Connect with us

Headline

How Saraki Plans To Get APC Ticket

Published

on

 

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki may not have formally announced his bid for the Presidency but we have it on good authority that whenever he takes that step, he would be  doing it under the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Saraki’s loyalist have revealed to The Boss that on account of track record of performance, the ability to deliver on record-breaking promises, energy and drive,  the Senate President is light years ahead of many in his party.

Not only that, we were told that having been able to stabilize the Senate much better than the President has stabilized the nation, he has the credentials to pick the APC Presidential ticket even if the President decides to attempt a second term.

We gathered that since President Buhari has decided that democracy should reign in his party, he will not dare tamper with a free and fair secret ballot process of elections, and they were confident that if that is the condition at the Primaries, Saraki will come out tops.

Furthermore, these loyalists have been begging the Senate President not to leave the APC at this time, noting that he had invested too much in the arrangement to jettison it just because some fair weather politicians are seemingly taking charge.

They told us that they were now convinced that the trials and travails that the Senate President have been facing since 2015 is because some people have long marked him out for destruction knowing full well that he is a major threat that could jeopardize their 2019 ambition.

“It is now apparent that some people had seen that he has a sterling profile and had made up their minds to rubbish him and stop him at all cost, because some of the accusations against him have just been inexplicable”, the source stated.

Meanwhile it may seem innocuous but in the last couple of months, the Senate President has been the first to visit prominent Nigerians in bereavement or celebration.

Just this week alone, he was in Kogi State to commiserate with the family of  Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Umar Buba Jibril in Lokoja,  he was also in Daura, Katsina State to commiserate with the family of Senator  Mustapha Bukar, (while there,he also paid a visit to the Emir of Daura, and from pictures, we saw the Emir holding hands with Saraki like a worthy son) and he was in Arochukwu, Abia State to attend the funeral ceremonies of Madam Mathilda Ohuabunwa, mother of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.

A few weeks ago, he was probably the only top politician that attended all the events that were hosted to celebrate the wedding of Fatima Aliko Dangote and Jamil MD Abubakar in Kano, Abuja and Lagos. As a matter of fact, he jocularly stated at the Kano Dinner where he was Chairman that the hall was filled with politicians because election was coming and politicians needed all the friends they could attract at this crucial period.

No doubt there are many factions of his party, but Saraki is certainly one of the very few that has been able to blend with everybody. It is to his credit that even friends or supporters of his so-called enemies, freely relate with him. He has the the unique advantage of being able to garner goodwill and by extension votes from all parts of the country.

He reportedly has this magnetic persona that attracts the best and the brightest, and this is probably because he is a detribalized Nigerian. His  circle of friends cut across, so also his trusted aides. He has shown over the years that he knows how to assemble and work with a formidable team of intellectuals without being intimidated.

Talking of trust, we are told that in terms of international clout, he is no push over. The Globals regard him as a forward-thinking youthful leader that can be entrusted to secure the lives and property of Nigerians-as well as their vast investments in the country.

There is no doubt that whenever he formally declares, it will be an earth-shaking event that will reverberate in all major capitals of the world simply because this is one politician that many believe would not only be able to unify Nigeria, inject innovative ideas but generally will be a breath of fresh air. Of course, he is on paddy paddy basis with many world too.

Perhaps, another thing that we were told has endeared him to many Nigerians especially within the APC, has been the way he has faced the seeming humiliation by the Executive with equanimity.

We are told that by standing firm in this manner, it has sent strong signal, that no Nigerian should be harassed or persecuted just for having divergent political views.

They told The Boss, that Saraki, knowing full well that he is innocent of all charges, will pursue the false declaration of assets matter to a logical conclusion.

We were told that the same kind of insinuation held sway during the era that Societe General Bank was named among the failed banks.

Though may other banks failed at the time and caused untold ruin and suffering to its depositors, Societe General Bank  of Nigeria (SGBN) was singled out for condemnation because of the powerful name of the Sarakis.

It is to his credit despite the fact that he had long left the bank, SGBN became one of the few financial institutions that went the extra mile to pay off all of its depositors including a prominent one like former Super Eagles Captain, Jay Jay Okocha.

Integrity is a word that doesn’t get used a lot in Nigerian politics anymore. But Saraki wants to be defined by such high ideals that in many cases, he just does not care whose ox his gored, provided he is doing the right thing.

This principle was responsible for the way he spoke the truth and did what he believed was right when he saw the humongous amounts the nation was losing from the oil subsidy scheme. He blew the whistle that saw to its eventual end. He has also ensured that the National Assembly does not become a mere rubber stamp of the executive.

There is no doubt that with his political pedigree and the aristocratic pedigree of his wife, Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, they are a formidable power couple.

The wife’s foundation, Wellbeing Foundation Africa has been doing tremendous work across the continent especially in the area of maternal, child and newborn health.

Shifting political winds have blown criticism Saraki’s way from different partisan directions. But his independence has never faltered. His integrity has never wavered. And in the pursuit of justice, it never will.

As 2019 approaches, Saraki’s intellect, his vast political experience and network can certainly not be ignored by the APC , which is keen on retaining power.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headline

KFC Reacts As FAAN Shuts Down Its Operations in Lagos Airport

Published

on

By

The Management of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has reacted to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s move to shut down its branch at the Muritala Muhammed Airport, for violating laws protecting the rights of people with special needs.

The action was confirmed through a statement released on Thursday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.

The official statement, titled ‘FAAN shuts down KFC outlet at MMIA,’ highlighted that the closure was in response to the outlet’s breach of the Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, specifically referencing Part C, Section 55 of the General Provisions on Discrimination.

Responding to the development, KFC posted on its official X account that it opposes bias and discrimination, stressing that the incident did not reflect its standards.

