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Amina Zakari As APC’s Gambit In 2019 Elections

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5 years ago

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It is no doubt normal, and, in fact, political, for politicians and political parties to seek ways of having advantage over their opponents. But, for the sake of decency and true democracy, for sanity to prevail, and for the general good of society, whatever advantage being sought need to not only be in accordance with relevant laws, but should also obey the 4-Way Test of the things we do, say, or think.
Specifically, the 4-Way Test requires of every human being to answer four key questions as a guide to whatever we do, think, or say at any given point in our interactions with other people. The questions are: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? And, will it be beneficial to all concerned?
It is in this context that, last Thursday’s appointment of Hajia Amina Zakari as the head, collation of election results for the 2019 Presidential election, and subsequent reactions against it, has called for the need to critically scrutinise the facts therein, in accordance with the spirit of attaining that level of democracy Nigeria deserves, especially as often propagated by the ruling party, the All Progressives Alliance (APC), and also act in accordance with the 4-Way Test.
Amidst calls from various quarters, most of which were from the opposition, for Zakari’s removal from the position, a few, most of whom are key members of the ruling party, dismissed the calls as an acceptance of defeat by the opposition, which they claim is merely looking for strands to hold onto as the February date for the 2019 elections draws closer.
The same few buttress their stand by hinting that after all, the said while there may not be any doubt as to the integrity of Amina Zakari, especially professionally, her relationship with President Buhari, as stated earlier, makes her partisan, and hence amounts to making her a person of unquestionable integrity in this wise. was first appointed as a Commissioner into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan, hence placing her as the head of collation was not out of place.
What these few did not seem to consider, for whatever reason, is the fact that President Jonathan’s appointment of Amina Zakari as a Commissioner in INEC at a time he knew that Mohammadu Buhari, a co-contender  for the Presidency, has close marital ties with her, only proves how democratic President Jonathan is.
The question is can such act of democracy by President Jonathan be compared to her appointment by President Buhari as head of collation of results for the Presidential election, or any other election for that matter, be compared, especially considering that virtually the entire country had rejected her in 2015 when President Buhari had first appointed her Acting Chairman of INEC? This brings to the fore the crux of the matter.
According to Premium Times, as published in its January 6, 2019 edition, Amina Zakari is the daughter of the late Emir of Kazaure, Husseini Adamu, who got married to Buhari’s elder sister, and Buhari was said to have spent part of his childhood in the palace where his sister was married. Ever since, that close relationship has been at its best.
In fact, it was also reported that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s appointment of Zakari in 2011 as INEC Commissioner was in response to Buhari’s appeal for him to have a representative in INEC as he prepared for his election to the most prestigious office in the country, which finally came to fruition in 2015.
Meanwhile, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), legitimately empowers the Senate, to confirm the nominees of the Executive President to INEC in Section 154 (1) and to remove in Section 157 (1). Relatedly, take note that Section 14 (2a) and (3b) of Third Schedule Part 1 strongly emphasises that: “a member of the commission shall – be non-partisan and a person of unquestionable integrity.”
From the foregoing, since Nigerians are not even aware that Senate had confirmed her appointment in the first place, the question of how she got such sensitive appointment with about a month to the 2019 elections is another question requiring answer.
But while there may not be any doubt as to the integrity of Amina Zakari, especially professionally, her relationship with President Buhari, as stated earlier, makes her partisan, and hence, amounts to making her a person of unquestionable integrity in this wise.
The Daily Post of January 7, 2019 summed up the general feeling about Zakari thus: “Amina Zakari has obviously become a stumbling block in INEC since July 2015, when her appointment as the acting Chairman of INEC by President Muhammadu Buhari met stiff resistance and condemnation across the country over conflict of interest arising from her family affinity with the President”.
However, when the electoral umpire harkened to widespread calls for either her resignation or removal by redeploying her from being the head of electoral operations and logistics to head the Health and Welfare Committee on 11th October, 2018, it was highly welcomed.
Many viewed it as a direct response to several complaints against her, just as commendations poured in for the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, as many political parties, political actors and observers also saw it as a panacea towards credible elections.
For the INEC, as electoral umpire, to therefore choose to ignore these underpinnings and daringly reappoint her to a position as sensitive as head of collation of election results at this time, it can only reasonably point to one thing: that the ruling party considers who collates results very important, hence, only a trustworthy person can occupy that position, which ordinarily is the job of the INEC Chairman. Presently, judging by events, there is no better person than Zakari.
Moreso, the partisanship of Amina Zakari, especially her loyalty to President Buhari has over the years never been in doubt.
The Daily Post of January 7 puts it thus: “The partisanship of Amina Zakari in support of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) is so obvious and her recent interview in which she said Buhari is her leader shows that her loyalty is not to Nigeria but to President Muhammadu Buhari, her uncle who desperately seeks a second term.
“She has been repeatedly accused of influencing the outcome of several elections in favour of the APC, using her strategic position as the Director of Operations”.
Again, Zakari’s appointment recently is widely believed to be the last joker towards ensuring that incumbent President Buhari is returned, no matter what. It is also seen to be part of why the President refused to assent to the amended Electoral Act, which would have greatly checked large scale electoral fraud by limiting the ability of the Presidency to freely manipulate the electoral process.
A former presidential aspirant of the APC, who recently decamped to the PDP, Chief Charles Udeogaranya may have captured the unfolding drama as played out by INEC in its proper context in the following terms:
 “In the worst act of election result falsification, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has taken first step towards announcing fake and fictitious 2019 election results by the appointment of President Buhari’s niece, Amina Zakari, as Head of INEC’s Elections Results Collation Centre”.

