Category: Politics

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that the forthcoming presidential election is a “must win” for his party in order to bring jobs, education, food, medicine, and hope, among other things.

Tinubu also defended his choice of former Borno state Governor Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate, saying he remains unwavering in his belief that the lawmaker is “the very best person to run for office and, hopefully, govern by my side.”

Around 30 clerics attended the event, one of whom stated that the Body of Christ should be distinguished from political parties.

Tinubu said at the official unveiling of Kashim Shettima as his running mate on Wednesday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja that Nigeria’s diversity is her strength and that “we must be victorious in order to achieve the greatness of which this country is capable.”

“Every election brings with it the promise of renewed hope.” This one will be no different. For our party and our country, we have an unprecedented opportunity to move the country and our collective cause forward.

“We must be wise in thought and courageous in action.” We must win this election so that we can provide jobs, education, food, medicine, hope, and belief in a better life for the people of this country.”

“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,” said the former Lagos state governor.

“This chapter in our nation’s history necessitates a bold yet pragmatic approach.” I made a commitment to this path by electing Senator Shettima. I made the difficult decision because I believe it is the best choice.

“This is where politics must end and leadership must begin.” True leadership is not founded on religion, populism, or sentiment. To move forward as a nation toward development and prosperity, we must break free from old shackles.

“Senator Kashim Shettima’s career in politics and beyond demonstrates that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all-important electoral victory, but also to fill the role of Vice President.” He has my implicit trust and confidence as a man of talent, maturity, character strength, and patriotism.”

…Ticket is not sectional- Shettima

Senator Shettima stated in his acceptance speech that his joint ticket with Tinubu “isn’t an imposition; it’s an outcome of democracy at its most practical, and based on the aggregation of ideas and insights.”

“If this were an unpopular option, as the cast of partisan provocateurs has attempted to portray, there would not have been the flood of goodwill messages from all over the country, especially from distinguished Christians.” This ticket is a Nigerian project, not a sectional agenda that the fearful camps have been attempting to sensationalise.”

“My emergence as the running mate of the inimitable Jagaban Borgu, is based on the party’s very forthright assessment of the threats ahead; and I’m most honoured by the consensus of the distinguished stakeholders of our party, to trust me, with representing the nation’s interests, under the leadership of the very sage,” the former Borno state governor added.

“Today, I must also bear witness to the cyclical nature of history.” But, like those before us, we must resist the temptation to throw a feast over an invitation to serve the people. We must always regard the past as our best teacher, and never take it for granted. This would direct our gaze forward into the future. I’m not blind to the difficult political arithmetic that produced this moment, particularly the understanding of our great Party’s stakeholders and supporters from all religions, regions, and ethnicities. Their willingness to accept this ticket demonstrates their trust in us.

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“I’m sincerely proud of the rational citizens who see this as nothing more than a pragmatic permutation to defeat our opponents at the polls, and based on acknowledgment and implementation of the candid perspectives of our Christian brothers and sisters in the APC, who, like us, are bound by the passion for us to retain power, in order to deepen the delivery of unifying and transformative governance to Nigerians.”

Shettima promised to “work with commitment for all Nigerians, especially the youths, and give a firm assurance that no discrimination of any kind will arise from this patriotic alliance for the deepening of Nigeria’s democracy.”

“I want to assure our throngs of supporters that, in the coming days, we will be rolling out our plans for a greater Nigeria, pointing to the bright future that we envision, and away from the destination of those who have nothing but mudslinging to market as the reason they deserve to be elected.” Such hollow strategies should not be the ideals of a nation yearning for an experienced and documented visionary, such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the helm.”

…Adamu advises

Senator Abdullahi Adamu, National Chairman of the party, said Nigeria needed men and women of character, competence, and demonstrable evidence of their performance in public or private offices, not religious sentiment, while officially unveiling Shettima.

“Senator Shettima brings to the joint ticket impressive credentials as a political leader and administrator.” Senator Tinubu could not have made a better running mate choice. “He chose a man he believes can work with him to tackle the urgent task of our economic recovery as well as social and political development in peace and security,” Adamu said.

