By ‘Tofe Ayeni Lagos

Godfather of Lagos politics

A master strategist who has dominated the politics of Nigeria’s commercial capital for over two decades, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has long been expected to make a run for the country’s top job – his formidable political network, propensity for deal-making and substantial personal wealth give him a head start over many other contenders.

Tinubu has not held an official position in government since his second term as Lagos governor, which ended in 2007, but his influence national politics has grown.

Tinubu is a former two-time governor of Lagos State and he retains mass support there, with crowds of people gathering outside his mansion on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi.

They credit him with the social and economic progress seen in Lagos over the past two  decades. They add that he has also ensured that progressive governors run the state since he left the post.

Some of Tinubu’s notable achievements as governor includes improving the state’s waste management system, and better incentives for civil servants (salary increases and better quality of working environments).

READ MORE Lagos is a country

His successor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, was responsible for the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Lite System, which ferries passengers in high-capacity buses on dedicated bus lanes.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the immediate past governor, was shut out when he tried to move away from Tinubu and his desires, and instead of allowing him to run on the APC ticket for a second term, he was replaced by Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Governor Sanwo-Olu, the current governor, another one of Tinubu’s picks, has been praised for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country’s most densely populated state.

READ MORE Coronavirus: Nigeria’s varied responses to controlling COVID-19

Although Tinubu is widely loved in Lagos, his vast wealth and real estate holdings raise questions, especially amongst the critical and independently wealthy citizens.

Most attention has focused on the operations of a company called Alpha Beta Consulting which was awarded a contract that gave it exclusive rights to collect taxes on behalf of Lagos State when Tinubu was governor.

It was believed to also receive about 10% commission from the revenues collected. Many pro-transparency groups and opposition activists have demanded information about this group and its links with Tinubu and other politicians in the state.

After being a two-time governor of Lagos State, he became known as the ‘godfather of Lagos’, handpicking his successors.

Under Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, Alpha Beta Consulting was awarded the contract to collect taxes for the state on the recommendation of a committee whose members included the state’s then Attorney General Yemi Osinbajo (now Vice President), then commissioner for finance Wale Edun and former commissioner for economic planning and budget, Yemi Cardoso.

READ MORE Nigeria’s VP Osinbajo: Does he have friends in the political elite?

Attempts by journalists using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to discover the terms of Alpha Beta’s contract with the Lagos government and its beneficial owners have been blocked by state government officials, arguing that the freedom of information only applies to federal government.

It is important to highlight Tinubu’s influence amongst the Area Boys – loosely organised gangs of street youth who roam the streets of Lagos. He is held up as a man of the people, often giving out free food to poorer Lagosians.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/v5XpfZlfHqo?enablejsapi=1&amp=1&playsinline=1

Yet he may be losing ground to his opponents in the state.

In the 2019 presidential election, the Lagos votes for APC and opposition party PDP (53.31% to 41.12%) were very close. That suggested either that Tinubu does not have as much influence as was believed or that Lagosians were tired of the APC government and President Muhammadu Buhari at a national level.

In the Lagos gubernatorial election, the APC’s candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a Tinubu ally,  won nearly four times the number of votes as the PDP.

Tinubu’s rise to power

Tinubu started out in  politics in Nigeria’s third republic, where he represented Lagos West in the Senate.

When the APC was formed – a merger of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC, headed by current President Buhari), and the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) – Tinubu was a key member in bringing together these parties to oppose the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2015 elections.

After being a two-time governor of Lagos State, he became known as the ‘godfather of Lagos’, handpicking his successors.

Those that stopped listening to him, or decided that they held all the power, were removed – as was seen with Akinwunmi Ambode, a one-term governor of Lagos State who was pushed out in state primaries ahead of the 2019 elections.

Falling out of the good graces of both the people of Lagos State and the kingmaker of Lagos politics resulted in Ambode’s going from being the governor of the country’s most thriving state to being hunted down by the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission in just six months He was replaced on the APC ticket for the gubernatorial elections by another Tinubu loyalist, current governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Tinubu’s current role is the national leader of the APC, a title that, although an honorific, gives him power and influence within the party structures.

