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Group knocks Atiku over statement on zoning

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Group knocks Atiku over statement on zoning

By Matthew Eloyi

The Southern and Middle Belt Alliance (SaMBA) has slammed Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s claim that the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution does not recognize the notion of zoning political offices as unsatisfactory and hypocritical.

At a meeting with members of the ‘Let’s Fix Nigeria’ group, the former Vice President reportedly criticized the People’s Democratic Party’s request for the party’s presidential ticket to be zoned to a specific region of the country.

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In a fast reaction in Abuja, SaMBA stated that such a comment defies Atiku’s prior positions as a statesman who has always championed equity, fairness, and justice in Nigeria.

In the statement signed by its Spokesman, Prince Rwang Pam Jnr., the group recalled that the former Vice President was in the forefront for zoning in 2011 when he wanted to wrestle power with former President Goodluck Jonathan.

SaMBA also stated that Atiku had in his campaign for zoning led Northern PDP leaders including Tambuwal, Saraki, and Kwankwaso to stage a public walk out of the PDP National Convention in 2015 during a speech by Goodluck Jonathan when President Jonathan stated he would run for president.

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“The same Alhaji Atiku had on December 15, 2010, warned the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) not to jettison, the already existing zoning of the PDP at the National Stakeholders Conference of the party in 2010 which had the present National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu in attendance.

“SaMBA, therefore, demand to know from Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, what exactly has changed between 2010 and 2013 and today that the former Vice President is fighting against zoning the Presidency in 2023,” the statement partly read.

The group further stated that while the word “zoning” may not be contained in the Nigerian Constitution, its spirit and the principle of Federal Character was provided in the constitution, so also are fairness, justice, and equity, clearly written in the 1999 Constitution.

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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