CHAPTER TEN.

SENATOR UMAR TANKO AL-MAKURA BEST FOR APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN:

Ajayi maintains that Al-Makura has all that it takes to steer the APC on the right path, especially at this momentous time of the party’s history.

As the race for the national chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), hots up, a chieftain of the party, Dame (Mrs.) Lucy Omesefe Ajayi, has made strong case for former governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanko al-Makura, arguing that he has all that it takes to lead the party.

Ajayi listed the qualities that stand out Al-Makura from other aspirants to the position as his humility, accessibility and commitment to duty.

Another thing she said the ex-governor has going for him is his knack for innovation, stressing that if the former governor is elected the national chairman of the ruling party, APC will no longer be lacking in initiatives

Al-Makura should not be disqualified from APC chairmanship over his disability, group says

“I have also worked with him for six months during the merger of the legacy parties to form the APC and I saw humility personified. He is intelligent and a team worker. As a sitting governor then, he was very accessible and accommodating. He has a sincere feeling to make a better Nigeria. He is well experienced in the politics of Nigeria”, Omosefe Ajayi who is the immediate past CEO/executive director of Lagos International TradeFare Complex said.

She assured that as Al-Makura is one that loves innovation and brilliant people, he is sure to sorround himself with egg-heads that will assist him in making the party an envy of all in Africa.

Al-Makura according to her, exudes an enchanting simplicity that is easily noticeable, aside from his accommodating and pan-Nigerian nature

Ajayi who was also the former Kosofe Local Government Area party Chairman for defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), maintained that with the qualities highlighted, the former governor is the only candidate for the chairmanship position that has all it takes to further unite the party at this time.

She, however, regretted the happenings in the party at present saying “I don’t like what is happening around the convention but it will be resolved by God’s grace. The hardest part was when the merger was almost consummated, the same confusion came up but we surpassed it too. So I know definitely well that the convention will hold”.

I have been canvassing support for the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Umar Al-Makura, to be the National Chairman of the party. Because the Senator is a unifier in the party who would deliver the mandate of APC at the general elections.

Al-Makura had over the years exemplified remarkable leadership roles needed to lead the party. Senator Almakura is the best option to lead the party.

My decision to adopt Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura as the next APC National Chairman is not far-fetched; it is based on his track records, credibility, love for his people, and integrity possessed by the person of Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura.

“He has over the years exemplified remarkable leadership roles devoid of tribalism, religious sentiment, and bias. Hence, part of my resolve is to give him the required support, canvass for supporters and ensure that he emerges as the APC National Chairman.

“Our party, APC deserves a leader that has human feelings and is passionate about transformation and development of our beloved country, Nigeria.”

Al-Makura depicts the lion: he moves quietly, but shows mettle, and strength when the chips are down. In 2011, for instance, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was the dominant party in his native Nasarawa State, toyed with the lion’s tail over the governorship ticket. Al-Makura picked the ticket of the newly formed Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) where he beat the PDP.

However, it was not by any chance his political baptism. In 1980, Al-Makura was already the Youth Leader of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the old Plateau State. The NPN was the ruling party in Nigeria, but the main opposition in old Plateau State, which was then controlled by the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) and those who knew the young Al-Makura said he was a hard nut to crack.

Sen. Almakura’s impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities is a testament to his remarkable leadership and vision. He is a true political gladiator, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.

The APC must learn from both its past experiences and the experiences of other parties in taking the bold decision on who will lead the party.

We have witnessed how during the Second Republic, the personality of the national chairman of the party galvanized support and vigour for the party.

We should learn from the recent experience of the opposition PDP which is still groping in the dark.

The APC cannot afford to toe that line which result is failure.

This was why I suggested Senator Tanko Al-makura as the cut out choice for the national chairman of the APC.

Recall how Almakura was able to defeat an incumbent using the platform of a nascent party, the CPC to become governor of Nasarawa State.

For those of us who have been in politics for a while, we know that defeating an incumbent which has the support of the central government at
the state level.