Adamu, on the other hand, warned the APC against disunity, saying that party leaders must rid themselves of the bitterness caused by our individual losses in the party primaries.

“Today’s announcement of the vice-presidential candidate sends a strong signal to the country that our great party is ready and united around the common cause of coasting home with victory at every level in 2023.” But we must not lose sight of the obstacles that lie ahead.

“It’s time to let go of the resentment from our individual losses in the party primaries.” It is time to submit to God’s Will and the party’s well-laid plans for victory. The other political parties want what we want: to win and form the next government.

“If we give in to bitterness and pettiness, fail to see the bigger picture, or take any of the political parties for granted, we will be an impediment to our party’s victory.” That, as the faithful would have it, will not be our lot. Our winning strategy must be based on a shared vision. “I urge us to begin our march now toward the sunrise,” the party’s national chairman also said.

At the event, Atiku Bagudu, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and governor of Kebbi state, described Shettima as one of Nigeria’s finest, adding that the nation’s hope has resonated since Tinubu was announced as the APC presidential candidate.

“He is without a doubt Nigeria’s candidate,” Bagudu stated.

…Bishops and pastors attend

Meanwhile, contrary to the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) rejection of the ticket, a coalition of bishops and pastors gathered at the Musa Yar’Adu Centre, the site of the APC vice presidential candidate’s unveiling.

Around 30 Christian clerics were seen dressed in cassocks.

On Tuesday, the Christian body issued an official statement condemning any political party that settled for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Speaking to reporters, one of the clerics, identified as Bishop Oguba, stated that he was unaware CAN had taken a position on the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“If CAN has made a decision, I am not aware of it, and the body has not communicated to me in writing about its decision to oppose a Muslim-Muslim joint presidential ticket.” I’m surprised you’re asking me about the CAN decision. My ministry is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. I’m not just running a ministry.

“The truth about the Muslim-Muslim ticket is an issue I’ve tried to bring to the attention of all clergy to distinguish whether we are politicians or servants of God.” The body of Christ, in my opinion, is not a political party.

“So, if the APC decides to run a Muslim-Muslim ticket, I’m out.” What concerns me is the country’s economy, and I will continue to advise all clergy in this country not to use their selfish interests to harm the country’s economy, because the economy is greater than all religions in this country.

“Clergies should be concerned about the security of the country, not the same faith ticket by any political party.” It is entirely the decision of the political parties, and CAN must take a stand; otherwise, they would have obtained our addresses through CAC and sent circulars to us regarding their decision.”

…The anti-Muslim-Muslim backlash grows.

In a related development, hundreds of protesters stormed the APC national secretariat on Wednesday to express their displeasure with the party’s stance on the contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The protest occurred almost simultaneously with the APC’s leadership unveiling Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

The delegation arrived at the APC national secretariat in six luxury buses and a few cars, carrying various banners and chanting solidarity songs.

Some of the banners read, among other things, “A cry for justice,” “Drop Shettima and give slot to our Christian brothers,” and “Discrimination and mutual suspicion in our country.”

Abdullahi Bilal Mohamadu, Convener of the Forum, told reporters that they would not stop protesting until the party did the right thing.

In a letter to the party’s national chairman, Mohammadu stated that they saw Shetiima’s selection as an aberration that needed to be corrected immediately by the party’s leadership.

“We write to your good office in light of the prevailing circumstances arising from our Presidential candidate’s decision to select a Northern Muslim as his vice presidential candidate,” the statement said.

“While it must be stated that there is a right to make decisions, such decisions must not be made to the collective detriment of the sensibilities of the people who make up the country of Nigeria, especially at a time of mutual suspicion between Christians and Muslims in the northern part of the country.”

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“As concerned APC stakeholders and those who comprise our party’s voting strength, we find it troubling that such a decision could be made without regard for the implications on the party’s electoral chances and the attendant uproar in the country.”

“In our opinion, this is insensitive and a gross display of disrespect for our Christian brothers and sisters, particularly the Middle Belt minority, who have given their all to us as one northern Nigeria.” Choosing another Muslim from the country’s north-east as his running mate is both politically and morally indefensible.

