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000 notes’ N1 SERAP sues Buhari over ‘unlawful ban on old N500

SERAP sues Buhari over ‘unlawful ban on old N500, N1,000 notes’

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over “the unlawful directive banning the use of old N500 and N1,000 banknotes, contrary to the interim injunction granted by the Supreme Court that the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes remain legal tender.”

 

Joined in the suit as Defendants are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

 

The Supreme Court in a case initially brought by 10 states recently held that the old banknotes remain legal tender pending the determination of a motion on notice fixed for February 22. The deadline for the swap of the old notes expired February 10.

 

However, Buhari in a national broadcast last week directed the CBN to recirculate only the old N200 banknotes, thereby overruling the Supreme Court and banning the use of old N500 and N1,000 notes in the country.

 

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/233/2023 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja SERAP is asking the court to determine “whether President Buhari’s directive banning the N500 and N1,000 banknotes is not inconsistent and incompatible with the constitutional duties to obey decisions of the Supreme Court and oath of office.”

 

SERAP is asking the court for “a declaration that President Buhari’s directive banning the use of old N500 and N1,000 banknotes is a fundamental breach of section 287(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and his constitutional oath of office, and therefore unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void.”

 

SERAP is seeking “an order of interim injunction restraining President Buhari, the CBN and Mr Malami, their agents or privies from further enforcing the presidential directive banning the old N500 and N1,000 banknotes, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously in this suit.”

 

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Upholding the rule of law is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. President Buhari and other public officials and authorities have a binding legal responsibility to strictly comply with the rule of law and obey the decisions by the Supreme Court, and all other courts.”

 

SERAP is also arguing that, “The directive to ban the use of N500 and N1000 banknotes, contrary to the interim injunction by the Supreme Court, is ultra vires – beyond the constitutional and legitimate powers of President Buhari and the government.”

 

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, and Kolawole Oluwadare, read in part: “It is a very serious matter for anyone to flout a positive order of a court.”

 

“President Buhari’s directive undermines the authority and independence of the judiciary, which is an underlying constitutional principle intended to ensure that government is conducted according to law, and to prevent the arbitrary exercise of powers or discretion by public officials and authorities.”

 

“An order of Court must be obeyed even if such an order is perverse, until such a time that the order is set aside by a competent court. A flagrant flouting of an order of the court by the executive is an invitation to anarchy.”

 

“The rule of law makes all government officials, including the President and other officials, answerable for their acts in the ordinary courts. The law must apply to everybody; nobody is above the law.”

 

“Section 281(1) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that, ‘the decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.”

 

“Under 318 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, ‘decision’ means in relation to a court, any determination of that court and includes judgement decree, order, conviction, sentence or recommendation.”

 

“It is the duty of the government to allow the law to take its course or allow the legal and judicial process to run its full course.”

 

“The directive by President Buhari to ban the use of the old N500 and N1000 banknotes can have no other interpretation than the show of intention to pre-empt the final decision of the Supreme Court in this case.”

 

“The courts expect the utmost respect of the law from the government itself which rules by the law.”

 

“The rule of law is essential in a constitutional democracy such as we have in this country for the protection of the rights of citizens and for checking arbitrary use of power by the executive or its agencies.”

 

“It is a necessary implication of the rule of law that, except where the law gives a discretion to a public functionary, he can only act in accordance with the law, as to do otherwise may enthrone arbitrariness.”

 

“The Defendants are public officers who have sworn the constitutional oath office to perform their respective duties in the interest of the Nigerian citizens.”

 

“This suit is not challenging the statutory power of the Central Bank of Nigeria, acting on the directive of the President, to change the currency and denomination banknotes in Nigeria.”

 

“Unless the reliefs sought are granted, the Defendants will continue to violate constitutional provisions and disobey the order of the Supreme Court as implied by the directive of the President in his address to the nation on 16 February, 2023.”

 

SERAP is also asking the court for the following reliefs:

 

  1. A DECLARATION that by virtue of section 287(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999, President Buhari, the CBN and Mr Malami have a constitutional duty to obey and enforce any decisions and orders of the Supreme Court, particularly the order allowing the use of old N200, N500 and N1,000 banknotes;
  2. AN ORDER restraining and stopping the CBN from carrying out and giving effect to the directive of the President directing and approving that the old N500 and N1,000 banknotes are no longer legal tender and the old N200 banknote will cease to be legal tender on 10 April 2023, in compliance with the order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria made on 8 February, 2023 in Suit Number SC/CV/162/2023– Attorney General of Kaduna State & 2 Ors v. Attorney General of the Federation;
  3. AN ORDER mandating the CBN to direct all commercial banks in Nigeria to accept and give out the old N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes as legal tender concurrently along with the new banknotes of the same denomination in line with the order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria made on 8 February, 2023 in Suit Number SC/CV/162/2023 – Attorney General of Kaduna State & 2 Ors v. Attorney General of the Federation;
  4. ANY ORDER(S) that the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this suit.

 

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director                                                     

19/2/2023

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

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back Tinubu Maritime workers reject Atiku Obi

Maritime workers reject Atiku, Obi, back Tinubu

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will win the February 25 Presidential Election in Nigeria with a clear majority, Convener, Asiwaju Maritime Network, Malam Usman Ka’oje said at the weekend.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the group’s walk-in support of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Apapa, Kaóje said the maritime sector would be harnessed by the APC presidential candidate for the greater good of the people and the country.
.
‘’Nigeria needs a strategic thinker, goal-oriented leader with pragmatic vision. Nigeria needs someone that has the capacity to transform and convert potentials and opportunities into tangible results. Senator Bola Ahmed is truly a choice of the people. Maritime personnel in Nigeria are working hard to gain support for him all over the country’’.

Present at the road walk were the Director General, Arewa Support Movement, Mohammed Lawal, Mrs T.A Jakande, Barrister Shehu Popoola-Taiwo, Mr. Kolawale Saheed, Mr. Suleiman A. Daura, Mr. Usman Abdullahi, Mal. Abdullahi Jigawa and Olanrewaju Saheed among others.

‘’Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu will build a sound economy, set up an economic program, make the country prosperous, build a good transportation system and use federal money to build roads. We also expect him to put an end to poverty, underdevelopment and bad leadership in the country’’ Kaóje said.
He recalled Tinubu’s role in the development of Nigeria, particularly Lagos State.
‘’Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu built, transformed and stabilized Lagos economy as the third largest economy in Africa. With Tinubu as the nation’s president, Nigeria will reclaim its lost glory as the giant of Africa.

Continuing, he said ‘’Tinubu will be a strong president. He will reform the prison system, address challenges in the manufacturing sector, protect the federal government from dishonesty, bring about greater democracy in Nigeria and improve the lives of persons with handicaps.

Also, the Secretary General of Asiwaju Maritime Network, Shehu Popoola-Taiwo described the APC presidential candidate as a transformer, bridge builder and a trusted leader.

‘’The maritime sector can feed the nation. Ahmed Bola Tinubu is the man who knows the road to a greater Nigeria. What he did as Lagos State governor twenty years back is what stands for him, and that is the reason why Nigerians are behind him. He is a transformer, bridge builder and a trusted leader that will lead Nigeria to a greater height and harness the resources in different parts of the country for the benefit of all.

He commended Nigerians for supporting the APC presidential candidate.

“We are here to show solidarity and support to Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu. He is a game changer, transformer and a man who can do it, and will do it for the maritime sector and other sectors in Nigeria. You can see that the turnout for this road walk is amazing; people are here to support Asiwaju, despite the current hardship and challenges in the country. They know that the hardship will be over when Asiwaju becomes the president of Nigeria”

For Honourable Adeleye Taiwo, the Chairman of APC in Apapa Local Government Area, Tinubu’s presidential ambition is a good omen for Nigeria.

‘’APC in conjunction with the Asiwaju Maritime Network has been mobilising and creating awareness for people in the country to know the need for Asiwaju to be the country’s president. People are coming out to support the move with passion despite the current situation, because of the experience we have with him as a governor of Lagos State twenty years ago. We know how he managed the state without the state allocation from the federal government, so he knows how to face challenges and resolve issues, and that is why we are out to support him ” he said.

Honourable Tunde Balogun, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Apapa Federal Constituency, scolded those working against the ruling party in the country.

‘’We are working with the maritime workers to support the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu and all other APC candidates contesting in the 2023 elections. We want to give out a signal that despite the work of some bad eggs to create confusion within APC and Nigerians by introducing some harsh policies at this time, we want to assure them we will remain calm and go out on election day and vote for Asiwaju. He will become the president of Nigeria by the grace of God “. He said.

Rallies, parades and slogans were used by the workers in the last six months to gain support for the APC Presidential Candidate.
The 2023 presidential election is a four-way race between Bola Tinubu, Abubakar Atiku, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The road walk, led by the Asiwaju Maritime Network in conjunction with the All Progressives Congress in Apapa, took off from Apapa Port to Apapa local government secretariat.

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PRESIDENT BUHARI TO ATTEND 36th AU SUMMIT IN ADDIS ABABA

PRESIDENT BUHARI TO ATTEND 36th AU SUMMIT IN ADDIS ABABA

 

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday depart Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU).

The theme of the AU Summit is ‘‘Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation.’’

The President will participate in three High Level meetings on peace and security, climate change and the political situation in some West African countries.

First is the Peace and Security Council (PSC) meeting of Heads of State and Government on the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (AUPSC High Level AU), to be chaired by the President of South Africa, in his capacity as the Chair of the Council for the month of February.

Second is the meeting of the Committee of the Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), currently chaired by the President of Niger Republic.

On the margins of the annual meetings of the AU, President Buhari will also attend an extraordinary summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

The Nigerian leader will deliver remarks at these events as well as present his National Statement at the opening session of the Summit, which brings together leaders from the AU member countries as well as a number of non-AU countries and international institutions accredited to the AU in Addis Ababa.

President Buhari will be accompanied on the trip by some Ministers and other top government officials.

He will return to Abuja on Monday, February 20.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 16, 2023

 

SECURITY, CORRUPTION AT A STAKE WITH NEW CASH POLICY SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari insists that the cashless policy and Naira swap by the Central Bank have short and long term benefits for the country in dealing with insecurity and corruption, but agrees that the apex bank should take the recommendation of a parliamentary Committee to rectify identified problems.

His comments came as the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, gave him an assurance that N200 currency notes taken out of circulation will be moved back from today.

The President who spoke at the State House when he received briefing from members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on cashless policy and Naira swap said his speech earlier in the day was comprehensive enough and was adequate as a response to the general outcry about the problems associated with the currency exchange.

He described the aim of the policy as “very good, security-wise” as seen from the lessening of kidnappings and associated corrupt practices. He again accused banks of being a problem.

The CBN Governor, as directed by the President, explained that the cashless policy was a global policy. “Nigeria must go cashless. It is a global policy, checking insecurity and fighting corruption,” he said.

He added that senior officers at the CBN had all been sent out, complimented by “Super agents,” to take new currencies to unbanked rural populations, expressing optimism that the problems he described as “temporary, passing” will go away in no distant future.

He reported that he had met 15 top banks earlier in the day in an effort to resolve prevailing problems and will do so again later in the evening, assuring that “we are at the end of the problem.”

He also gave the promise that by the end of February, CBN will bring into circulation between N700-N800 billion, well in excess of what is needed to run the economy, stating emphatically that it is not possible to put back more than Three trillion Naira if the economy is to be healthy.

Mr Emefiele gave a firm promise that the Bank will not be a problem with elections, and they will hold successfully as far as the Bank is concerned.

The leader of the Parliamentary delegation, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, the House Majority Leader and Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, said the meeting with the President was necessitated by the need to bring him up to date on the “problems of implementation and unintended consequences” of the new cash policy.

In acknowledging the far-reaching quality of the President’s broadcast to the nation earlier today, the House Leader said the Legislature and the Government were on the same page in so far as the goals of the policy were concerned. He added, however, that more needed to be done to remove the “hardship and inconveniences” that have attended its implementation.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media and Publicity)

February 16, 2023

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS WOMEN, GIRLS REMAIN INTEGRAL TO DEVELOPMENT, LAUNCHES HIGH-LEVEL ADVISORY COUNCIL ON SUPPORT

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja launched the High-Level Advisory Council on Support for Women and Girls, calling for upscaling of efforts for more inclusion of women in development policies and projects.

At the launch of Advisory Council, Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment Project and National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy Dialogue, the President said the three initiatives will target reduction of poverty, and building of a sustainable economy.

“This is what we promised to all Nigerians – including our women and girls when our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), was elected in 2015. I am proud to say that our government has delivered over the past eight years.

“The well-being of women and girls remain a pivotal indicator of how well any Nation is doing in driving her developmental plans. I am proud of the tremendous progress that has been made to emphasize the needs of Nigerian women and girls into national economic planning, policy development, public programming, and public financial management.

“While there has been progress, we are not unmindful of the gaps associated with harnessing the available resources of government, the innovation and efficiency of the private sector, and the technical expertise of our social and development sector partners to drive women’s and girls’ empowerment outcomes,’’ he said.

The President noted that coordination had remained a key gap in the efforts to improve livelihoods and democratize opportunities for women and girls.

“It is expected that the High-Level Advisory Council on Nigeria’s Support for Women and Girls, which I am very proud to inaugurate today therefore comes as an answered prayer to bridge this identified gap.

“As this Council takes off, I want to charge it with the mandate to drive all round collaboration and action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality between now and 2030,’’ the President added.

President Buhari commended the Minister of Women’s Affairs, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning and Minister of Education for exemplifying collaboration and innovation in service delivery.

“I also want to thank our private and social sector partners, especially the Council’s private sector Co-Chairs for being willing to join us on this journey to improve the lives of Nigerian women and girls.

“I want to charge the HLAC to initially focus on driving women’s economic empowerment, especially in the areas of economic access, sustainable livelihoods, and education; including second chance education for women and girls. I will also encourage deeper engagement and deliberate focus on sustaining the Council’s inaugural priority initiatives, which include:

“The National Policy Dialogue on Women’s Economic Empowerment which is a robust programme aimed at leveraging on diverse approaches and perspectives across the Federation to redefine our implementation of women’s economic empowerment programmes.

“I am proud that over the course of the Dialogue, in engagements stretching from Kebbi to Lagos, the Government of Nigeria has engaged the perspectives of over 100,000 Nigerians – including grassroots women, government actors, captains of industries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, technology-entrepreneurs to understand what works to drive women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria,’’ he stated.

The President expressed confidence that the Policy Dialogue will culminate in the launch of a transformative National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment which will be held in April, 2023.

“Secondly, the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment Program – a multi-sectoral project that provides a comprehensive support for the education and empowerment of more than 20 million young girls and women.

“This project delivers on a promise I made at the beginning of this administration, to uphold Article 18(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that aims to ensure “… equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels” by strengthening our educational institutions and facilities and promoting world class teaching, learning, research and community service.

“Thirdly, the Nigeria for Women Project Scale- Up which builds on the success of the first phase to provide greater opportunities for more women; especially in the rural areas. In Phase One of the Project, Nigerian women across the six pilot states saved over 3.1 billion naira and received almost 10 billion naira in disbursements to support their livelihoods.

“I am proud that a lasting legacy of this administration is that the Project will be scaled from six to at least seventeen states, and that up to 3.9 million women will benefit from the multidimensional aspects of the program,’’ he added.

President Buhari noted that there can be no true national development without the empowerment of women and girls, urging all stakeholders to redouble efforts in the push for gender equity and equality.

“I thank our development partners for their consistent support and hope that they will continue to support our drive for development across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“I assure you all that I will continue to do everything in my power, while I remain your President, to support the education and economic empowerment of girls in Nigeria,’’ he said.

In her welcome address, Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen noted that the inauguration is evidence of President Buhari’s commitment to the empowerment of women and girls in Nigeria, adding that the President had in December 2022, approved the formation of a Presidential High Level Advisory Council on women’s support to women in Nigeria.

According to her, the Council will provide strategic guidance, oversight, policy and support to the government – led gender equality initiatives as well as advice Nigeria’s financial and technical partners on critical areas of support for women and girls in Nigeria.

There were goodwill messages from HRH. Alh. Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, Emir of Keffi, Her Excellency, Catriona Wendy, British Ambassador to Nigeria, as well as Jeremie Zoungrana, Country Director, Bill Gates Foundation, among others.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 16, 2023

 

 

 

Malam Nasir El-Rufai fights Buhari

 

  • Says policy conceived and sold to the President by officials who completely lost out in the Gubernatorial and Presidential Primaries of the APC in June 2022

 

  • Insists currency redesign policy conceived to ensure that the APC presidential candidate is deprived of what they alleged is a humongous war chest

 

It is now clear that the President has been deceived by the Central Bank of Nigeria and some elements in his government into buying into this overarching narrative, in the name of ensuring free and fair elections in 2023

 

KADUNA UPDATE: Let us stand up strongly for democracy, peace and national unity

State Broadcast by Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, 16th February 2023.

My dear people of Kaduna State,

  1. With just about 100 days before leaving office, and elections just round the corner, it was my intention to host another media chat to interact with the people of our state in the next few days. While I still hope to do so, I feel the need to address you all today due to the unprecedentedly cruel situation our people and their livelihoods have been thrown into, particularly in the last two to three weeks by the decisions, actions and inactions of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
  2. On behalf of the government of Kaduna State, I wish to express my deepest regret at the needless suffering you are enduring as a result of the prolonged fuel shortage and the difficulties occasioned by the so-called “currency redesign” policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria. We understand your pain. I assure you that as your State Governor, I have been working with my other colleagues to do everything in our power to end these pains.
  3. While publicly supporting what appeared to be a beneficial policy, we innocently engaged privately with the President and the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria to review the implementation of the policy so as to reduce its negative impact on the lives and livelihoods of our people, and end the pain being inflicted on citizens. In the absence of any progress to modify implementation on the part of the architects, we were forced to go public about two weeks ago, with our concerns and demand that this suffering must stop.
  4. We take seriously our duty to protect ordinary people from the consequences of these policy fiascos. The sad fact is that the victims of these mindless policies are the people that elected us. It is their welfare that is being threatened. Many of our people have been left in a situation where the money they put in banks has literally been confiscated, depriving them of the ability to buy food and basic necessities. Our traders cannot sell as much as they used to because their customers have no access to their hard-earned money.
  5. We have been officially informed that the currency redesign policy is to reduce money laundering and render useless stashes of high denomination Naira that many politicians and public officers have accumulated through corruption and other illicit activities. As earlier stated, we are fully in support of such a policy and we made this public from the beginning.
  6. We had privately expressed concerns about the timing of the currency design policy and the unrealistic timeline for its implementation. We were assured that all steps have been taken to ensure that we avoid the recent experience of India, where implementation of a similar demonetisation policy targeted at politicians ended up hurting the poorest and small businesses the most.
  7. In official briefings to the President, the Central Bank of Nigeria constantly alluded to the fact that the policy also targets politicians who have accumulated a huge war chest for vote buying during the elections. It is now clear that the President has been deceived by the Central Bank of Nigeria and some elements in his government into buying into this overarching narrative, in the name of ensuring free and fair elections in 2023.
  8. It is important for the people of Kaduna State, and indeed Nigeria, to know that contrary to the public pronouncements and apparent good intentions, this policy was conceived and sold to the President by officials who completely lost out in the Gubernatorial and Presidential Primaries of the APC in June 2022.
  9. Once Asiwaju Bola Tinubu emerged as the candidate in June 2022, and subsequently did not pick one of them as his running mate, this currency redesign policy was conceived to ensure that the APC presidential candidate is deprived of what they alleged is a humongous war chest. They also sought to achieve any one or more of following objectives:
  10. Create a nationwide shortage of cash so that citizens are incited to vote against APC candidates across the board resulting in massive losses for the Party in all the elections;
  11. Ensure that the cash crunch is so serious, along with the contrived and enduring fuel shortage existing since September 2022, that the 2023 Elections do not hold at all, leading to an Interim National Government to be led by a retired Army General;
  12. Sustain the climate of shortage of fuel, food and other necessities, leading to mass protests, violence and breakdown of law and order that would provide a fertile foundation for a military take-over;
  13. In the pursuit of these objectives, the Central Bank of Nigeria and these other disgruntled Federal officials have so far convinced the President that it is fine for ordinary citizens to be dispossessed of their hard-earned money, and starved if need be, while small and medium-sized businesses are deprived of access to their capital, thereby bringing trade and exchange to a grinding halt. All our efforts to modify implementation of the policy to avoid what we assumed were unintended consequences were unsuccessful. I chose to speak out first as one person that has been particularly close to the President, believing that his actions were motivated by innocence, and mindful of his legacy. I have no regrets for doing my duty in this regard. One day, the President will appreciate what some of us are being insulted for today.
  14. Yet, the politicians that the officials have convinced the President to regard as the real targets of the currency redesign policy have not been impeded in any way by it so far. Indeed, two of the presidential candidates, and a running mate of the opposition parties own or have preferred access to some of the licensed banks. For that reason and by various clandestine arrangements, these politicians have access to hundreds of millions of these new notes, while the traders, merchants, students and other citizens are queuing for days to withdraw a few thousand Naira just to buy food and necessaries.
  15. Within two to three weeks of implementation, it was clear to everyone that the architects of this policy can see that it is our people that are being terribly affected, and not the politicians. It is quite unfortunate that many politicians who either own banks or have privileged access to money are so insulated from the pains of talakawa that they are recklessly endorsing a policy that is being badly implemented.
  16. I am referring here to the comments by the candidate of one of the opposition parties who expressed opposition to the recommendation first of the APC state governors, and subsequently of all the governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum that the implementation timeline be extended, to enable the old and new notes to be legal tender side by side until the cash shortage ends.
  17. My dear people of Kaduna State. Let me explain how the architects of this policy intentionally designed it to fail. The total currency in circulation in Nigeria was estimated at N3.2 trillion at the end of 2022. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, N2.1 trillion has been withdrawn as at early February. The CBN claimed that N700bn is the amount of cash needed for their functioning vision of a “cash-less” Nigerian economy. The Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Doyin Salami disagrees with this estimate, and believes at least N2 trillion of currency needs to be in circulation for our economic sustainability. Other experts variously estimate this to be between N1.2 trillion and above, so the CBN number of N700bn is not realistic.
  18. The CBN informed the President at the very beginning that the Mint (NSPMC) has enough capacity to print the needed currency in circulation within the 6-week timeframe for the so-called ‘cash swap’. By its own admission, only N400bn worth of new notes had been printed for CBN as at early February.The current cash shortage was therefore designed from the beginning, the President was lied to about the domestic capacity of the Mint to print, and even if the announced N700bn was printed, it would have been grossly inadequate anyway. Imagine then printing only N400bn, and making most of it unavailable to the banks but passed to favoured entities through special arrangements. How can the CBN collect N2.1 trillion from citizens and print only N400bn? Is this not a clear case of economic sabotage?
  19. It is bad economics to so curtail economic activity and the velocity of circulation of money. It is also insensitive to deliberately cause cash shortage and then seek to instigate the public against the mostly innocent commercial banks. Even the most honest and prudent action by banks cannot magically make N400bn to look like N2.1 trillion, or have the same spread and availability like the CBN should have ensured. As a regulator, the CBN should not be seen to be setting up the banking sector as the public enemy to cover up the glaring failure in its design and implementation of the cash swap policy.
  20. We have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government to allow whatever remains of the old notes to circulate concurrently with the new notes. We recommended that the Federal Government should also hasten to ensure that more of the new notes are printed and brought into circulation. We thought that if the Nigerian Mint is incapable of printing the volume of cash needed as it appears, then necessary steps must urgently be taken to get a reliable supply source.
  21. There is no reason why the old notes and the new notes should not coexist until the old notes are gradually withdrawn over the years as is done in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and other countries. It is unfortunate that in implementing this policy, Nigeria is departing from global best practise, without any compelling justification. The Kaduna State Government did all these, not in opposition to any person or authority, but because we stand with our people and their interests.
  22. When it was clear that our recommendations will not be seriously considered, the Kaduna State Government decided, along with the governments of Kogi and Zamfara States to declare a dispute with the Federal Government. In line with the provisions of the Constitution, we approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria to invoke its original jurisdiction to hear us and the cries of our people. The Court did on February 8th, and ordered that the deadline of February 10th for all the ‘old’ notes ceasing to be legal tender be rescinded until the determination of the suit. This ruling applies to the Federal Government and its agencies like the CBN, and all commercial banks! We are grateful to the Court for this ruling, and we had hoped that compliance by the CBN and the banks would bring relief to our people. It is now clear that the architects of this policy are determined to continue to inflict maximum pain on the citizens to achieve their objectives outlined earlier.
  23. It was our hope that the Federal Government of Nigeria would welcome this injunction as an opportunity to mitigate the needless human suffering being experienced and correct its course on this matter. There is no emergency situation that justifies the rushed and seemingly deliberate incompetent execution of this policy. We suggested that compliance with the ruling would include adopting a whole-of-government approach, that involves the agencies of the federal and state governments in modifying the design, execution the implementation of the currency redesign policy.
  24. Even when confronted with the facts above, the CBN and its masters remain determined to implement their agenda no matter how much human suffering, death and destruction results. It is clear that the architects of this policy always had objectives that are totally in conflict with public interest, peace and the unity of Nigeria. They neither considered our suggestions in line with the Court order, nor respected the unanimous resolution of the Council of State.
  25. It is also quite revealing that the Federal Government and its agencies not only disobeyed the February 8th ruling by continuing to say the February 10th deadline stands. It is shocking to see the blatant violation of the subsisting and continuing order of the Supreme Court that ALL the old and new notes should continue to be legal tender until it gives judgment in the case filed by the Kaduna State Government along with several others.
  26. The address by the President earlier this morning limiting the legal tender status of old notes to only N200 amounts to total disregard and disobedience of the ruling of February 8th which was extended further yesterday by the Supreme Court. The misguided action of the Attorney-General to mislead the President into engaging in this public violation of the order of the highest court of the land shows how desperate the policy architects are to cause national chaos, by showing open contempt for the judiciary.
  27. The decision to recognise only N200 as legal tender till April that the President announced this morning was offered to the state governments as part of proposals for an out-of-court settlement three days ago. The Federal Government asserted that this was offered because all the ‘old’ N1,000 and N500 notes had been destroyed. We rejected the offer and proved to the officials that not a single higher denomination note had been destroyed. We also believe that circulating N200 only to be inadequate in alleviating the suffering that we see every day. We insisted that all the components of the Supreme Court order should be complied with.
  28. But back home, what do we do in Kaduna State? My dear of people of Kaduna State, with the foregoing revelations, it is clear that our peaceful coexistence as a state, and a nation, is being placed under deliberate danger using the intentional combination of fuel and cash supply disruptions. These evil people using the instrumentality of the Federal Government and the President as convenient covers are willing to truncate our democracy because they have personally lost out. They are massively deploying resources and tools to defeat the political party that gave us the platform to serve the country just because they could not impose the candidates of their choice. Let us not help them
  29. Let us stay calm and peaceful, and support the lawful means being utilised to solve our problems. On behalf of the Kaduna State Government, I wish to assure you that none of you would lose the money you have in old notes. Let no artificial and illegal deadline frighten you. Whether you live in towns, villages or in our isolated rural communities, do not feel stampeded to deposit your old notes in the banks. Hold on to them. Continue to use them as legal tender as ordered by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. No deadline can render them worthless, ever. The law is on your side. The Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and the Bills of Exchange Act, both oblige the CBN to recognise your old notes and give you value in new notes whenever you bring them to the CBN, even in the next 100 years.
  30. Therefore, as your governor, I wish to assure you that the Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with elected legislators, traditional institution, elected local government councils, markets, and traders associations will help you collect, record, document, collate and deliver all your old notes to the Kaduna branch of the Central Bank on your behalf into the new ones immediately after the elections. We will also ensure the delivery of your new notes to your various locations without any hardship or expense on your part. We shall save you any panic and the stress of a long journey from your community to the CBN office in our state capital, from March until December 2023 if need be.
  31. For the avoidance of doubt, all the old and new notes shall remain in use as legal tender in Kaduna State until the Supreme Court of Nigeria decides otherwise. I therefore appeal to all residents of Kaduna State to continue to use the old and new notes side by side without any fear. The Kaduna State Government and its agencies shall seal any facility that refuses to accept the old notes as legal tender and prosecute the owners. If need be, we shall take further consequential actions according to the law.
  32. While urging you all not to fall for these antics of the enemies of Nigeria, please be patient and continue to exercise resilience in the face of open provocation and deliberate disinformation. We encourage you to be ready with your PVC to vote in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections. We are doing all we can to ensure that it is peaceful, orderly and hitch-free. I appeal to you to understand the shenanigans of these unpatriotic elements in Abuja and ensure you vote massively for the intended victims of these last-minute policies of needless hardship and incitement of the citizens – our party, the APC and its candidates in all the elections.
  33. The Kaduna State Government is making this appeal, and taking all these measures to shield our people from the terrible consequences of the currency redesign policy. We seek to protect our people’s hard-earned money, their ability to engage in trade and exchange and buy what they need. We also seek to protect their civic rights, liberties and freedoms under a democratic dispensation. I call on the people of Kaduna State to remain peaceful and vigilant in the face of brazen attempts to engineer crisis in order to get a pretext for unconstitutional or undemocratic actions.
  34. In conclusion, our Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked me to convey his greetings, empathy and words of encouragement to the good people of Kaduna State. He urges us to remain patient, pray for our country and remain vigilant in our pursuit of Renewed Hope.

