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2019: Another 4 years of APC not in Nigeria’s interest – Afegbua

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6 years ago

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Kassim Afegbua

As the electioneering for next year’s elections hots up, one of the spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign and also the spokesman for former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has asked Nigerians to vote out President Muhammadu Buhari as, according to him, another four years under the All Progressives Congress (APC) would be a disaster for the country.
2019: With good candidate PDP’ll easily defeat Buhari – Afegbua

In this interview, Afegbua says the nation has gone through avoidable difficulties under the APC-led Federal Government and wants Nigerians to take their destiny in their hands and vote in Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.
Congratulations on your appointment. With the campaigns in full swing, what are your fears in these 2019 campaigns?

There are too many issues begging for attention as we prepare for the 2019 elections. Primary of these issues is the failure or refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amended Electoral Law to strengthen the credibility, transparency and fairness of the 2019 elections. I have never seen a scenario where a President will exercise such morbid fear to sign a bill to law, especially a law that would help the process of birthing a free, fair and transparent election, a law that would help to checkmate areas and aspects that are prone to abuses and infraction; a President that is truly committed to free and fair elections would jump at such a bill to make it law for the well-being of the people.

It guarantees a greater commitment to credible elections. It will address a number of issues that would ordinarily not attract any visible attention.

But the President and APC are scared stiff about anything credible, hence their recourse to such ridiculous conclusion and outright rejection, citing very laughable reasons for the refusal to sign. It is ludicrous and quite benumbing to ever contemplate that a party that preached change could toe such undemocratic path.
Does the President’s refusal mean the end of the road for the opposition?

It is not about the opposition. It is about what we desire to see as a country trying to firm up our democratic processes, and make the conduct of elections more credible by ensuring that the votes actually count. A law does not expire with regime change. A law outlives regime change and endures the test of time, to strengthen our institutions and democratic infrastructure in order to enhance confidence-building. What the President has done was just to tactfully shy away from his responsibility and postponing the evil day, sort of. I should think that the members of the National Assembly are studying the verdict and would respond adequately in the best interest of the country. The reasons given by the President are simply not altruistic and patriotic, if truly he desires to see credible elections in 2019. The amendments are the necessary solutions we require to address some of the electoral problems and loopholes.
The argument of the President is that the timing appears too close to elections. Don’t you think the President has a point?

It is not about having a point; it is about taking action in the overall interest of the country and not in his personal interest or for personal aggrandizement. Timing has nothing to do with this. In 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the amended Electoral Bill into law to strengthen the process of elections. That is what impacted positively on the 2015 elections that also produced President Buhari. So, it is in our own interest as a nation to have laws that will continue to help address a few concerns here and there in the process of fine-tuning our electoral engagements. We cannot be detained by our own selfish interest when confronted with national interest.
President Buhari is seeking re-election against the backdrop of his performance in office, trying to clean up the system and build the economy. What do you say to that?

The argument for re-election by those who are presently exploiting this system is understandably for selfish interest. In the real sense of governance, this government has been a monumental failure in all ramifications. It has brought untold hunger, poverty, malnutrition, deprivations and squalor to bear on the citizenry. Our expectation when some of us supported the President in 2015 was that he would launch us on the superhighway of growth and development. Three and a half years later, we have since discovered that we were totally wrong. On account of age, the President no longer possesses the energy to cope with the daunting challenges of governance.

On account of ill health, the President does not enjoy the capacity to live to his billing in terms of showing the roadmap out of our economic quagmire. He devotes more attention to his health than the health and well-being of the nation. There is poverty and hunger in the land. The suffering has gotten to an alarming proportion. Businesses are closing up. Quality of life has dropped and cost of living has shot beyond the rooftop. There are decayed infrastructure everywhere, our health sector is nothing to write home about, our economy is in bad shape, as confirmed by the President himself. We need a new thinking in our shared commitment to rejuvenate the system and make life more attractive for our people. Insecurity is in terrible shape; high-profile assassinations are on the increase. There is certainly nothing tangible to celebrate in this government to warrant seeking re-election. It has not shown enough reason to deserve re-election.

But some of the problems you identified above did not happen overnight. The APC would say the opposition PDP caused them when it presided over the nation for 16 unbroken years. How do you react to that?