“In Northern Nigeria, there are credible candidates with rich credentials and a massive grassroots following who can supplement the APC’s presidential ticket in the presidential elections.” As a result, the Hausa – Fulani Youths Forum regards Senator Kashim Shettima’s selection as an anomaly that must be corrected immediately by the party’s relevant authorities.

“The implications of inaction in this regard can only be imagined, so much so that the majority of eligible voters in Northern Nigeria have elected to boycott the APC in protest of the disrespect and disregard shown to our Northern Christian brothers, whose population and significance in the scheme of things in the region cannot be overstated.”

“If our party wishes to achieve electoral success in the 2023 presidential elections, it must retrace its steps by selecting a Christian from the Middle Belt as its vice presidential candidate.” By running a Muslim-Muslim ticket, the party must avoid being perceived as promoting a religious agenda.

“As a result, we say no to the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.” We request that President Muhammadu Buhari intervene to save the party from an electoral crisis. We urge Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to follow President Muhammadu Buhari’s lead in selecting his running mate in the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections.

“Our Christian brothers and sisters deserve a place in the scheme of things, and our party must not be perceived as religiously insensitive.” The time to act is now.”

The national leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has rejected the alleged suspension of its Bauchi state chairman, Malam Sani Shehu, stating that he remains the genuine Chairman of the Party in the state.

The alleged suspension of Shehu by the North East zonal secretary, Babayo Liman, on July 13, 2022, without the consent and approval of the party’s zonal chairman, Kawu Ali, and the National Working Committee (NWC), is a flagrant violation of the NNPP’s Constitution.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Agbo Major, stated that the impeachment “is set aside, null and void, and of no effect.” The NNPP believes in due process, the rule of law, and strict adherence to its Constitution, which is registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The party warns its officials at all levels to refrain from taking any action that will cause disaffection and division among members as we jointly strategize, mobilise Nigerians, and move into the 2023 general election that will redefine the destiny of the nation and create a new Nigeria citizens desire and deserve.”

Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo state, has called the impeachment of Engr Rauf Olaniyan, the state’s deputy governor, illegal and a violation of the rule of law.

Folarin, in a statement issued in Ibadan on Monday following the impeachment of Engr Olaniyan as the state’s deputy governor, urged APC members to remain calm.

The APC governorship candidate stated that Engr. Olaniyan, who has since defected to the major opposition party, would appeal the impeachment in the Court of Appeal and that the party would not relent in providing an alternative to the Peoples Democratic Party (APC)-led administration in the state.

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The Senator advised the Oyo State House of Assembly legislators to “remember that posterity would judge whatever they do today,” claiming that the procedure used to remove the deputy governor violated constitutional principles.

He claimed that the committee formed by the state’s Chief Judge to investigate the deputy governor lacked integrity as well, asking, “Why would the committee give the deputy governor only 15 minutes to appear before it?”

When forming the investigation committee, the APC governorship candidate claimed that the Chief Judge of Oyo State violated his oath of office by ignoring the service of notice of appeal and application for injunction pending appeal.

The United States Mission and the British High Commission have praised the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security operatives in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the governorship election in Osun State on Saturday.

Ademola Adeleke of the PDP received 403,371 votes, while Gboyega Oyetola of the APC received 375,027 votes.

Adeleke won 17 of the 30 local council areas, while Governor Oyetola won the remaining 13 local governments.

The US Mission in Nigeria, in a statement sent to Premium Times on Monday, congratulated the people of Osun on the peaceful conduct of the election.

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“We encourage all Nigerian citizens to register to vote now so that your voice can be heard in the national and state elections in 2023,” the statement said.

However, the British High Commission expressed concern about reports of vote buying.

“We are concerned about reports from some locations of apparent vote buying and hope that those involved are held accountable by the appropriate authorities,” the commission said on Twitter.

“As Nigeria approaches the 2023 general elections, we encourage INEC and all relevant stakeholders to build on the progress made in the last two governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as it builds on the strong legal foundation provided by the new Electoral Act to implement an electoral system that promotes the free and meaningful participation of young people, women, persons with disabilities, and citizens generally in the democratic process,” the statement said.

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike is meeting behind closed doors with Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari. It was learned.
It was reported that Yari paid a visit to the PDP chieftain on Tuesday at his private residence in Port Harcourt.

