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Tag: Teejay Yusuf

  • Ex-lawmaker, TeeJay Yusuf calls on IGP, Kogi govt, other agencies to curb rising insecurity in Okun-Yoruba

    Ex-lawmaker, TeeJay Yusuf calls on IGP, Kogi govt, other agencies to curb rising insecurity in Okun-Yoruba

    A former House of Representatives member, Hon TeeJay Yusuf has called on Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Kogi government and other security agencies to quickly curb the rising insecurity in Okun area of Kogi State.

    Hon TeeJay Yusuf made this disclosure in a statement he personally signed on Monday stating that:

    “Given the increasing state of insecurity across Okun Land; particularly Bunu District of Kogi State in the past few months, I wish to strongly urge the Kogi state Government, and all security agencies to urgently take more proactive measures towards addressing the precarious situation.

    “According to reports, indigenes and residents of communities across the stretch of the five local government areas that make up the Okun-Yoruba axis of the state have been victims of attacks by groups of charlatans whose identities are not known.

    “More so, it is very sad that people in the Bunu District within Kabba-Bunu LGA, have been subjected to perennial harassment, intimidation, and kidnapping by some hideous criminals.

    “From reports, these callously wicked, and criminally-infected persons attack, and kidnap innocent people of these communities with brazenness. More intriguing is that, some victims are kidnapped directly from the comfort of their homes; while sleeping at night.

    ” Aside subjecting their victims to unexplainable, and pitiable shocks and pain, they; and their families, friends, and respective communities are harrowed and forced to pay huge sums of ransom; that are not readily available as the majority are peasant farmers.

    “Many people believe that the unrestrained cases of kidnapping and similar attacks on the communities are not unconnected to the chequered manner in which the Kogi state government allegedly opened its borders to people of questionable characters; in the name of politics between 2020 and 2022.

    “Also, some other people alluded to the fact that, given their styles of operations and idiosyncrasies, the influx of these people to different locations in Okun Land, may have contributed in no small measures to the worrying, and disturbing situation at hand.

    “As a result of the frequency of these nefarious and callous attacks, the peace loving people of these communities are experiencing psychological torture, and emotional pain as they now live in perpetual fear, worries, and anxiety; not knowing who the next victim will be.

    “Also, the people, who are basically farmers have practically abandoned their farmlands, out of fear of being kidnapped. This development, has brought about hunger, poverty, and untoward hardships across the communities and towns in the affected areas.

    “Noting the preponderance of kidnapping and attacks on our people, I humbly call on the state government to immediately emplace result-yielding measures to effectively tackle the disturbing trend. Also, I implore various law enforcement and security agencies, with necessary support from the state government to collaborate with one another towards ensuring the protection of lives and properties in these communities.

    “Finally, as I sympathise with the families, friends, colleagues, and associates of those that have been victims of these dastardly attacks, I appeal for calm, law, and order as government and relevant agencies do all that is necessary in tackling the menace.

    “It is imperative to reiterate that the state government must do everything lawful to safeguard the safety of her citizens, and their properties; which is the primary function of the administration.”

  • [ANALYSIS] SPEAKERSHIP RACE: How religion may play vital role in zoning as ten gladiators gun for Gbajabiamila’s job

    [ANALYSIS] SPEAKERSHIP RACE: How religion may play vital role in zoning as ten gladiators gun for Gbajabiamila’s job

    …more are expected to join
    … APC in dilemma
    …as Reps endlessly wait for APC to zone positions

    … subtle threat of opposition parties to turn the tide

    Expectedly, the speakership race at the House of Representatives has thrown up ten gladiators gunning for the outgoing speaker Femi Gbajabiamila’s coveted office as religion may play a pivotal role on who emerges speaker.

    Religion may finally play an overriding role in who emerges as speaker as both number one and number two citizens are already rested in the presidency wearing the coats of Muslims.

    As for the high number of aspirants, this is not coming as a surprise because in the House it is more aspirants the merrier as the spirit ruling the parliament in Nigeria is simply ‘permanent interest ‘.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) in this analysis will take a look at 2019 speakership race in retrospect and how zoning, religion and massive war chest will play an overriding role in the 2023 speakership race.

    If finally the 10 contestants get to the final battle line then 10th House has recorded a fresh mileage. In 2011 the anointed candidate of the Goodluck Jonathan administration was Mulikat Akande-Adeola in the final race with Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who eventually clinched the position rubbishing his party’s zoning formula.

