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APC Senator, Bukar Ibrahim To Buhari “Things Have Not Changed & People Are Bitter”

Published

7 years ago

October 27, 2018

Editor

AT BARCELONA HOTEL
27th October, 2018

BECOMING AN ELDER STATESMAN
BY SENATOR BUKAR ABBA IBRAHIM

Your Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members of the House; all other protocols are duly observed.

Today, marks my first stride in becoming an Elder Statesman. I have served my nation well all my life from the day I finished my Youth Corp service. I was immediately employed by the Civil Service and I was lucky to be the only Quantity Surveyor in Borno State. This made me to advance rapidly in the service. I brought in a system of direct labour in which I was directly involved in paying ordinary labourers and insisted on ordinary people being employed in our projects all over the State.

By the gracious will of Allah I was made a Commissioner and continued the direct labour policy. What I did not know was that ordinary people were benefiting so much from this policy which was putting food on the mats of many poor peasants across Borno State. They were taking note and marking me for leadership.

I was also strict with contractors and only rewarded good contractors with more work. II accepted no bribes. This made me enemies but also won me respect amongst contractors. I helped many contractors to get a mortgage and build a house for the first time by recommending them to our bank manager. This again spread my name across Borno State but I did not know.

When Babangida introduced politics again in 1991, I was innocently supporting my friend to be Governor of Borno State, when suddenly we heard that Yobe State had been created. Before I knew it, I was besieged by friends and ordinary people to become Governor. I had only about N20,000 in my account. I did not know how I could campaign with only N20,000, but immediately I announced my intention to run for Governor, the people took over. Friends appeared from everywhere with money and their vehicles. The campaign offices suddenly appeared. Ordinary people joined. Posters came from everywhere. The contractors and the people ran that campaign.

We faced impossible odds as I had formidable opposition from a well-resourced camp with money, thugs, branded vehicles and powerful national godfathers. It was supposed to be easy for them. I was an inconsequential upstart, but they had never witnessed people politics. They believed money did all the talking. I did not know either. It was a sharp learning experience for me also and the people swept me to power, resisting and sweeping away all attempts to rig me out.

The rest as they say is history. On becoming Governor for the first time I felt I belonged to no one but the people, and that was the politics I played – people oriented politics. I went on to become Governor three times and Senator three times. I believe I have served my people well and my nation well and it is now time to retire.

At my age, as I nudge 70 years, I am painfully aware that there is a new technological age and a new generation of modern technical whizzkids out there in the business and political world. The Not Too Young To Run bill should not just be a bill but should be a practical reality. The children of the modern social media leave us all behind, and if we insist that we must rule them with our old ideas, because we have the power, then we are merely holding back our nation and the youth.

I will always be available to serve my nation in any capacity, and in this I give advice to the young people of this nation: do not assume that the elders will give way to you in the way I have chosen to do, you must go out there and take power in the way I did at the age of 42, when I first ran for Governor.

I have given you the book Poorlitics, to tell you how I did it and to encourage you to use the force of people politics, to dislodge those who believe in money politics and the old ways. Those of us who are now analogue Statesmen can, and must be displaced by those of you who are digital youngsters, and the book Poorlitics, shows you how. Go and serve your community with all your heart and they will make you, their political leader. People poorlitics will always defeat money politics any day.

The book Poorlitics is a project started about 5 years ago. Sam Agha Egwu, my co-author approached me and said that he wanted to record my style of politics for posterity. It took years of research and hard work to finally produce the controversialbook called Poorlitics. It took so long to write because it turned out to be more than a biography of my life. I became a laboratory animal, for a sociological study of how to play people-oriented politics successfully. It is a political, historical, sociological and biographical work, not just of myself but other great progressive leaders greater than myself.

As I begin my road to being an Elder Statesman, I am clearly not running for, nor seeking any office and there are certain things I need to say to bare my mind and speak the truth to save my nation. At my age I have no reason to lie. I have been a socialist progressive all my life and will remain so. I have honourably handed over my Senate seat to my Governor, Alhaji Geidam, and I was very happy to do so. They declared me the grandfather of Yobe Politics. It is a title I most heartily accept.