The people of Nasarawa State will on May 29, 2012, rolled out drums to celebrate the first year anniversary of the administration of then Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura with grandiose and pomp having voted the candidate of their choice in the April 2011 general elections.

Nasarawa State witnessed intense political activities preparatory to the 2011 general elections which saw the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) wrest power from the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In that historic election, the electorate in Nasarawa took their destiny into their hands by resolving to vote out the moribund and ineffectual PDP from office.

On assumption of office on May 29, 2011, Senator Al-Makura, in an inspiring and earthshaking speech, said: “We are caught up in a grave moral and ethical crisis. Our state institutions are poorly managed, our infrastructure dilapidated, while our economy is weak;? the result of myopia, greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also of our collective failure to demand better from our leaders.”

He went on to capture the depressing mood in the state by saying, “our men and women, especially the youths, are mostly jobless. Our healthcare is deficient, our education system is in dire need of reforms, and our lack of power and energy threatens our economic progress. Our confidence in our ability to change all this has given way to despair.”

From the very start however, Senator Al-Makura was not unmindful of the task before him, given the level of desolation and disrepair he met in the state. In brazing for the task ahead, he said “the hurdles before us are real, grave and numerous and you and others across the country rightly expect so much from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and my administration.

“Let it be clear though that there are no easy solutions or quick fixes. Nevertheless, I assure you, we will overcome the challenges. We will undertake road building inside and outside our towns and villages, and improve our energy capabilities to meet our power needs”.

Wasting no time on rhetoric and propaganda, common attribute in our political clime, AlMakura set the ball rolling by charting a course that would forever change the fortunes of Nasarawa State. Even with the attendant distractions of court cases from the Tribunal to the Supreme Court, the CPC administration could not be deterred.

Intercity roads embarked upon by Al-Makura’s administration in Lafia, the state capital, include those linking Kurikyo and Shendam roads, Angwan Mangu-Kurikyo, the one linking Shendam Road and Angwan Tiv, through Super Cinema and the one passing through Lafia East Primary School through to the Government House Junction, on Shendam Road and Project Quarters, UAC-Kwandere Road, as well as some selected street roads in Lafia metropolis.

The former governor also awarded contracts for the construction of some roads in Akwanga and Keffi. Construction works on these roads are in progress and are at various stages of completion. He also influenced the ongoing reconstruction of Lafia-Doma Road.

Only recently, the governor procured and commissioned earth moving machines for the sole purpose of opening-up and construction of rural roads. This is aimed at abating the untold hardship suffered by rural dwellers, following years of neglect by previous administrations in the state.

The urban renewal policy of the present administration has turned Lafia into a huge construction yard, as scores of road constructions are going on simultaneously.

Nasarawa State Government is also working in collaboration with the Federal Government to assist the state in constructing federal roads that pass through the state. The governor recently held talks with officials of the Federal Ministry of Works and that may probably lead to the dualisation of Lafia-Makurdi-Enugu roads.

Al-Makura has also sought the support of authorities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in completing the construction works on some roads that border the state and the FCT; among them are Gitata-Panda and Mararaba-Mpape roads.? When these roads are completed, they will reduce the traffic congestion on the Abuja-Karu-Nyanya-Keffi roads.

The “Power In 100 Days Initiative” of the governor in the power sector has also been a success story and residents of Lafia and other communities around the state are already enjoying the kind gesture, via constant power supply.

The intervention, which is meant to provide relief to the overstretched and outdated power infrastructure in the state, particularly in Lafia, saw the governor flagging off the installation of 32 500KVA transformers to boost the epileptic power supply in the state.

With this development, the power situation has significantly improved since the installation of the new transformers and the residents are now enjoying 12 to 16 hours of uninterrupted power supply daily and this could best be described as a feat that has never been achieved since the creation of the state, over 16 years ago.

The Nasarawa Energy Company (NASENCO), which was part of the committee set up by the state government to fine-tune the structures of powering the state, has ensured that beside its potentials for industrialization, the power project would enhance social life and improve on the economic activities of the state.

The state government has also embarked on the initiative to connect all the local government areas to the national grid, with the aim of improving the power facilities, especially the 132KVA to boost economic activities in the rural areas of the state.

