News Analysis: Atiku, Buhari and 2019

I would think one known reservation a majority of the people might have against former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as far as the 2019 election is concerned is his age. But let’s not get it twisted. Atiku not only looks good for his age, he is doing very well with it. After all, President Muhammadu Buhari is older and his health status is no longer news either. But the talk about corruption whenever Atiku’s name is mentioned is nothing but sheer balderdash. Indeed crap, lest you prove it.

Much as Buhari’s handlers had tried to keep mum about his actual illness, even though at our collective cost, it doesn’t change the fact that he has some health challenges, notwithstanding that he presently enjoys an uncommon Grace. To the shock of all and the glory of the almighty, he has improved significantly since he’s been going back and forth for his medical vacation abroad, leaving Nigeria’s medical system to rot away.

Give or take, Buhari and Atiku belong to the same age bracket and whether or not anyone likes it, they might be naturally slowed down by their ages respectively. It is not enough that they look good and still walk smart, age is a critical factor in the entirety of their being.

Besides, we could not have put in so much for the #nottooyoungtorun campaigns and at this stage just turn around and start backing the aged without as much giving a younger candidate the chance to make an impact or change the narrative at the very least.

But as a student of politics and power, I am not also oblivious of the fact that there could be many factors standing against the #nottooyoungtorun idea to germnate now than those that seem to support it. It is not clear if the imaginary owners of Nigeria are even disposed to it either. Therefore, just as it was in 2015, I’d predicted the possibility that the political space might be muscled in 2019 and the options reduced significantly. And lo, that is what has happened.

Speaking stricto sensu, what this means is that our very ‘realistic options’ in the next presidential poll is between Buhari’s APC and Atiku’s PDP, both of whom just won the presidential nominations of their parties.

I am not by this submission dismissing the chances of many other younger candidates like Omoyele Sowore (AAC), Edozie Madu (ADP), Peter Nwangwu (WPNP), Ahmed Buhari (SNP), Tope Fasua (ANRP), Ade Bryon (KOWA), Abubakar (NRM), Gbenga Olawepo (ANN), Eunice Atuejide (NIP), Donald Duke (SDP), Kingsley Moghalu (YPP), Ali Soyode (Yes Party), Davidson Akhimien (GDPN), Moses Shipi (ABP), Yahaya Ndu (ARP), Sunday Chukwu-Eguzolugo (JMPP), Hamisu Santuraki (MPN) and Fidelis Akhahomen (YDP), amongst others.

What I am saying is, if you are a realist like me and given the very peculiar dynamics of our body polity, no other candidate realistically stands a chance outside of these two men in 2019. Even though ours is said to be a multi-party democracy; it is only in theory. Practically, we run a two-party system, at least, it is what we have had to deal with.

My hypothesis is that now that the two gladiators, either by accident or design, are the options open to us in 2019, I, for one, have a good idea about the capacity of both men from a close range, having had the privilege of a one-on-one encounter with the both of them, albeit at different times and in the lead up to the 2015 elections.

Some days to the 2014 National Convention of the APC in Lagos (an exercise that eventually produced Buhari as the APC standard bearer), THISDAY had organised special sessions with each of the two leading candidates (Buhari and Atiku) for a comprehensive and incisive interview. It was a move designed to bounce off ideas from both of them on the then state of Nigeria, her future and to also have firsthand, what plans they had.

Honestly, there was no debating the difference between Buhari and Atiku, speaking the gospel truth. Whilst Atiku was clear about what the challenges were, the likely solutions and how to apply them, Buhari though boasted a huge sense of humour, he “mumbled” through a majority of his answers. In fact, the key issues!

Even in the area of security and the fight against corruption that were generally considered his strength since the economy was arguably not his thing, Buhari didn’t seem to have clear cut solutions or modus operandi. He relied chiefly on the perception around him or what his people would gladly call the “body language” wonder. Nothing more!

But placed on a table before Atiku was a compendium, where he had clearly articulated some of the issues confronting the country and the step-by-step approach off-the-top of his head without recourse to the book. Atiku convincingly sold his vision and clearly so.

After the session, no one amongst us was left in doubt as to who was the best man for the job. Unfortunately, the equation seemed settled ab initio. Whether or not he knew anything about the job he was seeking, Buhari was the man “they all wanted” and thus, merit and capacity were heavily relegated at our collective expense.

Today, three and a half years after, it is evident the incumbent had been overrated. For a man, who had managed no known business of his since leaving power in the mid 80s, to say the least, developed and prepared himself for this onerous task, Buhari has proven that sentiment in the choice of leadership is a disaster-in-waiting any day, any time.

Whilst it is arguable that not having any known businesses of his is not a requisite for delivering good leadership, after all, the examples of Barack Obama and Donald Trump suffice here, there was no evidence yet that he would put a lie to this assumption. And armed with the evidence of that encounter, I know better.

To that extent, his victory in 2015 can easily pass as an error of choice, which is pardonable if seen in that context. But to repeat such an error in 2019 means the stupid one here are the electorate, who do not have a clear cut idea what vision they seek for Nigeria.