Thank you all for listening. God Bless Kaduna State. God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, CON

Kaduna, 16th February 2023

 

 

Excerpts from Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s broadcast, 16 February 2023:

“Let us stay calm and peaceful, and support the lawful means being utilised to solve our problems.

 

On behalf of the Kaduna State Government, I wish to assure you that none of you would lose the money you have in old notes.

 

Let no artificial and illegal deadline frighten you.

 

Whether you live in towns, villages or in our isolated rural communities, do not feel stampeded to deposit your old notes in the banks. Hold on to them. Continue to use them as legal tender as ordered by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

 

No deadline can render them worthless, ever.

 

The law is on your side. The Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and the Bills of Exchange Act, both oblige the CBN to recognise your old notes and give you value in new notes whenever you bring them to the CBN, even in the next 100 years.

 

“Therefore, as your governor, I wish to assure you that the Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with elected legislators, traditional institution, elected local government councils, markets, and traders associations will help you collect, record, document, collate and deliver all your old notes to the Kaduna branch of the Central Bank on your behalf into the new ones immediately after the elections.”

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2023 FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CHALLENGES OF THE CURRENCY SWAP AND STATE OF THE NATION NATIONAL BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON 16th FEBRUARY PRESIDENT

NATIONAL BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CHALLENGES OF THE CURRENCY SWAP AND STATE OF THE NATION, ON 16th FEBRUARY, 2023

My Dear Compatriots,

​I have found it necessary to address you today, on the state of the nation and to render account on the efforts of our administration to sustain and strengthen our economy, enhance the fight against corruption and sustain our gains in the fight against terrorism and insecurity which has, undoubtedly, been impacted by several internal and external factors.

2.​Particularly, I am addressing you, as your democratically elected President, to identify with you and express my sympathy, over the difficulties being experienced as we continue the implementation of new monetary policies, aimed at boosting our economy and tightening of the loopholes associated with money laundering.

3.​Let me re-assure Nigerians, that strengthening our economy, enhancing security and blockage of leakages associated with illicit financial flows remain top priority of our administration. And I shall remain committed to my oath of protecting and advancing the interest of Nigerians and the nation, at all times.

4.​In the last quarter of 2022, I authorised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the N200, N500, and N1000 Nigerian banknotes.

5.​For a smooth transition, I similarly approved that the redesigned banknotes should circulate concurrently with the old bank notes, till 31 January 2023, before the old notes, cease to be legal tender.

6.​In appreciation of the systemic and human difficulties encountered during implementation and in response to the appeal of all citizens, an extension of ten days was authorized till 10th February, 2023 for the completion of the process. All these activities are being carried out within the ambit of the Constitution, the relevant law under the CBN Act 2007 and in line with global best practices.

7.​Fellow citizens, while I seek your understanding and patience during this transient phase of implementation, I feel obliged to avail you a few critical points underpinning the policy decision. These include:

  1. The need to restore the statutory ability of the CBN to keep a firm control over money in circulation. In 2015 when this administration commenced its first term, Currency-in-Circulation was only N1.4trillion.
  2. The proportion of currency outside banks grew from 78%in 2015 to 85% in 2022. As of October 2022, therefore, currency in circulation had risen to N3.23 trillion; out of which only N500 billion was within the Banking System while N2.7 trillion remained permanently outside the system; thereby distorting the financial policy and efficient management of inflation;
  3. The huge volume of Bank Notes outside the banking system has proven to be practically unavailable for economic activities and by implication, retard the attainment of potential economic growth;
  4. Economic growth projections make it imperative for government to aim at expanding financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population; and
  5. Given the prevailing security situation across the country, which keeps improving, it also becomes compelling for government to deepen its continuing support for security agencies to successfully combat banditry and ransom-taking in Nigeria

8.​Notwithstanding the initial setbacks experienced, the evaluation and feedback mechanism set up has revealed that gains have emerged from the policy initiative.

9.​I have been reliably informed that since the commencement of this program, about N2.1 trillion out of the banknotes previously held outside the banking system, had been successfully retrieved.

10.​This represents about 80% of such funds. In the short to medium and long terms, therefore, it is expected that there would be:

  1. A strengthening of our macro economic parameters;
  2. Reduction of broad money supply leading to a deceleration of the velocity of money in the economy which should result in less pressures on domestic prices;
  3. Lowering of Inflation as a result of the accompanying decline in money supply that will slow the pace of inflation;
  4. Collapse of Illegal Economic Activities which would help to stem corruption and acquisition of money through illegal ways;
  5. Exchange Rate stability;
  6. Availability of Easy Loans and lowering of interest rates; and
  7. Greater visibility and transparency of our financial actions translating to efficient enforcement of our anti- money laundering legislations.

11.​I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy. I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.

12.​To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.

13.​I have similarly directed that the CBN should intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, so as to ensure that any institution or person(s) found to have impeded or sabotaged the implementation should be made to bear the full weight of the law.

14.​During the extended phase of the deadline for currency swap, I listened to invaluable pieces of advice from well meaning citizens and institutions across the nation.

15.​I similarly consulted widely with representatives of the State Governors as well as the Council of State. Above all, as an administration that respects the rule of law, I have also noted that the subject matter is before the courts of our land and some pronouncements have been made.

  1. ​To further ease the supply pressures particularly to our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.

17.​In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.

18.​Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.

19.​Let me assure Nigerians that our administration will continue to assess the implementation with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are not unnecessarily burdened. In this regard, the CBN shall ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to our citizens through the banks.

20.​I wish to once more appeal for your understanding till we overcome this difficult transient phase within the shortest possible time.

21.​Fellow citizens, on the 25th of February, 2023 the nation would be electing a new President and National Assembly members. I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.

22.​This is a positive departure from the past and represents a bold legacy step by this administration, towards laying a strong foundation for free and fair elections.

23.​I urge every citizen therefore, to go out to vote for their candidates of choice without fear, because security shall be provided and your vote shall count.

24.​I however admonish you to eschew violence and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral processes. I wish us all a successful General Elections.

Thank you for listening. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

 

PRESS STATEMENT

 

LET US KEEP CALM AND MAINTAIN THE PEACE

 

I am saddened by reports  of violent protests in parts of our country today especially in Delta, Oyo, Kwara and Edo states. In Delta, there were reports of arson and destruction of bank branches.

 

I sympathise with all Nigerians who are going through the pains of not being able to get money from banks and ATM points to meet their basic daily needs. I also sympathize with the banks for being victims of the CBN currency redesign policy.

 

Be rest assured that this  phase will soon pass away as our governments at both the federal and state levels  are working to surmount the current challenges.

 

With the Supreme Court reaffirming its order of 8 February on monetary authorities to allow the old and new Naira notes to circulate together, I believe a solution is right on the way and the scarcity of Naira notes will soon be over.

 

I am happy to note the various measures being put in place by many of our Governors to cushion the effect of the scarcity of Naira on households.

 

I want to appeal to our young people not to take law into their hands through destructive protests.

 

We feel your pains and frustration but destroying lives and properties will not solve any problem.

 

Rather, it will only complicate the crisis we have on our hands.

 

We must keep the peace and remain calm.

 

Let us not be provoked. Instead, let us cooperate with the government in seeking immediate and lasting solution.

 

This difficult time shall soon be over. We must keep hope alive as we move forward to a better, stronger and more prosperous Nigeria of our dream.

 

God bless you all.

 

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Presidential Candidate, All Progressives Congress

February 15, 2023

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PRESIDENT BUHARI GETS ‘FRIEND IN DIASPORA’ TITLE FROM IMO TRADITIONAL COUNCIL URGES NATIONAL COHESION

PRESIDENT BUHARI GETS ‘FRIEND IN DIASPORA’ TITLE FROM IMO TRADITIONAL COUNCIL, URGES NATIONAL COHESION

Imo State Traditional Council on Tuesday in Owerri honoured President Muhammadu Buhari with a traditional title, “Nwanne D’namba”, A Brother in Diaspora, appreciating the Nigerian leader for love shown to the South East, and sustained legacy of promoting peace and harmony in the country.

President Buhari thanked Eze Imo, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr Emmanuel Chukwuagina Okeke, CFR, for the recognition, assuring that he will continue to demonstrate his love for the South East and citizens.

“I thank you so much for this honour that I will continue to remember for the rest of my life. Thank you for getting all the senior citizens to receive us.

“We have experienced difficult times as a country and discovered that it is better to carry on together,” the President said.

President Buhari noted the value of shared national vision that enhances cohesion, urging more harmony across state and national levels as “good neighbours”.

The President urged Nigerians to remain good neighbours and show themselves as good neighbours.

“God has brought us here, and the party also brought us to you,” he said.

President Buhari noted that he came to present All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the council and indigenes.

The President said he had already followed Asiwaju to some states, including Nasarawa, Katsina and Sokoto and was prepared to showcase the candidate in more places.

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, said the honour was well deserved considering the historical impact of President Buhari’s administration on infrastructure in the state, with upgrade of higher institutions, road constructions and appointments in key positions.

The Governor said the commissioning of the MCC road in the central city by the President further revealed the penchant for approving projects that will improve the livelihood of the people.

“Words are not enough to show our appreciation to the President,” he said.

The Governor noted that crude oil theft in the state had been halted by creation of a naval base by President Buhari, and more security structures had been put in place for wellbeing of the people.

“To further show love by our people on Valentine’s Day, our people have agreed to support our presidential candidate and other APC candidates in the polls.

“Traditional rulers are not partisan, and they have told me in confidence that they will support our party because of love for President Buhari,” the Governor added.

In his remarks, the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Tinubu thanked the Imo Traditional Council for the recognition on Valentine’s Day.

“I pay respect to all the traditional rulers that have received us at the palace. I present myself as the most capable and competent person to step into the shoes of the man you have just honoured.

“I want to be, and deserve to be the President and I will follow the footsteps of President Buhari when elected, not if elected.

” I will consolidate on our unity, development and camaraderie. It is only in peace that we can develop.

“You mentioned upgrading of educational institutions. Education is the greatest weapon we can deploy against poverty. We are here today because of the benefit of education,” the presidential candidate said.

The Chairman of the Imo State Traditional Council said giving the President the friendship title on Valentine’s Day reflects a new level of relationship inspired by President Buhari’s integrity, magnanimity and charity.

He thanked the President for elevating educational and health infrastructure in the state, like upgrading Alvan Ikoku College of Education to a university and the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri to a teaching hospital.

“Coincidentally today is Valentine’s Day and it is a day to show love all over the world. The President is not only here to commission a project and attend a campaign rally, but to share his love with us,” Eze Imo said.

President Buhari commissioned the 12.5kilometer MCC road, appreciating Imo State indigenes for supporting Governor Uzodinma and the federal government.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 14, 2023

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS DEATH OF VALUED FRIEND, SEN. ABBA ALI

President Muhammadu Buhari mourns the demise of Senator Abba Ali, a friend and classmate, saying he has lost a valued friend.

Until his death, the deceased was a member of the Federal Judicial Service Commission and served as the Chairman of the Forum of Classmates that included the President and members of their set from what is now the Government College Katsina.

In a tribute to the late Senator Abba Ali, the President describes him as a complete gentleman who had a nuanced understanding of issues.

“I have had the honor of knowing him from our early days. He is leaving us with countless memories. We will greatly miss him,” says the President.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 14, 2023

 

 

LAGOS COMMENCES DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVES TO THE CITIZENRY

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, in fulfillment of his promise to cushion the effects of the hardship being experienced by Lagosians that is occasioned by fuel scarcity and lack of currency from the banks,  has commenced the distribution of palliative measures to the citizenry.

These include the vulnerable, civil servants, among others. The move is to alleviate the hunger that has been the outcome of currency redesigned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other crises associated with fuel scarcity.

Speaking at the launching of the distribution exercise, Governor Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat gave out palliative to the teeming recipients today at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat in Ikeja, said the distribution is continuous as the government will be reaching out to the religious centers, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and other distribution channels across the state.

According to him, the purpose of the palliative is to cushion the biting effects of the current scarcity of Naira occasioned by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) Naira swap policy and the lingering fuel scarcity in the State.

The governor explained that the measures became necessary to improve the situation among the vulnerable residents of the State. Adding that “we are doing this to alleviate the pains and sufferings of Lagosians”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “What is inside the boxes are different items for the consumption of the vulnerable society”

Earlier in her speech, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Hon. (Mrs) Cecelia Dada stated that Lagos State Government has put together the palliative measure for Lagosians by distributing food to the vulnerable in the society.

Dada stressed that the state government is mindful of the welfare of its people and that the challenges faced by citizens are due to the naira swap and difficulty in accessing money.

—

 Tunde Alao

 Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media)

 Office of the Lagos State Deputy Governor

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

PRESIDENCY: SANWO-OLU DRUMS SUPPORT FOR TINUBU AT APC RALLY IN IMO 

 

  • Says Ndigbo in Lagos are with Asiwaju 

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday urged the people of Imo State to vote for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Saturday 25th February presidential poll.

 

He said the Ndigbo in Lagos State are with the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his victory in the presidential election.

 

The Governor urged all Ndigbo, particularly the people of Imo State and Nigerians at large to bring about renewed hope by coming out en masse to vote for Tinubu in next week’s presidential election, as well as all the APC candidates contesting in the forthcoming general elections.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke at the APC presidential campaign rally in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, which was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari; APC National Chairman, Senator Adamu Abdullahi; Deputy Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Comrade Adams Oshimhole and Governors Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) and other APC chieftains.

 

He said: “I bring you greetings from the Centre of Excellence to the state of great hope to show that there is a handshake across the Niger, where all your people are. They want me to come here to tell you that even the Ndigbo in Lagos are with Asiwaju. So, we have come here to show you that we are the same. That is why I have come down here to show solidarity with the great hope in Imo State and the hope that is renewed for Nigeria under the able leadership of our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

“We want to thank you Mr. President, for keeping to your word that you will join us on the campaign train in all of the regional states in the country. We want to thank you sir for coming down here to show everyone that indeed you are a President for all.

 

“We want to thank you for the great Igbo community and I bring you greetings from all of us in Lagos that we stand with you across the Niger. We stand with you believing that the renewed hope is here and the great hope of Imo is also here.

 

“Let us go out next week Saturday and do the right thing; do the rightful thing and bring about a renewed hope under the hope of Imo into the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless you all.”

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

14 FEBRUARY 2023

 

 

“I was criticised because of the colour of my skin”, Idia Aisien shares about her role as Nneka on #WithChude

 

TV Host and Actor, Idia Aisien sits with Chude Jideonwo to discuss her debut in acting, relocating to Nigeria and the loss of her dad.

 

Idia shares her experience playing Nneka in Nneka the pretty serpent – her debut in acting. She shared, “it was an amazing experience. I think it turned me inside out. It felt like I started over in my life, in my thinking and in what I could do as a person.”

 

She also shared the mixed reactions she got after the release of the film. “When it first came out in the cinemas, I was a little bit heartbroken by some of the comments that people were leaving. Comments about me not being light-skinned or Ibo, about me destroying what meant something to a lot of Nigerians. Nigerians loved their veteran actors; they love their Nollywood classics. So, it was something that I just wished people could see how much passion went into it at the time. But, with the international market, and the kind of feedback we are getting, I am getting messages from the Philippines, French Guiana, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, and Los Angeles. I was hurt at first, because Nneka is a fictional character and anyone could bring something different to the character but I don’t think that tribe and skin colour should matter. I mean, Black Panther was Americans pretending like they are in Africa. A lot of people who criticized it (the film- Nneka the pretty serpent), criticized because of the choice of Nneka, which broke my heart.”

 

“When Nneka came out, some were like, ‘we heard Idia killed it o’. This very famous female said, ‘abeg, I am sure she paid for that job’. She saw me recently and was nice to me. She said she finally watched it, and it was great, but you know when you hear stuff, it’s like, ‘do I take the one I heard you say’. or ‘do I take how you feel now that you have watched it’. This is why it is important to give people a chance”, she said.

 

On relocating, she shared that she doesn’t think moving to Nigeria was a good choice, ‘I am not doing what I came to Nigeria to do. When I came to Nigeria, I was working for a private equity firm in New York. I came here because they were investing in banks across Africa, and at that time they were working with Union Bank. It was a great job, and a great opportunity for me, everything was going well for me in New York. And I came to Nigeria and destiny takes me.” She proceeded to share that the difference in earning power, the stereotypes and labels in Nigeria, and putting her life in the public eye, are her regrets about moving to Nigeria.

 

On the loss of her dad, she said, “the business show on Arise was my dream job. But something quite terrible happened to me in life and I just wanted a fresh start. I lost my dad, and I just didn’t want to do anything I was currently doing ever again. My dad raised me. The stuff that people say about their mum, that was my dad to me. My dad was my hero. He had a car accident and he died.”

 

 

Fuel Price Hike: Patronise only filling stations selling lower prices – DTSG

 

 

The Delta State Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee has advised citizens to patronise only petrol stations who sell at reasonably lower prices.

 

Chairman of the Taskforce and State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emman Amgbaduba, gave the charge on Tuesday at a news conference in Asaba.

 

He said that buying from those selling at considerable prices would force others selling at arbitrarily high prices to bring lower their prices.

 

Amgbaduba said that the State Government was concerned about scarcity of fuel and other issues affecting livelihood of the people across the state.

 

“Since our taskforce was put in place and we have gone round the state, we discovered that petrol is becoming more available to our citizens though the queues are still there, but easing out gradually and the price per litre is also coming down, he said.

 

“Although, some people are still selling at N400 and above per litre, the prices are still coming down and I can inform you that we were represented this morning by a member of our Committee IPMAN, at a meeting with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

 

“At that meeting, IPMAN and NUPSRC agreed that because of the cost which they bought the products to the various petrol stations initially so long they can prove they bought the products at that rate, those selling within Warri and environs should sell at N220 per litre and those selling within Asaba axis should sell for N230 per litre until they exhaust that stock.

 

“It is our hope that as time goes on the prices will come down further with the availability of more products and the apology of the NNPC Limited and with the promise of NNPC to bring in more petrol, am sure that the prices will keep coming down.

 

“I want to crave the indulgence of our citizens in Delta to continue to be patient and patronise petrol stations selling at the very lowest rates, that way it will drive others to bring down their prices when no one patronised them.

 

“As a government we will continue engage them to ensure that our citizens are not ripped off their hard earned monies.”

 

 

 

 Why Atiku cancelled Rivers PDP rally – Aniagwu

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, said it cancelled its planned Presidential Campaign rally in Rivers State due to rising spate of insecurity in the state.

 

Spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Charles Aniagwu disclosed this while speaking on Kakaaki on AIT.

He said that the party opted out of the rally because Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa believes that their ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

 

He accused Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike of setting booby traps and mines for Atiku’s supporters in the state, adding that Nigerians didn’t witness half of what Wike is doing in Rivers during the military era in the country.

 

He said the PDP’s selling point in the election is the abysmal performance of the APC pointing out that PDP would sweep virtually all the strongholds of the APC in the country.

 

“Is it not preposterous that a Wike who claimed APC had cancer and PDP malaria that was treatable and now turned around to support same Tinubu and APC he once denigrated? That tells you the character of the man he is.

 

“Atiku has examined the whole scenario playing out in Rivers State, yes he may have enough policemen to secure him, his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and indeed some leaders of the party in Rivers, but will it be possible to provide enough security for the massive supporters that would come to the stadium that was approved, cancelled and re-approved?

 

“So like Jonathan said in 2015 when he said that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian, the Presidential Candidate of the PDP and his running mate believe that their ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian and that they would not want to sacrifice any Nigerian on the altar of wanting to be President.

 

“We will device means of talking to our brothers and sisters in Rivers because we believe that Rivers state is still largely PDP and that they will vote for Atiku-Okowa and one way or the other we will reach out to them and talk to them but having to organise a rally where anybody will even have to lose his life is not something we would want to undertake.

 

“As Nigerians, everybody know that the conduct of the Rivers Governor in the whole processes have not demonstrated statesmanship.

 

“He is a member of our party and we have accorded him the respect we believe he deserves but you know that he has reciprocated that by way of his comments, actions and Nigerians must be weary of this kind of conduct.

 

“For us our determination is to bring everybody together in this country and Atiku and Okowa are ever determined to do that.

 

“Atiku and Okowa are ready to carry everybody along when they win including Nyesom Wike irrespective of the attacks and so let no one think that Wike will be in trouble if Atiku wins.

 

“Wike will not be in any trouble because that is not on the agenda of Atiku. Atiku is ready to recover our country and if Wike has any role to play in helping to get our country function effectively, we will do that,” he stated.

 

He said the safety of individuals who comes to the party’s rally was very much important hence having seen the dangers ahead the party would not subject its members to such dangers.

 

“We believe that by the grace of God Atiku-Okowa will not only win Rivers but they will majority of votes in this election and at the same time garner 25 percent in 26 states and the FCT.

 

“From the day Atiku-Okowa is pronounced winners they will start the process of rebuilding this country,” Aniagwu stated.

 

 

Polls: Why Deltans are supporting Oborevwori – Aniagwu

 

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu says the people of the state were supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori because of his grassroot credentials.

 

Speaking on “Politics Tonight” on TVC, Aniagwu said that Oborevwori’s excellent performance as the longest serving speaker in the State House of Assembly was another reason why Deltans are clamouring for his emergence as Governor.

 

He said, “Everybody agrees that the primaries of the PDP was very free, fair and most Deltans supported Oborevwori because he has got grassroot support and he has done well as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and being the longest serving speaker and his massive interface with the electorate particularly the delegates ahead of the primaries.

 

“We are taking steps to bring back those who challenged Oborevwori in court and we are moving more like one family. A good number of them have returned but there are a few of them that we are still talking to.

 

This is very important because Okowa led Delta as one and Oborevwori is also interested in continuing in that trajectory with his MORE Agenda so that beyond winning the votes he is desirous about getting the people to support him in delivering the many laudable programmes that he has outlined.

 

“In PDP we are home and dry and we do hope that as we make progress many people will also join the fold because they do know that PDP is where you have the greener pasture,”

 

He said Governor Okowa being a democrat understands that every body do have a right to their political aspirations, adding that different political parties have had cause to interface with their supporters unhindered across the state unlike what’s happening in some other states.

 

“In Delta, we are quite comfortable because the people know that the PDP has added value to the state. Everything is going smoothly here in Delta because we allow all political parties to campaign unlike other states where they prevent people from pasting their posters and erecting billboards.

 

“Those who claim to be popular are even afraid to allow opposition paste just posters, in Delta we will even allow you to campaign even in front of Government House.

 

“This is because we believe that we own the land in terms of politics and as such everybody is free to campaign but we do know that we have done so much to enjoy the support of the people,” he said.

 

On Omo-Agege’s alleged rising popularity, Aniagwu said he may be popular on TV but not popular on ground for many reasons.

 

He said Omo-Agege who represents Delta Central in the Senate took all the projects he managed to attract to his Origun community to the detriment of other constituents.

 

“For every project he has been privileged to attract even if they are still at sign board level, he took all of them to his community and not his local government. He abandoned every other person in the other seven local governments and part of his own local government. So for that reason, even those he is representing are angry with him not to talk of Delta North and Delta South were he doesn’t have a stronghold.

 

“So I can comfortably predict that in this election, if he is able to see two local governments in form of victory, it means his star is over shining more than we can imagine.

 

“But be rest assured that Oborevwori would defeat him hands down and we are happy that the BIVAS does not give room for any form of thuggery or manipulation.

 

Aniagwu who is also Spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council said Governor Okowa’s sterling performance would impact positively for Oborevwori in the Delta Guber contest.

 

“When you see the developments that has taken place in the three senatorial districts in terms of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and of course our capital territory is now wearing entirely new look.

 

“For all of these, the PDP has got what it takes to win so that anybody who becomes the candidate of the PDP already has 50 percent that he is standing on.

 

“When you now have a candidate like Oborevwori that has street credibility and very much close to the grassroot, you already have another 25 percent added to it.

 

“In addition to the fact that we are reaching out massively and of course we should be able to take as much as 15 percent from the remaining 25 percent leaving them with less than 10 percent because we are quite considerate and our brother’s keeper.

 

“So be rest assured that Oborevwori would defeat Senator Ovie Omo-Agege hands down,” Aniagwu said.

 

On James Ibori’s obvious silence on the Oborevwori’s guber quest, Aniagwu said that everybody in Delta PDP respects the former governor as National Leader of the party in the state.

 

“Chief James Ibori is our national leader, he has contributed immensely to the growth of the party since 1999. He is one person who reaches out to people and those who knows how he works knows that he is not one given to noise making.

 

“Ibori is very much in the House and he is supporting the candidature of Atiku and Okowa and his also very much in  support of Sheriff Oborevwori.

 

“A lot of his allies are in this election but beyond the fact that members of his family are also in this election he is a key member of the PDP.

 

“So if anybody is thinking that he can harvest our national leader, that person may need to go back to sleep and dream in another direction because that’s not going to happen.

 

“We are quite confident that as we make progress that his fatherly advise and even his intervention at the back end will help the party have wonderful results in the Feb 25 and March 11 elections.”

 

Ebireri Henry Ovie Mobile: 2348036977194.

 

February 14, 2023

Press Statement

PDP Consoles Gov. Diri over Father’s Death

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commiserates with the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri over the death of his highly revered father and Patriarch of the Diri family, Lay Reader Pa Abraham Michael Joseph Diri.

Pa Diri was a devout Christian, an inspiring personality with an incomparable philanthropic spirit; a quintessence of humility and honesty who dedicated his life towards the service of God and humanity.

He was an exceptional teacher, Headmaster, mentor and coach who served as a beacon of light and patriotically gave direction to many, especially the younger generation of leaders.

Though we mourn at this time, we are however comforted by the fact that Pa Diri lived a fulfilled life, fought a good fight as a faithful servant of God and left many resounding legacies including bequeathing to our dear nation and humanity a statesman in Governor Diri.

Our Party believes that Governor Diri’s sense of humility, honesty, commitment to duty and his abiding faith in God are resounding testaments of the lessons and virtues imparted in him by his late father.

The PDP family deeply commiserates and stands with Governor Diri, the Diri Family of Kalama-Owei Wari in Sampou Community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and the entire people of Bayelsa State at this moment.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI CANVASSES SUSPENSION OF BLANKET VISA BAN BY UAE

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for a lifting of the blanket visa ban clamped down on Nigerians by the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The President canvassed this position on Monday during a telephone conversation with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who doubles as the Emir of Abu Dhabi.

President Buhari had called Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to condole with him on the death of his mother-in-law, Sheikha Maryam Al Falasi, during which important issues of mutual concern between the two countries came up.

The President requested his UAE counterpart to review the blanket visa ban imposed on Nigerians intending to travel to the UAE, recalling that mutually beneficial excellent relations have subsisted between the two nations over many years, symbolized by robust economic interactions and regular consultations on matters of common interest, including engagements at the highest political levels.

He noted that recent irritants in bilateral relations generated by consular issues relating to the behaviour of some Nigerians in the UAE are being ironed out, explaining that no country including Nigeria will condone criminalities and illegal behaviours.

President Buhari therefore expressed the readiness of the Government of Nigeria to apply necessary sanctions through appropriate judicial process against anyone identified to have committed criminal acts in the UAE, urging that the issue be allowed to be handled by the relevant security/intelligence agencies of the two countries and to come up with lasting solutions to the problems associated with criminalities and illegalities.

President Buhari also requested a resumption of the suspended operations of Emirates Airline in the country.

Recall that Emirates Airline had suspended its operations in Nigeria in 2022 in the wake of its inability to repatriate funds trapped in Nigeria.

President Buhari assured the UAE leader that the issue of the Emirates funds was receiving appropriate attention alongside those of other foreign airlines operating in Nigeria, adding that the Central Bank of Nigeria had been directed to increase foreign exchange allocation to the airline.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 14, 2023

 

All reactions:

2525

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

Fostering recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities

 

 

The 55th Session of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (CoM2023) will be held from March 15-21, 2023, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 

The Session, a statutory meeting of the ECA, will review the state of economic and social development in Africa as well as progress on regional integration.

 

CoM 2023 will be convened under the theme, ‘Fostering recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities.’ It will be attended by African ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representatives of member States, entities of the United Nations system, pan-African financial institutions, African academic and research institutions, development partners and intergovernmental organizations.

 

A preparatory meeting of the Committee of Experts of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development will precede the 55th Session followed by the ministerial segment of the Conference which will deliberate on the development agenda of Africa on the back of a raft of economic and political challenges facing the continent.

 

High rates of growth in the past two decades have resulted in reduced poverty levels in Africa. Between 2000 and 2019, the share of population living in extreme poverty decreased from 53.4 percent to 40.1 percent but the absolute number of poor remains high. Today, 546 million people are still living in poverty in 2022.

