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Saraki and His Unbeatable Records As Kwara Governor

Published

6 years ago

September 12, 2018

Eric

By Bashir Akanbi

This publication is aimed at straightening things without ambiguities. A rational being would be personally worried seeing some rascals referring to white as red for Nigerians, all in the name of nailing their political opponents and antagonists of their satanic missions for Nigerians. However, it is always mind-bothering reading some mischievous commentators on social media claiming Sen. Abubakar Bukola Saraki achieved nothing as Kwara state Governor between 2003 and 2011. One would have decided to ignore or underplay such comments but there is need to engage their mischief because of the undiscerning readers.

After the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections which saw the triumphs of General Muhammadu Buhari elected as President of Nigeria and some Senators like Sen. (Dr.) Bukola Saraki elected as Senators of Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have been reading some concoctions of nonsense ignorantly packaged by some weak hearted people who have resorted to calumny of distorted facts, all aimed at tarnishing the good image and person of Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS), who has been rendering selfless humanitarian services in the cause of fulfilling all his mandates. This he has displayed in several community development projects, both in cash and kind to the people of his state (Kwara) and the country at large through the several political/public offices he has held in the past and he is holding presently.

Verily, the 2013 politically progressive movement of G7 (New PDP) into APC that was seen as a welcome move by everyone who genuinely likes and wants the best for Nigeria, was seen by the conservative retarders as threat to their hood winking. Anyway, one needs more than four walled schooling to be well schooled in the Fine Arts, Science and Schematics of a developing environment as ours, and prepare today for the future as we see in the progressive steps of Sen. Bukola Saraki. The hundred percent acceptance of his leadership by Kwarans as he delivered all elective positions hundred percent to APC and the success of APC in the presidential election has answered the visionless minds who still wanted Nigeria to continue under the cruel government of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ), simply because they were ingesting the national largesse or optimistic to be its beneficiaries if GEJ won. Some of them even believed “Federal might” works but Senator Saraki consistently told us such powers are impotent at the height of current political revolutions.

Today, some of his boys who served under him as Commissioners, SAs etc but stayed and got capsized with the PDP ship are now spreading their freehold trust in the vision and qualitative leadership of their ex-boss.

Meanwhile, many of them boasted and bragged of their party’s victory in the 2015 poll but God who is not hypocritical in his ordainments vindicated Saraki’s political dynasty under the leadership of Sen. Saraki. This is simply because it was this same dynastic that nurtured politically, all of them including their gubernatorial aspirant, Sen. Simeon Ajibola who was nominated and pivoted by Sen. Bukola Saraki in 2011 amidst some controversies which surrounded his candidature. Now all of them have not only gone into extinction, they have untimely reached the terminus of their political careers.

Shouldn’t we commend Sen. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for giving Kwara new developmental direction as below?

– Has Kwara State University (KWASU) he established not become the pride of Kwarans, home and abroad, not to talk of the host community, Malete? The University all the past Governors (military or democratically elected) could not establish for one of the firstly created states like Kwara.

– Is Ilorin International Aviation School not a source of knowledge cum employment for Kwarans and others? Of course it adds to the IGR of Kwara state.

– The rehabilitation of Ilorin Airport to international standard and construction of Ilorin Cargo Terminal is also worth commending him for.

– The Civic Centre on the Asa Dam axis, and even playing host to an international stars including Akon to open the edifice during Nigeria @50 celebration in 2010 as evidence of capability of the venue and scenery is for any kind of event? It leaked that the capacity and beauty of the Civic Centre made Jonathan and PDP to insist on scheduling their rented and imported crowd rally at the Metropolitan Square early 2014.

– Was it not ABS that sponsored the Community Health Insurance and Kwara Safe Maternity Service Act?

– As a Medical Doctor, he established Kwara Advanced Ultramodern Diagnosis Centre which is one of the best in Africa rendering a world’s standard service at affordable cost. I am bold to tell the world that this centre is widely visited from all parts of Nigeria and neighboring countries.

– Was it not ABS who provided us with Ganmo Power Generation Plant, hundreds of ordinary power substations and some injection Substations and Water Works Construction?

– Was it not ABS that started and completed the Ilorin-Oshogbo Road, Baruten road, hundreds of road constructions and rehabilitations across all the 16 local governments of the state, particularly, Ilorin and other mega cities of the state?

– The road from Kwara Police Command A Division to Offa Garage and many other roads were made dual carriage roads and rehabilitated during his first tenure and that of Offa Garage was extended to Ganmo town at the tail end of his second tenure.

– These roads were not only tarred but decorated by beautiful medium kerbs, attractive flowers and street lights. Have we forgotten how Kwarans nicknamed him “The Road Builder”?