    As at April 2019, 17 lawmakers had registered their intentions to take Yakubu Dogara’s job.

    The list then was Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos) Sulaiman Kawu (Kano), Sulaiman Aminu (Kano), Tahir Monguno (Borno), Abdulrazaq Namdas (Adamawa), Yusuf Buba Yakub (Adamawa), Mohammed Bago (Niger), John Dyegh (Benue), Idris Wase (Plateau), Abubakar Lado (Niger), Nkiruka Onyejeocha (Abia), Chike Okafor (Imo), Olusegun Odebunmi, (Oyo), Jide Olatunbosun, (Oyo) Babangida Ibrahim, (Katsina) and incumbent Speaker and only aspirant from the PDP, Yakubu Dogara (Bauchi) were in the race.

    In the entire list of contestants, only South South geo-political zone had no aspirant as the zone remained a stronghold of the major opposition party in Nigeria.

    Going by the fresh list of contestants in the 2023 speakership race, South South is also visibly missing.

    By first week of May in 2019 the figure dropped to just seven contestants as negotiation as to who gets what had been concluded.

    Hon Abdulrazaq Namdas got the committee on Army to step down, Tahir Monguno became the Chief Whip, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, the only female contestant then became Monguno’s deputy. Wase settled for Deputy Speaker.

    This same scenario is expected to resurface in 2023 as the ten contestants though vastly experienced in legislative business may negotiate with the strongest contender if the ruling party musters enough fireballs to zone the position of speaker to any of the six geo-political zones.

    The strongest contestants for now are: Hon Idris Wase, from North Central zone who is also the outgoing Deputy Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, the legislator with the highest number of sponsored bills, Soli Sada, is from North West, specifically from President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state, Katsina, Benjamin Kalu, South East, Miriam Onuoha, Abdulrahim Olawuyi, Aliyu Betara others are just onlookers.

    HOW RELIGION WILL PLAY A KEY ROLE ON WHO EMERGES SPEAKER:

    In 2019, the ruling APC tested the waters fielding Gbajabiamila and Wase both Muslims and with the aid of a massive war chest succeeded in ensuring both men emerged.

    In 2023, any attempt for the party to try to repeat its 2019 experiment will be resisted and the party may finally wear the toga of an Islamic party.

    The party as presently constituted has a national chairman that’s a Muslim, major occupants of Aso Rock after May 29 are both Muslims.

    In simple terms, number one, two and fourth citizens of the Republic will be Muslims. This may not go down well with Christians and this must be considered if APC must zone the position.

    As it stands majority of those eyeing Gbajabiamila’s job are Muslims particularly those from the Northern axis of the country.

    This definitely is an acid test for the ruling party that’s known not to be respecter of laid down procedures.

    THE SUBTLE THREAT OF OPPOSITION PARTIES:

    Yes! it could be a subtle threat that majority parties if they can stand united can turn the table in their favour though this is going to be an alien development in this clime as permanent interest plays a vital role in the Nigerian parliament. They have a majority that can only wear the shape of a toothless bull dog.

    The new members-elect are predominantly green horns who do not understand the dynamics of how the parliament operates.

    Once the masters of the game start throwing bread and butter on their paths most of them may not even remember their constituents who worked tirelessly for them.

    Already the grapevine has it that there’s dollar rain and juicy offers being offered to them to sell their conscience for the next four years and sacrifice 2027 for good.

    Let the new members-elect ask their outgoing members what happened in 2019 and how they’re now fairing in 2023. The truth is that most of them are licking their wounds for not doing the right thing in 2019.

    The new breed opposition parties can never speak in one voice as bread and butter politics will always divide them for good.

    THE ENDLESS WAITING GAME FOR APC TO ZONE:

    The APC is in a dilemma over where to zone the speakership position. North West is claiming exclusive right to the position for delivering over 2.9m votes for the party. Nobody can blame them for that because the zone gave the party an edge.

    The north central too is insisting that the House had never produced a speaker while North West had produced three.

    These two zones have a good case but other zones too are laying claims to it giving various reasons. In the list of those who had championed leadership in the House, the north west and south west lead the pack. By default the South West has produced three speakers.

    The south south and the south east are permanently relegated to the position of a deputy speaker.

    If APC decides to zone the position the outcome definitely will not be palatable as north west, north east and north central may get to the finishing line and any of these three zones can conveniently produce the speaker with zoning or no zoning.

