Politics
Shekarau: LND to Brainstorm on Future of Northern Region
The League of Northern Democrats (LND), a group of politicians comprising former governors, senators, and other prominent figures from the northern region of Nigeria, are coming together for a pivotal summit focused on revitalising the region’s political and economic power ahead of the 2027 elections.
This was revealed in Abuja on Tuesday during a gathering of the members, including traditional rulers, to discuss issues related to the region.
The central theme of the initiative, set to be officially announced at a summit in Kaduna, revolves around addressing the region’s political trajectory, economic growth and security issues.
Speaking on the plan for a northern summit on Tuesday, the Protem Chairman of the LND and former governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said, “The LND resolved to organise a Northern Nigerian Political Summit, to be held in Kaduna.
“This summit will serve as a platform for discussing the region’s political future, economic development, and security challenges. It will bring together key leaders, thinkers, and influencers to chart a new course for the North.”
In an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the meeting, Shekarau expressed the group’s concern about the progress of the region.
He said the group intended to evaluate the challenges confronting the North, particularly security issues, and create a document detailing possible solutions to tackle the problems.
“We came together to analyse and review the problem bedevilling the northern part of Nigeria. We said we need to embark on general societal reorientation, to enlighten the people on what are their basic challenges and their basic needs.
“It is apolitical though. It is not about any person or any political party, and it is necessarily not about 2027. It is an all-time issue. We want to produce a document, which is not about a year, two-year, or 10-year issue.
“The whole idea is to produce a document that we can confront anybody seeking our votes that these are the aspirations of our people and we want you to assure us that this will be part of your guiding principles.”
In a communiqué jointly signed by the convener, Umar Ardo, and the interim secretary, Emmanuel Jime, the LND announced its resolution to unify the North and reestablish it as a dominant force in national politics.
To achieve this, the group planned to invite prominent northern stakeholders, including former heads of state, current and former vice presidents, and former Senate presidents to rally support for the initiative.
According to the communique, the LND would engage with past Speakers of the House of Representatives, former security chiefs, and other influential figures to gather widespread backing for their efforts.
“The LND resolved to prioritise the political unity of Northern Nigeria. Recognising the diverse backgrounds and experiences within our ranks, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of community and solidarity.
“This unity will serve as the foundation for our efforts to reposition the North as a leading force in Nigeria’s political landscape,” it stated.
Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Eno expressed his gratitude to the PDP for their support during his tenure, stating that it was time for him to make a progressive move.
After completing a series of consultations, he decided to join the APC, citing his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the need for Akwa Ibom State to align with the federal government to reap continuous benefits.
Governor Eno also assured the people of Akwa Ibom State that he would continue to work tirelessly for their benefit, regardless of party affiliation.
Arise Television popular co-host and former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as rude, adding that he might abuse President Bola Tinubu tomorrow.
Abati’s remarks come a day after the FCT Minister referred to a former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, as a politician who is hungry for power.
“Now that they are out of power, they say they are hungry. It’s not hunger for food. It’s hunger for power,” Wike said during a media chat on Monday.
Reacting to Wike’s comment while speaking on ‘The Morning Show’, an ARISE Television breakfast programme on Tuesday, Abati, a co-host, described Wike as a rude politician, noting that Amaechi is Wike’s boss in the field of politics.
“I think that Nyesom Wike is very rude and disrespectful because Rotimi Amaechi is his boss in politics,” said Abati.
“When he was local government chairman or was it councillor during Amaechi’s second term, it was Rotimi Amaechi that helped him to become local government chairman.”
He added that the FCT minister had previously insulted Peter Odili, a former Rivers governor, who helped him become governor.
The former presidential spokesperson said the FCT minister is showing signs that he will soon use abusive language against President Tinubu.
He advised the president to be wary of Wike because he could insult him in the future just as he had done with Amaechi and others.
Abati said: “Who will Nyesom Wike not insult? He insulted Senator John Mbata, who was his godfather at some point. He also showed signs that he will insult President Bola Tinubu.
“In that interview, he pointed out that if he had known that President Tinubu was going to declare a state of emergency in Rivers, he would have offered a different kind of advice.
“That is already a signal to President Tinubu to know that this man you are dealing with, his only interested is his own interests.
“President Tinubu should beware. Tomorrow he will abuse this same President Tinubu.”
A former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, has responded to the claim by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, that he (Amaechi) is not his boss.
Wike, during a media chat in Abuja, dismissed his former boss, saying the former Minister of Transportation is not influential.
He claimed that Amaechi, even as the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign, could not deliver Rivers State to former President Muhammadu Buhari in both the 2015 and 2019 elections.
Later, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike also criticized former presidential spokesman Reuben Abati for describing him as rude.
Abati had asserted that Wike was very rude, stressing that former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi was his political boss.
The Arise Television anchor made the comment in reaction to Wike’s statement that Amaechi was power-hungry and failed to deliver 10 percent of the vote for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election.
Responding, Olayinka questioned how Amaechi could be considered Wike’s boss in politics.
Posting on Facebook, Olayinka recalled how Wike remained in Rivers State to help Amaechi retrieve his mandate after the latter fled to Ghana in 2007.
In response, during an Arise News interview on Thursday, Amaechi was asked if he is still friends with Wike. He replied, “Why go into personal life?”
When asked if he still hangs out with Wike, Amaechi said, “I’ve told you this several times, subordinates. I was once his [Wike’s] boss, whether he likes it or not. I hired him; I could have said no.”
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