By William Ochonu 

In global history, there are women who have made indelible marks of grace on the solid rock of time. If they were from the Bible, they are qualified as virtuous women, whose values are more than rubies.

Politically, they are Amazons, whose qualities transcend their feminine attributes and melt the iron pillars of opposition, leading heroically where even men and sometimes angels fear to tread. Women like Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the USA, Angela Merkel of Germany, Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, Margaret Thatcher of the UK, and Nenadi Usman of Nigeria.

Women who have distinguished themselves as rare epitomes of strategic prioritization, courage, resilience, visionary thinking and leadership. Indeed, Senator Nenadi Usman is actively working to transform the Labour Party into a party that will serve Nigerians and lead them into tangible prosperity through its economic policies and strategic planning.

A woman of deep empathy and social activism, she is touched by the plight of refugees and the thousands of displaced persons, and is willing to lead her party into taking tough decisions on the refugees and displaced persons crisis in Nigeria.
Her level of transparency is clearly communicated on key national issues, and her compassionate, motherly but frank responses resonate in the hearts of citizens and connect directly with their concerns.

A virtuous woman, her prudent management of funds is exemplary, winning the hearts and minds of all members of the party. As the Interim National Chairperson of the Labour Party, she is decisively engaged in ensuring that her party reclaims its position in Nigerian politics ahead of the 2027 election, and retrieves it from hawkers and desperados like Julius Abure and his co-travellers.

Given her deep experience and focused nature as former Minister of Finance, her sterling leadership qualities have been brought to bear on her daily undertakings. The reinforcement of her position by the court ruling recognising her as the legitimate Leader of the party, and the further acknowledgment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), did not puff her up, neither did it make her lose track of her service to the party and the citizens of the country.

Rather, she sees it as a call to duty, committing herself head-on to party unity, stability and rebuilding.
A strategic planner, she is poised with the agenda to rebuild and rebrand the party, realigning its values to meet core societal needs, and creatively enhancing its appeal to younger voters.

She has also prioritised internal democracy within the Labour Party, ensuring that under her watch, party members are loyal, disciplined and transparently accountable both as members and leaders, and that elections into all offices are conducted transparently with inclusive decision-making processes. Acknowledging the strength of the people in all democracies, Senator Nenadi has deployed strategy into grassroots mobilisation, targeting an ambitious 10 million new members.

A positive communicator who believes in more actions than words, she has promised to entrench transparent party congresses from the ward, local government, and state levels, ensuring leadership renewal that will bring about a formidable, time-tested and credible national convention which will elect substantive leaders of the party.
Focused on these agendas, her efforts at strengthening the party are all targeted at a strategy that will foster grassroots lobbying and mobilisation through strengthening local structures by engaging with communities and addressing their concerns.

She has also decided to ensure a clear Manifesto that is dynamic and people-centric, accommodating the key issues of economy, security, and governance, for according to her, “the people have to know and be certain of the value they stand to derive in exchange for their votes”. Senator Usman believes that only with strong leadership, chosen out of broad appeal, integrity, and a clear vision can the party emerge victorious and regain the confidence of Nigerians.

A realist, the Interim National Leader strongly believes in the effectiveness of collaborative effort and coalition building, and has therefore entrenched it as a doctrine as the party forms alliances with like-minded opposition parties or groups to increase its influence.
Acknowledging the strength and imperatives of youths in nation building, Senator Nenadi has prioritised engagement with youths, especially leveraging social media, and fostering the involvement of young leaders in decision-making.

Over time, Senator Usman has consistently maintained a life of accountability and service, demonstrating transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs. Senator Nenadi’s proficiency in party management is attested by many. The innovative Labour Party’s focus on grassroots mobilisation and membership drive, and her drive for strategic alliances and inclusive leadership is adjudged the best practice in global democracy, fostering peace and effective collective governance.

Her commitment to ensuring that the party is realigned has led to several reforms which have resulted in increased member engagement and ownership, a more robust representative leadership, reduced internal conflicts, and enhanced credibility and public trust, attracting several converts, including notable and time-tested members of the National Assembly. There is no doubt that with Senator Usman’s drive and strategic commitment, the Labour Party will soon break barriers, challenge norms, and inspire future generations, leaving a credible and indelible mark on the world political landscape.

Such as was left by Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who was the world’s first female Prime Minister, leading Sri Lanka through turbulent times and focusing on socialist economic reforms. She implemented policies like nationalising key industries, promoting Buddhism, and introducing Sinhalese as the official language.

