Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Governor Bala Ngilari’s Political Suicide


Governor Bala Ngilari’s recent behaviour like a third-rate politician who knows neither where he comes from nor where he is going politically has taken many pundits by surprise. Ever since he realised he will not clinch the Adamawa state PDP Governorship ticket, he has become ‘like a bull in a china shop’. Though, his toddler-politician-like approach to governance and party politics had made many observers doubt his chances of winning the primaries. Since taking over office over two months ago, he has failed to choose a deputy and has not appointed commissioners or even special advisers. Ngilari does not enjoy rapport with the Adamawa State House of Assembly. He has failed to do the vital mobilization of the critical PDP stakeholders throughout the state; he lacks robust and dependable political structures, nor the capacity to get votes for the PDP at this crucial time. More disappointing is that Governor Ngilari picked PDP governorship intent form by proxy- a major pointer to his political unpreparedness and poor political judgment. 

In what turned out to be a big political flaw, Governor Ngilari took hostage the Adamawa PDP State House of Assembly primaries committee, prompting the latter to petition the PDP national chairman, Dr Adamu Mu’azu. Governor Ngilari’s’ action compelled the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to move the Adamawa state PDP primaries to Abuja, where it was conducted peacefully between December 7 to 9, 2014. Many pointed out that moving all Adamawa PDP primaries to Abuja was a good and sound decision as no one will be taken “hostage” or “arm-twisted” to announce doctored results or use unapproved lists of delegates. 

It is glaring that the PDP NWC took extreme measures in response to the dangerous and uncivilized action by Governor Bala Ngilari; the suspended Adamawa PDP Chairman, Chief Joel Madaki and Secretary Barrister A.T. Shehu, who did not only challenge the powers of the PDP NWC but also abused their respective exalted offices. Other salient factors further justified the PDP NWC decision. Apart from security reasons, it aimed to reaffirm the maturity and respect of the ‘PDP’ brand. And if the action of Governor Ngilari, the suspended state PDP Joel Madaki and their group was not checked, it will send wrong signals to other PDP states' branches. 

In Nigeria, the season of primaries and general elections is always associated with healthy political disagreements, horse-trading and intense political maneuvers, but Governor Ngilari and his co-travelers were opposed to the PDP NWC decision to move the primaries to Abuja, based on selfish and primordial reasons. Regrettably, Governor Ngilari & his co-travelers have allowed their hearts instead of their heads to think for them. They are desperate to retain their offices at whatever cost to the PDP and Adamawa people. 

They failed to respect and learn history. The governor and the present Adamawa PDP executives are the biggest beneficiaries of healthy political interventions by the PDP NWC- former Acting governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri was persuaded to obey the court order that installed Ngilari as Governor, same PDP NWC paved the way for Joel Madaki’s executive to assume power, when the former executive refused to follow laid down guidelines and loyalty to the party. 

After all, we all know this is the time to salvage Adamawa state, not time for motor-park politics of swimming and drowning with everybody. Those who truly love Adamawa are already throwing their support behind Nuhu Ribadu- former acting governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, all members of Adamawa state house of assembly, Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina, Ali Gulak, Dr. Idi Hong, Professor Iya Abubakar, and Mohammed Sadiq Kalu- Walin Ganye, including most of the respected stakeholders have shown exemplary behaviour. The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) means business and committed to presenting to the Adamawa people a candidate that will appeal to all segments of the society politically and economical; a candidate that can earn the party, the nation as well as the troubled northeast, ‘clean face’ in the international community. Instead of Ngilari to lend his hands to the PDP efforts, he keeps shooting himself in foot.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Jimeta, Adamawa State, zaymohd@yahoo.com, 08036070980. He blogs at www.zayyaddp.blogspot.com
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Saturday, November 29, 2014

Adamawa PDP Governorship Ticket: The Desirability of Nuhu Ribadu


The general consensus in Adamawa state is, the state needs a paradigm shift in terms of development because the state is 20 years behind its peers in terms of socio-economic progress.

