Politics
2023: APC clears air on video of Tinubu giving cash to elderly man
Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Bola Tinubu/Kashim Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), on Wednesday lamented that the viral video of her principal giving money to a man during a town-hall meeting in Abuja on Monday, has been widely misinterpreted.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that members of the opposition had claimed that Tinubu was “caught red-handed sharing money to politicians” ahead of the 2023 presidential election, but Barr. Musawa, who filmed the moment and posted it on social media, said the clip “was a visual reflection of my principals’ compassion towards the needy”.
READ ALSO:
- Just in: Taraba Assembly speaker resigns
- Saudi restores Nigeria’s 90,000 Hajj slots, removes age limit
- Buhari okays Manyahaya as Fed Poly Ede new rector
According to her, the elderly man who approached Tinubu, “was clearly in need”.
Read her full statement below:
My attention has been drawn to the dishonest, erroneous and incorrect narrative spun by unctuous, dissipated, debauched and desperate elements within the opposition to turn a perfectly innocent video I posted of a kind act I witnessed my Principals carrying out into something mendacious and devious.
As I watch the negative chronicle being spun by the opposition Svengali’s, trying to enforce a specific negative narrative on the public, it is clear that the falsehood being spread stems from the devious imagination and wicked machinations of a desperate and self combusting opposition.
I would have dismissed the musings as the rantings of an inconsequential opposition, however I am compelled to make this response because of innocent Nigerians that may be misled by such devious rhetoric.
On Monday the 19th December 2022 at approximately 4:48 pm, I watched with appreciation and approbation as my two principals, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Alhaji Kashim Shetima performed an act of kindness towards a poor and disabled man who was truly in need. After watching them, I was further convinced that these were two men of precious faith that have the heart of kindness, empathy and compassion. And I believed it was a story that needed to be told.
In the Bible under Psalm (112:5-9), it is written “It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment. For he will never be shaken; The righteous will be remembered forever. He will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Equally under Proverbs 19:17, it is taught, “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed.”
In Islam we are taught that The prophet (PBUH) says the following in a hadith: “Muslims help each other only by passing the bridge of almsgiving.”
Furthermore, in the Holy Quran (2:274) it is expressed that,” Those who in charity spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”
Almsgiving by virtue of the two holy teachings, giving charity and alms specifically to help the poor becomes a core tenant for Muslims and Christian to abide by.
A few days ago I attended a gathering with the Presidential candidate of the APC Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Alhaji Kashim Shetima where they had a robust engagement with persons with disability. During the event, our principals had the opportunity to interact with a poor and disabled elderly gentleman. Borne purely out of compassion, my principals spoke to this gentleman, listened to him and performed the tenant of charity and alms giving towards him.
READ ALSO:
- Buhari seeks N819bn supplementary budget approval to fix infrastructure
- Soludo rules out Christmas rice for Anambra civil servants
- Wasiu Ayinde, MC Oluomo, Nollywood stars unveil new platform, vehicles for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu campaign
As I watched this tender moment between the three men, I wanted to capture it and show the world the empathy that organically runs through the veins of my principals, and that raw spirit of charity that they both imbibe.
I posted the video, not out of mistake, but with the intention of telling the compassionate story of the empathetic leadership that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, supported by Alhaji Kashim Shetima will surely give to Nigeria after they emerge victorious in the upcoming election, by the grace of The Almighty.
Having the honor of traversing the country with my two principals during this campaign, has given me the peace of mind that Nigeria will be in good hands under their leadership. This is not only because they come with the capacity, character, commitment, clout, courage, vision, and honesty of purpose to identify the most troubling challenges our beautiful nation faces and find lasing solutions to them but also because they both carry that element of empathy and compassion needed to understand the needs of Nigerians and being aware of our feelings and thoughts.
That 2 minute video clip was a visual reflection of my principals compassion towards the needy.
Rather than commend Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Alhaji Kashim Shetima, for a kind act towards a man that was clearly in need, the opposition have regrettably decided to put a negative spin on a story of good will and sheer kindness.
