The Nation Newspaper

Tag: incumbent

  • Kwara governor hailed for dropping senatorial ambition for incumbent

    KWARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has been hailed for dropping his senatorial ambition for one of Senate President Bukola Saraki’s die-hard loyalists, Senator Abdulrafiu Ibrahim.

    After a week of dilly-dallying, including a high-level meeting in Abuja, Senator Ibrahim confirmed yesterday that he has been given the slot.

    Abdulrafiu, who praised the magnanimity of the governor for relinquishing the ticket, said he was grateful to Saraki for granting the request of his people.

    The concession of the ticket to Ibrahim put a seal on the controversy within Kwara State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) after the loss of the November 17 by-election in Ekiti/Oke Ero/Isin/Irepodun Federal Constituency to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Although Saraki bowed to pressure from PDP governors and some eminent Nigerians in conceding the ticket to the governor, he was upset by the outcome of the by-election, which made the PDP to suffer defeat in an area dominated by Igbomina/Ekiti kinsmen of the governor.

    According to a top source, who spoke in confidence, the SenatePresident was not prepared to “take anything for granted because Kwara South Senatorial District is strategic to PDP’s electoral chances in 2019.

    “The decision to snatch away the ticket from the governor was not really based on political exigencies but more of anger because we allowed Ekiti/Oke Ero/Isin/Irepodun Federal Constituency to slip away from PDP to APC.

    “We got an early jolt for 2019 polls and we have to re-strategise for the main election.”

    The Nation had exclusively reported that Saraki might move against the governor.

    In  a statement last night, Ibrahim confirmed that the slot has been retrieved from the governor and given to him.

    The senator said: “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the national leader of our great party and Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for granting the request of the leadership of Ibolo division of Kwara South that the senatorial ticket be retained in the axis.

    “Ultimately, this was done in the interest of fairness and equity, as both Ekiti and Igbomina divisions of Kwara South have both produced senators, who served two terms in the Senate.

    “I also thank all the stakeholders within Kwara South and the state at large for their efforts and support. Likewise, I extend my profound appreciation to my constituents, party members and advocates for their support and confidence in me. I will always be grateful to you all.”

    He, however, clarified that the  retrieval of the ticket from the governor had nothing to do with November 17 defeat of PDP.

    The statement added: “The decision of Governor Ahmed to cede the senatorial ticket following the pleas by Ibolo elders is highly commendable and this has further affirmed his reputation as an advocate of fairness, equity and inclusion. This is indeed leadership by example.

    “I think it is also important I clarify that Governor Ahmed’s decision to relinquish the ticket has nothing to do with the November 17 by-election in Ekiti/Oke Ero/Isin/Irepodun Federal Constituency. The outcome of an election that was characterised by rigging, harassment and intimidation of voters could not have led the governor to withdraw from the senatorial race.

    “You will recall that last week, on the floor of the Senate, I raised concerns about the conduct of the poll and the use of security operatives by the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate voters as well as harass members of the PDP.

    “It was on this basis the Senate directed its Committee on Police and National Intelligence to investigate the matter. I have no doubt that the PDP would have won the election if it was conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.”

     

  • Buhari: Tinubu help in unseating an incumbent

    Buhari: Tinubu help in unseating an incumbent

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described former Lagos State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a politician whose foray into politics ushered in a better understanding of building consensus to achieve historical feats, like unseating an incumbent government.

    He spoke in a statement felicitating with Tinubu on his 65th birthday.

    In the statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari joined members of the APC, political and business associates of the Asiwaju, his friends and family members in celebrating another milestone in the life of the great leader.

    The President believed that Asiwaju raised the bar for many political leaders across the country as a two-term governor of Lagos State and also bequeathed a style of leadership that completely altered the landscape of the commercial capital.

    Noting his pleasant and intellectually enriching encounters with the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom over the years, the President re-affirmed that the nation has benefitted a lot from the personal sacrifices, political experience and intellectual foresight of the APC chieftain, and still stands to gain more.

    Buhari prayed that the almighty God would grant the Asiwaju good health, longer life and more wisdom to serve his country and humanity.

     

  • Obiano Vs. Obi: Of incumbent and incubus

    It seems like an obsession now. Hardball would never been able to fathom why the sitting governor of Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano, would resort to what is coming out as a life-long contest with his predecessor (and some say his benefactor). One had always thought that winners made jokes while losers were left to lick their wounds. But in this Obiano versus Peter Obi instance, the reverse seems perplexingly the case.

    There seems to have been no love lost between the incumbent, Obiano and his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi and the animus may have begun right from the handover day as keen-eyed people noticed the eerie mirthlessness of the new ‘kid’ on that momentous day. It seemed not to matter that Gov. Obiano was being handed the biggest prize in the land almost on a platter; he was not amused. And a feud festered between the twain for 19 months.

    Last week, Gov. Obiano seemed to have moved to enact a final onslaught against the large, overhanging shadow of his predecessor. Oh yes, it must be this cloud that may have become an incubus over the incumbent. Obi left office in a blaze of glory so to speak showcasing a glittering performance and leaving a feat rare in this clime: not a dime of debt.

    This of course is a tough act to follow not to talk of surpassing in an age of official brigandage and impunity. Hardball envies not the incumbent: it is alike contesting against a deity; an annoyingly unfair contest. What’s to be done? Pull down the totem, trample it, make it ordinary, vitiate his essence and mortalise him!

    This was exactly what happened last week when Gov. Obiano moved to demystify the Obi mystique and legacy. The N75 billion claimed to have been reserved in the treasury of Anambra State for his successor and posterity must finally be debunked and Obi unmasked. It is a phantom sum, they say.