Also, Indira Gandhi, India’s first and only female Prime Minister, who implemented significant economic and social reforms, including the Green Revolution, and led India through the 1971 war with Pakistan, playing a crucial role in Bangladesh’s independence. Need we mention Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor from 2005 to 2021, known for her pragmatic leadership and significant influence on European politics.

She was able to navigate crises like the 2008 financial crash, the 2015 migrant crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Not forgetting Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, who ruled from 2017 to 2023, and was laudably recognised for her compassionate response to crises like the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to mention also Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state, leading Liberia from 2006 to 2018 and promoting women’s rights and economic growth, and Margaret Thatcher, the UK’s first female Prime Minister, serving from 1979 to 1990, who implemented radical economic changes.

Surely, Senator Nenadi Usman is certainly becoming Nigeria’s courageous Golda Meir, who was Israel’s first and only female Prime Minister, leading the country from 1969 to 1974 and playing a key role in international diplomacy — only this time, winning the hearts and conscience of Nigerians and extricating the Labour Party from the iron grips of Julius Abure and his co-travellers.

Ochonu is a member of the Labour Party writing from Makurdi, Benue State.

NIGER EAST AND THE QUEST FOR SENATOR MUSA’S CONTINUITY

By Suleiman Adamu

The people of Niger East Senatorial District have proverbially tasted the honey and its sweetness, and are most unwilling to let go of it. For so many who are used to sloganeering and emotive politics, the clamour for the continuity of Senator Sani Musa remains a surprise, but for those moved by tangible people-oriented programmes, it is not.

Indeed, it is no longer news that there is a serious quest for his return to the National Assembly. What is indeed news is the momentum and compelling clamour by the resilient constituents, who are unwilling to go back to the harrowing days of political false promises and sweet-talking.

Equally, the push for his continuity is associated with the several laudable projects and enduring people-focused programmes carried out by the radical leader and objective grassroots mobiliser. While over eighty-five percent of the constituents, cutting across all walks of life, have avowed their loyalty to him and are determined to ensure his return to continue his good works for humanity, even his traducers are agreed on the fact that his very rich and enduring legacies of developmental physical and social infrastructure, including several intentional advocacy initiatives, remain unbeatable, far-reaching, and valuable assets never before witnessed in the annals of the history of Niger East, and a sound testimony of the reasons he has to continue.

A purpose-driven advocate of social justice and governance inclusivity, Senator Sani remains an indomitable fulcrum and purpose initiator of people-based projects.
His sound and calculative strategic advocacy remains ageless, as it targets core areas of human existence, notably education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, and various stimulus programmes that remain exclusive, undeniable and capable of being tested empirically, with a periodic and intentionally targeted farmers’ support, coupled with a boost for small-scale businesses.

Senator Musa’s signature works all resonate with a man who has decided to uplift the living standard and general well-being of his people and the larger public. A highly focused and detribalised Nigerian, Senator Sani has indeed carved a niche for himself, demonstrating same in driving monumental and far-reaching developments all around his constituency, deliberately influencing policies, decisions, and programmes that underpin and holistically target his people, attracting immense benefits to the entire region.

Leadership to Senator Sani includes a clear understanding of the imperatives of strategic interest and partnership, and being able to harness same for national and subnational growth and development. Hence, he has invested time and other valuable resources in pragmatic and sustainable interpersonal and political relationships, engagements, and synergy using his clout and congruence.

These are attested to by the numerous developments witnessed within local communities and at the constituency level, and stimulating impact even on the contiguous communities. A reliable and trusted parliamentarian, Senator Musa remains among the first eleven in the Senate who know their onions and stand very tall amongst their constituents.

Through constant and responsive town hall meetings and interactive sessions, he is in touch with his people, from where he receives feedback and adjustment strategies. His political sagacity, coupled with a life of God-directed spirituality, has become his consistent stepping stone to progress and growth in life.

Through this lifestyle entrenched in intrinsic humility, he has been able to foster unity and cooperation amongst stakeholders, leading to a robust relationship which has consistently led to improvement in the life of his constituency and positive impact on the security of lives and properties. Senator Sani has variously championed the collective cause of the people of Niger East Senatorial District, utilising the wealth of his vast experience and resting on his larger-than-life influence, earning him an unrivalled reputation as a dedicated pragmatic transformational leader and establishing him as a competent leader with the capacity to get things done at the right time and in the right way.