The transport sector was also not left out in the initiatives of the CPC administration in the state as the government recently rejuvenated the transport sector and improve the ailing transport company, which is now christened “Nasarawa Express” by acquiring about 40 buses to provide the people with affordable, reliable and accessible transportation.

The inventory of what Senator Al-Makura has accomplished since assumption of office is endless and these include the approval and implementation of the new national minimum wage of N18,000 for the state civil servants which has served as a morale booster for the state workforce for effective and efficient service delivery.

Today, the lingering water supply shortage, inherited by the present administration, has been tackled; daily water supply has since been restored to Lafia, Keffi, Akwanga, Nasarawa, Nasarawa Eggon and Doma, just to mention few.

In the health sector, the state governor has single-handedly ensured that the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in the state called off their four months old strike on assumption of office. In addition he also introduced free medical healthcare for pregnant women and children under five years.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

FOR APC TO BE STRONG AND RETAIN POWER BEYOND 2027 – SENATOR AL-MAKURA IS THE KEY:

Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s political journey began in the early years of Nigeria’s Second Republic when he became actively involved with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). His dedication and organizational skills quickly earned him the position of Youth Leader within the NPN. In this role, Al-Makura demonstrated a strong ability to mobilize young people and engaged them in the political process, laying a foundation for his future political endeavors.

Following the dissolution of the Second Republic, Al-Makura continued his political involvement and became the Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), one of the two parties established by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida during the transition to the Third Republic. As Secretary, Al-Makura was instrumental in shaping the party’s policies and strategies, contributing to its prominence in the political landscape of the time.

Al-Makura’s political acumen and experience culminated in his election to the Constituent Assembly, a body tasked with drafting a new constitution for Nigeria. His participation in the assembly highlighted his commitment to democratic governance and his ability to contribute to the foundational legal framework of the nation. This experience not only broadened his understanding of constitutional law but also solidified his reputation as a dedicated public servant.

In 2011, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s political career reached new heights when he was elected Governor of Nasarawa State under the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a party founded by General Muhammadu Buhari. His victory marked a significant political shift in the state, ending the dominance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

As governor, Al-Makura focused on infrastructural development, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. His administration launched several key projects, including the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals, which significantly improved the state’s infrastructure. Al-Makura’s tenure was also marked by efforts to promote peace and security, particularly in addressing the communal clashes that had plagued Nasarawa State.

After serving two terms as governor, Al-Makura transitioned to the national stage by contesting for a senatorial seat. In the 2019 general elections, he was elected as the Senator representing Nasarawa South in the 9th Assembly. As a senator, Al-Makura has continued his advocacy for development and good governance, focusing on legislation that promotes national unity, economic growth, and social welfare. In the Senate, he has been an active participant in various committees, leveraging his extensive experience in governance to influence national policy. His contributions have been instrumental in debates on critical issues, ranging from security to economic reforms.

Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s political trajectory is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public service. From his early days as a Youth Leader of the NPN to the role he served as a Senator in the 9th Assembly, Al-Makura has consistently demonstrated a passion for improving the lives of Nigerians. His journey reflects the evolution of Nigeria’s political landscape and underscores the importance of experienced leadership in fostering national development. Senator Al-Makura has left a positive landmark in the history of Nigeria politics. He is instrumental to the emergence of the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023 just like he powered the Administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

If records of service is anything to go by as reward quotient, the immediate past governor of Nasarawa state is someone who the cap fits for the position of APC national chairman.

The All progressives Congress (APC) seems at a cross road with so many internal divisions especially as the party is currently in search of who leads the party as it’s national chairman.

Although so many political juggernauts such as former Govs Ali Modu Sherriff, Clement Ebri, Abdulaziz Yari, Sen Kashim Shettima and the immediate past governor of Nasarawa state, Senator Umar Tanko Al-makura, among others, indicated interest to lead the party but most political analysts believe that what the party needs is a strong and visionary leadership with the needed political capacity to heal all wounds and refocus the party.

It is therefore, not surprising that the name of Al-Makura continues to reverberate as the most suitable candidate to lead the party.

