same provision regarding the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and States Houses of Assembly. So, there is clearly no provision that demands that the presiding officer should come from the party that is majority in parliament.

Also, while the presiding officers of the National Assembly are elected by a simple majority, Section 50(2) (c) provides that they can only be removed “by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of the members of that House.

The measure APC gave PDP

The Holy Scriptures, in Matthew 7:2 says that the measure you give, is the measure you receive. Nigerians don’t appear to have paid attention to the fact that although the APC was the minority in the Benue and Plateau Houses of Assembly, their members – Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange and Hon. Peter Azi – were elected Speakers of the Benue and Plateau Houses of Assembly, respectively even before the inauguration of the 8th Senate in June 2015. Equally, Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, defected from the PDP to the APC on 28thOctober 2014 and adjourned the House to 3rd December 2014 without relinquishing the position.

President Muhammadu Buhari was so elated at the Special Convention of the APC that he enthused: “We will like to thank Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal for what he did yesterday. We were overwhelmed. Taking such a remarkable risk and sending everybody on holidays till December is an achievement”.

APC’s spokesperson, Lai Mohammed, chanted: “I must say that this historic development means that our democracy is growing by the day and it is dynamic. On a more serious note, we welcome the defection of Tambuwal to APC. With this defection, APC has now taken the leadership of one arm of the national legislature. We think that having the head of the legislature from the opposition party makes for a balanced setting in government and it’s good for democracy. Those who are saying this has not happened before and that Tambuwal should step aside as Speaker, do not have the backing of history and the constitution”.

The Minority Leader at the time (now the Majority Leader), Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila declared: “We welcome and applaud the Speaker’s decision… We are proud to acknowledge that the Speaker remains not only a Member of the House of Representatives but also its Speaker. This position is consistent with the law and practice in a presidential system. For the avoidance of doubt, the constitution requires only that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be elected by members of that House from among themselves”.

Now, in less than four years after, the same party and leaders are practically crying, following Saraki like kids whose piece of meat was snatched by a bully. The National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomole, even described Senate Presidency as APC’s crown. Who said? Even more brazen was Buhari’s kinsman and Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abu Ibrahim (APC, Katsina South), who boasted: “By all conventions all over the world, the majority party produces the leadership, Senate President. If he (Saraki) doesn’t resign, we will never have peace in that Senate. How can we 53 allow a renegade (Saraki) to control us? No, we cannot allow that.”

The question then is, what has changed in our Constitution between October 2014 and July/August 2018? So, unlike Tambuwal’s defection to APC, Saraki’s defection doesn’t mean “that our democracy is growing by the day”? So, having the head of the legislature from the opposition party no longer “makes for a balanced setting in government and it’s good for democracy”? Haba!

Tambuwal, who recently returned to the PDP exposed the hypocrisy of the APC thus: “When they talk about cross-carpeting, I begin to wonder. When I cross-carpeted the other time, did they complain?” APC is yet to answer that.

Recess and Reconvening

Another contentious issue is the insistence of some APC Senators, specifically members of the Buhari Parliamentary Support Group (BPSG) and the presidency that the Senate must reconvene to consider the President’s request for virement and supplementary budget for INEC for the 2019 elections. The wrong impression being dished out is that Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara unilaterally shut the National Assembly (NASS).

Truth is the presidency and every lawmaker knew that NASS scheduled to go on eight-week recess starting from 25th July 2018. However, following the tension triggered by the siege to the residences of the Senate President and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, by EFCC and security agencies, the Senate and the House adjourned two days earlier- 24th July to forestall trouble. Could the INEC budget have been passed in two days? The adjournment of the Senate and House of Representatives came vide motions moved by Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan and House Majority Leader, Hon. Gbajabiamila and passed by the respective Houses. No one complaimned. The same Senator Lawan is the one wailing over the adjournment.

Meanwhile, on reconvening, Senate Rule provides: “Whenever the Senate stands adjourned… and it is represented by the Leaders of the political Parties in the Senate to the President of the Senate that the Public interest requires that the Senate should meet on an earlier or a later date or time than that on which it stands adjourned, the President of the Senate may give notice accordingly, and the Senate shall meet on the date and at the time stated in the notice.”

So, any resort to self-help to reconvene either Chambers of the National Assembly or to topple Saraki and Ekweremadu as attempted on July 24th and 7th August under the guise of a purported urgent need to approve INEC’s budget for the 2019 general elections won’t fly. The NASS recess and 2019 elections didn’t take INEC and FG by surprise. INEC even published a 36-year election timetable. Shouldn’t the election budget have come with the 2018 Appropriation Bill?

APC should also save us this hypocritical wailing and call for Saraki’s resignation. They have canonised and made Saraki and Ekweremadu heroes of democracy and no Nigerian takes them seriously again over all these invectives on the duo or their harassment with ant-graft and security agencies. APC had their chance, but chose to blow it!

Adebayo writes from Ibadan.

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GRPolitics

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

…it is time to end it…Reports SANDRA ANI

Published

5 days ago

November 19, 2024

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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

1 week 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

2 weeks 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.