Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s ‘Ambassadorial Propaganda’ instigated to boost a battered political career

Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s ‘Ambassadorial Propaganda’ instigated to boost a battered political career

By ANTHONY OBI OGBO

For those who may have already forgotten, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki is the Nigeria’s current Senate President who lost his reelection bid. Regretfully and most humiliatingly too. For instance, he had bragged about his influence in the most despicable manner and touted his dogmatic ego as a fearless area “godfather.” So when his defeat came, he could not but hide his face. For instance, in the National Assembly elections held in his constituency in Kwara State, Senator Saraki, who contested on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) crumbled helplessly, losing to his All Progressives Congress (APC) rival, Ibrahim Oloriegbe. To add to his bruises, Senator Saraki also lost all four of the local governments in his senatorial district and could not even deliver his base to his party’s presidential race.

 

So, after months of this humiliation, Senator Saraki had to look for a podium to save his dismantled political realms. This opportunity finally came two days ago from his obscure basement – through his Media Office, that the Senate leader has been nominated an International Human Rights Commission Ambassador.

 

In the most crooked descriptive manner, they made it appear like an Ambassador of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which is indeed a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world. But Senator Saraki’s International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) is actually an unfamiliar local civic association registered 2014 in Ukraine to create an international network to observe conflict zones in just that region.

 

Of course, Senator Saraki is free to join any group or association that appeals to his interest. However, it should not be a ‘breaking news’ that a Senate President of Africa’s most populous country joined a strange group monitoring conflict zones in Ukraine – especially, where his own people in Kwara State need more monitoring and observing as regards security and rights abuse. 

 

To make it worse, a so called Ambassador Friday Sani, introduced as the “Diplomatic Head of the Commission to Nigeria and other African Countries”, is in fact, another Nigerian member of the organization – a self-acclaimed ambassador helping Senator Saraki to perpetrate this campaign to excite his base saddened by his miserable election outing. Just read Sani’s comment, as he offers life-support to the tumbled Senate head:

“Besides, the Commission is not unmindful of the maturity that you recently displayed in the face of an obvious provocation in your constituency during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections.”

 

Which maturity? What is matured about losing an election, accepting defeat and going home? It is an inescapable responsibility to lose and get out of the way  – nothing to do with maturity.  The most disappointing part of this story is not by any chance an attempt by Senator Saraki and his media team to override his ballot letdown through a deceptive campaign. Nope. The disappointing part is that almost all major Nigerian media outlets, bloggers, and social media chatterers copied and pasted this release without a scrap of research or basic inquiry. 

NOT THE SAME….In the most crooked descriptive manner, they made it appear like an Ambassador of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which is indeed a United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world. 

 

Of course, Senator Saraki is free to join any group or association that appeals to his interest. However, it should not be a ‘breaking news’ that a Senate President of Africa’s most populous country joined a strange group monitoring conflict zones in Ukraine – especially, where his own people in Kwara State need more monitoring and observing as regards security and rights abuse. 

From unpaid salaries in his own Kwara constituents through a total lack of internal security, his unpopular defection from the APC to PDP, unprecedented revolt from his own people, and a long list of corruption cases, Senator Saraki’s political anguishes are a predictable saga.  Salvaging such woes require more than a misleading media publicity in form of breaking news stories. Senator Saraki must realize that his people are still unhappy with his unproductive years in government. Salvaging that trend requires a more holistic approach rather than a prevailing drum-beating arrogance. 

 

This piece is not intended to denigrate an already politically battered Senator, but simply, a disapproval of gravely disastrous leaders who would tread on vulnerability of the constituents they have practically ruined.  

 

This piece is not intended to denigrate an already politically battered Senator, but simply, a disapproval of gravely disastrous leaders who would tread on vulnerability of the constituents they have practically ruined.  Senator Saraki, and all other politicians rubbished by the dust of 2019 General Elections in Nigeria should wake up to reality, and show that they are true leaders, not selfish overbearing charlatans. They should reexamine the damages they have caused on their regions, their people, and resources placed under their care, which by the way they fraudulently took away.  They should not run away to Dubai. No. They must stick around and collaborate with their successors on reforming a catastrophic governmental system they cultivated.  

♦ Anthony Ogbo, PhD, Adjunct Professor at the Texas Southern University is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

Mayor Turner visits the African Community as Wazobia opens largest African grocery store in Greater Houston

International Guardian Staff-Reporter

Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner was the special guest Saturday, April 27th, 2019 when Wazobia African Market opened its second location on 10828 Beechnut.   The “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” and the Grand Opening of this gigantic grocery facility was also witnessed by community leaders, the African community, government officials, and the general public.   

In his opening remarks of the event, Mayor Turner
said that “The timing for Wazobia African Market could not happen soon enough
since the city holds an unprecedented population of vibrant African residents.”
Mayor Turner indicated that the demand for authentic African products and food
has increased over the years, and congratulated the owner of Wazobia, Mr. Tunde
Fasina and his team for expanding the market and investing into the City.