For the record, I’m not into Atiku, but I also know for a fact that the unsavoury things being said at all times about him are all made up to consistently reduce his chances at every presidential bout. This is because on the one hand, some people dread his presidency and some, on the other hand, think they are the architect of other people’s destiny and so, could impose their lot on them whether or not it is inimical to the collective interest.

However, for a man who has successfully managed many businesses, both locally and internationally, his good sides clearly outweigh his bad tendencies even as I must admit he is human and susceptible to human errors. Yet, he commands more leadership attributes, not just as an avid reader of books, but more importantly for having proven to be a good manager of human and material resources with staggering contacts across the country and the world at large.

Someone close to Buhari enough to know once said to me that the retired general has no known library anywhere in the world. That is not difficult to know anyways. But you want to ask: what sort of a leader does not have a library? So, what kinds of books does he read? What human interest literatures excite him, when it comes to the choice of books? Who are his role models? Which renowned world leaders catch his fancy?

Poignantly, these are things leadership does not gloss over. It is assumed mandatory. Truly, whilst the office of the president is very important, like @Debola Williams said sometime ago at an Obama event in the US, the office of the citizen is indeed more important. But something even more fundamental is missing here and it is the fact that a synergy – a sort of marriage between the two offices are germane to the ideal society we all seek. It is sacrosanct. Neither of both can do away with each other.

What this presupposes is the principle of roles and responsibility expected of the leader and the led. If each understands his roles and responsibilities and they come together with shared interests, the society is ultimately the biggest gainer. And where it fails, reverse is the case.

This is why the citizens must be sure and clear with what they want when the election into the office of the president comes up next year. Like it or not, they must work together and so, the choice of who knows the job with requisite empathy, knowledge of the issues and capacity to deliver must be settled from the word go. It is not enough to reverberate and wallow in sickly and sulky emotions or insensate populism. You are expected to step in the fray, guided by substance and empiricism.

Pause for a moment and ponder what Nigeria’s key problem is? Let’s not waste time. It is EDUCATION and on this box, Buhari has failed abysmally. In his 2016, 2017 and 2018 budgets, he has consistently allocated a paltry 7 per cent to education even when UNESCO canvassed 26 per cent, not to talk of his choice minister for that critical sector.

What kind of a leader thinks development and yet thinks so lowly of education? You can develop the best of infrastructure around the world for all you care, but the illiterate generation you are raising would destroy these efforts in no time. It is not esoteric.

It was not for anything that the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo said a leader should only think of other areas of development after he must have finished off with education and health. But guess what? This is where Nigeria annoyingly lags behind and yet, you talk to me about leadership with zero record performance, for real?

Thank God for the likes of Awolowo, at least, he is both an indication and a consolation that positive development thinking is not a DNA problem for an average Nigerian or the black race. It is just that these new age leaders neither understand nor are able to sell it.

I must say there is no brooding over the choice made in 2015 and the resultant effects. Another opportunity is here in 2019 to redress that “innocent mistake”. It doesn’t have to be Atiku but since the choice is between him and the incumbent, there is no debating who is better. I haven’t shut out others still.

In essence, your vote is your choice and your choice is the future that you seek. Blame no one for that choice of yours anymore. Learn to see propaganda for what it is, because it is the work that EDUCATION is meant to do in your life – the capacity to discern. But they have refused to educate you.

People can be clothed in a robe that is not theirs on account of politics or sheer animosity, but education that is devoid of gullibility in the name of perception can help you see that they are being clad in strange clothes.

Perception is not everything for the critical minds; reality is. Be real and let substance, facts and figures shape your reasoning. The future appears promising, but the indications are not quite so. Yet, everything is about leadership. Make the right choice, wean yourself of sentiment and stand with a decision you can boast of.

Even if the #nottooyoungtorun dream did not fly in 2019, the youths can still prove their mettle with their population by deciding who gets there next, a decision that must be predicated on good thinking and untainted patriotism. That way, a subliminal message is passed on and a major political reform might have been instigated, consequently.

For emphasis, emotionalism and unproven populism are the twin weaknesses the Nigerian youth must overcome, if they truly desire to establish and affirm their place in the body polity. A dream Nigeria is feasible and doable; making a not-so-difficult choice is the evil standing between!

This, for me, is therefore not a battle between two Fulanis. It is not a fight between two Muslim brothers, neither is it a fight between two gerontocrats. On the contrary, it is about making a distinct option between capacity and the lack of it; between a strong leader and a weak one; between good and evil; between a pretender for the sake of power and a contender; between truth and lies, and of course this, which is the ultimate is choosing between progress and retrogression.

8 Things You Should Never Try When Thunder Is Striking

I don’t think this needs much explaining. Lightning hits high places, high places fall down, you being below them means you get crushed by a tree trunk.

2 Drive a Convertible

It has rubber tires so your entire car turns into an electric death box when it gets hit by lightning. Sha-boom!

3 Think You’re Smarter

“Hey guys, I think the storm is moving that way so we should be s-“ *ZAP!*

4 Stand In The Open

As any trained sniper will tell you, the easiest target is a target that’s out of cover.