– Was it not the same ABS that sponsored the Kwara Child Rights Act?

– What about Every Child Counts programme and many children’s oriented policies he initiated through the office of the brilliant Commissioner for Education and Former Nigeria Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi which were even adopted by Federal Ministry of Education?

– Have we forgotten so soon the Voluntary Teaching Services by Bolaji Abdullahi in which thousands of Kwara graduates were engaged and given stipends monthly before more than ninety percent of them were absorbed into the state Civil Service, Teaching Service and SUBEB?

– What about the Kwara Clean and Green Programme which positioned Kwara as the cleanest State in the country during his first tenure?

– What about Kwara Stadium Modernisation, Expansion and Internationalization?

– What about the establishment of Kwara Football Academy (KFA) which was the talk of the world as Jose Morhino of Chelsea Football Club of England and many international soccer stars attended its foundation laying event?

– He established his own football team, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC) which together with its twin team, Kwara United was always among the top clubs in the Nigeria Premier League. There is no gainsaying fact that Kwara sporting activities was at its peak during ABS’ tenure.

– This same ABS ensured the maintenance of peace, creating an enabling environment for growth and development, enabling haven for several private sector industrialists to promote socio-economic growth of the state.

– Have you ever bothered to inquire, what was the old Adewole before the current Adewole Estate, who vilified Late George Innih, who started the process then, why not appreciate the various estates (Mandate I, II and III, Harmony Estate, Irewolede Phase II, Mandate Estate Omun-Aran etc) initiated by ABS? Mandate Modern Market along Western Reservoir Road, Ilorin is also not left out.

– He facilitated the construction of Ilorin Ultramodern Central Mosque through his friends and associates as fund raisers in 2010.

– What about his many agricultural interests and youths’ training and retraining programmes on farming with startup kits and grants in Malete ADP and other parts of the state? These projected Kwara State and Dr. Bukola Saraki as the best in Agriculture. I hope we do not forget so soon that he was awarded several times by Federal Government and many agricultural NGOs as the best Nigerian Governor in Agriculture during his tenure.

– Shonga Farm Holdings as a model farm, owned by GTB, FCMB, UNITY, KEYSTONE & ACCESS Banks + Kwara State Government, without an individual owning a share in the model “individual farming” system. Do you even know that if you drink WAMPCO’s (PEAK, THREE CROWN milk) milk or Nutricima’s product, that you are drinking Shonga’s milk indirectly!?

– It is a pity that in this 21st century, we can have people still too befuddled to add 2+2 and get 4!. How can a multinational company deal with a government and an individual will own part of the structural income?

– I also heard of the utter rubbish that ABS wanted to relocate the Eid Praying ground, will he also relocate the cemetery? Anybody that goes and knows Eil Praying Ground very well would know its boundary has many decades back, been demarcated by fence at the back. So nobody tampered with the sacred land.

– What about the juicy federal political appointments he facilitated with his intimacy with the late President Yaradua and office as the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum for many Kwarans like Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, Dr. Yomi Ogunsola into Federal Character Commission, Bio Ibrahim, Nimota Akanbi and many others? These exclude Kwarans who he used same influence transferred into federal public services as Directors and top public servants from state civil service.

– What about the youths’ involvement in the leadership of the state in which we had the likes of Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed, Hon. Zakari Mohammed and so on appointed as Commissioners in their 30s?

– Rehabilitation and Modernization of Kwara Office Complexes housing many Ministries in the year 2009 to boost the morale of Civil Servants and enhance productivities was also lauded and smiled at by Kwarans then.

– The creation of office of Youths Empowerment Coordinators (YEC) for all the 16 LGs through whom his unmatchable youth empowerment strides were carried out is also memorable to mention. LG Liaison Officers (LO) to governors were also appointed among youths.

Tourism, Environmental, Women Affairs and other ministries also had it big during this period.

These are just few within the limit of my easy remembrance out of the monumental achievements of Dr. Bukola Saraki as Kwara State Governor. I am sure his aides then should be able to mention many hundreds of such unbeatable track records. They are too numerous to mention. His philanthropic gestures are second to none among his equals in Nigeria. Any personal contact with him will confirm that he is so humble, generous and likes to give arms in anonymity.

What has PDP cohorts done in history to develop the state? They didn’t have the courage to ever commit to the solid infrastructural developments, but now that it is in place, they come as nocturnal visitors on every election period from the Federal Capital to steal from where they never sowed.