    Religion as usual will play a formidable role as the three zones may settle for Christians as their deputies. If APC wants to rock the bottle-Muslim-Muslim ticket can be experimented in 2023.

  • 2023: Teejay Yusuf speaks after defeating Dino Melaye to clinch PDP Kogi West ticket

    2023: Teejay Yusuf speaks after defeating Dino Melaye to clinch PDP Kogi West ticket

    Representative T. J. Yusuf, now Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday said the people of Kogi West Senatorial District should expect God’s divine intervention in the 2023 general elections.

    Yusuf made the declaration while addressing delegates shortly after the PDP Senatorial primary held in Kabba, where he floored his strong rival, Dino Malaye, and two others to clinch the party’s ticket.

    The Rep member pulled a total of 163 votes to Malaye’s 99 out of 265 votes cast in the election conducted at the Olonijola event center Kabba, Kogi.

    Yusuf, who dedicated his Victory to the Almighty God, said, “My trust is in God’s divine intervention to see me through to the National Assembly elections come 2023.”

    “Only God elevates a person or gives power to a man and I believe He that did this for me today, will by His Grace do it for me again in 2023,” he said.

    He thanked the delegates for counting him worthy and voting for him above others.

    Yusuf also thanked the leadership of the PDP from the National level down to the ward level for conducting a peaceful, free and fair primaries in the state.

    He also expressed appreciation to members of his family and supporters for their strong support to him during the primary.

  • PDP primaries: The gang up is unimaginable – Dino Melaye reacts after losing Kogi West ticket

    Dino Melaye has said “the gang up” against him was “unimaginable” after losing the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) ticket for Kogi West Senatorial District to Teejay Yusuf.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Melaye made this known via his official Twitter handle shortly after the primary rerun on Tuesday, while also congratulating Yusuf for pulling through.

    “The Primary has been fought and won. I congratulate Hon. T.J YUSUF and thank all those who voted in the first and second ballot for me. The Gang up is unimaginable but l give God praise. God bless you all,” Melaye tweeted.

    TNG reports Yusuf polled 163 delegate votes to defeat Melaye who polled 99 votes in the primary election rerun held today.

  • Insecurity: Emulate Southern Govs, Hon Teejay Yusuf tells Northern Governors

    Insecurity: Emulate Southern Govs, Hon Teejay Yusuf tells Northern Governors

    …condemns over-dependence on federal statutory allocations

    A member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Teejay Yusuf has said Southern governors’ non-partisan objectivity deserves applause.

    According to Yusuf (PDP, Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency) those with conscience among Northern Governors should follow suit by supporting the objective recommendations of their southern counterparts, without political, ethnic or religious sentiments.

    In a statement, Honourable Teejay Yusuf commended all the governors who met in Asaba last Tuesday, under the auspices of the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum (SNGF),to discuss worsening insecurity and other matters affecting citizens.

    “It was impressive that the governors had jettisoned political partisanship, putting nation-building and development first in their dealings; their recommendations resonate very well with citizens’ worst fears and genuine concerns.

    “It is noteworthy that while their recommendations have been long overdue, the governors called on the President to do the simple but reassuring task of addressing the nation as his words will be best regarded at this time.

    “It is overdue and done in the interest of the nation; for the first time, I find our governors jettisoning partisanship and putting the issue of nation-building and development at the forefront during their meeting and I am impressed,” he stated.

    He further emphasized the need for the nineteen northern governors to take similarly bold, pro-people stance.

    “The southern governors are calling the President to speak to Nigeria because they feel that as the leader of the nation, when the nation is in crisis, the leader ought to rise to the occasion, his words bring succour, his words bring direction, his words speak to certain situations that ordinarily will not regard just any other person: in situations like this, the President should rise and speak.”

    “It is now for our brothers from the north to see beyond partisanship, to see beyond ethnicity, religion and adopt the procedure that has been laid down,” Yusuf stated.

    Commenting further, he demanded a review of the method used in sharing monthly statutory revenues to states across the country, noting that it discourages innovative economic solutions in various states.

    According to Yusuf, state governments’ over-dependence on the federal statutory Allocations is part of reasons why the country is going through economic and security challenges.

    “Part of the reason why we have insecurity is because the center has so much and people feel encouraged to come from outside Nigeria – people who are not Nigerians.

    “I make bold to say lots of these criminals are people who come to Nigeria in the aftermath of the crisis in the Sahara regions of Africa; so many assume that the money in Abuja is free money.”