There is also bi-partisan and public consensus that Adamawa central zone should produce the next governor. And everyone also believes Adamawa needs a governor that is relatively young, incorruptible, well-read, and urbane, with a clean record.

Putting all these into consideration, Nuhu Ribadu is the perfect candidate to be the next governor of the state.

Nuhu is well-cultured, well-read and has integrity to jealously protect, so he will be well motivated to leapfrog Adamawa’s development to where it is supposed to be.

If the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) means business and committed to presenting to the Adamawa people a candidate that will appeal to all segments of the society politically and economical. A candidate that can earn the party ,the nation as well as the troubled northeast, ‘clean face’ in the international community, - Nuhu Ribadu is it.

Some individuals with dissenting views, question that though Nuhu is without doubt very good, must the PDP be the vehicle for him to be governor to rescue Adamawa? The answer is yes- because Nuhu’s immediate constituency- ward, local government area, senatorial zone, friends, peers and indeed Adamawa state and the northeast are overwhelmingly PDP, so naturally he should be in the PDP.

Nuhu is charismatic, urbane and with ‘clean hands’. He has a higher chance of winning the elections on the platform of PDP than any other political party. Nuhu’s superb qualities further give him and the PDP, an edge over every other candidate and party. In fact the PDP can leverage Nuhu’s candidacy to gain strong political points in the troubled northeast.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Jimeta, Adamawa State, zaymohd@yahoo.com, 08036070980. 





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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Farmers-Herdsmen Conflict: The Jigawa Solution


Farmers-herdsmen clashes are among the most serious security challenges facing Nigeria today, especially the northern part of the county. Tussle for the use of agricultural land is becoming intense and more prevalent. It is the most predominant resource-use conflict in Nigeria. Clashes between farmers and herdsmen over land are as old as trade in Nigeria.

Reports of bloody clashes between farmers and herdsmen have become a recurrent problem that most Nigerians are concerned about, because its ripples affect everyone in the country. Apart from being a major cause of food shortages and food price increase, thousands of lives are frequently lost; many farmlands and cattle are lost as a result of these clashes.

The Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido has provided a permanent, feasible and win-win solution. In most parts of Jigawa state, the government has established grazing reserves and water pumping windmills for herdsmen to freely nosh their herds. The grazing land is also watered frequently by the water pumping windmills for grasses to grow even during dry seasons. On the other hand, the farmers are provided with large expanse of farmland to cultivate crops. One beautiful thing about some of the farmlands is that they have dual function- they have on them facilities for dry season farming.

Water pumping windmills, cattle routes, demarcated grazing reserves and farm land are not new in Nigeria, but this writer was amazed with the stretch of the windmills, grazing reserves and farmlands. Definitely, Governor Sule Lamido must have used the physics theory of ‘series connection’. Throughout Jigawa state, water pumping windmills, cattle routes, demarcated grazing reserves and farmlands are established at strategic and well-thought locations.

Apart from promoting co-existence and harmony between farmers and herdsmen, instead of the usual conflict, a major benefit of this Governor Lamido’s initiative is that it has enhanced local community security, safety and development. Furthermore, another beautiful result of the project is, most of the herdsmen do not unnecessarily wander around in search of pasture and water because the windmills provide drinking water for their own use as well as for large cattle stocks. The multi-bladed wind pumps constantly pump water which continually irrigates the large area of the land on which lush grasses grow even during dry seasons. And finally, the herdsmen feel ownership of the land.

Farmers-herdsmen clashes in Nigeria are a problem affecting the entire Nigerian society. However, Governor Lamido has brought a new dimension to solving the problem. Therefore states and the federal governments should model this beautiful solution. Modeling this solution will be very easy because water pumping windmills are economical and environmentally friendly and Nigeria has demarcated grazing reserves, marked cattle routes and large farming areas. 


Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Jimeta, Adamawa State, zaymohd@yahoo.com 08036070980
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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Is It Time For a Strong President?