It is high time that the people of Kwara awoke from their lethargy and note that the so called forefinger is only a finger, notably in the fore ably assisted by four fingers. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, now the Senate President of Federal Republic of Nigeria is a man, who has blood in his vein like yours, and if some people with a warped sense of transferring their hatred of Dr. Sola Saraki onto Bukola Saraki, haven hidden under the cloak of same Bukola Saraki to gain foothold of power are now rabid enough to be barking down the tree they climbed up on, time shall tell who really wanted the best for this state. Many people do not know that it was not Bukola Saraki’s political wisdom that won him the highly coveted seat of Senate Presidency but his goodwills and beneficial relationship many of his fellow governors and political associates have enjoyed from him in the past. That made the likes of Sen. Sanni Yerima, Danjuma Goje, Godswil Akpabio, Andy Uba and many of them stood across the party lines to support him for the position. Evidently, the vote of confidence passed by 81 Senators last week, which in figure, included 35 APC and 46 PDP Senators finally showed Sen. Bukola Saraki truly had the 35 APC supporting senators as he previously claimed. So had it been the Lawan Group did not abscond from the venue of the first primary election, which gave them more time to buy more Senators from Saraki and that APC did not wittingly insist on Open Balloting System during the second mock election, Saraki would have won gallantly. Well, his election was constitutional and nothing was treacherous about it. Politics itself adopts treachery as an instrument. Alas! Sen. Saraki whose political sagacity does not lie on words but nationalism and patriotism to the subjugated Nigerians played it rightly.

What more can a state governed by a man of monumental achievements, aptly named “Maigida” meaning “Owner of house” look for as sample of a “leading by example” leader? Anyone who knew Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed as a new entrant into public service in 2003 and/or during his stint at both the Finance and later the newly created Planning and Economic Development Ministry in Kwara State, will attest to His Excellency’s quiet hardworking attitude, so for anyone to describe his mien as a sign of weakness has never seen what a cougar looks like in the bush before pouncing. A government of continuity is always like that.

Obviously, Dr. Ahmed was busy completing some of the projects his predecessor and leader, Sen. Bukola Saraki could not complete in his first year in office alongside many Kwarans’ oriented projects. Kwarans should discern that they are fabrications of their political opponents, forgetting the politics NOW is more advanced than the politics THEN. That is, political propaganda do not always work now, it is candidates’ goodwills and works that speak for them. It is obvious that the personality of Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed which is in higher inches better than all his opponents that resulted in his reelection in the April 11 general election.

Indeed, Kwara is set to clutch the climax of her glory with Sen. Bukola Saraki as the Senate President of Nigeria who would be complementing and supplementing the Better Kwara Initiatives of Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed. They both need constructive criticisms not detractions incited by political opponents and in-fighters of APC from other states. They need our prayers to perform as expected. May God guild and protect them to better our lives as Kwarans and Kwara as our state.

So, agent provocateurs, be warned.

These are merely scratching the veneer of truth.

More are coming…

Featured

Akwa Ibom Gov Disburses N750m Business Grant to 15,000 Youths

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2024

Eric

In a historic move to tackle unemployment and empower Akwa Ibom’s youth, Governor Umo Eno has disbursed ₦750 million in unemployment business grants to 15,000 youths across the state. This innovative programme provides ₦50,000 monthly grant to 5,000 beneficiaries, with plans to expand the initiative to a total of 60,000 youths drawn from all 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) over the next 12 months.

Speaking during the official presentation of the grants at Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, Gov Eno described the initiative as a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building.

He urged beneficiaries to utilize the grants for productive ventures that will enhance their personal growth and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

He reaffirmed his administration’s focus on creating opportunities that enable youths to thrive and unlock their full potential, adding that this programme is part of a broader charter to highlight and support the immense talent and resilience of Akwa Ibom youth.

Gov. Eno also announced plans for civil service recruitment through the State Youth Employment Portal.

He encouraged youths to register on the portal, which has been designed to simplify access to jobs and other employment-related initiatives, underscoring his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in public service recruitment.

Additionally, the governor highlighted several complementary programmes aimed at building youth capacity, including Ibom LED, the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, and the Ibom Community Watch initiative. These initiatives provide vital training, mentorship, and job creation opportunities for young people, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive economy.

Describing the selection process, SSA on ICT, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong said beneficiaries where chosen through an unbiased and thorough process.

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Ahead Christmas, It’s Glo’s Feliz Navidad All the Way on TVCs

Published

4 days ago

December 22, 2024

Eric

Celebratory seasons, such as Christmas and New Year, are times when corporate organisations churn out new television commercials (TVCs) to connect with their customers and share the fun, euphoria and uncommon conviviality of such seasons.

One such organization which has over the years used this strategy to great effect is Nigeria’s top telecommunications brand, Globacom.