While it is unfortunate that the opposition refuses to contain the campaign to an issue-based campaign, which focusses on the action plan, manifestos and programs they have for Nigerians, it is clear that they are clutching and grasping at straws and adopting unusual and extreme methods because their ideas have failed even before they have started.
With the trajectory of the upcoming election showing that the pendulum is swinging to the benefit of an APC victory, there is no question that the opposition is behaving like the proverbial “drowning man” determined to pull others down with them. And while there is hardly any purpose in joining issues with a losing opposition, it is important to highlight their diversionary rhetoric and tactics.
If there is any lesson to be learnt from the magniloquence attached to the short clip I took and wholeheartedly stand by, is the manipulative devices and palette of tools the opposition is adopting, out of desperation, in order to sell a false narrative to the public. From this one incident, it is now imperative for Nigerians to interrogate every single ‘out of context’ video clip and pieces of information, or rather, propaganda, the opposition comes out with.
READ ALSO:
- Police neutralize two kidnappers, arrests three others in Ekiti
- Fani-Kayode reveals Tinubu’s source of wealth
- 100,000 vehicles, 4,200 boats needed for 2023 elections – INEC
- How Obasanjo, Atiku wasted $16bn on electricity, punished me for being in opposition – Tinubu
Even though I do understand the despondency and misery of the PDP, who have been hit worse than the Titanic racing towards the iceberg with their loss of 5 ‘brightly shining’ governors and the anguish and despair of the Labour party who have a ‘Constitutional Impossibility’ of winning the next election based on Section 134 of The Constitution, it would be advisable for them to remain on the issues while they try to sort out their inhouse complications. If they concentrate on the task ahead, they might have a smidgen of hope of gaining a tiny bit of ground, all though it is unlikely.
I would honestly like to urge the opposition to focus on emphasizing their own policy proposals or highlighting their candidate’s attributes rather than soiling the atmosphere with lies, negative campaigning, ‘out of context’ spins, character assassinations, pejorative language and shameful insinuate rumors.
Negative campaigning will not help the opposition to win votes; Only Nigerians can. And I have thorough confidence that, come February 25th 2023, Nigerians will exercise their constitutional right and resoundingly vote for the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 17th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I also urge Nigerians to disregard any fabrication attached to my video of an act of kindness and compassion, and rather concentrate on collectively working to move our nation forward by making the upcoming voting exercise the freest and fairest elections Nigerian will ever have.
As for me, I will not be distracted or blackmailed by the obstinate desperation of the opposition and will stand strong and remain focused as we move ‘onward and upward.’ And neither will APC, every member of our team, nor our principals.
In both the Christian and Muslim faiths, ‘the bridge that ensures the order and security in the social life of human beings is almsgiving and mutual assistance.’ That bridge has already been crossed by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is already gearing to, perhaps, become the best leader Nigeria will ever have! Under his Presidency we will be ‘one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity’… “You heard it hear first!”
May The Almighty Bless, Guide and Protect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Alhaji Kashim Shetima and they coast to victory.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God Bless us all.
I thank you.
Politics
Ajaero asks Abure to resign if he must forgive him
Ajaero asks Abure to resign if he must forgive him
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday told the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) Julius Abure to obey a judgment of the FCT High Court if he needs the forgiveness if its president, Joe Ajaero.
The court restrained him and two others from parading themselves as national officers of the party but the judgement was set aside by the Court of Appeal in March 2024.
NLC made the demand barely 24 hours after Abure appealed to the union for reconciliation over the crisis between them.
Speaking exclusively with THE WHISTLER, the NLC Head of Information, Benson Upah, said that the union does not shut the doors of negotiations, however, Abure must step down as LP chairman for peace to reign.
Upah said, “Our issues, concern and drive is to ensure that the right thing is done, and for the insult by Abure, we don’t care, even though he insulted all of us, called us thieves, armed robbers, and vagabonds.
READ ALSO:
- My husband sold our TV to gamble, woman tells court
- 7 more kidnapped Kogi varsity students rescued
- UK develops radio wave weapon to blast drones out of the sky
“While we are ready to forgive the insults, we would insist that the right and proper thing as contained in the contempt judgement be done. Because nothing can take the place of that”.