 

ECA’s Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro, said global shocks are turning millions of vulnerable people into the continent’s new poor, reversing decades of progress. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed an additional 55 million Africans below the poverty line, and the impact of the war in Ukraine is expected to further compound the challenge.

 

Mr. Pedro said even when growth rates were high in Africa, everyone did not benefit equally. For example, in 2022, the top 10 percent of wage earners received about 30.69 percent of total income.

 

High inequality, along with high levels of poverty, creates a vicious cycle in which structural bottlenecks persist, rendering the population in Africa perennially vulnerable to both economic and non-economic shocks.

 

“The ability of African countries to effectively tackle poverty and inequality is now severely constrained given declining economic growth, narrowing fiscal space, rising debt, commodity shocks and tightening global financial conditions,” said Mr. Pedro, adding that, “The risk of missing the poverty and inequality targets set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, of the African Union, is higher than it has ever been before.”

 

The 55th Session of the Commission aims to renew focus and action on reducing poverty, inequality and other factors that have left the African population continuously vulnerable to these scourges.

 

Mr. Pedro urged that recovery efforts must be pro-poor and inclusive, with a view to fostering a new social contract that offers equal opportunity for all.

 

Considerable opportunities to reach these goals exist on the continent and beyond, including through activities carried out under the African Continental Free Trade Area, green investments, digital transformation and reforms to the global financial architecture.

 

-Ends-

 

About the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN’s five regional commissions, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA’s) mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its Member States, foster intraregional integration and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. ECA is made up of 54 Member States and plays a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape.

For more information, visit:  www.uneca.org

Issued by:

Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org

 

 

Press Release

 

Take A Bow, Step Down For Sim, Dekor Cautions Other Candidates

 

The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor has advised other governorship candidates in the race with Sir Siminialayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),  to seek the path of honour by stepping down for Sim.

 

Addressing journalists in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area during the PDP Rivers South-East Senatorial Campaign rally on Saturday, Dum Dekor said the overwhelming support being enjoyed by the PDP flag bearer should send a signal to other contestants that it is not too late to throw in the towel.

 

Rt. Hon. Dekor who chairs the Committee on Host Communities in the Green Chambers described the rally as a pre-victory celebration for the people of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District who in his words, are heading to history to produce the first governor of the state from the zone.

 

“We have come to tell the world that we are happy that Sim Fubara comes from our own Senatorial District.

 

“That for the first time in our political history, we are going to have a governor from our Senatorial District.

 

“So we are celebrating that victory today and to send a note of caution to all those who come in different guise, under all kinds of names and colours, that have no place in our politics.

 

“It’s easy for them to step aside. It’s easy and better for them to take a bow.  They should come and join us, work in unison and deliver Sir Sim Fubara, a governor that is prepared to consolidate on the gains that we have from this democratic dispensation”, he enthused.

 

Rt. Hon. Dekor who is also the PDP Candidate for Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency said the people of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District have come out to make a statement that they do not play what he called “politics on the pages of newspapers and social media”, adding that the PDP do real time politics which he said, is on ground.

 

Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor, a one-time Deputy Speaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly as well as former Works Commissioner in the state, said the crowd at the rally is a confirmation of what PDP’s votes would look like in the coming general elections.

 

“I come from Khana Local Government Area and we have 395 units and over 186,000 votes. We are ready. What happens in this local government is that overtime, we have always given the governorship candidate and other PDP candidates the very best.

 

“You can see that we are fully mobilized. You go to the units, we are fully mobilized. You go to the wards, we are fully mobilized”, he said.

 

  1. HON. DUM DEKOR MEDIA TEAM

 

Onasanya Bags Honorary Doctorate Degree, Donates N1m Cash Gift to FUOYE’s Best Accounting Student

 

The Chairman/CEO of The Address Homes, Dr Olabisi Onasanya has been conferred with a Honourary Doctorate Degree (Honaris Causas) in Finance at the 7th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) held at the Main Campus, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

 

The conferment was approved by the University Senate in recognition of Onasanya’s professional excellence, illustrious persona as an excellent banker and brilliant Chartered Accountant, as well as his exemplary leadership in contemporary Nigeria with positive impacts on the lives of the vast majority of people.

 

Onasanya, a former Group Managing Director/CEO of First Bank Plc, was decorated during a well-attended ceremony, by the Vice Chancellor of FUOYE, Professor Abayomi Fasina, Chancellor, HRM. Alhaji Matthew Opaluwa and members of the University Senate alongside two other prominent Nigerians; football legend, Segun Odegbami, aka ‘mathematical Odegbami’, and legal luminary, Wole Olanipekun.

 

A quintessential Nigerian banker, economist, suave gentleman, and intellectually fertile colossus who phenomenally transited from the pinnacle of the banking industry to redefine excellence in the burgeoning real estate sector, Onasanya is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Taxation. He also served as a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers’ Sub-Committee on Fiscal & Monetary Policies, and of the Presidential Committee on Reduction of Interest Rates.

 

In his acceptance speech, Onasanya expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, the Governing Council, the Senate, staff and students of the University for finding him deserving of such an exalted honour as he promised not to relent on his efforts.

 

An elated Onasanya, who was accompanied to the event by his wife, Mrs Helen Onasanya and some of his close friends and associates, announced the donation of one million naira to the FUOYE’s best-graduating student in Accounting, a 24-year-old lady, Oyedele Abibat Adejoke, who bagged first class in Accounting.

 

The Address Homes chairman also promised to give yearly scholarships to the best students of Accounting and Real Estate Management as a means of giving back to society and encouraging the young ones.

 

“I thank God that after seven years of my retirement as the Group Managing Director of First Bank, I am still relevant”, he declared.

 

“We should be able to give back to Society and perform our duty wherever we find ourselves so as to encourage the young ones”.

 

Giving a piece of advice to the young graduates, Onasanya said; “Take everything you have learnt in the course of your time here as a tool to help with solving people’s problems. Education is not an end in itself. It is a means to an end. The end is to create solutions for people you meet throughout your life.

 

“Secondly, and please see this as vital, integrity is key! I usually say, “If money is lost, nothing is lost. If health is lost, something is lost. However, if integrity is lost, everything is lost.”

 

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina said that the institution within the shortest time of creation has carved a niche for itself on an international grid of academic excellence.

 

While congratulating the graduands on their academic feats, Fasina admonished them to positively project the image of the institution.

 

Having spent about 21 years with First Bank until his retirement on December 31, Onasanya had plunged into his long-time passion -the real estate industry, where he established The Address Homes Limited, a real estate company with business interests in the acquisition, development, and management of luxurious residential buildings across Nigeria.

 

Since The Address Homes came on board through his efforts, the firm has taken over the leadership of the real estate industry in determining the best types of luxurious homes and what they ought to be priced at.

 

With highly diversified homes with respect to design and styles, from inception, The Address Homes has made it its policy to build the best homes at the most economical prices throughout Nigeria, thus delivering optimum value for money.

 

Okowa to declare 2nd Local Govt Sports Festival open

 

Governor of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa will on Tuesday February 14, 2023 declare open the 2nd edition of the Delta State Local Governments Sports Festival.

 

A statement signed by the State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Victor Ebonka said the Local Government Councils under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Delta State Chapter set up the Festival to drive grassroot sports development in the communities.

 

In further driving down home that point that sport can be used to transform lives, ALGON Delta is organising the 2nd edition of the Delta State Local Government Sports Festival taking place from 14th to the 16th of February, 2023 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba at 2pm while closing ceremony will take place on February 15th at same venue at 2pm.

 

The first edition which took place between 6th and 8th July 2021 in Asaba featured Athletics events with Oshimili South Local Government winning the maiden edition and Warri South Local Government finishing second.

 

The statement further said that almost all the talents discovered during the first edition viz; Ayenuro Tate; Chukwuma Obim; and David Ashe were part of the Delta State Contingent to the last National Youth Games held in Ilorin, Kwara State while some took part in the National trials for the African Youth Games held in Morocco in 2022.

 

 

 

Okowa condoles Diri over father’s death

 

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has condoled with Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa on the passing of his father, Pa Abraham Diri.

 

Pa Diri, a retired Headmaster and devout Christian, departed on Sunday, February 12, at 88.

 

In a condolence message contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor said that Pa Diri’s death was a great loss not only to his family, Kalama-Owei Wari in Sampou community and Bayelsa State, but to Nigeria, given his invaluable contributions to humanity.

 

He noted that deceased patriarch of Diri family lived a life of impact, and urged the family to be consoled by his legacies

 

Okowa paid glowing tribute to Pa Diri for being a good father and called on the family to take solace in the fact that their late patriarch lived to witness the enormous successes achieved by his children, including the emergence of Senator Douye Diri from member House of Representatives, Senator to Governor.

 

”We received the news of the demise of the father of my brother Governor, Senator Douye Diri, with shock but we are consoled by the fact that he lived a life of dedicated service to humanity.

 

”We share in Diri’s sorrow and pains at this period and we pray that God will grant him and members of the family, the courage to bear the loss as we pray for the repose of the soul of their departed father.

 

”On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I mourn with my brother Governor, Senator Douye Diri and all members of the Diri family, on the unfortunate demise of their beloved father and patriarch, Pa Abraham Michael Joseph Diri.

 

”It is my prayer that God will comfort Governor Diri and his entire family and grant them the fortitude to bear the grievous loss,” he said.

 

 

A REBUTTAL

 

Re: Oba of Lagos: LP Courtesy Visit

 

My attention has been drawn to a fictitious “Press Release” purportedly released by me titled “Oba of Lagos : LP courtesy Visit”.

 

The said deceptive release claimed, among other things that “We informed Oba of Lagos that Peter Obi wanted to come and pay homage to him before our rally in Lagos but Oba said that we should not come”. The fictitious release further claimed that Oba’s reason for not wanting to meet with Peter Obi was that “Oba is not interested in seeing another presidential candidate except Bola Tinubu”.

 

I wish to clearly state that the fictitious release did not emanate from me, and I never had such a conversation with the revered Oba of Lagos or any of his representatives. Please disregard the release at whatever it represents. Henceforth, please disregard any other release that does not originate from our campaigns official communication channels.

 

May I once again assure Nigerians that we will continue to run a campaign that is devoid of calumny, and by the grace of God we shall overcome.

 

Thanks.

 

Balogun Akin Osuntokun

Director General (DG)

Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council

 

Africa needs pro-poor and inclusive recovery efforts to foster economic transformation

 

 

Addis Ababa, 13 February 2023, (ECA) – Following the multiple financial, health, and climate crises affecting Africa, countries should accelerate inclusive recovery efforts to boost economic growth, the Economic Commission for Africa’s Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Antonio Pedro, has urged.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the 55th Session of the Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (CoM 2023), Mr. Pedro said the impact of the shocks caused by COVID -19, the war in Ukraine and climate change have pushed more people into extreme poverty and have increased inequality worldwide.

“Africa is falling even further behind, with the continent now accounting for the highest proportion of the world’s poor of any region globally,” Mr. Pedro warned, emphasizing that the growing number of newly poor and vulnerable people makes it harder to close the gap between the rich and the poor.

“Recovery efforts must be pro-poor and inclusive, with a view to fostering a new social contract that offers equal opportunity for all,” he said, adding that, “It is important that our growth does not leave anyone behind and if we do so then the social contract that is key to have stability and prosperity will be completely disrupted.”

Mr. Pedro indicated that pro-poor and inclusive recovery must be deliberately incorporated in the design and implementation of policies, including by securing the input of all stakeholders such as Small and Medium Enterprises in such processes.

The 55th Session of ECA’s Committee of Experts of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, a statutory meeting of the ECA will be held from 15 to 17 March 2022. It will be followed by the Ministerial Segment of the Conference on 20 and 21 March 2023.

The Conference brings together Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development from African member States, governors of central banks, entities of the United Nations system and pan-African financial institutions.

In addition, the conference will also attract African academic and research institutions, development partners, intergovernmental organizations and other key stakeholders to discuss statutory issues pertaining to the function of ECA, engage and exchange views on economic and social development in Africa as well as take stock of progress on regional integration and other issues pertinent to the continent.

This year, the Committee of Experts and the Ministerial Segment will convene under the theme ‘Fostering recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities.

“The ability of African countries to effectively tackle poverty and inequality is also severely constrained given declining economic growth, narrowing fiscal space, rising debt, commodity shocks and tightening global financial conditions,” said Mr. Pedro, warning that Africa faces a higher risk of missing the poverty and inequality targets set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063.

Lamenting that the COVID-19 and the Ukraine conflict have wiped some of the development gains made in the last decade in terms of economic growth, social inclusion and poverty reduction, Mr. Pedro said Africa’s trade flows and supply chains were also disrupted. As a result, it was pertinent for Africa to promote local solutions.  He said for its part Africa has reacted positively to the impacts of COVID-19 with the creation of the Africa Exchange Trade Platform (ATEX) digital platform to boost trade in critical commodities under the AfCFTA.

Mr. Pedro said the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development aims to renew focus and action on reducing poverty, inequality and other factors that have left Africans vulnerable to these scourges.

He noted that Africa has considerable opportunities to build strong, resilient and competitive economies through accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, development of carbon credit markets, fostering the emergency of regional value chains in the battery and electric vehicle subsector, to name a few.

Speaking at the same press conference, Second Vice-Chair of the 54th Bureau of the ECA and Zimbabwean Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and ECA, Ms. Sophia Nyamudeza said that the theme of CoM 2023 was timely as African countries are recovering from COVID-19 and were experiencing world food crisis and suffering climate change shocks.

-Ends-

 

About the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN’s five regional commissions, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA’s) mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its Member States, foster intraregional integration and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. ECA is made up of 54 Member States and plays a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape.

For more information, visit:  www.uneca.org

Issued by:

Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org

 

 

PRESS STATEMENT: MY INVITATION TO THE DSS

Three days ago, on the day that I tweeted about newspaper reports alleging that Atiku was secretly meeting with Army Generals, I received a text message from someone who claimed to be a DSS officer asking me to report to them on a matter of national security.

I dismissed the invitation because it was vague and I was not sure whether it really came from the DSS.

In any case I had no intention of going anywhere unless I was formally invited.

To my surprise I received a formal letter from them to report to their office without fail two days later, which was yesterday evening.

I put a call through to them and was advised to take the matter very seriously and report to them on the stipulated day and time otherwise the worse may happen.

I found it interesting that a call came from one of Atiku’s dogs for me to be arrested by the security agencies yesterday and had it not been for the fact that the DSS had actually sent a text to me two days earlier I may have thought that they were acting on the instructions of what can only be described as a hopeless and desperate presidential candidate, opposition party and PCC who are clutching at straws, drowning fast, seeking to silence those that give them sleepless nights, shivering in despair and staring defeat in the face in the upcoming presidential election.

Clearly the DSS were not influenced by Atiku and were simply doing their job by inviting me on a matter that needs explanation and clarification and for a thorough interrogation .

And of course being a responsible and law abiding citizen I will present myself before them accordingly.

Unlike cowards like Emefiele, Atiku and their strange bedfellows I do not fear my own shadow and neither do I shiver and shake when I am invited by the security agencies.

I always honor their invitations when properly invited because that is the right and proper thing to do.

This is all the more so when it touches and concerns matters of national security which I take very seriously and when it involves agencies like the DSS who are professional and thorough in their methods and approach.

I have nothing to hide and consequently I will present myself before the DSS this morning as I have been asked to do.

I maintain my utter contempt for Atiku and the vermin that are around him and no matter what happens to me today or at any other time, know that as long as there is life in me I will oppose the darkness and evil that they represent.

I am used to arrest, interrogation, detention, prosecution and so much more and have suffered these indignities on many occassions over the last 15 years.

I have no fear: nothing moves me and only death can silence me.

The most important thing now is not what happens to me but rather achieving the noble quest to ensure the election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our next President.

That is the mission that we must focus on because that is the only way to save our country. I hope that I will be at liberty and free to continue to play my role in that quest but if I am not and I am detained indefinitely or till the election is over so be it.

In such circumstances be rest assured that I will be praying fervently for Asiwaju’s victory from the inside.

For the record I have said or done nothing wrong or that I should not have said or done and I stand by everything that I have said or written in the past on all issues.

It is not a crime to express my concerns about the despicable activities of Atiku who, in my view, has a hidden agenda and who is so desperate for power that he is prepared to do anything and turn the whole country upside down in order to achieve it.

May God protect our people and nation from such a shameless and questionable character and such a disasterous plight and may He continue to be with us all.

(Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Sadaukin Shinkafi, 13th February, 2023)

 

 

PGs, Community leaders in Ughelli South adopt Omo-Agege as the preferred governorship candidate

Ahead of the March 11, 2023 governorship election in Delta State, President Generals, Community Chairmen, Spokesperson, Women and Youth leaders across all the kingdoms and clans in Ughelli South Local Government have adopted the Deputy President of the Senate and Delta State APC Governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as their preferred governorship candidate.

The community leaders who passed a vote of confidence on Senator Ovie Omo-Agege over what they termed as his superlative performance as a senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, said that amongst those jostling to govern Delta State, Omo-Agege’s record of service to the Urhobo nation stands out.

The community leaders numbering over 1000 thereafter unanimously endorsed the APC governorship candidate and promised to reward him with their votes as an appreciation for the great job he did at the senate and also encourage him to repeat the same as the governor of the state.

Omo-Agege stated this during a Townhall meeting at Warri with representatives of Delta youths and students, disclosed that the hardship and suffering that have been visited on the state by the PDP government in the past 24 years should no longer be tolerated, hence PDP and all that it represents be vote out.

President Generals, Chairman, Spokesperson, Women and Youth leaders of the different communities in Ughelli South gave this endorsement over the weekend at Ogoni-Olomu during an interactive session with community leaders in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State.

Comrade Orakata Oviri, President General of Oviri-Olomu moved the motion for the adoption of DSP Omo-Agege as the sole and preferred governorship candidate and was unanimously endorsed by community leaders across the LGA, who also gave assurance of their support for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and other APC candidates.

Meanwhile, Delta State APC Governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege tasked the community leaders to look at the records of performance of those vying for elections before casting their votes.

Deputy Senate President said that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and his Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has lost their moral right to be on the ballot of the presidential election scheduled to hold on February 25.

According to him, the legal and moral options on the ballot of the election are Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP.

While appealing to the community leaders to shun sentiment in their voting choice, he said that the majority of voters in the country do not belong to any political parties, hence he came to consult them and seek their support for his governorship aspirations and that of all APC candidates.

He tasked the community leaders to write down their challenges as a community, with their most pressing needs and forward the same through their President General to him, assuring them that as a governor he will bring development to communities that have been forgotten by the PDP-led government in the past 24 years.

He charged them to support him and all APC candidates 5/5, assuring them that when elected as the governor of the state he will ensure that their roads will receive government attention and that communities without health centres will be provided with one.

He decried a situation where the people of Ughelli South over the years have supported and voted for PDP with nothing to show even when the state under Governor Okowa has received #4.2trn in the past 7 and half years.

He called on the Deltans to vote for him and APC and allow him to take the state from its present state of squalor amid plenty, having tried PDP in the past and they have failed.

 

PETER OBI’S CONDEMNABLE ETHNOCENTRIC “ALABA MARKET-SQUARE” POLITICKING*

*By*

*PROF. YEMI OKE, Ph.D, FCTI, FCArb.*

———————————————

*From Rumours to Manifestations*

It began like a rumour; unfound imaginative sentiments of his political rivals, but the manifestation proved his critics right. *The style of ethnocentric politicking and manner of Obi’s campaign in Ibo-dominated Alaba market square during his recent Presidential campaign in Lagos has proven Peter Obi’s penchant for needlessly divisive, dangerous ethnocentric politicking which is both condemnable and undesirable at this point of our nationhood*.

Rationally, one might not be hasty to condemn or be too hard in criticising the presidential candidate of the Labour Party for his refusal to frontally and decisively condemn the activities of IPOB and other self-styled “Biafra Warlords” wreaking havoc and manifesting most heinous criminalities on the good people of South-East and elsewhere. But, it stands logic and commonsensical rationalities in the head why Peter Obi (a South-Easterner) entered Lagos, a South-West cosmopolitan and accommodating city of prosperity for all-irrespective of tribal or ethnic orientations, and opted to visit only his kinsmen and women in the Ibo-dominated Alaba market.

*The Makeba Dance*

Typical of a distasteful “makeba dance in the market square”, Peter Obi uttered words that would appear insensitive and insulting to the host Yoruba race. This is not to hype ethnicity but reality. I doubt it if a Yoruba or Fulani man or woman would display that level of rude effrontery in the South-West.

Lagos is for all. We all know that same would not apply to Fulani, Yoruba, Nupe and other ethnic traders in Onitsha, Nnewi, Aba and other markets in the South-East. As a High-Chief in Yorubaland, I wish to put on record that what Obi did is tantamount to insensitive act of counting the ‘nine-fingers’ with full consciousness of victim (A kii ti oju onika mesan ka’a!). This further reinforces and underscores the desire of Nigerians to vote a detribalised leader in the February 25, 2023 presidential election. Doing otherwise would be costly and risky for the continued existence and unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*Peter Obi knew that an Oba exists in Lagos- Oba of Lagos, yet he opted to ignore him. Conventionally, the usual political and electioneering itinerary is for the visitor to first pay a courtesy visit to the ruler and ancestral owners of the land which the Oba, Obi or Emir of the town represents*.

Would Peter Obi have done same to the highly intellectual Obi of Onitsha? It is disgusting that Peter Obi preferred his Ibo kinsmen and ignored the Hausa community in Idi-Oro in Mushin. He did not visit Yaba, Surulere, Iyana-Ipaja or elsewhere to create an impression that his aspiration for Nigeria’s presidency and not tribal (Ibo) presidency. He should have known better.

*Would Tinubu, Atiku, Kwankwaso Have Done Same?*

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso visited Lagos, he did not indulge in the cossy enclaves of his ‘talakawa’ followers in Mushin and other “Sabo’ in Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan or elsewhere. Atiku Abubakar visited Lagos and, in his characteristic manner, he visited the Oba of Lagos and others without particularizing his visit to the Fulani elites or Hausa-Fulani communities in the markets in Mushin and other locations. Atiku went to Abeokuata and called on Alake of Egbaland, our revered king who made me “Bada-Baamofin of Egabland.

*Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who deployed policy and other positive administrative measures to make Alaba market, Aspanda market, and igbo-dominated Ladipo spare-parts market in Mushin centers of wealth would have acted differently. As Governor, Tinubu could have closed down the Alaba, Aspanda or Ladipo spare-parts and other Ibo-dominated markets. He did not. Rather, he appointed Ibos into his cabinets and other sensitive appointments. His successors, Fasola, Ambode and Sanwo-Olu have also continued the healthy and progressive dispositions to those Ibo-dominated enclaves in Lagos State.*

Those Ibo-markets have received Lagos State attentions in terms of development and infrastructure, and are now vital grounds for prosperity and wealth by traders from South-East, who largely dominate and reap fortunes and wealth. *Bola Tinubu or Atiku or Kwankwaso would not have played very cheap, debased and condemnable ethnocentric politics like Peter Obi.*

*Asiwaju Tinubu knows there are Yorubas in Anambra, Kano, Sokoto and elsewhere. He opted to demonstrate and amplify national unity and did not proceed to Yoruba neighborhoods in those locations to dance the distasteful “makeba dance in the market square” like Peter Obi did most insensitively.*

Nigerians, “Shine Your Eyes”

Indeed, we as Nigerians mush “shine our eyes”. It would be difficult for any right-thinking, ethnic-neutral Nigerian to view Peter Obi as a detribalised Nigerian. I don’t, and millions other also don’t either.

The February 25 presidential election will send a very strong signal that we are Nigerians and we chose to live as Nigerians irrespective of our ethnic and religious differences. Developed countries like Canada, US and the UK take pride in their multi-culturalism and multi-ethnicity. We should not allow any politician to use our natural ethnic settings to divide us. Our diversity is a matter of national assets.

We do not trust ethnocentric presidential aspirants. Kudos to the drafters of the portion of the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act that make it compulsory for candidates to score one-thirds in two-thirds of the States in Nigeria including Abuja. This makes it practically impossible for anyone to get elected on the basis of needlessly divisive and condemnable tribal sentiments and ethnocentric style of politicking.

Nigerians will decide, and we shall decide right.

*We love this country.*

*This GIANT called NIGERIA will rise, and never to fall again!*

—————

*PROF. YEMI OKE, PhD, FCArb, FCTI*

*(Bada-Baamofin of Egbaland)*

*(Lawyer, Scholar, Energy Consultant and Political Actor)*

February 12, 2023

 

PRESS STATEMENT

Asiwaju Tinubu to Nigerians: LET US MAKE THE BEST OF THIS MOMENT

The past few weeks have been a challenging one for Nigerians especially our SMEs, poor and vulnerable masses and those whose very survival depend on daily cash transactions. They have felt the brunt of the combined problems of scarcity of fuel and new Naira notes.

We feel the pains of our market women and artisans who have experienced low sales because customers do not have cash to make purchases. We hear the loud cries of farmers in rural areas and hinterlands who have been forced to sell their produce at much lower prices so they don’t lose out completely. We hear every Nigerian dealing with the consequences of the roll-out of the cash swap programme.

While the scarcity arising from the supply limitations of the new naira notes is still with us, we are encouraged about reports that the fuel queues across the country are easing out as a result of better supply to fuel stations. We are now confronted with how to bring quick, sustainable solution, and relief to Nigerians on the challenges still posed by the non availability of new Naira notes, so that social and economic activities can move on unimpeded and normalcy can immediately return to our financial services sector and overall productivity of our nation.

In seeking a quick resolution, the National Council of State met on Friday, February 10, 2022 and advised the government and Central Bank in particular, to push more new Naira notes into circulation and also allow for the old notes to remain a legal tender by ensuring supply gaps relative to infrastructural limitations are bridged by recirculating it to ameliorate the pains caused by the scarcity of new ones. We agree with the wisdom of the Council of States as a necessary starting point to begin redressing the unintended consequences of what would have otherwise been a good policy that required mainstream adoption. For the records, I and my running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima and our campaign council do not have anything against the CBN Naira redesign and cashless policy in principle. We are,however, only concerned about its disruptive implementation and the hardship it has brought on the generality of our people who currently can’t access their hard-earned money to meet obligations and the attendant consequences on the informal sector, where majority operate.

Despite the challenges and current difficulties, we are a country of resilient, bold and courageous people who don’t succumb to hard times. We have always overcome our most difficult times and come out better as a people and a nation. This time will not be different. We will make lemonade out of our current lemons.

To bring immediate relief to our people, we urge the Central Bank to consider the following:

  1. Following the advice of the Council of States, the CBN should announce that the old and new Naira notes (especially the non-withdrawn notes and coins) will co-exist as legal tender for the next 12 months to follow examples of countries that have successfully implemented similar monetary policy. This will immediately remove growing tension in the country, eliminate panic reactions by the populace and allow time to scale up infrastructural gaps around alternative payment options to cash.
  2. We advise the immediate suspension of associated charges on online transactions and bank transfers and payments via POS until the current crisis is fully resolved. This cost should be considered a roll-out expense by the CBN to incentivise the envisaged shift to alternative transaction channels; for both the financial services consuming public and those in charge of implementing the scale-up programme.
  3. Mobilise all Money Deposit Banks, Payment platforms to show clear commitment and timelines on expanding their infrastructure and support services.
  4. Bring in Fintech companies with capabilities into currency swap programme for the next 90 days to help decongest banking halls and ATM points where people line up for hours.
  5. The Central Bank and other relevant MDA’s should form an Inter-Agency Action Committee for immediate oversight over the cash supply gaps from the Nigerian Security and Minting Company and deal with issues around capabilities and turn around time to meet the needs of the informal sector and unbanked people.
  6. The CBN, National Orientation Agency and Ministry of Information, State and Local Governments with their relevant organs in both the public and private sectors should commence a major public enlightenment and sensitisation campaign to further educate and empower our people on the new naira and cashless policy for better understanding and mainstream adoption.

As leaders, our commitment to our country everyday must be on how to make life better for our people and we are called upon not to waste the opportunity the moment presents to us to ramp up capacity and capability to serve 200 million Nigerians, leaving no one behind and ultimately improve the living conditions of every single Nigerian. Our task now is to restore hope in the country by implementing these steps to energise our people that we can do big things for a better future and shared prosperity. We can build upon this citizen-focused policy challenge to offer a template on how governance should work for the people.

God bless you and God bless Nigeria. We are overcomers.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate

February 12, 2023

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

STOP THE FAKE NEWS: Asíwájú Tinubu is not taking a new wife

We have seen fake news that has gone viral on social media purporting that the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to take a new wife.

This is what it is: fake and groundless news.

HE Asíwájú is enjoying his marriage to his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which is blessed with excellent children. He is not ready to take an additional wife, whether a Christian or a Muslim.

We know the intention of those behind those peddling a new Muslim wife is not only to cause discord within the extremely peaceful family of Asíwájú Tinubu but to also create disaffection within the Christian community.

Their intention has failed. It will not cut a dice anywhere.

We enjoin our people to completely disregard the unfounded news.

Asíwájú Tinubu is at present focused on his campaign to emerge the president of this country come February 25, 2023 in order to rekindle the hope of our people in a better, stronger, more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu is also busy traversing the length and breadth of the country canvassing support for her husband.

