Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for choosing Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2023 election in the country.
Reacting to Bola Tinubu’s announcement of Shettima as his running mate, which he made in Daura, Katsina State yesterday, July 10, Governor Zulum could not hold back his emotion, describing Shettima, a former two-term governor of Borno State as a politician with a “very deep understanding of our country and its complexities.
“For me, and I am sure for many leaders and members of the APC, Tinubu’s choice of HE Kashim Shettima is the wisest choice at this point in time.
“Shettima’s choice is very personal to me and together with our leaders and all stakeholders and members of the APC, we shall campaign vigorously, work day and night, to collectively secure overwhelming victory for the APC in 2023, insha’Allah.
“Without the slightest doubt, HE Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has chosen a leader who has very deep understanding of our country and its complexities. There is hardly any tribe in any of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT that Senator Kashim Shettima cannot knowledgeably speak about. He knows the social, cultural, religious, economic and political structure of virtually all the 36 States and the FCT.
“Shettima is extremely patriotic. He believes so much in the unity of this country and he has proved it on a number of occasions.”
Governor Zulum recalled how Shettima spent over N30 billion on agricultural machinery during his administration following his prediction of a potential fall in the value of naira.
“As far back as 2012, Shettima had on many occasions predicted the likelihood of fall in revenue from oil just as he predicted potential fall in the value of naira to dollar, which was why he imported agricultural products worth over N30 billion which today are worth far more, making Borno one of the richest in agricultural machinery.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with a veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs, as he celebrates his 80 birthday tomorrow, July 11.
The President said that the birthday of Olu Jacobs calls for thanksgiving for God’s care, guidance and protection.
Buhari acknowledged the influence of the veteran actor on the film industry, who he said, set a standard of professionalism that has attracted global recognition and awards, like the Lifetime Achievement Awards conferred on him in 2016 by African Movie Academy Awards.
He said that Olu Jacobs is endowed with ingenious ability to interpret roles, simplify complex issues and bring messages to the understanding of both young and old.
He added that the actor broke through cultural, ethnic and religious barriers to become a household name all over the country and beyond.
President Buhari said that Olu Jacobs’ natural tendency to counsel, inspire and instruct easily earned him the roles, while appreciating his foresight in winning many into the profession and guiding them to stardom.
The President, who congratulated Olu Jacobs family, including the wife, who is also a renowned thespian, Joke Silva, and their friends on the auspicious occasion, prayed that God will grant him better health, longer life and steadfastness in service to the Arts, God and humanity.
The Presidential flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that in choosing the former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, a Muslim like him as his running mate, he was not unmindful of the position of the Christians in the country.
The APC Presidential candidate was referring to the position of the umbrella body of Christians, the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), who said that they would not support him if he eventually goes for Muslim-Muslim ticket.
In a 35 paragraph statement today, July 10, personally issued by him to explain why he did what he did, Asiwaju Tinubu said that he cannot ignore the religious concerns and ethnic sensitivities of Nigerians.
According to him, taking the religion into consideration is an important part of good and able governance, but that religion, ethnicity and region cannot always and fully determine the path.
Asiwaju said that to forge ahead as a nation toward development and prosperity, Nigerians must break free of old binds.
“We must recalibrate our political calculations to where competence and fairness matter more than reductive demographics.”
The full text of Asiwaju’s statement is reproduced below. Please read:
May I say this to all of you, especially to those who will be disappointed in my selection based on religious considerations. I will not and cannot ignore the religious concerns and ethnic sensitivities of our people. Taking them into due consideration is an important part of good and able governance. But religion, ethnicity and region cannot always and fully determine our path. To forge ahead as a nation toward development and prosperity, we must break free of old binds. We must recalibrate our political calculations to where competence and fairness matter more than reductive demographics.
Fellow Nigerians, we enter a moment of renewed hope. We hold the chance to move the nation and our collective cause forward as never before. Let us seize this moment so that history may write kindly of us.
It is time to focus with utmost devotion and love of country to do all we can do to advance the ideals of democratic and progressive good governance in the land.
We must end poverty and bring greater prosperity and more lasting peace. Let us be wise of thought yet courageous in action, as we embark on a collective enterprise that brings jobs, education, food, medicine, hope and belief in a better life to those who need them.
I stand ready to begin this journey with you, hopefully, to lead the nation on this needed path as your next President by the grace of God. I believe this is a pivotal moment at which the dynamics of history and destiny call us forth to reshape our beloved nation. This is our moment.
We all must answer the nation’s call. For some, this requires of us that we step forward, assuming new roles and responsibilities. For others, it may mean something else. For all of us, it requires that we dedicate ourselves to the collective national task as never before.
To re-envision and reshape the nation, I must compose the best team possible, a team put together with but one overriding purpose: to forever establish just, capable, and compassionate governance for the people of Nigeria without regard to religion, region, or ethnic origin.