    He also called on state governments to exercise optimal authority over their resources, independently explore innovative means of revenue-generation and prioritize issues that are of major concern to citizens in their respective states.

  • How Wole Soyinka, activists lost credibilty to APC in 2015 – Hon Teejay Yusuf

    How Wole Soyinka, activists lost credibilty to APC in 2015 – Hon Teejay Yusuf

    Hon Teejay Yusuf, representing Kabba/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives on Wednesday said Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka and other prominent activists lost credibility to All Progressives Congress (APC) due to their support for the party in 2015.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Yusuf made this disclosure while appearing in the House of Representatives press corps ‘Hot Seat’ series.

    The former National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) executive said this singular support by the laureate made him to lose credibility.

    “Other activists too lost credibility because they supported APC but can anybody try that now.

    “The situation in the country is calling for everybody to be armed to protect themselves because the government is so insensitive.

    “If you do not have water, you dig a borehole, if you do not have light you buy a generator but if you do not have security, what do you do?

    “We are on the way to Armageddon and the president is doing nothing about this if he can’t do the cooking he should leave the kitchen for God’s sake”.

    On the issue of insecurity, the Kogi born lawmaker said the situation has gone awry and Nigeria has never been this divisive in its existence.

  • Insecurity: Buhari’s body language emboldens Boko Haram, bandits – Hon Teejay Yusuf

    Insecurity: Buhari’s body language emboldens Boko Haram, bandits – Hon Teejay Yusuf

    …we are heading to armageddon

    …says best brains are relocating from Nigeria

    Hon Teejay Yusuf, a former Chairman Reps Committee on Capital Market, on Tuesday said President Muhammadu Buhari’s body language on insecurity in Nigeria emboldens insurgents and bandits across the country.

    Yusuf, who is a serving member representing Kogi State and of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made this declaration in an exclusive chat with TheNewsGuru.com (TNG)

    He said the actions of President Buhari so far have given support to Boko Haram and acts of banditry.

    He explained that insecurity has made so many brilliant and creative Nigerians relocate to other countries, and that they are helping the economies of the other countries to develop.

    “When Governor Ortom was attacked, Miyetti Allah declared that it was their action and nothing happened, but when a South East State was attacked, IPOB denied organising it.

    “Our police insisted IPOB was involved despite denying, this clearly indicates that there was a communication.

    “The situation in the country is calling for everybody to be armed to protect themselves because the government is so insensitive.

    “If you do not have water, you dig a borehole, if you do not have light you buy a generator but if you do not have security, what do you do?

    “We are on the way to Armageddon and the president is doing nothing about this. If he can’t do the cooking he should leave the kitchen for God’s sake.

    “If it happens nobody is free, be you a rich man or poor man all the airports in this country will serve as military base”.

  • APC’s next level is high rate of unemployment, massive insecurity, poverty – Hon Teejay Yusuf

    APC’s next level is high rate of unemployment, massive insecurity, poverty – Hon Teejay Yusuf

    …yet PDP’s Wike has excelled despite the odds – Yusuf

    In spite of prevailing challenges across the federation, Rivers state governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike continues to vibrantly radiate uncommon hope about the positive prospects of Nigerian democracy, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Teejay Yusuf has said.

    According to Yusuf (PDP, Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency), Gov Wike’s populist approach to governance and the execution of significant capital projects stands in deep contrast against the dismal records of of the ruling party in Abuja.

    “Gov Nyesom Wike’s outstanding achievements amply recommend him for higher responsibilities in Nigeria; his effective management of state resources for execution of major projects already project him as a leading light in this dark moment of our democracy.

    “Beyond the ongoing massive infrastructural development and various project commissioning which continue to attract the attention and presence of eminent leaders across the federation, Gov Wike has positively impacted all sectors of the state’s economy while revolutions in the health, agricultural and education sectors, the strings of flyovers scattered all over strategic points in Port Harcourt to decongest a seemingly insurmountable traffic situation are clear attestation to what visionary and people-oriented leadership can do.

    “Agricultural productivity is being boosted with a state Cassava Processing Company with 3,000 uptakers, there are three new campuses for the State University supported with N9billion takeoff grant; Gov Wike established a Medical School for the state university and gave scholarships to Rivers indigenes studying Medicine at Pamo University.