They will not be distracted by this baseless news.

Tinubu Media Office,

Tunde Rahman

February 12, 2023.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Fulani leaders endorse Tinubu for president

…We’ll create peaceful environment for all, APC candidate assures

Leaders of Fulani communities (Ardos) from across the country under the agesis of Fulbe United for Peace and Development have endorsed the presidential bid of the presidential candidate of the All progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The leaders, who converged on Abuja on Sunday said as leaders of Fulani ethnic nationality, they were satisfied with the antecedents of Asiwaju Tinubu and his plans for Nigeria.

At the event, which was held in conjunction with a socio-political group, Arewa New Agenda, the group said it would use its 33,661 members to mobilize millions of their members to vote for Tinubu in the presidential poll.

Addressing the gathering after performing the kolanut-sharing tradition, leader of the group, Ardo Aliyu Liman Bobboi, said with the sharing of the kola, the leaders would go back with the message to their people on the decision reached at the meeting.

He said the gathering was an avenue to underscore their support, trust in his leadership qualities and capacity to administer the country effectively if he emerges victorious at the poll.

According to him, the Ardos, as leaders of the people, have final say on the position of their people and would follow it to the latter to ensure compliance.

Liman, who made reference to Tinubu’s Fulani associates who accompanied him to the meeting, including Governors Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Abubakar Badaru of Kano and Jigawa states, respectively, and pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, expressed optimism that the Tinubu led presidency would ensure the well-being of the Fulani ethnic nationality in Nigeria.

The group also confered on Tinubu the title of “Barkindo” (the blessed one) which they described as a revered title among the Fulani.

Ganduje who spoke glowingly of Tinubu’s leadership qualities described the Fulani people, who have cohabited peaceably with their fellow Nigerians, as an endangered specie that deserve to be catered for and protected in the years ahead.

Ganduje said Tinubu is committed to the task of improving the livestock sector and the lives of herdsmen and is on the verge of producing a blueprint aimed at achieving the goal.

Speaking at the event, the APC presidential candidate, who reminisced the cordial relationship between his late mother Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, himself and Fulani inhabitants of Lagos State over the years, expressed gratitude for the show of love and support for his ambition.

He reiterated his commitment to creating an enabling environment where Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds shall cohabit and live peaceably with one another without let or hindrances.

Tinubu said: “Prior to this day I never thought I would meet a Fulani man who speaks better Yoruba. That is very wonderful.

“This is the Nigeria that we want, we expect Nigeria to be united with one voice, sharing of culture and belief in each other. I want to tell you if we stay here for the next five hours it’s the same story you would be hearing from me. Thank Almighty Allah.

“We have had problems with herders. But I guarantee you today that the problem would be solved permanently. The blueprint is almost ready. We will plan with it. The world is fair and good for all of us.

“We have to live in peace not only because of today but because of our children and grandchildren.

“What we learn about the Fulanis is their simplicity and commitment to promises. “When they give you commitment you get it. I hope I can transfer the blood , spirit that I got from you to my grandchildren for the unity stability and peace of Nigeria. You know you are in my heart. We will make Nigeria great. And we will make the name Fulani a very respectable name.”

Ribadu in a vote of thanks expressed gratitude to the Fulani leaders describing Tinubu as a credible human being who would surely match his words with action if voted into power.

Tinubu Media Office

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz

February 13, 2023

 

 

PRESS STATEMENT

PDP lied, Asiwaju Tinubu has not stockpiled new Naira notes

Our attention has been drawn to the irresponsible and infantile allegation by Atiku Abubakar’s Peoples Democratic Party, claiming that our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is mopping up new naira notes to buy votes.

The allegation is simply ludicrous, spurious and a desperate attempt to divert public attention from the anti-people posturing of the PDP candidate, after he and Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi asked the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN] not to extend the deadline for the use of old naira notes.

They took the position despite the pains our compatriots are experiencing. They actively promoted the sanctity of the deadline in the calculated hope of reaping political windfall from the people’s suffering.

We are not surprised that the PDP made a volte face to conjure a completely unfounded allegation against Tinubu. Having realized that Atiku’s selfish, uncaring position has generated popular anger and resentment against him, it came up with this absurd claim that our candidate is mopping up new currency notes.

We want to assure Nigerians that claim is utterly false.

Our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being always the voice of the voiceless and champion of the underprivileged, at numerous rallies and campaign stops, identified with our people and boldly called on CBN to extend the deadline and end the public suffering.

Also spurious, devilish and unconscionable is the claim by two UK-based Nigerians, one Bulama Bukarta and one Jafar Jafar, that the currency change was made because Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stockpiled billions of naira in every state with the intention of vote buying.

There is no iota of truth in this claim which was concocted for mischievous and devilish purposes by these PDP agents.

The duo claimed they “heard” the “information” from “knowledgeable sources.” These “sources” clearly exist only in the partisan imagination of Bulama Bukarti and Jafar Jafar.

They made this serious allegation recklessly without a shred of evidence, believing that by living in the UK, they are beyond the reach of Nigerian laws of defamation.

We urge all Nigerians to disregard the allegations being peddled by the PDP and its surrogates, Bukarti and Jafar and continue to exercise patience and to exhibit love, support and determination until the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu/Kashim Shettima ticket is delivered at the polls with a landslide.

Tinubu Media Office

Mahmud Jega

Special Adviser, Media & Public Affairs

February 13, 2023

 

February 12, 2023

Press Statement

Stop Punishing Nigerians, Release Your Hoarded New Naira Notes, PDP Tells APC, Tinubu Campaign

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands that the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) including its Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC State governors immediately release billions of new Naira notes in their custody and halt the anguish being experienced by Nigerians.

The PDP describes as wicked and unpardonable that the same band of deceptive, sneaky and hypocritical APC leaders who are deeply involved in intercepting and hoarding of new Naira notes are going about trying to hoodwink Nigerians by posturing as though they are concerned about their plight.

It is instructive to state that the controversial Naira redesign and swap policies are programmes of the APC administration which is also completely in control of the production and circulation of the new notes.

The APC leaders having realized that they cannot win in the 2023 general elections, sabotaged the system and diverted the new Naira notes so as to create widespread social unrest to justify their plan to derail the elections and truncate our democracy.

Our Party has been informed by some well-meaning APC members on how six APC State governors led by a particular infamous Governor of a prominent State in the North West region are coordinating the hoarding of new Naira notes for the vote buying scheme of the APC ahead of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.

The PDP has also been made aware of how APC governors are allegedly warehousing the new Naira notes in facilities owned by APC interests in Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Imo and other parts of the country for the purpose of vote buying for Senator Tinubu in the Presidential election.

Nigerians can recall that the APC was recently busted in the process of swapping the sum of N22.5 billion in old N1000 notes for new ones in Kano State for vote buying, in a deal wherein a substantial part of the old notes was allegedly conveyed to Lagos State for secret swapping with new notes.

It is therefore callous for APC leaders to continue to watch Nigerians spend nights at ATM stands, fight one another in bank halls and ATM centers for cash with millions stranded without money to take care of their daily needs.

The PDP calls on Nigerians to hold the APC and its leaders directly responsible for the pain, economic hardship, social dislocation and psychological distress they are going through on account of APC induced cash scarcity in the country.

The APC has again demonstrated that it is party of very cruel, insensitive and self-centered politicians who relish in inflicting pain, anguish and life-discounting situations on our citizens in the last seven and half years of the APC administration.

Our Party therefore urges Nigerians not to allow the deception, lies and shenanigans of the APC to detract from their collective resolve to end the era of misery in our country by voting Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria so that he can commence the onerous task of rebuilding our nation from the abysmal misrule of the vicious APC.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

 

YOU ARE A MASTER IN YOUR OWN FIELD, GOV AKEREDOLU CELEBRATES ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH EMERITUS CHOIRMASTER

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON on Sunday joined members of the All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan at a special Community Hymn Singing Service held in honour of Engr. John Akinwale Morakinyo.

The special service was organised to celebrate Engr. Morakinyo for his 34 years service as the Choirmaster at All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

At the service, Governor Akeredolu described him as a master in his own field.

The Governor, who doubles as the Grand Patron of the Church Choir appreciated Engr. Morakinyo for his untiring work for God.

While presenting a special gift to the Emeritus Choirmaster, the Governor said Engr. Morakinyo is a worthy instrument in God’s vineyard.

He said:”Engineer Morakinyo, I do not see you as my Choirmaster. I see you beyond that. So, I have to be here to honour you not only because you are my Choirmaster but because you have shown me tremendous love.

“When the Choir named me as their Grand Patron, I thank you for the great honour”.

In his Short Reflection, The Organist of the Church, Professor Ayodele Falase who worked with the honouree described his style as most distinct and dramatic.

He said Engr. Morakinyo is an expert in the art of conducting and coordinating the combined output of the choir.

Speaking on behalf of the Church, Chairman Church Council, Evangelist Tunji Ajagbe described the celebrant as a straight forward and thorough bread person who has impacted lives positively.

The hymn service featured Choirs from All Saints’ Church, Jericho, All Soul’s Church, Bodija as well as the Chapel of Restoration, U.I, Ibadan.

Richard Olatunde

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.

February 12, 2023.

 

February 13, 2023

Press Statement

Attacking Nigerians in Lagos, Other States, Won’t Help You, Atiku/Okowa Campaign Tells Tinubu

The Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization, in the strongest term, condemns the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resort to violent attacks against innocent Nigerians especially in Lagos State just because they are not supporting his ill-fated and elusive life ambition of becoming the President of Nigeria.

Our Campaign describes the attack as an inexcusable act of cowardice that can only come from a deflated Presidential candidate of the APC who is now clutching at straws.

The campaign notes with pains the alarm raised by Nigerians, particularly women, over vicious physical attacks unleashed on them by Tinubu agents in Lagos State just because they are members as well as supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

It is appalling that instead of humbly accepting his rejection by Nigerians across the country given his baggage of incapacities, the APC Presidential Candidate had resorted to venting his frustrations by unleashing violence on innocent Nigerians.

Nigerians are shocked by the viral video showing victims of Tinubu’s agent’s crying and calling for help over their destroyed property and means of livelihood in Lagos State just because they have chosen to support Atiku Abubakar, who embodies the hope of Nigerians for a better nation.

The public is invited to note the eye witness account of the involvement of Tinubu’s agents including the “SA to the Governor of Lagos State, Hadji Awondu; Jamiu Erin, Muri Bebe; Saheed Leader among others in the violent attack.

The Atiku/ Okowa Campaign is however not surprised that Tinubu would descend this low given the evidence of his proclivity for brawling and thuggery as well as sustained incitement of his followers for insurrection, in his desperation to derail our electoral process because he has been rejected.

It is clear that the purpose of this attack is to instill fear, foist a siege mentality on Nigerians and create voter apathy by making our nation to appear unsafe for Nigerians to come out and vote.

This further explains why Tinubu refused to sign the first National Peace Accord and why he established a militia code-named Jagaban Army; which is now being armed to unbridle violence on Nigerians and disrupt the 2023 general elections.

In any case, our campaign wants Tinubu to know that recruitment of thugs to engage in wanton destruction of the property and businesses of Nigerians in Lagos and other states will not yield him electoral victory on February 25.

Our campaign salutes the courage exhibited by Lagosians in resisting Tinubu in his resort to violence.

Such courage shows that Nigerians have made up their minds to vote for Atiku Abubakar and not even the resort to violence by an individual reportedly convicted for trafficking in narcotics can deter them.

The Atiku/Okowa Campaign calls on security agencies to go after the perpetrators of this cowardly act especially the said SA to the Governor; Hadji Awondu; Jamiu Erin; Muri Bebe; Saheed leader among others.

The security agencies should take urgent steps to protect Nigerians from being attacked by Tinubu and his agents just because they prefer Atiku Abubakar and not him (Tinubu) as the next President of Nigeria.

Furthermore, in our stand with Nigerians, we call on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately call the APC Presidential Candidate to order and take immediate steps to stop him (Tinubu) in his plots to derail our democratic process.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

Spokesperson

Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization

 

 

HIV/AIDS ERADICATION: PREPARE SUSTAINABILITY ROADMAP FOR INCOMING ADMINISTRATION, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS SGF

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday directed the transition committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that the achievements of the HIV programme are clearly highlighted in transition notes and a sustainability roadmap articulated for the incoming administration.

The President gave the directive during an audience with the Director–General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, and Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard.

The President assured the United States Government that Nigeria would continue to prioritize the fight against HIV/AIDS until the disease was no longer a public health threat.

He added that his administration remains committed to eradicating HIV and other public health emergencies and would leave no stone unturned until a sustainable system is put in place.

Welcoming the tremendous progress made in the collective fight to end AIDS in Nigeria, President Buhari congratulated the NACA DG for a job well done.

‘‘I wish to acknowledge the important role played in enabling the significant infrastructural investment developed over the years for HIV control, to the fight against COVID-19, Monkeypox, Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases affecting our people.

‘‘Gradually our determined efforts with the support of our friends, the nation’s preparedness and capacity to respond to public health emergencies is growing stronger by the day.

‘‘To this end, the Federal Government will continue to work with the leadership of the Governors Forum and the organized private sector to continue to provide adequate resources and sustainable financing for the national response to HIV,’’ he said.

Molly Phee, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, said the presence of herself and her team “shows the esteem in which we hold you (President Buhari) and your country,” adding that they were proud to be partners in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

“We appreciate your leadership, and that of the Director General of NACA, and his team. You should all be proud of what you have done,” she added.

The Assistant Secretary of State also commended President Buhari for not pursuing a third term in office, and for his commitment to free and fair polls in the general elections ahead.

“You are a leader for the sub-region, for the continent, and for the world,” Molly Phee submitted.

The American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, said she was thrilled at the strides Nigeria took in combating AIDS, describing it as an “amazing achievement.”

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 13, 2023

 

2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS: PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS POLICE – EYES OF THE NATION ARE ON YOU ALL

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday reminded leadership of the Nigeria Police of high expectations from them in relation to the provision of requisite security ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

The President spoke at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, as he commissioned Critical Operational Assets procured by the Nigeria Police Force.

President Buhari, while commending the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba for advancing the Police Reform Agenda of this Administration and for the several initiatives he had brought to the Force reminded him of the expectations:

” You should, however be reminded of my high expectations of your leadership, particularly, in relation to the provision of requisite security that will engender not just stable security space ahead of the General Elections, but guarantee the credibility of the exercise.

“In this task, I call on the Inspector General of Police and indeed, all law enforcement agencies that will be complementing the police in the election security process to note that the eyes of the nation and the global community will be on you all.”

President Buhari reiterated the centrality of an efficient and responsive police force in strengthening of democracy and the essence of the Police Reform and Re-equipping Agenda which this administration has vigorously pursued:

“We are running a democratic system which is guided by the rule of law and the Police worldwide is recognized as the most symbolic agency within the democratic governance and rule of law process. Therefore, any nation that is desirous of deepening her democratic credentials and advancing the course of rule of law must prioritize the efficiency of her police institution,” President Buhari declared.

He restated his pledge to bequeath a credible democratic culture to the nation, and expressed satisfaction with the brief by the IGP during the meeting of the Council of State on Friday, February 10.

“My pledge is to bequeath to the nation a democratic culture in which the Police will not only be apolitical and impartial during the 2023 General Elections, but also one in which the process will be peaceful and secure and the outcome truly reflective of the free will of the citizens.”

He added that he was delighted that the acquisition of the assets he was commissioning was in tandem with his aspiration.

The President used the opportunity to commend successive leaderships of the Nigeria Police as well as the commitment of the current Inspector General of Police and his Management Team towards the Police Reform of this administration evidenced by notable activities and projects carried out including the recent commissioning of an ultra- modern Police Headquarters and a well equipped Hospital in Yobe State.

He charged the Police, in line with their service oaths and statutory obligation to the nation, not to disappoint:

“I renew the assurances of my firm trust in your leadership and unwavering support for police. It is indeed, in demonstration of this that I recently approved the release of requisite funds to the Nigeria Police Force towards the continuation of the next phase in the annual recruitment exercise of ten thousand (10,000) Constables in line with extant Presidential approvals.”

Welcoming Mr. President, the Inspector General of Police said that the critical assets being commissioned were procured from the Special Presidential Intervention Fund as part of a strategic plan towards stabilizing the security space before, during and after the 2023 General Elections and for the purpose of boosting the capacity of the Nigeria Police to manage civil disorder, in line with acceptable national legal framework and international law enforcement protocols.

He acknowledged the commitment of the President to the uplift of the Nigeria Police, declaring that “President Buhari’s continued support and association during the commissioning of her infrastructure and operational assets presents a clear statement to the premium that Mr. President places on the Nigeria Police and policing issues in the country.”

Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, informed President Buhari that the Ministry of Police Affairs had in recent years rolled out robust logistical support and effective policy environment to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the Minister, the day’s event “was not an isolated initiative. It is part of the broad, well thought out and meticulously implemented policing strategy of the Inspector General of Police, which is built on his leadership vision that internal security can be stabilized on a sustainable basis only through a well-equipped, modernized, highly resourced and appropriately trained policing institution.”

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 13, 2023

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

SANWO-OLU MEETS LAGOS BUSINESS COMMUNITY, REASSURES STAKEHOLDERS OF STATE’S COMMITMENT TO GROWTH

 

  • Fashola: ‘We can’t afford to elect people with no experience’

 

  • Akabueze, Orelope-Adefulire speak at meeting 

 

 

Lagos Business Community got a message of reassurance from the Number One citizen of the State on Monday. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated the commitment of his administration to sustain strategic investment in infrastructure to bolster productivity, energise business growth and protect private investments.

 

The Governor had an interactive meeting with the Organised Private Sector at Oriental Hotels, where he spoke of the State’s economic redistribution plans aimed at expanding the Lagos business district to suburbs in the western and eastern parts of the State.

 

The dialogue was part of the strategic stakeholder engagements initiated to keep business leaders and captains of industry in the loop of the comprehensive economic policies of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Sanwo-Olu.

 

Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Director-General of Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, joined the Governor at the meeting with members of the State’s business community.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the steady growth rate being recorded by the State economy testified to the efficient supervision and accountability process instituted in the management of the public finances.

 

Lagos, the Governor said, had been led by a political philosophy that transformed its GDP from deficit to a promising growth, accounting for 30 percent of the nation’s GDP. Given the size and revenue projection of the State, Sanwo-Olu said the State was willing to raise the level of investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure sustainability and more growth.

 

In promoting rapid economic growth, the Governor said his administration had embarked on improving mobility by injecting funds to deliver an integrated mass transit system. Aside comprehensive road rehabilitation across the State, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government had also boosted productivity by expanding transport infrastructure, investing in rail and opening waterways.

 

He said: “Our economic blueprint captured in the six-pillar THEMES Agenda has been rolled out and implemented in manner to fix the immediate needs of our citizens and the business community. In Transportation and Traffic Management, we have intervened in almost a thousand roads across the State and built new roads in total length of 125 kilometres. We activated ferry services to quickly move people at business hours. We have injected ferries of different capacities, just as we open new jetties.

 

“We have also shored up capacity in public transportation by providing 3,000 vehicles to service our mass transit network and taxi scheme. Lagos is about to have two fully operational rail lines to encourage mass movement. We embarked on all of this in order to give commuters mobility options, thereby reducing man-hour spent by people in traffic and raising productivity to support business growth.

 

“We have seen the completion of Lekki Deep Sea Port which Lagos is a major facilitator. In the next two month, the logistics infrastructure will be fully operational and this will have good revenue projection for the State. Our inaction or attempt not to invest in these infrastructure would have a lot of consequences and cost us more in terms of numbers. Now, we are beginning to see a city that is a lot more efficient and this gives an understanding of the role businesses play in the economy.”

 

Sanwo-Olu said the ongoing construction of Lagos-Badagry Highway was being done strategically to open the west flank of the State to more investment and physical development, adding the economic redistribution plan was being supported by extension of Lagos Blue Line to Okokomaiko – densely populated suburb along Badagry.

 

He said the Federal Government’s granting of approval for the development of the Badagry Sea Port would fully catalyse economic growth and create new economic zone in the State.

 

The Governor allayed the fear of the business community about skilled manpower shortages, stressing that his administration’s investment in education and technology is already yielding positive outcomes.

 

Sanwo-Olu said upgrading of the two State-owned schools to specialised universities would help raise skilled manpower for local businesses and bridge the gap of knowledge.

 

Fashola said the complex nature of governance in Lagos had thrown up a system that usually produced administrators who are problem solvers, rather than politicians giving excuses.

 

The Minister appealed to members of the business community to be dispassionate in making their choices to back a presidential and governorship candidates in the general election, stressing that the sustainability of the governance model in Lagos should remain the paradigm for the nation to adopt.

 

He said: “Voters should be observant, because electing people to positions of authority is not about Reality TV show. It is about real life problem. The choice we have to make is between the political party which denies the problems and the one that has confronted the problems and trying to solve them.”

 

Akabueze urged private sector stakeholders to take interest in the candidates’ public finance management, noting that the needs of the Government had grown significantly, with little resources available.

 

He said: “Seven years ago, Nigeria’s infrastructure stock was about 20 percent of our GDP. Today, with the level of infrastructure delivery, we have raised the number to 35 out of the 70 percent required to keep us on the good standing. We must double the GDP growth in relation to infrastructure to be able sustain services to the people. Only serious candidate with experience can do this.”

 

In a panel discussion, Sanwo-Olu had one-on-one engagement with the participants, where the Governor explained various interventions taken by the State Government to improve security, healthcare and food sustainability.

 

The Governor said: “We can all see the success story of Lagos and we believe we can still do more to keep Lagos on the path of prosperity. The question we need to ask ourselves as we make vital decisions in the coming weeks is, what are the best alternatives we have? Nigeria cannot be on an experimental trajectory. We cannot afford to have people without experience at the highest level of leadership of our country.

 

“We cannot trust people who cannot show us those they have trained when they had the opportunity to lead. We feel extremely passionate and committed to the process that will determine who will run the country. We have been part of a political philosophy where we have learnt and developed. We have energy and capacity to double what we have right now. As stakeholders, we urge you to see Renewed Hope for Nigeria tied to the rising Greater Lagos and join us to take our country to the level we will be proud of.”

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

13 FEBRUARY 2023

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PDP Consoles Gov. Diri over Father’s Death

PDP Consoles Gov. Diri over Father’s Death

 

February 14, 2023

Press Statement

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commiserates with the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri over the death of his highly revered father and Patriarch of the Diri family, Lay Reader Pa Abraham Michael Joseph Diri.

Pa Diri was a devout Christian, an inspiring personality with an incomparable philanthropic spirit; a quintessence of humility and honesty who dedicated his life towards the service of God and humanity.

He was an exceptional teacher, Headmaster, mentor and coach who served as a beacon of light and patriotically gave direction to many, especially the younger generation of leaders.

Though we mourn at this time, we are however comforted by the fact that Pa Diri lived a fulfilled life, fought a good fight as a faithful servant of God and left many resounding legacies including bequeathing to our dear nation and humanity a statesman in Governor Diri.

Our Party believes that Governor Diri’s sense of humility, honesty, commitment to duty and his abiding faith in God are resounding testaments of the lessons and virtues imparted in him by his late father.

The PDP family deeply commiserates and stands with Governor Diri, the Diri Family of Kalama-Owei Wari in Sampou Community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and the entire people of Bayelsa State at this moment.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI CANVASSES SUSPENSION OF BLANKET VISA BAN BY UAE

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for a lifting of the blanket visa ban clamped down on Nigerians by the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The President canvassed this position on Monday during a telephone conversation with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who doubles as the Emir of Abu Dhabi.

President Buhari had called Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to condole with him on the death of his mother-in-law, Sheikha Maryam Al Falasi, during which important issues of mutual concern between the two countries came up.

The President requested his UAE counterpart to review the blanket visa ban imposed on Nigerians intending to travel to the UAE, recalling that mutually beneficial excellent relations have subsisted between the two nations over many years, symbolized by robust economic interactions and regular consultations on matters of common interest, including engagements at the highest political levels.

He noted that recent irritants in bilateral relations generated by consular issues relating to the behaviour of some Nigerians in the UAE are being ironed out, explaining that no country including Nigeria will condone criminalities and illegal behaviours.

President Buhari therefore expressed the readiness of the Government of Nigeria to apply necessary sanctions through appropriate judicial process against anyone identified to have committed criminal acts in the UAE, urging that the issue be allowed to be handled by the relevant security/intelligence agencies of the two countries and to come up with lasting solutions to the problems associated with criminalities and illegalities.

President Buhari also requested a resumption of the suspended operations of Emirates Airline in the country.

Recall that Emirates Airline had suspended its operations in Nigeria in 2022 in the wake of its inability to repatriate funds trapped in Nigeria.

President Buhari assured the UAE leader that the issue of the Emirates funds was receiving appropriate attention alongside those of other foreign airlines operating in Nigeria, adding that the Central Bank of Nigeria had been directed to increase foreign exchange allocation to the airline.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 14, 2023

 

All reactions:

2525

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

Fostering recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities

 

 

The 55th Session of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (CoM2023) will be held from March 15-21, 2023, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 

The Session, a statutory meeting of the ECA, will review the state of economic and social development in Africa as well as progress on regional integration.

 

CoM 2023 will be convened under the theme, ‘Fostering recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities.’ It will be attended by African ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representatives of member States, entities of the United Nations system, pan-African financial institutions, African academic and research institutions, development partners and intergovernmental organizations.

 

A preparatory meeting of the Committee of Experts of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development will precede the 55th Session followed by the ministerial segment of the Conference which will deliberate on the development agenda of Africa on the back of a raft of economic and political challenges facing the continent.

 

High rates of growth in the past two decades have resulted in reduced poverty levels in Africa. Between 2000 and 2019, the share of population living in extreme poverty decreased from 53.4 percent to 40.1 percent but the absolute number of poor remains high. Today, 546 million people are still living in poverty in 2022.

 

ECA’s Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro, said global shocks are turning millions of vulnerable people into the continent’s new poor, reversing decades of progress. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed an additional 55 million Africans below the poverty line, and the impact of the war in Ukraine is expected to further compound the challenge.

 

Mr. Pedro said even when growth rates were high in Africa, everyone did not benefit equally. For example, in 2022, the top 10 percent of wage earners received about 30.69 percent of total income.

 

High inequality, along with high levels of poverty, creates a vicious cycle in which structural bottlenecks persist, rendering the population in Africa perennially vulnerable to both economic and non-economic shocks.

 

“The ability of African countries to effectively tackle poverty and inequality is now severely constrained given declining economic growth, narrowing fiscal space, rising debt, commodity shocks and tightening global financial conditions,” said Mr. Pedro, adding that, “The risk of missing the poverty and inequality targets set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, of the African Union, is higher than it has ever been before.”

 

The 55th Session of the Commission aims to renew focus and action on reducing poverty, inequality and other factors that have left the African population continuously vulnerable to these scourges.

 

Mr. Pedro urged that recovery efforts must be pro-poor and inclusive, with a view to fostering a new social contract that offers equal opportunity for all.

 

Considerable opportunities to reach these goals exist on the continent and beyond, including through activities carried out under the African Continental Free Trade Area, green investments, digital transformation and reforms to the global financial architecture.

 

-Ends-

 

About the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN’s five regional commissions, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA’s) mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its Member States, foster intraregional integration and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. ECA is made up of 54 Member States and plays a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape.

For more information, visit:  www.uneca.org

Issued by:

Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org

 

 

Press Release

 

Take A Bow, Step Down For Sim, Dekor Cautions Other Candidates

 

The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor has advised other governorship candidates in the race with Sir Siminialayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),  to seek the path of honour by stepping down for Sim.

 

Addressing journalists in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area during the PDP Rivers South-East Senatorial Campaign rally on Saturday, Dum Dekor said the overwhelming support being enjoyed by the PDP flag bearer should send a signal to other contestants that it is not too late to throw in the towel.

 

Rt. Hon. Dekor who chairs the Committee on Host Communities in the Green Chambers described the rally as a pre-victory celebration for the people of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District who in his words, are heading to history to produce the first governor of the state from the zone.

 

“We have come to tell the world that we are happy that Sim Fubara comes from our own Senatorial District.

 

“That for the first time in our political history, we are going to have a governor from our Senatorial District.

 

“So we are celebrating that victory today and to send a note of caution to all those who come in different guise, under all kinds of names and colours, that have no place in our politics.

 

“It’s easy for them to step aside. It’s easy and better for them to take a bow.  They should come and join us, work in unison and deliver Sir Sim Fubara, a governor that is prepared to consolidate on the gains that we have from this democratic dispensation”, he enthused.

 

Rt. Hon. Dekor who is also the PDP Candidate for Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency said the people of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District have come out to make a statement that they do not play what he called “politics on the pages of newspapers and social media”, adding that the PDP do real time politics which he said, is on ground.

 

Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor, a one-time Deputy Speaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly as well as former Works Commissioner in the state, said the crowd at the rally is a confirmation of what PDP’s votes would look like in the coming general elections.