Strong democratic institutions are very important in a democratic state; but if a nation is in a precarious situation- especially war time, a strong leader is most needed. The absence of a strong leadership that could produce a spiraling effect on Nigeria’s war against insurgency is the main cause of the current chaotic security situation in Nigeria’s Northeast. The current scary situation would not have become this messy, had it been that we have strong leadership. 

Some people are of the view that President Goodluck Jonathan appears not to be on top of issues of statecraft when it comes to tackling the growing violence of a frightening magnitude, fuelled by few hundreds ragtag insurgents. This view is not an attempt to cast aspersions on the exalted office of the President; neither does it suggest that the President should have applied iron-hand in his style of leadership. But the fact is that we have allowed insurgents to unjustifiably kill Nigerians; annex their lands and humbled our gallant military thereby making Nigeria appear a weak country. Indeed, the situation has given the insurgents the control of the course of war in the northeast.

Some schools of thought may argue that Nigeria’s peculiar political environment and the prevailing political situation are what make the President appear not to be on top of the war. A strong leader could have intelligently used both the carrot and stick approach and avoid the current situation which has brought confusion in the minds of most Nigerians. Is the government really in-charge of the nation’s affairs?


The current frightening insecurity in Nigeria has taught Nigerians a big lesson. Few months from now, Nigeria will elect a new President, there is hope that Nigerians can turn things around; insist and vote for a strong President regardless of ethnic, religious or geographical considerations. Even though the Nigerian political environment, most especially, the choice of who occupies the seat of the President has so much been polluted with mundane issues and lack of political progressivism, Nigerians must insist for a strong leader. Nigerians must choose a President and Commander-in-Chief with the ability to inspire enthusiasm in Nigerians with just a wink of an eye, an individual with vision for the future, who can go the extra mile to get things done, one that can differentiate between reality and smokescreen and also remain positive in the public eye, no matter what the situation may be.

When Nigeria has such a President, development issues will quickly replace mundane ones in our polity; ragtag insurgents will be decimated within days and Nigeria will be returned to normalcy, with her lost respect in the global eyes restored. Though, for Nigeria to have such a President come 2015, we need only one thing- Nigerians vote with their ‘heads’ not with their ‘hearts’


Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Jimeta, Adamawa State, zaymohd@yahoo.com 08036070980. 


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Thursday, November 6, 2014

Still on Gov Lamido Development Strategy



Governor Sule Lamido’s Special Adviser on Media, Adamu Muhammad Usman has intelligently and with verifiable facts responded to comrade Aminu Aminu’s piece on Gov. Lamido’s development strategies. Case closed. Aminu has been educated on areas that he was hitherto ignorant of. However, three reasons have compelled this writer to also add his voice to the discourse: first, Nigerians cherish real development based on new thinking and sound decision making. Secondly, we from the northeast of Nigeria are prayerfully yearning for result-oriented Governors like Sule Lamido and thirdly, discourse of Governor Sule Lamido’s development strategy goes beyond Jigawa state- it will for long remain national subject. The Jigawa people should know that the debate of development strategies in Jigawa during the administration of Governor Lamido has earned a national limelight.

Lamido’s development strategies in Jigawa state should be a working-document for states in Nigeria, especially the 19 northern states with similar geographical, cultural and economical terrain with Jigawa. Lamido has become a role model for those holding public office and future leaders, because he has exhibited what is expected of elected leadership in the Nigeria of our dream.

To have someone like Sule Lamido as governor is a blessing to a state. Governor Sule Lamido’s careful planning and execution of people-oriented projects and programmes, including the visibly enhanced economic growth and quality of governance in Jigawa State is clearly an indication that, despite the general poverty of ideas among most public office holders and the scarce resources in most northern states, there are leaders who are genuinely committed to people oriented and sustainable development.

