Politics
Shagari’s Aide Advocates Developmental Politics
Alhaji Ishyaku Ibrahim, a personal assistant and close associate of late Alhaji Shehu Shagari, has enjoined Nigerians to practise developmental politics and concentrate on tapping the country’s resources.
Ibrahim made the appeal on Tuesday in Sokoto during a condolence visit to the family of late Shagari.
He described Shagari as a humble, generous and an amiable leader that meant well for Nigeria and the world at large.
He said 90 per cent of the country’’s mineral resources remained untapped and cautioned Nigerians against religious and tribal sentiments which retarded the country’s progress.
The former president’s associate said Shagari along with other first generation politicians were committed to nation building and practice politics free of bitterness and selfish interests.
He said Shagari had never planned to become Nigeria’s president as he only aspired to become a Senator.
“However, by Allah’s wish, people saw his good leadership qualities and pressurised him before he agreed to contest,’’ said the aide.
He noted that many political tricks were played then, stressing that he led people from Plateau State to approach Shagari to ran for the presidency before others followed during the 10 northern states convention which produced Shagari as candidate.
According to him, Shagari had never been greedy as he shun many corrupt advances when he was minister and other responsibilities he held.
He noted that till his dead no group or individual have accused him of any wrong doing, adding different testimonies by people after his death have proven his good qualities.
Ibrahim said he first met Shagari in 1967 as a student in Paris, because the then Ambassador attached him to cover Shagari’s visit and since then he had interacting with Shagari.
He said the late former president played a key role in the development of Nigeria and the democratic system.
“A distinct habit of the late former President, which only those who interacted with him will tell is, he was a very simple and humble man in spite of the various positions he held.
“He is being referred as `Mr Clean’ by many security personnel and others, a man that possessed a very clean and good heart which he showed clearly in his life time through various engagements and activities.
Ibrahim therefore called on Nigerians especially youths to imbibe the good habit of forgiveness, simplicity and integrity of the deceased.
He said late Shagari should not be mourned, but be celebrated as a truthful person, honest and sincere leader who was a good nationalist.
“Shagari is a true associate, his life is embodiment of truths to celebrate. If we learn lessons from his habits of forgiveness and tolerance, Nigeria will be a good country.”
He further recalled that he was instrumental to Shagari’s “President Rice Policy” where rice was imported from the U.S., a programme that impacted positively on the lives of Nigerians irrespective of position, political or religious background.
Responding, the eldest son of Shagari, Rtd. Cpt. Bala Shagari, described Ibrahim as an insider and a kitchen cabinet member of their late father who contributed to his (Shagari) success in life.
While collaborating that their father had no intention to contest for presidency but people pressured him and coincided that Shagari listened to a radio programme in which an Islamic scholar preached good leadership.
According to him, late Shagari accepted to contest when he heard that the wrath of Allah would befall whosoever was approached for leadership position and declined.
In a statement on Saturday, the former Senate Leader stated that the allocation of nominees across states and geopolitical zones falls short of the constitutional requirement for fair representation in the composition of the Federal Government.
The ex-Senate Whip warned that allowing the list to pass could deepen ethnic suspicion at a time when the administration should be consolidating national unity.
He highlighted disparities in the spread of nominees, noting that while some states have three or four slots, others have none. He also cited the inclusion of Senator Adamu Garba Talba from Yobe, who reportedly died in July.
“The entire North-East states have seven nominees in the list. Further checks revealed that the South-West geo-political zone has 15 nominees, while North-West and South-East have 13 and 9, respectively.
“North-Central region has 10 nominees in the list of career and non-career ambassadorial nominee while South-South parades 12 nominees,” Senator Ndume said.
According to him, such imbalances could heighten tensions and undermine Section 14(3) of the Constitution.
“My sincere appeal to President Tinubu is to withdraw this list. At this critical juncture in his administration, he should avoid missteps that could undermine national unity and foster ethnic distrust.
“I know him to be a cosmopolitan leader who is at home with every segment and stakeholder in the country. He should withdraw that list and present a fresh set of nominees that will align with the spirit of the Constitution on the Federal Character Principle,” Senator Ndume added.
He accused the legislators of undermining the sanctity of the legislature and acting as instruments of destabilization.
“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions since they assumed office, shown that they are political puppets and a clog in the wheels of democratic progress,” Comrade Ememobong stated, adding that “They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made mockery of the legislature.”
“So the easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC,” he said.
Comrade Ememobong announced that the party would deploy constitutional provisions to reclaim its mandate from those who have “ignobly and surreptitiously” abandoned the platform on which they were elected.
“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) to recover the mandate gained under the banner of our party which these people have now switched to another platform,” he said.
He urged party members in Rivers State to remain calm and steadfast.
“We urge all party members in Rivers State to remain faithful and resolute, as efforts are underway to rebuild the party along the path of inclusiveness, fairness and equity,” Comrade Ememobong assured.
As the news of the defection of 17 members of Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP )to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to make the rounds, a cross section of Rivers people who spoke to The Tide have expressed varying views regarding the development.
At Etche, a senior lecturer with the Rivers State University, who did not want his name in print, said even though defection was the right of politicians, peace and stability remained more fundamental than any action that could further challenge the fragile political situation in the state at the moment.
He also warned that the situation should not be used to witch-hunt any one, adding that the state had suffered enough and needed to be at peace.
In his reaction, Engr Polycarp Geoffrey said even though citizens and residents of the state had cause to be concerned about the decision of the lawmakers, there was nothing to worry about if it was done in good faith.
“I don’t think there is any big deal about it – defection is defection. But people are worried because of past events in the state. So, for me, I don’t see anything about it”, he said.
Engr Geoffrey also urged the Governor Siminalayi Fubara to also openly declare political affiliation in a bid to douse the political tension in the state and to provide clarity regarding his future political direction.
Another respondent, Mr Ebere Alex, alleged ulterior motive behind the law makers’ defection but urged both the law makers and the governor to work for the peace and development of the state.
However, speaking on the development, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, Hon Nname Ewor, told The Tide that said his party would reach out to the remaining lawmakers who have not defected.
He also denied an alleged internal squabble within the PDP, adding that there was no crisis in the party.
It would be recalled that 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule, during plenary last Friday, announced their migration from the PDP to the APC, citing internal party crisis.
Other members who also defected were the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Dumle Maol, representing Gokana Constituency; House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, representing Akulga Constituency 1 and Deputy Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, representing Okrika Constituency; Hon. Solomon Wami, Port Harcourt Constituency 1 and Hon Granville Tekena Wellington representing Asari Toru Constituency 1; Hon. Ofiks Kagbang, representing Andoni Constituency; Hon. Peter Abbey representing Degema Constituency; Hon. Arnold Dennis representing Ogu/Bolo Constituency; Hon. Chimezie Nwankwor representing Etche Constituency 2 and Hon. Franklin Nwabochi representing Onelga Constituency 1.
The rest were, Hon. Azeru Opara, representing Port Harcourt Constituency 3; Hon. Smart Adoki representing Port Harcourt Constituency 2; Hon. Igwe Afforji ,Eleme Constituency and Hon. Lolo Opuende representing Akuku Toru Constituency 2.
By: John Bibor
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