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Don’t throw our late father under the bus for Bello, Tudun Abiola tells half sister

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For comparing Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State with late MKO Abiola, Tudun Abiola, popular Arise TV Presenter, has taken a swipe at her sister, Hafsat Abiola-Costello asking her not to throw their father under the Bus for her new employer

After Abiola-Costello was appointed Director-General of Bello’s presidential campaign she had started the image laundering for her principal when she rated Bello’s Hope23 campaign slogan to be of same weight with Hope’93 slogan of Abiola, acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
As she made effort to explain why she accepted to head Bello’s campaign when she appeared on Arise TV on Sunday she had indicated that Bello’s characters align with those of her father.

She had said that the late MKO believed in a United Nigeria, just like Bello, noting that he also treated everyone around him with respect regardless of their social standing.

“These are the same qualities I have seen in Governor Bello. He dared to contest, not minding that he was from a minority tribe in Kogi and won, and he has come out again. My father did the same, when it was believed that a Yoruba man could not be President,” she said on Sunday.
However, Tudun would not take the comment of her half-sister lying low as she asked that late father be left out of the issue as she goes about selling the manifestos of Bello.

Tundun, a lawyer and TV Presenter, is the daughter of Mrs Bisi Abiola, MKO Abiola’s third wife, while Hafsat is the daughter of Abiola’s second wife, Kudirat, who was murdered during the June 12 struggle.

Apparently piqued by her comments Tundun, also on Arise TV programme told her co-presenter, Reuben Abati that she was taken aback by the interview of her half-sister on Sunday.

In her words, “I have come to expect certain things from that individual, but just because it is not surprising, does not mean it was not staggeringly inappropriate.

“I am referring to my half-sister, Hafsat, who is the DG of Yahaya Bello’s campaign, and her comparison to my dad. There were a lot of political players in his team, and not one of them decided to throw their father under the bus for the sake of their principal.

“Come out and talk about your principal, his antecedents and stands for the future of Nigeria and leave daddy out of this. It is not her right, because it is not her name. It is our name. It is the name of future Abiolas yet unborn who should be proud of the legacy. My father was tortured because according to the United Nations, it sees solitary confinement as torture. He was tortured and then, he was murdered and has left his legacy only for it to be abused in this fashion.

“And I did say that I was quite consistent. We had another gentleman on the show talking about another person he was campaigning for, and using my dad to score points and I was apoplectic. Everybody should just leave his name out of this. It is especially disgusting, the false equivalence, the cynical expatiation of a genuine struggle.”

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Obi greets Obasanjo at 87, describes him as a true Patriot

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The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General election, Mr Peter Obi, has congratulated Nigeria’s Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on his 87th birthday.
Obi who joined President Obasanjo in his Birthday Thanksgiving Service at The Chapel of Christ The Glorious King, OOPL, Abeokuta to mark the Commencement of his 87th birthday celebrations, described Obasanjo as a true patriot whose ultimate desire is the development and progress of our nation.
A statement by the Chief Spokesperson Obi-Datti,Dr Yunusa Tanko quoted Obi to have stated that he was delighted to celebrate the revered Nigerian leader due to his many contributions to the nation.

“I was delighted to celebrate with this very revered Nigerian who has contributed immeasurably to the growth of our nation. His love for the nation is very evident in his firm commitment to the unity and peace of our dear nation.

“President Obasanjo remains a true leader who not only engineered so many positive transformations in our nation but left behind a sound economic foundation, which if we have followed, we would not be in the sorry state we are today,” Obi said.

Obi eulogised Obasanjo forever remaining active in the collective work of nation-building. He noted that Obasanjo has continued to contribute, by words and actions, to the struggle for good governance in Nigeria.

“With our dear nation, going through very challenging times, occasioned by leadership failure, President Obasanjo has continued to courageously add his voice to demand good governance in the country. He not only speaks, but he takes action to ensure that our nation is saved from further chaos.

“As a father figure, he has continued to inspire and mentor the younger generation in transformational leadership. I am delighted to celebrate him today,” Obi enthused.

He prayed to God to grant Obasanjo more healthy and fruitful years, as he continues to play his part in the development of the nation, through his immeasurable contributions, while wishing him a happy 87th birthday.