What development enthusiasts and many citizens whose states have not recorded appreciable development love about Governor Lamido’s strategy is- despite the meagre resources and the population of Jigawa people being mainly rural dwellers and peasant farmers, the governor is achieving significant results. He has been able to do this by using a ‘reductionistic’ approach. This means attending to the basic things by employing small things- an approach encompassing new thinking that completely shifts away from the traditional way of development in most states in Nigeria. Governor Lamido’s strategy employs a new concept where development in agriculture, roads, education, electricity, healthcare, water supply, transportation, youth development and other sectors are tackled through segmentation of the various sectors into their smallest units, then a head-on tackling of each unit. The Jigawa people are very lucky to have Sule Lamido as governor.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Jimeta, Adamawa State, zaymohd@yahoo.com 08036070980. 

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Saturday, November 1, 2014

What Does Boko Haram Want?- According to Ahmed Salkida

Source: @ContactSalkida
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Sunday, October 26, 2014

Governors and Local Government Autonomy




There is no doubt that all governors of the 36 states of the federation are united in opposition to granting full autonomy to the local government areas. The local government system in Nigeria is not working because of governors overwhelming control of the third tier of government through the operation of the unpopular joint accounts, in addition to massive corruption and political patronage prevalent in the system.

The founders of the Nigerian local government system and the crafters of the Nigerian constitution envisaged a local government system that will bring development along the local people’s culture and expectations. But sadly, the system is today a true reflection of the decay in the Nigeria state. 

The National Assembly amendment to Section 7 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 is a welcome development; it will strengthen and clearly delineated the powers and responsibility of the local government. 

Imagine the local councils performing some of their functions as stated in the Nigerian constitution, for example: construction and maintenance of roads, streets, street lightings, drains and other public highways, parks, gardens, open spaces, or such public facilities; provision and maintenance of public conveniences, sewage and refuse disposal; establishment, maintenance and regulation of slaughter houses, slaughter slabs, markets and motor parks; assessment of privately owned houses or tenements for the purpose of levying such rates as may be prescribed by the House of Assembly of a state, collection of rates, radio and television licenses, establishment and maintenance of cemeteries, burial grounds and homes for the destitute or infirm, naming of roads and streets and numbering of houses; registration of all births, deaths and marriages; control and regulation of out-door advertising and hoarding, movement and keeping of pets of all description, shops and kiosks, restaurants, bakeries and other places for sale of food to the public, laundries, and licensing, regulation and control of the sale of liquor. Regrettably, most state governments have systematically taken over some of these functions, especially as it relates to tax collection. For instance, the power to control and regulate out-door advertising and hoarding and other tax sources which are under the prerogative of local governments have been cleverly usurped by most states government, who make huge revenues from it.

The operation of the joint account between states and local government councils is the major factor that is contributing to the inefficiency of the local government system- Instead of serving as channels through which development and government's policies impact on the local people, as well as serve as a political training centre to afford future leaders opportunity to learn the art of good governance, governors have transformed the local councils into breeding ground for bad leaders.

The amendment to section 7 of the 1999 constitution will reinvigorate the local government system and eliminate the operation of the joint account. The elimination of the joint accounts will bring relief to the councils and enhance their capacity, as well as reduce the burden of public expectation on governors. It will also make local councils to be responsive to their constitutional duties. Due to the operation of joint account, most local councils in Nigeria are only able to pay salaries. And when they are able to, what is left is always too small to spend on development and it ends up in officials’ personal pockets. Though, the idea behind the joint account was to eliminate corruption in the local governments, it has eventually turned out to be the worst thing that has ever happened to the local government system.

When the local councils get full autonomy, the general public should pay more attention to the operations of the local government. People should also be more involved in who occupies executive and legislative positions in the local councils. More public attention should be geared toward, not only investigating where public funds are spent, but assessing whether projects or programmes executed benefit local people. That is, if projects are relevant to a community or is executed in order to enrich someone’s pocket?

If the amendment secures majority support of 24 of the 36 states assembly and Mr. President’s Assent, monies meant for local governments should directly go to them. However, each council should be accountable for every kobo spent. The local councils are very important agents for economic development. This is because, 26% of national revenue goes to them, and being a well-defined entity, i.e. each has a ward with a councilor; the needs of communities within a ward are easily identified. 