5 Leave Your Pet Outside

If you leave your dog outside in a thunderstorm, you’re just a bad owner and maybe you should ignore all the points on this list except for this one. Save the dog first.

6 Take a Shower

While the odds of it are very small, electric current can move through your water pipes and zap you to death in the shower. It’d be a constant stream of painful lightning dripping down your face.

7 Use a Landline

This is honestly good advice for life in general – we have cellphones now. Move on.

8 Stand Near A Window

Windows can have metal parts which can become electrified when hit by Zeus’ thunderbolts. Don’t go near them or touch them, no matter how much you want to see the bolts strike the ground.

A teacher asked parents to write an encouraging note to their children. Here’s what they said

Earlier this month, at an open house for Waddell Language Academy in Charlotte, seventh grade teacher Justin Parmenter had an assignment for his students’ parents. On notecards he provided, he asked them to write “a note of encouragement that I can give them when they are having a hard day” and place them in a tub at the front of the class.

The idea, he says, was to build a small bridge between those parents and his classroom, to remind them in a small way that everyone is working toward the same thing with their children.

The notes have already accomplished that — and more.

The notes are in cursive and in print, from “Mom and Dad” and “XOXO Mommy” and “Mami.” They are sweet and funny and, because we parents can’t resist, instructive. 

They are, most of all, personal. “You are caring,” one said. “You are inquisitive and so creative,” said another. And: “You are an amazing, smart and loving boy.” And: “You are a magical special crazy girl.”

And: “Just be you.”

Two things: First, Parmenter noticed the diversity of the notes. A few were in Spanish. One was in French. It was a reminder of all the different things students bring to our city’s classrooms

Atiku Drops Boko Haram Bombshell, Mentions Nnamdi Kanu, Dasuki

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed how the terrorist sect, Boko Haram, was formed by youths neglected by Nigerian political leaders.

Atiku made the claim while speaking to a magazine on his plans to counter the group.

“I happen to know how Boko Haram came into being. They were offshoots of political thuggery. Politicians used those boys in Boko Haram to win elections and then abandoned them and then there were no jobs for them. It was the same thing with the Niger Delta. In 1998, I saw it myself and I warned people.

“It’s going to be a multifaceted approach. It will involve negotiations. It will involve military action”, he said.

He then talked about how he planned to approach the incessant killings by herdsmen.

He said, “In each province in the north, we used to have a grazing reserve. During the season, the cattle are in the reserves. When it is off-­season when farmers would have cultivated all their crops, then the cattle move out to the areas where the farmers have cultivated, allowing the grass in the grazing reserves to grow. These grazing reserves have been abandoned over the years.

On the fate of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu and former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, Atiku noted that the rule of law must be respected.

He said, “I don’t want to be individualistic on this issue. I reject any illegal detention, any detention that is not based on rule of law and order.

“Dasuki is being detained il­legally. It is only a court that will say whether he is guilty or not.”

When asked about calls for secession by some people in the South East, he said, “I don’t think there is any part of this country that wants to leave this country. All they want is fairness, equity and justice.”

Join the debate in the comments section.

SHOCK!! Policemen charged for murder sentenced to death

Two Police officers will face the gallows in the not too distant future after a judge found them guilty of murder and sentence them to death.

A Kenyan judge on Wednesday sentenced two police officers to death for killing a colleague and two civilians in 2014.

The decision is a fresh sign that authorities are getting tough on police brutality after years in which civilians and human rights groups accused the police of excessive force. But officers were rarely charged and almost never convicted.

What To Do If You Forgot Lock Screen Password On Your Android Device

The main reason as to why most people have locked their phone using a password is to keep strangers away from accessing your messages and images. No one is happy when a thief steals your phone and gets full access to your data.

The problem is that we tend to complicate the password in use leading to us forgetting and not getting access to our mobile phones. Yes! It is very possible for someone to can’t remember his or her password and here is what they should do;

Unlock Your Phone Using Android Device Manager

One is given five allowances to try out if he or she remembers the password and if not the phone gets blocked. You can quickly unlock your phone using an android device manager or themost using FRP bypass apk and also like the Google account. Here is the procedure to unlock your phone

• Log into thewww.google.com/android/devicemanageraccount and sign in.
• Select the mobile phone you want to unlock from the Android device manager interface.
• Select the option ‘lock,” and which will redirect you to a new page.
• In the new page, key in a temporary password and click on the option ‘lock’ again.
• A confirmation message will appear just below the box with the buttons Ring, Erase and Lock.
• A new password field will appear on your mobile phone in where you should key in a temporary password.
• Your phone will be unlocked and then go to settings and disable the temporary password.

Restore Your Factory Settings to Remove the Password

If your android device is not adequately function, then you are advised to make a factory reset on the device. The method is quite severe because your relevant data might get deleted and all the applications returned to their original form. The following is a step by step guide on how to factory reset your android device.

