Buhari urges Chadian factions to support ongoing democratic transition

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu

Buhari has called on leaders of the various Chadian political factions to show restraint and patriotism by immersing themselves in the ongoing transition to democracy in their country.

Speaking to the country’s transition President and Head of Government, General Mehmet Idris Deby-Itno when he visited him on the sidelines of the ongoing UN program in Doha, Qatar on Sunday, President Buhari said:

“I watch developments in your country from a safe distance. As a close neighbor, I go to sleep and wake up with the issue on my mind.

“I sympathize with you, not only as a youth, but due to the position of some of the groups operating outside the country including Libya, even though this is a problem you inherited from your father. I am really reduced to praying on this matter. Other groups who think they are strong should be patriotic, settle down and secure their own country.”

President Buhari thanked the Chadian leader for the visit, giving assurances that, “as a good neighbor, I am prepared at any time to listen to your representations, political, security or any other matter.”

President Deby-Itno said he had come to say thank you to the President for the support he provides to him and his country as they undertake the ongoing transition to democracy, which he said is going well.

He wished President Buhari long life and congratulated him on the ongoing democratic process in Nigeria, adding that “we hope we will continue to see you even after your departure from office.”

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The gubernatorial candidate of People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Kano state, Sadiq Wali has described as ‘nonsense’, speculations that former governor of the state, Ibrahim Shekarau is working underground for Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC.

Shekarau defected to PDP from New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the build up to 2023 elections late last year.

Speaking in response to a question from a journalist during a media parley with newsmen in Kano on Thursday night, Wali said he knows there is no any move by Shekarau to work against the PDP candidate in the March 11 governorship election in the state.

The PDP guber candidate emphasized that he could unequivocally said that Shekarau is working for him for the success of PDP in the state.

According to Wali, the rumour might be emanated from the silence of Shekarau in the PDP tussle in Kano because the case was in court.

“It is not true. What will Shekarau benefit if he works for Gawuna now? I can unequivocally tell you that Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau has no problem with my candidature. It is just nonsense to say Shekarau is working underground against my candidature.

“Shekarau just decided to remain silent in PDP crisis at state level because the case was in court. As a man who respects law and democracy, he should not speak on a case that is before the court. But, as far as i am concerned, it is not true that Shekarau is working for APC,” Wali said.

The former Commissioner for Water Resources also stressed that he would not step down for any candidate or merge with any party.

He lamented that he has had limited time to prepare for the election as, according to him, the judgement was passed in his favour just 10 days to the governoship election.

He also lamented that he had not gotten opportunity to showcase his agenda and programmes for the people of Kano because of the court case between him and Mohammed Sani Abacha.

“There were two governoship debates that i did not participate due to lingering court case. We have the best programme and agenda for Kano and we would have gotten the opportunity to showcase them.

“ But, despite the limited time, we would forge ahead. We will participate in the election and we will not merge or step down for anybody. We will go ahead with the election. Victory is from God,” he emphasized.