With full autonomy for LGAs, responsible people would vie for local councils positions; states government especially Governors and State Houses of Assembly unnecessary tight grip on the councils will go; however, the public, NGO’s and activists should equally start paying attention to the local council’s activities



Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Jimeta, Adamawa State, zaymohd@yahoo.com, 08036070980. 



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Friday, October 24, 2014

Namadi Sambo’s Long Walk to 2015



It appears Vice President Namadi Sambo is on a ‘long tumultuous’ journey to 2015. His fate as the number two in President Goodluck Jonathan’s quest for a second term is unclear.

There are many issues surrounding Sambo’s political influence in the Jonathan administration. And his opponents are riding on the back of these issues in the attempt to drop him from Jonathan’s second term. The most potent of these issues is Sambo’s seeming lack of strong base, influence and appreciable number of followers at his immediate constituency- the northern region.

Sambo’s adversaries have been buoyed by his omission from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) endorsement of GEJ as its sole candidate in the 2015 presidential election. And they are increasingly capitalising on his weakest point- his lack of political influence and strong followership in the north- the region where he is supposed to be the number one political leader.

Had Sambo been included in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) endorsement of GEJ as its sole candidate in the 2015 presidential election, it would have help to avoid rumors and uncertainty about his future in the Jonathan administration. 

Is Jonathan not comfortable with Sambo? Observing the pair, one would see that there is a good rapport and understanding between them. Would it not be a big gamble by President Jonathan to replace Sambo? Sambo appears not to be crossing his political limits. Every President would love to have a VP like Sambo. There seems to be no ‘political’ friction between Goodluck and Sambo. Would retaining Sambo assist Jonathan to get more votes from the north besides the expected ones? Certainly no. Does replacing Sambo change that? No. But why did the PDP not included Sambo in the endorsement? What are the game plans?

The PDP suffered its greatest setback in the north during the GEJ administration. More disparaging for Sambo is that the major players in the crisis were governors from the north, the region where he is supposed to be the number one political leader. Being a sitting vice president, Sambo was supposed to be the point-man for President Goodluck Jonathan in the north, but he appeared helpless during that well-known PDP- G7 crisis. 

Sambo’s inability to make a reasonable impact during the crisis seriously affected his political importance in the GEJ administration. Thus, those who want his position became very happy as it was obvious he lacked necessary control of the political followership in his region. Sambo also failed to use the crisis to make a strong political statement that he can carry the PDP and GEJ to victory in the north in 2015. In his defense, Sambo’s sympathizers claim that he has not been given the political window to play an active role like former VP Atiku during the Obasanjo era. However, his adversaries opine that this further indicates that he lacks a strong base in the north. And thus, he is viewed as not being able to bring fruitful results, even if such window is available.

Sambo’s adversaries say his weak political influence and followership in the north is a minus for GEJ’s second term bid, because the north- Jonathan’s major political headache- sees Sambo as unable to do anything for himself politically, let alone the northern region. 

Notwithstanding the above arguments, any attempt to edge out Sambo will be pure politics. The events of the coming weeks, especially GEJ’s official declaration will give us clear indication on Sambo’s fate.

Should he be eventually dropped, people like Governors Sule Lamido, Ibrahim Shema and the likes with strong political clout in the north will be the major contenders. 

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Jimeta, Adamawa State, zaymohd@yahoo.com 08036070980. He blogs at www.zayyaddp.blogspot.com





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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Fintiri Vs Bindawa: Here’s how Adamawa Will Vote



The contest for Adamawa governor will be neck and neck because the two major candidates Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and Mohammed Jibrilla Bindawa share some similar treats and are poles apart at few. 

Fintiri is a serving member in the Adamawa House of Assembly, while Bindawa is a serving Senator. Both are Muslims from the so-called Adamawa minority tribes- Fintiri a Marghi from Madagali Local Government while Bindawa, a Njayi from Mubi South Local Government. Both candidates are young, and were catapulted to their present positions by rare circumstances.

