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Tag: Ayoola Lawal

  • APC Scandinavia extols Tinubu at 67

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavian chapter, Ayoola Lawal has joined the thousands of Nigerian business and political class to felicitates with the National Chairman of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the patriotic leader clocks 67.

    Ayoola in his birthday wishes to the Icon of Nigeria’s politics, Ayoola, acknowledged the efforts of Tinubu to keep Nigeria and the people together, noting that he is worthy of emulation in all aspects of life.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and many more graced the occasion in Lagos.

    According to Ayoola, no Nigeria or Lagosian will definitely be short of something positive to say when it comes to Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said, “Tinubu can be best described as a visionary economic and political leader. An authentic leader that helps disbelievers and weak minded to embrace the vision, hopeless to develop faith and powerless to overcome weakness”.

    Read also: Tinubu advises Fed Govt on how to fix economy

    “A leader per-excellent, one that his contribution to the advancement and development of Lagos and modern Nigeria democracy can never be over-praised”.

    “He is a living legend and a dogged patriot. He is never a complainer of “victimitis excusitis” virus, a victim but he gets this done. The virtue that Nigerians especially the younger generations critically need to move Nigeria forward in rebuilding the nation of their dream”.

    “I will always repeat the fact and history will ever back me up that “If not for the strong conviction and doggedness of Asiwaju Tinubu that ousted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from power after 16 years of misrule and clueless leadership, Nigeria could have been history in the league of hopeful nations”.

    “We celebrate your virtuoso, exceptional visionary and inclusiveness style of leadership and, your standout on this special occasion of your 67 birthday anniversary. Bola Tinubu never mails it in but always bring it on”.

  • Ballot snatching: ‘Buhari’s comment, strong message against rigging’

    The Chairman of APC in the Scandinavia countries, Ayoola Lawal, has said the comment on ballot box snatchers by President Muhammadu Buhari is a strong message against the rigging of 2019 elections by the main opposition party.

    Ayoola in a statement on Tuesday, also said Nigerians can`t deny the fact that all the problems facing the country stem from the rigging of elections.

    He said “We Nigerians especially the youths need to confront the reality after these elections. We need a complete paradigm shift if we are truly serious about the development and rebuilding of our nation”.

    “If PDP could be the main opposition party to the ruling party APC in the midst of almost 100 registered political parties in Nigeria in this 2019 elections, then, something must be wrong somewhere because the party PDP represents an icon of corruption and bad leadership. I read many critics of Mr President statement that says: “I’m going to warn anybody who thinks he has enough influence in his locality to lead a body of thugs to snatch ballot boxes or disturb the voting system, will do so at the expense of his own life”.

    “I don´t really see why some individuals and political parties leaders especially PDP and its presidential candidate are making an issue out of the statement if they are sure is not in their master strategy plan, then why bothering and flexing media musles on such statement?”

    “Nigerians should be farsighted and be critical of ourselves and society if we really want development in our land rather than ranting on any statements that some criminal minded persons are not comfortable with and they could use their payees to promote through several channels”.

    “We can`t deny the facts that all we are facing in Nigeria today are consequences of election rigging and thank God, Mr President is able to be bold enough in trying to put an end to it in favour of the helpless and naive common people. Credible candidates are rigged out and clueless people with criminal minds are rigged into power at various levels in the past 16 years while they bought the judges to retain power either by judgement delay or otherwise”.

    “We can all agree that prevention is far better than cure. I call all security agencies that will be involved in the election to implement the order of Mr President in a professional way and not abuse the order. Light is coming at the end of the tunnel if we Nigerians could be patience and vote wisely by voting Buhari and Osinbajo to consolidate on their great work so far”.

