Weekly political notes

My Ambition, Not About Tinubu, Says Sanwo-Olu, Ambode’s Challenger

One of the governorship aspirants challenging the incumbent governor of Lagos state to the ticket of the All Progressives Congress APC, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has dismissed speculations that he was being primed by a national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as replacement for the incumbent, Akinwumi Ambode.

The aspirant who has reportedly gotten the endorsement of Tinubu and APC stakeholders in Lagos, explained that his ambition “is about the Lagos we want to take to the next level”.

Addressing a press conference Wednesday at the APC national secretariat, shortly after he returned his nomination and expression of interest forms, Sanwo-Olu declared that his government would prioritise the welfare of the people.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu can say anything, but Lagos residents know where he is coming from.

Even though, he is overqualified to succeed Ambode, the timing appears not right. It is also known that Tinubu is the drummer, while Sanwo-Olu is the dancer.

After all, this development is not new in the politics of Lagos since 1999. It is not the first time and it may not be the last.

The godfather of Lagos politics and former governor of the state, Bola Tinubu has formed the habit of rattling or cowing his godsons and governors of the state with second term ticket.

What Tinubu is doing to Akinwumi Ambode today is what he did to Ambode’s predecessor, Babatunde Fashola in 2011 when the latter was sought for second term ticket. So one can say that it has become a tradition.

But remember that after all the hue and cry about stopping Fashola’s second term bid, Fashola won the ticket and Tinubu campaigned for his reelection vigorously.

There is nothing to worry about the development. It is not about the welfare of the people.

It is about politics of 2019, Tinubu’s interest and that of his allies who are in control of the game in the state.

They know what they are doing-playing pranks on people’s intelligence.

Ambode has since denied any rift with his political godfather Tinubu.

Tinubu on the hand has not told anybody that there is any problem between him and his godson, Ambode.

So, who do we believe-Tinubu, Ambode or those trying to make mountain of molehill.

Even if there is any rift between them, which is normal and expected in human relation, they will settle it.

What Ambode needs to do is to play ball for Jagaban and his foot soliders.

They will reconcile, work together to protect their interests in 2019 and beyond.

Sanwo-Olu’s card is Tinubu’s last option and it may be a hard sell to the Lagosians.

I Am Ready To Clarify Issues, Answer Questions, Fayose Tells EFCC

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) telling the agency to expect him when his tenure expires on October 6.

In the letter which was personally signed by the Fayose, he hinted the agency of his decision to make himself available at its office “to clarify issue(s) or answer questions on issues within my knowledge.”

Fayose, in the letter said his desire to submit to the commission was hinged “on several and serial actions of your commission for some time now, including but not limited to freezing of my accounts and attempts to secure temporary forfeiture of my properties.”

It is hoped that EFCC has finished its investigation of Fayose’s administration and is ready to take him to court if need be?

This is very important, considering that the agency has lost a lot of battles against Fayose.

Loosing more cases against Fayose outside office will affirm the belief that the agency is out to witch-hunt.

Fayose by this letter has thrown a challenge to the EFCC. It is left to see how EFCC will respond to it after October 6 when Fayose’s tenure as governor will expire.

However, some observers believe that Fayose’s letter might be a ploy to divert the attention of the security and anti-graft agencies on his planned escape from the country at the expiration of his tenure.

After all, Fayose escaped from the country when he was unceremoniously and unconstitutionally removed from office as governor in 2006.

Who says Fayose cannot repeat the same, especially in the light of the frosty relationship between him and Buhari’s government.

Buhari’s Refusal to Sign Electoral Act Plot to Rig 2019 General Elections, Says Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amended Electoral Act is part of the plot to rig the 2019 elections.

Speaking at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Wike said that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government has planned to write results against the wishes of Nigerians.

“Why has the President not signed the electoral Act? What is his fear? What do you mean by mistakes? Oh, my God, what is a mistake?

Errors you didn’t see within one month? Errors for the first time; the second time; the third time?

Does it not tell Nigerians these people are not prepared for election?

“All they are prepared is to write the results and let heaven fall,” Wike said.

Wike’s allegation is expected. It is part of his role as an opposition governor.

Wike needs to be heard loud for Nigerians to take him and his party serious.

While Buhari’s refusal to sign 2018 electoral bill on the excuse of errors is suspicious and questionable, Wike should be reminded that President Jonathan did not sign 2014 Electoral bill and heaven did not fall.

Is Wike saying that PDP’s failure to sign 2014 Electoral Bill was to rig the 2015 elections?

If that is the case, why did PDP lose 2015 elections to APC?

Whether Electoral bill is signed or not, politicians must always rig elections, especially where they have advantage and handy INEC personnel and security agents to use. It is not about signing electoral bill.

Politicians are adept at circumventing and compromising the law during elections to their own personal advantage.

It is the practice across the party lines, no matter how good the electoral laws look.

Speaker Dogara Picks PDP Nomination Form

Speaker Yakubu Dogara has picked the nomination form to return to the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, multiple sources familiar with the development disclosed on Wednesday.

The speaker picked the form on a day after many of his constituents travelled to Abuja from his home state of Bauchi to see him.

This is not surprising, considering Dogara’s actions and inactions before and after the defection saga erupted in the National Assembly.

Dogara has never hid his displeasure with the manner the party leadership handled his differences with his state governor, Abubakar Mohammed.

Again, at the peak of National Assembly crisis, Dogara has shown unflinching support to Saraki than APC.

Since then, he avoided all APC meetings without any cogent reason.

It would be recalled that during the recent Bauchi South senatorial by-election, Dogara’s constituency was the only area the PDP candidate won overwhelming, even though that was not enough to secure PDP victory in the contest.

But it showed that Dogara and his constituents were tired and fed up with APC.

So Dogara’s decision to seek reelection on PDP platform is expected.

How Dogara will manage the situation when the House reconvenes will be seen, considering that APC was in majority before the House went on break.