 

“I come from Khana Local Government Area and we have 395 units and over 186,000 votes. We are ready. What happens in this local government is that overtime, we have always given the governorship candidate and other PDP candidates the very best.

 

“You can see that we are fully mobilized. You go to the units, we are fully mobilized. You go to the wards, we are fully mobilized”, he said.

 

  1. HON. DUM DEKOR MEDIA TEAM

 

Onasanya Bags Honorary Doctorate Degree, Donates N1m Cash Gift to FUOYE’s Best Accounting Student

 

The Chairman/CEO of The Address Homes, Dr Olabisi Onasanya has been conferred with a Honourary Doctorate Degree (Honaris Causas) in Finance at the 7th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) held at the Main Campus, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

 

The conferment was approved by the University Senate in recognition of Onasanya’s professional excellence, illustrious persona as an excellent banker and brilliant Chartered Accountant, as well as his exemplary leadership in contemporary Nigeria with positive impacts on the lives of the vast majority of people.

 

Onasanya, a former Group Managing Director/CEO of First Bank Plc, was decorated during a well-attended ceremony, by the Vice Chancellor of FUOYE, Professor Abayomi Fasina, Chancellor, HRM. Alhaji Matthew Opaluwa and members of the University Senate alongside two other prominent Nigerians; football legend, Segun Odegbami, aka ‘mathematical Odegbami’, and legal luminary, Wole Olanipekun.

 

A quintessential Nigerian banker, economist, suave gentleman, and intellectually fertile colossus who phenomenally transited from the pinnacle of the banking industry to redefine excellence in the burgeoning real estate sector, Onasanya is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Taxation. He also served as a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers’ Sub-Committee on Fiscal & Monetary Policies, and of the Presidential Committee on Reduction of Interest Rates.

 

In his acceptance speech, Onasanya expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, the Governing Council, the Senate, staff and students of the University for finding him deserving of such an exalted honour as he promised not to relent on his efforts.

 

An elated Onasanya, who was accompanied to the event by his wife, Mrs Helen Onasanya and some of his close friends and associates, announced the donation of one million naira to the FUOYE’s best-graduating student in Accounting, a 24-year-old lady, Oyedele Abibat Adejoke, who bagged first class in Accounting.

 

The Address Homes chairman also promised to give yearly scholarships to the best students of Accounting and Real Estate Management as a means of giving back to society and encouraging the young ones.

 

“I thank God that after seven years of my retirement as the Group Managing Director of First Bank, I am still relevant”, he declared.

 

“We should be able to give back to Society and perform our duty wherever we find ourselves so as to encourage the young ones”.

 

Giving a piece of advice to the young graduates, Onasanya said; “Take everything you have learnt in the course of your time here as a tool to help with solving people’s problems. Education is not an end in itself. It is a means to an end. The end is to create solutions for people you meet throughout your life.

 

“Secondly, and please see this as vital, integrity is key! I usually say, “If money is lost, nothing is lost. If health is lost, something is lost. However, if integrity is lost, everything is lost.”

 

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina said that the institution within the shortest time of creation has carved a niche for itself on an international grid of academic excellence.

 

While congratulating the graduands on their academic feats, Fasina admonished them to positively project the image of the institution.

 

Having spent about 21 years with First Bank until his retirement on December 31, Onasanya had plunged into his long-time passion -the real estate industry, where he established The Address Homes Limited, a real estate company with business interests in the acquisition, development, and management of luxurious residential buildings across Nigeria.

 

Since The Address Homes came on board through his efforts, the firm has taken over the leadership of the real estate industry in determining the best types of luxurious homes and what they ought to be priced at.

 

With highly diversified homes with respect to design and styles, from inception, The Address Homes has made it its policy to build the best homes at the most economical prices throughout Nigeria, thus delivering optimum value for money.

 

Okowa to declare 2nd Local Govt Sports Festival open

 

Governor of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa will on Tuesday February 14, 2023 declare open the 2nd edition of the Delta State Local Governments Sports Festival.

 

A statement signed by the State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Victor Ebonka said the Local Government Councils under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Delta State Chapter set up the Festival to drive grassroot sports development in the communities.

 

In further driving down home that point that sport can be used to transform lives, ALGON Delta is organising the 2nd edition of the Delta State Local Government Sports Festival taking place from 14th to the 16th of February, 2023 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba at 2pm while closing ceremony will take place on February 15th at same venue at 2pm.

 

The first edition which took place between 6th and 8th July 2021 in Asaba featured Athletics events with Oshimili South Local Government winning the maiden edition and Warri South Local Government finishing second.

 

The statement further said that almost all the talents discovered during the first edition viz; Ayenuro Tate; Chukwuma Obim; and David Ashe were part of the Delta State Contingent to the last National Youth Games held in Ilorin, Kwara State while some took part in the National trials for the African Youth Games held in Morocco in 2022.

 

 

 

Okowa condoles Diri over father’s death

 

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has condoled with Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa on the passing of his father, Pa Abraham Diri.

 

Pa Diri, a retired Headmaster and devout Christian, departed on Sunday, February 12, at 88.

 

In a condolence message contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor said that Pa Diri’s death was a great loss not only to his family, Kalama-Owei Wari in Sampou community and Bayelsa State, but to Nigeria, given his invaluable contributions to humanity.

 

He noted that deceased patriarch of Diri family lived a life of impact, and urged the family to be consoled by his legacies

 

Okowa paid glowing tribute to Pa Diri for being a good father and called on the family to take solace in the fact that their late patriarch lived to witness the enormous successes achieved by his children, including the emergence of Senator Douye Diri from member House of Representatives, Senator to Governor.

 

”We received the news of the demise of the father of my brother Governor, Senator Douye Diri, with shock but we are consoled by the fact that he lived a life of dedicated service to humanity.

 

”We share in Diri’s sorrow and pains at this period and we pray that God will grant him and members of the family, the courage to bear the loss as we pray for the repose of the soul of their departed father.

 

”On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I mourn with my brother Governor, Senator Douye Diri and all members of the Diri family, on the unfortunate demise of their beloved father and patriarch, Pa Abraham Michael Joseph Diri.

 

”It is my prayer that God will comfort Governor Diri and his entire family and grant them the fortitude to bear the grievous loss,” he said.

 

 

A REBUTTAL

 

Re: Oba of Lagos: LP Courtesy Visit

 

My attention has been drawn to a fictitious “Press Release” purportedly released by me titled “Oba of Lagos : LP courtesy Visit”.

 

The said deceptive release claimed, among other things that “We informed Oba of Lagos that Peter Obi wanted to come and pay homage to him before our rally in Lagos but Oba said that we should not come”. The fictitious release further claimed that Oba’s reason for not wanting to meet with Peter Obi was that “Oba is not interested in seeing another presidential candidate except Bola Tinubu”.

 

I wish to clearly state that the fictitious release did not emanate from me, and I never had such a conversation with the revered Oba of Lagos or any of his representatives. Please disregard the release at whatever it represents. Henceforth, please disregard any other release that does not originate from our campaigns official communication channels.

 

May I once again assure Nigerians that we will continue to run a campaign that is devoid of calumny, and by the grace of God we shall overcome.

 

Thanks.

 

Balogun Akin Osuntokun

Director General (DG)

Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council

 

Africa needs pro-poor and inclusive recovery efforts to foster economic transformation

 

 

Addis Ababa, 13 February 2023, (ECA) – Following the multiple financial, health, and climate crises affecting Africa, countries should accelerate inclusive recovery efforts to boost economic growth, the Economic Commission for Africa’s Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Antonio Pedro, has urged.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the 55th Session of the Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (CoM 2023), Mr. Pedro said the impact of the shocks caused by COVID -19, the war in Ukraine and climate change have pushed more people into extreme poverty and have increased inequality worldwide.

“Africa is falling even further behind, with the continent now accounting for the highest proportion of the world’s poor of any region globally,” Mr. Pedro warned, emphasizing that the growing number of newly poor and vulnerable people makes it harder to close the gap between the rich and the poor.

“Recovery efforts must be pro-poor and inclusive, with a view to fostering a new social contract that offers equal opportunity for all,” he said, adding that, “It is important that our growth does not leave anyone behind and if we do so then the social contract that is key to have stability and prosperity will be completely disrupted.”

Mr. Pedro indicated that pro-poor and inclusive recovery must be deliberately incorporated in the design and implementation of policies, including by securing the input of all stakeholders such as Small and Medium Enterprises in such processes.

The 55th Session of ECA’s Committee of Experts of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, a statutory meeting of the ECA will be held from 15 to 17 March 2022. It will be followed by the Ministerial Segment of the Conference on 20 and 21 March 2023.

The Conference brings together Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development from African member States, governors of central banks, entities of the United Nations system and pan-African financial institutions.

In addition, the conference will also attract African academic and research institutions, development partners, intergovernmental organizations and other key stakeholders to discuss statutory issues pertaining to the function of ECA, engage and exchange views on economic and social development in Africa as well as take stock of progress on regional integration and other issues pertinent to the continent.

This year, the Committee of Experts and the Ministerial Segment will convene under the theme ‘Fostering recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities.

“The ability of African countries to effectively tackle poverty and inequality is also severely constrained given declining economic growth, narrowing fiscal space, rising debt, commodity shocks and tightening global financial conditions,” said Mr. Pedro, warning that Africa faces a higher risk of missing the poverty and inequality targets set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063.

Lamenting that the COVID-19 and the Ukraine conflict have wiped some of the development gains made in the last decade in terms of economic growth, social inclusion and poverty reduction, Mr. Pedro said Africa’s trade flows and supply chains were also disrupted. As a result, it was pertinent for Africa to promote local solutions.  He said for its part Africa has reacted positively to the impacts of COVID-19 with the creation of the Africa Exchange Trade Platform (ATEX) digital platform to boost trade in critical commodities under the AfCFTA.

Mr. Pedro said the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development aims to renew focus and action on reducing poverty, inequality and other factors that have left Africans vulnerable to these scourges.

He noted that Africa has considerable opportunities to build strong, resilient and competitive economies through accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, development of carbon credit markets, fostering the emergency of regional value chains in the battery and electric vehicle subsector, to name a few.

Speaking at the same press conference, Second Vice-Chair of the 54th Bureau of the ECA and Zimbabwean Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and ECA, Ms. Sophia Nyamudeza said that the theme of CoM 2023 was timely as African countries are recovering from COVID-19 and were experiencing world food crisis and suffering climate change shocks.

-Ends-

 

About the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN’s five regional commissions, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA’s) mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its Member States, foster intraregional integration and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. ECA is made up of 54 Member States and plays a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape.

For more information, visit:  www.uneca.org

Issued by:

Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org

 

 

PRESS STATEMENT: MY INVITATION TO THE DSS

Three days ago, on the day that I tweeted about newspaper reports alleging that Atiku was secretly meeting with Army Generals, I received a text message from someone who claimed to be a DSS officer asking me to report to them on a matter of national security.

I dismissed the invitation because it was vague and I was not sure whether it really came from the DSS.

In any case I had no intention of going anywhere unless I was formally invited.

To my surprise I received a formal letter from them to report to their office without fail two days later, which was yesterday evening.

I put a call through to them and was advised to take the matter very seriously and report to them on the stipulated day and time otherwise the worse may happen.

I found it interesting that a call came from one of Atiku’s dogs for me to be arrested by the security agencies yesterday and had it not been for the fact that the DSS had actually sent a text to me two days earlier I may have thought that they were acting on the instructions of what can only be described as a hopeless and desperate presidential candidate, opposition party and PCC who are clutching at straws, drowning fast, seeking to silence those that give them sleepless nights, shivering in despair and staring defeat in the face in the upcoming presidential election.

Clearly the DSS were not influenced by Atiku and were simply doing their job by inviting me on a matter that needs explanation and clarification and for a thorough interrogation .

And of course being a responsible and law abiding citizen I will present myself before them accordingly.

Unlike cowards like Emefiele, Atiku and their strange bedfellows I do not fear my own shadow and neither do I shiver and shake when I am invited by the security agencies.

I always honor their invitations when properly invited because that is the right and proper thing to do.

This is all the more so when it touches and concerns matters of national security which I take very seriously and when it involves agencies like the DSS who are professional and thorough in their methods and approach.

I have nothing to hide and consequently I will present myself before the DSS this morning as I have been asked to do.

I maintain my utter contempt for Atiku and the vermin that are around him and no matter what happens to me today or at any other time, know that as long as there is life in me I will oppose the darkness and evil that they represent.

I am used to arrest, interrogation, detention, prosecution and so much more and have suffered these indignities on many occassions over the last 15 years.

I have no fear: nothing moves me and only death can silence me.

The most important thing now is not what happens to me but rather achieving the noble quest to ensure the election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our next President.

That is the mission that we must focus on because that is the only way to save our country. I hope that I will be at liberty and free to continue to play my role in that quest but if I am not and I am detained indefinitely or till the election is over so be it.

In such circumstances be rest assured that I will be praying fervently for Asiwaju’s victory from the inside.

For the record I have said or done nothing wrong or that I should not have said or done and I stand by everything that I have said or written in the past on all issues.

It is not a crime to express my concerns about the despicable activities of Atiku who, in my view, has a hidden agenda and who is so desperate for power that he is prepared to do anything and turn the whole country upside down in order to achieve it.

May God protect our people and nation from such a shameless and questionable character and such a disasterous plight and may He continue to be with us all.

(Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Sadaukin Shinkafi, 13th February, 2023)

 

 

PGs, Community leaders in Ughelli South adopt Omo-Agege as the preferred governorship candidate

Ahead of the March 11, 2023 governorship election in Delta State, President Generals, Community Chairmen, Spokesperson, Women and Youth leaders across all the kingdoms and clans in Ughelli South Local Government have adopted the Deputy President of the Senate and Delta State APC Governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as their preferred governorship candidate.

The community leaders who passed a vote of confidence on Senator Ovie Omo-Agege over what they termed as his superlative performance as a senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, said that amongst those jostling to govern Delta State, Omo-Agege’s record of service to the Urhobo nation stands out.

The community leaders numbering over 1000 thereafter unanimously endorsed the APC governorship candidate and promised to reward him with their votes as an appreciation for the great job he did at the senate and also encourage him to repeat the same as the governor of the state.

Omo-Agege stated this during a Townhall meeting at Warri with representatives of Delta youths and students, disclosed that the hardship and suffering that have been visited on the state by the PDP government in the past 24 years should no longer be tolerated, hence PDP and all that it represents be vote out.

President Generals, Chairman, Spokesperson, Women and Youth leaders of the different communities in Ughelli South gave this endorsement over the weekend at Ogoni-Olomu during an interactive session with community leaders in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State.

Comrade Orakata Oviri, President General of Oviri-Olomu moved the motion for the adoption of DSP Omo-Agege as the sole and preferred governorship candidate and was unanimously endorsed by community leaders across the LGA, who also gave assurance of their support for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and other APC candidates.

Meanwhile, Delta State APC Governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege tasked the community leaders to look at the records of performance of those vying for elections before casting their votes.

Deputy Senate President said that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and his Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has lost their moral right to be on the ballot of the presidential election scheduled to hold on February 25.

According to him, the legal and moral options on the ballot of the election are Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP.

While appealing to the community leaders to shun sentiment in their voting choice, he said that the majority of voters in the country do not belong to any political parties, hence he came to consult them and seek their support for his governorship aspirations and that of all APC candidates.

He tasked the community leaders to write down their challenges as a community, with their most pressing needs and forward the same through their President General to him, assuring them that as a governor he will bring development to communities that have been forgotten by the PDP-led government in the past 24 years.

He charged them to support him and all APC candidates 5/5, assuring them that when elected as the governor of the state he will ensure that their roads will receive government attention and that communities without health centres will be provided with one.

He decried a situation where the people of Ughelli South over the years have supported and voted for PDP with nothing to show even when the state under Governor Okowa has received #4.2trn in the past 7 and half years.

He called on the Deltans to vote for him and APC and allow him to take the state from its present state of squalor amid plenty, having tried PDP in the past and they have failed.

 

PETER OBI’S CONDEMNABLE ETHNOCENTRIC “ALABA MARKET-SQUARE” POLITICKING*

*By*

*PROF. YEMI OKE, Ph.D, FCTI, FCArb.*

———————————————

*From Rumours to Manifestations*

It began like a rumour; unfound imaginative sentiments of his political rivals, but the manifestation proved his critics right. *The style of ethnocentric politicking and manner of Obi’s campaign in Ibo-dominated Alaba market square during his recent Presidential campaign in Lagos has proven Peter Obi’s penchant for needlessly divisive, dangerous ethnocentric politicking which is both condemnable and undesirable at this point of our nationhood*.

Rationally, one might not be hasty to condemn or be too hard in criticising the presidential candidate of the Labour Party for his refusal to frontally and decisively condemn the activities of IPOB and other self-styled “Biafra Warlords” wreaking havoc and manifesting most heinous criminalities on the good people of South-East and elsewhere. But, it stands logic and commonsensical rationalities in the head why Peter Obi (a South-Easterner) entered Lagos, a South-West cosmopolitan and accommodating city of prosperity for all-irrespective of tribal or ethnic orientations, and opted to visit only his kinsmen and women in the Ibo-dominated Alaba market.

*The Makeba Dance*

Typical of a distasteful “makeba dance in the market square”, Peter Obi uttered words that would appear insensitive and insulting to the host Yoruba race. This is not to hype ethnicity but reality. I doubt it if a Yoruba or Fulani man or woman would display that level of rude effrontery in the South-West.

Lagos is for all. We all know that same would not apply to Fulani, Yoruba, Nupe and other ethnic traders in Onitsha, Nnewi, Aba and other markets in the South-East. As a High-Chief in Yorubaland, I wish to put on record that what Obi did is tantamount to insensitive act of counting the ‘nine-fingers’ with full consciousness of victim (A kii ti oju onika mesan ka’a!). This further reinforces and underscores the desire of Nigerians to vote a detribalised leader in the February 25, 2023 presidential election. Doing otherwise would be costly and risky for the continued existence and unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*Peter Obi knew that an Oba exists in Lagos- Oba of Lagos, yet he opted to ignore him. Conventionally, the usual political and electioneering itinerary is for the visitor to first pay a courtesy visit to the ruler and ancestral owners of the land which the Oba, Obi or Emir of the town represents*.

Would Peter Obi have done same to the highly intellectual Obi of Onitsha? It is disgusting that Peter Obi preferred his Ibo kinsmen and ignored the Hausa community in Idi-Oro in Mushin. He did not visit Yaba, Surulere, Iyana-Ipaja or elsewhere to create an impression that his aspiration for Nigeria’s presidency and not tribal (Ibo) presidency. He should have known better.

*Would Tinubu, Atiku, Kwankwaso Have Done Same?*

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso visited Lagos, he did not indulge in the cossy enclaves of his ‘talakawa’ followers in Mushin and other “Sabo’ in Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan or elsewhere. Atiku Abubakar visited Lagos and, in his characteristic manner, he visited the Oba of Lagos and others without particularizing his visit to the Fulani elites or Hausa-Fulani communities in the markets in Mushin and other locations. Atiku went to Abeokuata and called on Alake of Egbaland, our revered king who made me “Bada-Baamofin of Egabland.

*Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who deployed policy and other positive administrative measures to make Alaba market, Aspanda market, and igbo-dominated Ladipo spare-parts market in Mushin centers of wealth would have acted differently. As Governor, Tinubu could have closed down the Alaba, Aspanda or Ladipo spare-parts and other Ibo-dominated markets. He did not. Rather, he appointed Ibos into his cabinets and other sensitive appointments. His successors, Fasola, Ambode and Sanwo-Olu have also continued the healthy and progressive dispositions to those Ibo-dominated enclaves in Lagos State.*

Those Ibo-markets have received Lagos State attentions in terms of development and infrastructure, and are now vital grounds for prosperity and wealth by traders from South-East, who largely dominate and reap fortunes and wealth. *Bola Tinubu or Atiku or Kwankwaso would not have played very cheap, debased and condemnable ethnocentric politics like Peter Obi.*

*Asiwaju Tinubu knows there are Yorubas in Anambra, Kano, Sokoto and elsewhere. He opted to demonstrate and amplify national unity and did not proceed to Yoruba neighborhoods in those locations to dance the distasteful “makeba dance in the market square” like Peter Obi did most insensitively.*

Nigerians, “Shine Your Eyes”

Indeed, we as Nigerians mush “shine our eyes”. It would be difficult for any right-thinking, ethnic-neutral Nigerian to view Peter Obi as a detribalised Nigerian. I don’t, and millions other also don’t either.

The February 25 presidential election will send a very strong signal that we are Nigerians and we chose to live as Nigerians irrespective of our ethnic and religious differences. Developed countries like Canada, US and the UK take pride in their multi-culturalism and multi-ethnicity. We should not allow any politician to use our natural ethnic settings to divide us. Our diversity is a matter of national assets.

We do not trust ethnocentric presidential aspirants. Kudos to the drafters of the portion of the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act that make it compulsory for candidates to score one-thirds in two-thirds of the States in Nigeria including Abuja. This makes it practically impossible for anyone to get elected on the basis of needlessly divisive and condemnable tribal sentiments and ethnocentric style of politicking.

Nigerians will decide, and we shall decide right.

*We love this country.*

*This GIANT called NIGERIA will rise, and never to fall again!*

—————

*PROF. YEMI OKE, PhD, FCArb, FCTI*

*(Bada-Baamofin of Egbaland)*

*(Lawyer, Scholar, Energy Consultant and Political Actor)*

February 12, 2023

 

PRESS STATEMENT

Asiwaju Tinubu to Nigerians: LET US MAKE THE BEST OF THIS MOMENT

The past few weeks have been a challenging one for Nigerians especially our SMEs, poor and vulnerable masses and those whose very survival depend on daily cash transactions. They have felt the brunt of the combined problems of scarcity of fuel and new Naira notes.

We feel the pains of our market women and artisans who have experienced low sales because customers do not have cash to make purchases. We hear the loud cries of farmers in rural areas and hinterlands who have been forced to sell their produce at much lower prices so they don’t lose out completely. We hear every Nigerian dealing with the consequences of the roll-out of the cash swap programme.

While the scarcity arising from the supply limitations of the new naira notes is still with us, we are encouraged about reports that the fuel queues across the country are easing out as a result of better supply to fuel stations. We are now confronted with how to bring quick, sustainable solution, and relief to Nigerians on the challenges still posed by the non availability of new Naira notes, so that social and economic activities can move on unimpeded and normalcy can immediately return to our financial services sector and overall productivity of our nation.

In seeking a quick resolution, the National Council of State met on Friday, February 10, 2022 and advised the government and Central Bank in particular, to push more new Naira notes into circulation and also allow for the old notes to remain a legal tender by ensuring supply gaps relative to infrastructural limitations are bridged by recirculating it to ameliorate the pains caused by the scarcity of new ones. We agree with the wisdom of the Council of States as a necessary starting point to begin redressing the unintended consequences of what would have otherwise been a good policy that required mainstream adoption. For the records, I and my running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima and our campaign council do not have anything against the CBN Naira redesign and cashless policy in principle. We are,however, only concerned about its disruptive implementation and the hardship it has brought on the generality of our people who currently can’t access their hard-earned money to meet obligations and the attendant consequences on the informal sector, where majority operate.

Despite the challenges and current difficulties, we are a country of resilient, bold and courageous people who don’t succumb to hard times. We have always overcome our most difficult times and come out better as a people and a nation. This time will not be different. We will make lemonade out of our current lemons.

To bring immediate relief to our people, we urge the Central Bank to consider the following:

  1. Following the advice of the Council of States, the CBN should announce that the old and new Naira notes (especially the non-withdrawn notes and coins) will co-exist as legal tender for the next 12 months to follow examples of countries that have successfully implemented similar monetary policy. This will immediately remove growing tension in the country, eliminate panic reactions by the populace and allow time to scale up infrastructural gaps around alternative payment options to cash.
  2. We advise the immediate suspension of associated charges on online transactions and bank transfers and payments via POS until the current crisis is fully resolved. This cost should be considered a roll-out expense by the CBN to incentivise the envisaged shift to alternative transaction channels; for both the financial services consuming public and those in charge of implementing the scale-up programme.
  3. Mobilise all Money Deposit Banks, Payment platforms to show clear commitment and timelines on expanding their infrastructure and support services.
  4. Bring in Fintech companies with capabilities into currency swap programme for the next 90 days to help decongest banking halls and ATM points where people line up for hours.
  5. The Central Bank and other relevant MDA’s should form an Inter-Agency Action Committee for immediate oversight over the cash supply gaps from the Nigerian Security and Minting Company and deal with issues around capabilities and turn around time to meet the needs of the informal sector and unbanked people.
  6. The CBN, National Orientation Agency and Ministry of Information, State and Local Governments with their relevant organs in both the public and private sectors should commence a major public enlightenment and sensitisation campaign to further educate and empower our people on the new naira and cashless policy for better understanding and mainstream adoption.

As leaders, our commitment to our country everyday must be on how to make life better for our people and we are called upon not to waste the opportunity the moment presents to us to ramp up capacity and capability to serve 200 million Nigerians, leaving no one behind and ultimately improve the living conditions of every single Nigerian. Our task now is to restore hope in the country by implementing these steps to energise our people that we can do big things for a better future and shared prosperity. We can build upon this citizen-focused policy challenge to offer a template on how governance should work for the people.

God bless you and God bless Nigeria. We are overcomers.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate

February 12, 2023

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

STOP THE FAKE NEWS: Asíwájú Tinubu is not taking a new wife

We have seen fake news that has gone viral on social media purporting that the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to take a new wife.

This is what it is: fake and groundless news.

HE Asíwájú is enjoying his marriage to his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which is blessed with excellent children. He is not ready to take an additional wife, whether a Christian or a Muslim.

We know the intention of those behind those peddling a new Muslim wife is not only to cause discord within the extremely peaceful family of Asíwájú Tinubu but to also create disaffection within the Christian community.

Their intention has failed. It will not cut a dice anywhere.

We enjoin our people to completely disregard the unfounded news.

Asíwájú Tinubu is at present focused on his campaign to emerge the president of this country come February 25, 2023 in order to rekindle the hope of our people in a better, stronger, more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu is also busy traversing the length and breadth of the country canvassing support for her husband.

They will not be distracted by this baseless news.

Tinubu Media Office,

Tunde Rahman

February 12, 2023.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Fulani leaders endorse Tinubu for president

…We’ll create peaceful environment for all, APC candidate assures

Leaders of Fulani communities (Ardos) from across the country under the agesis of Fulbe United for Peace and Development have endorsed the presidential bid of the presidential candidate of the All progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The leaders, who converged on Abuja on Sunday said as leaders of Fulani ethnic nationality, they were satisfied with the antecedents of Asiwaju Tinubu and his plans for Nigeria.

At the event, which was held in conjunction with a socio-political group, Arewa New Agenda, the group said it would use its 33,661 members to mobilize millions of their members to vote for Tinubu in the presidential poll.

Addressing the gathering after performing the kolanut-sharing tradition, leader of the group, Ardo Aliyu Liman Bobboi, said with the sharing of the kola, the leaders would go back with the message to their people on the decision reached at the meeting.

He said the gathering was an avenue to underscore their support, trust in his leadership qualities and capacity to administer the country effectively if he emerges victorious at the poll.

According to him, the Ardos, as leaders of the people, have final say on the position of their people and would follow it to the latter to ensure compliance.

Liman, who made reference to Tinubu’s Fulani associates who accompanied him to the meeting, including Governors Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Abubakar Badaru of Kano and Jigawa states, respectively, and pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, expressed optimism that the Tinubu led presidency would ensure the well-being of the Fulani ethnic nationality in Nigeria.

The group also confered on Tinubu the title of “Barkindo” (the blessed one) which they described as a revered title among the Fulani.

Ganduje who spoke glowingly of Tinubu’s leadership qualities described the Fulani people, who have cohabited peaceably with their fellow Nigerians, as an endangered specie that deserve to be catered for and protected in the years ahead.

Ganduje said Tinubu is committed to the task of improving the livestock sector and the lives of herdsmen and is on the verge of producing a blueprint aimed at achieving the goal.

Speaking at the event, the APC presidential candidate, who reminisced the cordial relationship between his late mother Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, himself and Fulani inhabitants of Lagos State over the years, expressed gratitude for the show of love and support for his ambition.

He reiterated his commitment to creating an enabling environment where Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds shall cohabit and live peaceably with one another without let or hindrances.

Tinubu said: “Prior to this day I never thought I would meet a Fulani man who speaks better Yoruba. That is very wonderful.

“This is the Nigeria that we want, we expect Nigeria to be united with one voice, sharing of culture and belief in each other. I want to tell you if we stay here for the next five hours it’s the same story you would be hearing from me. Thank Almighty Allah.

“We have had problems with herders. But I guarantee you today that the problem would be solved permanently. The blueprint is almost ready. We will plan with it. The world is fair and good for all of us.

“We have to live in peace not only because of today but because of our children and grandchildren.

“What we learn about the Fulanis is their simplicity and commitment to promises. “When they give you commitment you get it. I hope I can transfer the blood , spirit that I got from you to my grandchildren for the unity stability and peace of Nigeria. You know you are in my heart. We will make Nigeria great. And we will make the name Fulani a very respectable name.”

