Politics
Kebbi: Outcry as Malami’s loyalist is allegedly detained over Facebook post on Gov Idris
Controversy is brewing in Kebbi State over the alleged arrest of activist, Mukhtar Dan Baturiya, a staunch supporter of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, following a Facebook post about a possible defection by Governor Nasir Idris from the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dan Baturiya reportedly posted that Governor Idris and five other northern governors were planning to leave the APC for another political party.
The post quickly drew attention and backlash, prompting him to delete it and issue a public apology.
In a follow-up message on Facebook, Dan Baturiya expressed remorse, “Peace be upon you, brothers. I am sorry about the post I made… that said His Excellency the governor will leave the party. It’s a lie. I swear it is a mistake… I deleting it. Sorry about what happened and, by the grace of God, it will not happen again. I am sorry to the governor and the people of Kebbi. Thank you.”
Despite his apology, reports emerged that Dan Baturiya was arrested over the post and has since been in detention.
Many critics have described his arrest and detention as political persecution.
Comrade Umar OC, the youth leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kebbi, confirmed the arrest and said he met with Dan Baturiya on Thursday over the issue.
According to Umar, the detained political associate maintained that he merely shared a screenshot of a post from an online blog and was not the original author of the claim.
“So how did that apology end in a prison cell?” Umar queried in a statement condemning the arrest.
“What crime has he committed other than being affiliated with a different political camp?” He further asked.
Umar called for Dan Baturiya’s immediate release, accusing the Kebbi State Government of stifling dissent and undermining democracy.
“Turning this into political persecution only embarrasses our democracy. Power is temporary, but truth always finds its voice,” Umar stated.
The development has further fueled the cold war between Governor Idris and Malami, who is said to be eyeing the Kebbi governorship seat.
Meanwhile, as of press time, the Kebbi State Government has not issued an official response to the allegations.
As Gov Soludo Welcomes Moghalu with Warm Gesture at Public Event
In a lighthearted moment at a recent event, Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, spotted Labour Party governorship candidate, Dr. George Moghalu, in the audience. Soludo, known for his wit, took the opportunity to welcome Moghalu to the stage, saying, “My brother, you’re welcome. I heard you’re contesting for something, but it seems like there’s something you’re shying away from.”
The crowd erupted in laughter as Soludo continued, “Forget it, we know ourselves. After you finish your ‘rigmarole,’ you can come to me; we’re both brothers.” The comment was met with applause and chuckles from the audience.
What followed was even more telling of their relationship. After stepping down from the podium, Soludo walked over to Moghalu, and the two shared a warm moment, laughing and shaking hands. A photo of the encounter has since circulated, showcasing the cordial relationship between the two figures.
The exchange has sparked interest in the dynamics between Soludo and Moghalu, particularly given their political affiliations. While Soludo’s comments seemed lighthearted, they may also hint at a deeper connection or understanding between the two leaders.
May 21, 2019
Sahara Reporters, New York
News
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of February 2019.
Jamil Sarham, general officer commanding 6 division of the Nigerian army, has said Nyesom Wike Offered him billions of Naira in bribe to compromise the governorship elections in the state.
Aminu Iliyasu, the division’s spokesman, Sarham said governor Wike decided to witch hunt him when he turned down the offer.
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of Febuary 2019.
Denying the allegations, Sarham said: “Wike’s resentment against me is based on my choice of professionalism and integrity over the billions of naira offered me by the Rivers state governor to compromise the 2019 general election,” the statement read.
“My refusal to be bought over and the rejection of the hefty offer is the genesis of Wike’s hatred and vociferous criticisms of me.
“On the mischievous accusation against Maj. Gen. Sarham of leaking proceedings of State Security Council meetings to criminals in Rivers State, Mr. Wike knows well that Maj.-Gen. Sarham is not a member of the Rivers State Security Council, neither has he ever approached the gates of Rivers State Government House, since his assumption of office as the GOC, 6 Division.
“Mr. Wike only came face-to-face with Maj. Gen. Sarham on the 15th of January, 2019, during the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to challenge Wike to provide the public with any evidence of such meetings, with Maj. Gen. Sarham in attendance. Wike’s allegation against Maj.-Gen. Sarham’s selfish involvement in illegal oil bunkering is another reckless, spurious and mischievous accusation.
“Hence, Headquarters of 6 Division wishes to request the Rivers governor to take the most civilised way of putting up a petition to the relevant authorities, to make a point.”
Culled from Sahara reporters archive
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja, Nigeria, to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, holding in New York, United States of America.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), on Sunday in Abuja.
Ekwutosblog reports that the session will hold between Monday, September 22 and Sunday, September 28.
Nkwocha said Shettima, who is representing President Bola Tinubu, at the global event, would deliver Nigeria’s national statement and join other dignitaries at the UN high-level general debates, among other side events.
He revealed that the vice-president would announce Nigeria’s new Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs, under the Paris Agreement at this year’s UN special event on climate.
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