The exciting commercials that the technology company keeps rolling out fan the delight and elation of the season of goodwill. The brand employs the occasion not only to promote brand awareness but to felicitate its customers and the nation at large.

It is a tradition Glo has established. Since it started operations in 2003, it has always used television commercials as veritable tools of ensuring brand presence, marketing products and services and spreading joy among its various targets.

The 2024 Yuletide adverts it rolled out recently are not different. The two unique yet powerful commercials serve dual purposes. They felicitate the Nigerian people and spread mirth, which the season typifies, around existing and prospective customers.

Expectedly, the two new commercials have dominated the airwaves, and kept viewers talking and relishing the joy that Christmas brings.

The first commercial features juju music maestro, King Sunday Adegeye, popularly called King Sunny Ade, who parades a full ensemble of dancers and a rich, talented band in the TVC tagged “Merry Christmas”. The percussions, rhythm and dance merge to foster affability and enchanting memories of the season of glad tidings.

Before the party celebration where King Sunny and his band entertain guests, the TVC takes viewers back to the 1970s and 1980s when Christmas was celebrated with so much fanfare. It paints a vivid picture of rural Nigeria during Christmas where the warmth of tradition and community fills the air. The village with lush green vegetation is buzzing with excitement, with children playing, women cooking delicious meals in open-air kitchens, the aroma of local dishes (you can literally perceive it) mixing with the sounds of Afro Juju music. Families and friends gather around, dancing joyfully to the rhythmic beats, their faces beaming with happiness as they celebrate the festive season. A woman bearing the Aso ebi for the party is shown coming down from a Peugeot 504 car which also reinforces the advert as being set in the 1980s.

The television commercial by the telecom company captures the essence of togetherness, blending the cultural richness of rural life with the spirit of Christmas, all while subtly underscoring the telecom brand’s role in connecting loved ones, no matter how far apart they may be. It ends with “Better don come. Merry Christmas, Nigeria” further underscoring the reason for the commercial.

The second commercial tagged “Feliz Navidad” uses a galaxy of known artistes including Nollywood star, Timini Egbuson, as well as Uche Nwaefuna (Uchemontana), Chigozie Stephanie Alichi (Chizzy Alichi), Tomi Ojo, Eronini Osinachim, Kiki Bakare and Tope Adenibuyan (Teddy A) to pass across the message of Christmas.

At the heart of the Christmas party, the energy is electric as tap dancers take center stage, their feet tapping out intricate rhythms that blend seamlessly with the upbeat melody of Feliz Navidad. The sound of their shoes striking the floor creates a lively pulse, complementing the lively tunes of the music band performers who bring the festive song to life with vibrant instruments and harmonious vocals. Laughter and cheer fill the air as all come together to toast the season, sharing in the joy of music, movement, and the warmth of the Christmas spirit. The scene is a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and festive joy, all set to the timeless sounds of Feliz Navidad.

These commercials have further endeared the Glo brand to its subscribers and the general Nigerian public as they enjoy the geniality of the season of love, hope, gifts and celebrations.

Talking about the Yuletide commercials, Ademide Gafar, an industry watcher opined that churning out great TVCs is one of the selling points of the Glo brand while John Michael, a marketing communications expert, noted that Globacom is not just a leader in the telecommunications sector but a prominent creator of unforgettable commercials. From the nation’s pride in telecommunications, it’s Feliz Navidad-Merry Christmas!

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Court Sends Woman to Prison for Abusing Tinubu’s Son, IGP on Social Media

Published

5 days ago

December 21, 2024

Eric

Olamide Thomas, who reportedly threatened Seyi Tinubu on social media, was on Friday, arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Olamide was arraigned by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, before Justice Emeka Nwite on a three-count charge.

Olamide was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording through a computer system or network on her social media platforms wherein she made remarks in Yoruba language.

In the video, she was alleged to have stated: “Mr. Seyi Tinubu would die this year, and misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Seyi Tinubu.”

The communication was said to have placed Seyi in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, the defendant was alleged to have intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, and harass the person of Egbetokun.

The communication was said to have placed Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Olamide was arrested on allegations bordering on harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024 dated and filed on December 18 by the police team of lawyers led by A.A. Egwu, Olamide was sued as sole defendant.

Upon resumed hearing, Victor Okoye, who appeared for the police, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that he was ready to proceed.

After the counts were read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence lawyer, T J. Aondo (SAN), sought to move an oral application on his client’s behalf but the request was turned down.

Justice Nwite directed Aondo to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter until December 30 for the commencement of trial.

The judge, however, assured the defence counsel that as soon as a bail application is filed in form of a motion on notice, the court would not hesitate to hear it.

Justice Nwite, thereafter, ordered Olamide to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.