Who Scares Governor Wike? By Ibrahim Modibbo

July 24, 2016

Again, last week, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State was in the news for a very wrong reason. He threatened to expel senior police officers whom he perceives as being compromised; by whom? He is yet to decipher.
In a traditional, if not characteristically boisterous and highly garrulous manner, Wike, the Emperor of “water front”, is now tired of running away from his shadow as he hides behind his finger to foul where there is none.
Nigerians are under no illusion as to the enormity of the task of providing security to lives and property as well the need to re-awaken the consciousness of its citizenry on the general dangers associated with crime and criminality and the need to find lasting solution the protracted problems of kidnappings, cultism, armed robberies and terrorism.
Barely two weeks or so after assuming the mantle of leadership in Louis Edet House, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, left no one in doubt of his mission and vision of changing the face and character of the Nigeria Police in conformity with the current democratic tempo.
Idris is carefully set to create history by making swift changes at the Force Headquarters as well as the entire country with a view to putting square pegs in their right holes so as to use highly resourceful and result-oriented officers that could deliver under the change mantra of the Buhari administration.
It could be recalled that when President Muhammadu Buhari came on board, he promised to fight corruption, improve the economy, provide optimum security, create job opportunities and provide power and other social infrastructure to Nigerians. The government also promise to fight against regime tyranny, despotic governance and authoritarian mindset of those vested with democratic power in Nigeria. He said it would no longer be business as usual.
As the Acting Inspector-General of police settles down to make necessary changes to reflect the mood of Nigerians for a secured country, it became imperative to transfer police officers with clinical record of service in fighting corruption and general insecurity to different states of the federation. To key into the Buhari agenda for maximum security, the police boss in close collaboration with the police service commission has the historical duty to turn challenges to opportunities for the common good of our people. Just like Doctors without borders, the Nigeria police is an organization that is borderless and cover every part of Nigeria and by the constitutional provisions of the federal Republic of Nigeria, Governor has the right to challenge routine postings of the police to any state of the federation. Many Nigerians are not happy as Governor Wike tries to compromise the newly appointed IG by warning him not to post some unnamed police officers to Rivers State.
The Governor was quoted in the media as declaring some recently posted police officers whom he does not like their faces “Personae non-grata” to Rivers State with a threat to “expose compromised police officers reposted to the state, if the Inspector-General of Police fails to transfer them out of the state”. Every new administration comes along with different changes and the acting I.G, Idris, should not succumb to intimidation, threats and blackmail from a man with such historical antecedence as Wike.
I want to believe that Governor Wike must have compromised some police officers that were posted out of the state and as the Independent National Electoral Commission fixes the national elections in Rivers towards the end of this month, the Governor is becoming increasingly apprehensive and jittery on the assumption of probably not getting the “traditional” support of the police.
Since his assumption of office as Governor, Rivers State, had never known peace as violence arising from cultism, kidnapping, armed robberies and organize terror took the centre-stage. At a point, the state became lawless as human heads became shields and trophies of democratic conquest. People were mercilessly killed and beheaded by political thugs to the delight of an Emperor as law and order could not be secured.
Wike is afraid of his shadow as he is noted for notoriety of tackling his real and imaginary enemies with hard tackles. As a short-sighted leader with short term plans in the art of governance, the Governor has all the attributes of loose cannon with full potentials of exploding on dynamite.
The question on the lips of many is that, now that things are changing, who scares Wike? Why the desperation to have police of his choice instead of neutral officers with record of performance to tame lawlessness and general insecurity? Why must he dictate to the acting I.G which officer to be posted and those that are not welcome? I honestly think that Governor Wike should leave the police alone to perform its duties without interference.
. Modibbo, an Abuja-based journalist, writes from Bendel Street, Garki, Abuja. [myad]

Sudan Kicks Nigeria Out Of Africa Cup Of Nations Tournament With 4 – 3 Goals

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2016

The little fancied Sudanese national football team has sent the Nigeria’s Under 20 team out of the next year’s Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Zambia with a shock 3-4 home defeat.