That is a defeatist claim, especially when you have exhausted your logic and sentiments; you decide to play politics of blame. The reason Nigerians voted for APC was because, in their estimation in 2015, they needed a change and thought APC and President Buhari would be able to energise the system and solve some of our problems. Three years down the line, they can see that things have gone worse. Blame game is not a resource for those who have the competence and capacity to address critical issues of governance. Blame game, which has become APC’s pastime, is a convenient escape route for their inability to live up to expectations. Just like President Olusegun Obasanjo said, you cannot reinforce failure and commend mediocrity, especially in a country of over 180 million people.

The amount of lies and distortions that this government relishes on is quite mind-boggling. For every incompetence, there is a lie generated to justify it. The number of people escaping from the shores of Nigeria tells you the real story of under-performance and incompetence. It tells you that life is increasingly becoming difficult for an average Nigerian. Killings are rampant. Insecurity is worse, ritual killings and kidnappings have become everyday affair. If a former Chief of Defence Staff could be killed in cold blood without qualms, what else do you require to alert the nation that we are in serious trouble? Another four years of President Buhari would be a monumental disaster for our fatherland. Their “next level” slogan will take us to next level of poverty, from extreme poverty that we are now to absolute poverty, super-extreme poverty that will lead to malnutrition and squalor.

We urgently need to rescue our country from the grip of those who have killed our initiatives. We need to wake up. We need to vote out the APC, we need to vote out President Buhari. These failures are becoming too heavy for us to bear. Failure as a result of incompetence and lack of capacity.

How optimistic are you that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar can spring any surprise in the 2019 election?

I am very optimistic that Nigerians will give Alhaji Atiku the opportunity to preside over the nation and our collective prosperity. As a wealth creator for over 30 years, Atiku Abubakar comes to mind as one individual whose personal effort and creativity has made life better for a lot of people. For a man who has consistently been in business for years, creating employment for Nigerians and building platforms to take the youths away from the streets, it will be a great icing on the cake to have him manage our collective patrimony. President Buhari has failed woefully in creating that cutting edge to manage our disparities. We are more divided now along ethnic and religious lines more than ever before. And a country that really wants to move forward must not be run by nepotism, cronyism, favouritism, selective amnesia and vainglorious sentiments. Enough is enough of these ugly realities.

Let’s rejuvenate our country with equal opportunities for all. Come 2019, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will trounced the APC and President Buhari silly. You can see the APC are afraid to start their own campaign because they are waiting for rigging but they will be disappointed on that election day.

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Global Affairs

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights

The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls. Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.

Published

1 day ago

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June 17, 2025

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Iran–Israel War Escalates in today’s Attacks

Latest Developments

  • Israel’s Operation Rising Lion launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow), key IRGC commanders, and missile infrastructure—including in Tehran—claiming “total air superiority” (theguardian.com).
  • Iran retaliated with over 300 missiles and drones, landing in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other regions (apnews.com).

Current Casualties & Damage

  • Iran: Health Ministry reports 224 killed, ~1,277 injured; independent sources suggest up to 400+ deaths, many civilians, with extensive damage to city infrastructures—water, power, hospitals (theguardian.com).
  • Israel: Official sources confirm 24 civilian deaths, ~60–500 injured from Iranian strikes (apnews.com).

Official Statements

President Donald Trump

  • Urged all Tehran residents to vacate right away; left G7 early to address crisis (reuters.com).
  • Pushed for a “real deal” nuclear agreement with Iran, denying ceasefire claims (reuters.com).

Israeli Government (PM & IDF)

  • PM Netanyahu stated the operation will persist “as many days as needed to neutralize the threat”—emphasizing hits on nuclear/scientific and missile facilities (understandingwar.org).
  • The military claims destruction of 120 missile launchers (~1/3 of Iran’s stockpile) and “total air superiority” over Tehran (theguardian.com).

Iranian Response

Humanitarian Impact & Civilian Exodus

  • Over 100,000 Tehran residents have fled northwards to Mazandaran, Gilan, and Alborz provinces (en.wikipedia.org).
  • Reports of fuel shortages, hospital strain, internet blackouts, and psychological distress are emerging (en.wikipedia.org).

🔮 What’s Next?

  1. Further military escalation — Iran may strike U.S. or allies if intervention continues (understandingwar.org).
  2. Nuclear diplomacy in limbo — Iran paused talks pending Israeli ceasefire; Trump supports negotiation .
  3. Broader regional ripple effects — Proxy groups, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iraqi militias, could escalate (en.wikipedia.org).
  4. Global economic disruptions — Oil prices spiked after Tehran warnings; airlines diverted flights (en.wikipedia.org).

