POLITICS TODAY

…Set 5 Point Agenda as business leaders cast Vote of Confidence, underscore challenges

There was wild jubilation in Abuja, as a group under the aegis of Fulbe United for Peace and Development (FUPD) has, at an event jointly organized with Arewa New Agenda endorsed the candidature of the Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The endorsement was made when the duo held a well-attended event at the auditorium of the Abuja International Conference Centre on Sunday.

The event, which drew participants of fulbe extraction from all over the country, was part of the series of strategic engagements the Presidential hopeful is having with various stakeholders including religious, business, artisans, manufacturers and professionals ahead of the February 25th Presidential polls.

While endorsing the APC candidate based on his track record and “sterling performance as former Governor of Lagos State, the occasion brainstormed on the challenges faced by the fulbe in Nigeria.”

Through their national leadership under Ardo Aliyu Liman Bobboi, the group set Five(5) important themes for the APC standard-bearer to address as soon as he gets into office. These include the set up of a ministry for livestock affairs, revival of extant grazing laws, facilitation of environmental identity, national identity card and support for nomadic education and other education programmes of the Federal Government exclusively for the fulbe.

Responding, Tinubu assured that he would “look into all the demands raised by the fulbe.” He urged the assembly to “mobilize their members, family, and friends and vote for the man who knows the road.”

In their remarks, Senator Ahmad Abubakar Moallahyidi, the coordinator, Arewa New Agenda, stated that it was a “gathering to support a government that cares for the fulbe.”

Many papers were presented by renowned academics, including Dr. Aliyu Tilde, Prof. Ahmad Danfulani, Amb. Haruna Jika Ardo, among others. In attendance at the occasion were the APC flagbearer, Bola Tinubu, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Governors Abdullahi Ganduje and Badaru Abubakar of Kano and Jigawa States respectively. Malam Nuhu Ribadu, director and members of the Directorate of Stakeholder Relations such as former minister Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, Barr. Abdullahi Mukhtar and Malam Jalalu Arabi were also in attendance

In tandem with the fulbe tradition, distribution of Kolanut was made to the dignitaries and participants, marking highpoint of the occasion.

In a related development, Tinubu has met with Northern entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders at an interactive dinner held late Sunday at the Ladi Kwali Hall of Abuja Continental Hotel. The event followed his series of engagements with relevant stakeholders ahead of the presidential elections holding in the coming days. Many old and young vibrant voices from the participants were heard, and presentations made for the presidential candidate. Some of the speakers at the dinner include Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga (Sarkin Fulani Gombe), Alhaji Rabiu Isyaka Rabiu, Maimuna Yaya Arabi (founder, Tozali TV/magazine), Mansurah Isa among many other industry players from the oil and gas, agric commodities, power etc.

In his remarks, Tinubu reiterated his willingness and ability to think and scientifically turn around the fortunes of Nigeria for the better. He described as a source of inspiration and pride his track record as Governor of Lagos State, insisting that he has the capacity and if given the chance he will definitely “put together, a network of investors” for the business community to thrive. He solicited their support to win the presidential elections so that the country can benefit from the collective vision and efforts of progressive leadership.