  • Detained Cameroonian fighters: Buhari ‘s image at stake – Analyst

    Detained Cameroonian fighters: Buhari ‘s image at stake – Analyst

    A Global Affairs Analyst, Ayoola Lawal has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to order the Nigeria security services to release all the detained Cameroonian freedom fighters in their custody that were arrested in Abuja a couple of days ago.
    Lawal in a telephone conversation with our Correspondence observed that President Buhari should be very cautious of the implications on the exposed Nigerians in Bakassi region.
    His words: “On his way to Scotland, he cautions President Buhari to be very cautious of the implications on the exposed Nigerians in Bakassi region, Nigeria as a country and the self determination rights of the marginalized people of Southern Cameroon, if he is thinking of handing over the freedom fighters to President Paul Biya because so far, Nigeria has no extradition treaty with Cameroon.
    “I tend to believe that the Attorney-General of the Federation and his team are in a better position to advise Mr  President on the provisions of the United Nations Minimum Treatment Standards for Prisoners, Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights ratified by both Nigeria and Cameroon, and the best diplomatic ways to handle the issue with Cameroon.
    “The Nigerian security operatives should rather concentrate and intensify efforts in fishing out the sponsors of Boko Haram and the dreaded herdsmen causing havoc across Nigeria rather than meddling in the issue of free fighters that deserve amnesty rather than unlawful detention,” he said.
  • Scarcity: FG owes Nigerians apologies – Lawal

    Scarcity: FG owes Nigerians apologies – Lawal

    Global Affairs Analyst, Ayoola Lawal has vehemently frowned at the series of excuses from the President Buhari-led administration resulting in Fuel scarcity and other forms of hardship to Nigerians, especially during the Yuletide.
    Lawal made his grievances known in a telephone conversation with The Nation correspondent on Sunday, demanding that the Federal Government apologises to Nigerians for the hardship experienced during the Yuletide.
    According to him, this administration was elected by Nigerians because it came with promises they believed and not excuses.
    “When excuses and blame-shifting now become its mantra then it should accept that it has failed the masses based on its promises. This is not the time for Government to put up excuses. It is the season of celebration but sadly, most Nigerians could not celebrate like they planned due to fuel scarcity.
    “In a civilized society, the officers in charge should have resigned voluntarily and when they don’t, they should be suspended. To start with, President Buhari should consider stepping down as Petroleum minister so that Nigerians will know who to call for his or her suspension or resignation in such frustrating situation.
    “As it is, home and abroad, there exists a perception that Dr Ibe Kachikwu is on top of his game but unwarranted politics in the country`s oil sectors is the core cause of the untold hardship on good citizens of Nigeria.
    “When we stop or refuse to call our leaders to their shortcomings for one reason or the other at the expenses of the masses, that is a critical sign of trouble to come. Many Nigerians paid double for transportation during this festive season, especially those who must travel to their home towns for all annual celebrations.
    “Frankly speaking, the show put up by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Xmas day does not rhyme with his pedigree. Nigerians know who is working and who is not. Instead of apologising to the masses, the Federal Government is talking about how fuel subsidy is not at N26. If that’s the case, they should talk about the global fall in fuel prices,” he observed.
    Lawal, therefore, urged the government to be sensitive to the plights of the people noting that life has been very fair to those in government at the expenses of the masses.
    “May this coming 2018 be a year of unprecedented progress and peace for Nigeria,” he said.
  • Migration: African leaders charged to lead in action not words

