Today's Headlines: Don’t Invade Niger Republic, Bode George Writes Tinubu; This isn’t an end –Replaced Ministerial Nominee, Maryam Shetty
Don’t Invade Niger Republic, Bode George Writes Tinubu
Former military governor of old Ondo State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has advised President Bola Tinubu against the invasion of neighbouring Niger Republic, saying any war is not a tea party.
George, a retired Commodore of the Nigerian Navy in a letter yesterday made available to THISDAY, said he is writing as a patriot and a statesman.
The letter reads: “I write to you as a Nigerian, a retired General in the Nigerian military, a patriot and a war tactician.
“On July 26, 2023, the Commander of the Presidential Guard in Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, seized power and is now the new strongman of the Nigerien Armed Forces.
“As the leader of ECOWAS, you immediately invited other West African leaders and an ultimatum was given to Tchiani that Bazoum must be reinstated or else, a strong military force (just like ECOMOG in Liberia and Sierra Leone) will invade Niger Republic and forcefully reinstate him.
“The population of Niger Republic is 27,294,785 (just like Lagos State). Niamey is the capital and the population is 1,437,000 (not up to Alimosho Council in Lagos) and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who gets security briefings everyday since you were sworn-in on May 29, 2023, you may have been told that even a Brigade of the Nigerian Army, commanded by a Colonel, can crush the soldiers in Niger Republic.
This isn’t an end – Replaced ministerial nominee, Maryam Shetty breaks silence
A former ministerial nominee, Maryam Shettima, also known as Maryam Shetty, has expressed optimism that her withdrawal from the list of ministerial nominees would not be the end of her political journey.
DAILY POST reports that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday, read a letter from President Bola Tinubu, asking the House to replace Maryam Shetty with her classmate, Mariya Mahmoud.
The former nominee was at the National Assembly complex for her screening on Friday when she was informed of the change.
Reacting in a statement on Saturday, Maryam Shetty expressed gratitude to the President for nominating her prior to the unexpected twist.
According to her, the development would not diminish her growing desire to serve the nation in her best abilities.
Part of the statement reads, “Even with this unexpected twist, my gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for considering me for such an esteemed position remains undiminished.
Atiku, PDP govs set to commence meeting in Abuja
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and the party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, are set to commence a meeting at the Bauchi State Lodge in Abuja.
The meeting is a follow up to a similar one held at the residence of former Minister of Foriegn Affairs and Party chieftain, Chief Tom Ikimi, last Saturday.
Although the agenda for the meeting is still shrouded in secrecy, it was learnt that the state of the nation and the party will form the major plank of discussions.
So far, Governor Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Edo) have arrived.
Senate To Screen Keyamo, Other Ministerial Nominees Today.
The Senate will resume screening of President Bola Tinubu’s 48 ministerial nominees for the fifth non-consecutive day on Saturday.
The red chamber had previously screened some nominees for confirmation on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Those expected to be screened today are Festus Keyamo, Bosun Tijani, Isiak Salako, Lola John, Tahir Mamman, Maigari Ahmadu, and Mariya Mahmoud.
On July 27, 2023, the President transmitted a 28-man list to the red chamber for confirmation. He subsequently sent a supplementary list of 19 nominees to the Senate on August 2, 2023.
On August 4, 2023, the President withdrew a nominee from Kano State, Maryam Shetty from the list and replaced her with Keyamo and Mahmoud.
Already, the Senate has screened the 28 nominees in the first batch and 13 of the nominees in the second batch.
On Friday, the Senate screened Zephaniah Jisalo, Shuaibu Audu, Yusuf Sununu, Bello Matawalle, Alkali Saidu, Ahmed Gwarzo, Atiku Bagudu, Simon Lalong, Ibrahim Gaidam, Aliu Abdullahi, Gboyega Oyetola, Heineken Lokpobiri and Tunji Alausa.
On Wednesday, the red chamber screened Dele Alake, Lateef Fagbemi and Muhammad Idris, Ali Pate and Doris Uzoka.
The Senate on Tuesday screened ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Wale Edun, Uche Nnaji, Stella Okotete, Adebayo Adelabu, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Hannatu Musawa, and Musa Dangiwa.
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