Tinubu holds two chieftaincy titles:

• Asiwaju of Lagos
• Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom in Niger State

In a country where traditional leaders are still widely respected, these chieftancy titles enhance his power and reach.

Many younger politicians owe the success of their careers to Tinubu, notably Fashola, and Vice-President Osinbajo. His model has always been to encourage the younger generation.

Support within the party

Before the dissolution of the NWC, it was said that at least 15 out of the 20 members were loyal to Tinubu and Oshiomhole.

Governors loyal to Tinubu include Ganduje of Kano, Masari of Katsina (President Buhari’s home state), Abdulrazak of Kwara, Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Abiodun of Ogun, and Oyetola of the State of Osun, amongst others.

On the other side lies Governor Obaseki of Edo State, Fayemi of Ekiti, and El-Rufai of Kaduna. Edo State is to hold gubernatorial elections in September 2020. If Obaseki wins the re-election, this will be a kick in the face for his rival Comrade Oshiomhole, and perhaps Tinubu by extension. Many think that El-Rufai and Fayemi also have presidential aspirations for 2023.

Does Tinubu need Buhari to succeed?

The big question is whether President Buhari wants to play a lead role in determining his successor, like Obasanjo did in 2007. Nobody knows the answer of this for certain, but people around Buhari are trying to make sure they are on his good side, hoping that if he does decide to influence the choice and the primaries, he will be on their side.

Although the Nigerian political system is meant to work in a way that the presidency rotates between a southerner and northerner in power – implying that Buhari the notherneer should be succeeded by a southerner –  the question of whether the APC’s next candidate will be a northerner or southerner looks far from resolved.

Tinubu cannot succeed with support only  from the south-west, he needs northern votes as well. Will the eight million strong voter block that Buhari tapped into stay with the APC, regardless of candidate, or will they go to a northern candidate, regardless of party? For example, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the north-east state of Adamawa is likely to contest again for the PDP and fight for those eight  million northern votes,

The collaboration between Buhari and Tinubu in 2015 involved the latter being tasked with bringing in the south-west votes and providing a southern technocrat as the vice-presidential candidate. When the APC vote count from the south-west for Buhari slipped, it seemed that Tinubu had become less important for him.

READ MORE Team Buhari: choosing who to lead Nigeria

It’s unclear how far Tinubu and Buhari trust each other. And whether Buhari would  support Tinubu as an APC candidate for the next presidential election. Buhari plays his cards close to his chest.

Recent troubles in the EFCC

Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of the EFCC ( Economic and Financial Crimes Commission), was suspended in early July, facing a slew of allegations of fraud, including diversion of recovered funds and seized assets. Magu is known to be a Tinubu man. So his suspension might reduce Tinubu’s influence within the system.

READ MORE Nigeria’s EFCC boss suspended from office following secret tribunal

Magu has been released on bail, so it is not yet certain that these troubles will lead to his permanent downfall. If Magu is taken out of the system and his successor decides to investigate Tinubu, that could trigger new political problems for the Lagos godfather.

Bottom Line

Tinubu has not announced his decision to run for President in 2023, but it will surprise few if he does. The threat of an EFCC investigation and the APC divide could thwart such an ambition but all the other contenders will have their own crosses to bear.

Asiwaju Tinubu remains a local hero in Lagos, the country’s commercial capital. He would prepare his campaign with an acute strategic sense of the voter data and the political messaging.

Tinubu’s critical task would be to bring in allies from across the middle and the north to bolster his national reach – his deal-making in the past has proved effective but this would be his greatest test yet.

BY BABAJIDE FADOJU

As far back as 1999, when what we have in Lagos today were only dreams in the minds of visionaries, Tinubu took over like that proverbial octopus with all its hands in all the jars, weaving Lagos state from pit to the palace it is today.