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Southern, Middle Belt Leaders grieve over Ezeife’s demise

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The leadership of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’Forum (SMBLF) has expressed grief over sudden demise of the former Governor of Anambra State, Chief (Dr) Chukwuemeka Ezeife on Thursday 14th day of December 2023 at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. He was 85.
The statement was jointly signed by Chief (Dr.) E.K. Clark for Southern people, Chief Ayo Adebanjo Leader of Afenifere, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Pogu Bitrus – President, Middle Belt Forum and Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, FNSE – National Chairman, PANDEF
Thestatemwnt reads, “‘Okwadike’ as he was fondly called was a founding and staunch member of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum; a strong promoter, and an unshaken believer in the unity and progress of Nigeria, based on equity, fairness, and justice.

“We recall that he actively participated in the last meeting of the Forum (SMBLF) in Abuja on Thursday 26th October 2023, where far-reaching decisions were made in the overall interest of the country.

“The Havard-trained economist was a prominent Statesman, a politician of exceptional brilliance, high repute, and integrity. He was a man of firm resolve and typical modesty. Ezeife loved his people and Nigeria with passion.

“We will sorely miss his inspiring personality, brilliant ideas, vibrant contributions, and steadfast solidarity in our pursuit of an egalitarian Nigerian State that would be fair and just to all irrespective of tribe, religion, or political inclination.”

The statement extended its deepest condolences to his family in particular, as well as the Government and people of Anambra State, the Igbo Nation, and Nigeria, which he served dedicatedly.

“We pray the Almighty God ro grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and for the peaceful repose of the noble soul of our dearly beloved departed Compatriot.

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Unveiling First Hausa Catholic Bishop in History: Mamman Musa’s Extraordinary Journey

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In a historic move set to redefine identities and religious narratives, Mamman Musa, a Hausa man, is on the verge of becoming the first-ever Hausa Catholic Bishop in the Catholic Church. The investiture ceremony, scheduled for December 12, will mark a revolutionary milestone, elevating Mamman Musa into the echelons of the church hierarchy within Hausaland, specifically in Katsina.

At 52, Mamman Musa’s appointment as a bishop heralds a new chapter in Hausa-Catholic relations. His journey into Christianity and priesthood, defying the odds of a predominantly Muslim background where only 1 percent are Christians, resonates with a legacy of resilience and dedication.

Born Gerald Mamman Musa, his family’s conversion to Catholicism traced back to the arrival of the Society of Missionaries of Africa in northern Nigeria in 1934. Mamman’s grandfather became a convert, setting the stage for a generational commitment to the faith. Despite facing hostility and challenges in a region with a religious majority opposing their beliefs, Mamman’s parents continued their Christian devotion.

Emmanuel Musa, Mamman’s father, became a torchbearer for the faith, translating the Bible and Christian doctrines into Hausa. He confronted adversity in the form of societal ostracization and professional limitations but stood firm in his convictions. Similarly, Mamman’s mother, Christiana Asabe, hailing from a family of converts, contributed to their steadfast commitment to Catholicism.

Mamman Musa’s upbringing in Malumfashi, Katsina state, was marked by an immersion in church activities, fostering a love for Catholicism despite being surrounded by a predominantly Muslim environment. His education in Catholic seminaries further solidified his dedication to the church, leading him on a path that eventually saw him excel academically, earning degrees from prestigious institutions globally.

His journey into priesthood and academia culminated in his role as a director at the Centre for Studies of African Culture and Communications in Port Harcourt. Amidst challenges of potential alienation and derogatory terms like “maguzawa,” a disparaging label for Christians in the North, Mamman Musa’s commitment to his faith remained resolute.

In his forthcoming role as a bishop, Mamman Musa acknowledges the weight of responsibility and privilege attached to this historic position. His inclination towards liberation theology, emphasizing the centrality of the poor and marginalized, reflects a commitment to addressing societal issues and drawing inspiration from influential figures such as Gustavo Guitierrez.

As Mamman Musa prepares to assume his role as the first Hausa Catholic Bishop, his journey stands as a testament to resilience, dedication, and a commitment to bridging religious divides while upholding the tenets of his faith.

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