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Tag: Ripples

  • Ripples over Ahmed’s endorsement

    Ripples over Ahmed’s endorsement

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has been endorsed by many groups and organisations. Correspondent ADEKUNLE JIMOH examines other hurdles he must cross to secure a second term.

    The endorsement of the Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for another term in office is generating ripples.

    The governor was endorsed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Senator Bukola Saraki, and other stakeholders at a meeting in Ilorin, the state capital. The general consensus was that Ahmed has fostered peace and harmony in the ruling party and confronted the challenges of development facing the state. The governor was also applauded for his loyalty to the leadership, the party and the people. Many stakeholders also praised his humility and candour.

    During the meeting, a party chieftain, Alhaji Yusuf Aiyedun, urged stakeholders from the Kwara North and Central senatorial districts to allow Ahmed, who is from the South, to spend another four years in office. Aiyedun, who is from the South, pointed out that the governir has lived up to expectation. He said a vote for continuity would enable him to complete his projects, adding that it would also foster stability.

    The Chairman of the Kwara Central APC, Alhaji Jimoh Adesina, shared Ayedun’s view. He said: “Governor Ahmed has shown unequal humility and loyalty to the party structure, the leadership and the people of the state, despite his position. I, however, advise the governor to spread the dividends of democracy across board.”

    A party elder from Kwara North, Senator Ahmed Ahmed, said the governor has achieved a lot, despite the shortfall in revenue. He advised him to consider other zones for political patronage.

    The APC woman leader, Sarah Adebay, who spoke on behalf of women, endorsed the second term bid. But, she urged the governor to impelement the 35 percent affirmative action.

    Saraki described Ahmed as a loyal party man, saying that he deserves a second term. He observed that the governor defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in the interest of the state. Hailing his steadfastness, he said he has rejected overtures and pressure on him to betray the good cause. Saraki noted that Kwara is the only state, which has remained peaceful, despite a transition. He however, clarified that the endorsement does not preclude the governor from participating in the November 15 primaries.

    The PDP has welcomed the decision by the APC to field Ahmed as its flag bearer for the election. But, it said that the decision will become the party’s albatross, stressing that it would inflict a debilitating blow on the APC. According to the APC, the next election will be a walk over for the opposition.

    The PDP has not endorsed any aspirant. The contenders include senator Gbenisola Saraki, AlhajiIbrahim Jani, Mr. Dele Belgore (SAN), Prof. Abduraheem Oba Shuaib, Dara, Senator Ajadi Makanjuola.

    The PDP Publicity Secretary, Chief Rex Olawoye, said the opposition received the news of the endorsement with mixed feelings. He described the endorsement as the imposition of a particular candidate on the APC. “The PDP is sad that the leadership of the APC has refused to deviate from its trademark practice of imposition and ‘I-dash-you-position,’ which characterised their political sojourn in their former party.

    “One would have reasonably expected that the former governor, Saraki, would have learnt in his new party a lesson or two in democratic ideals, which he refused to learn in the PDP. The situation seems to have gone from bad to worse.

    “This is because whereas, the APC leadership, in a statement released by its Publicity Secretary, ruled out automatic ticket for all aspirants contesting under its platform, the party’s godfather, in a brazen show of raw power, overruled the whole party machinery to impose his puppet godson on the party.

    “This is why we are not losing sleep over the reported imposition of  Ahmed by his godfather, in clear breach of the resolution of the party. As a party, we believe that there couldn’t have been any better Sallah gift for Kwara PDP members from the APC than the imposition of Ahmed. To say the least, candidate Ahmed is an easy walk-over for the PDP in 2015.”

    But, Saraki dismissed the PDP criticisms as misplaced, unwarranted and the antics of busy-bodies, urging the party to concentrate on its internal affairs.

    He said:  “The party has not in any way endorsed the governor for another time. The party is holding its primaries for governorship elections. I endorsed Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for another time as a person. Anybody that has the aspiration to become governor on the platform of the APC can go and contest. My assessment of the governor’s administration made me to endorse him for another term in office.

    “If it were an imposition, I will force the chairman of the party and the party structure to release a statement as they do in the PDP to say that they have endorsed Abdulfatah Ahmed. The party has not said that. It is my own opinion. The PDP should go and focus their time to how they will have a candidate.