In the weeks since becoming the presidential candidate and standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have been touched as Nigerians from all walks of life have demonstrated their faith in my capacity to lead this country. I thank you for the outpourings of support for they reveal to me the hope you hold for this nation’s greatness. As long as we walk together and work together, we shall arrive at our national greatness together. To this glad and great endeavour, I fully devote myself and my future labour.
In full compliance with existing law and regulation, I submitted all necessary documents regarding my nomination as the APC presidential candidate to INEC. But, as was expected, the choice of my vice presidential running mate remained an open and burning question.
This gave rise to much speculation and debate.
Recent events [the voluntary withdrawal of my dear friend and brother Ibrahim Masari] mean that I am called upon, today, to put an end to the speculation.
I have never been an indecisive man and have no present intention to become one.
What I am, however, is a democrat. And a democrat must listen to, and consult with, the people and his advisors so that he may reform and govern wisely and on their behalf. This I have done. My political career was not built on blind indifference to the views of others. I appreciate the perspectives of leading members of the party, political allies and key national figures who see Nigeria’s future as I do. They gave me their views so that I might add their valuable insights to mine to reach the best decision possible and do so in a manner that strengthens the institutional fabric of our party as well as accelerating the evolution of our political democracy.
I am also a founding member of the APC. I hold our party’s core principles close to heart such that I shall do nothing to betray the spirit in which the party was created.
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.
A dominant theme of my political history and my personal life is my staunch belief in our diversity. Greatness lies in embracing our diversity and making it work to enhance the dynamism and justice of our political system. My selection of a running mate comports entirely with this longstanding inclination.
The concurrence of my party in this matter has been a source of comfort and encouragement. We are truly building a progressive party that not only represents a departure from other political parties but one that truly may well be the best hope for democratic good governance in Nigeria.
I realize the momentous times we have entered. I know what lies in the balance. I also know that our political choices and activities send both intended and unintended signals to portions of the Nigerian electorate.
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.
When I was Governor of Lagos State, these principles helped me assemble one of the most capable governing cabinets any state or this nation has ever seen. I trust enough in these principles to allow them to, once more, guide me to construct another exemplary team that can do Nigeria proud.
Second, this chapter in our country’s history demands a bold yet pragmatic approach, a path already chartered by the progressive ethos of the APC. The foundation for sustainable progress has been laid these past seven years by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The challenges of today are consequential because the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians lie in the balance. Visionary and creative leadership will take us to our goal.
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. Other 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.
If I am to be that type of President, I must begin by being that type of candidate. Let me make the bold and innovative decision not to win political points but to move the nation and our party’s campaign closer to the greatness that we were meant to achieve.
Here is where politics ends, and true leadership must begin.
Today, I announce my selection with pride because I have made it not based on religion or to please one community or the other. I made this choice because I believe this is the man who can help me bring the best governance to all Nigerians, period, regardless of their religious affiliation or considerations of ethnicity or region.
May I say this to all of you, especially to those who will be disappointed in my selection based on religious considerations. I will not and cannot ignore the religious concerns and ethnic sensitivities of our people. Taking them into due consideration is an important part of good and able governance. But religion, ethnicity and region cannot always and fully determine our path. To forge ahead as a nation toward development and prosperity, we must break free of old binds. We must recalibrate our political calculations to where competence and fairness matter more than reductive demographics.
This is why, today, I announce the selection of SENATOR KASHIM SHETTIMA as my partner and running mate in the mission to advance and reclaim the fortunes of this great country and the hopes of its people.
Senator Kasim Shettima’s career in politics and beyond shows that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all important electoral victory, but, also, step into the shoes of the Vice President. As a man with the talent, maturity, strength of character, and patriotism he has my implicit confidence and faith.
I am aware that many will continue focus on a particular detail, the question of his faith.
However, if we truly understand the challenges upon us a nation, then we must also see the imperative of placing competence in governance above religious sentiment.
In 1993, Nigerians embrace Chief MKO Abiola and a fellow Muslim running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe in one of our fairest elections ever held.
The spirit of 1993 is upon us again in 2023.
As such, the ticket we present today represents a milestone in our political history. It symbolizes our party’s determination to be a leading light among political parties in Africa.
The democratic process and the decorum that characterised our presidential primaries and the selection of our vice presidential candidate exemplifies why we are the party of the people and of the betterment of their future. With this selection the All Progressives Congress surely shall continue to be the party that shows the way and carries this nation towards its best future. I implore you all to join with me on this journey to a brighter future.
Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, today, July 10, paid a Sallah homage To President Muhammadu Buhari in the President’s country home, Daura, Katsina State. Photo by Sunday Aghaeze.
The Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has picked the immediate past Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the next year election. Tinubu announced the name of his running mate today, July 10 in Daura, Katsina State, after a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, who has been home for Edi-el-Kabir celebration.
Tinubu, who spoke to inquisitive reporters when he emerged from the residence of the President, asked the media people to get details from Shettima himself.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Masari, whose name the APC submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Tinubu’s running mate to beat the official deadline has stepped down.
In a statement, Masari pledged to be committed to the party in any other role he is assigned.
The statement titled: “Resignation As APC’ Vice Presidential Nominee,” and signed by him, Masari said: “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. “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. “Sincerely yours, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari.”
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has threatened to arrest all members of any community that fails to expose any criminals and “bad guys” in such community.
The Governor spoke in his Ebira language shortly after observing two-Eid Rakkah to mark Eid-el-Kabir yesterday July 9, at his Agassa settlement in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Yahaya Bello made it clear that he’s determined to return the good old days where security at personal and family levels was a beautiful to behold, advising all to join his government in this matter.
“In the good old days in Ebira land, one could go to sleep and or go out with one’s door wide open, and return to meet everything in the house intact. But not so now.
” I’m determined to return those good old days. “And I seek the support and cooperation of all of you, because the government cannot do it alone.”
Governor Yahaya Bello stressed the need for people to begin to take interest on who are their neighbours and to identify the bad ones among them.
“Report the bad ones to the government and the relevant authorities. However, if it is the government that discovers the bad ones in your community, all the people in the community will be arrested.”
The Governor thanked his people for the support they gave him, leading to the achievements his government has so far attained. He also expressed appreciation for their support for his move at capturing the Presidential ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He admitted that he could not make it but vowed: “next time, I will succeed.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), seems to have confused on what it wants in the current political dispensation as the nation prepares for the 2023 elections, especially for the Presidency.
In one breath, CAN insisted that its members will not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general poll if he finally settles for Muslim-Muslim ticket. In another breath, the same CAN said that it would not mind the religious combination of the leaders at the helm of the nation’s affairs, so long they provide good leadership, and yet in another, the Association said it would listen to Tinubu on the issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket if he seeks to meet its members.
The Assistant General Secretary of CAN, Elder Biodun Sanyaolu, in a statement, first condemned the possible Muslim-Muslim ticket in the ruling APC, saying that CAN has made its position known that Muslim-Muslim ticket will not be supported, even Christian-Christian ticket either.
“It is not about Muslim-Muslim ticket or Christian-Christian ticket; it is the mistrust existing in us for the last seven years which have been so terrible even with Nigeria inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
Elder Biodun however said again: “all we are saying and want is the leader that will do well to everyone, irrespective of class, religion, sex, region, colour, among others.
“All we are craving for is a leader that will be fair to all Christians, Muslims and even Traditionalists. Poverty doesn’t know religion.
“If there is a bomb blast it will kill whoever on its way not minding religion. We want good leadership that will be fair to all and good governance in Nigeria.”
Speaking on whether the association will listen to APC Presidential candidate when campaign starts, Biodun said: “if he comes, we will welcome him and take a look at what they have for Nigerians and the public.”
This was even as Tinubu’s media aide, Tunde Ramon, said that his boss had not made any pronouncement on his running mate.
“Why don’t you wait for him (Tinubu) to announce his plans? What if he opts for Muslim-Christian ticket in the end?
“He is a God fearing man and detribalised Nigerian, he will be fair to all, there is no cause for the alarm.”
The FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has alerted the government over what it called “a sinister plan” by members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), to launch coordinated and spontaneous attacks on soft and hard targets in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to a restricted memo dated Friday, July 8, 202 and addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) the NSCDC FCT commandant, led by Peter Maigari: “Certified intelligence reveals that members of the decimated terrorist group, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have concluded plan to launch more coordinated and spontaneous attacks on selected targets within the FCT and have declared war against Christians in Nigeria”, the memo, titled; ‘Renewed Threat Of Attack By ISWAP Terrorist On Targets Within the FCT.
“Intelligence abounds that ISWAP terrorist group has claimed responsibilities of the Tuesday, July 5, 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, releasing their adherent members.
“The foregoing is to enable them hibernate in targeted communities and re-strategise for further terrorist activities, especially on soft targets to keep the agenda of the group alive to the public.”
The leaked memo further warned that taking into consideration the recent attack on Kuje Prison in Abuja, which lasted for “good two – hours without any security resistance indicates their readiness to carry out more coordinated attacks in selected cities/towns, security formations, schools and worship centres in FCT, hence the release of their members for a more formidable squad to carry out the dastardly act.”
Maigari, therefore, called for a review of the existing security measures in the nation’s capital in order to frustrate the terrorists’ plans.
The NSCDC was yet to confirm the authenticity of the document as at the time of filing this report.
Spokesperson of the FCT Command of the Corps, Comfort Okomanyi, has not responded to phone calls and messages to confirm the memo.
