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Jibrin exits NNPP after expulsion
In a surprising development, Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin, the Member representing Kiru/Bebeji, Kano in the House of Representatives, has been expelled from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Jibrin expressed shock and disappointment over the decision, describing it as a “rude shock.”
Speaking on the matter, Jibrin stated, “It came as a surprise and a rude shock, my sudden expulsion from the NNPP.” He emphasized that his recent interviews in both English and Hausa, which reportedly led to his expulsion, were aligned with the party’s core principles that allow for dissenting views.
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“I strongly believe the contents of the interview I granted few days ago in English and Hausa should not warrant such heavy penalty because it is in tandem with the core principles of our party and movement which allows for dissenting views overtly or covertly,” he said. “I expected the party to pick lessons from the interview. For the purpose of emphasis, I stand by all the statements I made in the interviews.”
Jibrin criticized the party for not giving him a chance to defend himself, highlighting the absence of due process. “No invitation was extended to me to defend or explain myself by any organ of the party and in the process, neglecting the very important principle of fair hearing, due process and justice that the NNPP cry out loud and demand from others,” he remarked.
He added, “Even under military dictatorship, an accused is subjected to a court martial. Perhaps, if the appropriate processes were followed, the need for such harsh decision to force me out of a party and family I love so dearly may not be necessary.”
Despite his disappointment, Jibrin said he would accept the party’s decision in good faith. “While, I would have loved to stay in the NNPP and continue my service to our people and country despite differences on some issues (which I will address elaborately in due course to avoid people being misled), the party has made and announced a decision. I am therefore obliged to accept the decision of the party in good faith and without grudges,” he said. However, he also noted that he might challenge the decision if it was made by a factional group without following due process.
Addressing allegations regarding unpaid dues, Jibrin appealed for clarity and cooperation. “On the issue of non-payment of my dues, I am appealing to the party that there is no need to go to court as I have never refused to pay my dues. I respectfully request the party to send me the invoice and I will promptly pay.”
He called for civility as he and the party part ways. “I have always advocated for harmonious relationships in Kano and Nigeria, so I am appealing to NNPP to stay on the part of decorum without personal attacks or throwing abuses and insults as we part ways. For me, relationship will continue irrespective of party affiliation.”
Reflecting on his political value, Jibrin said, “The party’s position on political value is no news to me. The party does not believe anybody has political value and come short in treating people with the respect they deserve at various levels. This case is a clear instance. I am grateful to the Almighty for whatever value I have, no matter how little and will be more than glad to invest it where it will be appreciated with dignity rather than a place where no matter what you bring on board, you are a nobody and you brought nothing!”
He expressed gratitude for the support he received during his time with the NNPP. “While thanking the party for the support I enjoyed during our sojourn, I am proud of my contributions to the party and movement over the years. Whether it is acknowledged or not, I am happy enough with Allah SWT as witness.”
Looking ahead, Jibrin invited his supporters to join him in his next political chapter but maintained goodwill towards those remaining in the NNPP.
” I welcome all my supporters who wish to join me in my new journey. But for those who chose to remain in NNPP, I hold no grudges against them and I look forward to keeping a peaceful and harmonious relationship with them both at the local, state and national levels.”
He concluded by saying, “Finally, I will carefully weigh all the options before me as I decide on my next political home.”
“Criminals cannot chase us out of our communities. We are the owners of the towns, and we will not allow that to happen. We have to take back our homes and our communities. That is why I am here to tell you that all of us will take back our communities.”
These were the words of Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), on Monday, with which unfolded his plans for a safer Nigeria, one of which was to reclaim communities overrun by bandits across Nigeria.
Disu, appointed last week as the 23rd IG of Nigeria, spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State, where he went on a working visit, where he promised to do everything possible, both operationally and administratively, to restore peace in communities affected by banditry and criminal attacks.
The police boss, who spoke to officers and men of the Kwara State Police Command while assuring that the police would not allow criminals to take control of communities, stressed that he was familiar with the security challenges facing the state adding that his visit was partly to encourage police personnel engaged in ongoing operations against bandits.
His words “I know Kwara State and the problems we are having. I am in the state for an operation. I have come to say thank you for everything you have been doing to assist us, but at the same time I want to ask for more cooperation.”
Expressing delight at the support the police had received from the state government, especially from AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor, Disu, he explained that he had since conveyed his sentiments to the governor.
His words: “I have visited Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and thanked him. He has been very wonderful by providing a lot of things to support the police command.
