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Tag: Ibrahim Dankwambo

  • Dankwambo swears in 6 new commissioners

    Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has sworn in six new commissioners, urging them to bring their wealth of experience to impact positively on the development of the state.

    The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Government House, Gombe on Wednesday.

    He urged them to be hardworking and partner with top government officials of the state.

    “I call on the new commissioners to bring their wealth of experience and proven integrity to bear in the discharge of their duties to impact positively on development of the state.

    “I enjoin you to work harmoniously with your permanent secretaries, directors and the entire members of your ministries to ensure efficient implementation of government policies and programmes,” he said.

    Dankwambo stressed that his administration had only five months left to deliver on their mandate of improving the well-being of the people of the state.

    Read Also: Dankwambo presents N118.7bn budget for 2019

    The governor said his government would continue to provide the enabling environment for government functionaries to perform their duties without hindrance.

    The new commissioners are; Mr Muhammad Mailumo, Mrs Zainab Julde, Mr Ishiyaku Audu, Mrs Asabe Nahaya, Mr Ezekiel Boryo, and Mr Ibrahim Abubakar.

    Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed commissioners, Mr Muhammad Mailumo, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve and pledged support for his administration.

    NAN reports that the newly appointed commissioners were yet to be assigned ministries.

  • Dankwambo presents N118.7bn budget for 2019

    Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe state on Monday presented a budget of N118.7 billion for 2019, tagged budged of posterity to the state House of Assembly.

    Presenting the budget, Dankwambo said it is made up of N60.6 billion recurrent expenditure and N58.1 billion capital expenditure.
    He said that, the budget is to be financed by recurrent revenue of N90.7 billion and capital receipts of N65.7 billion.

    “A budget deficit of N13.9 billion is envisaged to be financed from our internal and external borrowings.

    “Our resolved in the 2019 fiscal year, is to leave a pathway for sustainable development,” he said.
    According to him, the budget focuses on human development with emphasis on education.

    Read Also: Tambuwal presents budget of N169.65bn for 2019 fiscal year

    He added that it is also to sustain the provision of physical infrastructure as the driver of economic growth and development among others.
    In his remarks, Alhaji Nasiru Nono, Speaker of the House thanked the governor and assured that the house would give the budget speedy deliberation for the development of the state.

    According to him, the house had monitored the 2018 budget implementation and the report is appreciated.

    He said Dankwambo had demonstrated high level of commitment in managing public fund.

    Nono further thanked the people of the state for their support and encouragement which give them the opportunity of discharging their responsibilities.

  • Dankwambo advises employers not to reject corps members

    Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, has urged  employers in the state to desist from  rejecting  corps members posted to their organisations for primary assignments.

    Dankwambo gave this advice on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Batch ‘C’ Stream II orientation course for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to Gombe, Borno and Yobe.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Charles Iliya, Dankwambo,  said that employers had been implored to give corps members the same respect and treatment given to their staff.

    He said this gesture would boost the morale of corps members and enhance their  sense of belonging.

    “In this regard, all corps members must make up their minds to give their best to their employers and host communities,” he said.

    Read Also: 2019: Ribadu steps down for Dankwambo

    He called on the corps members to adapt to the culture and traditions of their host communities.

    “Avoid indecent dressing, late night parties and more especially, avoid hate speeches,” he advised.

    In his remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr David Markson, lauded all stakeholders and corps members for their support and cooperation towards the  success of the orientation course.

    He expressed happiness that corps members proved to be dedicated during their  skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development programmes introduced by the Federal Government.

    Markson urged them to take the post camp training more seriously to enable them become masters of their trades as well as be on their own as job creators rather job seekers.

    NAN

  • NGO appeals to Dankwambo to release funds for healthcare

    The Network for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative (NMNCHI), an NGO, Gombe state has appealed to Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo to timely release of funds for better healthcare delivery in the state.

    The Chairman of the Network, Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya, who made the appeal at a news conference in Gombe on Wednesday, noted that timely release of fund would help to record better healthcare delivery in the state.

    He said Dankwambo approved N20 million out of the 2018 budget for Primary Healthcare Development for the purchase of drugs and other essential services for women and children.