Nigeria had hosted Sudan in Lagos leading 2-1 from the first leg, but Sudan – who had a man sent off – came from behind to level the tie 5-5 overall and progress on away goals.

This was even as Senegal qualified on Friday after eliminating Ghana, and South Africa went through with a win over Lesotho.

Nigeria, who had enjoyed much success in youth competitions both in Africa and globally, went into the return leg of their qualifier against Sudan as favourites to win.

Not only did they hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, they also had 15 members of Nigeria’s triumphant Under-17 World Cup winning side from Chile 2015 in their squad – including the top scorer from that tournament, Victor Osimhen.

The game in Lagos was played in wet conditions, and despite a heavy downpour, the Flying Eagles started off well with Samuel Chukwueze putting the hosts ahead after 15 minutes to make it 1-0.

Just six minutes later, Sudan equalized through Amghd Ahmed, but Nigeria again went in front when Bamgboye followed up a cross from Chukwueze and tapped in to make it 2-1.

But Sudan’s dogged determination helped them equalize again through Halid Abdamuleem to make it 2-2 at the break, 4-3 to Nigeria on aggregate.

With the pressure mounting on Nigeria, Sudan took advantage and stunned the hosts with a goal after 56 minutes from Walaadihh Musa to make it 3-2 to Sudan and 4-4 overall.

Just five minutes later, the goal-scorer Musa was sent off for dissent.

Nigeria took advantage immediately with Orji Okonkwo scoring after 67 minutes to make it 3-3 on the day, but still Sudan ploughed on despite being down to ten men and losing 5-4 on aggregate.

Their reward came seven minutes from time when Halid Abdamuleem scored a shock winner for Sudan, his second of the game.

Nigeria was unable to respond, with Sudan famously holding on to win 4-3 and progress on away goals after the tie ended 5-5 on aggregate.

Nigeria had already endured a torrid week after the players threatened to boycott the game due to unpaid allowances and poor treatment.

It took the late intervention of Nigeria Football Federation vice president, Seyi Akinwunmi to avert the crisis, with him donating $17,000 to the team.

Another country missing from Zambia 2017 will be Ghana who fell to a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Senegal on Friday.

Ghana is the only African team to have won the Under-20 World Cup, lifting the trophy in 2009 with a penalties victory over Brazil in the final in Egypt.

However, Senegal’s 3-1 advantage from the first leg in Dakar proved decisive, with Ghana failing to claw back the deficit.

Ghana gave the home fans some hope when they went 1-0 up, but Senegal’s dogged defence stopped them from adding to the tally, with Senegal becoming the first side to join the hosts Zambia at next year’s finals.

South Africa will also be at the finals after a 3-0 win over Lesotho on Saturday, winning 5-0 on aggregate.

Goals from Liam Jordan, Sibongakonke Mbatha and Sidney Mtshweni gave Amajita a comfortable victory.

In other matches to be concluded this weekend, Angola host Egypt later on Saturday. Egypt lead 1-0 from the first leg.

Then on Sunday, Guinea host The Gambia and Burkina Faso travel to play Mali – both those games are goalless after the first leg.

Cameroon holds a 3-0 advantage over Libya – a game which is being played in Tunisia on security grounds.

In total, seven teams will join hosts Zambia at the finals next year. [myad]

Buhari Celebrates Second Anniversary Of Polio Free Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari is celebrating the second anniversary of polio free Nigeria with a promise of his total commitment not to allow it to surface in the country again.

“We have demonstrated our strong commitment in this regard with the allocation of N12.6 billion in the 2016 budget for vaccines and programmes to prevent childhood killer diseases such as polio, measles, yellow fever and others.”

A statement by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari as saying: “today, July 24, 2016 marks two years since the last case of wild poliovirus was reported in Nigeria. I congratulate all stakeholders that have made this historic achievement possible and those who have worked tirelessly to maintain the effort and permanently halt new polio cases in the country.