First was the gory sight of Lagos which was occasioned by pollution from different sectors of Lagos state at that time. And combating the imminent fear of an epidemic that obviously engulfed the state, the former governor separated the ministry of environment from the ministry of physical planning and repositioned it to combat flooding and coordinate waste management and disposal.

Of course, even the bible pointed out that when men of vision lead, the people rejoice. This was Tinubu’s greatest strength as he toes the path of exemplary administration through his many leadership qualities.Advertisement

First was a free health policy for children below 18 and adults above 65 years that the Tinubu administration introduced, knowing the importance of healthcare delivery to building a healthy society.

The drugs for patients were heavily subsidised. Under the Blindness Prevention Programme, millions of Lagosians were saved from sight problems. There were free eye surgeries and glasses (Jigi Bola) were distributed to patients for free. To reduce the scourge of HIV/AIDS, the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency intensified its enlightenment programme targeted at youths.

The administration’s ‘Roll Back Malaria’ programme complemented the Eko Free Malaria Treatment programme under which millions of people were treated. The government also combated dreadful diseases, including tuberculosis by setting up clinics devoted to the disease and polio through the immunization of millions of children.Advertisement

To cap it all, the LASAMBUS scheme was initiated. Dozens of ambulances were provided to ease rescue operations. Tinubu introduced reforms, which led to the decentralisation of the health management board, the revitalisation of the primary healthcare system, the establishment of the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to ensure quality assurance, the establishment of the Hospital Services Commission and the promotion of partnerships in health between the government and the private sector.

Showing clearly that a new sheriff is in town, the Tinubu administration’s youth development programme led to the annual ‘One Day Governor’ through the annual spelling bee for secondary school students initiated by the New Era Foundation that was promoted by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu as the first lady of Lagos.

Knowing how the reformation of prisoners can help curb social vices, the former governor converted the dreadful Ita Oko prisoners camp into a youth skills acquisition centre. There was also a programme of women empowerment to enable women to cope with the harsh economic realities and make them become better individuals beyond housewives in their different families. More importantly, women were reoriented towards self-employment.

Tinubu’s administration fired on all cylinders, leaving no stone unturned, down to the housing sector. His administration facilitated access to quality accommodation and succeeded in making the Lekki corridor the fastest growing real estate investment haven. The former governor lamented the federal government’s failed housing policy and the neglect of the housing needs of the former federal capital territory (FCT). He restructured the ministry of works and housing by upgrading the housing department or directorate into a full-fledged ministry. The ministry was mandated to provide 500 housing units yearly and coordinate the activities of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) and the Lagos Building Investment Company for more effective management. More importantly, the sector was repositioned to attract private sector participation.

There was a turnaround in the fortunes of the LSDPC. Its account was red before Tinubu assumed office. In his first term, the moribund Michael Otedola Low Income Housing was completed. The Jubilee Housing Scheme comprising 1,300 units of low-income housing designated as Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate was completed. The project was undertaken directly by the ministry. Also delivered were the Lekki Scheme 1, named after the late Eleko of Lagos, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, the Oko Oba units, Oregun Estate, Ikeja, Femi Okunnu Housing Estate, Lekki and the Mile 2 Housing Estate. Also, concerted efforts were made to develop the proposed estates in Gbagada 1 and 2, Ibeshe, Ikeja 1 and 2, Oko Oba/Alaba and Ewu Elepe. There were proposals for Teachers’ Village, Civil Servants’ Village and Judges Village. The mortgage system was strengthened and foreign investors were encouraged.

Asides from the many restructuring of different organs and sections the administration achieved, it also pioneered novel initiatives in transportation, including the development of modern water transportation and the BRT system. LASTMA was established to ensure proper traffic management and deal with the problem of indiscipline on the road by drivers.