• The first step is to switch off your Android device.
• For a few seconds hold down the volume down key and the power key simultaneously for a few. This helps to boot your device faster.
• The page will redirect you to the recovery mode where you will see an android and a red exclamation mark.
• Press and hold the power button while you still press and release the volume up button.
• An android recovery icon plus some other options will appear on your screen.
• From the options list, go down until you find the “factory reset” option and select it by pressing the power button.
• After selecting the ‘factory reset’ option, hold the volume down button to say yes to the reset process.
• Make sure you read and understand the notes provided by pressing delete.
• Once you are done with the process, reboot your Android device and start the initial set up operation of your invention.
• All you need now is to restore your data!

Use Android Data Recovery Method:

Some people do not want to erase all the data on their mobile phones but still, need to take drastic measures to recover their lost passwords. One can use the Android Data Recovery method to unlock your device as it is one of the most influential tools for Android users.

The program has a password removal tool which can assist you in removing your password fast and efficiently. The advantage of using this method is that there is no loss of data and you don’t need to have a Google account. The following is a procedure on how to unlock your android device by using the Android Data Recovery method;

• The first step is to download and install the Android Data Recoveryprogram on your Android device.
• The page will then redirect you to a new page with different options, click on the “unlock” option.
• After that make sure that your device is connected to the computer using a USB cable.
• Get your device into the downloading mode by first switching off the mobile phone.
• Then press the volume down button, home button and the power button and finally press the volume up button to enter into the downloading mode.
• To start downloading the recovery package using the program click the ‘start’ option while still in the download mode.
• The Android data recovery program will start to analyze the device and assist in the removal of the password. Your phone will unlock after the download is complete.

The reason as to why most people love using this method is that during this process no data or information is lost. Another advantage of using this method is that the user can also recover deleted filed from the device internal memory or the memory card. Android users are highly advised to ensure that they have a Google account because it might help them recover their password or pin when their Android devices are locked.

Drivers: These Revolutionary Glasses Make It Safe to Drive at Night Again!

"See clearer at night with this state-of-the-art night vision aid."

Reduce Glare and Enhance Contrast Making It Easier To See Clearer and Further

Did you know that more than 40 percent of all fatal car accidents occur at night? Please read the following information carefully, it could save your life, and that of your friends and family.

Summary of Article: Majority of drivers across the world deal with difficulty driving at night due to glare, bright reflexions, bright lights from oncomming traffic and poor overall visbility on a daily basis. Driving at night can be dangerous and exhausting when it's hard to see.

These driving glasses block the blinding light from oncoming traffic and make it safer for you to drive at night. Click Here To Get With a 50% Off Discount...

Why You Should Get Clear View

Invest in your safety behind the wheel with a pair of these night driving glasses.

Get 50% OFF Clear View While This Special Sale Is Available , Click Here to Check Availability

The amount of fatal car accidents that occur at night is soo high because of poor driving visability. Even with 60% less traffic on the road at night,accidents still happen due to glare, blinding high beams and just overall bad driving visability.

The amount of inexperienced teen drivers durring 9pm and midnight can be high especially on friday nights and weekends.

Be a part of the change, and make driving on the road at night far safer with your very own pair of night time driving glasses. You'll be glad you did.

See Clear View In Action

These specialized yellow lenses tint provides 100% UV protection and blocks glare, blocks glue light, enhances contrast and clarity and passes the global traffic light standard for safer sharper vision at night.

How Clear View Works

These work for everyone. If you wear glasses just simply place clearview overtop of your glasses. If you don't have glasses just put them on and drive as you would normally and enjoy what a difference this technology can make!

How To Buy Clear View

That’s super easy. You can buy it from the official website.

What Does Clear View Do To Make Driving At Night Safer?

Clear View - Blocks Bright Lights

With clear view you will notice an instant reduction in glare from oncomming traffic, bright street lights and people who leave there high beams on at all times.

Clear View - Makes It Easier To See In The Dark

You will notice that you'll be able to see more clear and further even when there is a low amount of light. This is because the yellow lenses tint helps increase contrast you see at night.

Clear View - Block High Beam Lights

High beam light can be the most annoying thing to come across while driving at night. I can't count how many times I've come home with a head ache because of all the on comming traffic that keeps their high beams on at all times.

Now with clear view I never get another head ach and driving at night is much more enjoyable.

Conclusion: Is it worth it?

Absolutely 100% YES!!! I keep a few in each of my cars and recommend you do the same. If you care about your family's safety than this is a no brainer.

You and your family will be more safe and you'll enjoy night time drivig way more!

How To Get Clear View?

Now that you are aware of these amazing night glasses, and if it’s still in stock, here is how to get them:

1) Order Clear View from the official website.

2) Enjoy what a difference these night glasses can make!

You Can Now Use Your Smartphone To Withdraw Cash At The ATM- Here's How

Cardless ATMs make it easier to take out cash when you're on the go. Getty 
Imagine you're finishing up a jog when you run into a pop-up farmers market in your 
neighborhood that has the freshest produce you've ever seen. It's also cash-only, and since you were working out, all you have on you are your keys and your phone. Even worse, the market closes in 10 minutes, so going home to grab your debit card isn't an option. 
But if you had a debit card saved on your smartphone's mobile wallet, you wouldn't need your physical debit card to take out money at Chase cardless ATMs. They were made for times like this, so you can make cash-only purchases while you're on the go. 