Stakeholders and groups within the APC have continued to throw their weights behind Al-makura’s candidature with Gov Sule in the forefront contrary to practices where sitting governors were always opposed to having the national chairman from their own state.
While flagging up APC membership revalidation exercise in the state.

“If Nigeria would be kind to CPC, Nasarawa state is the only place to look at.Today is history for us in Gudi station and I think for the rest of the life of Gudi station, this is a very special day. Gudi had always identified with distinguished Sen Umar Tanko Al-Makura the architect of modern Nasarawa state from the time he brought CPC, the only state as part and parcel of the alliance that formed APC today.”

“The contributions Umar of Tanko Al-Makura at the national sphere is commendable. It was in Nasarawa state that the real Buhari agenda was implemented. It was what made the nation to become more convinced to accept Buhari as a leader. The actual implementation of CPC agenda in Nasarawa state has cleared the minds of skeptics as to the capacity of the new party to do magic. It was therefore easy after the merger for people to have confidence in APC. Indeed, Nasarawa became the laboratory for APC.

A group known as APC Young Stakeholder’s Forum in the North-central also endorsed Al-Makura’s bid to lead the party as it’s national chairman. In a press statement signed by the group’s publicity secretary, Abdulrahman Andoma Ahmed, parts of it reads, “Sen Al-Makura has the capacity and needed experience to stabilise the wobbling ship of our great party and stear it to the expected destination. Also worthy of note is the fact that Al-Makura is a true party man with a full grasp of the dynamic of party politics at the national level, having served in various capacities and committees with such pedigree and high credentials.

We believe if given the mandate to lead our great party for the next four years, Al-Makura would bring his political acumen to reorganise the party in line with the dreams and expectations of its founding fathers.”
His political career and experiences
Sen Al-Makura represents a symbol of hope and emancipation in Nigerian politics whose determination to the cause of democracy, humanity, good governance and love for common man anchored on fairness, equity and justice preceded his emergenced as governor in 2011.

Suffice it to say that his political career started from his secondary school days through tertiary institutions where he served as a public relations officer (PRO) of the Students Union Government (SUG) at the Federal College of Education Uyo in Akwa Ibom state and represented the institution at the national executive committee of the then National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS).
This politics followed him to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria when he was elected into the students representatives Assembly (SRA), a legislative organ of SUG after which he graduated to pursued his life endeavours and continued with real politics making him a man of many parts: a politician, teacher, journalist and a successful business man.
Two years after, he ventured into active politics and emerged state youth leader of the defunct National party of Nigeria (NPN) in the old Plateau state which automatically made him a member of the party’s National Executive Committee where he performed credibly well. He later got elected into the House of Representatives to representing Lafia/Obi federal constituency in the Second Republic.

In the aborted Third Republic, Al-Makura identified with the National Republican convention (NRC) and subsequently became the state secretary of the party. With the restoration of democracy in 1999, he continued to play critical roles in the politics of the country and the state. Having become dissatisfied with the performance of PDP especially in Nasarawa state and due to his shared vision with Buhari, Al-Makura dumped the party for CPC to and hands with Buhari. His defection to CPC was a political master stroke that did not only changed the course of Nasarawa politics but came like hurricane to deal a death knell to PDP which mark it’s final burial in Nasarawa through the overwhelming supports of the people.With these supports, he was able to deliver the state to Buhari and emerged governor.

His magic wand
Amidst empty treasury, intimidating debt profile and decayed infrastructures, Al-Makura swung into actions to fulfil his promises to the electorates by investing massively in the infrastructural development of the state that saw massive constructions of urban and rural roads across the state. Lafia, the state capital was suddenly transformed to an attractive state capital with massive roads constructions, traffic and streets lights to ease vehicular and human movement.
Education sector witnessed massive renovations and rehabilitations of schools across the state where for the first time, storey buildings with world class equipment and facilities were built as primary schools otherwise known as ‘Taal Model Schools in all the 13 local governments. Students scholarship and school feeding programmes were revived and education from primary to secondary levels were made free. Special schools for the blind, deaf among other disabled, were built in three senetorial districts in addition to general rehabilitations and constructions in all secondary schools in the state.