    It is mere N9 billion and not N75b says Prof. Solomon Chukwulobelu, SSG, (well, shall we thank goodness for small mercy).

    And let’s take this quote straight from the Obiano camp, dear reader, so that you might judge by yourself: “Obviously worried about the final verdict of history on his administration, Obi made frantic efforts in the final months of his tenure and invested the sum of $155 million or N26.6 billion in Eurobonds and other foreign denominated securities held with Access Bank, Fidelity Bank and Diamond Bank…” With the naira vastly depreciated now, see the wisdom in this investment today!

    What more is to be said than to admonish the incumbent to worry more about the final verdict of history on his own administration.  A governor who has no record of borrowing one kobo over eight years, yet has some surplus in the banks deserves respect and commendation and awards in today’s Nigeria, and not vilification. Hardball feels strongly about this singular principle and commends it to other governors.

    That N26.6 b in Eurobonds could have been N26.6 b in bank loans and salary arrears and unpaid pension and gratuities. This is indeed the story in most other states. Obiano must quit this mortal combat with his predecessor’s shadow and set about creating his own legacy. Time is short!

  • Obiano Vs. Obi: Of incumbent and incubus

    It seems like an obsession now. Hardball would never been able to fathom why the sitting governor of Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano, would resort to what is coming out as a life-long contest with his predecessor (and some say his benefactor). One had always thought that winners made jokes while losers were left to lick their wounds. But in this Obiano versus Peter Obi instance, the reverse seems perplexingly the case.

    There seems to have been no love lost between the incumbent, Obiano and his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi and the animus may have begun right from the handover day as keen-eyed people noticed the eerie mirthlessness of the new ‘kid’ on that momentous day. It seemed not to matter that Gov. Obiano was being handed the biggest prize in the land almost on a platter; he was not amused. And a feud festered between the twain for 19 months.

    Last week, Gov. Obiano seemed to have moved to enact a final onslaught against the large, overhanging shadow of his predecessor. Oh yes, it must be this cloud that may have become an incubus over the incumbent. Obi left office in a blaze of glory so to speak showcasing a glittering performance and leaving a feat rare in this clime: not a dime of debt.

    This of course is a tough act to follow not to talk of surpassing in an age of official brigandage and impunity. Hardball envies not the incumbent: it is alike contesting against a deity; an annoyingly unfair contest. What’s to be done? Pull down the totem, trample it, make it ordinary, vitiate his essence and mortalise him!

    This was exactly what happened last week when Gov. Obiano moved to demystify the Obi mystique and legacy. The N75 billion claimed to have been reserved in the treasury of Anambra State for his successor and posterity must finally be debunked and Obi unmasked. It is a phantom sum, they say.

    It is mere N9 billion and not N75b says Prof. Solomon Chukwulobelu, SSG, (well, shall we thank goodness for small mercy).

    And let’s take this quote straight from the Obiano camp, dear reader, so that you might judge by yourself: “Obviously worried about the final verdict of history on his administration, Obi made frantic efforts in the final months of his tenure and invested the sum of $155 million or N26.6 billion in Eurobonds and other foreign denominated securities held with Access Bank, Fidelity Bank and Diamond Bank…” With the naira vastly depreciated now, see the wisdom in this investment today!

    What more is to be said than to admonish the incumbent to worry more about the final verdict of history on his own administration.  A governor who has no record of borrowing one kobo over eight years, yet has some surplus in the banks deserves respect and commendation and awards in today’s Nigeria, and not vilification. Hardball feels strongly about this singular principle and commends it to other governors.

    That N26.6 b in Eurobonds could have been N26.6 b in bank loans and salary arrears and unpaid pension and gratuities. This is indeed the story in most other states. Obiano must quit this mortal combat with his predecessor’s shadow and set about creating his own legacy. Time is short!

  • Ex-governor’s aide dares incumbent on report

    Mr. Ethelbert Okere, a media aide to ex-Governor Ikedi Ohakim, challenged Governor Rochas Okorocha to make the report of the Ohakim administration’s activities public immediately.He also alleged that the governor was using the probe threat as blackmail to cover the inadequacies of his administration.

    Okere said: “It is unfortunate that Governor Okorocha is still talking about releasing the report of his probe panel in 14 days. Why 14 days? Who is afraid of a probe? The governor and his government should realise that Imo people cannot wait to recover any ill-gotten wealth, if there is any. They cannot wait for an extra day.

    “He has been talking about a probe since he came to office 19 months ago, yet, nothing has come out of it. It is clear to all now that it is sheer blackmail. Whenever he realises that the people are getting disenchanted with his administration, he comes up with the story of a probe. He is in government now and who is stopping him?

    When told that the governor made the promise while receiving some concerned people, Okere asked: “Why did he choose to raise such important state matters at an orchestrated meeting with tricyclists and the disabled? One is not discounting the importance of the people, but there are critical stakeholders. It would be interesting to know the opinion of stakeholders on the matter.

    “It is laughable that the governor is travelling this road. He should face the task at hand. Why should anybody take serious a man who says his predecessor left only three uncompleted projects after four years in office? The good thing is that the people know the truth and cannot be led by the nose and fed with such diet.”

    Mr Okere, who refused to be drawn into listing the key projects of the Ohakim administration, said: “The governor should rather be asked what he did with the N13.2 billion left in the state coffers by our government. What has he done with the money? All that we know now is that the money is no longer in the bank account. We understand that he has now applied to the Securities and Exchange Commission to vary the projects for which the money was raised. Why? Let Governor Okorocha work and allow the people judge him by his achievements, not by the number and frequency of threats issued.”