Apart from their lives and political profiles, there are certain five factors that will determine the votes they will get. These are: the ‘political-strength’ of their running mates; mother-tongue; geography; faith and the usual Nigerian money-politics. These five factors have become pivotal in shaping voting pattern in the state because of the present politics and the history of Adamawa politics since the former Gongola state.

Both candidates meticulously selected their running mates in order to attract maximum votes; Umaru Fintiri’s running mate, Barrister Afremu Jingi is well educated and has been in politics for some time, though he may not be conversant with the current reality of Adamawa grassroots politics because of his long stay at Abuja. 

Fintiri pick Jingi to represent Adamawa Central. However some political pundits are surprise of this because of the current political permutation in Adamawa- the PDP has already stretched its limit in Fufore local government area, as regards positions allocated to Adamawa Central. Senate member, Bello Tukur, House of Representative member, Aminu Hamman Ribadu and the state chairman of the PDP, Joel Madaki are all from Fufore LGA. Moreover, Barrister Jingi is Joe Madaki’s nephew, so the votes that Jingi is expected to bring from the Bwate ethnic clan, Madaki will bring it. Thus, choosing Jingi may not add political value. Many observers opine Fintiri could have picked his running mate from Hong or the Numan federation and thus be sure of massive votes from there. 

On the other hand, Senator Bindawa’s running mate- Honourable Babale Martins was Chairman, Toungo Local Government from 1997 to 1998; Member, House of Representatives, 2003 to 2011. He is a well experienced grassroots politician. But of what value is he to Bindawa? Babale is from the Chamber tribe in Adamawa south, if the Chamber tribe decides to vote their son, it will be a game changer. The Chamber tribe has the largest voting population in Adamawa south. And have had the quest to produce a governor or deputy governor for long. 

However, retrospectively, having been allocated all of Adamawa south slots (Kanasari was running mate to Adamu Modibbo, Yusuf Janwe was the senatorial candidate, while Mahmud Gurumpawo was the candidate for House a Representative,) by the defunct ANPP in 2003, the ANPP lost massively to the PDP in Adamawa south, albeit owing to Atiku being in the PDP then. If APC must celebrate victory in Adamawa south after the election, they dearly need Atiku. Though Atiku’s candidate- Ibrahim Mijinyawa was defeated at the APC primaries, getting Atiku’s support for Bindawa should not be difficult because Babale was the Director General of Mijinyawa’s campaign organization. 

Senator Bindawa will count on three things from Adamawa south- Atiku’s influence, the Chamber people’s votes based on ‘sentiment’ and ‘scavenge’ votes.

As earlier said faith, mother-tongue, geography and money-politics will also shape the voting pattern in some localities. These are touchy issues, but regrettably have always played a major role in the politics of Adamawa state. 

Religion will be of less prominent influence in the election because both candidates are Muslims, but Fintiri will get most of the votes from Christians of the so-called minority tribe, because their displeasure of Murtala Nyako has turned into admiration for Fintiri. 

Tongue will also play a major role; the choice of running mates already indicates that. Fintiri will do very well in Michika, Madagali, while Bindawa is expected to do well in Mubi North and South. Numan federation will vote massively for Fintiri, while Chamber/Ganye chiefdom is expected to be won by Bindawa. One interesting place will be Hong/Kilba- the kilba tribe appears undecided in the present politics. For instance there were five gubernatorial candidates from the kilba tribe –Marcus Gundiri, Aliyu Kama, Idi Hong, James Barka and Boss Mustapha- Mustapha lost at Hong to Senator Bindawa during the APC primaries. Voting pattern from Hong will be very interesting, but Fintiri may win in Garha, Pella and Hong, while Bindawa may capture Uba Hilde. 

Another interesting place will be Adamawa central; the zone has a very large voting population and predominantly Hausa-Fulani. It is a cosmopolitan area and occasionally record voter apathy. Yola North and South have a very large voting population; whoever wins those two areas may have tremendously heaped his votes.