Under the capable hands of an obviously experienced public servant as Tinubu, Lagos blazed the trail in the independent power project (IPP), which continually supplied 270 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. The project demonstrated the capacity of some states to generate electricity, if the power to legislate on it is on the concurrent list. Tinubu’s electrification project covered over 100 communities. In his first term, 53 rural communities were targeted. The projects were completed in Egan, Atewolere, Ifesowapo, Aboru, Agbado, Ayetoro, Akorede, Isheri Ikosi, Orile Aguntan, Rofo, Borokini, Omologbede, Araromi, Oke Agbo, Erekusu, Logberu, Okegelu and Ebute, Lekki. Others were Origanringan, Onigbolakowe, Oke odo Elemoro, Ipaja Isale Odo, Agenuba, Ajelogo, Mutaku, Egansando, Ayanfe, Topo and Ikola Agbenaje.

Tinubu created additional 37 councils, following the legitimate agitations of Lagosians for improved governance at the grassroots. The number of the councils rose to 57. However, the national assembly refused to list the councils in the constitution.Advertisement

As the saying goes, the fowl knows the animal that deprived it of its fathers during the rainy season. The people of Lagos can never forget the efforts of Tinubu’s administration in creating the Lagos of our dream today especially when the allocation for Lagos was seized, prompting Tinubu to put on his thinking cap. He embarked on a novel and aggressive revenue generation drive, which halted the dependence on federal allocations to the state. In 1999, under military rule, Lagos was generating N600,000 monthly. Today, the internally generated revenue (IGR) is around N45 billion.

For eight years, Tinubu also agitated for special status, or special economic assistance, for Lagos state. Up to now, it is still a dream.

Tinubu resolved the succession hurdle successfully in 2007. His successor, Fashola, built on his achievements.

The saying that everything success begins and ends with pristine leadership was proven as Tinubu ended his administration with awards to crown his many efforts for the people of Lagos state. These laurels and awards include the Best Governor for 2001 by the Nigerian/Belgian Chamber of Commerce, Winner of 2002 Best Practices Prize in improving the living environment (by the federal ministry of works and UN habitat Group), 2000 Best Computerized Government in Nigeria (by the Computer Association of Nigeria), 2003 Green Crystal Award for Enhancing the Value of the Environment (by Clean-Up Nigeria (CUN), 2002 Healthcare Award as the best provider of best health services in Nigeria, Presidential Merit Award for technological Development by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, 2001 National Literacy award for outstanding contribution to mas literacy, Co-winner of 2002 Outstanding Alumnus award of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), 2001 Distinguished Alumnus Award by Chicago State University, Distinguished Service Award for Exemplary Leadership by the Lagos State Economic Summit Group, Certificate of Commendation by the national Conference of Black mayors, Silver Jubilee Anniversary Award as Labour Friendly Governor by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural gas Workers (NUPENG) and Award of Recognition by Nigerian Berge Limited for the initiation of the independent power project (IPP).

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okawa.

The All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday stepped up moves to choose running mates for their presidential candidates.

The PDP set up a committee comprising its governors, the National Working Committee and the Board of Trustees members as well as former governors with the mandate of picking its vice-presidential candidate.

The committee met on Wednesday and Thursday in Abuja. The PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed the setting up of the committee to The PUNCH last night.

It was gathered that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa, had intensified lobby of the PDP stakeholders as part of moves to clinch the post.

On his part, the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, began the search for his running mate with a meeting with northern governors.

As Tinubu met northern governors, the Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday gave parties June 17 deadline to submit the names of their presidential candidates and running mates.

The commission had on May 27 extended the deadline for parties to conduct primaries from June 4 to June 9.

It also fixed June 17 as the deadline for parties to submit lists of their candidates.

At the PDP primary held on May 29, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the presidential candidate, polled 371 votes while his closest challenger,  Wike, came second with 237 votes.

On Wednesday, Tinubu defeated aspirants including a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

On Thursday Atiku met with the PDP governors as part of efforts to pick his running mate.

Ologunagba in the interview with The PUNCH, indicated that the PDP would announce its vice-presidential candidate next week.