A highly committed personality with a life devoted to the progress of humanity, Senator Musa’s life is positively rooted in ensuring that lives are improved, humanity is happy, and hope is constantly renewed, especially in the Niger East District. Accordingly, he has enhanced infrastructural development through the construction of several hundred kilometres of roads and bridges, brought about peaceful coexistence and interrelationship through the construction of community centres, enhanced access to health facilities through the provision and equipping of health centres and medical equipment, and the creation of health and security awareness.

Senator Sani has enhanced education through the establishment and construction of new primary and secondary schools, equipped with state-of-the-art educational materials and ICT equipment, and the training of youths in digital skills. A master driver of economic empowerment, Senator Sani is known for his consistent life of sacrifice and economic empowerment. Through this initiative, he has supported small-scale businesses, distributed food and non-food materials, and supported farmers with a focus on food security and availability, while enhancing the development and growth of sustainable entrepreneurship through loans, provision of scholarships, and targeted training of youths to meet the sustainable development goal programmes.

Indeed, his strategic peace initiatives have led to the relative peace and peaceful coexistence experienced in the Niger East Senatorial District, as he prioritises the promotion of peace, unity, and social solidarity and cohesion. Senator Musa Sani remains a strong and formidable force of social sustainability, ensuring the boosting and improvement of electricity supply in his constituency.

Senator Musa Sani’s many works of empathy and his devotion to his people make him a continuous choice of the people of Niger East Senatorial District and the reason for their clamour for his continuity.

*Adamu writes from Suleja

By Gambo Jagindi

Nigeria’s security landscape has been indelibly marked by the tenure of Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi as Commander General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). As he completes his five-year term, stakeholders are lauding his unwavering commitment to excellence and visionary leadership that has transformed the corps into a world-class security agency.

Born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga, Nasarawa State, Professor Audi’s rise to the top is a testament to his unrelenting pursuit of excellence. With a PhD in Public Administration, a Master’s in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education, he joined the NSCDC in 1996 as a volunteer and steadily climbed the ranks, earning several professional merit awards, including the Distinguished Merit Award for Excellence in Administration and Security Operations. He is a member of the National Institute (mni) and a Fellow of the Institute of Security and Forensic Studies, Nigeria.

Under Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi’s stewardship, the NSCDC has achieved remarkable milestones, including notable apprehensions and improved security measures, while significantly boosting staff morale and inspiring a new generation of security personnel, cementing his reputation as a visionary leader in the security sector, and leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security landscape .

Audi’s five-year tenure has been marked by a steady commitment to fairness and inclusivity. By ensuring federal character in appointments and promotions, he has addressed longstanding disparities and boosted staff morale. The payment of backlog promotions and arrears has put smiles on the faces of deserving officers, reflecting positively on the corps’ leadership. This emphasis on equity has created a more motivated workforce, positioning the NSCDC for continued success under Professor Audi’s leadership, which stakeholders are urging to be extended

Marking the completion of his five-year tenure, the NSCDC boss recently commissioned five strategic projects to boost the corps’ operational capacity, showcasing his visionary leadership. The projects include a Standard Mini Fire Fighting Station, a VIP Protection Unit Office Complex, the Hydrocarbon and Maritime Security Command and Control Centre, and a 24-Unit Staff Quarters. As Professor Audi concludes his first term, stakeholders are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend his service, citing his dedication, patriotism, and excellence. With his continued service, Nigeria’s security architecture stands to gain significantly, and his leadership would remain a driving force for progress and stability. The nation would benefit from his expertise and experience, making a strong case for his tenure extension

Also as Nigeria hurtles towards the 2027 election, the need for seasoned security leadership has never been more pressing. Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the outgoing Commander General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), is uniquely positioned to provide the steady hand required to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process. With his proven track record of collaboration with sister security agencies, Professor Audi is well-equipped to lead the charge in protecting critical national assets and providing the desired security cover for the election.

Some Nigerians are advocating for the extension of Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi’s tenure as NSCDC head, citing his proven expertise and strong relationships with other security agencies. Retaining him for at least two more years, they argue, would ensure a secure environment for the 2027 election, with critical infrastructure protected, election-related violence prevented, and law and order maintained. This, they believe, would bolster Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral process, making a strong case for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider retaining Professor Audi’s services, given his wealth of experience and demonstrated patriotism.

Jagindi is a digital media publisher who writes from Abuja via jagindi2016@gmail.com