Headlines
We Musn’t Play Politics with Monarchy, Religion, Security – Tambuwal
Sokoto state Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal have advised leaders and stakeholders in the Nigerian project not to politicise the triple issues of the monarchy, faith and security.
Gov. Tambuwal handed down the advise when the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II paid him a courtesy visit along with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar in Government House, Sokoto.
The two monarchs were also in the company of their colleagues, the emirs of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu III, Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa and Lere, Gen. Garba Abubakar Muhammad (rtd), who was also one time military administrator of Sokoto state.
Gov. Tambuwal who observed that although as politicians some leaders take certain issues for granted and in the process skid into issues that could jeopardize the collective coexistence of the country, all hands must be on deck to ensure that nothing rocks the boat of unity.
According to him, “sometimes we play politics. We must desist from playing politics with our traditional institutions. We must desist from playing politics with religion. We must desist from playing politics with security.”
“These issues are beyond politics,” he noted, advising that: “we must try as much as possible to cooperate and work together for the unity and stability of this country.”
The governor appealed to the monarchs and other leaders in the country “to have patience and not to be daunted by certain developments of the past.”
Admonishing the traditional rulers to strengthen existing ties with the aim of ensuring the unity of the country, Tambuwal said this is important now that it “appears as if forces and enemies of progress are working against our country; and, our national cohesion is being threatened by some of these forces and tendencies.”
He encouraged them to be steadfast in playing their roles as “God is watching” and He “knows that you are invaluable to the existence and continued stability of this country.”
“I implore all the traditional rulers to be working and praying together for the peace and continued existence of Nigeria. We need all of your support and counsels so that we can continue to provide what God has given us in terms of leadership and discharge our responsibilities,” the governor emphasized.
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife expressed satisfaction that he was able to pay the courtesy call on the governor, who he described as an able and dynamic leader, after four attempts.
“I have been following him for many years. He has natural leadership style. Many of us can testify to that. He should continue with this. He should carry everybody along not only in Sokoto but everywhere in the country as he use to do,” the Yoruba monarch stated.
“That is leadership and that is the kind of person we need to lead us. Keep doing what you are doing. We are watching you. God Almighty will continue to be with you,” he added, applauding the governor as “ever mobile, dynamic and forward looking.”
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate is an institution that needs to be protected, not an individual.
This was revealed on his X handle on Saturday in the aftermath of the ongoing backlash of the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV in an interview against Senate President, Godswill Apkabio.
Akpabio’s wife filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja over alleged defamation and violation of her husband’s fundamental human rights.
Saraki expressed sadness over the development as he stated that the incident is already hurting the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the Senate as an institution.
“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged the two parties to sheath their swords and warned that supporters of both parties should be mindful of the impacts of their actions.
He advised that the instruments of law and parliamentary conventions should be adhered to in resolving the issue on the ground. He also called for an investigation of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” he said.
“Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosive allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the gravity of these claims demands immediate and transparent action.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.
He talked about the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku reminded Nigerians that the Senate, as the legislative arm of government, represents the people’s voice.
“For that reason, its leaders must embody integrity and respect for the offices they hold.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he added.
Beyond the political implications, Atiku highlighted the far-reaching impact of sexual harassment on women’s participation in governance and national development.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,” he said.
Atiku warned that how this case is handled will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness, and gender equality.
The former VP also pointed out the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for female legislators, especially given their underrepresentation in the Senate.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.
The allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and gender rights advocates demanding swift and decisive action.
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