    The former governor added: “They are jumping the gun. They are already looking at the elections when they have not had a candidate. Everybody in the PDP wants to be governor. They should go and focus on electing a candidate. When they achieve that, then, we start to discuss their chances of winning. The challenge before them is to have a candidate before they start talking about whether Governor Ahmed is a walk-over or not.

    “We all know that that is talk; even some talks are reckless. You have not addressed the selection of your candidate and you are talking about another party. They should assure Kwarans how they will have a violent-free selection or election of their candidate. They should leave our party alone.”

    The APC Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari, said Saraki’s endorsement of Ahmed has sent fears down the spines of PDP members.

    He said the party will hold its primaries on Saturday, November 15.

    Buhari said: “If Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed emerges as our flag bearer at the governorship primaries, his candidacy would not only crush the PDP, but also ensure a landslide victory for the APC.

    “The statement credited to the PDP describing Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed’s candidacy as a walkover for the PDP is laughable. This laughable statement is contradictory to the feelers from PDP leaders and members in Kwara State as the endorsement by APC stakeholders has sent jittery down the spines of Kwara PDP. The PDP can continue to live in self-denial. This is the same party that made several failed attempts to propagate a non-existent feud between Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Senator Bukola Saraki. For the PDP to have learnt the latter endorsed the former, it is understandable that the PDP will express its frustrations and bitterness. We sympathise with the PDP.

    The APC spokesman added: “It is pathetic and pitiable that Kwara PDP lacks the understanding of distinctness between the endorsement and the imposition. The endorsement of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for second term by APC stakeholders is a product of painstaking review of his performances and policies in office.

    “This endorsement is not unusual. It is just one of the numerous endorsements Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has enjoyed from prominent Kwarans and groups, including Okada association, NURTW, artisans, the National Union of Teachers (NUT), Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum, the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), Ilorin Emirate Students Union and other groups.

    “This is not imposition; it is endorsement. Imposition is the bedrock of the crises ravaging the PDP in Ilorin West Local Government Area where unacceptable persons were imposed as PDP executives in the local government. The APC is unlike the PDP where imposition is practised.

    “The fact that Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has led a responsible and responsive government is no news to Kwarans; the achievements of the APC government are visible and impactful in the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State.

    “Surprisingly, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party is seriously aggravated in its frustrations and bitterness that it would claim road doesn’t exist where newly constructed road exists. This is the narrative of the disgruntled and deserted PDP in Kwara State.

    “As announced by Kwara APC on Thursday, 4th of September, 2014, we reiterate that there is no automatic ticket for all aspirants, in all categories, contesting the 2015 general elections under our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State.”

  • Ripples over Kwakwanso’s presidential ambition

    Ripples over Kwakwanso’s presidential ambition

    Following Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso’s recent declaration of interest to contest the 2015 presidential election, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, reports that the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is putting in place measures to counter the governor’s feared popularity

    It is no longer news that Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State has declared his interest to vie for the presidential race in next year’s general elections on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), but to the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his aspiration is something that must be nipped in the bud immediately.

    In spite of Kwankwaso’s proviso that he would only contest for the presidency if the leadership of his party finds him suitable to fly its flag, sources within the PDP say his declaration has unsettled the party’s leadership greatly.

    “There is great concern in the party over reports that Kwankwaso may enter the presidential race on the platform of the APC. To many of our leaders, this is not a good development as it has the possibility of further strengthening the opposition party across some states in the northern region.

    Before now, the PDP and the presidency had concentrated in the self-assigned task of reducing the importance of General Muhammadu Buhari in the eyes of the northerners. It is not going to be an easy task to combine whittling down the popularity of Buhari with that of a political giant like Kwankwaso in the north.

    “The more the northerners who present themselves to their people as possible presidential contenders against Jonathan, the more the party becomes attractive to the people of the troubled region. This will further turn the heat on the PDP and its candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan,” a female chieftain of the ruling party said on Thursday while revealing the worries within the party since Kwankwaso’s reported declaration.

    Kwankwaso, who spoke last Monday with journalists, affirmed his willingness to take up the task with all sense of responsibility to deliver good governance in the country.

    “Why not. I would not hesitate to pick up the presidential ticket under our party, APC, to vie for the number one seat. And if our party and the party leadership find me suitable for the seat, why not? I will take up the challenge,” the Kano governor noted.

    Kwankwaso, while accusing President Goodluck Jonathan of smuggling a new constitution into the just concluded National Conference, insisted that the divide and rule style of the president was geared towards his becoming a life President.