He, however, declined to reveal the names of those being considered as the running mate.

He said, “Yes, we have set up a committee on the running mate; when it comes out with its decision, it would be announced. We don’t do things by speculations. There is a process, we don’t work without planning. We would follow due process, we consult, that’s what we are doing.

“When we are done with consultations, you would hear the outcome. Whether they met today (Thursday), whether they didn’t meet, that’s not relevant. When they have done their work, you would know the outcome.”

When asked about the names of the committee members, Ologunagba stated, “You don’t need the names. All the organs of our party are represented: the National Working Committee, the Governors Forum, the Board of Trustees, and the Former Governors Forum are all represented. All the organs of the party and relevant stakeholders are involved in the consultations.”

On the efforts to reconcile the aspirants who lost during the primaries, the party said a reconciliation process was ongoing.

Wike

It was gathered that Wike and Okowa had reached out to their fellow governors as part of efforts to clinch the post.

A close source to Wike told The PUNCH that the governor was in Abuja lobbying to be named Atiku’s running mate.

 The source stated, “The governor is not in town as we speak. It is not out of place if he is pushing to become the running mate of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

“But it will be unfair if he (Wike) is not picked as Atiku’s running mate going by his contributions to the party, both in terms of finance and other levels of support.

“Don’t forget that he came second in the PDP presidential primary in Abuja, so that tells you his pedigree,” he stated.

Kelvin Ebiri, the Special Assistant on Media to Wike  kept mum over the choice of running mate for  Atiku.

 When contacted by one of our correspondents if his principal should be picked as the vice presidential running mate, although Ebiri picked his call, he did not speak.He also did not reply a text message sent to him

Okowa

On his part, the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, confirmed that the governor was one the people being tipped as Atiku’s running mate.

Ifeajika said Okowa was eminently qualified for the post. He said, “Yes, they (governors) met yesterday and today, Thursday, in Abuja. Of course, it is no longer news that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is among the people being tipped as the running mate.

Who does this Tinubu think he is. Does he think Nigeria is his property and the world revolves around him? He thinks he is a dynasty and Nigeria’s presidency is his turn. Who told him that? Isn’t that what the North is criticized for, thinking that leadership or rulership is their property. If it’s Yoruba people’s turn, does he think it must be him?

After Buhari, ‘it is my turn’ – Tinubu

“If not for me that stood behind Buhari he wouldn’t have become the president.”

The presidential aspirant and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has said he was instrumental in Muhammadu Buhari becoming Nigeria’s president.

Mr Tinubu spoke while meeting the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, leaders and delegates of the party at the presidential lodge, Ibara, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.

Mr Tinubu was in the state to meet APC delegates ahead of the party’s presidential primaries next week.

“If not for me that stood behind Buhari he wouldn’t have become the president,” said Mr Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State.

“He tried the first time, he failed, the second time, he failed, the third, he failed, he even wept on national television and vowed never to contest again but I went to meet him in Kaduna and told him he will run again, I will stand by you and you will win, but you must not joke with Yorubas and he agreed.

“Since he became the president, I have never got ministerial slots, I didn’t collect any contract, I have never begged for anything from him, it is the turn of Yoruba, it is my turn.”

Mr Tinubu said he was also instrumental in Mr Abiodun becoming the Ogun governor, as well as Yemi Osinbajo becoming vice president.

Mr Abiodun had publicly thrown his weight behind Vice President Osinbajo, an Ogun State indigene, who is also a presidential aspirant.

The one that handed the flag to him. He knows that he cannot be the governor without the help of God and my support. It has been over 25 years now that I have been serving them.”

“If the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, will be fair enough, he will confirm that, if not for God and me, he will never become governor in this state,” Mr Tinubu said.

“We were together at the MKO Abiola Stadium, he was intimidated, they didn’t want to give him the party’s flag, I was the one that handed the flag to him. He knows that he cannot be the governor without the help of God and my support. It has been over 25 years now that I have been serving them.”