How cardless ATMs work
Many people may not even be aware that they can get cash from Chase ATMs nationwide without an actual card. It's all thanks to NFC, the same wireless technology that lets you pay at certain registers by tapping your phone against a pay terminal. This saves you the trouble of having to rummage in your bag or pocket to find your wallet.
Look for this symbol at Chase cardless ATMs to take out cash using your mobile wallet. Chase
At Chase cardless ATMs, all you need to do is open your mobile wallet and tap your phone over the ATM's NFC symbol, rather than inserting your card. Then you'll be prompted to enter your PIN into the keypad to take out cash, exactly as if you had used your physical card.
NFC technology uses encryption when reading and sending sensitive information, like your card numbers, to keep your transaction secure. Other added security features, such as fingerprint access and passcodes, are already built in to your smartphone and mobile wallet, so you can take out cash with confidence.
Preparing your smartphone to use a cardless ATM
Chase has partnered with top mobile wallet apps from Apple, Google, and Samsung to make it convenient to use your phone to take cash out at the ATM. Before you can use your Chase debit or Liquid® card to take out cash, you'll need to "provision" your cards, which means you store them on your smartphone's mobile wallet app to make them available for use.
You can do this in one of two ways. To add your card directly to your smartphone's mobile wallet, you simply open the wallet application and either scan your card or manually input your card numbers to store your information. You can also provision your card through the Chase Mobile® app, which will automatically add it to your phone's mobile wallet. Once your card has been added to your mobile wallet, you'll be able to use it the next time you're at an ATM.
With Chase cardless ATMs, you won't have to worry about passing up those fresh blueberries the next time you're out on a run — even if you've left your wallet at home.
Learn more about Chase cardless ATMs.
This post is sponsored by Chase.
Cardless ATM access can be used for Chase consumer debit cards (excluding CPC Privileges card), business debit cards (excluding Business Associate cards) and Chase Liquid® cards added to Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay. Use at Chase ATMs where you see the Cardless symbol.
Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Pay, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Touch ID are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Google Pay and the Google Pay Logo are trademarks of Google Inc. Google Pay works on Android devices running Android Lollipop 5.0 or above.
Samsung and Samsung Pay are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Use only in accordance with law. Screen images are simulated; actual appearance may vary. Samsung Pay is available on select Samsung devices.
The Contactless Symbol is a trademark owned by and used with permission of EMVCo, LLC.
Debit cards issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

BEWARE! New Ways Hackers Use ATM To Steal Your Cash Revealed

With the advent of cardless ATM transactions on mobile phones, criminals have found a new way to steal your money. As large financial institutions begin to allow customers to withdraw cash with their phones, criminals can now use stolen account information to access hijacked accounts and steal cash, according to Krebs on Security, an internet security news and information site.

Recent incidents in Cincinnati underscore how the scam works. FBI agents recently made several arrests in the city and are looking for other “yet unknown co-conspirators,” according to WCPO in Cincinnati.

The arrests came after Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank began getting customer complaints about text messages claiming that their accounts were locked, according to the report. When customers clicked on a link to unlock their accounts, it took them to a fake website that asked for sensitive credentials such as passwords. This is a classic phishing scam where victims are prompted for information such as usernames, passwords, one-time passcodes and PIN numbers.

The bank contacted the FBI after losing $68,000 from 17 ATMs in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio, according to WCPO. In one case, a man made 19 withdrawals totaling more than $9,000. The same man allegedly made other withdrawals. He had a total of $14,000 in cash at the time of his arrest.

Ultimately, the scam succeeded in stealing personal information from over 120 customers and losses at Fifth Third Bank totaled $106,000, according to court records cited in the WCPO report. On November 7, a grand jury indicted four men who participated in the cardless ATM scheme, WCPO said.

Though many customers have likely never heard of cardless ATM transactions, that could change as it becomes more popular, giving criminals new opportunities. In January 2017, a California woman lost $3,000 via a cardless ATM operated by Chase Bank, KrebsOnSecurity added.

“In that incident, the thieves didn’t even need to know her ATM PIN,” KrebsOnSecurity wrote. They were able to use the phone number and mobile device they controlled and associate it with the woman’s Chase account using her username and password. This time last year, cardless ATMs were offered mainly by the big banks, and then only at some of their ATMs. Now, many smaller regional and local banks have upgraded their cash machines to enable the new technology,” KrebsOnSecurity added in the post.

The internet security website cites a Mastercard poll that claims 78 percent of consumers when asked, would rather use a cardless ATM than carry a physical card.

This Is Why APC Is Afraid Of Atiku

Fabiyi Oladimeji is the former chief accountant at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters. He is also the national president, Turaki Vanguard and Deputy Director, Contact and Mobilisation of Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation.

He speaks on how the present administration has failed and urged Nigerians to speak with a loud voice and vote out Buhari next year.

If there is something you can’t take from a man, it’s their passion for something. I ask, why do people change jobs? Why do you feel you have to be working? Simply because you want to live a better life, live well. So you cannot really take it away from him. Atiku is very passionate about Nigeria.