According to Mayor Turner, “Houston globally
known as the melting pot of cultures, races, religions and ethnicities
including the international communities continues to boost the city as a “home
away from home’. Today is significant for many reasons, by changing the
landscape and securing the future of the African community.”   

Mayor Turner further commended the  Wazobia and Mr. Fasina for their on-going
contributions and phenomenal support to the African community. “We highly
regard your efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey by assisting
families impacted and providing meals.” Mayor Turner added.

Event facilitator, Linda Anukwuem introduces African Community leaders to the mayor
Mayor Turner… “Houston globally known as the melting pot of cultures, races, religions and ethnicities including the international communities continues to boost the city as a home away from home.”
Houston’s Major Turner presides  the official “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” of WAZOBIA

The Mayor was right about his remarks on Harvey. Since its inception, Wazobia has given out over $100,000 in donations. For instance, according to the Mayor, “During Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, which is why I made it a point to attend this occasion rather than send a representative on my behalf, for the fact that Wazobia provided free meals to over 200 families during this time of need. Wazobia has also sponsored major events in the African community, including AfriFEST, Africa Fashion Week Houston and the Nigeria Cultural Parade held in Downtown Houston. Wazobia is a committed Sponsor for Africa Day held at City Hall. By Fall 2019, Wazobia will officially incorporate a Scholarship program to benefit outstanding academically sound high school students on a need basis in the African community.”

Dr. Chris Ulasi introducing the special guest, Houston’s Mayor Turner. The “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” and the Grand Opening of this gigantic grocery facility was also witnessed by community leaders, the African community, government officials, and the general public.   

Mr. Fasina expressed appreciation for the attention accorded to Wazobia and further announced a proposed 10 more Wazobia stores in Greater Houston and outskirts. Mayor Turner pledged City’s support for both Wazobia and the entire African community. “As I stand with you today to cut the ribbon, let us be reminded of Wazobia’s mission and commitment to support economic empowerment and heightened the presence of the African community in the city of Houston,” he said.

Other guests join Mayor Turner in a tour of WAZOBIA  

Mayor Turner also led other guests in a tour of
this facility where all guests were treated to African food and snacks.

Wazobia African Market is the fastest leading African Grocery store in the City
of Houston. It was established June 18, 2013 to support economic development,
community building and provide authentic products from all African cultures.
Both locations offer Authentic African products and affordable quality food
that cannot be found anywhere else.

Mayor Turner will be special guest as Wazobia opens largest African grocery store in Greater Houston

By International Guardian Staff Writer

Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner will be special guest as Wazobia opens its second location on Southwest side on Saturday, April 27th, 2019 at the Wazobia African Market on 10828 Beechnut.   The “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” and the Grand Opening of this gigantic grocery facility will start at exactly 10:00 AM and last for about an hour. Mayor Turner will also lead other guests in a tour of this facility which would comprise compartments of non-perishable and perishable foods, bakeries, butchers, delis, fresh produce, and more.

Wazobia has captured the attention of the African community in the most-rarest form, floating a variety of produce and food catering services to woo customers across tribes and cultures. In recent years, Wazobia has postured itself as the “finest African grocery store in town” displaying the very hard-to-find authentic African products. The unveiling of the second location will make this facility the largest African grocery store in Houston and the state of Texas, it was gathered.

This will mark a historic moment for the African community in the City of Houston. According to the store owner, Mr. Tunde Fasina,  “the opening of this location will continue to push the African community’s presence in the City of Houston, support economic empowerment within the African community, and afford thousands of African food lovers to  experience a taste of home.”

Special guest, Mayor Turner will also lead other guests in a tour of this facility which would comprise compartments of non-perishable and perishable foods, bakeries, butchers, delis, fresh produce, and more.

This food store comes at the right time – a period when the demand for African food in the Greater Houston is on the increase, reflecting the city’s diverse capacity.   Houston globally known for its melting pot of cultures, races, religions and ethnicities, holds an unprecedented population of African residents. Mr. Fasina said the new location will unveil unparalleled shelves of food inventory, fresh products, and incredibly lower prices. Mr. Fasina further stated, “I want community members to mark their calendars and come out for this special occasion to experience ‘a taste of home’. They will receive a special tour of the store and food tasting that will spice up their taste buds and have them singing ‘WA-ZO-BIA, WA-ZO-BIA, WA-ZO-BIA.” “We do not just sell grocery, we also full-scale catering services, Mr. Fasina said”

Store owner, Mr. Tunde Fasina….  “the opening of this location will continue to push the African community’s presence in the City of Houston, support economic empowerment within the African community, and afford thousands of African food lovers to  experience a taste of home.”

Wazobia African Market is the fastest leading African Grocery store in the City of Houston. It was established June 18, 2013 to support economic development, community building and provide authentic products from all African cultures. Both locations offer Authentic African products and affordable quality food that cannot be found anywhere else.

The “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” and the Grand Opening event is free to the public.

For more information, please call 832-230-3893 or email >>>>

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