Osinbajo as vice president

On the role he played in Mr Osinbajo’s vice presidency, Mr Tinubu retold the story of how Mr Buhari initially approached him to become his running mate ahead of the 2015 election.

“Since the time we started with the Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and now the All Progressives Congress (APC), I wanted to contest for president that time,” he began.

“This is me telling you between my life and God Almighty, Buhari called me to be his Vice President. He said because the first time he contested, he picked Okadigbo, a flamboyant Catholic, but Nigerians didn’t vote for him.

“The second time, he picked another Igbo, Ume-Ezeoke, Nigerians didn’t vote for him. He knows that even if he goes to bring the Pope to run as his vice, Nigerians won’t vote for him. So he said, ‘you, Bola Tinubu, you have six governors, you have never lost an election before, come and be my vice.

“He knew all the calculations then favoured us, that was why he wanted me as his vice, but I told him to let us build the party first.

“And when we finished building the party, after we brought in people from the PDP, Saraki knew that those from the PDP will not get anything if Buhari, a Muslim, becomes the president and me, also a Muslim, becomes his vice. He knew he won’t get the Senate President because the Senate President cannot also be a Muslim; that was how they started the campaign of calumny against me.

“I told them that I have a candidate that is a Christian that I can nominate so that the party will not break, that was how I nominated Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. I surrendered my right to him (Osinbajo).”

Message to delegates

Mr Tinubu told the delegates that he is the best bet to represent the APC at the presidential polls saying, he has a wealth of experience.

“It is my time, I’m educated, I’m experienced. I have been serving you for a long time, bring me the presidency, bring it, it is my turn,” he said.

“When Atiku was being flogged out of PDP by Obasanjo, he ran to me for help, I left the ticket for him. Nuhu Ribadu came to me and I backed him.

In Mr Tinubu’s entourage were the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje; his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former governor of Borno State, Kassim Shettima, and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

A prominent national youth group, the Nigerian Youth Organisation, has publicly declared its rejection of all the presidential candidates nominated by the major political parties, with a call for a united front to elect one person who can lead the country to victory.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, the chairman of the Nigeria Youth League, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar Wali, said Nigeria currently needed a brave and courageous young man who would save the country from its current predicament.

“The man we are talking about is well known, and his efforts as a predecessor are well known. We are confident that he will be able to save Nigeria from collapse”.

Asked who the man they were talking about was, the Nigerian Youth League leader said he is a well-known and fearless man, not an incumbent governor or a former governor, but a brave man and an army veteran, whose experience everyone had witnessed.

“We will soon reveal his name to Nigerians”, he assured.

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria has expressed concern over the renewed wave of attacks on journalists including those covering the primaries by political parties.

Press Freedom Officer, IPC, Mrs. Melody Lawal in a statement said the IPC Safety of Journalists Alert Desk has documented the following recent attacks, among others:

The shooting by the Police of Toba Adedeji, the Osun State Correspondent of The Nation newspaper while covering a protest over alleged police brutality in Osogbo, the state capital on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, who was injured on the thigh and had to be treated in hospital;

The attack, harassment, and beating by Policemen of Yinka Adeniran, the Oyo State Correspondent of The Nation newspaper while covering the People’s Democratic Party’s gubernatorial primary at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan on May 25, 2022;

The attack by suspected political thugs on the vehicle conveying members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Osun State Council of NUJ on May 24th, 2022 while covering the campaign by the State Governor in Gbogan in Aiyedaade Local Government Area;

others were the arrest of three journalists Deborah Coker of News Agency of Nigeria, Sunny Inarumen of African Independent Television, and Osamuyi Ogbomo, a cameraman with Independent Television on May 24, 2022, in Benin, Edo State Capital, while covering a factional primary of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Mrs. Lawal noted that the attacks represent a return to the regime of repression of journalists and other media professionals in Nigeria, adding that such development constitutes a grave danger to press freedom and freedom of expression.

“We condemn the attacks and demand the apprehension and trial of the alleged perpetrators so that justice can be served”, She said.