Speaking at the LP secretariat on Wednesday in Abuja, Abure had said, “Consequently, I want to appeal first to my brother, friend and Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC whom we have worked together in the trenches over the years in the struggle for workers, to put aside whatever may be his grievances. Let’s work in the interest of our people.
“Fighting the Labour Party is uncalled for and unwarranted, especially at this time when the working people of Nigeria are suffering. As we speak today, the minimum wage is still N30,000.
“For us, we need to team up together to be able to fight for better working conditions for our people. We need not waste or dissipate our collective energies in fighting ourselves over nothing. The NLC should know by now that the attempt being made to take over the leadership of the party will not work. It is my appeal that working together is better.”
READ ALSO:
- Portable out with new song after leaving police custody
- Troops kill ISWAP’s bomb squad commander
- Many students injured as OAU lecture hall ceiling collapses
- 10-year-old boy commits suicide after he was bullied at school
The NLC has been advocating for Abure’s removal, accusing the LP chairman of financial malfeasance, attempting to hold an unauthorised national convention in Abia State to keep himself in office, while also alleging that two separate court rulings in 2024 nullified the legitimacy of Abure’s National Working Committee (NWC).
This prompted members of the union, acting on their leadership’s orders, to picket LP offices across the country, demanding Abure’s resignation.
The crisis deepened when the LP responded in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, titled ‘Resign as NLC President to Contest LP Chairmanship, Labour Party advises Joe Ajero,’ noting that the party will not take orders from unionists who are not card-carrying members of their party.
Despite the NLC’s opposition, Abure in March 2024 secured his re-election at the Grand Seasons Hotel in Nnewi, Anambra State.
In response, the NLC referred to Abure’s re-election as an “illegality” adding that “nothing can legitimise such brazen impunity!”.
Ajaero asks Abure to resign if he must forgive him
Politics
BREAKING: APC suspends Senator Jimoh Ibrahim over anti-party activities
BREAKING: APC suspends Senator Jimoh Ibrahim over anti-party activities
The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has suspended Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly was suspended for alleged anti-party activities.
The lawmaker was suspended by members of the APC Executive Committee of Igbotako Ward 11 in Okitipupa Local Goverment Area of Ondo State.
The notice was signed by ward executive members including Bakere Usuf, Tore Obwoselu, Oloyinmi Idowu, Borewaye Louyomi, Oladipupo Bose, Alkimbobola Seyi, Lawal-Babatunde, Aritawe-Ademole, Akinkuoju Olarewaju and Fabioye Ajoke.
Ibrahim’s suspension is coming after he lost out in the party’s governorship primary election in the state.
However, the notice read, “We, the members of the APC Executive Commince of Igbotako Ward 11 in Okitipupa Local Goverment Areu of Ondo State, convened meeting on Monday, May 13th, 2024, During our meeting, we deliberated extensively on various issues affecting the progress and development of our party, notably indiscipline and insubordination among some members.
READ ALSO:
- NURTW crisis: Stop causing confusion, Yasin warns Baruwa
- 2024 Hajj: Shettima launches first flight to Saudi from Birnin Kebbi
- Terrorist kingpin, four others killed in rival groups clash
“We have found Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s actions and activities to be in violation of the party’s constitution, particularly his decision to sue the party as well as his anti-party activities. As such, we have resolved to take appropriate disciplinary action against him as outlined in the party’s constitution. Senator Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim is hereby suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect for acts of insubordination and anti-party activities In accordance with Article 21, Section A of APC Constitution.
“It is worth recalling that the National Party Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, met with all Ondo State governorship aspirants on April 25th, 2024, in Abuja.
“During the meeting, he urged them to cooperate with the party’s candidate and incumbent Governor of Ondo State, Honorable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Despite this, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunso proceeded to sue the Governor and APC, blatantly disregarding party instructions. Additionally, he has engaged in anti-party activities by urging his supporters in Igbotako and Ondo State to join NPP, claiming he will soon receive the gubernatorial ticket from them.
“Senator Jimoh has openly declared his intent to disrupt APC before leaving the party, as evidenced by his actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja and his derogatory remarks about APC in various media outlets.”