“I urge the residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help combat criminal activities. I say with all authority that we have a lot of Fulani people assisting us in doing our job. I want to give you my word that I will look into the welfare of policemen.”
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, on Sunday, sent a special message to Nigerian women, thanking them for the resilience and sacrifices in raising a society of great men and women, of which he counts himself part of.
Akpabi, who used the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) to express his sentiments, conveyed through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman praised them declared that he was a practical example of the beneficiary of the wonders of women, as the best gift God has given man.
Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, quoted his boss as saying: “Today, I join the globe to celebrate our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, colleagues, and friends who wake up each day and work to make the world a better place. Your relentless efforts can never go unnoticed.
“I am the biggest beneficiary of the love, care, compassion and sacrifice of a woman. My mother gave her all to raise me up to become what I am today. I remain ever grateful and appreciative of what our women and mothers go through in raising their children, supporting the family and building societies.
“I congratulate the Nigerian Woman on the auspicious occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day. I respect and cherish your strength, resilience and invaluable contributions to our nation. As a legislature and in consonance with the theme of this year’s celebration, “Give and Gain”, we are committed to pushing for robust investment in our womenfolk in all spheres of life, especially female participation in the economic and political processes of our nation.
“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and 10th National Assembly, I congratulate all women and wish all our mothers, sisters, daughters and aunties a blessed and peaceful celebration. May your efforts never go in vain.”
For Daniel Bwala, it was somewhat the biblical story of Daniel in the den of lions being replicated in modern days, as he climbed the hot seat in the studios of Aljazeera for what could be described as his testiest media encounter just yet.
At the popular Head to Head encounter, an audience participation encounter on the global television channel, Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, was confronted with statements he made in the past against his boss, which he roundly denied at the most.
Confronted by Mehdi Hasan, the anchor of the programme, the presidential spokesman, who had gone to the station to further sell the Tinubu government to the global community, flatly denied calling the President a corrupt man, an anti-democrat and a killer, all pointing to claims he made as an opposition spokesman.
Titled: Nigeria: ‘Renewed Hope’ or ‘Hopelessness’? Hasan loaded with a surfeit of Bwala’s comments, which he constantly read from, for instance, wanted to know if it was not the same Bwala who linked his boss with forming a militia in Nigeria to win election.
The encounter went thus:
Hassan: “Tinubu and his people created a militia! You said those words.
Bwala: “Tinubu and his people didn’t create a militia. That’s that.
Hasan: Then why did you say they did on January second 2023?
Bwala: I never said that!
Hasan: Does he have a militia that tried to kill you?
Bwala: He never had. I never said he tried to kill me!
Hasan, quoting Bwala: I, myself has received a threat from him and his camp!
Bwala: I never said that.
Hasan: You said it was so corrupt – the 2023 election – Tinubu’s win – you said you couldn’t eat food for three days!
Bwala (chuckling): I never said that! Where?
Bwala also denied saying that the bullion vans that went into Tinubu’s Bourdillon home in Ikoyi Lagos, in 2019, questioned whether those who reported the movement claimed they saw money inside the van.
Hasan: Was there no money in the bullion vans?
Bwala: How am I to know?
Hasan: You said there was money in the van at the time. February 2023?
Bwala: I never said that.
On insecurity, the Aljazeera anchor also took the presidential spokesman through the route of documented evidence, citing groups like Amnsty International (AI), citing the damning situation in the country.
Hasan: Amnesty International says you’re failing in insecurity. The numbers don’t lie.
Bwala: It’s unfortunate and as a government working day and night to redeem the bad situation.
Hasan: And it’s getting worse.
Bwala: I don’t agree to the fact that it’s getting worse
Hasan: How can it not get worse when more people die in one year than the previous year?
Bwala: Context matters
Hasan: What’s the context?
Bwala: The context is that it’s not getting worse. The context is that it’s not getting worse – you see, this is water – lifting a glass of water – if you have the water half, you could say half-glass filled or half-empty. Isn’t it right?
So, the Western media always see Nigeria, Africa and some of the activities in Africa as half-empty! But we see it as half-full, because when we look at it and when I say context matters, before the President took the oath of office, we knew the situation in Nigeria.
Hasan: And you made it worse?
Bwala: When he made the decision to take bold steps to put Nigeria in better trajectory, we were well aware it was going to be difficult.
Prepare to return home, IG-Disu tells Nigerians in IDPs
IWD: You’re the best, Akpabio greets mothers *Hails virtues of resilience, sacrifices
Bwala at Aljazeera: I never said Tinubu was corrupt! Excerpts of interview
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