Making specific reference to the attacks on journalists on electoral duty, she said political parties need to be reminded that the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage requires them to grant access to journalists interested in covering their activities including primaries while taking measures to protect them from aggrieved party members or political thugs.

IPC said that it has become an urgent imperative for the leadership of the security agencies to enlighten their officials on the need to accord respect to journalists covering events of public interest and refrain from assaulting them.

Hon. Mustapha Hamza Buhari (Bakwana), the political Adviser to executive governor of Kano state, has expressed optimism that his party APC in kano state has make a wise choice by chosen His Excellency Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who’s the Deputy governor of Kano state, as the best person to contest for the number one seat in the state come 2023 general election.

Hon. Mustapha Bakwana said, Nasiru Gawuna popularity, experience, exposure, acceptability, marketability and his experience as a two term local government chairman, two term commissioner and track records as two term deputy governor earned him the endorsement.

He said, “Gawuna have impressive curriculum vitae and have proven his capacity in the last two decades, he has more grassroots support”.

“Gawuna is the best bet for the APC. ” To retain power, we need a popular candidate”. 
He said: “There is no other one in the race hiding or open, Gawuna the only one in the race and most competent and most qualified to be your governor come year 2023.

“Gawuna is the only one who has been through the tutelage. He’s the only one amongst all those contesting the governor seat, who has been consistent in one party. They are not stable. Some of them are rolling stones,” he stated.

“Nasiru Gawuna remains the most competent person for the job”.

“The deputy governor has contributed immensely to the development of kano State” Bakwana added.

commended the executive governor of Kano state Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his commitment, adding that the governor represented the crux of the people by advancing democracy.

Kano State is the political hub of Northern Nigeria.

The state continues to play a significant role in the politics of the North and of Nigeria in general, so interest in its internal politics spread far beyond its boundaries.

BY COMRADE MUSA MOHAMMEDEDITOR-IN-CHIEF /PUBLISHER MOONLIGHTNEWSEmail : moonlightnews15@gmail.com+2348038895334

I want to go on record as endorsing DR. BASHIR YUSUF JAMOH Ph.D   for the office of the number one Citizen in Kaduna State.

BASHIR JAMOH has contributed immensely to the political stability and development of Kaduna state and nigeria for more than decade, as a Public servant which he brings excellent credentials to this positions. 
He is honest, reliable, and willing to serve the citizens of Kaduna state heartedly.
I believe Dr. Bashir Jamoh, is the person best qualified to be our next governor comes 2023.
Beyond a doubt, DR  BASHIR JAMOH is the most qualified person to run for the Kaduna state governorship position.

In all he does, DR. BASHIR JAMOH     exemplifies honesty, fairness, and thoughtfulness, he will use those qualities to rebuild and transforms Kaduna state.

We need DR. BASHIR JAMOH, and DR. BASHIR JAMOH  needs us.Vote for him as the Kaduna state governor in the forth coming elections 2023. 

I choose DR. BASHIR JAMOH as candidate to contest for the office of the governor of kaduna state.
Dr. Bashir Jamoh acquired a great deal of experience dealing with grassroot politicians, local, and state and at National level which make him gained respect from the public as well as the law makers and government officials.

I most admire Bashir Jamoh for his selfless services to humanity.
He acquired respect and admiration for his generosity, intelligence, and dedication to a good cause.
He put many hours into making the unemployed optimistic about their future, because he encouraged women and the teaming youth across kaduna state. 

With proud enthusiasm, I support    DR. BASHIR JAMOH as APC candidate for governorship come 2023.
As kaduna state indigene from Kaduna north local government area i confidently recommend DR. BASHIR JAMOH for the position of kaduna state Governor.
In my years of knowing him, I have found him totally trustworthy and incorruptible.

