COVER
Tinubu Goes for Muslim-Muslim Ticket, Chooses Shettima
By Jude Opara, Abuja
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday named the former governor of Borno state, Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
Tinubu who had been engrossed in a wide range of consultations over the choice of his running mate made the announcement in Daura on Sunday when he presented his choice to President Muhammadu Buhari who is observing the Sallah holidays in his home town.
The issue of Tinubu’s running mate has became thorny with both the Christian bloc and in the country urging the former governor of Lagos state to show religious sensitivity by balancing the ruling party’s ticket with a Christian running mate, whole Muslims have largely seen no wrong in Tinubu brushing aside Christians and go for a running mate of the same faith.
The Christians believed that the unwritten code of having balance at the Presidency should be sustained to stave off dominance of one religion at the echelon of governance in the country, especially as their are abundant well-qualified and competent Christians from the North, while Muslims agree that competence is key, they insist that competent choice of Tinubu’s running mate should come from their religious fold. While those sympathetic to Tinubu’s presidency quest say such an insensitivity in religious society such as Nigeria may blow back, Muslim-Muslim campaigners had always cited the 1993 incident when the country voted a Muslim-Muslim ticket of the late Chief Moshood Kasimawo Abiola and Alhaji Babagana Kingibe. It was an ill-fate election whose outcome was annulled by the military that supervised it.Before the choice of Shettima was finally unvieled on Sunday, Earlier on, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State had stated clearly that Tinubu and the APC was going for a Muslim-Muslim ticket, saying “The person is also by accident of birth a Muslim. The considerations for the choice of a running mate were dictated by the need to choose an individual capable of working with the presidential candidate to take Nigeria to greater heights’’.
Early yesterday, before Shettima’s unveiling, News Agency of Nigeria, a federal media outfit had quoted a highly-competent anonymous source in the Tinubu Campaign Organisation as stating
that Tinubu would make the name of the candidate public this week.
“The vice-presidential nominee may most likely be a former governor and senator from the North-east part of Nigeria. The person is also by accident of birth a Muslim, (confirming what Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State said on Saturday that Tinubu had settled for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.)
The NAN source added that in Tinubu in making the choice didn’t consider religion, but competence, exposure and intellectual depth of the candidate.
“The considerations given for the choice of a running mate were dictated by the need to choose an individual capable of working with the presidential candidate to take Nigeria to greater heights,’’ the source was quoted as having said.
Given that religion is a touchy issue in theccountry, the Muslim-Muslim ticket hit a raw nerve even before its unveiling. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had warned before now that the leading political parties and their candidates should stave off the idea of fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election.
According to the influential association, should any of the parties ignore the warning, there may be dire, unimaginable consequences, given that such a move constituted a threat to the fragile peace and unity of the country.
In a statement released on Friday, June 10, 2022, by its National Secretary, Barrister Joseph Bade Daramola, CAN noted that with the current challenges facing the country, political parties must desist from actions that could further polarize the people.
“CAN urges that a balance of both religious practitioners be considered in the choice of running mates of the presidential candidates. We do not subscribe to Christian/Christian ticket or Muslim/Muslim ticket. Politicians can talk politics but we have stated our view long before now.
“Any party that tries same religion ticket will fail. This is not 1993. Even when we have joint Muslim/Christian ticket, the Church still goes through Hell. Only God knows the number of Christians that have been killed in the last seven years with no one apprehended or prosecuted,”
its National Secretary said
CAN equally argued that there was no political party that has no great, good and patriotic Christians who can preside over the affairs of the country including serving as the Vice President , describing the argument of competence and performance as the smokescreen to brush aside Christian in the decision- making loop in the country.
Meanwhile, in announcing his running mate on Sunday, Tinubu who is obviously aware of the likely backlash of his decision said he settled for Shettima after a wide range of deliberations from a wide range of opinion and interest groups in the country.
He said the choice was based o the ability of the running mate to effectively assist in the governance of the country.