Yari went into a closed-door meeting with Rivers State governor after arriving at Wike’s residence in Rumuepriokom community in Obio/Akpor local government area.

Meanwhile, Abdullahi Adamu, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), previously stated that he was unaware of any plan to court Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

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In an interview with Arise News on Sunday, Adamu was responding to the visit of three APC governors to Wike in Port Harcourt a week ago.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State led Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to meet with Wike.

According to reports, the APC Governors took advantage of the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to meet with Wike and persuade him to join the ruling party.

Speaking on the matter, Adamu stated that he was not informed about the visit to Wike or the outcome of the meeting.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) national leadership has yet to congratulate Osun governor-elect Ademola Oyetola.

In a closely fought battle, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer defeated Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

In the poll of 3,763 units, the former Senator won 17 of the 30 local government areas. Adeleke received 403,371 votes, while Oyetola received 375,027 votes.

The ruling APC has remained silent more than 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the winner.

Oyetola spoke on Sunday afternoon but did not congratulate his main opponent.

An APC chieftain was quoted on Monday as saying that the leaders were studying events.

According to the anonymous insider, the party cannot make any announcements until its standard bearer is elected.

“We can’t say anything yet because the governor hasn’t spoken.” What if we decline and the candidate accepts?

“What if we congratulate the candidate and he decides to sue?” Remember that you have the right to seek legal redress.

“As things stand now, we must await his position on the election outcome.”

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When reminded that President Muhammadu Buhari had already responded, the source stated that it was the proper thing to do.

“You can’t compare them. The President’s statement is normal; he is Nigeria’s leader. He congratulates the winner whether APC wins or loses.

“But it’s politics for the party.” The party is not the same as the presidency. We will take some things into account before making a final decision,” the member added.

Dr. Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue State, has congratulated Senator Ademola Adeleke, governor-elect of Osun State, on his victory in Saturday’s gubernatorial election.

He congratulated Senator Adeleke on his victory, saying “the people have spoken.”

In a message of congratulations to Adeleke, Governor Ortom also praised the people of Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the media, civil society organisations (CSOs), and security operatives for ensuring that the will of the people was realised.

“I congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke on his election as the Governor-elect of Osun State on behalf of myself, the government, and the PDP family in Benue State,” he said. I am confident that you will provide long-term leadership for the people as a result of their overwhelming support for your election.”

“The victory of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Senator Adeleke, in the Osun election demonstrates the citizens’ trust and confidence in him and the party,” Ortom said.

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He, on the other hand, advised Senator Adeleke not to take the trust and confidence for granted, and urged him to carry everyone along with him.

The Governor stated that the people of Osun expect him to change the narrative by bringing positive change to the state.

Adeleke’s election, according to the governor, “is a precursor to the sweet round of victories awaiting the PDP as we begin to reclaim all the states in our resolve to rescue Nigeria from the destruction meted out by the clueless APC-led federal government.”

The Benue leader urged Adeleke to uphold and improve his family’s reputation for excellence, dignity, and leadership so that Osun State can regain its glory under his leadership.

While congratulating the PDP’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, and the PDP’s National Working Committee, Governor Ortom expressed confidence that the party’s victory in Osun State will change the political map of the South West, as the PDP is ready to rescue the country from the APC.

Samuel Kanu-Uche, Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, has named the presidential candidate he will support in 2023.

Kanu-Uche has stated that he will only back a presidential candidate who does not engage in vote-buying.

The Prelate made the announcement on Friday at the graduation ceremony of 160 church members from the Enugu diocese who were trained in various vocational skills, according to NAN.

Kanu-Uche, who made no mention of a presidential candidate, warned Nigerians against selling their votes.

Politicians who engage in vote-buying, the cleric claims, have nothing to offer Nigerians.

“I understand that the majority of the candidates have nothing to offer, but any presidential candidate who shares money will not receive my vote.”

“Only those with no money to share but who offer themselves for service will receive my vote,” he stated.

Following the attack on its staff in the area, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) at the ward level in Enugu State’s Igboeze North Local Government Area.

Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, stated this in a statement made in Abuja on Thursday.