Ribadu in a vote of thanks expressed gratitude to the Fulani leaders describing Tinubu as a credible human being who would surely match his words with action if voted into power.

Tinubu Media Office

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz

February 13, 2023

 

 

PRESS STATEMENT

PDP lied, Asiwaju Tinubu has not stockpiled new Naira notes

Our attention has been drawn to the irresponsible and infantile allegation by Atiku Abubakar’s Peoples Democratic Party, claiming that our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is mopping up new naira notes to buy votes.

The allegation is simply ludicrous, spurious and a desperate attempt to divert public attention from the anti-people posturing of the PDP candidate, after he and Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi asked the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN] not to extend the deadline for the use of old naira notes.

They took the position despite the pains our compatriots are experiencing. They actively promoted the sanctity of the deadline in the calculated hope of reaping political windfall from the people’s suffering.

We are not surprised that the PDP made a volte face to conjure a completely unfounded allegation against Tinubu. Having realized that Atiku’s selfish, uncaring position has generated popular anger and resentment against him, it came up with this absurd claim that our candidate is mopping up new currency notes.

We want to assure Nigerians that claim is utterly false.

Our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being always the voice of the voiceless and champion of the underprivileged, at numerous rallies and campaign stops, identified with our people and boldly called on CBN to extend the deadline and end the public suffering.

Also spurious, devilish and unconscionable is the claim by two UK-based Nigerians, one Bulama Bukarta and one Jafar Jafar, that the currency change was made because Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stockpiled billions of naira in every state with the intention of vote buying.

There is no iota of truth in this claim which was concocted for mischievous and devilish purposes by these PDP agents.

The duo claimed they “heard” the “information” from “knowledgeable sources.” These “sources” clearly exist only in the partisan imagination of Bulama Bukarti and Jafar Jafar.

They made this serious allegation recklessly without a shred of evidence, believing that by living in the UK, they are beyond the reach of Nigerian laws of defamation.

We urge all Nigerians to disregard the allegations being peddled by the PDP and its surrogates, Bukarti and Jafar and continue to exercise patience and to exhibit love, support and determination until the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu/Kashim Shettima ticket is delivered at the polls with a landslide.

Tinubu Media Office

Mahmud Jega

Special Adviser, Media & Public Affairs

February 13, 2023

 

February 12, 2023

Press Statement

Stop Punishing Nigerians, Release Your Hoarded New Naira Notes, PDP Tells APC, Tinubu Campaign

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands that the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) including its Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC State governors immediately release billions of new Naira notes in their custody and halt the anguish being experienced by Nigerians.

The PDP describes as wicked and unpardonable that the same band of deceptive, sneaky and hypocritical APC leaders who are deeply involved in intercepting and hoarding of new Naira notes are going about trying to hoodwink Nigerians by posturing as though they are concerned about their plight.

It is instructive to state that the controversial Naira redesign and swap policies are programmes of the APC administration which is also completely in control of the production and circulation of the new notes.

The APC leaders having realized that they cannot win in the 2023 general elections, sabotaged the system and diverted the new Naira notes so as to create widespread social unrest to justify their plan to derail the elections and truncate our democracy.

Our Party has been informed by some well-meaning APC members on how six APC State governors led by a particular infamous Governor of a prominent State in the North West region are coordinating the hoarding of new Naira notes for the vote buying scheme of the APC ahead of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.

The PDP has also been made aware of how APC governors are allegedly warehousing the new Naira notes in facilities owned by APC interests in Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Imo and other parts of the country for the purpose of vote buying for Senator Tinubu in the Presidential election.

Nigerians can recall that the APC was recently busted in the process of swapping the sum of N22.5 billion in old N1000 notes for new ones in Kano State for vote buying, in a deal wherein a substantial part of the old notes was allegedly conveyed to Lagos State for secret swapping with new notes.

It is therefore callous for APC leaders to continue to watch Nigerians spend nights at ATM stands, fight one another in bank halls and ATM centers for cash with millions stranded without money to take care of their daily needs.

The PDP calls on Nigerians to hold the APC and its leaders directly responsible for the pain, economic hardship, social dislocation and psychological distress they are going through on account of APC induced cash scarcity in the country.

The APC has again demonstrated that it is party of very cruel, insensitive and self-centered politicians who relish in inflicting pain, anguish and life-discounting situations on our citizens in the last seven and half years of the APC administration.

Our Party therefore urges Nigerians not to allow the deception, lies and shenanigans of the APC to detract from their collective resolve to end the era of misery in our country by voting Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria so that he can commence the onerous task of rebuilding our nation from the abysmal misrule of the vicious APC.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

 

YOU ARE A MASTER IN YOUR OWN FIELD, GOV AKEREDOLU CELEBRATES ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH EMERITUS CHOIRMASTER

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON on Sunday joined members of the All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan at a special Community Hymn Singing Service held in honour of Engr. John Akinwale Morakinyo.

The special service was organised to celebrate Engr. Morakinyo for his 34 years service as the Choirmaster at All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

At the service, Governor Akeredolu described him as a master in his own field.

The Governor, who doubles as the Grand Patron of the Church Choir appreciated Engr. Morakinyo for his untiring work for God.

While presenting a special gift to the Emeritus Choirmaster, the Governor said Engr. Morakinyo is a worthy instrument in God’s vineyard.

He said:”Engineer Morakinyo, I do not see you as my Choirmaster. I see you beyond that. So, I have to be here to honour you not only because you are my Choirmaster but because you have shown me tremendous love.

“When the Choir named me as their Grand Patron, I thank you for the great honour”.

In his Short Reflection, The Organist of the Church, Professor Ayodele Falase who worked with the honouree described his style as most distinct and dramatic.

He said Engr. Morakinyo is an expert in the art of conducting and coordinating the combined output of the choir.

Speaking on behalf of the Church, Chairman Church Council, Evangelist Tunji Ajagbe described the celebrant as a straight forward and thorough bread person who has impacted lives positively.

The hymn service featured Choirs from All Saints’ Church, Jericho, All Soul’s Church, Bodija as well as the Chapel of Restoration, U.I, Ibadan.

Richard Olatunde

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.

February 12, 2023.

 

February 13, 2023

Press Statement

Attacking Nigerians in Lagos, Other States, Won’t Help You, Atiku/Okowa Campaign Tells Tinubu

The Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization, in the strongest term, condemns the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resort to violent attacks against innocent Nigerians especially in Lagos State just because they are not supporting his ill-fated and elusive life ambition of becoming the President of Nigeria.

Our Campaign describes the attack as an inexcusable act of cowardice that can only come from a deflated Presidential candidate of the APC who is now clutching at straws.

The campaign notes with pains the alarm raised by Nigerians, particularly women, over vicious physical attacks unleashed on them by Tinubu agents in Lagos State just because they are members as well as supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

It is appalling that instead of humbly accepting his rejection by Nigerians across the country given his baggage of incapacities, the APC Presidential Candidate had resorted to venting his frustrations by unleashing violence on innocent Nigerians.

Nigerians are shocked by the viral video showing victims of Tinubu’s agent’s crying and calling for help over their destroyed property and means of livelihood in Lagos State just because they have chosen to support Atiku Abubakar, who embodies the hope of Nigerians for a better nation.

The public is invited to note the eye witness account of the involvement of Tinubu’s agents including the “SA to the Governor of Lagos State, Hadji Awondu; Jamiu Erin, Muri Bebe; Saheed Leader among others in the violent attack.

The Atiku/ Okowa Campaign is however not surprised that Tinubu would descend this low given the evidence of his proclivity for brawling and thuggery as well as sustained incitement of his followers for insurrection, in his desperation to derail our electoral process because he has been rejected.

It is clear that the purpose of this attack is to instill fear, foist a siege mentality on Nigerians and create voter apathy by making our nation to appear unsafe for Nigerians to come out and vote.

This further explains why Tinubu refused to sign the first National Peace Accord and why he established a militia code-named Jagaban Army; which is now being armed to unbridle violence on Nigerians and disrupt the 2023 general elections.

In any case, our campaign wants Tinubu to know that recruitment of thugs to engage in wanton destruction of the property and businesses of Nigerians in Lagos and other states will not yield him electoral victory on February 25.

Our campaign salutes the courage exhibited by Lagosians in resisting Tinubu in his resort to violence.

Such courage shows that Nigerians have made up their minds to vote for Atiku Abubakar and not even the resort to violence by an individual reportedly convicted for trafficking in narcotics can deter them.

The Atiku/Okowa Campaign calls on security agencies to go after the perpetrators of this cowardly act especially the said SA to the Governor; Hadji Awondu; Jamiu Erin; Muri Bebe; Saheed leader among others.

The security agencies should take urgent steps to protect Nigerians from being attacked by Tinubu and his agents just because they prefer Atiku Abubakar and not him (Tinubu) as the next President of Nigeria.

Furthermore, in our stand with Nigerians, we call on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately call the APC Presidential Candidate to order and take immediate steps to stop him (Tinubu) in his plots to derail our democratic process.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

Spokesperson

Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization

 

 

HIV/AIDS ERADICATION: PREPARE SUSTAINABILITY ROADMAP FOR INCOMING ADMINISTRATION, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS SGF

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday directed the transition committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that the achievements of the HIV programme are clearly highlighted in transition notes and a sustainability roadmap articulated for the incoming administration.

The President gave the directive during an audience with the Director–General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, and Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard.

The President assured the United States Government that Nigeria would continue to prioritize the fight against HIV/AIDS until the disease was no longer a public health threat.

He added that his administration remains committed to eradicating HIV and other public health emergencies and would leave no stone unturned until a sustainable system is put in place.

Welcoming the tremendous progress made in the collective fight to end AIDS in Nigeria, President Buhari congratulated the NACA DG for a job well done.

‘‘I wish to acknowledge the important role played in enabling the significant infrastructural investment developed over the years for HIV control, to the fight against COVID-19, Monkeypox, Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases affecting our people.

‘‘Gradually our determined efforts with the support of our friends, the nation’s preparedness and capacity to respond to public health emergencies is growing stronger by the day.

‘‘To this end, the Federal Government will continue to work with the leadership of the Governors Forum and the organized private sector to continue to provide adequate resources and sustainable financing for the national response to HIV,’’ he said.

Molly Phee, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, said the presence of herself and her team “shows the esteem in which we hold you (President Buhari) and your country,” adding that they were proud to be partners in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

“We appreciate your leadership, and that of the Director General of NACA, and his team. You should all be proud of what you have done,” she added.

The Assistant Secretary of State also commended President Buhari for not pursuing a third term in office, and for his commitment to free and fair polls in the general elections ahead.

“You are a leader for the sub-region, for the continent, and for the world,” Molly Phee submitted.

The American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, said she was thrilled at the strides Nigeria took in combating AIDS, describing it as an “amazing achievement.”

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 13, 2023

 

2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS: PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS POLICE – EYES OF THE NATION ARE ON YOU ALL

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday reminded leadership of the Nigeria Police of high expectations from them in relation to the provision of requisite security ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

The President spoke at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, as he commissioned Critical Operational Assets procured by the Nigeria Police Force.

President Buhari, while commending the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba for advancing the Police Reform Agenda of this Administration and for the several initiatives he had brought to the Force reminded him of the expectations:

” You should, however be reminded of my high expectations of your leadership, particularly, in relation to the provision of requisite security that will engender not just stable security space ahead of the General Elections, but guarantee the credibility of the exercise.

“In this task, I call on the Inspector General of Police and indeed, all law enforcement agencies that will be complementing the police in the election security process to note that the eyes of the nation and the global community will be on you all.”

President Buhari reiterated the centrality of an efficient and responsive police force in strengthening of democracy and the essence of the Police Reform and Re-equipping Agenda which this administration has vigorously pursued:

“We are running a democratic system which is guided by the rule of law and the Police worldwide is recognized as the most symbolic agency within the democratic governance and rule of law process. Therefore, any nation that is desirous of deepening her democratic credentials and advancing the course of rule of law must prioritize the efficiency of her police institution,” President Buhari declared.

He restated his pledge to bequeath a credible democratic culture to the nation, and expressed satisfaction with the brief by the IGP during the meeting of the Council of State on Friday, February 10.

“My pledge is to bequeath to the nation a democratic culture in which the Police will not only be apolitical and impartial during the 2023 General Elections, but also one in which the process will be peaceful and secure and the outcome truly reflective of the free will of the citizens.”

He added that he was delighted that the acquisition of the assets he was commissioning was in tandem with his aspiration.

The President used the opportunity to commend successive leaderships of the Nigeria Police as well as the commitment of the current Inspector General of Police and his Management Team towards the Police Reform of this administration evidenced by notable activities and projects carried out including the recent commissioning of an ultra- modern Police Headquarters and a well equipped Hospital in Yobe State.

He charged the Police, in line with their service oaths and statutory obligation to the nation, not to disappoint:

“I renew the assurances of my firm trust in your leadership and unwavering support for police. It is indeed, in demonstration of this that I recently approved the release of requisite funds to the Nigeria Police Force towards the continuation of the next phase in the annual recruitment exercise of ten thousand (10,000) Constables in line with extant Presidential approvals.”

Welcoming Mr. President, the Inspector General of Police said that the critical assets being commissioned were procured from the Special Presidential Intervention Fund as part of a strategic plan towards stabilizing the security space before, during and after the 2023 General Elections and for the purpose of boosting the capacity of the Nigeria Police to manage civil disorder, in line with acceptable national legal framework and international law enforcement protocols.

He acknowledged the commitment of the President to the uplift of the Nigeria Police, declaring that “President Buhari’s continued support and association during the commissioning of her infrastructure and operational assets presents a clear statement to the premium that Mr. President places on the Nigeria Police and policing issues in the country.”

Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, informed President Buhari that the Ministry of Police Affairs had in recent years rolled out robust logistical support and effective policy environment to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the Minister, the day’s event “was not an isolated initiative. It is part of the broad, well thought out and meticulously implemented policing strategy of the Inspector General of Police, which is built on his leadership vision that internal security can be stabilized on a sustainable basis only through a well-equipped, modernized, highly resourced and appropriately trained policing institution.”

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 13, 2023

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

SANWO-OLU MEETS LAGOS BUSINESS COMMUNITY, REASSURES STAKEHOLDERS OF STATE’S COMMITMENT TO GROWTH

 

  • Fashola: ‘We can’t afford to elect people with no experience’

 

  • Akabueze, Orelope-Adefulire speak at meeting 

 

 

Lagos Business Community got a message of reassurance from the Number One citizen of the State on Monday. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated the commitment of his administration to sustain strategic investment in infrastructure to bolster productivity, energise business growth and protect private investments.

 

The Governor had an interactive meeting with the Organised Private Sector at Oriental Hotels, where he spoke of the State’s economic redistribution plans aimed at expanding the Lagos business district to suburbs in the western and eastern parts of the State.

 

The dialogue was part of the strategic stakeholder engagements initiated to keep business leaders and captains of industry in the loop of the comprehensive economic policies of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Sanwo-Olu.

 

Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Director-General of Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, joined the Governor at the meeting with members of the State’s business community.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the steady growth rate being recorded by the State economy testified to the efficient supervision and accountability process instituted in the management of the public finances.

 

Lagos, the Governor said, had been led by a political philosophy that transformed its GDP from deficit to a promising growth, accounting for 30 percent of the nation’s GDP. Given the size and revenue projection of the State, Sanwo-Olu said the State was willing to raise the level of investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure sustainability and more growth.

 

In promoting rapid economic growth, the Governor said his administration had embarked on improving mobility by injecting funds to deliver an integrated mass transit system. Aside comprehensive road rehabilitation across the State, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government had also boosted productivity by expanding transport infrastructure, investing in rail and opening waterways.

 

He said: “Our economic blueprint captured in the six-pillar THEMES Agenda has been rolled out and implemented in manner to fix the immediate needs of our citizens and the business community. In Transportation and Traffic Management, we have intervened in almost a thousand roads across the State and built new roads in total length of 125 kilometres. We activated ferry services to quickly move people at business hours. We have injected ferries of different capacities, just as we open new jetties.

 

“We have also shored up capacity in public transportation by providing 3,000 vehicles to service our mass transit network and taxi scheme. Lagos is about to have two fully operational rail lines to encourage mass movement. We embarked on all of this in order to give commuters mobility options, thereby reducing man-hour spent by people in traffic and raising productivity to support business growth.

 

“We have seen the completion of Lekki Deep Sea Port which Lagos is a major facilitator. In the next two month, the logistics infrastructure will be fully operational and this will have good revenue projection for the State. Our inaction or attempt not to invest in these infrastructure would have a lot of consequences and cost us more in terms of numbers. Now, we are beginning to see a city that is a lot more efficient and this gives an understanding of the role businesses play in the economy.”

 

Sanwo-Olu said the ongoing construction of Lagos-Badagry Highway was being done strategically to open the west flank of the State to more investment and physical development, adding the economic redistribution plan was being supported by extension of Lagos Blue Line to Okokomaiko – densely populated suburb along Badagry.

 

He said the Federal Government’s granting of approval for the development of the Badagry Sea Port would fully catalyse economic growth and create new economic zone in the State.

 

The Governor allayed the fear of the business community about skilled manpower shortages, stressing that his administration’s investment in education and technology is already yielding positive outcomes.

 

Sanwo-Olu said upgrading of the two State-owned schools to specialised universities would help raise skilled manpower for local businesses and bridge the gap of knowledge.

 

Fashola said the complex nature of governance in Lagos had thrown up a system that usually produced administrators who are problem solvers, rather than politicians giving excuses.

 

The Minister appealed to members of the business community to be dispassionate in making their choices to back a presidential and governorship candidates in the general election, stressing that the sustainability of the governance model in Lagos should remain the paradigm for the nation to adopt.

 

He said: “Voters should be observant, because electing people to positions of authority is not about Reality TV show. It is about real life problem. The choice we have to make is between the political party which denies the problems and the one that has confronted the problems and trying to solve them.”

 

Akabueze urged private sector stakeholders to take interest in the candidates’ public finance management, noting that the needs of the Government had grown significantly, with little resources available.

 

He said: “Seven years ago, Nigeria’s infrastructure stock was about 20 percent of our GDP. Today, with the level of infrastructure delivery, we have raised the number to 35 out of the 70 percent required to keep us on the good standing. We must double the GDP growth in relation to infrastructure to be able sustain services to the people. Only serious candidate with experience can do this.”

 

In a panel discussion, Sanwo-Olu had one-on-one engagement with the participants, where the Governor explained various interventions taken by the State Government to improve security, healthcare and food sustainability.

 

The Governor said: “We can all see the success story of Lagos and we believe we can still do more to keep Lagos on the path of prosperity. The question we need to ask ourselves as we make vital decisions in the coming weeks is, what are the best alternatives we have? Nigeria cannot be on an experimental trajectory. We cannot afford to have people without experience at the highest level of leadership of our country.

 

“We cannot trust people who cannot show us those they have trained when they had the opportunity to lead. We feel extremely passionate and committed to the process that will determine who will run the country. We have been part of a political philosophy where we have learnt and developed. We have energy and capacity to double what we have right now. As stakeholders, we urge you to see Renewed Hope for Nigeria tied to the rising Greater Lagos and join us to take our country to the level we will be proud of.”

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

13 FEBRUARY 2023

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STOP THE FAKE NEWS: Asíwájú Tinubu is not taking a new wife

STOP THE FAKE NEWS: Asíwájú Tinubu is not taking a new wife

PRESS RELEASE

We have seen fake news that has gone viral on social media purporting that the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to take a new wife.

This is what it is: fake and groundless news.

HE Asíwájú is enjoying his marriage to his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which is blessed with excellent children. He is not ready to take an additional wife, whether a Christian or a Muslim.

We know the intention of those behind those peddling a new Muslim wife is not only to cause discord within the extremely peaceful family of Asíwájú Tinubu but to also create disaffection within the Christian community.

Their intention has failed. It will not cut a dice anywhere.

We enjoin our people to completely disregard the unfounded news.

Asíwájú Tinubu is at present focused on his campaign to emerge the president of this country come February 25, 2023 in order to rekindle the hope of our people in a better, stronger, more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu is also busy traversing the length and breadth of the country canvassing support for her husband.

They will not be distracted by this baseless news.

Tinubu Media Office,

Tunde Rahman

February 12, 2023.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Fulani leaders endorse Tinubu for president

…We’ll create peaceful environment for all, APC candidate assures

Leaders of Fulani communities (Ardos) from across the country under the agesis of Fulbe United for Peace and Development have endorsed the presidential bid of the presidential candidate of the All progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The leaders, who converged on Abuja on Sunday said as leaders of Fulani ethnic nationality, they were satisfied with the antecedents of Asiwaju Tinubu and his plans for Nigeria.

At the event, which was held in conjunction with a socio-political group, Arewa New Agenda, the group said it would use its 33,661 members to mobilize millions of their members to vote for Tinubu in the presidential poll.

Addressing the gathering after performing the kolanut-sharing tradition, leader of the group, Ardo Aliyu Liman Bobboi, said with the sharing of the kola, the leaders would go back with the message to their people on the decision reached at the meeting.

He said the gathering was an avenue to underscore their support, trust in his leadership qualities and capacity to administer the country effectively if he emerges victorious at the poll.

According to him, the Ardos, as leaders of the people, have final say on the position of their people and would follow it to the latter to ensure compliance.

Liman, who made reference to Tinubu’s Fulani associates who accompanied him to the meeting, including Governors Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Abubakar Badaru of Kano and Jigawa states, respectively, and pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, expressed optimism that the Tinubu led presidency would ensure the well-being of the Fulani ethnic nationality in Nigeria.

The group also confered on Tinubu the title of “Barkindo” (the blessed one) which they described as a revered title among the Fulani.

Ganduje who spoke glowingly of Tinubu’s leadership qualities described the Fulani people, who have cohabited peaceably with their fellow Nigerians, as an endangered specie that deserve to be catered for and protected in the years ahead.

Ganduje said Tinubu is committed to the task of improving the livestock sector and the lives of herdsmen and is on the verge of producing a blueprint aimed at achieving the goal.

Speaking at the event, the APC presidential candidate, who reminisced the cordial relationship between his late mother Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, himself and Fulani inhabitants of Lagos State over the years, expressed gratitude for the show of love and support for his ambition.

He reiterated his commitment to creating an enabling environment where Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds shall cohabit and live peaceably with one another without let or hindrances.

Tinubu said: “Prior to this day I never thought I would meet a Fulani man who speaks better Yoruba. That is very wonderful.

“This is the Nigeria that we want, we expect Nigeria to be united with one voice, sharing of culture and belief in each other. I want to tell you if we stay here for the next five hours it’s the same story you would be hearing from me. Thank Almighty Allah.

“We have had problems with herders. But I guarantee you today that the problem would be solved permanently. The blueprint is almost ready. We will plan with it. The world is fair and good for all of us.

“We have to live in peace not only because of today but because of our children and grandchildren.

“What we learn about the Fulanis is their simplicity and commitment to promises. “When they give you commitment you get it. I hope I can transfer the blood , spirit that I got from you to my grandchildren for the unity stability and peace of Nigeria. You know you are in my heart. We will make Nigeria great. And we will make the name Fulani a very respectable name.”

Ribadu in a vote of thanks expressed gratitude to the Fulani leaders describing Tinubu as a credible human being who would surely match his words with action if voted into power.

Tinubu Media Office

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz

February 13, 2023

 

 

PRESS STATEMENT

PDP lied, Asiwaju Tinubu has not stockpiled new Naira notes

Our attention has been drawn to the irresponsible and infantile allegation by Atiku Abubakar’s Peoples Democratic Party, claiming that our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is mopping up new naira notes to buy votes.

The allegation is simply ludicrous, spurious and a desperate attempt to divert public attention from the anti-people posturing of the PDP candidate, after he and Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi asked the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN] not to extend the deadline for the use of old naira notes.

They took the position despite the pains our compatriots are experiencing. They actively promoted the sanctity of the deadline in the calculated hope of reaping political windfall from the people’s suffering.

We are not surprised that the PDP made a volte face to conjure a completely unfounded allegation against Tinubu. Having realized that Atiku’s selfish, uncaring position has generated popular anger and resentment against him, it came up with this absurd claim that our candidate is mopping up new currency notes.

We want to assure Nigerians that claim is utterly false.

Our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being always the voice of the voiceless and champion of the underprivileged, at numerous rallies and campaign stops, identified with our people and boldly called on CBN to extend the deadline and end the public suffering.

Also spurious, devilish and unconscionable is the claim by two UK-based Nigerians, one Bulama Bukarta and one Jafar Jafar, that the currency change was made because Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stockpiled billions of naira in every state with the intention of vote buying.

There is no iota of truth in this claim which was concocted for mischievous and devilish purposes by these PDP agents.

The duo claimed they “heard” the “information” from “knowledgeable sources.” These “sources” clearly exist only in the partisan imagination of Bulama Bukarti and Jafar Jafar.

They made this serious allegation recklessly without a shred of evidence, believing that by living in the UK, they are beyond the reach of Nigerian laws of defamation.

We urge all Nigerians to disregard the allegations being peddled by the PDP and its surrogates, Bukarti and Jafar and continue to exercise patience and to exhibit love, support and determination until the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu/Kashim Shettima ticket is delivered at the polls with a landslide.

Tinubu Media Office

Mahmud Jega

Special Adviser, Media & Public Affairs

February 13, 2023

 

February 12, 2023

Press Statement

Stop Punishing Nigerians, Release Your Hoarded New Naira Notes, PDP Tells APC, Tinubu Campaign

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands that the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) including its Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC State governors immediately release billions of new Naira notes in their custody and halt the anguish being experienced by Nigerians.

The PDP describes as wicked and unpardonable that the same band of deceptive, sneaky and hypocritical APC leaders who are deeply involved in intercepting and hoarding of new Naira notes are going about trying to hoodwink Nigerians by posturing as though they are concerned about their plight.

It is instructive to state that the controversial Naira redesign and swap policies are programmes of the APC administration which is also completely in control of the production and circulation of the new notes.

The APC leaders having realized that they cannot win in the 2023 general elections, sabotaged the system and diverted the new Naira notes so as to create widespread social unrest to justify their plan to derail the elections and truncate our democracy.

Our Party has been informed by some well-meaning APC members on how six APC State governors led by a particular infamous Governor of a prominent State in the North West region are coordinating the hoarding of new Naira notes for the vote buying scheme of the APC ahead of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.

The PDP has also been made aware of how APC governors are allegedly warehousing the new Naira notes in facilities owned by APC interests in Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Imo and other parts of the country for the purpose of vote buying for Senator Tinubu in the Presidential election.

Nigerians can recall that the APC was recently busted in the process of swapping the sum of N22.5 billion in old N1000 notes for new ones in Kano State for vote buying, in a deal wherein a substantial part of the old notes was allegedly conveyed to Lagos State for secret swapping with new notes.

It is therefore callous for APC leaders to continue to watch Nigerians spend nights at ATM stands, fight one another in bank halls and ATM centers for cash with millions stranded without money to take care of their daily needs.

The PDP calls on Nigerians to hold the APC and its leaders directly responsible for the pain, economic hardship, social dislocation and psychological distress they are going through on account of APC induced cash scarcity in the country.

The APC has again demonstrated that it is party of very cruel, insensitive and self-centered politicians who relish in inflicting pain, anguish and life-discounting situations on our citizens in the last seven and half years of the APC administration.

Our Party therefore urges Nigerians not to allow the deception, lies and shenanigans of the APC to detract from their collective resolve to end the era of misery in our country by voting Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria so that he can commence the onerous task of rebuilding our nation from the abysmal misrule of the vicious APC.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

 

YOU ARE A MASTER IN YOUR OWN FIELD, GOV AKEREDOLU CELEBRATES ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH EMERITUS CHOIRMASTER

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON on Sunday joined members of the All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan at a special Community Hymn Singing Service held in honour of Engr. John Akinwale Morakinyo.

The special service was organised to celebrate Engr. Morakinyo for his 34 years service as the Choirmaster at All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

At the service, Governor Akeredolu described him as a master in his own field.

The Governor, who doubles as the Grand Patron of the Church Choir appreciated Engr. Morakinyo for his untiring work for God.

While presenting a special gift to the Emeritus Choirmaster, the Governor said Engr. Morakinyo is a worthy instrument in God’s vineyard.

He said:”Engineer Morakinyo, I do not see you as my Choirmaster. I see you beyond that. So, I have to be here to honour you not only because you are my Choirmaster but because you have shown me tremendous love.

“When the Choir named me as their Grand Patron, I thank you for the great honour”.

In his Short Reflection, The Organist of the Church, Professor Ayodele Falase who worked with the honouree described his style as most distinct and dramatic.

He said Engr. Morakinyo is an expert in the art of conducting and coordinating the combined output of the choir.

Speaking on behalf of the Church, Chairman Church Council, Evangelist Tunji Ajagbe described the celebrant as a straight forward and thorough bread person who has impacted lives positively.

The hymn service featured Choirs from All Saints’ Church, Jericho, All Soul’s Church, Bodija as well as the Chapel of Restoration, U.I, Ibadan.

Richard Olatunde

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.

February 12, 2023.