Tinubu said, “Having now listened to the sage, careful advice of a broad section of the party and of the nation, there are a few points I feel I must make about the exceptional and extraordinary person with whom I will share the APC ticket and the principles of open and good governance that informed this choice.
“All my life, my decisions regarding the team around and supporting me have always been guided by the principles of competence, innovation, compassion, integrity, fairness, and adherence to excellence.
“Our focus, therefore, must be on getting the job done; and that means getting the very best and competent people to do it. In this crucial moment, where so much is at stake, we must prioritize leadership, competence, and the ability to work as a team over other considerations.
“I am mindful of the energetic discourse concerning the possible religion of my running mate. Just and noble people have talked to me about this. Some have counselled that I should select a Christian to please the Christian community. Others have said I should pick a Muslim to appeal to the Muslim community. Clearly, I cannot do both.
“Both sides of the debate have impressive reason and passionate arguments supporting their position. Both arguments are right in their own way. But neither is right in the way that Nigeria needs at the moment. As president, I hope to govern this nation toward uncommon progress. This will require innovation. It will require steps never before taken. It will also require decisions that are politically difficult and rare”.
It could be recall, that while the negotiations were ongoing, Tinubu had forwarded the name of Kiiru Masari to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a placeholder. Masari announced his resignation on Saturday in accordance with the national electoral body stipulation
Masari stated that his decision to quit his position followed a crucial discussion he had with the APC presidential flag-bearer, Bola Tinubu.
His statement read in part: ”This is to inform our esteemed party leaders under our able President Muhammadu Buhari, teeming party members and the great people of Nigeria, of the outcome of a crucial discussion I just had with the flag-bearer of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
”Recall that I had the singular honour and privilege of being nominated as the running mate to Asiwaju Tinubu last month after a keenly contested presidential primaries ahead of the 2023 general elections.
”But, after much reflection and wider consultations, I now wish to step down. I realized that my decision will enable Asiwaju have more latitude to give more accommodation and inclusion that will position our party to win the coming elections, with the support of the people of Nigeria.
”In stepping down, I believe I can still serve our party and the country in several other capacities.”
Masari further revealed that he had since submitted his letter of withdrawal as the vice presidential candidate to Bola TInubu in the forthcoming election.
”I wish to confirm that I have submitted my withdrawal letter and affidavit to that effect as the Vice Presidential Candidate to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TInubu in the coming elections.
”On behalf of myself and family, I wish to sincerely thank Asiwaju Tinubu — the incoming President, Insha Allah — for his trust in me and we promise to remain steadfast in our support for him and the party.”
COVER
PDP National Chairman Must Go, Angry Lawmakers Insist
By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
Political crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new dimension yesterday after meeting of the party’s caucus in the House of Representatives.
Lawmakers loyal to the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike attempted to pass a vote of confidence on Damagun but were blocked.
The meeting convened by the Leader of the Caucus and House Minority Leader, Hon.
Kingsley Chinda was held for about two hours at the National Assembly, Abuja ahead of Thursday’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party.Last week, a group of 60 PDP federal lawmakers threatened to quit the party if the doctored list of Caretaker Committees in Rivers and 10 other states which was filled with members and loyalist of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is not nullified.
The group under the aegis of Opposition Lawmakers Coalition also demanded the resignation of the acting chairman of PDP to pave way for a north-central person to emerge as acting chairman of the party pending the conduct of convention as required by the party’s constitution.
Chinda said, “We have just concluded the third meeting of the People’s Democratic Party caucus in the 10th Assembly and have resolved to tell all of us and the world that we are united and we are one and remain united, indivisible, committed and out to perform its duty as the watchdog on behalf of the Nigerian people.
“In the same vein, we x-rayed the security situation in our country and we resolved that we can no longer take this situation where Nigeria is today almost tagged as one life, one minute silence.
“The government is therefore called upon to immediately take steps to ensure that the security situation in the country is normalized and the caucus have also given three-month ultimatum for government to normalize the security situation in our country.
“After three months, the caucus will take further steps to sensitize and mobilize Nigerians to perhaps take their security into their hands.