“The next major milestone for us as a country is the certification of polio-free status in 2017 by the World Health Organisation. This administration remains firm in its commitment towards making this a reality by continuing to support in every way possible, routine immunization and the revitalization of primary health care system.

“As a nation, we are cooperating with international public and private partners to ensure that in our lifetime our children do not suffer from this crippling disease again. We recognize the power of global partnership to achieve a polio-free world and Nigeria will continue to honour its commitment to ensure that this disease is wiped off the face of the earth for good.

“In the last 14-months since this administration came into office, we have had a number of challenges in the drive to eradicate polio. The downturn in the economy, the frequent disruption of services by health workers, the insecurity in some of the eleven polio high risk states, are just some of the rivers we must cross to achieve our objective and protect our children against this vaccine-preventable disease.

“We will continue to do our best to ensure timely release of funds required for polio eradication programme. The good health and well-being of Nigerian children remain an important part of our drive to national development. We have demonstrated our strong commitment in this regard with the allocation of N12.6 billion in the 2016 budget for vaccines and programmes to prevent childhood killer diseases such as polio, measles, yellow fever and others.

“The Government will encourage leaders in the states and local governments to continue to provide direction, supervision and improved surveillance activities. These are critical as we collaborate towards ensuring that polio moves closer to extinction in Nigeria and by extension on the African continent.

“I applaud the immense support given by our revered religious and traditional leaders through the years as I invite others who are yet to lend their weight to this laudable task of polio eradication. It is a collective effort that requires the support of all communities including parents, guardians, teachers, health workers, international partners and leaders.

“Just a fortnight ago, I directed the Federal Ministries of Health and Information and Culture, to reinvigorate their strategies in concert with State governments, to ensure our certification by 2017.

“A year ago when Nigeria was delisted as a polio endemic country, I remarked that our fight against other communicable and non-communicable diseases must be anchored on a strong health system. I am pleased that the National Health Act has made provision for universal access to basic healthcare with a focus on the poor and the vulnerable as well as the basic healthcare provision funds to support its implementation. This government intends to improve the whole field of Medicare during our term of office.

“I thank our development partners particularly WHO, UNICEF, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, AlikoDangote Foundation, USAID, US-Centre for Disease Control, Rotary International, and a host of others who contributed financially and materially to this effort. Together we can achieve our vision to make polio a thing of the past.” [myad]

30 Enugu Traditional Rulers Fortify Ekweremadu Against Removal From Office

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2016

Over 30 traditional rulers in Enugu State have presented “Offor staff” to the Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, with a warning that no one should remove him from his position or even dare harm him in any way.

The traditional rulers, who were at Ezeagu Local Government Area where the deputy Senate President officiated at the Ikeoha Foundation, Adult Literacy Day and 2015/2016 Scholarship and Bursary Award, had moved to the podium and handed over the “Offor staff”which is described as a symbol of justice to Ekweremadu.

One of the royal fathers, Igwe Hafford Agana, who made the presentation, while others circled him, said: “we are telling the whole world that nothing should happen to Ekweremadu. We have given him another Offor today.”

Emboldened by the traditional rulers’support, Senator Ekweremadu boasted: “I want to assure our people that nobody will remove me.

“It is not by my power, not by my might but by the special grace of God. It is not by our trajectory; so, they cannot do anything.”

Ekweremadu said that he would continue to partner with the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi led administration to better the lives of the people in the state, adding: “be assured that we will continue to support you; whoever is your friend will be our friend; whoever is your enemy will have us to contend with.”

This was even as Governor Ugwuanyi described Ekweremadu’s empowerment ‎scheme as another milestone, stressing that “education is indeed the bedrock of any society. This is why as a government, we have continued to commit considerable resources to the provision of facilities.” [myad]

Security Operatives Arrest Leader Of Niger Delta Liberation Force

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2016

The Department of State Services ( DSS) has announced the arrest of the leader of the Joint Revolutionary Council of the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF), Jones Abari, popularly called General Akotebe Darikoro.