    Kwankwaso, stressed that it will be harmful for the country to extend the term of office of the President from the proposed single term to eight years by 2015 when the new constitution if endorsed will become operational.

    He further alleged that all the injustices perpetrated by the president were “deliberately targeted at the APC states just to destabilise us and so to achieve his inordinate ambition of becoming the life President.”

    “Nigerians are not fools. We are aware of the President’s new plans and agenda. The plan was to secure another fresh eight-year mandate in 2015, all in a bid to perpetrate himself in power and eventually achieve his life ambition.

    What Nigerians need now is positive change and not the kind of game being played by the President and with the way things are going, we would continue to pray that the President sails the ship to shore in 2015 and that the crisis in the country do not degenerate into religious war,” Kwankwaso added.

    Speaking on Kwankwaso’s declaration of interest, an associate of the Governor, Maliki Kaliya Umar, said he is well prepared for the job.

    “Of course, he deserves all the encouragement. I am sure he will perform extremely well. He is a very serious person, and is prudent. He has friends all over the country. I assure you that if he is given the chance and opportunity, he will perform extremely well.

    Umar, who is the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice said Kano people are willing and ready to line up behind their governor if he decides to challenge President Jonathan in 2015.

    “We will all be proud of that. We will give him all the encouragement and pray for him. We are looking forward towards 2015,” Umar said.

    But sources within the PDP said the leadership of the party and the presidency are not taking the issue of Kwankwaso’s presidential ambition lying low. If anything, plans are on to take him to the cleaners as soon as possible to reduce his chances of getting the opportunity to challenge the president.

    “This is not being taken lightly by our party. Efforts are being made to take him up immediately. This is politics and Kwankwaso is not a small politician by any standard. His entrance into the presidential race, if not well handled by the PDP can create some serious backlash effect.

    As we speak, the presidency is working out modalities to respond appropriately to the development. The party too is closely studying the situation with a view to evolving the right approach to confront the Kano governor.

    “It is a serious threat and our response to it will show you how prepared we are for such dangerous attempts. PDP and Jonathan will leave no chance for anybody to create upsets. We will respond appropriately to all challenges,” a PDP chieftain said.

    Another chieftain of the party told The Nation that this would not be the first time Kwankwaso will be hinting of his presidential ambition. He also spoke of how President Jonathan and other party leaders took the fight straight to Kano shortly afterwards.

    “You will recall that earlier in the year, Kwankwaso, speaking in Maiduguri, Borno State, told journalists that he would declare his interest “at the right time. I think he then was speaking against the backdrop of insinuations that he intends to contest the presidency as he is not eligible to re-contest as Kano governor in 2015 having earlier ruled the state between 1999 and 2003.

    You will also remember that in April, at the Kano rally held to receive Shekarau into the PDP, President Jonathan and other party leaders virtually went for his throat.

    Jonathan even told the people that Kwankwaso never voted for him and Vice-President Namadi Sambo either at the party level or national level as the governor claimed.

    He reminded the crowd how Kwankwaso never liked him to win the presidency of the country, adding that Kwankwaso walked out angrily at the PDP convention when it became clear that he was going to win the party’s presidential ticket.

    “After that rally, not much was heard from the governor about his presidential aspiration again. These are the type of reactions you should expect from the PDP. We know Kwankwaso well. He was part of us and we know his strength. So, he is not one to catch us unawares,” the PDP chieftain said.

    But it is doubtful if Kwankwaso would be easily cowed this time around as he again expressed his belief in the need for government at the federal level to be changed, during the week. Speaking on the state of the nation, the Kano governor  expressed fears that if the current political trend continues, only God knows what will happen in 2015.

    He alleged that lack of listening ears and other undemocratic activities by the presidency were some of the major problems bedevilling the country. He insisted that only changing of guard in Abuja can save the country from disaster.

  • Leftover lingerie causing ripples

    Leftover lingerie causing ripples

    I travelled out of town for about six months but I have been communicating regularly with my fiancee. On a daily basis, he kept on telling me how he missed me so much, could not do much in my absence and the fact that he had never seen any girl while I was away.