The October 11 Adamawa governorship election result may be neck and neck, but as mentioned earlier, mundane factors- mother-tongue; geography; faith and usual Nigerian money-politics will have a major impact on the outcome of the election. One unfortunate thing in Adamawa politics is, most poor people and local politicians will vote based on their ‘stomach’ needs, while a number of the educated and working class population will vote based on faith and tongue. This is how most people usually vote in Adamawa; they eat their future, instead of them to use today in the spirit of tomorrow.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Jimeta, Adamawa State, zaymohd@yahoo.com 08036070980. He blogs at www.zayyaddp.blogspot.com



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Monday, September 15, 2014

Why Atiku Lost Adamawa APC Primaries




Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar didn’t contest the September 7, 2014, Adamawa All Progressives Congress (APC), Governorship primaries, but he suffered a defeat- a bitter one! Adamawa (APC) Governorship primary election was a litmus test for how strong and rooted Atiku’s political structure and men are in the APC. 

Politically thirsty, Atiku fought doggedly for his preferred candidate- Ibrahim Mijinyawa (Yayaji), but Mijinyawa was convincingly defeated by Senator Mohammed Umar Jibrilla (Bindawa) by 2,718 votes to 2,268. 

There were some salient reasons Atiku’s candidate didn’t make it. 

Firstly, Atiku and his men went to the primaries without a clear-cut direction. Three candidates; Ibrahim Mijinyawa, Boss Mustapha and Yakubu Tsalla all flew Atiku’s flags, and together they garnered 2,930 votes (Mijinyawa - 2,268, Boss - 515 and Tsalla-147). Thus, Atiku and his men wasted their votes. Pundits were surprised by this, considering Atiku’s vast political experience and sophistication. Had they gone to the election with a clear-cut direction in support of one candidate; their collective 2,930 votes would have neutralized Bindawa’s 2,718.

Secondly, Nyako’s men also played a prominent role in defeating Atiku’s. Adamawa APC governorship primary election was a kind of test of wits between Atiku and Nyako’s political structures. Nyako’s men have not forgiven Atiku for his lackadaisical attitude towards assisting former Governor Murtala Nyako during Nyako’s most difficult political moment- the impeachment ‘wahala’. For instance, there are at least five members from the Chamber/Ganye chiefdom in the Adamawa House of Assembly who would have listened to Atiku, if he wanted to save the former Governor. 

Thirdly, from all indications, Atiku wanted a puppet and also wanted to restore his hitherto lost unmatched-grip of the politics of his home state. However his candidate is not a ‘governor-material’. Though, young, cool-headed and a onetime local government chairman, Yayaji is not ripe to be a governor in the current political and economic situation in Adamawa. And he does not match Bindawa’s resume. Thus, APC delegates and Almighty God stopped Atiku.

Fourthly, at the time Atiku joined the Adamawa APC, the deal has already been sealed. The party’s executive positions from wards to state level have already been shared among its stakeholders-; Atiku in Adamawa APC is a like a commander without troops.

Well, being a typical Nigerian politician, one should not just blame Atiku, the former vice president dearly needs one of his political associates to win the October 11 Adamawa state governorship elections. Reason being that, he will be able to restore his lost leadership of Adamawa politics; get an opening to control a strong political platform at home front as well as to serve as a soft landing for him if his presidential ambition fails again. Despite this defeat at the primary elections, we should not forget that Atiku’s style of politics is unique- he looks at the future instead of the past. Senator Mohammed Umar Jibrilla needs Atiku’s support and  he will definitely enjoy the former vice president’s full support.


Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Jimeta, Adamawa State, zaymohd@yahoo.com 08036070980
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Tuesday, September 9, 2014

38-Year Old Banker Steals 6.3 Billion Naira



A banker, Godswill Oyegwa Oyoyou, an Information Technology staff of a new generation bank is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a case of fraud involving N6.28 billion.

Godswill allegedly conspired with some scammers and obtained the sum of N6.28Billion (Six Billion and Twenty-Eight Million Naira) from his bank after hacking into the bank’s database. 

The 38-year- old is from Isoko South local government area of Delta State, Nigeria
source: EFCC
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