“The house of representatives caucus also agreed to call on all party caucuses, the board of trustees, national executive committee and the national working committee of the party to embark on reconciliatory measures with the view to resolve all litigations that are pending and that has hindered the party in anyway whatsoever from having a substantive national Chairman.
“We call on our leaders, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party to continue to demonstrate unconditional loyalty to the party and ensure that the party is moved to abide or place where she enjoyed the position of the largest party in Africa and to take back the Aso Villa which is actually supposed to be our birth right. And so for us, we are going back as we resume the session to commence a strong, virile and purpose driven opposition to give the people a voice in the parliament.
“We call on our leaders in the PDP to continue to demonstrate unconditional loyalty to the party and ensure that the party reclaim her pride of place where she enjoys the position of the largest party in Africa and to take back the Aso Villa which actually supposed to be our birth right.
“For us, we are going back as we resume the session to commence a strong, virile and purpose driven opposition to give the people a voice in the parliament. We also called on the Senate Leadership to please take steps to recall our colleague and senior brother, a veteran politician, a parliamentarian per excellence, Abdul Ningi.”
COVER
FG to Strengthen Agric Dev’t through Land-Based Investment
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitments to adopting responsible and inclusive land-based investment principles in the agricultural Sector.
To this end, the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme, is poised to reward States with over US$4.
5 million each for successfully setting up the requisite Governance Systems, Guidelines and Piloting Investment(s) in line with Established Principles.The National Programme Coordinator, SABER Programme, Dr. Ali Mohammed noted that “This reform will also strategically position your States for local and Foreign Investment, hence, creating more jobs and eventually, propel the much desired Economic Growth”.
The National Programme Coordinator, SABER Programme disclosed this at the commencement of a workshop on the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) being jointly organized for Sub-nationals by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja.
The SABER Programme is a three-year (2023-2025) US$750m program for results that seeks to incentivize States to implement critical reforms aimed at improving (1) efficiency in land administration (2) the regulatory framework for private investment in fiber optic deployment (3) services provided by investment promotion agencies and public private partnership units and (4) the efficiency and transparency of government to business services in participating States.
Disbursements will be on-lent to the States upon annual verification by an Independent Verification Agent (IVA) that a State has successfully implemented the associated reform. FRILIA is one of the many reforms advocated by the program.
Dr. Mohammed lamented that although food production has been increasing steadily, attaining Food Security remains a major challenge noting that while the government has intervened in terms of making financing and inputs available, more systemic issues around land administration and compliance with best practice standards remain an issue.
“As we seek out increased investment in the Sector, we must ensure that impediments to doing business are removed and that investors adhere to principles and guidelines that safeguard the rights of host communities.
“They should also employ operating models that have the least impact on livelihood and the environment. It is our belief that the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) provides the roadmap for attaining these objectives”.
The National Programme Coordinator further disclosed that in order to provide the right enabling environment, the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) through the World Bank-assisted SABER Program, has engaged the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to assist in providing a suite of technical assistance services including Advisory, Guidelines, Peer Learning Sessions and Technical Workshops.
In his remarks earlier, the Director General of NGF, Mr. Asishana Okauru disclosed that under SABER Programme, NGF is working collaboratively with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the World Bank to deliver advisory and capacity building support to States.
Okauru observed that Land-based investment in Nigeria has been marred by various challenges ranging from lack of clarity on governance mechanisms; weak administrative support systems for stakeholders; poor data; little or no recognition for inclusion, gender equality and cultural values; poor engagement with host community; disproportionate compensation and resettlement for persons displaced.
“These have impacted negatively on the cost of doing business, agriculture value chain, livelihood, environment and ultimately, economic development”.
To address these challenges, the Director General emphasized that State Governments seeking out investment for intensive Land-based agriculture, must think through strengthening their governance and administrative systems by ensuring that issues of inclusion, gender equality, fair compensation, environmental as well as social sustainability are prioritized, and that established guidelines thereof are adhered to by all stakeholders.