    His remarks and the way he welcomed me back made me very proud of him. I came to his apartment immediately I came back to tidy up the place and keep his company. While I was cleaning up the bedroom I ran into some lingerie in the wardrobe that were not mine. When I asked him about the lingerie he was really upset and refused to give me an answer. Ada

     

    Response

    That discovery gives you the true picture of the heart that you are dealing with. It is pure deception and nothing else. Agreed, a lot of men are unfaithful, but again, he should be man enough to own up when it becomes so obvious. He was busy painting the town red while he was pretending to love you blindly. You really need to get to the root of the lingerie matter because it would determine whether to give him a second chance or not.

     

    Arrested for raping someone

    I just discovered that my boyfriend was arrested for raping another lady in our neighbourhood. His brother bailed him but no one in the family has said a word about his disgusting action to me. I got the details from friends and my relatives. I don’t know how to confront him with the fact that I have about this “dirty secret”. Oluwakemi

     

    Response

    It is so sad, indeed. It can be really embarrassing to hear that your man has descended this low. Apart from the emotional damage that has been done to you psychologically, he is also exposing you to sexually transmitted diseases and much more.

     

    I need something concrete

    I have been separated from my wife in the past four years and I am in dire need of a replacement. I met a young widow at a party a few months ago and we have been chatting online. From the details that we have exchanged, she looks like what I have been looking for and I want a steady relationship with her. However, each time I try to talk to her about my plans, she becomes evasive saying that no man can replace her late husband in her heart. How can I win this heart? Musa

     

    Response

    She has not really got over the demise of her husband and so it would be difficult for you to convince her to settle down with you now. However, if you really think she is what you want, then you must be ready to give her more time to think about it, watch you show her you truly love her and gradually worm your way into her heart.

     

    He turns me off

    For about eight months, I have been dating a guy that I love and admire very much. I actually like everything about his career, lifestyle and personality. The only snag in the relationship is his attitude to his personal hygiene. He sweats a lot and does not like taking his bath as often as I love to do. Whenever he comes back home late from work, he finds it difficult to have a shower and goes straight to bed. At such moments, when he makes sexual advances to me I am turned off by the smell oozing out of his body. I have tried to let him know how I feel about this but he just won’t change or listen. Chinyere

     

    Response

    It is obvious that you are a very clean lady and this gentleman is not. You must help him to change this habit in a loving way. Once you can reach out to him nicely, then you are sure to have him adopt your ways.

  • Ripples over compensation for Zaki Biam victims

    HE move by the Federal Government for an out-of-court settlement with victims of the 2001 Zaki-Biam military invasion is creating ripples.

    The victims denied the knowledge of a move to settle them with N8 billion through Benue State government instead of the N41.8 billion awarded by a Federal High Court as compensation against the Federal Government for the loss of lives and properties.

    They are protesting that the state government cannot negotiate on their behalf.

    In a March 11 petition to President Goodluck Jonathan, the victims, through their lead counsel, Chief Sebastian Hon (SAN), expressed displeasure that they were not consulted before the alleged out-of-court settlement was reached.

    The petition reads: “Our clients are deeply worried that over two weeks after they wrote to you through our office, there has been no reply from your high office, in spite of the weight of the issues we raised in our first letter on the matter.

    “Rather, our clients have continued to read in the media about the alleged settlement between the Federal Government and the Benue State Government for the judgment debt to be reduced from N41.8 billion to a mere N8 billion.

    “More worrisome, is the fact that those media stories started surfacing immediately after we wrote to your respected office demanding for payment of the entire judgment sum.

    “Our clients have instructed us to inform you in the strongest possible terms, yet with utmost respect to your good and exalted self and office, that they did not at any time brief anybody, particularly any official of the Benue State Government, to negotiate for payment of N8 billion as full and final satisfaction of the judgment sum above-stated.

    “The actual and collateral damage done to our clients and millions of other persons who were directly or indirectly affected by the genocide of 2001 cannot even be compensated in monetary terms; hence any insinuation that the N41.8 billion awarded by the Federal High Court is too big an amount is, with respect, not well-grounded.

    “As we humbly pleaded with Your Excellency in our previous correspondence, we hereby reiterate that as the father of the nation, and given the enormous psychological and real damage caused the TV people by the rampaging soldiers in 2001, it is just fair, just and reasonable that this entire judgment sum be paid to our clients through our office and to other judgment creditors, to avoid a feeling among the fourth largest tribe in Nigeria, the TV nation, of deliberate government alienation.”

    The lawyer confirmed the delivery of the petition to the Presidency.