The Community Primary School Umuopu, located in Umuozzi Ward 19 of Igboeze North Local Government Area, was the scene of an attack by gunmen at around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Mr. Jude Okwuonu, INEC Administrative Secretary in Enugu State, who was speaking to Okoye.

To disperse registrants and registration officials, the gunmen intermittently fired into the air. One of our employees was hurt in the subsequent stampede and is currently receiving medical attention in a hospital.

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“However, two voting machines and staff members’ belongings, including mobile phones, were stolen.

Igboeze North voter registration at the ward level is hereby suspended, Okoye declared.

He recalled that on July 3, unknown assailants burned down the INEC office in the Igboeze North Local Government Area.

It is one of the centres that has now been attacked, Okoye said, adding that despite the attack, the INEC was still able to carry out ward level registration with the help of vigilantes provided by the local government authority.

The incident had been reported to the police, according to Okoye, who said they were looking into it.

Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, urged Osun voters on Thursday to be on the lookout for vote fraud by the APC, the state’s current government, during the state’s governorship election on Saturday.

In Osun, Mr. Abubakar, the PDP’s governorship candidate for the July 16 election, was canvassing votes for Senator Ademola Adeleke, the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election.

Avoid letting them steal your votes, as they did in 2018, Mr. Abubakar urged. “Osun is a PDP state; I urge you to support the party and protect your votes.”

Other party leaders, such as Mr. Abubakar’s running mate Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP National Chairman Ayu Iyorcha, PDP Governors Forum Chairman Aminu Tambuwal, former Vice President Nnamadi Sambo, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, were also present at the campaign stop.

In his remarks, Mr. Ayu also urged the public to support the party on Saturday. He declared, “Osun is in the dark. On Saturday, please vote for Adeleke and the PDP because we want light.

The governor of Sokoto State, Mr. Tambuwal, likewise urged the electorate to support the PDP in order to restore morality and sound government.

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He claimed that supporting the PDP on Saturday would lead to development and prosperity for the state.

Mr. Sambo, for his part, urged registered voters to support PDP on Saturday.

Akindele Adekunle, the caretaker chairman of the party in the state, urged the electorate to support the party.

“The people of Osun have decided to support Ademola Adeleke. Vote PDP to bring prosperity to the nation.

Mr. Adeleke praised the party members for turning out in large numbers for the campaign in his remarks.

In his words, supporting him and the PDP was a vote for advancement.

If elected, Mr. Adeleke promised that he would ensure the prompt payment of salaries and pensions and that local governments would have financial autonomy.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has characterised the race for governor of Kaduna state in the 2023 election as a do-or-die contest.

Alhaji Ibrahim Wosono, the state secretary, made this statement to Coalition of Southern Kaduna Young Persons participants who were honouring Isa Ashiru, the party’s flagbearer for the governorship, during Sallah.

“We are prepared and determined to defend our votes because I was detained and assaulted for doing so during the last election. Thus, the election is a “do or die” situation for me personally, he said.

Additionally, the party’s flagbearer asserted that PDP will rescue the state from poor leadership and that, despite all obstacles, the party must triumph in the state’s upcoming elections.

If elected, Ashiru promised the residents of Southern Kaduna that he would lead an inclusive state government.

As momentum for the 2023 general election builds, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC’s presidential candidate, has postponed the formal introduction of Senator Kashim Shettima, a former governor of Borno State, to the party’s top leadership.

Shettima was scheduled to be officially introduced at 1 o’clock today (Thursday) at the APC secretariat in Abuja, but it has been learned that the event has been postponed.

The decision, which was made amid controversy over the party’s selection of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, was not explained.

With one day remaining until the Independent National Electoral Commission’s deadline, there are rumours that Tinubu and the APC leadership may decide to withdraw Shettima from the race and choose a Northern Christian instead (INEC).

A new date is anticipated to be revealed later in the meantime.

There will be more.

Hon Kelvin Ugboajah, a Senatorial aspirant for Abia Central district in the recently concluded All Progressive Congress (APC) primary elections in Abia State, has been confirmed dead.

After an unspecified illness, the prominent Abia politician died in the early hours of Saturday, July 11, 2022.

