Politics
APC CHAIR: SHETTIMA AS THE RELUCTANT BRIDE
By: Inuwa Bwala
Experiences often show, that, God catapults people into positions of leadership, not because such persons have ambitions, rather, those who showed no interest in such a position.
The stories of how the late Shehu Shagari, the late Umar Musa Yar ‘adua, the late Mala Kachallah of Borno and Mohammed Goni in Borno, Peter Odili of Rivers and Peter Obi in Anambra, and numerous others emerged as leaders, readily come to my mind.
Very often too, such leaders emerge from desperate circumstances, when the best hands needed to be brought on board to salvage a situation. Such leaders who emerged in challenging circumstances, without any prior ambition, often give very good account of themselves and always Excell.
Such is the leader the ruling party in Nigeria, the All Progressives Congress, APC needs. Ahead of it’s planned National convention, the APC is at a labyrinth, so to say, as to who fits into it’s permutations for 2023, as national Chairman. Already, there is a coterie of aspirants who have indicated interest in leading the party in the coming years. Amongst them are politicians, with genuine and patriotic intentions, but there are also those, who seek to use the party to advance their personal political interests.
There are those whose pedigrees speak volumes about their real intentions, and there are those who seek the office for vendetta against political foes, or as a refuge for hibernation, after having squandered their goodwill.
I have been musing about who could fit into the permutations of the APC ahead if 2023 elections, taking into account the fact that, unlike before, the contest in the next elections is not going to be a tea party.
I know as a matter of fact that, the party’s numerous think tanks are working behind the scene, trying to workout an acceptable choice in the face of the anticipated intrigues that may play out in 2023. Every curious onlooker could guess, that, the delays in the dates for the congresses and convention might not have been unconnected with the crisis of choice, in who takes over from Mai Mala Buni.
There are strong pointers, as it is, that the Chairmanship position may be zoned to the north: the North East in particular. Except if otherwise, the Vice Presidency will be zoned to the north east region.
Should that happen, there are those who think that, the party should evoke the doctrine if necessity, which will permit Mai Mala Buni to continue beyond the mandate initially given to him to save the APC from imminent collapse, no thanks to Comrade Adams Oshimole’s disastrous outing. But the fear of likely legal war, makes allowing Buni to continue a bad option which is the likely incumbrance.
Those who feel that my former boss and former Borno state Governor Ali Modu Sheriff could be a good alternative to Mai Mala Buni, are skeptical, looking back at his scandalous handling of the affairs of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP, as it acting chairman. That remains a big minus for him. Besides that, Sheriff’s alleged connivance with others, and the Shabby manner he treated President Muhammdu Buhari in past outings makes him a leprous choice. If Sheriff were not a Governor and in control of the ANPP, when he worked for the PDP in the past, to the detriment of his own party, he might have been charged for anti party activity and possibly sacked from the ANPP.
It is against the background that, should the party Chairmanship position be zoned to the North East, that my mind quickly went to the immediate past Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima.
I have been a witness to Kashim Shettima’s commitment and dedication to the emergence of an APC President. In the two elections which he midwived in Borno, the APC scored the highest average votes in the country, during the elections. He has no negative tendencies towards the President nor the party, going by his pedigree.
What counts for Kashim Shettima, even more than his fidelity to the party’s goals, is his shrewd intellectual acumen which places him ahead of other contenders. Shettima is highly intelligent and perfectly understands the dynamics of Nigerian politics. He does not have a history of failure, neither does he keep malice. He is very unlikely to have any suspicious motive against the party. Above all, he is a team player, who played various roles in mediating between contending interest in some serious national debates.
I may not be able to exhaust everything that makes me feel Senator Kashim Shettima is better suited to lead the APC, but suffice it to provoke a debate amongst party members on the subject matter.
I have not had the previledge of meeting him in recent times, hence my dilemma, as to whether he may agree with my position. But I feel the biggest challenge is, who could come tell Senator Kashim Shettima, to step forward and bell the cat. So far, he is the beautiful but reluctant bride: who may not have the ambition, but should be compelled to make sacrifices for the party and the country.
The two People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) Governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Hon David Emmanuel Umbugadu says he would contest for the Governorship position of the state under the All Progressives Congress ( APC) in 2027.
Ombugadu stated this in a meeting with Eggon people from Nasarawa North Senatorial District in Akwanga LGA
Ombugadu, who recently joined APC said that he decided to joined the party in order to add value and due to the developmental strides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov. Abdullahi Sule in the state.
Ombugadu, a former House of Representatives member representing Akwanga/ Nassarawa Eggon/ Wamba Federal constituency dismissed rumours that he has joined APC for deputy governor slot in 2027.
” I want to use this opportunity to tell you that I will contest the Senatorial seat by-election of Nasarawa North to replace our late Distinguished Sen Godiya Akwashiki at the National Assembly.
” By God’s grace, I will go to the Senate to contest for governor of the State in 2027. Ombugadu will go to the Senate to contest for Governor in 2027.
” I want to tell you today that anybody that say I have joined APC for deputy governor slot, it is a lie,” he said.
Ombugadu said he had the experience and will bring speedy development to the zone, if voted as senator of the zone during the by-election.
” I will bring projects such as water, scholarship, agriculture empowerment, electricity among others, if given the senatorial mandate during the bye-election,” he said.