    “At the same time, we commend the governor for another approval of N250 million for the support of counterpart funding to United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF),“he said.

    He said the state government also awarded contract for the purchase of six dialysis machines to Specialist Hospital Gombe, at a cost N253 million.

    “We are appealing to Gombe state governor to release funds for the purchase of drugs and essential commodities, N50 out of the N200 million approved for counterpart fund to UNICEF.“

    Read Also: NYSC: Educationist seeks end to age barrier

    According to Yahaya, the approval also include N253 million for the purchase of dialyses machines.

    The chairman said the approval of these funds apart; they had not been released.

    He said that a lot of people from the state had to travel to Bauchi state for dialyses weekly.

    Yahaya hoped that with the machines in the state, patients would find it easy to treat their ailments.

    He called on journalists to educate people on the issues that directly affected their health.

    The chairman assured of the willingness of the NGO to work with government and stakeholders, at all levels, to promote better healthcare services.

  • Atiku clinches PDP 2019 Presidential ticket

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has won the PDP Presidential ticket for the 2019 general elections.

    Abubakar won the poll with 1532 votes out of the total 3221 votes cast by 36 states and FCT.

    The result was announced by Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, Chairman PDP 2018 Special National Convention Planning Committee, at the end of the party’s convention on Sunday in Port Harcourt.

    In the results announced by Okowa, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal followed Atiku with 693 votes, while Sen. Bukola Saraki placed third with 317 votes.

    Others include: Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso 158 votes; Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo 111 votes; Sule Lamido 96 votes and Ahmed Makarfi 74 votes.

    The rest are: Tanimu Turaki 65 votes; Attahiru Bafarawa 48 votes; Sen. David Mark 35 votes; Jonah Jang 19 votes; while Datti Ahmed got 5 votes.

    Read also: Atiku: To get Nigeria working again, we must defeat APC

     

    The total votes cast were 3221, while delegates accredited were 3,274 and the voided votes stood at 68.

    Atiku Abubakar was born on Nov. 25, 1946, in Jada, Adamawa. He was the vice-president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with Olusegun Obasanjo as President.

    Abubakar worked with the Nigeria Customs Service for twenty years, rising to become the Deputy Director, the second highest position in the Service, then. He retired in April 1989 and took up full-time business and politics.

    Abubakar contested for the APC presidenstial ticket in 2015 and came third behind Muhammadu Buhari and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

    He recently defected to the PDP from the APC to enable him to realise his ambition to become the president of Nigeria.

  • Power should shift in Gombe, says aspirant

    Aliyu Haidar Abubakar is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State. To him, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should not rule the state beyond 2019. But, what is his chance at the primary? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the succession battle in the Northeast state.

    Aliyu Haidar Abubakar, an accountant, politician and Talban Nafada, has a vision for Gombe State. He believes the state has a brighter future, if the All Progressives Congress (APC) produces Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo’s successor in next year’s election.

    Having thrown his hat in the ring, he has been selling his manifestos to the people. The message on his lip is that a new dawn is around the corner.

    Many youths are rooting for the youth activist and youngest contender. This is partly due to the awareness created by the signing of the ‘Not-Too-Young-To-Rule’ Bill into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Abubakar is not the only person in the race. A prominent grassroots actor, HabuMuazu is also eyeing the ticket. There as some Abuja-based politicians who are also likely to join the race. Therefore, he will have to face a predictable hurdle at the primary. The shadow poll will be about the survival of the fittest.

    For the 45 years-old graduate of Business Administration from Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the contest is not a do or die affair. Yet, he is proud of his followership and successful consultations with stakeholders. He is popular. Between 2005 and 2016, he was an accountant with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) judiciary. But, he has maintained his close links with the grassroots. As a successful businessman, he has ploughed back to his society, thereby eliciting encomiums as a philanthropist.

    For many years, Abubakar had spent his life productively. He has been an advocate of women and youth participation in politics and economic empowerment. He has encouraged many youths to go to school and enlist in vocations of meaningful value. As he did these, he also offered financial assistance in aide of their endeavours.