His death was announced on Tuesday by the Late Ugboajah’s family of the Ariam Usaka Oboro clan in the State’s Ikwuano Local Government Area.

The late Hon Kelvin Ugboajah was a lawyer who served twice as Abia State Commissioner of Works and Lands under former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu’s administration.

The late Kelvin Ugboajah was the former Executive Chairman of the State’s Ikwuano Local Government Area, and he also ran for the House of Representatives seat for the Ikwuano/Umuahia federal Constituency under the All Progressive Congress in the 2019 general election.

He also served on the Board of the Obafemi Awolowo Federal Teaching Hospital in Osun State until his untimely death.

Meanwhile, Chief Paul Meregini, the Action Democratic Party House of Representatives Candidate for Abia State’s Ikwuano/ Umuahia federal constituency seat in the 2023 general election, expressed sadness in response to the unfortunate death.

In a condolence message issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, Chief Meregini described Late Ugboaja as a patriot, genuine political leader, and committed democrat who demonstrated uncommon leadership during his tenure as executive chairman of Ikwuano Local Government Area.

“Until his death, Ugboajah’s inclusive and development-oriented politics endeared him to his party members and the people.” “He was a team player who was only concerned with what was best for the people and was never sentimental about issues affecting the development of Abia, the southeast, and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

Sadiya Umar Farouk, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, has been warned by a political group known as the APC Initiative for Good Governance to stay out of Bauchi State politics, saying that she should focus on her ministerial responsibilities to avoid inflaming the state’s political scene.

The warning was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Nasiru Cigari, Coordinator, APC Initiative for Good Governance, Bauchi State.

The group claimed that the minister, who is married to Saddique Baba Abubakar, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, was interfering in political matters that did not concern her.

She should mind her own business and avoid interfering in matters that do not concern her, according to the group.

“It is no longer news that the APC House of Representatives ticket for Bauchi Federal Constituency is vacant, following the withdrawal of its standard-bearer, Hon Shehu Aliyu Musa, who was nominated to serve as the running mate of Bauchi state APC gubernatorial candidate, Ambassador Baba Sadique Abubakar from Giade LGA of Bauchi North Senatorial zone of the state.”

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“In light of this development, the party decided to call for a new nomination to fill the vacant position.” However, recent moves and scheming by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs who also doubles as the Governorship candidate’s wife to impose the current Member (who was previously rejected by his constituents and whose membership in the party was called into question) are condemned by all voices of reason.”

“To be clear, the Minister has no stake in the politics of Bauchi state or, by extension, Bauchi LGA.” If she has any moral obligations, she should do so in Shira/Giade Federal Constituency (her husband’s adopted constituency).” As stated by the group.

As they resumed office, newly inaugurated administrations in three of the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory [FCT] bemoaned the emptiness of the councils’ treasuries, massive debts, and depressed workforce.

Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin Giri, Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, who revealed the situation in some of the FCT area councils, bemoaned the fact that the immediate preceding administrations wasted resources on frivolities and left empty treasuries for the new governments.

‘We’re having a difficult time settling in and catching up with governance because of numerous issues left over from the immediate past chairmen, who left office last month.’

“The new chairmen have been unable to form their cabinets in order to effectively begin work and are still busy with stocktaking because they were met with empty treasuries, a backlog of unpaid salaries/allowances, a massive debt profile, and a grossly dejected workforce known for absenteeism, indiscipline, and other forms of workplace malpractices.”

Jibrin Giri, who described the situation as pathetic, stated that if they had enough money, they would resume where the previous administration had left off.

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“So far, we have been attempting to correct many mistakes in order to restore discipline in the councils.”

“Recall that we only took over three weeks ago, and we encountered many things in the administration of the councils that are not for public consumption.”

“We have three or four years before we leave office, and by God’s grace, the council will soon pick up and begin providing services to the people.”

Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar Umar, the executive chairman of Abaji area council, recently made a similar complaint while swearing in the secretary.

“However, I will assure you that we are working to correct those things,” he stated.

While wishing Nigerians a joyous Sallah, the chairmen urged Muslims and Christians to live in peace and to support the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the country’s growing insecurity.