The former lawmaker also assured that he will join hands and work together with Gov. Abdullahi Sule and other APC stakeholders in order to deliver 100 per cent votes for President Tinubu re-election and APC in 2027.
” For the sake of the progress and development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large, let’s give our maximum support to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov Abdullahi Sule for APC victory beyond 2027,” he added.
According to him, I have every reason to support His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the platform of APC due to his developmental strides across the country.
Ombugadu commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his developmental strides in the state in the area of flyovers and under pass in Lafia, Akwanga and Keffi among others infrastructures across the state
Besides, he urged the people to embrace APC-e-registration via registering with the party in order to become bonafide member of the party to contribute positively to the development of the party and the country at large.
Ombugadu further urged people, who are yet to register and get their PVCs to do so to enable them vote APC in 2027.
In their separate speeches, Hon Jacob Ali, former PDP Nasarawa North Zonal Chairman, Hon Istifanus Abaku, former Administrator, Akun Development Area, Hon Lami Bako, former Speaker, Akun Legislative Council, Leaders of Eggon Political Forum among others assured Ombugadu of their prayers and support to succeed.
They said Ombugadu has grassroots and people’s support and would bring speedy development to the zone, if elected as Senator in the bye- election.
An independent investigation by Nigerian Concord Newspaper has found no evidence linking a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, to the Utan Bran compensation case or other alleged scandals at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The investigation, conducted at the Federal Ministry of Justice, followed reports in sections of the media alleging misconduct by the former chief law officer of the federation.
Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that Chief Aondoakaa was not involved in the legal firms that handled the Utan Bran compensation matter. Findings further show that the judgement debt related to the case was reportedly paid in 2006 under the tenure of a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Multiple officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Chief Aondoakaa’s tenure as one marked by adherence to the rule of law. The sources said court orders were generally complied with during his time in office.
They also questioned claims portraying the former Attorney General as emblematic of alleged institutional failings within the legal system, stating that no specific instance had been cited in which he abused public office or undermined court judgements.
Regarding reports suggesting that Chief Aondoakaa interfered with court processes during the post-election period of the 2007 National Assembly elections, sources within the ministry said available records do not support claims that he acted to obstruct court orders or delay the swearing-in of elected officials.
On questions surrounding eligibility to hold public office, legal practitioners pointed to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that concurrent judgements carry equal legal weight with lead judgements. A concurring opinion by Justice Mary Odili, JSC, was cited as stating that the issue of disqualification from public office did not arise in the matter concerning Aondoakaa.
The case is reportedly the subject of further judicial proceedings, following claims that earlier judgements were obtained through misrepresentation. The matter remains pending before the courts.
Sources also said documents generated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and signed by senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, support the position that Chief Aondoakaa was not implicated in the Utan Bran case. Nigerian Concord Newspaper said it would publish the documents after concluding its investigation.
Further findings indicate that the former Attorney General was not linked to major cases such as the Halliburton scandal, the OPL 245 (Malabu) oil deal, or the recovery of Abacha-era assets.
Supporters of Aondoakaa also note that he was cleared by his party to participate in the 2023 governorship primary election, arguing that this further demonstrates that no court order barred him from holding public office.
Legal experts reaffirm that qualifications and disqualifications for elective office are constitutionally defined, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of Abia State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which established that constitutional provisions on eligibility cannot be expanded or restricted by implication.
An independent investigation by Nigerian Concord Newspaper has found no evidence linking a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, to the Utan Bran compensation case or other alleged scandals at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The investigation, conducted at the Federal Ministry of Justice, followed reports in sections of the media alleging misconduct by the former chief law officer of the federation.
Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that Chief Aondoakaa was not involved in the legal firms that handled the Utan Bran compensation matter. Findings further show that the judgement debt related to the case was reportedly paid in 2006 under the tenure of a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Multiple officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Chief Aondoakaa’s tenure as one marked by adherence to the rule of law. The sources said court orders were generally complied with during his time in office.
They also questioned claims portraying the former Attorney General as emblematic of alleged institutional failings within the legal system, stating that no specific instance had been cited in which he abused public office or undermined court judgements.
Regarding reports suggesting that Chief Aondoakaa interfered with court processes during the post-election period of the 2007 National Assembly elections, sources within the ministry said available records do not support claims that he acted to obstruct court orders or delay the swearing-in of elected officials.
On questions surrounding eligibility to hold public office, legal practitioners pointed to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that concurrent judgements carry equal legal weight with lead judgements. A concurring opinion by Justice Mary Odili, JSC, was cited as stating that the issue of disqualification from public office did not arise in the matter concerning Aondoakaa.
The case is reportedly the subject of further judicial proceedings, following claims that earlier judgements were obtained through misrepresentation. The matter remains pending before the courts.
Sources also said documents generated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and signed by senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, support the position that Chief Aondoakaa was not implicated in the Utan Bran case. Nigerian Concord Newspaper said it would publish the documents after concluding its investigation.
Further findings indicate that the former Attorney General was not linked to major cases such as the Halliburton scandal, the OPL 245 (Malabu) oil deal, or the recovery of Abacha-era assets.
Supporters of Aondoakaa also note that he was cleared by his party to participate in the 2023 governorship primary election, arguing that this further demonstrates that no court order barred him from holding public office.
Legal experts reaffirm that qualifications and disqualifications for elective office are constitutionally defined, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of Abia State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which established that constitutional provisions on eligibility cannot be expanded or restricted by implication.
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