    However, August 19 was a turning point. The technocrat-turned politician convened a bold assembly. At the Gombe Township Stadium, he mobilised the youths for political action. His method was effective. His message was that the time was ripe for them to take their political destiny in their hands. Abubakar sensitized them to the import of 2019 and the danger of selling their votes. In a voice laced with emotion, he called for the reevaluation of politics in Gombe. Noting that the youths are members of his primary and potent constituency, he advised them to shun thuggery and other vices. He said desperate politician who hire youths as thugs are destroyers of lives.

    The awareness campaign, which was tagged: “For us by us (FUBU),” was aimed at promoting debates on youth participation and sustenance of democracy. A committed Muslim raised by educated parents, Abubakar said politics should be accompanied by virtues. Also, he emphasised that apathy was dangerous, stressing that the voices of youths can only count when they participate in decision making.

    “I know the problems of our youths and women. Youths need education and work. I have the God-giving ability and resources to work with youths and women, to organise them, understand their wants and needs, and makes them his priority. But, many of the challenges can be better solved if I have political power,” he said.

    To the stakeholders, Abubakar is an example of courage. His entry into the contest has motivated other youths to follow suit. Indeed, he has been encouraging young people to seek for elective positions to reposition the state. This, he said, is in exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed rights and privileges under the constitution.

    Besides, the aspirant said apart from serving as an example to the youths, he has offered himself for leadership as part of his service to God, the state and humanity. “Gombe State should be our ultimate focus. Irrespective of whatever political party that is in power, what must be paramount is the development of the state for all. When there is hope for all to benefit from the development of our state, then, Gombe will be self-reliant and a better place to live,” he added.

    The next governor of Gombe will face many challenges.  The sate, which prides itself as the Jewel in the Savannah, is a very small and sparsely populated state. It is not a rich state. But, it is blessed with a very fertile land, mineral resources, and opportunities for investment and economic growth. To observers, Gombe can only benefit from these bounties of nature when there is good governance and outstanding leadership.

    Abubakar has called for political attitudinal change. He said the old approach to governance must change.  “I would like to implore all the people of Gombe State, irrespective of any political affiliations, regional or tribal heritage, to change our attitudes, embrace hope and work together for the common good of the state,” he stressed.

    Urging the youths to gird their loins, he said: “As youths of today, we should play a part in shaping the policies which will make the future better for everyone.”

    However, the aspirant said youths should not perceive public office an avenue for private accumulation. He said they should participate in the political process by voting according to their conscience. He said if the youths fail to embrace these imperatives, democracy may be endangered. “It is time for the youths to wake up, resist the temptation to be used as tools for destruction by politicians that would dump them thereafter and see themselves as tools of unity and development, “ AbubakaR added.

    Youths should also shun vote buying and selling in the interest of democracy. Abubakar said: “Vote selling is like selling ones conscience and rights. That is why I decided to mobilise the youths to sensitise them on the need to be careful against being used as agents of vote buying by desperate politicians. It is on record that all dirty political activities like political violence is hatched by politicians using the teeming jobless youths.”

    He added: “Monetisation of politics must end with the present generation. We must be seen to be playing by the rules, we must practice politics with decorum”.

    Many participants at the forum applauded the aspirant, saying that  he is an icon of hope for the development of Gombe State. They pointed out that he will be a great asset, if he becomes governor,  adding that he has outstanding leadership qualities and believes in an all-inclusive governance.

    A student, Inuwa Saleh, who described the experience as inspirational, said Abubakar is a dynamic leader. “We have a lot to look forward to and we are quite optimistic that Haidar belongs to the same generation with us. So, we can relate with him better. And this is the beginning of a new era for the youths in Gombe State. “He is an embodiment of many things; he represents hope, positivity, progress and above all, he has clearly demonstrated that he is truly God sent to add more meaning to the life of his people.”

    But, what is Abubakar’s chances at the primary and next year’s poll? The Gombe APC is factionalised. The contenders are heating up the party with their struggles for the ticket.  A political analyst, Joel Ishaya, said: “In a political party with so many power blocs, it takes an exceptionally neutral person with a high sense of maturity and exposure to merge the factions.”

    He said Abubakar has no alliance with any group and bears no allegiance to any faction, pointing out that  his allegiance is to the people.

