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JAGABAN: Nigeria Greatest ‘Game Changer’ @ 68 | By Abba Dukawa

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Thomas Mann once declared that ‘the destiny of man presents its meaning in political terms ‘. That is to say, in our contemporary experience, it is difficult to make clear separations or distinctions between the politics of life and the life of politics.

 

Once again  our greatest undisputable Nigeria political strategist marks quiet   68 years birthday. Jagaban  Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu a founding member of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and , he was elected as an  Senator of the Federal Republic Nigeria to represent Lagos West Senatorial District In 1992.  After  annulment of the June 12, 1993  Presidential Election he stood with   likely winner of the election and engaged the military for the very soul of Nigeria.

 

Asiwaju Tinubu became a founding member of the famous pro-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) suffered many arrests and detention, harassments and constant threats to his life.Despite the high risked of daring the  militarization of the Nigerian politics but did not give up the struggle. When the last military government set for restoration of democratic governance and the rule in the country. He returned to Nigeria to heed a call for all Nigerians to join in the National Reconciliation and Development. In 1999 elected Executive Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

 

Even his political foes believe that Bola Tinubu is a sagacious and dogged politician  in 2003, Alliance for Democracy (AD) considered an alliance with then President Olusegun Obasanjo, in order to have the president endorsed for re-election in return for the AD holding on to its six South-West states.

 

As an astute political strategist  Asiwaju survived the massive incursion of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the South Western States  as the lone re-elected Governor of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

 

His  refusal to enter the deal and it turned out to be his saving grace – he was the only AD governor to win his re-election as the PDP swept away the rest.  As as the lone AD governor puts him  on a regular collision course with the PDP-controlled Federal Government, especially on his creation of additional 37 Local Council Development Areas for Lagos States. In spite of   Obasanjo’s  administration deliberate  withheld statutory allocation of the Lagos State Local Government funds for almost three years Lagos state survived   until Supreme Court ruled that   Obasanjo’s  administration should release the seized statutory allocation of the Lagos State Local Government funds.

 

The Jagaban Borgu   actively involved in the creation of the Action Congress (AC) political party as recourse to the decimated Alliance for Democracy (AD) and was able won  back four of the states.

 

Based on Tinubu’s outstanding policies makes the  State an exceptional and the foremost   in the country  by ensuring the state generate more internally revenue without reliance more on  monthly  federation account allocation  In 2007 left Lagos state government house by making the state more self-relient state in the country by making the state generate more internally revenue without reliance on monthly  federation account allocation. Many described him as a dynamic and visionary leader, seasoned administrator, courageous fighter,  defender of the oppressed, foremost philanthropist, and man of the people.

 

After Jagaban Borgu left Lagos state government house in 2007, he, however, did not give up the struggle for strong and formidable opposition party in the country especially during the 2011 general elections. Because  After the parliamentary elections in 2011 shows that the People’s Democratic Party would retain the presidency, members of the two parties met to discuss the prospect of forging an alliance that would have a realistic chance of defeating the PDP’s  candidate, Goodluck Jonathan. But after collapse of the alliance talks between the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has been blamed on Tunde Bakare, the CPC’s candidate for Vice-President for  refusal to sign a predated resignation letter irked the leaders of the ACN who decided to opt out of a planned “grand coalition” and go it alone.

 

Nigeria’s   political strategist not lose hope on having a  formidable opposition party in the country, in  May 2013 three major parties the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)  have  float a mega platform All Progressive Congress (APC) to oust the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

 

Without Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu self sacrifice there would not be All Progressive Congress at the centre in 2015 and 2019 despite his interest to governing the country but choice to support  and contributed significantly toward emerged of than General Muhammadu Buhari as APC Presidential candidate and used his resources in marketing him to electorate especially in  the SouthWest Geopolitical zone.

 

Tinubu is a man of many parts, whose political profile has now dwarfed his rich resume as a professional accountant and financial surgeon, boardroom guru, strategic economic planner and socialite.  There is no evidence to show that Tinubu was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. former governor is always bubbling with energy, zeal, enthusiasm and optimism. This may have been bedrock of his successes in his chosen fields of endeavor.

 

One thing that has helped to sustain the prosperity of Tinubu’s ideas is his eye for excellence with which he recruits future leaders. Leadership grooming has been found as the forte of great leaders and statesmen. Tinubu is an enigma, what many fail to recognise is how he has over the years blended a crop of new leaders that have turned out to become change-agents and drivers in both Lagos State, Nigeria and the world at large. He has allowed his charisma to infect many young people, thereby enhancing the fructification of his ideas in politics and the professions.
President Muhammadu Buhari has showered encomiums on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu  praised as   inspiring great leadership in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, saying Asiwaju’s greatest strength lies in his ability to look beyond religious, ethnic and political stereotyping, embracing the reality of Nigeria as one entity, and extending his warmth, acumen and experience to other parts of the country, particularly in difficult times like the current struggle against COVID-19.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan,  described the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC),  as “an inspirational political leader and champion of national unity and development and his political life, Asiwaju Tinubu has doggedly groomed leaders, set development templates and built bridges for national integration and cohesion, all of which he sees as necessary tools for robust development and great nationhood.
 The Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila describes   National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a great phenomenon in Nigerian politics, saying his belief in Democratic tenets was unparalleled. Myself as a product of the Tinubu’s school of politics, I learn every day from the Jagaban, and I have no regrets whatsoever being one of his close political associates over the years. To me, he has been a worthy mentor all these years sating as a product of the Tinubu’s school of politics, he has no regrets whatsoever being one of his close political associates.

 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives also  described the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an “outstanding politician who has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s democracy, saying saying: “Going by his antecedents and political sagacity, Tinubu is not just the Jagaban of Borgu, but the Jagaban of contemporary Nigerian democracy and politics.

 

As Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is celebrating his 68th birthday with “preliminary thoughts on the economic action” the country might take should coronavirus “mortally threaten” our economy saying Government should announce a tax credit or partial tax reduction for firms. VAT should be suspended for the next 2-4 months. This will help lower import costs and protect against shortages.

 

Jagaban  Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu    have been such an inspirational leader to Nigerians  as you celebrate your  68th Birthday  it’s my prayer that God will open the gates of heaven and shower upon you unlimited blessings. Wishing you the greatest of birthdays.

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Politics

Ex-Oyo deputy governor Adeyemo sworn in as APC chair, rallies support for Tinubu

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A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.

The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.

The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.

He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.

Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.

He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.

“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”

The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.

According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.

Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.

“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.

“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”

Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.

Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.

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Kano Assembly Moves to Impeach Deputy Governor Gwarzo Over ₦1.6bn Alleged Fraud

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Deputy Governor of Kano State Aminu Gwarzo

The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.

According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.

Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.

“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.

The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.

If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.

As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.

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2027: Sen. Dickson Dumps PDP, Joins Newly Registered NDC

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Senator Seriake Dickson receiving the flag of the NDC

The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.

The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.

According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.

“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”

Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.

“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.

The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.

“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.

“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.

“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.

The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.

The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.

According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.

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