The Nigerian Army has protested vehemently against what it called “wild and unsubstantiated allegations” in a video that has gone viral, by Femi Fani-Kayode against it, regarding the recent spate of terrorist attacks particularly, the attack of the prison in Kuje – Abuja on 5 July 2022.
The Defence Headquarters, in a statement today, July 9, by its Director of Information, Major General Jimmy Akpor, described Fani-Kayode as “a known Rabble-Rouser.”
“Ordinarily, the video and its maker, would have been ignored, considering the antecedents of the person behind it as a known Rabble-Rouser. However, in the interest of members of the public who might be misled by the deliberate falsehood and the sensibilities of service personnel and their families who have been paying dearly to keep Nigerians safe, it has become urgent to respond to the video currently circulating in the social media.”
General Akpor recounted the allegations made by Femi Fani-Kayode, including the claim that the Department of State Security (DSS) informed the military about the impending attack on Kuje Custodial Centre and even the previous attack on the Kaduna – Abuja rail service.
He said that Fani-Kayode also claimed that soldiers were withdrawn shortly before the prison attack.
“In all these allegations, Mr Kayode is merely playing to the gallery. He is not in any position to know whether the DSS notified the military of any attack or not. It may not be impossible that such a claim is part of a calculated attempt to cause division and rivalry amongst all Government Agencies that have been working collaboratively in addressing issues of insecurity in the country.
“The claim that soldiers were withdrawn from the Kuje Correctional Custodial Centre before the attack is laughable. It is sad that Mr Kayode is ignorant of whose responsibility it to guard prison.
“Mr Femi Kayode further claimed that the military took no action on the recent Shiroro terrorists’ attack, which resulted in the unfortunate death of some soldiers, some policemen and members of the public. This is also an attempt to smear the military and create bad blood between service personnel and the military high command.
“A despicable statement that dishonours the sacrifices of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price whilst responding in defence of the civilians and the mining community. What a shame! Mr Kayode is encouraged to pay more attention to the weekly briefs by Defence Media Operations. Defence Media Operations gives weekly briefs/updates on operations being conducted across the country; press releases on military operations are also made when the need arises.
“Mr Fani-Kayode is also called to refresh himself on the constitutional roles of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In all, subordination to civil authority is key. It is pertinent to state that, the Nigerian Armed Forces has toiled to sustain and nurture our democracy, hence the same military cannot contemplate a coup de tat, as alluded to by Mr Kayode in his video. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor has always stressed the unalloyed loyalty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the President, Commander-in-Chief and the Nigerian Constitution.
“Accordingly, as the 2023 General Elections approach, desperate persons must depart from their evil ways, for never again would they lure the military into their wicked machinations. If a confession must be made, Nigerians must know now: the military is always the worse victim of military rule.
“Finally, in a miserable attempt to malign the leadership of the military, Mr Kayode gave the impression that, while junior military commanders and non-commissioned officers are working hard, senior commanders are doing nothing. This is sheer ignorance and nothing more. Mr Kayode is completely oblivious of the fact that in the military, orders, instructions and directives are issued from the hierarchy to the lower rungs of command. Therefore, junior commanders cannot be working hard while their superiors are idle.
“This is indeed a difficult time for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Nigerians as a whole. It is not time for attention-seeking individuals to cause needless distractions. Members of the public are therefore urged to ignore Mr Femi Fani-Kayode and continue to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement agencies.”
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has debunked reports that fleeing inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, in Abuja during the attack, stole the sums of N82 million and $36,000 cash belonging to inmates.
The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Abubakar Umar, in a statement today, July 9, said that its personnel didn’t keep such huge sums within custodial facilities.
According to him, all inmates’ cash deposited in the custody of the authorities of the custodial centre was intact and safe.
“There is an existing instruction from the Controller General, NCoS, Mr Haliru Nababa that all officers superintending custodial centres must not keep huge sums in the facility.”
Nababa expressed appreciation to security agencies and patriotic Nigerians whose collaboration was facilitating the recovery, assuring the public of his irrevocable commitment to bringing back all escapees to answer for their crimes.
Some media had reported that personnel at the Kuje Custodial Centre could not account for the sums of N82 million and $36,000 cash belonging to inmates.
Recall that scores of terrorists had, on July 5, launched an attack on the facility, bombing their way in. The terrorists freed 879 inmates, among whom were at least 64 who were detained on terror-related charges.
The Service spokesman said that the clarification of the matter became imperative against the misleading narrative the unfounded information had generated and the diversion of attention from addressing the challenges at stake.
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President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with a veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs, as he celebrates his 80 birthday tomorrow, July 11.
The Presidential flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that in choosing the former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, a Muslim like him as his running mate, he was not unmindful of the position of the Christians in the country.