    “It is glaring that we have a candidate whose commitment and allegiance is to the people and he has maintained that touch with the grassroots and the everyday people on the streets . APC requires a seasoned person with exceptional human qualities to be able to wrestle power from the ruling PDP in the state and the best person is Aliyu Haidar Abubakar, Talban Nafada” he added.

     

  • 2019 Senate poll: Tough battles ahead for Shettima, Okorocha, Yari, other 2nd term govs

    In the next few months, some state governors in their second term will end their tenure and bid bye to exotic villas where they had called the shots for eight years like the Lord of Manor. But Their Excellencies are not tired. They still want to be relevant, they want to remain in the limelight. In the next dispensation, they are eyeing the Senate. In this piece, our Managing Editor, Northern Operations, YUSUF ALLI, examines the battle ahead for the affected governors.

    In the next couple of months, 11 out of the nation’s 36 governors will no longer be eligible to be governors as they would be in office for the mandatory eight years. Those affected are Governors Kashim Shettima( Borno); Ayodele Fayose(Ekiti); Ibrahim Dankwambo(Gombe); Rochas Okorocha(Imo); Abdulfatah Ahmed(Kwara); Umaru Tanko Al-Makura(Nasarawa); Ibikunle Amosun(Ogun); Rauf Aregbesola(Osun) and Abiola Ajimobi(Oyo).

    For senators and members of the House of Representatives who became governors, returning to the National Assembly is a familiar turf.  But for those outgoing governors seeking to be senators for the first time , it may be a different ball game. Yes, the constituency is smaller, but the battle is tougher as the variables may also be different.

     

    The situation at present

    In the 109-member of the 8th Senate , 20 are ex-governors. They are the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki,   Theodore Orji (Abia); Eyinnaya Abaribe (Abia); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom ); Andy Uba (Anambra); David Mark  (Benue); George Akume (Benue); Abiodun Olujimi (Ekiti); Danjuma Goje  (Gombe); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Ibrahim Gaya (Kano); Adamu Aliero (Kebbi); Muhammed Lafiagi (Kwara); Abdullahi Adamu  (Nasarawa); Jonah Jang  (Plateau); Aliyu Wammako  (Sokoto); Bukar Abba Ibrahim  (Yobe); Danladi Abubakar Sani (Taraba); Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); and Ahmed Sanni Yerima (Zamfara).

    A report by a newspaper had indicated that out of the former governors, Senators Andy Uba, Abiodun Olujimi, and Theodore Orji have sponsored an appreciable number of bills.

     

    Saraki stood tall among them having learned the legislative tricks enough to win the much prized seat of the President of the Senate. Many of them are bench warmers because the transition from executive mansions to hallowed chambers is a Herculean task for them.

     

    What are the chances of the 10 governors eyeing the 9th senate?

    Investigation by our correspondent indicated that political realities in the affected states have shown that it won’t be a tea-party for most of them. The challenges before the governors , among others, include clamour  for power shift, ethnicism, disdain for godfatherism.

     

    Shettima(Borno)

    Ordinarily with his modest achievements in office in the midst of insurgency, Governor Kashim Shettima should have an easy ride to the 9th Senate but he faces some hurdles, the latest being where he hails from in Borno. He is either expected to contest for the senatorial seat in Borno Central District (the platform he used to be governor) or Borno North District where bitter politics in the state has led to the discovery of his real origin. Whatever it is, he will slug it out with Sen. Kaka Garbai (from Borno Central who may not relinquish his slot without a viable alternative like the governorship ticket) and Abubakar Kyari representing Borno North. Shettima, widely seen as a “central  boy, ” requires much of serious political calculation and negotiation before taking a leap for the Senate. The governor’s major headache is how to rehabilitate Garbai in a commensurate measure.

    A source , familiar with the state’s politics, said: “Kashim Shettima was born in Maiduguri, located in Borno Central. His mother is from the central, but his father is a Mallam from Ngazai in Borno North Senatorial District. His associates had mooted the idea that he runs for the seat from the North.  But sensing the danger, especially because Kyari, the incumbent, is very popular and formidable, the idea was dropped. To displace Kyari from the Senate would mean to hand him the governorship ticket.