Bashir Jamoh well-known commitment to accountability will promote an atmosphere of openness in the area of government finances. If you want to see honest people in government, join me in supporting Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh for kaduna state governorship election 2023.
Over these past time, the public and I have had the opportunity to observe and evaluate the perspectives and agendas of the various candidates in the upcoming elections.
 Jamoh’s honest, pragmatic, and hopeful insight into our community’s problems and needs, and his willingness to examine the issues and listen closely to the public’s questions and concerns, sets him far apart from the other candidates’ expected techniques and talk, and so i am writing today to express my support for Bashir Jamoh’s campaign and my intention both to vote for him in the upcoming elections and to spread word to others of the value of his policies and abilities.

Bashir Yusuf Jamoh (Ph.D), has over 29 years of public service experience. He had served in the Kaduna State Government before transferring his services to the then National Maritime Authority (NMA) in 1994.

Dr. Jamoh was until his appointment the Executive Director, Finance & Administration in NIMASA. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Director in NIMASA in charge of Training and Development. He had the privileged experience of serving not only in executive management, but also in the operations and administrative departments in NIMASA at management level and brings this knowledge to bear on his new assignment.

Dr. Jamoh holds a Ph.D in Logistics and Transport Management from the University of Port Harcourt, a Master’s degree in Management from the Korea Maritime and Ocean University in South Korea, an Advanced Diploma in Management from the Bayero University Kano, a Professional Certificate in Materials Management from the Institute of Logistics in the UK and a Diploma in Accounting from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

He has attended management courses at the Said Business School, Oxford University, UK as well as the Institute of Public Partnerships in Washington DC, USA. Dr. Jamoh also holds membership of several professional Associations including the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics, Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria and Institute of Maritime Economists (Canada).

I am hoping for Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh success.

The Executive Chairman of Guri local government area of Jigawa state Hon. Musa Shuaibu has been described as luminary of success.
An investigation conducted by team of journalists observed his tremendous success in his reforming agenda across Guri local government area.
It was a clear testimony that he introduced new concept that brings about radical changes across the local government in all sector.
 His achievements are laudable and visible.
Hon. Musa as a local government chairman, has been up loaded for his quick transformation in the local government.
He promote cordial working relationship between workers.

This is a clear manifestation why governor Badaru of jigawa state continue to work with him, by simply exploiting his talents to the benefit of the people of Guri local government area and jigawa state..

This attitude of Hon. Musa Shuaibu increase his acceptance where he worked.His charisma is indeed an added advantage.
The Executive Chairman of Guri local government area of Jigawa state Hon. Musa Shuaibu has been described as luminary of success.
An investigation conducted by team of journalists observed his tremendous success in his reforming agenda across Guri local government area.
It was a clear testimony that he introduced new concept that brings about radical changes across the local government in all sector.
 His achievements are laudable and visible.
He has transformed Guri, making the people to believe in the government and have that sense of belonging.
The chairman has been doing great, touching every community in the area.

The chairman has been charismatic and dazzling ever since his emergence.He believes in the youth and women empowerment. He embarks on many projects.
The chairman doesn’t hide from his people. He is always available to listen to his people and support them irrespective of their age, class and even the political party they belong.

Summit Post News has apologised to the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Dutsima Katsina State.

A state issued by the organization’s Editor in Chief of Summit Post, Nelson Omonu, explained that the publication by Summit Post on FUDMA and its Vice Chancellor, Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi “How Sex For Marks, Admission Racketeering, Others Denting Fed. University Dutsin-Ma” has been discovered to be false and fake. The organisation explained that the opinion article by Dr Yusuf Maikano is misleading and a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation of the university and its VC

The organisation regrets any inconveniences the publication has caused the VC and FUDMA.u

“Contrary to the claims in the write up titled “How Sex For Marks, Admission Racketeering, Others Denting Fed. University Dutsin-Ma,” published on the Summit Post website on 16 December, 2021, written by Dr Yusuf Maikano, contained no substance.

“The general public has been urged to disregard the publication while the organisation has deleted the opinion write up.

It reiterated its commitment to working with the institution to promote healthy partnership