    Migration: African leaders charged to lead in action not words

    As the world makes the United Nations Migration day, the APC Scandinavia Chairman and a Global Affairs Analyst, Ayoola Lawal calls on African leaders across the continent to provide real and authentic leadership to meet the growing challenges that are leading to the unprecedented ill-fated migration of the African productive population.
    Lawal in a media chat with journalists observed that these population are predominately youths that are being exposed to undeserved physical and mental torture that underscores their audacious endeavours.
    According to him, it is true that migration has always been an old endeavour and throughout human history, it has been an audacious assertion of the individual’s will to overpower hard times and live an excelling life.
    “Thou several reasons such as improved life aspirations, adventure, instability, climate change, and labour market unmet needs are parts of the considerable factors for Migration but in recent times, the leading allure of co-development opportunities and concerted improvement of social and economic conditions of the migrant and his/her destination are hanging in the balance.
    “It is the fundamental responsibilities of any government to protect and promote the welfare of their citizens and also provide an enabling environment for them, not just to expand but also transform their creative knowledge and ingenuity to make a decent living and contribute to their part to growth and development of their country.
    “It is heart-wrenching and bitterly disappointing that the leaders performing their fundamental responsibilities and laying the foundation for sustainable development to mitigate as well as prevent the mass exodus of their country`s productive population in the present and the near future could be counted on fingertips.
    “These leaders only lead by words that are not backed my adaptable developmental actions. In most African countries, it is undeniable that the major causes of migration are the lack of basic needs of life, poverty, non-inclusive governance and, lack of conducive environment to develop potentials except for the very strong few in their country of origin.
    “It is undeniable that with the recent technological advancement and globalization trend, the probability of ill-fated migration of any citizen of any country with enabling environment and inclusive government is very inconsequential,” he pointed out.
    The Global Affairs Analyst, asserted that it will be quite hard for any government to discourage their citizens not to take ill-fated migration when the leaders that claimed to be leading and serving don´t see their citizens as their first priorities and the citizens are stolidly disappointed for they don`t see a better future for themselves in their country of origin because of glaring failure of leadership.
    He further suggested that to curb suicidal migration such as the recently exposed Libya slavery or the year 2017 Mediterranean encounter of over 2000 death of migrants and mitigate the recent unforeseeable challenges of migration, the leaders of the ill-fated migrant origins and the international community leaders are the key solutions.
    He said: “The ill-fated migrant origin leaders should provide authentic and inclusive governance devoid of tribal and gender sentiments, be creative in creating enabling social, economic and political environment for their citizens and encourage foreign direct investment, take the courage to allow youths to lead both at home and foreign missions as ambassadors while they serve as old hands elder statesmen and not otherwise.
    “Similarly, embellish cooperation as well as concerted plans, are needed among the countries and regions of migrants and the destination in international migration.
    “Members states of the United Nations should also step up the active catalyst role of dialogue and interaction creation within regions and countries on this pressing issue and further ensure that countries and regions comply to international standard code for migrants treatment. Any country or region that violates should code should be investigated and sanction appropriately.”
  • ‘Libyan slave market’ footage sparks global fury

    ‘Libyan slave market’ footage sparks global fury

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavia Chief and Global Affairs Analyst, Ayoola Lawal has vehemently condemned the sales of African migrants as slaves in the North African nation of Libya by a CNN report.

    Lawal made this known in a telephone conversation with The Nation, during which he stressed that the recent confirmation of the rumor calls for an immediate action by the African Union (AU) leaders.

    According to the APC Scandinavia Chief, the AU needs to wedge action immediately to rescue all the victims being sold and in their captivity.

    Protesters Demonstrate against slavery in Libya at Olof Palme in Göteborg Sweden
    Protesters demonstrate against slavery in Libya at Olof Palme in Göteborg Sweden

    “The victims must be rehabilitated and taken care of appropriately. Human slavery is simply a crime against humanity, and it should be properly investigated and all the accomplices in the atrocities and criminal trading must be brought to book by all means.

    “The shocking footage of human auctions took the continent a century backward, unbelievable! While some Africans are working indefatigably to polish the image of the continent by scrupulously engaging in cutting-edge solutions and initiatives to position the continent as a new frontier for the world, some criminal troglodytes are busy dragging the continent a century backward by even engaging in such cruel slave trade of their African brothers and sisters,” he lamented.

    Ayoola further observed that the African leaders must wake up from their slumber and actively spring into action to save the continent.

    “I commend President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame for voicing out against such inhumane trading and serving as a beacon light for the continent in this revealed dark moment in the recent history of the Africa continent for the willingness of his administration to provide refuge to the nearly 30,000 economic African migrants being subjected to unwarranted inhuman abuse in Libya.

    “I implore the Federal government of Nigeria and other African leaders to treat this situation as an emergency and spring to action to save their people and see that perpetrators are immediately brought to book in the International Criminal Court and collectively come up with a permanent approach to put an end to this renewed scourge on African continent,” he recommended.

    Furthermore, thousands of people, on Saturday staged a protest at Olof Palme in Göteborg, Sweden, against the auctioning of human being in Libya.

    The protesters displayed placards which read: “End Slavery Now”, “Humans! Not For Sale” and “We Are Not For Sale” among others.

    They challenged the leadership of the African Union to swiftly address the situation in Libya, demanding that conscious efforts be put in place to continually check such barbaric practices, ensuring that those found culpable in the Libya slave market face the law at the ICC.

  • Mugabe: Call to Africa to save democracy from military

    Mugabe: Call to Africa to save democracy from military

    The seized of Harare, Zimbabwe by military officers and placing President Robert Mugabe under house arrest after weeks of political turmoil should be condemned by the African Union and world leaders in general.