Biblical Perspective

  • Operation Rising Lion invokes Isaiah 31:4 (“As a lion… roars!”), reinforcing Israel’s belief in its God-given resolve (newarab.com).
  • Some Christian prophecy scholars see this as part of eschatological build-up (Ezekiel 38, Isaiah 17)—though cautioned by others to avoid hasty conclusions (forums.crosswalk.com).
  • Biblical themes abound: calls for justice, divine defense, and the lament over cities under siege echo Psalms and prophets (e.g., Lamentations 2:1; Joel 3:2). Prayer for peace and wisdom is urged.

Key Takeaways

  • The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls.
  • Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.
  • Expect continued conflict, potential negotiations, and regional escalation.
  • Many believers are interpreting the events through biblical lenses—prayers for peace are critical.
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Global Affairs

Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes

This opposition has led to covert operations and battlefield skirmishes across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

Published

2 days ago

on

June 16, 2025

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Trackingtimes News & Politics

Historical Background

Since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, tensions with Israel have grown over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for proxy militias like Hezbollah. Israel has consistently opposed any perceived existential threat. This opposition has led to covert operations and battlefield skirmishes across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. These conflicts are mostly orchestrated from the shadows. This rivalry has rarely escalated into full-scale war.

Most Recent Updates & Casualties

🛑 Israeli “Operation Rising Lion” (Started June 13)

  • Targets hit: Over 100 Iranian sites—including Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, IRGC bases, missile production plants, Tehran’s Ministry of Defense HQ, and oil/fuel depots near Tehran (english.mathrubhumi.com, theguardian.com, en.wikipedia.org, wsj.com).
  • Casualties in Iran: At least 78–224 killed (including 20+ senior commanders such as Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri, Gen Hossein Salami, Gen Gholam Ali Rashid, Gen Amir Ali Hajizadeh); 6–14 nuclear scientists killed; hundreds wounded; many civilians among victims (theguardian.com).
  • Notable death: Brigadier Gen Mehdi Rabbani and his family were killed in one strike (en.wikipedia.org).

🇮🇷 Iranian Retaliation

  • Missile & drone attacks: Waves launched at Tel Aviv and Haifa; 65 ballistic missiles and scores of drones fired (theguardian.com).
  • Casualties in Israel: At least 14–24 killed and ~390 injured; critical infrastructure—including a power plant and U.S. Embassy wing—was damaged (theguardian.com).

Official Statements

Iran – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

“Israel opened its wicked and blood‑stained hand… will receive a bitter and painful fate… severe punishment awaits.” (thedailyguardian.com)

Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“We acted pre‑emptively to prevent Iran’s nuclear bomb… we’ll do what we need to do. Regime change is possible.” (ft.com)

USA – President Donald Trump

“We were aware of the impending Israeli operation… working behind the scenes on a deal… vetoed Israeli plan to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader… unprecedented retaliation if Iran targets the U.S.” (theguardian.com)

🌍 Regional & Global Impacts

Middle East

  • New proxy wars erupt across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
  • Oil markets surged, then stabilized—global energy remains vulnerable .
  • Gulf and NATO countries deploy military to deter escalation amid high tensions (theguardian.com).

USA

  • Supports Israel’s missile defenses and may deploy naval vessels.
  • Oil price fluctuations could worsen inflation.
  • Diplomatic pressure mounts with vetoes and summit-level interventions .

Africa

  • Rising oil prices strain developing economies.
  • Cargo and shipping risks impact African trade.
  • Diaspora populations in Africa may intensify local debates or protests via spiritual and cultural channels.

📖 Historical & Biblical Lens

  • Biblical parallels: Books like Ezekiel (chapters 38–39) discuss invasions from the North targeting Israel. Some interpret modern Iranian threats through this prophetic narrative.
  • Spiritual implications: Maxwell Nnawuihe’s teachings on justice, fearlessness, and faith echo strongly amid this crisis.
  • Economic ties: Faith & Fortune Finance’s messages on biblical stewardship and fiscal resilience are directly relevant as nations and individuals face uncertainty.