Other achievements of the administration can be seen in the areas of health, commerce and industry, urban renewal, constructions of proposed international cargo airport, constructions and upgradings of markets across the state, 500 capacity Lafia City Square, digital land administration , modern fire service stations in the three senetorial districts, electrification projects, restoration of water supply and upgrading of water works, among many other intimidating records.
Within eight years in office, Al-Makura transformed Nasarawa into a model of good governance with his people-centred policies that endeared him to the electorates who nicked named him ‘The architect of modern Nasarawa state’ hence their decision to reward him with Senate seat where he is currently setting a new phase as the best among all those representing the state.

Contributions and sacrifices
When Al-Makura emerged governor under CPC in 2011, CPC only have the gubernatorial seat, one Senate and five assembly members with PDP controlling the assembly with 19 lawmakers and two senators which they used as weapon of vindictiveness. In their desperate efforts to frustrated him, it culminated into a failed impeachment plot because his performance forced the people to rise up in his defence as he was subsequently exonerated of all the allegations against him by the impeachment panel.His victory and their failed plot made him to remain as the only CPC governor in Nigeria.

Al-makura continued to hold the party together and provided leadership which left most opposition politicians in the state with no option than keep on defecting to APC in appreciation of his performance. By the time 2019 election was held, he did not only won the state with wide margin but APC also took over the state House of Assembly with 20 seats, two senators, four rep members leaving PDP with only one senator and one rep member.

In the build up to 2019 election when the party is being threatened over Sule’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer, Al-Makura quickly deployed his crisis management skills to bring all those who contested with Sule on board and pursuaded them to accept the result in good faith.
Almakura also contributed greatly to the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari and of the party at the national level. He delivered on so many national assignments given to him by the party’s national headquarters especially as chairman APC primary election committe in Ekiti and APC National Reconciliation Committee for the North-east states among his numerous contributions.

As the party gets set for the national convention slated for June with Al-Makura indicating interest to lead the party as its national chairman, most analysts believe that he is a round peg in a round hole and his emergence would be a reward for loyalty, hardwork, competent and ensure justice, equity and fairness taking into consideration the fact that it is only CPC which Al-Makura belongs that is yet to produced the party national chairman among the three legacy parties that formed APC.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

APC NEEDS SENATOR UMAR TANKO AL-MAKURA TO WIN IN 2027 AND BEYOND:

Now that it is almost certain that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will zone the position of the national chairman to the North, it is imperative for all lovers of the party to, on the basis of equity and justice, push for the North Central geopolitical zone to take the slot.

This is because the Northcentral is the only geopolitical zone from the region that is yet to be given a major stake to add value to the party.

The North West already has produced a capable president in the person of President Muhammadu Buhari while the North East has the Senate President in the person of Ahmed Lawan.

Zoning the position of the national chairman to the North Central would therefore enable the zone contribute its quota towards building the fortunes of the party.

We, from the North Central zone in the bid to complement the competence of the President, the Vice President, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and others who have done well for our party, are sensitive to the demands of that office.

Hence we should be careful not present a weaker link in the strong ensemble already put together by the party by supporting a candidate that may not fit into vision of the party as driven by these great men.

It bears emphasis that what the APC needs now is an experienced hand, a stabilizing force and matured mind that can hold the party together and work out a winnable strategy ahead the 2023 general elections
I have suggested in the past that because we have no time, this is not the time to start scouting for candidates by using trial and error methods.

We can only do that if we are lacking in persons with the qualities and potentials to drive our dreams.

But that should not be the case as we already have in our hands one of the most experienced and tested persons to do this job very well.

The APC must learn from both its past experiences and the experiences of other parties in taking the bold decision on who will lead the party.

We have witnessed how during the Second Republic, the personality of the national chairman of the party galvanized support and vigour for the party.

It is said that in the NPN days, its national chairman, Meredith Adisa Akinloye was able to ensure party discipline and loyalty because of his background and experience in politics, while in the days of the NRC and SDP articulate and experienced politicians like Babagana Kingibe and Tom Ikimi helped a great deal in shaping the fortunes of their party.