At some point, they said this country has done a lot for him. He was an orphan at 14. No father, no mother and then he went to school through scholarship of those days in the northern region. The country gave him a lot. He studied law, diploma level at ABU. He went to the modern elementary schools and he went into customs.

He was recruited by the Nigerian Police and posted to customs service. He rose to the level of the deputy comptroller of customs. He believes this country has done alotforhimandhehastogivebacktothe country. For him and those of us that are close to him, it’s not about desperation, but about patriotism and passion to help the country move forward.

Before I go into the details of that, where on earth do you have politics without money? Even in America, Britain, there is a way they play it and money plays a vital role. Who does not spend money? I’m just surprised the way the opposition weretalking about it. Can they clearly come out and say they didn’t spend money during their primary election?

There are some logistic requirements that you have to spend money on. You have to spend money on media, transporting your people from their place to the venue of the convention. You would have to take care of their accommodation, feeding and welfare generally. That was the money and you can’t run away from that as an aspirant.

Not Money to buy delegates?

No. I don’t know where that is coming from. We knew when that happened. We experienced that in 2014 during the APC primaries. I was a key player and I knew what happened there, but this PDP convention, let me tell you two things that played out here: Nigerians and the PDP members understood the fact that they have to get it right and by getting it right means there must be a level playing field. They must be able to choose right and ahead of time, they saw Atiku as somebody that has the capacity, the will to take up this challenge.

So it was so easy for them when they got to the convention ground to freely choose their preferred candidate and that was exactly what they did. Who didn’t spend money, Tambuwal spent money to bring his delegates to that place, Saraki spent money, and so did Atiku. But these are logistics requirements that you need to put in place to make sure that your delegates who are going to vote for you are comfortable and are well taken care of.

Why do you think former President Obasanjo have such disdain for Atiku?

Human beings cannot always agree at every point in time. I guess that’s what has been playing out between Atiku and Obasanjo. I wouldn’t know if there is any problem because I have asked Atiku, he said as far as he’s concerned, he has not done anything wrong and he doesn’t have problem with the former president.

So maybe the former President had problem with him and he expects that even if that happens, as men that have worked together before, they should be able to trash out that. Beyond that, I think the way Nigeria is going now, everybody has to come together to rescue this nation. We must be united to ensure that this country is rescued at this point in time. It’s so bad that we are not united. It’s so bad that we are not united and having a lot of challenges due to the failure and incapacity of the present administration. Everybody has to come together now, so I am expecting that to happen because former President Obasanjo loves this country and can do anything to make sure this country succeeds.

People seem to have turned Obasanjo to a tin god. You cannot be president without going to Obasanjo. Why won’t Atiku leave Obasanjo alone?

In every country, we have people that are referred to as establishment. We have them in the US. The Kennedys, Clintons. We have them too in Nigeria and Obasanjo is an establishment in this country. People may not want to agree with me, but it is the fact.

If you want to be Nigeria’s President, you have every reason to go on consultation. He’s a former president. Two time former president, head of state and military. You need to consult people like that; if not for anything, their guidance, wisdom or for support and President Buhari did the same thing despite their differences. You would agree with me that they had their differences; they were never friends, but when it was time for him to go, he went there to visit. I don’t see anything wrong with that. In addition to that, he was his former boss. When you listen to his acceptance speech, he paid tribute to Obasanjo because if not for this man, probably I wouldn’t have gotten here. Atiku wanted to be governor and Obasanjo said come up and made him Vice President, placed him on that national and global map. He owes Obasanjo that; apart from that, they are both my leaders.

How long have you known Atiku?

My first contact with him was in 2001, then I had already resumed as the chief accountant at the headquarters of the party and I remember him as one of those leaders that always listen to us as a party, when we have issues we go to him, he will advice, guide and say let it go this way. There was a very cordial relationship between him and his boss at that time.

I started picking interest in him because two things were very dear to his heart and I discovered those early. It was his passion about youth development and development of the country generally. You could see that during his time as the Vice President. Then he had this ability to identify talent. The very first day he saw me, he said you are a leader in the making. I don’t know where that came from but that was the first thing he told me and since then we have had this relationship, he encourages me and gives assignments that challenges me.

I got to this point today because of things like that. You feel you cannot do it but by the time you get there, you’ll work extra hard and he’s a man who is always result oriented. So when you come back and you perform, he will encourage you to do more even if you didn’t really measure up.

I am proud to be supporting Atiku; he has been a wonderful mentor to me and to some of us who have been around him. He listens to you even when you have a contrary view, he won’t shout, instead he listens. He told me one day that if ‘I cannot learn from you whether you are my age mate, older or younger than me, then, you have no business around me if you can’t up your game.’

We hear that Atiku was involved in some criminal cases in the US. How true? Can he visit United States?

This question has been coming up several times and my view is why Atiku can’t visit America? There is a treaty that exists between the Nigerian and American government. If Atiku is wanted in America, because of this bilateral treaty between both countries, Atiku would have been arrested.

