Politics
Muslim-Muslim Ticket: Clark lampoons Tinubu, says ‘ I feel threatened for Nigeria’
.
FORMER Federal Commissioner for Information and South South Leader, Chief Edwim Clark has lampooned the nomination of Senator Kassim Shettima, Borno Central, a Muslim as the running mate to the party’s Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2023 general elections who is also a Muslim.
According to Clark, the Convener, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), with the action of the former Lagos State Governor in appointing a Muslim to run with him even as a Muslim in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country with Christianity and Islam as the major religions, he felt very threatened for Nigeria as a country.
Clark asked if the action of the APC Presidential Candidate are not pointers to the confirmation and actualisation of such rumours to Islamise Nigeria as a country.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja on the Muslim – Muslim Ticket of the APC ahead of next year’s elections, the Elderstatesman who is the Leader of the Sourthern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF lamented that with a very sharp division presently in the country, Tinubu’s action and that of the APC would further worsen the situation in the country.
According to Clark, with Kashim Shettima as the APC Presidential Candidate’s running mate, is Tinubu trying to portray to Nigeria and Nigerians
that there are no Christians in the APC from the north who are “competent, capable and reliable?”
The Statement titled on Muslim – Muslim Ticket
read, “I feel threatened for our beloved country because of the way things are going. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, with Christianity and Islam as the major religions, even though Nigeria is a secular state.
“In compliance with Constitutional provisions of inclusiveness, the number one and number two positions in the country, viz, President and Vice President, have always been occupied by practitioners of the two major religions, to ensure balancing.
“It will be recalled that the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Alhaji Ahmed Bola Tinubu, could not be chosen in 2015 as Vice President to Muhammadu Buhari, because he is a Muslim and Muhammadu Buhari is a Muslim. Alhaji Ahmed Bola Tinubu, in his own words confirmed this in his statement in Abeokuta, Ogun State. What has changed? One quality of a good leader is consistency. A good leader must act in the same way at all times, to all people. He must not display double standard.
“Today, what has the Presidential candidate of the APC, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu done? He has picked a person of his religion, a Muslim, as his Running-mate. Such choice is not inclusive, it is not good for a secular state like Nigeria.
“There is presently a sharp division in the country, even on religious lines, and all patriots are seeking ways to salvage the situation. Therefore, Alhaji Tinubu’s decision to take a fellow Muslim as his running mate, will further worsen the situation in the country. He should know that patriotism is a quality of a good leader.
“On the reasons adduced by Alhaji Tinubu on why he chose Kashim Shettima as Running-mate, is the APC Presidential Flag bearer telling Nigerians that there are no Christians in the APC from the north who are “competent, capable and reliable?”
“There are rumours of an attempt to Islamise the country. Are all these pointers to the confirmation and actualisation of such rumours.
“One need to bear in mind the antecedents of the major backers of Alhaji Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition, which include Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Governor of Kano State, and the chosen one – Kashim Shettima.
“Both the Governor and Deputy Governor in Kaduna State, are Muslims. A blatant action by the Governor, Nasir el-Rufai. Unfortunately, the APC Gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 election, is following suit. Is there a deliberate move of making Kaduna an Islamic State?
“It is illusion to think that except one is from the north, you may not win election. So, the idea that unless you come from the north or you are a Muslim, or a Muslim supports you if you are not a Muslim, you cannot win an election, should immediately be jettisoned by proponents of such an idea. The north needs the south to be in power, same way the south needs the north to be in power. No part can do it alone. About 46% or more of Nigerians are Christians.
“Yet a group of persons want to sideline and exclude them from the affairs of the country. This is not possible.
“The question is, is Alhaji Bola Ahmad Tinubu under pressure from these his core supporters and backers, to pick a Muslim as his Running-mate, and did he cave in to the pressure because “it is his turn to be President of Nigeria”, despite complaints and protestations?
“The PDP is the cause of these things because of its refusal to zone its presidency to the south.
“These are dangerous signals. Alhaji Ahmed Tinubu cannot compare 2022/2023 with 1993. In 1993, majority of Nigerians, on their own volition, supported the Muslim/Muslim ticket of M. K. O. Abiola and Babagana Kingibe of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as President and Vice President, 29 years ago. It was not shoved on them; it was not forced on them. Also, during that period, Nigeria was not so divided on ethnic and religious divides. If people are complaining, a good leader should listen. Unfortunately, we have leaders who not only ignore the concerns of the people with impunity, but also make crass statements.
