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Soyinka’s Candid Take On The 2023 Presidential Poll: Labour Party And Peter Obi
By Tambaya Julius
In a recent video statement, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka shared his perspective on the 2023 presidential election, shedding light on the Labour Party’s involvement and disputing Peter Obi’s claim of victory.
Prof. Soyinka noted that during this election, the Labour Party underwent significant transformations.
While he admitted that it wasn’t his preferred political movement, he acknowledged its potential as a bridge between the two established political camps.
Contrary to Peter Obi’s assertions of victory, Prof. Soyinka, who was actively monitoring the election, emphasized that the Labour Party did not secure a top position.
In his eyes, the party actually landed in third place, dispelling the illusion of a second-place finish.
Soyinka believed that the party’s leadership was well aware of this fact but chose to perpetuate what he called ‘gbajue,’ a Yoruba term for the force of lies.
One notable aspect of the 2023 election was the Labour Party’s ability to break away from the traditional mold.
It underwent significant changes that had the potential to reshape the political landscape.
This shift brought fresh perspectives and new dynamics to the electoral process.
However, the transformation also led to a regional focus within the Labour Party.
It evolved into a regional party more than ever before, narrowing its national appeal.
This regional emphasis became a defining characteristic of the party during this election.
As the Labour Party navigated its new identity and regional leanings, it began to challenge the dominance of the established political camps.
This change disrupted the traditional power structures and added complexity to the electoral landscape.
Prof. Soyinka, known for his commitment to transparency and integrity, took on the role of a monitoring unit during the election.
His involvement was driven by a desire to ensure fairness and honesty in the electoral process.
Peter Obi’s claims of a second-place finish were met with skepticism by Soyinka.
Based on his observations and the data at hand, Soyinka firmly asserted that Peter Obi’s party did not secure the second position in the election.
Soyinka’s use of the Yoruba term ‘gbajue’ encapsulated his perception of the situation.
He believed that some political actors were resorting to deceitful tactics to manipulate public perception.
A coalition of civil society organisations in Zamfara Central has publicly called on philanthropist Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections, citing his extensive humanitarian contributions and commitment to community development.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Nuraddeen Garba Gusau, emphasised that the growing support for Danfulani transcends mere political sentiment.
“This is about Yazeed Danfulani’s proven dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated consistently without ever holding elected office,” Gusau said.
Danfulani, a prominent figure in Zamfara Central, has earned widespread admiration for his charitable initiatives.
He has funded the education of numerous children, offering opportunities to those who previously faced bleak prospects.
” His generosity also extends to providing financial and material aid to the less fortunate, helping families meet their basic needs.”
He said “Beyond individual support, Danfulani has bolstered small-scale entrepreneurs by distributing cars, tricycles, and financial capital, enabling many to achieve self-reliance.
“His efforts have significantly improved livelihoods across the region. Additionally, as a key supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, Danfulani has played a vital role in strengthening the party’s unity and presence in the state.
The coalition believes Danfulani’s track record as a private citizen is a testament to his potential as a legislator.
“His selfless contributions are merely a glimpse of what he could achieve with the authority to legislate and attract development at the national level,” Gusau added.
News
Kaduna: Group calls EFCC, National Assembly, Kaduna state government’s intervention on alleged diversion of public funds
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Mr Daniel Ejembi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and Kaduna state government to intervene on alleged hijacking of a federal constituency project intended for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Executive Director described the alleged diversion of the public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a.
According to him, “This diversion of public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a. We demand swift intervention by the Kaduna State Government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Assembly to recover misused funds and prioritize education for all.”
The statement stated that investigation reveals that a federal project sponsored by Yakubu Umar Barde, former member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, was alleged to have been unlawfully diverted to Fatima Academy, a private school owned by Abdulhadi Abubakar.
Ejembi explained, “The project, initially earmarked for constructing a public school, was instead executed at Fatima Academy, which lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
He added that the contractor, Amrah Farms Nigeria Limited (RC-1523474), with directors including Abdulyekin Bello Tahir and Bello Halimat Sadiq, executed the project in violation of its original mandate, lamenting that public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a faced severe deficits, including dilapidated classrooms, lack of sanitation facilities, and inadequate learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The Executive Director called for immediate probe into the alleged diversion of funds by relevant anti-corruption agencies and also called for urgent construction and renovation of classrooms, toilets, and perimeter fencing in the public schools.
He also appealed for the provision of desks, learning materials, and safe water systems for students and advised for legal action against unregistered institutions like Fatima Academy and accountability for involved parties.
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday morning.
Late Pope had been in and out of hospital in the last few weeks. He made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service at Vatican on Sunday.
Details Later…