Jones Abari, who was sadi to be the brain behind a plan to overthrow President Muhammad Buhari by the military, was arrested in Yenagoa on July 21. He was said to have confessed to have participated in other criminal activities which included a threat to launch missile attacks on selected targets in Abuja and Aso Rock.

A statement by an official of the DSS, Tony Opuiyo in Abuja on Saturday said that Jones Abari also confessed to have been part of such other criminal activities as writing of threat messages to the management of the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) demanding for N500 million and N250 million respectively. He said that the suspect also masterminded the vandalism of NAOC trunk line in Ogboinbiri, Southern Ijaw and bombing of SPDC oil pipeline.

This was even as the DSS also announced the arrest of a suspected terrorist, known as Bulama Ramat, at the Jabi Motor Park in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on July 21.

The DSS spokesman said that prior to his arrest, Ramat was planning to attack the FCT and its environs in collaboration with other elements of an extremist cell of the Boko Haram group.

Opuiyo said that the DSS also made other arrests within the month of July in Enugu, Ondo, Jos, Kaduna, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt and Kano states.

The statement asked all citizens and residents to remain vigilant and report all suspicious persons, parcels or vehicles to the nearest security formation.

“Members of the public are further called upon to see our societal and individual safety as our collective responsibility.”

It advised the public to support security and law enforcement agencies with critical information that would assist in providing a safe environment for all to carry out their legitimate businesses. [myad]

Oshiomhole Spits Fire, Says PDP Gubber Candidate Will Go To Jail For Stealing N1.2 Billion

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2016

‎Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has opened fire on the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, saying that he would go to jail for stealing N1.2 billion he shared with Dan Orbih which is money meant for defence that he collected from Fidelity Bank.

Governor Oshiomhole, who spoke during the campaign rally of the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki, in Fugar, Edo state, said that Ize-Iyamu who was former Secretary to the Edo State Government would “go to jail” for alleged misappropriation of government fund.

“Ize-Iyamu will first of all vomit the N1.2 billion he shared with Dan Orbih which is money meant for defence that he collected from Fidelity Bank. After that, he will go to jail before he can probe me.‎ Ize-Iyamu, Orbih and their fathers have confessed that they collected N700miilion and N500million to share during the election.

“They go to Port Harcourt every day to visit EFCC. Dan Orbih was taken from Port Harcourt to Benin with a black Maria where his house was searched. Today they are living in fear. But they must return the money. Look at the company, between Ize-Iyamu and Orbih, now they are singing like witches in the night how they shared that money. But they must be prosecuted like Metuh and others because that was how they stole in Edo for 10 years.‎”

‎The governor, who was flanked by Obaand his running mate, Philip Shuaibu, said that Edo had been subjected to hardship and underdevelopment under the administration of the PDP. He vowed to publish records of alleged looting by the PDP and its candidate.

“That money they shared was meant for defence, for roads. For 10 years they ruined the state but in seven and half years we have worked. Who was the Chief of Staff to PDP government that undeveloped Edo state? Ize-Iyamu. Who was the SSG and PA (Personal Assistant) to (Lucky) Igbinedion? Ize-Iyamu. This guy was the cook who was in the kitchen. While the people were waiting at the dining, both the pot and the soup disappeared.

“How can somebody who has never worked before be living in a house that is as big as stadium. Where did he get the money. We are compiling how he looted Edo state and we will publish them. PDP failed woefully, they have been deceiving our people. Ize-Iyamu and Co sold Okpella cement through third party.” [myad]

Technical, Vocational Education To Get Boost In Nigeria, Minister Announces

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2016

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has said that plans are underway to launch a four year educational strategy in which the capacity of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems would be brought to levels where they could respond to multiple demands.