“The insecurity, the fate of Nigeria as a failing state as it is today, did not exist in 1993. The killing of Christians, especially Catholic Priests, the forty (40) persons killed at the Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State; what happened at the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre a few days ago, where about 1000 inmates, including about 63 Boko Haram terrorists were freed, the attack on the Kaduna bound train, and the killing of some and abduction of several of the passengers, does not speak well of the times we are in. They are all signs of a failing state and ought to make everyone to be very cautious in our actions. And nobody, should aggravate the situation.
“Those who are leaders should remember that power is transient.”
The Oyo State Government has denied reports claiming it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the claim was “far from the truth” and accused “irresponsible bloggers” of deliberately spreading misinformation to confuse the public.
“Although both the Oyo State and Federal Governments have been making concerted efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted children and their teachers, no ransom has been paid to the bandits, either directly or indirectly,” Oyelade stated.
He urged residents to disregard the reports and rely only on information released through official government channels.
The commissioner added that the Oyo State Government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe release of the abductees and bring the incident to a successful conclusion.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area. The coordinated attack also claimed the life of a teacher.
The victims have remained in captivity since the attack, while the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies continue efforts to secure their freedom.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dismissed reports that aggrieved aspirants who lost the party’s primary elections are plotting to work against its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Following the conclusion of the party’s primaries a few weeks ago, reports had alleged that some unsuccessful aspirants were considering supporting candidates of other political parties in protest, with the aim of undermining APGA’s chances at the polls.
However, APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, described the claims as false, insisting that the party remains united after a reconciliation meeting convened by Governor Charles Soludo.
“I am hearing this from you. As a party, we have not received any report of such a plot. Let me state clearly that all the aspirants have resolved to work for the success of the party in the 2027 general elections,” Opara said.
He explained that during the meeting held at the Light House in Awka, aspirants and candidates openly discussed issues arising from the primaries, stressing that none of the participants accused the party of conducting an unfair or non-transparent process.
“Everyone expressed their views about the primary elections. No one alleged that the process lacked transparency. The only concern expressed was that each aspirant had hoped to emerge victorious.
“At the end of the meeting, every misunderstanding, anxiety and misgiving surrounding the primaries was resolved, and the party remains one united family,” he added.
Opara also warned opposition parties against what he described as deliberate attempts to spread falsehoods and create disaffection within APGA.
He cautioned individuals engaging in cyberbullying and name-dropping for political purposes to desist, warning that the party would not hesitate to pursue legal action against anyone found defaming its members.
“This is nothing but cheap blackmail by the opposition. They should be mindful of the legal consequences of cyberbullying and name-dropping. We urge our party faithful and the general public to disregard these spurious reports,” he said.
This version improves grammar, flow, attribution, and readability while preserving the substance of the original report.
Former Minister Uche Nnaji
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a court order permitting it to detain former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, for an initial 14 days as investigations into alleged certificate forgery continue.
The remand order followed Nnaji’s arrest on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after he arrived from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.
According to an official of the anti-graft agency, the court-approved remand will enable investigators to interrogate the former minister over the allegations, with the possibility of seeking an extension should further investigation require additional time.
Nnaji was apprehended following the execution of a bench warrant earlier issued by the Federal High Court after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations extended by the commission.
The ICPC subsequently confirmed the arrest in an official statement signed by its spokesperson, John Odey, stating that the former minister is in the commission’s custody as investigations continue into allegations bordering on the forgery of academic credentials and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening process.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Despite the Federal High Court pronouncement against the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC ) in Anambra state, the National Working Committee( NWC) of the party has issued nomination forms to candidates of the National and state Assemblies of the party .
Recall that the Federal High Court Abuja had ruled that Sen Emma Anosike is not the Chairman of the party; a judgement that is unsettling party in the area which the plaintiffs denied knowledge of the suit insisting that it is a kangaroo pronouncement.
The affected state executive members, Bright Osemeka, Mrs Ify Chinwoko Nzekwe and Amaechi Chinweze had contended that they never filed any action challenging the leadership of Sen Emma Anosike adding that they remain loyal to the Anosike led executive.
According to the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the party Mr Emeka Okafor ;
“The Federal High Court pronounent did not mention the nominated candidates of the party for the National and state Assembly elections and we have issued nomination forms to the candidates”
“Again the matter neither joined the nominated candidates nor had any legal position on the primary elections of the party in Anambra state hence the nominated candidates remain our candidates for Anambra state ” he said.