Apart from that, a request was sent to the US department of state on whether there was a criminal case against Atiku Abubakar and they said ‘we have no criminal record or case against Atiku.’ Again, if Atiku is afraid of going to the United States, would he have applied for visa on three occasions? Somebody who is afraid of getting arrested won’t apply.

Remember Atiku was with Buhari, what is Atiku bringing that Buhari has not brought to Nigeria?

It was full of deceit. It was later we realised that they were deceiving Nigerians. They don’t even have blueprints. They don’t have capacity. This present government has shown that they lack the capacity to fix this country. If you are in a position of power, you are meant to fix things. At that time, they reached out to Atiku to support them with his own economic blueprint, which he did. But because of internal politics, they could not do much with it. The fear of Atiku is the beginning of political wisdom in Nigeria. Atiku has no problem with the grassroots of this country, it’s just few elites that always conspire so that he won’t get there and to God be the glory, that hurdle has been crossed.

So they reached out and he did, but in their caucus there, those referred to as the cabals went to meet President and said if you implement Atiku’s economic blueprint, he’s going to get more money to fight you. They tried to crumble the man’s economy. Who told them that when they do that Atiku wouldn’t be able to finance his election?

How much did President Buhari have when he was running? God brought people like Atiku to come and support him financially. He came out and said he doesn’t even have money to buy forms. Now Atiku is coming to fix the economy. He will do those things they don’t have the capacity to do, and he has come up with a four point agenda which is called Jobs and Employment Opportunities for the younger generation to excel, Being United and Security (JOBS) and in addition to that, he talked about restructuring.

Federal Government has no business in agriculture, transportation even education. So just stay with foreign affairs, financial regulations, defence. This is what Atiku is talking about; he knows what it is even as number two when he was Vice President. Another four years of hardship, senseless killings, economic downturn, and poverty would not go well for this country. That is why God has listened to the prayers of Nigerians and gave us Atiku in the PDP.

A War Begins, Biafrans Goes After Muslims!

The Biafrans  have totally set a ball of war rolling by calling the Igbo Muslims absolute fraudsters It came as a shock and huge surprise when a post was made in the Biafran fan page calling Muslims fraudsters because they had no business been Muslims since according to them Islam is a religion that propagates threats and violence , the Biafrans who have made this claim can’t say they are not guilty of the same sins they are accusing others for. Or do we now decide people are volatile based simply on their religion.

Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a secessionist state in West Africa which existed from 30 May 1967 to January 1970; it was made up of the states in the Eastern Region of Nigeria.

Biafra’s attempt to leave Nigeria resulted in the Nigerian Civil War. The state was formally recognised by Gabon, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Tanzania and Zambia. Other nations, which did not give official recognition but provided support and assistance to Biafra, included Israel, France, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Rhodesia, South Africa and the Vatican City. Biafra also received aid from non-state actors, including Joint Church Aid, Holy Ghost Fathers of Ireland, and under their direction Caritas International,MarkPress and U.S. Catholic Relief Services.

Its inhabitants were mostly Igbo, who led the secession due to economic, ethnic, cultural and religious tensions among the various peoples of Nigeria. Other ethnic groups that were present were the Efik, Ibibio, Annang, Ejagham, Eket, Ibeno and the Ijaw among others.

After two-and-a-half years of war, during which almost two million Biafran civilians died from starvation caused by the total blockade of the region by the Nigerian government and the migration of Biafra’s Igbo people into increasingly shrinking territory, Biafran forces under the motto of “No-victor, No-vanquished” surrendered to the Nigerian Federal Military Government (FMG), and Biafra was reintegrated into Nigeria. The surrender was facilitated by the Biafran Vice President and Chief of General Staff, Major General Philip Effiong who assumed leadership of the defunct Republic after the original President, Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu fled to Ivory Coast.

In 1960, Nigeria became independent of the United Kingdom. As with many other new African states, the borders of the country did not reflect earlier ethnic, cultural or religious boundaries. Thus, the northern region of the country has a Muslim majority, while the southern population is predominantly Christian. Following independence, Nigeria was divided primarily along ethnic lines with a Hausa and Fulani majority in the north, and Yoruba and Igbo majorities in the south-west and south-east respectively.

In January 1966, a military coup occurred during which a group of predominantly Igbo junior army officers assassinated 30 political leaders including Nigeria’s Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the Northern premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello. The four most senior officers of Northern origin were also killed. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the President, of Igbo extraction, and the premier of the southeastern part of the country were not killed and the commander of the army, General Aguiyi Ironsi seized power to maintain order.

In July 1966 northern officers and army units staged a counter-coup. Muslim officers named a General from a small ethnic group (the Angas) in central Nigeria, General Yakubu “Jack” Gowon, as the head of the Federal Military Government (FMG). The two coups deepened Nigeria’s ethnic tensions. In September 1966, approximately 30,000 Igbo were killed in the north, and some Northerners were killed in backlashes in eastern cities

Plateau Muslims Renew Agitation For Deputy Governorship Slot

Plateau Muslims renew agitation for deputy governorship slot

Following recent political development in Kaduna State, where Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, was said to have picked a Muslim running mate in the forthcoming 2019 General Election, Muslims in Plateau State, have renewed their agitation for a Muslim deputy governorship slot in the State.