He recalled that in 2021, the NGF in collaboration with the World Bank convened the first Sub-national dialogue on the adoption of a Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA). This will facilitate experience sharing from front-runners such as Kaduna and Ogun States which have since then set-up governance systems and guidelines for implementation.
Also in 2023, the Forum had similarly supported 7 States (Borno, Edo, Ekiti, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger and Zamfara) with the development of an Executive Order mandating the adoption of FRILIA.
According to him, the model Executive Order being advocated by NGF sets out in-part the governance and administrative mechanisms, commitment to international and proven principles that guarantee recognition, respect and protection of land and human rights.
“It also outlines commitment to ensuring inclusion and gender equality, environmental and social sustainability, food security, responsible natural resource management amongst others”.
Okauru also thanked the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance for their continued support and collaboration in advancing reforms for sub-national development.
COVER
Kaduna Assembly Probes Loans Obtained by El-Rufai Administration
By Lubem Myaornyi
Kaduna State House of Assembly yesterday set up a 13-man committee to probe financial dealings, loans, grants and other project implementations from 2015-2023 under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai administration.
The House also mandated the committee to invite notable personalities that served during the period, including contractors to show how the loans and grants received during the period under review were spent.
The constitution of the adhoc committee followed a motion by member representing Kaura Constituency, Hon.
Yusuf Mugu.Mugu said it was a matter of public importance that the loans borrowed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai be investigated arguing that there is a need for the people of the state to know what the loans were used for.
He said, “There have been uncomplimentary comments and assassination of character on the leadership of the state, which the assembly cannot sit and watch.
“That is why I came up with this motion that the Speaker constitute a committee to investigate the allegations and negative comments on them.
“This is the only way the state can rekindle its confidence in its development partners, collaborators, and also those who give us loans and grants. Failure to do this will push the indicators of the state to a situation whereby nobody will want to do business with us.”
Speaking on the matter, former Speaker Yusuf Zailani noted that he denied approval of some of the loans but the governor still found his way.
Zailani who represents Igabi West constituency said, “I suffered a lot in order not to give approval for the loan to be collected.
“Even the then Deputy Speaker, Isaac Auta Zankhai was against me because I disagreed with the loan to be collected. I told the former governor to look at the number of loans we had on hand and he didn’t listen to me.”
Samuel Kambai and Henry Marah representing Zangon Kataf and Jaba constituencies respectively explained that the duty of the legislators is to give approval before the governor goes ahead to collect loans but in Kaduna the case was different.
Speaker Yusuf Dahiru Liman, who presided over the plenary session, urged the ad hoc committee to invite the Speakers of the 8th and 9th assemblies and all other relevant stakeholders and agencies for investigation.
He assured the House that the matter will be properly looked into, saying they will give everyone the liberty to speak the truth.
He said, “We just want to analyze the last administration’s spendings so that we can stand with our shoulders high by the time we finish from the Assembly.
“We do not want anyone to call us rubber stamp legislators. We’re not going to do this investigation to ridicule anybody but we’ll do the right thing.”
The House however unanimously requested to hand over notes given to incumbent Governor Uba Sani by the previous administration so that it would guide the committee.
The 13-man committee includes: Aminu Anti, representing Doka Gabasawa as Chairman; Yusuf Mugu Kaura as Deputy Chairman; Munira Tanimu; Shehu Yunusa as members and nine others.
The panel was mandated to investigate El-Rufai’s top associate and senior counsellor on investment, Jimi Lawal.
The Assembly also mandated the committee to invite notable personalities, including the former speakers of the 8th and 9th Assembly, commissioners of finance, former managing directors of Kaduna markets, and commissioners of budget and planning, among others.
Governor Sani, during a town hall meeting with stakeholders said the huge debts he inherited from El-Rufai were making it difficult for him to pay salaries as well as carry out projects.
Sani said his administration inherited a huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from his predecessor.
This revelation generated cracks in the Kaduna chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor lamented that the state was left with N3 billion, an amount he said was not enough to pay salaries, as the state’s monthly salary bill stood at N5.2 billion.El-Rufai’s son accused the governor of incompetence but the former governor refrained from public comment.