    “So at it is, his posters are everywhere for Borno Central Senatorial District. For now, it is certain he will run from the central. The incumbent, Garbai, is his friend. Without Shettima’s prompting, Garbai would not have run in the first place when the seat became vacant shortly before the inauguration of the Senate in 2015. Hon. Umar Kumalia had wanted to run then ; he, however, gave way when it became obvious that the governor preferred Garbai, who incidentally is Kumalia’s friend too.

    “For now, apart from Shettima, no one has shown interest in the seat within the APC. And even with the PDP, no visible aspirants for now. But should the Abuja politicians within the APC decide to move against Shettima, getting someone to run against him within the party won’t be too difficult.

    “For the north, the only strong person from PDP who can challenge the APC candidate is Sen. Sanusi Daggash (a former Minister of National Planning). But Daggash has been on the quiet side politically in recent times.”

     

    Al- Makura(Nasarawa)

    Were it constitutionally possible to have a third term in office, the people of Nasarawa State would have allowed Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura to continue . But the reality has dawned on everyone; the governor has to leave the Executive Lounge for a shot at the Nasarawa South Senatorial District seat. He will be on the turf against the incumbent Senator from the Peoples Democratic Party, Sen. Suleiman Adokwe( a third term Senator); a PDP member representing Keana/Doma/Awe in the House of Representatives, Ogoshi Onawo; and Husseini Egyegbola of the APC, who was elected as a senator in 2015 before the Election Petitions Tribunal upturned his victory.

    Getting APC ticket by Al-Makura is taken for granted. But he has an ethnic barrier at hand and he has to work very  hard to sell his candidature .  There are five local governments in Nasarawa South Senatorial District namely; Doma, Lafia , Awe, Keana and Obi. The district also harbours about 20 ethnic groups which are contending for power, including Fulani, Tiv, Kanuri, Mighili, Gwandara and Alago among others.  Governor Al-Makura comes from Kwandere in Lafia Local Government Area. He is a Gwandara by tribe, which is  a minority in Lafia LGA and the Senatorial District.  According to findings, three of the local governments areas(Doma, Keana, and Obi ), are controlled by Alago tribe  of Sen. Adokwe, Onawo and Egyegbola.

    The battle is basically between Alago ( where late Governor Akwe Doma hailed from  ) and other ethnic groups in the district. It was only in 1999 that the Alago allowed the late Haruna Abubakar(a Kanuri), who was a  Deputy Senate President to late Chuba Okadigbo, to  represent the district.

    For Al-Makura, history beckons on him to break another electoral jinx again in the state as a minority. His God-fearing, good and fair-minded nature has fetched him a rare political goodwill like the case in 2011 when he became a governor as a minority. If he gets his political strategy right, he might secure the Senatorial ticket. Once Al-Makura can secure the huge votes from Lafia Local Government Area(LGA) and about 5% to 10% in other four LGAs, he will ride to the Senate with less sweat. The huge votes from Lafia, Keffi and Nasarawa Eggon crowned him as a governor seven years ago.  And he can defeat his opponent in a landslide if he retains his cosmopolitan look and make his campaign issues-based rather than playing ethnic politics. Surely, all eyes will be on Al-Makura if he secures the APC ticket.

     

    Ahmed(Kwara)

    Will the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, compensate Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for his loyalty? As the outgoing governor of Kwara State, Ahmed’s ultimate desire is to be a senator for Kwara South Senatorial District. He is seeking the ticket currently held by Senator Abdulrafiu Ibrahim, who has been a long standing loyalist of Saraki. It is a hard knot for Saraki to untie but if performance is anything to go by, Sen. Ibrahim has a little edge over Ahmed, who has spent eight years to create political liability for Saraki due to his low performance in office. Saraki is battling to clean the Augean Stable at a higher cost to his political career. But going by the PDP’s Right of First Refusal for defectors, the ticket will automatically go to Ahmed leaving Ibrahim in a quandary.

    Whoever is anointed by Saraki will face a tough contest with a renowned architect, Lola Ashiru, whose ingenuity led to the design of Skye Bank structures all over the country and other architectural works. Ashiru, who is from Offa , which has not produced a senator  since 1999, has the war-chest to give Ibrahim or  Ahmed a good fight. The last time Offa produced a senator was during the aborted Third Republic.