    The  Military takeover in this modern age is a bad omen for Africa as a continent and black race in general and if not quickly checked could become a trend again.

    The non-condemnation of the military intervention in Zimbabwe by Western leaders clearly depicts that the Western world leaders version of democracy in Africa is “Expedient Democracy” – Democracy based on post-imperialism governance. The vote doesn’t matter but gets it done anyway.

    This was evident in a statement credited to the UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who described Mugabe as a power-hungry despot who would not be missed.

    “This House will remember the brutal litany of his 37 years in office: The elections he rigged and stole, the murder and torture of his opponents, the illegal seizure of land — leading to the worst hyperinflation in recorded history measured in the billions of percentage points — and forcing the abolition of the Zimbabwean dollar.”

    Even if the Zimbabweans are no longer comfortable with their leader, it should be made known through their majority voices and civil struggle and not through the anarchy of military intervention. It is an act of cowardliness for the Zimbabweans not to resolve in defending their democracy just like the Turkish people but cowed to military approach.

    I pray President Muhammadu Buhari could stand to the task of re-sending the strong signal delivered to the military officers in Sao Tome by the ex Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo.  In 2003 in Sao Tome, the former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo restored democracy in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe (DRSTP).

    Obasanjo action sent a strong signal to military officers contemplating extra-constitutional means to subvert democratically elected governments that military adventurism in politics is no longer fashionable.

    As much as Africans condemn authoritarianism, the African leaders, as well as their followers  must preserve democracy and stand to defend the continent against the intervention of the military in their democracy because the consequences will be devastating to the future of the continent.

     

    By Ayoola Lawal
    Lawal is All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavia Chief and Global Affairs Analyst.
    He writes from Sweden

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo: Lawal felicitates with Gani Adams

    Aare Ona Kakanfo: Lawal felicitates with Gani Adams

    The National Chairman of APC Scandinavia and a Global Affairs Analyst, Ayoola Lawal on Friday join the league of Yoruba sons and daughters across the globe in congratulating the next Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Otunba Gani Adams.
    The Global Affairs Analysts congratulates Otunba Adams as he joined the league of elites in the rank of generalissimos in Yorubaland.
    Indeed, history depicts that is the youngest person to ever attain such an esteem status in the history Yoruba as a race.
    Ayoola Lawal also congratulated and commended the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, for his unbiased wisdom in chosen a real warrior of proven records that is worthy of such honour and esteem position.
    Otunba Gani Adams selection as the next Aare Ona Kakanfo is a clear indication that not everything is still for sales and hard work and commitment to a cause is still of adorable virtues in Yorubaland.
    The APC Chief said: “Truth be told and bipartisan apart, Otunba Gani Adams is not an accidental Aare Onakakanfo because he paid the price upfront and in full scale.
    His indefatigable endeavours in fighting for the Yoruba race and promoting the Yoruba culture and heritage across the globe can’t be denied.”
  • 2019: Global affairs analyst nudges Tinubu to declare for presidency