Adamu Adamu, who spoke at the 32nd combined convocation and Diamond Jubilee ceremony of the Kaduna Polytechnic on Saturday said that the new strategy be a guiding framework for transforming the sector.

“The aim is to give access to affordable and quality technical and vocational education and training for the acquisition of technical and vocational skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.

“The Federal Government has identified the relevance of polytechnic education in the country’s socio-economic development and is aware of the big gully between the non-formal technical education and the formal TVET.

“Our conviction is that the national vocational framework will integrate the non-formal sector of vocational trade with the formal TVET for maximum result and impact.”

Adamu described education as “a veritable tool for the growth and development of any nation,’’ adding that all hands must be on deck for the country to be rated high in the comity of nations. The minister, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr. Masa’udu Kazaure, called on well-meaning Nigerians, the private sector and non-governmental organisations to support the government in funding the sector.

The minister asked the graduates to contribute their quota in stirring the country in the right direction and place it on the shoes of excellence in technology, high morals and unquestionable integrity.

“You must strive to leave your footsteps on the sand of time and make remarkable contributions to the development of this great nation.”

This was even as Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State said that no country would move forward without technical education.

El-Rufai said that Nigeria needed technical manpower with sound innovation, creativity and the ability to take risk in entrepreneurship to move the nation to greater heights.

He said that the current administration was aware of the myriad of challenges affecting the sector, adding that plans are underway to improve investment in the sector to put it on the right path.

The convocation was organized for 67,403 students who graduated from the institution from the 2005/2006 academic session to the 2014/2015 session.

The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim, said that out of the figure, 2,350 graduated with distinction, 15,680 with Upper Credit while the rest graduated with lower credit and pass.

“The polytechnic is highly cosmopolitan with students from all over Nigeria; from a modest figure of 158 students in 1961 to currently 40,000 students undertaking more than 140 programmes in 44 academic departments and with staff strength of 4,000 academic and non-academic staff members.”

Ibrahim said that arrangement has reached an advanced stage with the NBTE for the take-off of 12 new academic programmes, adding that during the period under review, 633 staff members were given opportunities to obtain additional qualification with 107 bagging Doctorate degrees, 150 Masters degrees and 416 first degrees and similar qualifications. [myad]

Dangote At IDP: I’m Committed To Alleviating Poverty In The Land

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2016

Chairman of the Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has vowed to continue to contribute towards the alleviation of poverty and sufferings in Nigeria through the Foundation.

“Dangote Foundation is committed to alleviating poverty and suffering of underprivileged by supporting social and economic change through investments and interventions that improve the lives of the less fortunate”

Dangote, who spoke through the Director of Health and Nutrition, Dr. Azeez Oseni while donating Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt, Dangote Spaghetti, rice, Danvita and wheat meal to the vulnerable and the indigent in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, said that the Foundation is committed to alleviating poverty in Nigeria.

Amongst the beneficiaries of the latest Dangote’s largese include Abuja Children Home, Peoples with Disabilities Traders Union, Para Soccer Team FCT, Poorest of the Poor, Old People’s Home and Abuja Parasutes Association, among others.

The items, which were presented to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and received on his behalf by the Acting Secretary of Social Development, Bolanle Irene Elegbede, came just a few days after the Dangote Foundation also gave N2 Billion cash to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno state.

Aliko Dangote said that the Foundation will be focusing on Health and Nutrition, Education, Economic Development and the provision of relief materials during disaster even as he said that the Foundation is determined to reduce the number of lives lost to malnutrition and disease through access to quality nutrition and healthcare with a particular emphasis on children.

“It is also aggressively working towards the reduction of out-of-school children, while supporting talented under-privileged young people to achieving their potentials as well as educating girls and women on health related issues.”

He said that the Foundation’s cardinal objectives include: Health and Nutrition, education, economic empowerment and disaster relief.

The food distribution to the vulnerable and indigent during and beyond the season of Ramadan is one of Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s philanthropic activities directed towards helping the poor in the society.