Recall that Sen Emma Anosike as at the period of the primary elections was the Chairman of the party an exercise that was adjudged peaceful and transparent by the National Working Committee of the party and the Election Committee sent to the state by the Leadership of the party in Abuja .
Similarly, the expelled members of the party did not take part in the election following the suit filed by them against the party in Anambra state.
They were suspended by the party because the party found out that they did not explore the laid down avenues of conflict or dispute resolutions before heading to the Court which the party stated that it is against the constitution of the party which also stipulates outright expulsion.
Meanwhile it is not clear if the said Chairman of the party who the Court endorsed has taken over the party Secretarate in Awka , nor has he convened any meeting of the party; a development that has deepened the unsettled state of affairs of the party .
It is however gathered that sustained legal battle is on in Abuja over the said judgement as the crisis lasts .
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Structures belonging the trio of People’s Democratic Party PDP, All Progressives Congress APC and Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC have been collapsed into the candidacy of Chief Chukwudi Oli of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Dunukofia – Njikoka -Ananocha Federal Constituency.
The development followed the adoption of his candidacy by a group made up of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Njikoka LGA, which is part of federal constituency.
Members of the group declared their support for Oli during a consultative meeting they held with the APGA House of Representatives candidate’s campaign organisation held at Abagana yesterday.
Members of the campaign organisation which is headed by a former chairman of Njikoka LGA as the Director-general (DG), Hon. George Ozor present at the meeting received the three structures into the fold of the organization.
In their separate speeches on behalf of members of the group, the leader, Ozo Ejiamatu, and , chairman, Mr. Onyenechi Ezeaso stated that they decided to throw their support behind Oli because of his proven passion and commitment toward the progress of the various communities within the federal constituency, and, humanity at large.
”In this our group, some of us are members of the PDP, APC, NDC, and, other political parties.
”But we decided to come together, to support you because we are convinced that by supporting you, we are working for ourselves because we know that you are going to work for the progress of DNA (Dunukofia/Njikoka/ Anaocha federal constituency) when you get to the House of Representatives.
”We don’t want to allow selfish politicians who have been deceiving our people to win election in this federal constituency, again, because they have deceived us enough “, Ejiamatu stated further.
Also, in his speech, Ezeaso made it clear that the group was not an APGA political group, adding that the support of the members for the party’s House of Representatives candidate in the federal constituency did not mean that the members of his group have adopted all APGA candidates.
Expressing gratitude to members of the group for trusting him, Oli pledged that he would not disappoint them if elected.
He said that his political mantra was anchored on “accountability, transparency, togetherness, and, touching lives”.
He vowed that if elected into the House of Representatives he would not use his position to pursue personal gains, but, would deploy his capacity and influence to the development of the federal constituency while awaiting for the divine reward.Stating that he would be guided by the philosophy of his mentor, the state-born popular oil mongul and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, Oli pledged that when elected the ordinary people in the federal constituency would breath fresh air, and, life made worth living for them.
Chairman of the campaign organisation, Chief Ozor, and, chairman of APGA in Njikoka LGA, Hon. Chinedu Anakwe eulogised members of the group for the confidence they reposed in Oli.
”We know that this federal constituency election will be one of the toughest elections in Anambra state, but, because we know the capacity of your leader, Ozo Ejiamatu, and, some of you we have no doubt that the fight has been made a lot easier and our victory assured”, Ozor stated.
The APGA chairman in Njikoka described the support of members of the group as a source of great courage, and, moral boost for the party and the House of Representatives candidate, and, indeed, other candidates of the party in the area, including for the senate , Hon Dozie Nwankwo.
-
Politics5 days agoUmahi Vs Nwifuru: Gov’s candidate dropped as APC Forwards Approved National Assembly Candidates List to INEC (See List)
-
Politics5 days ago2027: APC submits INEC list, drops 8 Senate, Reps Candidates
-
News5 days agoGovernor sacks Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Others In Cabinet shake-up
-
Crime5 days agoObi, Kwankwaso lead NDC’s battle against deregistration
-
News4 days agoNigeria Raid Killed 199 Jihadists In One Operation – US
-
Sports4 days agoMorocco Fans In Netherlands Arrested By Police While Celebrating World Cup Victory
-
Crime5 days agoBandits attack School again, abduct NECO students
-
Opinion4 days agoOPEN LETTER TO GOV NWIFURU: Time to Stop the Forceful Takeover of People’s Lands in Abakaliki (Part 1)