    2019: Global affairs analyst nudges Tinubu to declare for presidency

    A Global Affairs Analyst, Ayoola Lawal has called on the National leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step forward to join the race in becoming the next President of Nigeria in 2019.
    Lawal noted that Asiwaju Tinubu can compete for the position if President Muhammadu Buhari is not interested in running in 2019.
    According to him, the outcome of the last meeting by the South-West leaders of the APC in Ibadan, Oyo state capital indicates that APC  is still on course and zoning of the highest office of the land is not yet on the party’s plate.
    “The South-West leaders pride the party in its ideology of choosing a party flagbearer on the pure merit of winning the majority votes according to the party arrangement.
    “Based on the reiteration that the presidency on the platform of the APC is not yet zoned which makes it open to any citizen of Nigeria that meets the criteria of the party irrespective of the region or zone he or she belongs,” he said.
    The Global Affairs Analyst observed that the non-zoning system produced President Buhari in December 2014, when he emerged as the presidential candidate of the APC for the March 2015 general elections amongst other candidates from different zones of the country.
    He further said: “As a global affairs analyst, an unrepentant advocate of good governance, and a patriotic socialist that is studying and following the activities of political leaders and underdogs across the globe especially Nigeria, I personally call upon the National leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step forward to join the race in becoming the next President of the most populated black nation on earth in 2019 if Mr. President is not interested and, if Asiwaju still has the ambition.
    “If I may recall, Asiwaju Tinubu boldly and pleasantly expressed his wish and dream time and again of becoming the president of Nigeria during the presidential party rallies that I was opportune to attend in 2015.
    “However, he categorically stated the reasons for not joining the presidential race then which were constructively convincing and purely patriotic, that he needed to walk the path of history of the great nations that supported, elected and trusted their generals and old men with experience to rescue them in their nation’s darkest times.
    “Then, nobody could refute that Nigeria was in an unchartered water, in an auto-pilot state economically and security wise with ruthless corruption across the board, Boko Haram onslaught without hope in sight and Nigeria was heading for the rock.
    “Indeed, Nigeria was in her dark time in the tight grasp of 16-year misrule from the People Democratic Party (PDP). Now, the coast is quite clearer for Nigeria, the war is won, and Nigeria is on the course to regain her past glory and join the league of lion nation again.
    “Thank God for the APC-led administration of president Buhari and aided by a ceaseless demand of good governance by Nigerians. I will implore other young patriots to step up and give political leadership a shot for the sake of our generation and the future of our nation.
    “As I am imploring more younger and competent patriots both in Nigeria and Diaspora to engage in active politics, it is high time the national leader of APC, Asiwaju Tinubu, slept over his ambition again, take the bull by the horn and ready to take the baton from our great leader, president Buhari to continue the master plan of APC in leading Nigeria to her dreamland.”
    Lawal stressed that besides the facts that Asiwuju Tinubu has proven himself as a savvy entrepreneur, center-left political genius that understands the value of a rock-solid political platform and what it takes to unify people across board irrespective of tribe, political belief, education and social class and networks, he is also an astute leader with eye and heart for identifying potentials both in human and material and finally inspiring them for the best of his society and humanity.
    “I would have called for the continuity of President Muhammad Buhari as the president of Nigeria till 2023 because of what he stands for, but in all fairness, my hero, president Mr. Buhari has given is best to Nigeria even in his challenging state of health, so well in as promised in his election campaigns.
    “It is time for him to go back to Daura to savor his successes, take care of his challenging health, spend more time with his families and loved ones, and be a mentor to Asiwaju in his next herculean tasks as the next president of Nigeria and Nigeria to take great care of him and other old citizens,” he summed.
  • No country will build Nigeria without personal gains – Lawal

    No country will build Nigeria without personal gains – Lawal

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) Diaspora Chieftain and Global Affairs Analyst, Ayoola Lawal, in his message as Nigeria celebrate her 57th independence anniversary, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for departing from ‘the status quo of the financial recklessness and wasteful spending of past governments in the name of independence celebration’.

    Speaking to The Nation on the celebration of Nigeria ‘s 57th Independence Anniversary, Lawal, Chairman APC Scandinavia, noted that choosing to visit the gallant troops who are currently battling to wholly reclaim parts of the country from Boko Haram Insurgents, “depicts the dawn of a new era of mindfulness and care in the history of our nation.

    Ayoola Lawal, Chairman, APC Scandinavia

    The President’s action is a way to show appreciation for their bravery in defending the nation rather than celebrating with the elites and the power brokers and lobbyist in Abuja.

    “No doubt that Nigeria has recorded certain unique feats as a nation after 57 years of independence, however, much more is required in terms of equity in the distribution of resources, good governance, regional sense of belonging, the rule of law, the promotion of excellence over mediocrity due to nepotism and tribalism, and real patriotism,” he said.

    According to him, citizens of Nigeria both home and in the diaspora, all need a paradigm shift and be true to conscience rather than greed and utopia. He stated clearly that “no external government will build our nation for us except on special interest at our long-term disadvantage.

    “With the growing level of political awareness, freedom of speech and social connectivity in contemporary time, I have no iota of doubt that Nigeria will be great again because we are on the right path of steady sustainable development,” he noted.

    The APC Diaspora Chieftain further urged Nigerians to put the greater good of all first as against the “Me, Myself and I” attitude that has left the country wallowing in pains of stagnancy.