 

February 13, 2023

Press Statement

Attacking Nigerians in Lagos, Other States, Won’t Help You, Atiku/Okowa Campaign Tells Tinubu

The Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization, in the strongest term, condemns the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resort to violent attacks against innocent Nigerians especially in Lagos State just because they are not supporting his ill-fated and elusive life ambition of becoming the President of Nigeria.

Our Campaign describes the attack as an inexcusable act of cowardice that can only come from a deflated Presidential candidate of the APC who is now clutching at straws.

The campaign notes with pains the alarm raised by Nigerians, particularly women, over vicious physical attacks unleashed on them by Tinubu agents in Lagos State just because they are members as well as supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

It is appalling that instead of humbly accepting his rejection by Nigerians across the country given his baggage of incapacities, the APC Presidential Candidate had resorted to venting his frustrations by unleashing violence on innocent Nigerians.

Nigerians are shocked by the viral video showing victims of Tinubu’s agent’s crying and calling for help over their destroyed property and means of livelihood in Lagos State just because they have chosen to support Atiku Abubakar, who embodies the hope of Nigerians for a better nation.

The public is invited to note the eye witness account of the involvement of Tinubu’s agents including the “SA to the Governor of Lagos State, Hadji Awondu; Jamiu Erin, Muri Bebe; Saheed Leader among others in the violent attack.

The Atiku/ Okowa Campaign is however not surprised that Tinubu would descend this low given the evidence of his proclivity for brawling and thuggery as well as sustained incitement of his followers for insurrection, in his desperation to derail our electoral process because he has been rejected.

It is clear that the purpose of this attack is to instill fear, foist a siege mentality on Nigerians and create voter apathy by making our nation to appear unsafe for Nigerians to come out and vote.

This further explains why Tinubu refused to sign the first National Peace Accord and why he established a militia code-named Jagaban Army; which is now being armed to unbridle violence on Nigerians and disrupt the 2023 general elections.

In any case, our campaign wants Tinubu to know that recruitment of thugs to engage in wanton destruction of the property and businesses of Nigerians in Lagos and other states will not yield him electoral victory on February 25.

Our campaign salutes the courage exhibited by Lagosians in resisting Tinubu in his resort to violence.

Such courage shows that Nigerians have made up their minds to vote for Atiku Abubakar and not even the resort to violence by an individual reportedly convicted for trafficking in narcotics can deter them.

The Atiku/Okowa Campaign calls on security agencies to go after the perpetrators of this cowardly act especially the said SA to the Governor; Hadji Awondu; Jamiu Erin; Muri Bebe; Saheed leader among others.

The security agencies should take urgent steps to protect Nigerians from being attacked by Tinubu and his agents just because they prefer Atiku Abubakar and not him (Tinubu) as the next President of Nigeria.

Furthermore, in our stand with Nigerians, we call on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately call the APC Presidential Candidate to order and take immediate steps to stop him (Tinubu) in his plots to derail our democratic process.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

Spokesperson

Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization

 

 

HIV/AIDS ERADICATION: PREPARE SUSTAINABILITY ROADMAP FOR INCOMING ADMINISTRATION, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS SGF

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday directed the transition committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that the achievements of the HIV programme are clearly highlighted in transition notes and a sustainability roadmap articulated for the incoming administration.

The President gave the directive during an audience with the Director–General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, and Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard.

The President assured the United States Government that Nigeria would continue to prioritize the fight against HIV/AIDS until the disease was no longer a public health threat.

He added that his administration remains committed to eradicating HIV and other public health emergencies and would leave no stone unturned until a sustainable system is put in place.

Welcoming the tremendous progress made in the collective fight to end AIDS in Nigeria, President Buhari congratulated the NACA DG for a job well done.

‘‘I wish to acknowledge the important role played in enabling the significant infrastructural investment developed over the years for HIV control, to the fight against COVID-19, Monkeypox, Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases affecting our people.

‘‘Gradually our determined efforts with the support of our friends, the nation’s preparedness and capacity to respond to public health emergencies is growing stronger by the day.

‘‘To this end, the Federal Government will continue to work with the leadership of the Governors Forum and the organized private sector to continue to provide adequate resources and sustainable financing for the national response to HIV,’’ he said.

Molly Phee, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, said the presence of herself and her team “shows the esteem in which we hold you (President Buhari) and your country,” adding that they were proud to be partners in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

“We appreciate your leadership, and that of the Director General of NACA, and his team. You should all be proud of what you have done,” she added.

The Assistant Secretary of State also commended President Buhari for not pursuing a third term in office, and for his commitment to free and fair polls in the general elections ahead.

“You are a leader for the sub-region, for the continent, and for the world,” Molly Phee submitted.

The American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, said she was thrilled at the strides Nigeria took in combating AIDS, describing it as an “amazing achievement.”

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 13, 2023

 

2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS: PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS POLICE – EYES OF THE NATION ARE ON YOU ALL

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday reminded leadership of the Nigeria Police of high expectations from them in relation to the provision of requisite security ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

The President spoke at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, as he commissioned Critical Operational Assets procured by the Nigeria Police Force.

President Buhari, while commending the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba for advancing the Police Reform Agenda of this Administration and for the several initiatives he had brought to the Force reminded him of the expectations:

” You should, however be reminded of my high expectations of your leadership, particularly, in relation to the provision of requisite security that will engender not just stable security space ahead of the General Elections, but guarantee the credibility of the exercise.

“In this task, I call on the Inspector General of Police and indeed, all law enforcement agencies that will be complementing the police in the election security process to note that the eyes of the nation and the global community will be on you all.”

President Buhari reiterated the centrality of an efficient and responsive police force in strengthening of democracy and the essence of the Police Reform and Re-equipping Agenda which this administration has vigorously pursued:

“We are running a democratic system which is guided by the rule of law and the Police worldwide is recognized as the most symbolic agency within the democratic governance and rule of law process. Therefore, any nation that is desirous of deepening her democratic credentials and advancing the course of rule of law must prioritize the efficiency of her police institution,” President Buhari declared.

He restated his pledge to bequeath a credible democratic culture to the nation, and expressed satisfaction with the brief by the IGP during the meeting of the Council of State on Friday, February 10.

“My pledge is to bequeath to the nation a democratic culture in which the Police will not only be apolitical and impartial during the 2023 General Elections, but also one in which the process will be peaceful and secure and the outcome truly reflective of the free will of the citizens.”

He added that he was delighted that the acquisition of the assets he was commissioning was in tandem with his aspiration.

The President used the opportunity to commend successive leaderships of the Nigeria Police as well as the commitment of the current Inspector General of Police and his Management Team towards the Police Reform of this administration evidenced by notable activities and projects carried out including the recent commissioning of an ultra- modern Police Headquarters and a well equipped Hospital in Yobe State.

He charged the Police, in line with their service oaths and statutory obligation to the nation, not to disappoint:

“I renew the assurances of my firm trust in your leadership and unwavering support for police. It is indeed, in demonstration of this that I recently approved the release of requisite funds to the Nigeria Police Force towards the continuation of the next phase in the annual recruitment exercise of ten thousand (10,000) Constables in line with extant Presidential approvals.”

Welcoming Mr. President, the Inspector General of Police said that the critical assets being commissioned were procured from the Special Presidential Intervention Fund as part of a strategic plan towards stabilizing the security space before, during and after the 2023 General Elections and for the purpose of boosting the capacity of the Nigeria Police to manage civil disorder, in line with acceptable national legal framework and international law enforcement protocols.

He acknowledged the commitment of the President to the uplift of the Nigeria Police, declaring that “President Buhari’s continued support and association during the commissioning of her infrastructure and operational assets presents a clear statement to the premium that Mr. President places on the Nigeria Police and policing issues in the country.”

Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, informed President Buhari that the Ministry of Police Affairs had in recent years rolled out robust logistical support and effective policy environment to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the Minister, the day’s event “was not an isolated initiative. It is part of the broad, well thought out and meticulously implemented policing strategy of the Inspector General of Police, which is built on his leadership vision that internal security can be stabilized on a sustainable basis only through a well-equipped, modernized, highly resourced and appropriately trained policing institution.”

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

February 13, 2023

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

SANWO-OLU MEETS LAGOS BUSINESS COMMUNITY, REASSURES STAKEHOLDERS OF STATE’S COMMITMENT TO GROWTH

 

  • Fashola: ‘We can’t afford to elect people with no experience’

 

  • Akabueze, Orelope-Adefulire speak at meeting 

 

 

Lagos Business Community got a message of reassurance from the Number One citizen of the State on Monday. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated the commitment of his administration to sustain strategic investment in infrastructure to bolster productivity, energise business growth and protect private investments.

 

The Governor had an interactive meeting with the Organised Private Sector at Oriental Hotels, where he spoke of the State’s economic redistribution plans aimed at expanding the Lagos business district to suburbs in the western and eastern parts of the State.

 

The dialogue was part of the strategic stakeholder engagements initiated to keep business leaders and captains of industry in the loop of the comprehensive economic policies of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Sanwo-Olu.

 

Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Director-General of Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, joined the Governor at the meeting with members of the State’s business community.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the steady growth rate being recorded by the State economy testified to the efficient supervision and accountability process instituted in the management of the public finances.

 

Lagos, the Governor said, had been led by a political philosophy that transformed its GDP from deficit to a promising growth, accounting for 30 percent of the nation’s GDP. Given the size and revenue projection of the State, Sanwo-Olu said the State was willing to raise the level of investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure sustainability and more growth.

 

In promoting rapid economic growth, the Governor said his administration had embarked on improving mobility by injecting funds to deliver an integrated mass transit system. Aside comprehensive road rehabilitation across the State, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government had also boosted productivity by expanding transport infrastructure, investing in rail and opening waterways.

 

He said: “Our economic blueprint captured in the six-pillar THEMES Agenda has been rolled out and implemented in manner to fix the immediate needs of our citizens and the business community. In Transportation and Traffic Management, we have intervened in almost a thousand roads across the State and built new roads in total length of 125 kilometres. We activated ferry services to quickly move people at business hours. We have injected ferries of different capacities, just as we open new jetties.

 

“We have also shored up capacity in public transportation by providing 3,000 vehicles to service our mass transit network and taxi scheme. Lagos is about to have two fully operational rail lines to encourage mass movement. We embarked on all of this in order to give commuters mobility options, thereby reducing man-hour spent by people in traffic and raising productivity to support business growth.

 

“We have seen the completion of Lekki Deep Sea Port which Lagos is a major facilitator. In the next two month, the logistics infrastructure will be fully operational and this will have good revenue projection for the State. Our inaction or attempt not to invest in these infrastructure would have a lot of consequences and cost us more in terms of numbers. Now, we are beginning to see a city that is a lot more efficient and this gives an understanding of the role businesses play in the economy.”

 

Sanwo-Olu said the ongoing construction of Lagos-Badagry Highway was being done strategically to open the west flank of the State to more investment and physical development, adding the economic redistribution plan was being supported by extension of Lagos Blue Line to Okokomaiko – densely populated suburb along Badagry.

 

He said the Federal Government’s granting of approval for the development of the Badagry Sea Port would fully catalyse economic growth and create new economic zone in the State.

 

The Governor allayed the fear of the business community about skilled manpower shortages, stressing that his administration’s investment in education and technology is already yielding positive outcomes.

 

Sanwo-Olu said upgrading of the two State-owned schools to specialised universities would help raise skilled manpower for local businesses and bridge the gap of knowledge.

 

Fashola said the complex nature of governance in Lagos had thrown up a system that usually produced administrators who are problem solvers, rather than politicians giving excuses.

 

The Minister appealed to members of the business community to be dispassionate in making their choices to back a presidential and governorship candidates in the general election, stressing that the sustainability of the governance model in Lagos should remain the paradigm for the nation to adopt.

 

He said: “Voters should be observant, because electing people to positions of authority is not about Reality TV show. It is about real life problem. The choice we have to make is between the political party which denies the problems and the one that has confronted the problems and trying to solve them.”

 

Akabueze urged private sector stakeholders to take interest in the candidates’ public finance management, noting that the needs of the Government had grown significantly, with little resources available.

 

He said: “Seven years ago, Nigeria’s infrastructure stock was about 20 percent of our GDP. Today, with the level of infrastructure delivery, we have raised the number to 35 out of the 70 percent required to keep us on the good standing. We must double the GDP growth in relation to infrastructure to be able sustain services to the people. Only serious candidate with experience can do this.”

 

In a panel discussion, Sanwo-Olu had one-on-one engagement with the participants, where the Governor explained various interventions taken by the State Government to improve security, healthcare and food sustainability.

 

The Governor said: “We can all see the success story of Lagos and we believe we can still do more to keep Lagos on the path of prosperity. The question we need to ask ourselves as we make vital decisions in the coming weeks is, what are the best alternatives we have? Nigeria cannot be on an experimental trajectory. We cannot afford to have people without experience at the highest level of leadership of our country.

 

“We cannot trust people who cannot show us those they have trained when they had the opportunity to lead. We feel extremely passionate and committed to the process that will determine who will run the country. We have been part of a political philosophy where we have learnt and developed. We have energy and capacity to double what we have right now. As stakeholders, we urge you to see Renewed Hope for Nigeria tied to the rising Greater Lagos and join us to take our country to the level we will be proud of.”

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

13 FEBRUARY 2023

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EK CLARK AND THE WISDOM OF SILENCE BEING GOLDEN

EK CLARK AND THE WISDOM OF SILENCE BEING GOLDEN

 

By Friday Ewiwilem

 

I have just finished reading a letter purportedly written by Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark who at over 100 years, although claiming 94, should be resting and not dabbling into matters of the moment since he has had his day spanning over five decades from around 1965 to when he took on the self-appointed title of “Father of Mr. President” in 2010 to 2015. One would ordinarily have ignored the letter under reference, but for the many wild, wrong, and deliberately false claims made in it. Whoever serves as Chief Clark’s letter-writer has done grave damage to the old man as the letter has portrayed him as a rabble-rouser who will not leave the stage even when his great-grandchildren have come of age to participate in the affairs of Delta State and Nigeria. Pa Clark is old and it is possible that some undesirable elements would want to use him to score cheap political points. This is akin to the case of the voice of Jacob and the hand of Esau. Who put Chief Clark into this misadventure?

 

Chief Clark made so much ado about Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice-Presidential candidate and described it as a betrayal of Southern Nigeria. Chief Clark ought to know that politics is not always one plus one equals two. The dynamics are complex and they change. When it happens, calculations and conclusions change necessarily. Okowa’s emergence as a Vice-Presidential candidate was intended to save the South and by extension Nigeria from a tyranny that was incubating which would have first destroyed the party before swallowing the Country. A vicious fellow almost dismantled the PDP so that he could suit his fancy, but other PDP leaders including Southern Governors felt that such a fellow should be stopped. They stopped him and opted for an alternative that they thought best suited Nigeria and Okowa was put on that ticket by the same Governors many of whom are from Southern Nigeria. This is the simple truth. Okowa’s emergence as a Vice-Presidential candidate is in the national interest. Chief Clark is demanding that Okowa should step down from being a Vice-Presidential candidate. In whose interest and with whose mandate is he making such a demand? When Chief Clark appeared on national television as a follow-up to his letter, he was seen only with his personal staff among them housekeepers, caregivers, drivers, gardeners, and identifiable children of relations. So, under whose authority or in whose mandate is Chief Clark acting?

 

Chief Clark raised many other inchoate and unrelated issues in the ill-fated letter. One must say that he has always been at loggerheads with Governments he couldn’t control. So his un-statesmanlike vituperations are not new to well-meaning Deltans. The letter talked about so many unrelated issues including that the fear of the Urhobos and Ijaws prevented Warri from being the capital of Delta State. That may be true as similar vituperations as contained in the letter may have indeed frightened other stakeholders to the point of Warri losing the opportunity of being a State capital. If Chief Clark wants to know those whose actions and speeches denied Warri the State capital he should look at the mirror.

Always looking for a platform to grandstand, today Chief Clark used the aegis of a forum to endorse a Presidential candidate of a party other than the PDP. His motive is so clear for everyone to see. Having done that, he set out to unjustly harass Governor Okowa in order to advance the Presidential candidate he has endorsed. Not that Clark’s endorsement is worth as much as Buhari’s naira.

 

Having clearly identified Clark’s intentions, one needs not waste time commenting on the unwarranted vituperations on many vexatious issues. Dr. Okowa will not step down. I trust he will work harder to see to the victory of His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar in the Presidential election. Let me give Chief Clark a free prophecy. Atiku shall win by a landslide.

 

If Chief Clark has not seen the acknowledged good works of Dr. Okowa because he is holed up in Abuja, he should come to Delta on a tour. Governor Okowa has performed much more than the Governors Chief Clark is drooling over. Clark should know that Delta State’s accounts are audited annually and reports are sent to the House of Assembly, as required by law.

 

Chief Clark misfired and betrayed his anger over the giant strides of Governor Okowa in the education sector. Clark expressed unjustified anger at the establishment of the University of Delta, Agbor, and its multi-campus system. Clark ought to know that there are many multi-campus Universities in Nigeria and beyond and one does not see what point he was making. Maybe he should tell us why his Edwin Clark University is sited in Kiagbodo his village and not in Agbor which is an obviously better place to site a University. Clark set out to cause trouble between Owa and Agbor but as popularly said in pidgin, “dem jump am pass”.

 

Clark gave too much false information about DESOPADEC. He derisively questioned Ika’s inclusion as an oil-producing area. He may truly not know that Ika is oil-bearing, oil-producing and that oil from Ika is part of Nigeria’s crude that is sold by the Federal Government. Because Clark looks down on Ika people, he couldn’t ask questions about what he was told by those who put him up to this mischief. Clark’s co-travelers made Warri lose the State capital opportunity and he wants to make Delta State lose the opportunity of producing Nigeria’s Vice-President. Deltans are saying “no” as they will vote PDP all the way and Okowa will not step down because of you.

 

Chief, at this stage, you should learn the wisdom of silence being golden.

 

 

 

©

Friday Ewiwilem is a public affairs analyst, writing from Asaba.

 

E.K. Clark: How Not To Be An Elder Statesman*

 

By Fred Edoreh

 

As a matter of culture we respect elders, but when they sometimes misapply the honour to manipulate society to achieve self interest it becomes somewhat unbecoming.

 

I have read the open letter of our revered Chief E.K. Clark to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the very respectful reaction of the Delta State Government, but who does not understand that the elder statesman’s letter was clearly a political propaganda composed with untruths, half truths, inconsistencies and misinterpretation of facts to create disaffection across the state against our own Governor who is now opportune to be vying for the Vice President of the Federation?

 

It was not his first letter in the current political transition. Just before the primaries, he wrote one with veiled rejection and subtle threats against the rotation of the Governorship position in Delta State on the basis of Senatorial Districts.

 

What saddened me in that letter was the excitement with which he stated that he handed the documents to then President Olusegun Obasanjo to frame up Chief Onanefe Ibori.

 

He said he assembled the documents from some of the aspirants who lost out in the PDP Gubernatorial primary to succeed Ibori in the 2007 election.

 

One of them was the then Secretary to the State Government who was among those that rejected the principle of rotation of power across the districts of the state. He is contesting today to be the Governor of this same state. Another story.

 

E.K Clark revealed further  that, not pleased that Ibori was discharged by the Court of Appeal, when Goodluck Jonathan became President, he pushed that Ibori must be punished.

That led to his chase from Abuja to Oghara to Dubai and his final travail in the UK.

 

Sadly, his motive was neither altruistic nor to fight corruption. He said himself that his grouse was that Ibori outsmarted him and a few elders of Delta South to produce Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan as the flag bearer of the PDP while they were still searching for a candidate.

 

It is always either they have their way or they destroy. Just the way some elders looked on at the destruction of Diepreye Alamiesegha, apparently because they did not like his appellation as Governor General of Ijaw Nation, rightly earned for his commitment to Restructuring, Resource Control and the political cum economic  emancipation of the Niger Delta.

 

Clark has come again with another letter, cursing, swearing and lying against Okowa with so much fallacies and inconsistencies.

 

First, his grouse was that  Jonathan was purportedly betrayed in 2015. He knows those that may have betrayed Jonathan. Okowa was certainly not one of them. Secondly, he knows that it was a betrayal of the nation for Jonathan to have sought to continue in the Presidency by 2015 because the action disbalanced and damaged the seeming consensus on rotation of the Presidency between the North and the South.

 

Fact is, after Obasanjo’s eight years, it became the turn of the North. When President Umaru Yar’Adua died after two years in office, the North was of the view that, it being their turn, they should be allowed to provide someone else to live the mandate. It was argued that that would be in violation of the constitutional provision for the the Vice President to take over from an ailing or demised President. The North agreed and, by the Doctrine of Necessity, they supported Jonathan to complete the remaining two years of Yar’Adua and the Northern first term.

 

Having served it out, the fair thing would have been to step aside for the North to produce the President for the second term in order to fulfill and complete their eight years in respect for the consensus, but Jonathan disregarded to exercise that fairness and insisted on continuing.

 

With uncommon understanding, the Northern caucus of the PDP conceded to him to continue, but with a caveat that he would do that one term of four years which he visibly agreed to.

 

To their chagrin, after serving the four years, Jonathan insisted on serving another four years. Seizing the mechanism of the party, he put himself up again, not minding that with Obasanjo’s eight years, his two years of completing Yar’Adua’s tenure and the four years of his own Presidency, the South had had 14 years while the North had had just two, and his insistence on continuing again from 2015 to 2019 would have meant the South having 18 years while the North was still at two years.

 

It does not seem right to me that our elder statesmen did not see that wrong but rather supported Jonathan in the obvious travesty.

 

It was for this reason that the North caucus of the PDP exited to the APC and rallied round Buhari.

 

Having so disregarded and destroyed the flow, I find it ironical and dishonourable that these same people are the ones talking about equity today.

 

Even Governor Nyesom Wike, when Rotimi Amaechi intended that, being an Ikwerre man, his successor should come from other nationalities of Rivers State, he refused and went on to take the Governorship, he being an Ikwerre man.

 

Talking about equity in the rotation of the Presidency, even as the arithmetic stands now,  the South has had 14  years while the North has had 10. We may need to bring out the scale and see where to make the balance.

 

Talking about the declaration by Southern Governors, we seem to forgot that we marched the line in 2011 and 2015 by disregarding the North.

 

Our action in not restraining ourselves thus constrained both the APC and the PDP to throw open their Presidential primaries for winners to emerge through open democratic politicking from which Atiku Abubakar emerged as Presidential candidate of the PDP.

 

Those who come to equity must do so with clean mind. It has been said that, even in the PDP, throwing the primary open was most precipitated by the refusal of Gov Wike to agree on micro zoning to the South East, knowing that in the South, the South West had had a turn with Obasanjo and the South South had also had with Jonathan.

 

It was for this excessive disregard for others that Governor Dave Umahi left the PDP for him. This is why I pity the likes of Governors Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State who have submitted to Wike to be led by the nose.

 

By the way, when Wike was shortlisted alongside Okowa and Udom Emmanual for Atiku to choose a running mate from, he did not complain. Had Atiku chosen him, we would not have heard of G-5 and all that shenanigans of a bad loser.

 

Back to E.K. Clark, I will not bother to react to his spurious accusations against Okowa. It is the stuck in trade of propagandists and elders who erroneously feel like oracles.

 

We saw how Obasanjo packed all manners of accusations against Jonathan, including that he trained snipers where Abacha trained his and listed 1000 political leaders to be assassinated. Turned out all lies.

 

The issue of loan is a matter of public records, not subject to suggestive conjectures, except for mischievous political objectives.

 

The state has repeatedly clarified that it is not taking any loan nor fresh loan; that it had intended to take N150b bridging finance, the repayment of which was to be anchored on the expected refund on 13% derivation to be paid by the Federal Government in quarterly installments over five years; that it later scaled the amount down to N100b; that even so, it was not able to secure the N100b facility in that first attempt; that it was only able to secure N30b at about October 2022; that it had to reapply to the House of Assembly to revalidate the approval with other banks which have agreed to provide the facility with an addition of N20b to be invested in Liquid Gas portfolio just as the state has 15% equity investment in the BEDC; and that so far only about N19b has been received from the FG on the 13% refund.

 

These are matter of records that can be obtained from the banks, the CBN or national records agencies.

 

However, Clark obviously confirmed the position of the state in his letter when he stated that the initial request for N100b did not pull through, allegedly because Okowa wanted the money to be domiciled in Premium Trust Bank as against the lead banks.

 

So, having known that that initial request did not sail through for whatever reasons, what was the sense in suggesting that the revalidation was a fresh loan when he has confirmed it was not? Mischief? Mere propaganda?

 

Clark has had his time in government, from 1966 when he served in the Midwest and 1975 when he was made Federal Commissioner of Finance. We would thank him for whatever development he was able or unable to attract to the Niger Delta.

 

The struggle for the emancipation of the region has claimed lives and careers – from Isaac Boro to Ken Saro Wiwa, Alamiesegha and Ibori.

 

It was for this reason we supported Jonathan for whatever worth of development he may have brought to the region, even if it is only the university he sited at his hometown, Otuoke, just as late Gov Ambrose Alli sited the Bendel State University in his hometown, Ekpoma.

 

Interestingly, Clark has no issues with those but he does have issues with a university in Owa Alero and the upgrade of the School of Agriculture in Asaba.

 

As has been said, our daddy has made his political choice and is his right. Just that he should not think he can continue to fool the children to feather his nest.

 

Some of us know very well that neither Bola Tinubu nor his running mate, Ibrahim Shettima, has any feelings for the Niger Delta or oil producing areas whom they see as “sons of drunken fishermen,” an allusion to our environment and occupation. Remember?

 

Even Clark himself once pointed out that Obasanjo has so much hatred and resentment for the Niger Delta. For them, the oil and gas deposit belongs not to the people whose environment is continuously degraded to feed the nation.

 

I wish that after the coups of 1966 Chief Clark had not led the opposition to a Confederation system of government which we had and by which regions would harvest and apply their resources and only pay tax to the central government.

 

Nigeria and the Niger Delta would have been much more competitively developed, but to secure his personal privileges in government, he betrayed our interest and voted for unitary government at the conference for confederation called by General Gowon.

 

Since then, it has been a long road to Timbuktu but, in the present circumstance, we know that of the lot in the Presidential ballot, Atiku is a better friend of the Niger Delta.

 

Rather than being completely out of power on the backdrop of Obi/Datti and Tinubu/Shettima (needless talking about Muslim/Muslim ticket, “balubabluu” and all those drolls), the region is better served with Okowa as Vice President in the Atiku/Okowa PDP Rescue Mission.

 

But, more than that, how can anybody even be talking about the continuation of the APC in the governance of Nigeria at this time? We must not allow our elders to manipulate us into national suicide just because they feel not well personally aggrandised.

 

 

Tinubu tasks CBN, others on scarcity of fuel, new Naira notes

 

PRESS STATEMENT

 

LET US MAKE THE BEST OF THIS MOMENT

 

The past few weeks have been a challenging one for Nigerians especially our SME’s, poor and vulnerable masses and those whose very survival depend on daily cash transactions. They have felt the brunt of the combined problems of scarcity of fuel and new Naira notes.

 

We feel the pains of our market women and artisans who have experienced low sales because customers do not have cash to make purchases. We hear the loud cries of farmers in rural areas and hinterlands who have been forced to sell their produce at much lower prices so they don’t lose out completely. We hear every Nigerian dealing with the consequences of the roll-out of the cash swap programme.

 

While the scarcity arising from the supply limitations of the new naira notes is still with us, we are encouraged about reports that the fuel queues across the country are easing out as a result of better supply to fuel stations. We are now confronted with how to bring quick, sustainable solution, and relief to Nigerians on the challenges still posed by the non  availability of new Naira notes,  so that social and economic activities can move on unimpeded and normalcy can immediately return to our financial services sector and overall productivity of our nation.

 

In seeking a quick resolution, the National Council of State met on Friday, February 10, 2022 and advised the government and Central Bank in particular, to push more new Naira notes into circulation and also allow for the old notes to remain a legal tender by ensuring supply gaps relative to infrastructural limitations are bridged by recirculating it to ameliorate the pains caused by the scarcity of new ones. We agree with the wisdom of the Council of States as a necessary starting point to begin redressing the unintended consequences of what would have otherwise been a good policy that required mainstream adoption. For the records, I and my running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima and our campaign council do not have anything against the CBN Naira redesign and cashless policy in principle.  We are,however, only concerned about its disruptive implementation and the hardship it has brought on the generality of our people who currently can’t access their hard-earned money to meet obligations and the attendant consequences on the informal sector, where majority operate.

 

Despite the challenges and current difficulties, we are a country of resilient, bold and courageous people who don’t succumb to hard times. We have always overcome our most difficult times and come out better as a people and a nation. This time will not be different. We will make lemonade out of our current lemons.

 

To bring immediate relief to our people, we urge the Central Bank to consider the following:

 

  1. Following the advice of the Council of States, the CBN should announce that the old and new Naira notes (especially the non-withdrawn notes and coins) will co-exist as legal tender for the next 12 months to follow examples of countries that have successfully implemented similar monetary policy. This will immediately remove growing tension in the country, eliminate panic reactions by the populace and allow time to scale up infrastructural gaps around alternative payment options to cash.