Soibi Max-Alalibo

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Fubara Tasks Rivers Stakeholders On Political, Economic Emancipation …Commissions NAVAL Training Command Headquarters At Ebubu

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14 hours ago

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April 29, 2024

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Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that the task of emancipating Rivers State and taking it to its desired height of development among the comity of Nigerian states depends on the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the state.
Governor Fubara said this at Ubima, on Saturday, when he attended the burial ceremony of late Madam Cecelia Omehia, mother of Sir Celestine Omehia.
Addressing the leaders of the state who attended the burial ceremony in their numbers, the governor urged them to demonstrate their love for the state by living up to their patriotic responsibilities and make meaningful contributions that will move the state forward.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the service of the state and cautioned against politics of bitterness and animosity, stating that he will not govern the state as an underdog, nor compromise  the interest of Rivers people, no matter the challenges facing his administration.
“Anybody who claims to love this State should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interest of our dear Rivers State.
“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on the side of truth.
”I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear State on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right”, he said.
The governor commiserated with the Omehia family over the transition of their beloved matriarch and urged  them to take solace in the good legacies she left behind.
Sir Celestine Omehia, the chief mourner, in his response  thanked  the Rivers State governor  and his entourage for honoring the memory of his beloved mother, whom he described as a role model, teacher and great disciplinarian.
Earlier on Saturday, Governor Fubara visited the scene of the Friday night inferno occasioned by a tanker explosion that occurred at the Indorama axis of East West Road, causing untold disaster with over 60 vehicles razed and about four lives lost.
Governor Fubara who was accompanied by the  Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, and the state Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Uchechukwu Nwafor, during the visit, expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident and condoled with the families of the victims, assuring that the state government will provide needed assistance to cushion the effects of the tragedy.
“We are here to see for ourselves and get a first hand information of what happened yesterday night.
“I was told that it was caused by a tanker that was conveying premium motor spirit. In fact, I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they take control of the security situation in the area.
Governor Fubara, on Friday, commissioned the new Naval Training Command Headquarters at Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara said he was delighted with the transformation recorded in the abandoned facility after it was ceded by the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Navy on request in 2023.
He pointed out that the relocation of the Naval Training Command headquarters to Rivers State underscores the proficiency of the Nigerian Navy in managing the maritime sector, especially in safeguarding the waterways and  fighting against economic sabotage such as crude oil theft and its associated menace.
Governor Fubara commended the Navy for investing in the training of its personnel to evolve a highly skilled workforce to secure the Nigerian waterways, stating that the new development is a manifestation of President Bola Tinibu’s commitment to building a strong security architecture for Nigeria.
The Governor who assured the support of his administration to the Navy and other security outfits, announced a donation of N350m to the Navy, and urged synergy between the Navy and the host communities in terms of development support and security of lives and property.
“As you go on to put this training command into full service, my charge to you is to ensure that this sprawling facility is effectively maintained and utilized to expand your operations and activities for national security development.
“I further implore you to provide effective security and development support to the host communities, and live in peace and harmony with the civilian population in the local government area,” the Governor added.
In his remark,  the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral, Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the continuous support and partnership of the Rivers State Government with the Navy.
Taneh Beemene
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Constitution Amendment: Senator Barau Urges Stakeholders’ Collaboration

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14 hours ago

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April 29, 2024

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Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called for robust collaboration among all stakeholders to drive the ongoing constitution amendment process to a successful conclusion.
Senator Barau stated this on Saturday at the joint retreat of the secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, in Abuja.
He commended the synergy between the constitution review secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees, saying this will create harmony in the workings of both committees.
Senator Barau assured that the National Assembly will carry out the review of the constitution by a thorough aggregation of the yearnings of Nigerians from all walks of life through public hearings and collection of memoranda from various interests throughout the country, as well as embarking on a progressive engagement with state governments and legislatures and the federal government to achieve consensus on all issues.
“We must work together. Our country is facing a lot of challenges and this is the right time to fashion out a constitution that will go in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of this country.
“The world is dynamic and this compels all serious countries to go with modernity and fashion their laws in accordance with contemporary happenings within their peculiarities.
“We have started on a progressive note of collaboration and let us add momentum to this very important collaboration within our ranks in order to achieve a result that will help in driving the process of making prospective peace, justice and fair play in the way we run our affairs as a nation,” he said.
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Makinde Hails Electorate, OYSIEC Over LG Poll Conduct 

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15 hours ago

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April 29, 2024

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Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has applauded the residents of the state for turning out to vote in the ongoing local government election across the state.
The governor also rated the conduct of the election high, stating it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East LGA of Oyo State.
Addressing journalists after exercising his civic responsibility, Gov Makinde said, “For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practise. This is almost our fifth year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.
“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.
“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people. So, I will commend our people for coming out to take seriously democracy at that level.”
The governor, who noted that security report about the election had been excellent, also charged those who observed any untoward development to report same to the security agencies.
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