We should learn from the recent experience of the opposition PDP which is still groping in the dark.

The APC cannot afford to toe that line which result is failure.

This was why I suggested Senator Tanko Al-Makura as the cut out choice for the national chairman of the APC.

Recall how Al-Makura was able to defeat an incumbent using the platform of a nascent party, the CPC to become governor of Nasarawa State.

For those of us who have been in politics for a while, we know that defeating an incumbent which has the support of the central government at the state level is a herculean task.

We know that achieving such a feat requires more than an average level of political coordination and planning which I must say Senator Al-Makura has in abundance.

He has exhibited maturity in politics and has succeeded in uniting all the major politicians in Nasarawa State to speak with one voice.

His penchant for planning and meticulous execution is well known and has contributed in making the North Central zone a hub for the APC.

If Al-Makura can do that from a not so pronounced background, I leave you to imagine what he can do if given the nationalchairmanship of the ruling party.

Yes, it is true that the APC has won two major elections in the country but it cannot afford to be complacent.

It would amount to burying our heads in the sand if we say that the APC has reached a stage where it can be placed on auto pilot mode.

The party has more work to do now that it will be presenting a fresh candidate for the president and many governorship and other positions.

We cannot afford to have a national chairman who can be intimidated or cajoled into taking decisions. We don’t want a candidate who wants to learn on the job, we want a chairman who will hit the ground running and I have no doubt in my mind that Senator Al-Makura will do just that.

For all Nigerians, this is a time for deep reflection. It is also a time to re-examine our assumptions, even as we reaffirm our hopes. Let us calmly review our aspirations, in order to recalibrate our expectations and pin down the causes of our missed opportunities and disappointments. We stand at that critical moment in time when, as a people, we must collectively come to grips with the reality of our injured destiny as well as the reasons for that injury. It is for us to reassess our plight as a young democracy and identify clear pathways to a better and greater future for us all. As we await the verdict of the election tribunal, I urge all Nigerians to use this opportunity to renew their commitment to the Nigerian ideal. That ideal remains noble and worth every sacrifice we can make.

Nigeria remains our only patrimony and it is a patrimony we must protect, rather than violate. We have no other nation but this, so let us remain committed to rescuing and rebuilding it.

The judiciary is part of the democratic enterprise and a critical governance tool for determining the propriety of the decisions and actions of every citizen and every institution of state. To that extent, and for that reason, I urge everyone to treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves. We expect that the Nigerian judiciary will use the election cases now before it to reaffirm its independence and integrity. It has to do so, for all our sakes and for itself. Nigerians must, therefore, remain peaceful and law abiding. No matter the depth of anyone’s reservations about what is going on in the polity today, no matter the real and imagined provocations, and no matter the disagreement out there, we should remember that this will not last forever.

I remain committed, and untiring, in my determination to work with like-minded fellow Nigerians to end the curse of missed opportunities and squandered hope that has become our lot here. I will never shrink from that original commitment, because I firmly believe that we must change from the present politics of criminality, and corruption, in order to make a new Nigeria possible.

I call on fellow Nigerians, especially the youths to remain steadfast, calm, patient, and peaceful. Our journey may be long and difficult but it is worth it in every way. Victory is assured.

We have to work together to move our beautiful country from corruption and criminality to a center of productivity rather than aimless consumption.

I am aware of some evil designs being hatched against me and my supporters in the coming months. Efforts will be made to taint my image. Campaigns of calumny are being perfected to defame my character and diminish my hard-earned integrity. These schemes will aim at degrading our support base and confusing the public. But, no evil campaign will alter the substance of my character; nor diminish my patriotic commitment to a better Nigeria. It is about the future of our youths. it is about ending the Years of Locust.

In all of this, I thank Nigerians, our great party (APC) and the media. The latter, as the Fourth Estate of the realm, has remained a trusted ally. This Estate must continue to guide our people on the immense promise of a future in a new Nigeria.

God bless Nigeria and protect the troops keeping us safe in this season of vaulting insecurity.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.