Politics
Jonathan Won 2011 Presidential Election – Tinubu
The National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, says President Goodluck Jonathan won the 2011 Presidential election.
Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, gave the endorsement at the Chatham House, London.
He was presenting a paper, entitled: “Democracy and the Rebirth of Opposition in Nigeria”.
In his words: I believe Jonathan won the election and that the returns attributed to him in some parts of the country obviously appeared exaggerated.’’
Tinubu noted that due to the unique circumstances of Jonathan’s rise to power, the public saw him as a distinctive figure.
He, however, added that: “the inflated tally detracted from what would have been a well deserved victory.’’
The opposition party chieftain expressed concerns that celebrating the election as free and fair might lead to INEC beating its chest, thereby, short circuiting the process of fundamental electoral reform.
Tinubu, who also took a swipe at the opposition parties, said they did not run a strong enough and sufficiently coordinated campaigns with a unifying message.
He said the campaigns were not strong enough to effectively match the machinery of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that emerged victorious at the elections.
“The opposition believed that public disenchantment with the ruling party, the PDP, was enough to get rid of them at the polls.
“In retrospect, we made an important strategic mistake that continued to play out and weaken us throughout the campaigns,’’ he said.
Tinubu also admitted that major opposition parties began their serious work too late.
“In the end, the opposition parties danced with each other but did not embrace; our constant dancing however, confused the public and partially doused some of the public’s enthusiasm,’’ he stressed.
Tinubu also spoke on the security challenges in the country, especially the menace of Boko Haram, which he attributed to the high level of poverty, economic and social injustice, and ignorance.
He noted that the situation was made worse by the political machinations of a group of people disaffected by the last elections.
Tinubu said that President Jonathan must succeed in his resolve to tackle the menace, adding that the lingering security challenge could damage the country and the West African region.
“He must do much better at communicating with the public, to build widespread support for a durable resolution to this dilemma,’’ the party chieftain said.
Politics
Why I Won’t Help Tinubu’s Govt Overcome Economic Challenges – Sanusi
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, says he would not help President Bola Tinubu’s administration to correct the administration’s policies affecting the citizens.
Emir Sanusi spoke on Wednesday in Lagos as the chairman of the 21st Anniversary of Fawehinmiism (Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture 2025).
The emir stated that while there were “a few points” he could offer to explain the trajectory the administration had taken and how such decisions were predictable, he chose not to do so because “they don’t behave like friends.”
He said explaining the government’s policies would help the government, but he did not intend to assist them due to the way they had treated him.
“I can give a few points that are contrary, that explain perhaps what we’re going through and how it was totally predictable, most of it, and maybe avoidable. But I am not going to do that.
“I have chosen not to speak about the economy or the reforms or to even explain anything because if I explain, it would help this government, but I don’t want to help this government,” the emir said while addressing some of the points made by speakers about the economy.
He added: “You know they’re my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So I watch them being stooges. And they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they are doing. I am not going to help. I started out helping, but I am not going to help. I am not going to discuss it. Let them come and explain to Nigerians why the policies that are being pursued are being pursued.
“Meanwhile, I’m watching a very nice movie with popcorn in my hands. But I will say one thing: What we are going through today is, at least in part, not totally, but at least in part, a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management.
“People were told decades ago that if you continue along this path, this is where you’re going to end up, and they refused to open their eyes. Now, is everything being done today correct? No.”
Emir Sanusi, who was deposed as the 14th Emir of Kano in 2020 by then-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the current national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano in 2024 by the New Nigeria People’s Party-led Kano State Government.
His emirship has faced ongoing challenges from forces believed to be backed by the federal government, including federal officials’ continued recognition of his predecessor, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.
Last month, the police barricaded his palace, with the state government accusing the federal government of orchestrating the action to stir unrest in the peaceful state.
Politics
Reps Loses Deputy Chief Whip
The Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga, is dead.
Also known as Ijaya, Rt Hon. Onanuga, who was the member representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, is said to have died following a brief illness.
This was confirmed in a tweet on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday night.
Rt Hon Onanuga, who was born in Hammersmith, London, to Nigerian parents on December 2, 1965, was a politician and entrepreneur. She held the position of Deputy Chief Whip in the Nigerian House of Representatives since 2023.
She contested and won a seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019. She also served as the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.
Politics
Aiyedatiwa Dissolves Cabinet, Retains Finance Commissioner, Attorney-General
Gov. Aiyedatiwa, however, exempted two members of the cabinet from the dissolution due to the critical nature of their duties.
The two commissioners exempted include the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Mr Adeniyan said in the statement that “All the affected cabinet members are to hand over all government properties in their care to the accounting officers of their respective ministries.
Gov. Aiyedatiwa thanked the executive council members “for their service and contributions to the development of Ondo State under his administration and wished them well in their future endeavours”.
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