Story story! Who wants to hear a story about the newly created Economic Advisory Council, Osinbajo, and 2023?
The Road to 2023 - Another Conspiracy Theory (Act II)
Yesterday, the 16th of September, 2019, @ProfOsinbajo presided over the weekly Economic Management Team meeting. This was reported by @akandeoj
It was a routine meeting, and it adjourned to meet next week, as usual.
About an hour later, @GarShehu announced the dissolution of the EMT and its replacement, the Economic Advisory Council.
The VP, who is the Chairman of the constitutionally established National Economic Council, was excluded from the EAC.
He was not informed of this decision.
By last night, credible rumors emerged that there are plans to move the Social Investment Programme under the VP and NEMA, also statutorily chaired by him, to the desk of the new Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya.
This might explain Gov. Bala’s comments on a Fulani NLTP.
But back to the EAC.
Prof. Salami apparently says he was consulted but only about possible appointment as an Adviser to the President. No one told him about Advisory Council or about replacing or abolishing EMT.
People who have spoken to Soludo say he didn't have a clue either.
This tactic isn’t new.
They pulled a similar move against the NLTP, setting up a National Food Security Advisory Council chaired by Buhari with Kebbi State Gov as Vice. Osinbajo isn't on it. They asked Osinbajo to report to it.
The Council has not met since it was inaugurated.
Strategically, this makes sense.
What we’re witnessing is a grand plot to castrate Osinbajo, whom all the camps (Tinubu, Kyari, Littlefinger) must see as their most potent threat in a putative succession battle to Buhari (if Baba chooses not to go for a 3rd term bid).
They NEED to render him useless. So, everything likely to give him political capital is being taken away. NEMA & Social Investment are doing that: when you give hope to the poor, they love you
EMT gives him a technocratic calling card with cross-departmental & inter-agency clout
The only problem, paradoxically, is Baba’s fierce loyalty. He trust Osinbajo. How Prof stayed loyal during Baba’s health crisis has made him a trusted ally of the President.
To date, he still has Baba’s ears.
Probably the most fascinating aspect for me, as a student of politics, is the Tinubu one. That he would allegedly sacrifice his own political son for his shot at the Presidency is a pure Machiavellian maneuver.
I don’t know whether to be appalled or to applaud.
As citizens, we sometimes need to look beyond the headlines our newspapers are ‘allowed’ to report.
We should all be worried that institutional structures are being weakened and undermined in the pursuit of personal ambition.
Anyway, before dem invite me for questioning, na conspiracy theory. 🤫
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2. How was a question about the need for police reform and state police answered by Baba gloating about how he sent @seyiamakinde packing and instead said the solution to our security problems was a return to the empowerment of traditional/local leaders.
Like…how, Oga?
3. In case you did not hear well, Baba repeated it for the ones at the back:
APC is not going to give you state police.
As Baba start to yarn opps, @seunokin sharply change topic! 😂😂😂
4a. Ignorant.
On the appt of Dr. Doyin Salami, the president recalls being briefed by his new economic adviser that only 2.5% of Nigeria’s arable land is cultivated
That’s a lie.
2.5% is irrigated.
Yet he has based his ENTIRE economic recovery plan on this lie!
A few random thoughts, as it seems we have forgotten the mistakes of 2015.
Before we start, go take a look at my header. That is politics.
It is not fair. It is not just. It is the pursuit of power. And it will ONLY act fair, or just if that will secure power.
Let’s begin:
1. The 2023 elections will NOT be about fairness, or justice, or equity. It will necessarily be a choice between the two candidates the PDP and APC will present.
2. I’m seeing “anyone but [Atiku/GEJ/Osinbajo/Tinubu] tweets. Stop with the silliness. That’s how we got Buhari.
3. When TWO candidates emerge, dispassionately vote for the one who will protect & advance your interests, & consequently society’s interests
4. Parties do not present saviors or saints; religions & cults do. So PLEASE avoid demagogues. Again, that’s how we ended up with Buhari.
1. The next Nigerian President will be either a PDP or APC candidate.
2. The only role a 3rd force party can play is by either tipping the vote one way or the other for the two aforementioned parties; or forming an alliance with one of them.
3. For legislative elections into houses of assemblies or the National Assembly, 3rd force candidates can shine.
4. We need brilliant people to occupy the vacuums that currently exist there.
5. Securing APC/PDP legislative tickets can be an expensive & non-inclusive process.
6. If you’re passionate about politics & how the legislative process can improve the lives of the people around you; and you can connect with your local community, try alternative parties.
7. But start now. Go home. Meet your people. Find out what they need and how you can help.
A wise man told me that Buhari did not create these divisions, he merely exposed them
I think about the outrage when Boko Haram raised flags in Nigerian towns in 2014; the derision when the military drove them out in 2015
“Too little, too late”, people crowed. “We want change”.
Today, the outrage has been replaced by a chilling silence, as Boko Haram raises flags and levies taxes and kills citizen and soldier alike.
And all of this in next door Niger State, an hour and a half away from Abuja.
No outrage. No protests. Just...silence.
A wise woman once told me that the South is afflicted with a disease called political correctness.
I think about this a lot when I recall the opprobrium heaped on @stellaoduah for the procurement of armoured cars by a parastatal under her. I think about her sack by @GEJonathan.
Act 1
It was over even before it began for @ProfPondei when @BTOofficial, Chairman of the @HouseNGR recused himself over claims that he had a vendetta against Pondei & the NDDC
Act 2
Pondei fails to realise that his victory would be short lived, as the House of Reps zeroes in on the one criminal allegation they can prove: extra-budgetary expenditure.
They quietly flank him on the left. His ED Projects Dr. Cairo, senses the danger, and starts panicking.
Act 3
Dr. Cairo (whispers angrily): tell them the N1.3bn is covered under welfare!
Prof. Pondei: welfare? Hmm.
The Committee asks Pondei to speak to the 2019 NDDC approved budget.
Pondei claims he doesn’t have it. Check.
The Committee asks the Clerk to provide it. Checkmate.