    Another silent contestant is the US-based Nurudeen Adeyemi Balogun from Esie in Irepodun Local Government Area, who is determined to prove a point that a first timer can make a difference. Apart from palace rivalry in Saraki’s courtyard, Governor Ahmed has the people of Kwara South to contend with. They are enlightened, conscientious and detest money politics. The governor has to sell himself  for any electoral breakthrough. The Kwara south PDP senatorial primaries will be an interesting race

     

    Ajimobi(Oyo)

    It is a straight fight between Governor Abiola Ajimobi and other aspirants for Oyo South Senatorial District ticket. Despite the recent electoral upset for APC in Ibarapa East Constituency in Oyo  House of Assembly, which it lost to the Peoples Democratic Party, Ajimobi may regain  his seat without sweat. Up till now, he has not known his opponent in either the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) or any of the emerging coalitions in the state. But he has an opponent in APC, Sen. Soji Akanbi, who might not get the party’s ticket because Ajimobi has a firm grip on the structure of the party. Where Akanbi is not “well accommodated”, he might seek refuge in another party. So far, Akanbi is keeping his game plan close to his chest.  A former chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Mr. Kehinde Olaosebikan, said: “The governor will defeat any party’s candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District. He has performed well to earn a return ticket to the Senate.” The district comprises Ibadan North, Ibadan North West, Ibadan South East, Ibadan South West, Ibadan North East, Ibarapa North, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East,  and Ido.

     

    Fayose(Ekiti)

    Still struggling to survive the pains of the defeat of his political godson at the recent governorship poll, Governor Ayodele Fayose faces an uncertain political future. He has spoken less of either his presidential ambition or the alternative of going to the Senate. His obvious choice is to vie for  Ekiti Central District Senatorial ticket with Sen. Fatima Raji Rasaki. But it will be a disaster and the end of the road for Fayose if he loses again. While he is considering the next step in his turbulent political career, his associate, Obafemi Adewale(a former chairman of NBA in Ekiti State), is aspiring for Ekiti Central District ticket. Whether or not the aspiration of Adewale is in trust for Fayose, time will soon tell.

     

    Rochas Okorocha(Imo)

    Owelle Rochas Okorocha,  no doubt, is facing a massive gang-up in the state by forces within APC and those in PDP over alleged plans to foist his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, as the governorship candidate of APC in the state. He wants to make it a double-edge sword by aspiring for the senatorial ticket of Imo West Senatorial District. He wants to take over the seat of Sen. Hope Uzodinma, who is interested in the governorship race. In February, Okorocha said: “I have decided to run for the Imo West Senatorial zone because if I don’t, bad people will take the position. If my name appears on the ballot paper as contesting for the Senate, it will boost APC’s chances in the state. And many from my zone have said they will not contest if I am interested.” But he has a match in a  business mogul and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State, Chief Charles Ahize and others who seek the same office.

    Noted for a refrain, “My people, my people,” it will soon be judgment day for Okorocha when the Imo citizens will decide whether Okorocha can eat his cake and have it. If Okorocha has his way, he would be highlighted  in the Guinness Book of Records but if otherwise, history will be unkind to him forever.

     

    Yari(Zamfara)

    The battle in Zamfara West Senatorial District will depend on the outcome of any accord or unwritten agreement between Governor Abdulaziz Yari and his godfather, Ahmed Sani Yerima, who was an ex-governor of the state. Yerima, who has been in the Senate since 2007, is in dire straits because he wants to produce Yari’s successor and at the same time retain his senatorial slot. But the governor, who was once a member of the House of Representatives, is interested in going to the Senate. He is from the same zone with Yerima. It was learnt that Yerima would not mind  sacrificing his senatorial ambition to be allowed to pick the next governorship candidate of APC (Yari’s successor) in Zamfara State. Yerima is said to be interested in the current Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala Muhammad, who was his former Commissioner for Religious Affairs. The deputy governor comes from Zamfara Central, which has never produced the executive of the state since the return of democracy in 1999. On the other hand, it was learnt that Yari favours  his most powerful Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muttaka Rini, who is from Zamfara West. Unless tact and diplomacy prevail, Yari and Yerima may lock horns  in the end. But a source said: “Whatever it is, Yerima still holds the ace in Zamfara politics. Yari needs to engage in a lot of reconciliation to win back the hearts of the people of the state.” It will be interesting to know in the next few weeks what manner of accord the two gladiators will reach.