The only other time that the progressives nearly came to power was in the 1964 elections when NCNC of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Action Group of Obafemi Awolowo and Aminu Kano of NEPU came together with other left of centre parties and was poised to defeat Ahmadu Bello’s Northern People’s Congress in alliance with Akintola of Western Nigeria. Whilst other Northerners from the Northwest were fully behind Ahmadu Bello, most of us from the North East were fully behind Aminu Kano’s NEPU and we saw Ahmadu Bello and the NPC as an aggressive party that was ruthless to us. The people in the Middle Belt also thought the same.

In fact, the politics of the North East has always been different from the politics of the North West and it was under APC that we all united for the first time. I began that first move for unity. My co-author, Sam Agha Egwu, kept nagging me about the need to build a progressive coalition against the then very corrupt PDP. I took the matter to my friend Dr Onu, who was then Chairman of the ANPP, the party of the North East. We now reached out the ACN, CPC and APGA. This finally led to the incredible merger called the APC that went on to defeat the PDP.

When I began this process, I had in mind that progressives will be in power and will show Nigeria how to run a progressive nation. Without mincing words, as an elderstatesman, I must say that my dreams and hopes have been dashed. We have certainly not done what I dreamed we will do, and in many ways, we are no better than the PDP that we sought to displace.

As we move towards the elections, I have to give a dire warning to the APC. Things are no longer the way they were in 2015 when we road to power on a cloud of Euphoria believing that things will change. Simply put, things have not changed and many things are worse and the people are bitter. We should not assume that we can win even with massive rigging.

There are just certain things that progressive parties do, and must be seen to do. We must be seen to obey the rule of law. If the courts rule we must obey. We must respect the separation of powers and let the legislature make its independent decisions. The economy has gone down because of our actions and we are blaming the past too much rather than solving the present problems. I am going to give a dire warning. Let the North East not be taken for granted that we must support APC. Our interest in the North East has always been progressive and I will personally be watching for improvements in the APC. Improvements that will guarantee us victory such as respecting the rule of Law and releasing political prisoners. If we are fighting corruption let us fight every corrupt person and not select people in what may be seen as a one-sided witch hunt.

I shall sit back and continue encouraging my Party do the right thing. But if we don’t, I still reserve the capacity to ask my people to go our separate ways, and do what must be done for good governance to reign in Nigeria.

I salute you all.

Thank you.

Headline

Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Felicitates with Nigerian Muslims, Urges Renewed Patriotism

Published

2 days ago

March 20, 2026

Eric

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to the nation and humanity.

President Tinubu enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasise piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.

The President’s message was contained in a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.

President Tinubu urged all Muslim faithful to extend a hand of kindness to the needy of all faiths, to further show unity and camaraderie.

The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country.

On Wednesday, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, approved the declaration of Friday as the day for Eid-el-Fitr.

He congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and called for sustained prayers for national unity and development.

The Sultan’s announcement came after the Federal government of Nigeria declared Thursday, 19 March, and Friday, 20 March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

Headline

2027: Peter Obi Raises Doubt About Clinching ADC Presidential Ticket

Published

3 days ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed reservations over his ability to clinch the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

In a video address to his followers, Obi stated that receiving the ADC’s presidential ticket is not guaranteed.

He said: “Someone asked me how I know for sure that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. I cannot be certain. What matters is that we are committed to a cause.

I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project.”

“Obi also said he is still committed to his goals, and he hasn’t let any reported threats stop him.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate praised his supporters for their resilience, recognizing the difficulties of working within opposition politics in Nigeria.

Obi thanked everyone who stayed loyal even though they didn’t get much benefit right away.

“I thank you for your sacrifice. It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, expressed uncertainty about the future, especially concerning political alliances and commitments.

“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

Headline

Terrorism: Tinubu Seeks UK’s Assistance Amid Challenges

Published

3 days ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, solicited partnership with the United Kingdom to crush terrorism in the Sahel before it engulfs the region.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” Tinubu told King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and elite guests, at a state banquet.

Speaking as the first Nigerian leader at the historic venue, Tinubu said: “As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

“Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

The Nigeria’s President said it was an honour to stand before the royal family, representing the people of Nigeria to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united Nigeria and the United Kingdom for several centuries.

“Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.

“As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

“Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide.”

He explained further: “The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

“Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate to this day.

“The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries. Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context.

“While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.”

He said the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide, adding: “Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.”

He noted the exploits of Nigerians in the country especially in sports, saying: “in sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership.”

He expressed confidence that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow.

“Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.

“In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass with me:

“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”