    “In addition, 5,000 youths are now being recruited into the Rivers state civil service towards reducing youth unemployment, in sports, the Real Madrid Football Academy has been established to combine education and football towards addressing youth development and grooming of future stars.

    In the health sector, there is now a Mother/Child Hospital to address antenatal and paediatric health issues while a Cancer/Cardiovascular Disease Centre is about to be established in Rivers state,”Hon Yusuf stated.

    He further contrasted developments in Rivers state with what he described as ‘systematic pauperization, anti-people lies and propaganda that dominates the APC-controlled federal government.

    “In Abuja, we have seen how lies and propaganda about change have only brought Nigerians’ suffering to the next level; fuel price and the cost of living are about to jump to the next level once again.

    “Rivers state is faring well but elsewhere, the ruling party’s two weeks old promise about the end of school abductions just got shattered at the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation where bandits again abducted innocent students.

    “Under the APC government’s opaque ‘transparency’, some of its officials are currently in court over alleged looting of N4.5 billion at Federal Internal Revenue Service yet others have just been summoned by the House of Representatives over what may be a classic case of ‘looting the loot’ involving forfeited assets.

    “In an APC era where the only things rising to ‘Next Level’ are rates of unemployment, prices of all marketable items, kidnapping of students and numerous dimensions of human miseries, Gov Nyesom Wike has demonstrated consistency, standing out as an outstanding example of people-centred leadership in Nigeria,” Honourable Teejay Yusuf stated.

  • House of Reps member cries out over herdsmen attacks in Kogi State

    House of Reps member cries out over herdsmen attacks in Kogi State

    The member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency of Kogi State, Hon. Teejay Yusuf has cried out over the menace of herdsmen in his constituency.

    Yusuf said the spate of attacks on innocent, lawabiding and helpless communities by the rampaging herdsmen in recent weeks has led to the destruction of farm lands, loss of properties and other valuables.

    “For instance, during the course of these attacks, a community school in Bunu District was burnt down, while just yesterday, two hunters on their legitimate business at Iyamoye town in Ijumu Local Government Area were brazenly, seriously attacked by these alleged herdsmen, who boasted and threatened thereafter to come back and inflict more harm to people in these and other more communities,” he said.

    In a statement, the Kogi lawmaker said the attacks followed the rising, unrestricted influx of alleged Fulani herdsmen into some communities in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, which he said has led to very serious, grievous security situation, breach of law and order, as well as its negative effect on peaceful co-existence.

    Hon. Teejay Yusuf has made a most passionate call for immediate actions by security and intelligence agencies to stem the tide.

    According to Hon. Yusuf, the activities of these herdsmen who allegedly migrated into communities within the constituency from Ondo and other neighbouring states in the South West, has become worrisome and dangerous, which he said if left unchecked poses serious threat to the peace, unity, comfort and security of the constituency.

    In the statement, Yusuf noted that, “it has become absolutely necessary that the unrestricted influx of these characters into our communities be tackled and addressed immediately and nipped in the bud with more seriousness, tact, courage and sincerity before it gets out of hand.

    “According to reports, in recent weeks, the spate of attacks on innocent, law abiding and helpless communities by these rampaging herdsmen has led to the destruction of farm lands, loss of properties and other valuables. For instance, during the course of these attacks, a community school in Bunu District was burnt down, while just yesterday, two hunters on their legitimate business at Iyamoye town in Ijumu Local Government Area were brazenly, seriously attacked by these alleged herdsmen, who boasted and threatened thereafter to come back and inflict more harm to people in these and other more communities.”

    He wondered how the alleged herdsmen who fled Ondo and other states in the South West were able to beat the different security and intelligence agents in and around these states and found their way into communities in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.

    “One is appalled with the apparent downward slide in the activities and operations of security agencies across the country. That these alleged herdsmen were able to beat the vast security network from our neighbouring states and made it to our communities is not only baffling, shocking but confusing.

    “Indeed, it is very painful that notorious and heartless herdsmen have been allowed to intrude Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency to disturb the peace, unity and tranquillity synonymous with our people. Sadly, since the influx of these ravenous characters, destruction of farmlands, burning of properties, gruesome attacks on individuals and other negative incidents that were alien to our communities are gradually becoming daily occurrences.”

    Concerned about the likely impact of these growing attacks on the social, economic and peaceful development of not only Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, but also, Kogi West Senatorial District and the entire States, Hon. Yusuf appealed for more pro-active measures by security agencies and total sincerity, openness and political will by the Federal Government and Kogi State in addressing and arresting the drift.

