The year 2019 is winning down, in few days time we will be talking about 2020. The outgoing year is characterized with the good, bad and ugly. Indeed it is a year with mixed feelings.
In this special reports, our correspondent takes a look at some major political developments that made headlines in 2019.
2019 General Election
The outgoing year is an election year. The election was conducted by Professor Mahmood Yusuf led Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). President Muhammmadu Buhari won the presidential election for the second term as a civilian president. He defeated his close rival, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
After a protracted legal battle initiated by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Supreme Court eventually declared President Muhammmadu Buhari valid winner of 2019 presidential election
Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen
Another major political development of 2019 is the sack of Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen over allegation of breaching asset declaration rules.
Arrest of Omoyele Sowore, Convener of #Revolution Now Protest
It would be recalled that Omoyele Sowore was arrested in Lagos on August 3 for alleged treason by the Department of Security Services (DSS). He was organizing #RevolutionNow movement calling for peaceful demonstration against bad governance in the country.
According to him, “All that was needed for a #Revolution is for the oppressed to choose a date they desire for liberty, not subjected to the approval of the oppressor”. He has since been charged with treason, money laundering and cyberstalking.
Meanwhile, Sowore is still in DSS custody despite being granted bail by the law Court.
Kogi/Bayelsa Governorship Election
Another major political development is the Kogi/Bayelsa Governorship Elections. The elections were held on Saturday, November 16, 2019, the INEC conducted four elections across two states. For the first time, INEC held two off-cycle governorship elections on the same day. Sporadic violence marred polls in two states despite a heavy security presence after a bloody run-up to the elections.
Early Passage and Signing Of 2020 Budget
Since the return to democratic governance in 1999, Nigeria’s budget cycle had remained problematic, disconnected and in most cases militated against the development of the country. Recall that the 2019 budget was passed in April 2019.
President Buhari’s desire that Nigeria returns to the January-December budget cycle has spurred the National Assembly into action as members speedily passed the budget on schedule.
Sack of 35 Aides of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
President Muhammadu Buhari’s sack of thirty five aides of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s was also part of the major political developments in the years under review. Nigerian Government has said it sacked 35 aides of Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to “save money”.Osinbajo, whose responsibility as head of the nation’s economic team was taken away few months ago, had been the subject of power cuts in recent times within the Presidency. Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said in a series of tweets that the motive was to save taxpayers money.
Conviction of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
Former governor of Abia State and senate majority whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was convicted by the Lagos division of the Federal High Court on Thursday, December 5, 2019. However, after five days in detention, he prayed to court to grant him bail pending the determination of an appeal against his conviction.
Senator Kalu, representing Abia North, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for a N7.6 billion fraud. The court ordered that assets belonging to the former governor’s company, Slok Nigeria Limited be forfeited to the Federal Government. The governor is cooling off now in a correctional facility in Nigeria.
Arrest of Mohammed Bello Adoke in Dubai by Interpol
The former Attorney-general, Mohammed Adoke was arrested on November 11, 2019 in Dubai by the Interpol.
Mr Adoke was arrested shortly after arriving in Dubai where he had travelled for medical evaluation after a court warrant for his arrest was vacated in October.
Shiites Protests and Killing of Channel Reporter, Precious Owolabi
Protests by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (a.k.a) Shiites group also resonated and halted movement of people and vehicles in the epicenter of the capital city, Abuja. Sometimes during the protest, the air will be thick with tear gas as soldiers and police officers made arrests. The Shi’ite group marched in protest against the continued detention of its leader, despite a court ruling that he be released. In one of those days, violent ensued and people were killed, including a senior policeman and Channels Television reporter, Precious Owolabi. The Shiites group has said that “The only thing that will stop their protest is for the government to free their leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky,” said Abdullahi Musa.
Controversial Hate Speech Bill
2019 political appraisal is not complete without talking about the controversial Hate Speech Bill from the national assembly. The bill has been greeted with mixed reactions from various political stakeholders.