BREAKING: APC suspends Senator Jimoh Ibrahim over anti-party activities
Politics
2027: Atiku, Obi, Saraki, Lamido in coalition talks
2027: Atiku, Obi, Saraki, Lamido in coalition talks
Key opposition figures yesterday began coalition talks ahead of 2027 polls, barely one year into the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also met with two PDP chieftains, former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.
Speaking on Obi’s meeting with Atiku, the ex-VP’s media aide, Paul Ibe, said although they discussed the proposal for coalition, he was not conversant with details of the discussion.
But Obi’s aide, YunusaTanko, was more forthcoming on the reasons behind the meetings.
According to him: “His (Obi) abiding devotion is to the emergence of a Nigeria that works for all its peoples and where the people are quickly pulled out of poverty.
“Worried about the state of the nation and the increasing uncertainty in the living conditions of the poor and underprivileged, Obi in Abuja on Monday visited some top Nigerians, among whom are Former Vice President, and PDP Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President Senator Bukola Saraki and the former Governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Sule Lamido.
READ ALSO:
- Naira declines further to N1,520/$ on parallel market
- EFCC begins probe of Ikpeazu over N10bn airport contract, N118bn fraud
- Popular singer Cynthia Morgan arrested in Edo
“At the centre of discussion during each of these visits was the state of the nation and how to reduce the suffering of all Nigerians irrespective of class and location.
“In particular, the desperate condition of the downtrodden in our midst was highlighted. Of particular interest and emphasis in these discussions was the worrisome situation in the Northern parts of the country.”
An excited Atiku posted the photographs of the meeting on his social media handle.
Ibe said Atiku was making a significant effort to bring the opposition into a coalition
He said: “Yes, they met at His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s residence for about 20 minutes this afternoon (yesterday). It was held behind closed doors. So, we wouldn’t know exactly what was discussed.
“We can only guess that it was in furtherance of efforts towards offering Nigerian citizens much better options.
“What is important is that there have been calls for the opposition to coalesce into a strong force and surely, they must have had very positive discussions on some issues of significance . But what we don’t know yet is the exact details of their discussion.”
READ ALSO:
- FCTA set to demolish 500 structures in Abuja, gives owners 24-hour notice
- Many Dangote Cement workers abducted in Edo
- Melinda Gates resigns as co-chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation she launched with her ex-husband
In 2019, Obi was Atiku’s running mate during the presidential poll on the platform of the PDP. They were defeated by the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket.
During the last year’s poll, Atiku and Obi, who refused to work together, were defeated by President Bola Tinubu.
Shortly after the post-election litigations, Obi also rejected partisan overtures by Atiku, who mooted the idea of coalition.
Currently, both PDP and LP are contending with some internal contradictions, particularly leadership squabbles that have further polarised them.
The PDP, beset by leadership crisis, has been hit by a gale of defections, making it to lose many members to the ruling party.
Also, LP is split into two camps, and in the Southeast, which is its stronghold, it is ebbing away as many chieftains are leaving in droves.
The rift between LP and its acclaimed founder, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has escalated, with the Political Commission of the union rejecting Julius Abure as national chairman.
According to observers, Obi has not demonstrated the capacity to foster reconciliation in the party.
The direction of the proposed PDP/LP coalition upon during the separate meetings is cloudy.
2027: Atiku, Obi, Saraki, Lamido in coalition talks
-
Business23 hours ago
Dollar crashes against Naira at official market
-
News13 hours ago
Updated: Reps condemn assault on Nasarawa female doctor by patient family
-
metro24 hours ago
Three police officers sentenced to life imprisonment in Anambra
-
News21 hours ago
Wike, Fubara are ego-driven, crude – Reno Omokri
-
Aviation16 hours ago
Updated: We’ll resume Lagos-Dubai flights on October 1, says Emirates
-
Auto2 days ago
150 OEMs, others set for Lagos motor fair, Africa autoparts expo
-
metro2 days ago
Nigerian who killed wife in UK bags life jail
-
metro3 days ago
Edo community attacked, houses razed, 8 cars burnt