The richest man in Africa said: “I will like to specifically thank the Social Welfare Secretariat Team and FCT Emergency management Agency for the Day-to-Day logistic support and planning on food distribution to the beneficiaries.”

It would be recalled that within a spate of five years, the total amount donated to various camps of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), across the country by the Dangote Foundation has grown significantly to N6. 3 billion. [myad]

Nigerian Aviation Company Smiles To The Bank Amidst Difficult Operating Terrain

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2016

In spite of the difficult operating environment, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has recorded a five percent turnover in its 2015 financial year.

The company’s Annual Report shows that despite the difficult business terrain and the contraction in the economy from 6.5 per cent in 2014 to around 2.5 per cent in 2015, NAHCO was able to maintain a consistent growth in its turnover earnings and dividends.

The report, which is due to be presented to the shareholders by the chairman of the company, Alhaji Suleiman Yahya, indicates that the company achieved a marginal improvement in its performance from N81.bn in 2014 to N8.5bn in 2015.

Despite the global challenges and Nigeria’s political economy, the company, according to the Report, grew its Profit Before Tax (PBT) from N769.5 million in 2014 to N796.8 million in 2015.

It said that the Board of the company has lowered the cost of doing business and shifted its funding structure from debt to equity, while approving the repayment of the N2bn Series 1 Bond from its Bond Cash Reserve Account which is due by the third quarter of 2016.

“These two steps will free up cash for future distribution to shareholders as enhanced dividend and to increase our cash buffer,” the chairman said in his statement due to be presented to shareholders.”

Meanwhile, the Board has recommended to the shareholders, a dividend of N324.8 million at 20 kobo per ordinary share of 50 kobo less withholding tax for the financial year end, December 31^st 2015.

The Report shows that the company is investing in the NAHCO Agric Zone Project in 2016 even as it appointed Mr. Bamidele Adelaja as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). [myad]

Hillary Clinton Names Senator Tim Kaine As Her Running Mate

Greenbarge Reporters

July 23, 2016

Hillary Clinton has nominated a 58 year old Virginia Senator, Tim Kaine to be her running mate in this year’s Presidential election in the United States of America.