     

    Gaidam  (Yobe)

    This is a slippery terrain.  Governor Ibrahim Gaidam and his godfather, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim have to test the waters over Yobe East Senatorial District ticket.  Although one Dr. Almajiri Gaidam is also interested in the senatorial race, the contest is really between the governor and his mentor. For Governor Gaidam, the next venture is the Senate but he is from the same district with Ibrahim who has been in the Senate since 2007. There are seven local governments in the district, including Gujba, Gulani, Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Yunusari, Geidam and Bursari. While Sen. Bukar Abba  hails from Gujba, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam is from Yunusari, although he was brought up in Gaidam.

    The power game has been  a quiet political war in Yobe State since 1999; the struggle for Yobe North East by the two titans might redefine politics in the state if not maturely handled. Old prejudices/ sentiments  are being whipped up. For Gaidam, he had wanted to be a senator in 2003  after the demise of Senator  Adamu Usman  of the defunct ANPP but he was denied the ticket by Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who was then the governor of the state. Sen. Abba was said to have rated Gaidam as unfit to be a councillor. This time around the governor, who has hijacked the structure of the party,  does not want to suffer fools gladly.

    His godfather will also not let go his seat. Recently, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim said: “In sha Allah,  I will be seeking re-election back to the Senate in the forthcoming election and I do not see anybody as a threat.

    “ I have no problems with my constituency and the electorate. I have not been recalled by those who voted me to represent them and I am physically and mentality fit. All I know is that by 2019, I will be re-elected back to the Senate.

    “The governor has not told me that he is interested in the seat after the expiration of his tenure next year and I don’t need to bother myself about it since I know that there would be no vacancy because I am re-contesting for the position next year and I will continue to offer myself to my people for the position as long as I have the energy and sound health to represent them.

    “I will stay in the Senate until death do us part. Everybody tells me that I’m senator for life. I’m going to be in the Senate for life…”

    On his part while planning subtly, Gaidam said: “My becoming governor is not by my power or the making of any other human being. It’s destiny because somebody said I would not even be a councillor in Yobe. Today, God has made me the governor, who knows where I will be tomorrow?”

     

    Amosun(Ogun)

    The man to beat for Ogun Central District seat is Governor Ibikunle Amosun, whose performance might give him an edge. With the party’s structure in his kitty, Amosun,  who was a one-time senator,  already has the senatorial ticket in his pocket. But he will have to slug it out with his godson, Sen. Lanre Tejuoso(who may defect to ADC), Sen. Gbenga Obadara, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kayode Amusan(PDP)  and a former commissioner in the state, Apostle Biodun Sanyaolu (PDP). Obadara has, however, added a caveat to his aspiration when he said he night step down if Amosun is interested in the race.

    Although the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, is being speculated to be interested in the senatorial seat, it was unclear if he is serious or merely flying a kite.

     

    Dankwambo(Gombe)

    The purchase of governorship nomination form by ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sen. Bayero Nafada on Friday has confirmed a swap deal between Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo for Gombe North Senatorial District, if the governor does not get the presidential ticket of PDP. Nafada, who represents Gombe North District, has left the Senate for good. It is a different ball game if Dankwambo will keep to the secret pact with Nafada by ensuring that the former  Deputy Speaker emerges his successor.

    For Dankwambo, who  has been accused of using his presidential aspiration as a smokescreen, the battle for Gombe North District might be between him and Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali, who was  elected as a PDP Senator  in August 2010  after the death of Sen. Kawu Peto Dukku. He was also re-elected in the April 2011general poll. Alkali was a former Commissioner for Information under ex-Governor Danjuma Goje.

  • Nigeria should renegotiate its existence – Dankwambo

    Gombo State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo has said the country needs to renegotiate the existing structures for fairness and justice.

    Addressing members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos on Tuesday, said he was contesting the 2019 presidential in order address the socio-economic problems facing the country.