The organisation disclosed that it had embarked on efforts to address the situation and urgently implemented sensitivity training for all its employees.

The statement read, “KFC is unwavering in our stance against bias or discrimination in any form, with inclusivity and respect as non-negotiable pillars of our values.

“However, this recent incident has underscored the pressing need for immediate action. We have embarked on efforts to address the situation and extend apologies and deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest.

“In response, we are urgently implementing sensitivity training for all our employees. This incident is not reflective of our standards, and we will act swiftly to rectify it.

“We are actively exploring solutions to equip our team members and establishments better to ensure that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and that we deliver empathetic customer service that proactively addresses the diverse needs of each guest.”

KFC had during the week, denied Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, access to their facility at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport  because of his disability.

Daniel had recounted his experience at the KFC outlet of the airport in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday via his X handle, @DebolaDaniel.

Continue Reading

Headline

Ezekiel Bolarinwa Ajayi: Mentor, Philanthropist Revels at 80

Published

on

By

By Eric Elezuo

The ancient town of Ile-Ife was agog weekend, when Professor Ezekiel Bolarinwa Oladele Ajayi, a renowned educationist, accomplished mentor and elder brother of veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, pulled all the stops to mark a resounding entry into the octogenarian club, celebrating his 80th birthday with fanfare, pomp and class.

The event, which attracted family members, colleagues in the academic world, friends and well wishers, was another testament in the expression of influence, clout and connection.

Held at the Rock Rehoboth Cathedral in the centre of Ile-Ife, the event brought out the best in the Stanford trained PHD holder, as beamed with contagious smiles, absorbing accolades from a crowd of well wishers and dignitaries, most of whom traveled half  way across the world to felicitate with the newest octogenarian.

A lavished reception followed after heartfelt prayers were said for the celebrant flanked by his wife of many years, children and grandchildren. The reception witnessed guests savoring the best of continental and local delicacies as well as dancing happily to the old school tunes.

The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the gigantic cake by the birthday boy around whom were dotting family members.

As guests expressed their profound, hearty and sincere congratulations towards the octogenarian, whose event changed the landscape of Ife, many recalled how they have come a long way from their very humble beginning in Gbongan Olufi.

Fondly called Ladele, Prof Ajayi was born on March 23, 1944 in Gbongan, Osun State, where he had his earliest beginnings.

He statted his education at the Saint Paul’s School Gbongan, before moving on to Saint Judes School, Ebute Metta, and later to Saint Stephens School, Ile-Ife, where he completed his primary education.

After his elementary education, he was admitted into the Government College lbadan, where he was described as having  ‘passed out in exceedingly bright colours’. As many that knows him has confirmed that Prof Ajayi was a walking encyclopedia, and vibrated with intelligence while at school.

It was not therefore, surprising that he later proceeded to the United States of America, after his secondary education, where he attended various prestigious Universities including Stanford University. It is worthy of note that all his appearances for university education were on different scholarships. It was also at Stanford that he bagged his PhD honours.

On the completion of his PhD programme in Stanford, Prof Ajayi was recruited by the University of Ife, as it was then known, before its transmutation to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he later became a Professor of Physics, a position he jealousy guarded until retirement from active classroom duties.

According to a very close family member and confidant, Bola Adeyemo, who spoke glowingly about their fond relationship, Prof Ajayi “also became active in things of God. Like a proverbial gold fish, he has been recognized as a Pastor. Ladele played a mentoring role in the final years of school for my twin daughters who both graduated from the medicine program in the same University.

“The mutual fondness between Ladele and I remains very much intact. Ladele and l share common ancestry. His father who was the Otun Olufi of Gɓongan was a much older cousin to my mother and was fondly referred to as baba mi ile ASORO. They both had the same tribal marks. Ladele can be classified as belonging to the royal class as his father was the OTUN OLUFI while his mother was the daughter of the ÒOSA, first class chief in Gbongan.”

A life of Prof Ajayi without a mention of prolific publisher of the Ovation brands,  Chief Momodu, remains incomplete. It is worthy of note that apart from both sharing the same mum as siblings, the Prof was instrumental in shaping and mentally mentoring Momodu on the path of education. His 80th birthday was a reminder of how it used to be in times past as it marks a form of reunion for the Ajayi extended household.

Among those who attended were his daughter, Kemi Ajayi-Ingram, who flew in all the way from the United States of America, with her entire family; his niece, Yejide Ajayi among a host of others.

We wish the ebullient octogenarian a splendid birthday, and many ore years of splendid celebrations.

Continue Reading

Headline

Easter, Ramadan: Adeleke Releases March Salaries, Pension, Palliatives, Approves Promotion for Personnel

Published

on

By

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the release of salaries, pensions and palliatives for the month of March for all public servants in the state, as well as approved the promotion of service personnel due for promotion from 2023.

Adeleke’s show of love for the entire workforce, is in spite of the fact that the State allocation from the Federation account is yet to be released, according to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

The Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina confirmed the approval of the March salaries, pension and palliatives, noting that the fast tracked approval covered all categories of state and local government employees including tertiary institutions in the State.

“I can confirm that Mr Governor has approved the March salaries, pension and palliative wage awards, including the usual payment of the outstanding half salary for retirees under the contributory pension scheme yet to obtain their bonds. Mr Governor requested for the file and granted immediate approval.

“Any moment from now, alerts will be landing in our peoples’ accounts. This is a preemptive step on the part of Mr Governor to meet the needs of our people”, the Head of Service explained.

Governor Adeleke who has been hosting inter faith leaders at the Government House said he approved the early payment to ease the burden of the workers ahead of the Easter period.

“As I wish muslim and christian faithfuls blessed fasting season, the early payment is a gesture of support for workers whose welfare remains the number one priority of our administration”, the Governor noted.

Continue Reading

Trending