“I’m thrilled to announce my running mate, @TimKaine, a man who’s devoted his life to fighting for others. -H,” she tweeted.
Minutes later, Kaine tweeted: “Just got off the phone with Hillary. I’m honored to be her running mate. Can’t wait to hit the trail tomorrow in Miami!”
Clinton will introduce her new partner at a campaign rally Saturday in Miami, a recognition of Florida’s pivotal importance in the fall. It’s also a chance for Kaine, a fluent Spanish speaker, to introduce Clinton to Latino voters, a critical slice of the electorate in her quest to defeat Donald Trump.
Clinton is hoping to seize the spotlight from Republicans after their convention in Cleveland. The site of Kaine’s first joint appearance with Clinton is Florida International University, where the student body is more than half Hispanic.
Clinton’s decision to choose Kaine began when John Podesta brought the candidate two-dozen binders to her home in Chappaqua, New York, in April, according to a campaign aide. Last week, Clinton and Kaine spent 90 minutes together, followed by another meeting on Saturday that brought together the two families, including Clinton’s husband, daughter and son-in-law, as well as Kaine’s wife.
Ultimately, Clinton was swayed by her personal comfort with Kaine, as well as the belief that the senator is fully prepared to do the job. On Friday, Clinton called Kaine around 7:30 p.m., then spoke with President Barack Obama.
It may be an anti-establishment year, but Clinton’s running mate is an insider: A senator and former governor from the critical battleground of Virginia and a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
Kaine, 58, has long been seen as a seasoned and safe choice for Clinton, who could help shore up support among white working-class voters.
Her selection ended a long search that was conducted almost entirely in secret, a stark contrast to Trump’s vice presidential search. It reflected a strategic choice by Clinton: To go with a running mate who amplifies her argument that experience in government — not sizzle — is the best path to keeping the White House in Democratic hands.
Kaine’s midwestern roots also run strong: Born in Minnesota, Kaine is the son of a welder who was raised in Kansas and graduated from the University of Missouri. He went to Harvard law school, but before graduating served a year as a missionary in Honduras.
It was an experience that cemented his Catholic faith and strengthened his fluency in Spanish. Kaine was the first member to give an entire speech on the Senate floor in Spanish. It was during a debate in support of the bipartisan “Gang of 8” immigration reform package.
At a joint campaign appearance last week in Virginia, which served as a final audition, Clinton stood side-by-side Kaine and beamed as he spoke of her virtues in Spanish.
“Estamos listos para Hillary,” he declared.
The Clinton campaign selected Kaine over a roster of at least three other senators and two Cabinet secretaries to Obama. Advisers to Clinton see Kaine as a stable force on the bottom of the ticket, foregoing the allure of a pick that could provide more star power in favor of one they are hoping will be void of drama.
“We all know we need a bridge builder, not a trash talker,” Kaine said last week as he introduced Clinton at the Virginia rally.
His resume is far more fulsome than when he was vetted as a potential running mate for Obama in 2008.
With nearly three years of experience in the Senate under his belt, Kaine has beefed up his foreign policy credentials. He serves on both the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, emerging as a leading proponent of pushing the administration to consult with Congress before engaging in military action.
Kaine is well known inside the Democratic Party, serving as its national chairman during the first years of the Obama administration. He jumped onto the Clinton campaign early — the second time around — announcing his support in 2014, a year before her announcement.
His bipartisan roots, the Clinton campaign believes, could resonate with voters seeking an alternative to Trump.
At Harvard, he met Anne Holton, the daughter of former Virginia Gov. Linwood Holton, a Republican. Kaine and Holton married and settled in Richmond where both practiced law and sewed the seeds of Kaine’s political future.
After 10 years working as a civil rights lawyer and lecturer at the University of Richmond’s law school, Kaine mounted a successful campaign for city council from Richmond’s Northside. His political rise continued to the mayor’s office and a successful bid for lieutenant governor before being elected governor in 2005.
His governorship was a study in practical decision-making and political maneuvering — qualities valued by the Clinton organization. He pushed through measures like an indoor smoking ban — popular with voters, but controversial in a state with a once robust tobacco industry. Virginia was the first state in the south to enact a ban of this nature.
Kaine also earned high marks for his stewardship of the state after the Virginia Tech Massacre, at the time the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. In the wake of the Tech massacre, Kaine became a leading voice on reforming gun control laws, an issue Clinton has highlighted throughout her campaign.
Early during his time as governor, Kaine took one his biggest political risks: offering a hearty endorsement to then-Sen. Barack Obama in his 2008 presidential bid.
At the time Obama was the underdog to Hillary Clinton and Kaine was the first sitting governor to endorse his campaign. Obama returned the favor by naming Kaine one of his national co-chairs and after securing the Democratic nomination, he put Kaine on a short list as a potential running mate.
Kaine was vetted by the Obama team, but in the end Obama chose Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware — someone with a deeper foreign policy resume, an issue at the time that was considered a weak spot for Obama.
While Kaine is perceived as far more of political moderate, particularly with today’s liberal strain coursing through the party, he is often a reliable liberal vote in the Senate.
Despite his Catholic faith, he is a staunch supporter of abortion rights. He is a defender of the Affordable Care Act and announced his support for same sex marriage in 2013. On guns he has an “F” rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA). By comparison, until the Sandy Hook Massacre of 2012, his counterpart Warner had an “A” rating from the NRA.
While geography of a running mate seldom matters in recent presidential elections, the Clinton campaign believes he can certainly help secure Virginia’s 13 electoral votes. The state twice voted for Obama after a generation of solidly voting for Republicans in presidential elections.
CNN. [myad]

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