    He added that the country was in a fix because of inability of the leadership to boldly confront imbalance in areas of security, employment and other germane issues.

    “I want to say that from what is happening in the country, there is no doubt that the call for restructuring must stand. The call does not mean breaking away.

    “It is not out of place to sit down and renegotiate because things are almost getting out of hands. There is need for devolution of power, state police, address the financial problem and putting the political structure in place that will assist the country in development.”

    Dankwambo said he decided to contest for the highest office of the land after consultation with critical stakeholders, noting that his visit to Lagos was to get the support of Lagosians.

    Read Also: Dankwambo declares for presidency

    He noted that no politician could afford to ignore Lagos because the population which placed it at vantage position in political matters.

    “We have done lots of consultation and have made our impact felt through various developmental projects in the country. We are determining to better the lives of our people. ”

    Let me formally declare that I am running for the highest office in the land. We have been well prepared to occupy that position. Having worked in Lagos, a place known to drill tested people, I think it is important to seek the support of Lagos people.

    “Lagos is very important in the decision that affects the destines of men in the country. I have worked here at the apex bank, I have more friends in Lagos and it had taught me the good, the bad and the ugly.”

    With a population of over 20 million people, Lagos is in a vantage position to shape the prospect of anybody who is desirous of attaining any high office.

  • Jonathan, PDP leaders demand credible election

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan and other PDP leaders have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to allow the conduct of a free, fair and transparent election in the country in 2019.

    This was said on Friday during the inauguration of the 1.3 kilometer Ado-Ekiti Flyover.

    The leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also demanded a credible governorship election on July 14.

    Sounding the battle cry ahead of the next set of elections were Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Uche Secondus.

    Also at the inauguration were Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel and Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu where they canvassed support for the PDP candidate for Ekiti governorship poll, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

    The setting was the inauguration of a new Governor’s Office constructed by the Governor Ayo Fayose administration.

    Jonathan arrived the scene at exactly 2.22 pm when Wike was making his speech and was welcomed by other guests who were seated before his arrival.

    Although the former president did not make any speech, he is expected to speak during the inauguration of the flyover which commences at 7.00 pm.

    Read Also: Ekiti Deputy Speaker, Chief Whip removed over alleged disloyalty to Fayose

    Secondus who noted that Ekiti has been witnessing positive development under Fayose urged the people of the state to vote at the next governorship election and the 2019 general elections.

    The PDP boss warned the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government against any attempt to rig the Ekiti poll and general election stressing that “rigging the election would have dire consequences.”

    Secondus said: “The PDP has demonstrated that it can conduct free and  fair primary; all we are asking for is that the coming elections should be free and fair.

    “We are asking the Federal Government to allow the coming elections to be free and fair for the world to see that Nigeria is moving forward.

    “Any attempt to rig is a recipe for crisis, I hope it will not start from Ekiti. The 1983 crisis started from Ekiti and the (77-man APC) Committee should show us what they have done.

    “They should not come and rig election here. We are asking them that it should be one man, one vote. President Buhari should allow one man, one vote.”

    Wike said: “This loyal and humble deputy governor (Olusola) will continue with the good work of Fayose. Ekiti people will vote for him because of what he can offer.

    “The only thing they (APC) have is to rig election, they have told us the election will be free and fair. When election comes, don’t give them any chance, go and protect your votes.

    “They said they have set up a Committee of 77, what is our business with that? If you say they will not intimidate you, it is a lie but I want to charge our security men to allow for a free and fair election.”

    Dankwambo said: “If politics is about development, we need not to campaign in Ekiti State. Politics is about development and that is what we stand for.

    “I believe the person that has emerged as our candidate here will do more and more than Fayose. He is experienced and he has learnt a lot and he will deliver.”

    Fayose boasted that the APC candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, would be defeated at the Ekiti governorship election despite the instruments of coercion to be deployed in his favour.

    He said: “Whether they like it or not, you (Olusola) are the next governor. If they like, let them their Army and Police, they are wasting their time.

    “It is your time to shine, battles are not won by the strength of the Army, you are a divine candidate on a divine assignment. I am proud to say I believe in you.”