It was gathered that some Muslims in the state have been expressing their  desire and the need to revert to the “status quo” of having a deputy governor as Muslim to represent the about “40 per cent Muslims,” that made up the population of the state.

According to a Jos-based private legal practitioner, Human Rights activist and community leader, Lawal Ishaq, prior to 1999, civilian governors have had their deputies as Muslims, stressing further that, “but on the advent of democracy in 1999 political elites in the state deliberately decided to set an agenda of exclusion against the Muslims.”

“Our population as Muslims in the state is projected at about 40 percent or more. The statistics can easily be traced. When one critically look into the issue, one will discover that in Wase, Kanam and Jos North Local Government Areas, we are high in numbers,” he said.

Mr Lawal further opined that in Mangu, Quan’pan, Shendam, Bassa, Barkin Ladi and Jos South Local Government Areas of the State, the Muslims also have significant percentages.

“The fact that in 2007 a Governorship candidate in person of Victor Lar, who contested on the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party, ANPP, picked a Muslim, Retired Justice Ya’u Dakwak, was also a pointer that our population is of political and administrative importance to the good governance of the state,” he stressed.

The legal practitioner said if states like Gombe, Adamawa and Kaduna are having their governors and deputies being Muslims and Christians, why not also give the Muslims in Plateau State the political rights to actively participate in their governance, by having a Muslim as deputy Governor.

He further lamented that presently in Plateau state, Muslims are not deemed fit to be the Secretary to state government or Chief of Staff.

Mr Lawal added that; “the cries by some Christians that they will be marginalised by the Kaduna State Governor, is exactly what the Plateau State Muslims are suffering from.”

Similarly, many others have said that “if the political development in Kaduna State, is an issue to Christians in the State, then such issue should be applicable in Plateau State.”

The state’s coordinator of Muslim rights in politics for justice and equity, Auwal Usman, was of the view that, “we are working in ensuring that the status quo is reverted.

“We want to see the Muslims votes represented not only in the capacity of few commissioners and aids, but to that of deputy governorship slot in the State".

Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau appears in video, praise his fighters for success in battle nowvi

Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Jama’atu Ahlil Sunnah Lil Da’awatu Wal Jihad, a faction of the Boko Haram terrorist group, has appeared in a video, praising his fighters and boasting of recent “success” in their battle in Kumshe, Gulumba and in other areas in the crisis-torn northeast Nigeria.

Wearing a military camouflage, with an AK47 rifle, surrounded by four body guards, Shekau appeared more agile than in the last video he released on July 23. Back then, he looked weak, and sat on the floor, donning a white robe. This time, he stood all through the seven-minute-46-second video in full fighting gear

19 Accused Persons Plead Not Guilty To Two Count Charges Over Killing Rtd General Alkali

The Nineteen accused persons have been arranged in court in connection with killing of Rtd Major General Idris Alkali have been charged to court on two count charges of conspiracy and culpable homicide.

 The Registrar of the court read the charges to all the accused persons and they all pleaded not guilty to the charges before the Plateau State High court 5 on Monday, 5th November, 2018 in Jos.

The Prosecution counsel, Barr Emmanuel O. Ochoaba told journalists that what happened in court was just transparent way of bringing the accused persons in court based on the offense they committed.

According to him, when the charged was read to them they all pleaded not guilty to the charges but they would be remanded in prison custody until the hearing commences on the 10th  December, 2018 .

I And Gov Lalong May Return Back To The PDP, Do Not Be Surprised, Yahaya Kwande Tells PDP Delegates

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Ambassador Yahaya Kwande on Tuesday told the gathering of the People Democratic Party ,PDP, stakeholders in Jos that the Former Vice President ,Atiku Abubakar had dragged his feet  into coming to the PDP secretariat for the first time which is the hardest decision he ever took.

Kwande while speaking told the PDP faithful, not to be surprised “If Governor Simon Lalong the incumbent Governor of Plateau state and I defect to the PDP anytime soon.”

“However, with the way things are going now in Nigeria, people should not be surprised if they see Governor Lalong and I in the PDP.

Speaking to the party faithful on Atiku Abubakar electioneering campaign to Plateau state to canvas for delegates vote ahead of presidential primaries  he lamented that as a leader of the Goemai Speaking natives ,he was left to take a concrete decision whether to follow Atiku or abandon Governor Simon Lalong but he is my son .

“I took the hand of Governor Simon Bako Lalong to the former vice president but today the former leader defected back to PDP which gave me a serious concern, You all are surprised to see me here in PDP, “he explained .

He added that he was fighting the PDP secretly but today I have been exposed no more hiding of myself, if there is anyone who say in his mind that I am not with Atiku Abubakar that person is a mad person.

I had many allegation against me being peddled that if Atiku Abubakar come what will he say ?,I want to remind you this gathering that all aspirants both PDP,APC come to visit me, so my hands are tied because one is my son and then the other is my political partner.

Kwande revealed that he is still holding the membership of APC, and he is afraid to denounce his membership , Atiku Abubakar has push me into confusion because of choice either him or my Son Lalong.