🕊️ Pathways to Peace

  1. U.N.-mediated ceasefire with verified arms monitoring to halt further strikes.
  2. Inclusive regional security framework involving Gulf states, Iraq, and Syria to reduce proxy aggression.
  3. Faith-driven diplomacy: Interfaith councils (Christian-Muslim-Jewish) promoting reconciliation, trust-building, and shared economic ventures.
  4. Economic resilience programs: Channel resources into reconstruction and economic stability—aligning with themes from Faith & Fortune Finance’s “Kingdom Wealth” strategy.
  • Faith & Fortune Finance’s content tied to economic resilience:
  • “Biblical Wealth Under Crisis”
  • “Kingdom Finances When Markets Shake”

Maxwell Nnawuihe’s video on prophetic motivation and fearless leadership:

“Courageous Voices Precede Peace”

Conclusion

This Israel–Iran conflict marks a historic escalation, with devastating strikes, high-profile casualties, and global political impact. Blending historical, biblical, and economic insight provides deeper understanding—and grounds your YouTube channels in relevance.

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Biafra

Tinubu Refused To Honour Our Agreement To Release Nnamdi Kanu After Election– Kanu’s Brother

Disclosing that the meeting had the blessing of the president, Emmanuel, however, lamented that Tinubu has refused to honour the pact by releasing his elder brother and the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the DSS dungeon in Abuja, Nigeria.

Published

6 months ago

on

January 3, 2025

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Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has said they had an agreement with President Bola Tinubu for the release of his elder brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Emmanuel disclosed that he had the pact with Tinubu’s son, Seyi, in Abuja before the 2023 presidential election.

Disclosing that the meeting had the blessing of the president, Emmanuel, however, lamented that Tinubu has refused to honour the pact by releasing his elder brother and the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the DSS dungeon in Abuja, Nigeria.

According to him, it was agreed that IPOB would not bycott the polls on the condition that Tinubu would release Kanu if elected President.

Prince Emmanuel expressed disappointment that nearly two years after the emergence of Tinubu as President, his brother (Kanu), has continued to languish in detention despite the fact that the presiding Judge, Justice Binta Nyako, had since recused herself from the matter.

He said it was disappointing that those who claimed to be honourable, failed to keep their words.

The statement read:”Before the last election, I received a message from an ex-governor that Seyi the son of President Tinubu wanted to see me. I agreed to meet with him on the condition that the overriding priority and hence the fulcrum of our discussion will be the release of my brother. The meeting was held in Abuja in the presence of another individual whom I asked along to witness the deliberations and if need be provide independent verification should the need arise.

“Seyi confirmed to me that his father sanctioned the meeting and that I should consider any agreement we reach as binding on the then candidate Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Justice Binta Nyako Steps Down From Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial, As He Fearlessly Scolds Her For Disobeying Supreme Court’s Judgment

Biafra: Justice Binta Nyako Directs Tinubu-led Fed. Govt. And Nnamdi Kanu To Pursue Reconciliation

Nnamdi Kanu Facing The Most Violation Of Fundamental Human Rights In The World- Ohanaeze Youth Council.

“In good faith we agreed that I shall relay the outcome to my brother to reinforce the long held tradition of IPOB not interfering with the conduct of elections, either through boycott or any other form of civil disobedience. This understanding was duly communicated to my brother and he reaffirmed his commitment not to stop the elections or order any boycott.

“When President Tinubu as a candidate visited Owerri during his campaign, he too reiterated his commitment to facilitate the release of my brother if elected. We took his public statement as a tacit reaffirmation of the understanding I reached with his son Seyi.

“At the end, IPOB did not call for election boycott despite having the capacity to do so. IPOB also made sure that discordant voices urging election boycott were overcome because election boycotts would not reflect well on the reputation of a global movement that prides itself on adherence to democratic tenets.

“It therefore, defies logic that nearly two years after President Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, my brother is still in detention despite not having any charge against him. It’s been over three months now that Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case yet no new judge has been assigned the case.

“This is on top of the fact that Appeal Court had earlier discharged him of the sham charges and ordered his release which the previous regime of Buhari declined to obey.

“Supreme Court determination that his bail ought not to have been revoked has been ignored by the courts and the government. The latest insult is that Abuja courts of all persuasion are no longer willing to determine the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on merit but are rather relying on ludicrous and inapplicable technicalities to stall the timely determination of his cases.

“The truth is that Nigerian courts cannot, will not and do not have both the substantive and procedural jurisdiction to try him. His detention is without the backing of any known law in Nigeria or elsewhere in the world.”

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