    “If this unfolding scenarios festers and becomes bigger, no political elite, leader and the generality of our people will be safe, because no one, nobody, knows who may be the next victim of their attacks.

    “The negative development is beyond party, ethnic or group affiliations and interests, rather, it is one that calls for synergy, collaboration and partnership of all and sundry. Most importantly, we have to be truthful to ourselves by doing away with undue and unnecessary bootlicking and deceits geared towards profiteering from the situation.

    “It has become necessary for all leaders, elders, stakeholders and other well-meaning people of Kogi State and lovers of peace, security, unity and development to join forces and support relevant security agencies in any and every efforts to stop the spate of attacks on our communities and the entire state by these merciless, blood thirsty and demon-possessed killer herdsmen.

    “It is expected that the Federal Government and Kogi State will wake up to their responsibilities. Truly, the activities of these wicked, emotionless and perverse killer herdsmen has become a terrible malevolent threat spreading across the country, resulting into loss of many lives, properties, farmlands and impacting negatively on our quest for meaningful national development, but we must, as a people and nation, never succumb to any of their nefarious and dastardly machinations. To achieve this, the Federal Government and States Government (including Kogi) must shun partisanship and provide the requisite political will.”

  • Christmas message: Those criticising Bishop Kukah are poor students of history – Hon Teejay Yusuf

    Christmas message: Those criticising Bishop Kukah are poor students of history – Hon Teejay Yusuf

    By Emman Ovuakporie
    Ongoing needless criticism of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah’s message on prevalent insecurity and other current ills reflects a deliberate effort to ignore the message and attack the messenger, Hon Teejay Yusuf has said.
    In his Christmas message on the state of the nation, the Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Hassan Kukah lamented the endless woes, which he said had befallen the country.
    According to Hon Yusuf who represents Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives, needless attackss from the Feďeral Government and its bands of sycophants from the North and other parts of the country reflects untold hypocrisy and double standards.
    In a statement issued in Abuja, Hon Yusuf noted that many of those attacking Bishop Kukah have extended family members who are facing the stark realities of current waves of insecurity, unemployment and poverty that is far much worse than what obtained six years ago.
    “Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah’s decision to speak truth to power was applauded during the Goodluck Jonathan era but is now being mischievously misinterpreted as a call for insurrection.
    “It is even more interesting when the minister with the least level of credibility in the entire Federal Cabinet speaks against the expression of such truthful criticism about grave national issues at Christmas period.
    “Just this Monday, we read news report about four different attacks carried out by bandits in Safana and Sabuwa local government areas of of Mr. President’s Katsina State whereby a newly-wedded couple and more than eight persons were abducted with several villagers nursing gunshot wounds,” he noted, adding that criticism is an essential part of democracy.
    According to Hon Teejay Yusuf, those who prefer fawning sycophants to the hard truths from Bishop Kukah are very poor students of history who are indirectly sabotaging President Buhari and Nigeria’s democracy.
    “In the January 6, 1994 letter from then Head of the Federal Military Government, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari to then British Prime Minister, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, he justified the treasonable coup plot that overthrew the democratically-elected Shehu Shagari administration on the basis of failure to actualize citizens’ optimistic expectations.
    “Specifically, the letter highlighted corruption in the public service, ‘incompetence in the management of national resource led the nation to accumulate huge internal and external debts’, loss of jobs, inflation and insecurity “whereby hired assassins and marauders were openly beginning to practice their trade in broad daylight”.
    “Today, contrary to the tripodal utopian promise of “economy, security and anti-corruption” made by the APC Federal Government, all the ills that plagued the Shagari government have become manifestly deepened in dangerous dimensions under the present APC Federal Government.
    “Nevertheless, in spite of necessary criticisms and unavoidable political differences, we must all make it clear that whether it is Buhari or any future President from East, West, North or South, Nigerian citizens will resolutely resist any coup agenda by any military adventurer and their anarchist civilian cohorts,” Hon Yusuf stated.
    According to the legislator, Kukah’s critics easily missed the point without realising that genuine lovers of truth and justice would rise to support Bishop Kukah against those making futile efforts to discredit his truthful message.
    “Bishop Kukah spoke against currently prevalent nepotism as well as the fearsome indicators of a failed state when he raised issues of ‘endless bloodletting, a collapsing economy, social anomie, domestic and community violence, kidnappings, armed robberies’” he stated.