 

  1. We advise the immediate suspension of associated charges on online transactions and bank transfers and payments via POS until the current crisis is fully resolved. This cost should be considered a roll-out expense by the CBN to incentivise the envisaged shift to alternative transaction channels; for both the financial services consuming public and those in charge of implementing the scale-up programme.

 

  1. Mobilise all Money Deposit Banks, Payment platforms to show clear commitment and timelines on expanding their infrastructure and support services.

 

  1. Bring in Fintech companies with capabilities into currency swap programme for the next 90 days to help decongest banking halls and ATM points where people line up for hours.

 

  1. The Central Bank and other relevant MDA’s should form an Inter-Agency Action Committee for immediate oversight over the cash supply gaps from the Nigerian Security and Minting Company and deal with issues around capabilities and turn around time to meet the needs of the informal sector and unbanked people.

 

  1. The CBN, National Orientation Agency and Ministry of Information, State and Local Governments with their relevant organs in both the public and private sectors should commence a major public enlightenment and sensitisation campaign to further educate and empower our people on the new naira and cashless policy for better understanding and mainstream adoption.

 

As leaders, our commitment to our country everyday must be on how to make life better for our people and we are called upon not to waste the opportunity the moment presents to us to ramp up capacity and capability to serve 200 million Nigerians, leaving no one behind and ultimately improve the living conditions of every single Nigerian. Our task now is to restore hope in the country by implementing these steps to energise our people that we can do big things for a better future and shared prosperity. We can build upon this citizen-focused policy challenge to offer a template on how governance should work for the people.

 

God bless you and God bless Nigeria. We are overcomers.

 

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate

February 12, 2023

 

 

Delta pensioners, retirees assure Omo-Agege, APC of massive support, votes

…Omo-Agege promises to offset outstanding pension, gratuity within 6 months

Ahead of March 11, 2023 governorship election, Pensioners and Retirees in Delta State have assured the Deputy President of the Senate and the All-Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege of their total support.

The Pensioners and Retirees style itself as the Association of Contributory Retirees (ACR), with over 50,000 members across the 25 local governments of the state said that their choice of DSP Omo-Agege as their sole guber candidate is because Delta needs a man that can librate it from bad governance that has become the lot of the oil-rich state.

The group disclosed this at a town hall meeting with the APC governorship candidate at Opute Hall, Ozoro, Isoko South Local Government of the state accused the Governor of Delta State and the Peoples Democratic Party, Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of wishing Pensioners and Retirees in the state death, hence he refused to pay them their gratuity and pension.

Speaking on behalf of the Pensioners and Retirees in the state, the Chairman, Chief Mrs Helen Ejieh said that because of Governor Okowa’s poor treatment of senior citizens of the state whom he wishes to die without enjoying the fruit of their labour his aspiration to become the Vice President of the country is doomed before it starts.

Chief Ejieh while assuring Senator Omo-Agege of mobilizing over 50,000 votes for him said: “we have over five thousand local government retirees. I am not talking about the state. When we talk of local government retirees, I mean those that retired from primary schools, and those that worked in the council. But as you can see here today, these are just a little percentage of those that retired from primary school. Council workers are not even here.

“As you can see, we have already started doing our work and we know by the grace of God that if it’s only the cry of senior citizens like us God will hear our cry and God will take Governor Okowa down and lift you up because we believe that it is only you who can solve our problems.”

“At a time, he deceived us that he wants to give us N10b if he borrows money. So, when he went to borrow, we calculated that N10b to end in 2016. Yet the man borrowed N150b today, and N200b tomorrow. Look at the recent one now. Just throwing Delta State money anyhow not even remembering that we are leaving. Okowa wants us dead but we don’t want to die. We are not going to die, sir.

“God has sent you to come and rescue us from this heartless government of PDP, in all our meetings, we have been preaching about you. Even when a candidate came to see us, we told him that Omo-Agege will deliver us.

“All our members have their PVC. Like I told them; at our age today if you count the number of people that will vote, I think we have a large number. Let me explain. I can vote as a retiree is it not? And so many of us here. All my children are at the age of voting, they must vote. My pain is their pain.

“Some of us here have grandchildren that are of the age of voting, they are crying. Even my own family and my husband’s family are crying. So, they will vote because of me. So, we have large numbers of people that will vote for you sir.”

Meanwhile, the APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege urged the Pensioners and Retirees in Delta State to do anything within their power to stay alive to enjoy their benefits, assuring them that their days of pain will soon be over.

Decrying the poor treatment meted out to our mothers, our fathers, our brothers and our sisters who gave the best years of their lives in service of Delta State either as employees of the state government, local government or teachers by the Governor Okowa-led administration promised to liquidate pension liabilities within 6-month of assumption of office.

Omo-Agege said, “I am elated and at the same time, I am sad. Elated because I finally have the opportunity to speak and interact with our retirees who have suffered so much at the hands of Okowa. I’m equally elated that you all decided to respond to this invitation. But with all humiliation when I see your faces, I am very very saddened as to why this kind of wickedness should be visited on our family members.

“I tell people that there is no homestead or household in Delta State that you will go to and you will not see one retiree. The challenges you face know no ethnicity, it knows no language, it knows no religion. You are all Deltans, you are all retirees. The most painful part of it is that you are not asking for a handout, neither are you asking for a favour, it is your right and your entitlement.

“While in service of Delta State, the state government either as a state or through the local government entered into a social contract with you that; every month while you serve, x amount of money will be deducted from your salary.

“And to even make it very sad, we received very sound and reliable information that all these payments, these deductions that they are making from you are normally paid onto a dedicated account. Dedicated in the sense that nobody should touch it, it is only the interest that is supposed to be going.

“But because of Okowa’s own political ambition, we have been reliably informed that Okowa had to deep his hands into that account and that is the money now he is using to fund a vice-presidential campaign.

“Now, we are not against Okowa having any ambition, we don’t grudge Okowa for being ambitious. But he cannot do so to the detriment of our retirees. That is what is wrong and that is what we are against.

“Now what is even more painful is this: this is Delta State, Delta State is supposed to be the richest state in the entire Niger Delta, and Delta State is one of the richest states in Nigeria. Despite all the money that Okowa has received which is over N4.5trn, Okowa has still decided to go on a borrowing spree.

“I want to assure you, we receive a lot of information that we have lost a lot of you because you can’t even afford to go to the hospital, you can’t even afford to eat and at your age moving past the productive cycle in your life nobody expects that at this age anybody will give you job, business or anything. Even if you’re doing business what kind of business can you possibly be doing at this age?

“So, we have information that we’ve lost a lot of you and some right now are sick. We are praying. My prayer for you today is this, and I pray to God every morning that he should keep all of you alive.

“God willing when I emerge as your governor, it’s not far again, it’s next month March 11th. If you all come out as my leader pointed out earlier, if all of you come out, your children come out, your grandchildren come out, it is a mission for vengeance. We have to avenge this on behalf of the people of Delta State, we have to reclaim our state back.

“And God willing I emerge the governor comes March 11, and I am sworn in as the governor come May 29 2023. I am making a commitment to you today that within six months of my inauguration, all of your outstanding pensions and gratuities, I will pay.

“But do me a favour; stay alive, stay alive for me it will be a thing of Joy for me after I emerge, as governor, after six months we will have other stakeholder meetings like this and by that time the news I want to hear is that you have been fully paid and that we have not lost anybody, and I want to see smiles in your face because that is what you are entitled to. Because it is the Bible that says; that when the righteous are in power the people will rejoice. And that is what we have in stock for the people of Delta State, that is what we have in store for the people of ACR.

“Now, this commitment I made to ACR also applies to State Retirees because you’ve suffered the same fate, the same predicament. You mean nothing to Okowa. As far as he is concerned, his ambition as the vice-presidential candidate for Atiku is more important. So, whatever promises I’ve made to these retirees here, also apply to the state retirees. So let them know. All I also ask of you is to stay alive,” Omo-Agege added

 

 

Omo-Agege to Delta Youths: You Must Decide On New Delta State Of Your Choice

…Promises to include youths in his cabinet

…We shall increase bursary, reduce school fees, he promised

Deputy President of the Senate and Delta State APC Governorship flagbearer, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has charged the youths and students of Delta State to grab the opportunity of the forthcoming election to decide on the type of Delta State they want to experience, going forward.

Omo-Agege who gave this charge in Warri yesterday, on the occasion of a Townhall meeting with representatives of Delta youths and students in Warri, reminded them of the hardship and suffering that have been visited on the state by the PDP government in the past 24 years.

The APC Guber Candidate who spoke against the backdrop of INYC’srecord which reveals that out of the total of 4 million registered in the State, the youths and students constitute a whopping 2.4 million of that number, urged them to come out and use their numerical strength to determine the type of Delta State they would want, going forward.

“Before coming here, I was informed that of the total registered voters roll in Delta State, 2.4 million are youths and students. This means that this election is your election.

“Delta State belongs to you, Nigeria belongs to you. You are to determine the kind of Nigeria you want in 2023; You are to determine the kind of Delta State you want in 2023.

“It is important because we are going to govern with you. You must have a say in how the government will be run.

“We have also decided that in a government we are going to form, we are going to bring equity in the composition of that government, either by way of the state executive council or just the government generally, a certain percentage that is commensurate with your voting capacity will be reflected”, he assured.

To ease the burden of the rising cost of education, Omo-Agege promised to increase students’ bursaries and review downward the current high fees in state government-owned tertiary institutions.

“We have also decided that we are going to increase your bursary. We are going to review your school fees downward. We are going to make education accessible and affordable to everyone”, he said.

On the choice of who to vote for in the forthcoming election, Sen. Omo-Agege urged the youths and students to remove emotions and sentiments and make well-informed decisions, adding that if they make mistakes in their decision, it will hurt Delta State and Nigeria for a long time.

“I want you people to make very informed decisions. You are our leaders of today, you are our leaders of tomorrow. Any mistake you make today will hunt Delta State and Nigeria for a very long time.

“As we speak, Okowa and Atiku are not contesting for the presidency because of the decision taken by everybody that it is the turn of Southern Nigeria to produce the President.

“Now, there are two people that are running for the presidency – Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC and Peter Obi. I’m a Jagaban man, I’m a Tinubu man.

“Remove emotion and remove sentiment. You have to make an informed decision. What kind of Nigeria do you want? Is it Nigeria that will look like Lagos or a Nigeria that will look like Awka?”, he asked.

He promised to invest heavily in security architecture, adding that he is in support of community policing rather than State Police.

“When I become governor, we shall invest heavily in security architecture so that the problem of insecurity will be reduced. We will concentrate on Community policing”, said.

Omo-Agege also promised to complete the two major roads in the State, the Effurun-Orerokpe-Eku-Abraka road and the Ughelli-Asaba dual carriageway, adding that he will bring in Julius Berger Construction Company to ensure a standard job is done.

He also promised to address the problem with the health sector as well as undertake the massive urban renewal of Warri and its environment to bring back the old glory of the oil city.

“For the two major federal roads we have talked about, we are going to bring Julius Berger. We don’t want those mamma and papa construction companies that use wheelbarrows and shovels.

“We are going to address our hospital problem and clean up Warri. We need massive urban renewal here in Warri”, Omo-Agege said.

 


Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidential campaign to unleash 1,000 lies ahead of election

….exposes 10 lies of Tinubu campaign in one week

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has exposed 10 lies told by the Bola Tinubu Presidential campaign against the PDP in one week.

Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said in a statement that Tinubu’s campaign will unleash at least 1,000 lies ahead of the Presidential election on February 25.

Shaibu said in a statement that four of such lies were busted in Sokoto where the APC claimed 11 commissioners and the deputy governor had decamped to the APC all in a bid to attract loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to its rally.

Shaibu said the fake photo of the Sokoto rally that was posted by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo ; and NiDCOM boss, Abike Dabiri-Erewa on social media was part of the grand plot to deceive Nigerians ahead of the polls.

He said, “Last week, while we were at the Atiku Abubakar Presidential rally in Kano State, we received hundreds of calls after the APC Presidential council released a fake letter showing that Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Manir Dan’Iya, had resigned from PDP. Unfortunately, many credible newspapers went ahead to publish it without confirmation only for Dan’Iya to deny it.

“APC campaigners also stated that 11 commissioners had defected to the PDP. This also turned out to be false. Apparently, the plan was to get PDP supporters to come to their failed rally. This also turned out to be false.

“The Sokoto rally was poorly attended despite the presence of President Muhammadu Buhari whom Tinubu has been begging for assistance. In order to save face, Festus Keyamo, who is a senior advocate and former EFCC prosecutor, posted a photo of a crowded festival in Chicago and passed it off as the Sokoto rally. This is indeed shameful. How are the mighty fallen?

“It is also Keyamo, who boasts of being a prosecutor that has now been given the impossible task of explaining Tinubu’s drug case in the United States to Nigeria. Unfortunately for the APC, despite their many lies, the fact remains that Bola Tinubu forfeited $460,000 to US authorities from funds established to be from the proceeds of drug trafficking. It is also an undeniable fact that Tinubu was an associate of two notorious drug kingpins, Abiodun Agbele and Muiz Akande.”

Shaibu added that Femi Fani-Kayode, who runs the social media arm of the APC campaign, had also been an active propagator of fake news.

He noted that Fani-Kayode’s claim that Atiku met with serving generals in Abuja was another “tale by moonlight”.

Shaibu stated, “Atiku was in Bauchi on Wednesday, Kano on Thursday and has been in Yola since Friday. It is a common principle in logic that a person cannot be in two places at the same time. Unfortunately, the APC’s lies are bereft of any modicum of intelligence.”

He also described as nonsensical claims by Tinubu’s campaign that Atiku was behind the petrol scarcity and the dollar shortage.

“Atiku left office in 2007 which is nearly 16 years ago. How could he be behind a government policy when he lacks executive powers? Even a toddler will not tell unreasonable lies like the APC,” he added.

He described as asinine claims by APC campaign spokesman, Dele Alake, that the videos depicting Tinubu speaking gibberish were doctored.

Shaibu said, “During a town hall in Imo State last November, he described the town hall as being different from “Balabu, Blu blu, Bulaba’. Reacting to the gaffe at the time, Festus Keyamo described it as Tinubu’s ‘sense of humour’. Three months later, we are told by Mr Alake that it was a doctored video. When will these disgusting lies end?

“We, however, commend the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and other credible organisations for immediately fact-checking Alake’s claim and exposing the lies.”

Shaibu said as the elections draw closer, Tinubu and his party will continue to churn out more lies at an alarming rate which could be as high as 1,000 or 80 per day. The Nigerian media must be circumspect so as not to be deceived by these lying desperados.

“We also call on members of the public to guard their hearts jealously. In these last days, the desperate albeit failing APC and its unscrupulous candidate will try everything possible to ‘lie’ their way to victory. Nigerians must not allow themselves to be conned by these corn lovers.”

Signed:

Phrank Shaibu

Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, Presidential candidate of the PDP and former Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007.

11th February, 2023.

 

Okowa mourns security aides killed by unknown gunmen

 

Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa has commiserated with the Delta Police Command and families of police officers killed by unknown gunmen in Anambra State.

 

The officers, Inspectors Lucky Aleh; Celestine Nwadiokwu and Jude Obuh were attached to the Explosives Ordinance Disposal EOD Unit in Government House, Asaba.

 

They were ambushed and killed around 1.30pm yesterday Friday, Feb. 10, by unknown gunmen along Ihiala-Orlu Road enroute Umuahia on official duty.

 

State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu who briefed journalists on the sad incident said the late officers would be greatly missed for their contributions to the peace and development of Delta.

 

He described the unfortunate killing of the officers as barbaric and unacceptable in a country seeking to be united again for peace and development .

 

“We bring you the sad news of our very gallant officers who have helped us in maintaining peace in our state attached to the Explosives Ordinance Disposal EOD Unit in Government House, Asaba.

 

“The officers met their untimely death while they were proceeding as advanced team for the PDP National Campaign Rally in Abia, unfortunately this particular team veered off from the convoy and took another route different from where the convoy was taking.

 

“They were ambushed along the Ihiala-Orlu Road enroute Umuahia by non-state actors who eventually killed three of them in police  uniform while the one on mufti escaped.

 

“We have recovered their corpse and we have also reached out to their families,”

 

He said some accounts of the unfortunate incident trending on social media was untrue adding that the state government delayed announcing their untimely death because efforts were being made to reach out to their families before making the announcement.

 

He called on security agencies in the country to fish out the killers and bring them to book so that Nigerians can once again live peacefully in any part of the country.

 

“What is happening in parts of this country today, particularly in the South East, is not  healthy for our development as a country because the elections are very very close.

 

“The security we are asking for are not just for the purpose of the elections. It is also something that everybody wants. We should be able to have security at every given time; that way, we would have development.

 

“We must also plead with our brothers and sisters who may have taken guns on the account of what they see as agitation to know that the best way to help our people, is to allow peace to reign. That way development will take place in the South East.

 

“Our people in the South East are very very industrious, they are commerce oriented and have developed love for one another over the years.

 

“We will plead with these our brothers to allow this kind of love that permeated the atmosphere in the time past in the South East, to continue to pervade that environment.

 

“That way, they are able to ensure that government will bring development to them and also able to ensure that private sector investments would thrive.

 

“It is unfortunate that these our gallant officers, just like many others have also lost their lives in the past, have lost their lives on account of the activities of individuals who describe themselves today as ‘unknown gunmen’.

 

“We are pleading with them to sheath their swords and begin to allow that love of which the people of the South East have been known for over the years. So that as a people, we will continue to coexist.

 

“We pray the good Lord Almighty to accept the souls of these our loved ones, three of them, that have passed on due to no fault of theirs.

 

“We also pray that God gives their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss; even as we seek justice on their behalf,  both as a government, as a state and as a people.

 

“We ask their immediate families to take heart. Only God understands situations like this and we know that God will not allow them die in vain because it was in the course of duty and service to our dear cou try.

 

“But even if it was not in the course of duty, nobody deserves to die the way these our brothers have been killed.

 

“As a government in Delta, we will be with their families in this their trying moments and we will also take steps to seek justice on their behalf by impressing it upon security agencies to take steps to unravel those who have caused  this pain that is in our heart today,” Aniagwu stated.

 

 

 

Delta Guber: Local Govt pensioners reject endorsement of Omo-Agege

 

Members of the Local Government Contributory Retirees of Delta State have disassociated themselves from the recent endorsement of the All Progressives Congress APC Governorship Candidate and the Deputy Senate President, Ovie-Omo-Agege by the Primary School Teachers Retirees under the aegis of the Association of Contributory Retirees (ACR).

 

Mr Daniel Onosanimoni and Engr. Godwin Ekenini, Chairman and Secretary respectively of Local Government Contributory Retirees, in a press statement said that; “We the Local Government arm of the Association of Contributory Retirees (ACR) wish to outrightly dissociate our members from the meeting between Mrs. Helen Ejieh, Chairman Contributory Retirees (Local Education Authorities/Primary Schools Retirees), her supporters/group (among the LEA/Pry. Sch. Retirees) and the Gubernatorial Candidate of the APC in Delta State, DSP Ovie Omo-Agege.

 

They stated that the Local Government Contributory Retirees is composed of all categories of Local Government employees who retired from the Local Government Service of Delta State and are yet to draw their Pensions, adding that as a body they were not consulted nor was a part of the meeting at Ozoro “and therefore  the Teachers group of ACR cannot speak for us nor serve as our mouth piece. Whatever resolution reached is for the Primary School Teachers and should not be misconstrued as the decision of all Local Government Retirees”.

 

According to them ; “We are a non-partisan body that is poised for the payment of the pensions and gratuities of our members using only known legal and constitutional channels to press home our demands and we have not resorted to party politics by endorsing any political party or any Governorship candidate for that matter.

 

“We completely disown the contents of the press release/publicity that followed the said meeting as we remain neutral and apolitical in our approach and agitations for the payment of our pension entitlement,” they wrote.

 

They added that “We do not begrudge any person or group of persons from associating or holding political opinions. But we object to the use of our umbrella Association and name in the promotion of the interests of a political party (the APC), among political parties on ground in Delta State. While we concede that no pensioner of Delta State ought to be owed pensions, having served for 35 years or attained the age of 60 years, we therefore use this medium to urge the State Government to expedite action with the Technical Committee put in place to clear the backlog of pension and gratuities owed the Local Government Retirees in the State”.

 

They commended the Delta State Government for a renewed commitment towards the payment of accrued rights of pensioners, especially, with the release of the 2 tranches of N2.5 billion each making a total of N5 billion lately for the payment of the accrued rights of Local Government and Primary School Teachers in the State.

 

“The information at our disposal from our engagement with the Bureau of Local Government Pension at various times indicate that there are not more than 8,000 retirees yet to be paid. Our figures are not near 10,000 not to talk of the 50,000 cited in the news. And that the number is decreasing on monthly basis due to the enhanced fund release by the Governor for the payment of accrued rights,” they added.

 

They also said that “We therefore condemn in its entirety the attempt by the Primary School Teachers Retirees arm to drag us into unwholesome politics and unnecessary heating up of the polity as we do not want to be caught in any guise, in the unfolding struggles and contests among political actors, since we are ordinary retirees supporting the government of the day to speedily pay our outstanding pensions”.

 

“Therefore, we once again deny and reject any attempt by Mrs. Helen Ejieh and her sympathizers to draw us into any political circus show”, they said.

 

 

Polls: Okowa wants total rejection of Muslim-Muslim ticket

 

Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for total rejection of Muslim-Muslim ticket in the forthcoming Presidential election to mitigate religious intolerance and ensure unity in the country.

 

He made the call at the PDP’s Presidential rally on Saturday in Umuahia, and urged the South-East people to stick with the party for Nigeria’s recovery and good governance.

 

Okowa charged Abia citizens to work hard for the party’s victory, pointing out that Nigerians had embraced PDP “and those in South East cannot afford to be in opposition anymore”.

 

“I say this with all seriousness because Atiku Abubakar will win the Presidential election and PDP will return to power at the federal level and when that happens, we want to ensure that Abia State is counted.

 

“We know that the South East has suffered a lot under the APC and that is why Atiku said he would unite Nigerians and ensure that every part of the country is carried along.

 

“We want to restore the dignity of the Igbo man and by the grace of God, when Atiku Abubakar and I become President and Vice President, we will be able to ensure that the construction of railway from Port Harcourt to Aba and Ikot-Ekpene is done.

 

“Atiku is a man who is fair to all and he will work for all Nigerians, including Christians and Muslims to make life better for all.

 

“We say no to a Muslim-Muslim ticket because that is not good enough for our country Nigeria. We can work together to make Christians and Muslims live peacefully in this country.

 

“Let me assure you that the Igbos will benefit from the principal positions due to each of the six geopolitical zones,” he said.

 

He urged to vote for PDP to “take APC out” but remarked that In taking APC out, the opposition must be united to fight the battle.

 

“Let me reiterate that Atiku will raise 10 million dollars to support businesses across the country; so, we must support him because he is the candidate that is best positioned to win the elections and rebuild our country,” Okowa added.

 

On his part, Presidential Candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said that his quest for PDP to rescue and rebuild the country was not based on ethnic or religious cards but was to provide Nigerians with good governance.

 

He recalled that the country prospered when PDP was in charge from 1999 to 2015 and urged the people of Abia and the entire South East to join hands with the party to return Nigeria to the part of glory.

 

The presidential candidate expressed optimism that the people would come out to cast their votes for the PDP in the forthcoming elections, adding that “PDP is going to win and therefore it is better you are on a winning ticket than a ticket thar cannot take you anywhere.

 

“Do not be distracted by other political parties playing religious or ethnic card. In PDP, we have no religious or ethnic card, we play a Nigerian card, a card that will bring everybody on board and bring a sense of belonging to every part of this country.

 

“I appeal to you Abians to make sure you remain PDP and PDP remains Abia’s party. I have seen the number of requests you have made and they fall within our policy which we tagged ‘My Covenant with Nigerians’.

 

“The issue of railways and rehabilitation of federal roads is also there. Aba is the capital of South-East as far as business is concerned.

 

“I remembered addressing businessmen in this city in 2019 and I assured them that we will set aside funds to rehabilitate and support businesses, particularly in this part of the country,” he stated.

 

He promised to ensure operationalisation of the Abia dry port which he approved while in office as Vice-President and assured that PDP was prepared to give Abia people what they wanted.

 

“It is not an issue of ethnicity or religion, it is about good governance. You can bear us witness that when PDP was leading, Nigeria was prospering and that is the time Nigeria became the biggest economy in Africa.

 

“We created more jobs and more prosperity for everybody in this country. We brought about peace and there was unity and there was not a question of people crying over marginalisation because we created a balanced leadership in this country, so you have no reason not to vote for PDP,” Atiku said.

 

National Chairman of the party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, urged the people to vote for the PDP to rescue and rebuild the country from the ruins of the APC-led Federal Government.

 

He said “voting Labour Party will not help you rather it will help Bola Tinubu who will again marginalise you for another eight years and am sure that is not what you want.

 

“The PDP is the only alternative because it is an organic party owned by the people and not any individual.

 

“The APC thrives in distortion of truth, propaganda and lies and I repeat here today in Umuahia that APC has brought shame to all Nigerians.

 

“The APC came and made things difficult for the people; they brought hardship to Nigerians and I call on you to unite and let’s send them packing,” Ayu stated.

 

Former Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wagbara; Chairman, Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Akwa-Ibom, Udom Emmanuel; Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Chukwu; PDP Governorship Candidate in Abia, Chief Okey Ahiwe, among others attended the rally.

 

 

 

Izeze condoles Okowa over death of security aides

 

Member Representing Ughelli South State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Comrade Reuben Izeze has commiserated with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on the gruesome murder of three of his security aides.

 

Izeze in a condolence message to the Governor, the Delta Police Command and members of the deceased families, the lawmaker condemned the dastard act and called on the police authorities to fish out their assailants and bring them to justice.

 

The Comrade lawmaker said the deceased officers particularly Inspector Jude Obuh would be greatly missed for his impressive service as the EOD officer at the 6th Assembly.

 

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ughelli South State Constituency, I mourn the passing of three police officers attached to the EOD Unit in Government House Asaba.

 

“I commiserate with our dear Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate of our great party Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the State Commissioner of Police, and families of the deceased police officers who lost their lives in the hands of unknown gunmen at Ihiala-Orlu Road yesterday.

 

“It is my prayer that God will grant their souls eternal repose and give fortitude to the families and friends who mourn their demise.

 

“Once more my condolences to the families  and may their souls rest in peace,” Izeze prayed.

 

Attacks on opposition: SERAP seeks ICC probe of election-related violence

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to “promptly seek authorisation from the ICC Chamber to commence an investigation into the situation in Nigeria in relation to the growing cases of pre-election violence, which if not addressed may escalate and lead to post-election violence in the country.”

 

The petition dated 11 February, 2023 was sent to Mr Karim Khan, QC, Prosecutor, ICC.

 

The organization urged Mr Khan to “urgently send the ICC legal team to Nigeria to promote free and fair elections in the country, and gather potential proof of election-related violence before, during and after the general elections.”

 

The petition followed reports of election-related violence in several states including Lagos, Rivers, and Kaduna states. Over 4,000 cases of violent attacks and 11,000 fatalities were reported across the country between 1 January 2022 and 3 February 2023 alone.

 

In the petition signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “These cases reflect the gravest election-related crimes in several states ahead of the general elections.”

 

SERAP said, “Based on these cases and other similar cases and trends of election violence, we believe that opening an investigation into the situation in Nigeria will be in the interests of justice.”

 

The petition, read in part: “SERAP urges you to seek authorisation from the ICC Chamber to commence an investigation into the situation in Nigeria in relation to election-related violence that may be committed during and after the elections scheduled for February and March 2023.

 

“SERAP also urges you to identify the suspected perpetrators of election-related violence and those individuals who bear the greatest responsibility for encouraging or facilitating these crimes, and to ensure their effective prosecution by the ICC.”

 

“These are not isolated acts, but part of growing cases of election violence, thus constituting crimes against humanity.”

 

“Seeking authorisation from the ICC Chamber to commence an investigation in relation to election-related violence that may be committed after the general elections is consistent with Article 53(1)(a) of the Rome Statute which allows investigation into ‘a crime which has been or is being committed.’”

 

“SERAP notes that the Prosecutor has consistently relied on the provisions of Article 15 of the Rome Statute and Regulation 49 of the ICC to investigate cases of election-related violence in other countries, including Cote d’Ivoire and Kenya.”

 

“The requested investigation is neither frivolous nor politically motivated. Cases of election-related violence are rarely investigated by the Nigerian authorities. Nigerian authorities are unwilling or unable genuinely to carry out the investigation or prosecution.”

 

“As a result, suspected perpetrators and those who encourage or facilitate their crimes continue to enjoy impunity. Victims continue to be denied access to justice and effective remedies.”

 

“The escalating cases of election-related violence in Nigeria meet the requirements of the Rome Statute and provide reasonable basis for you to promptly commence an investigation, particularly given the gravity of these cases and the interests of victims.”

 

“The test of ‘reasonable basis to believe’ is the lowest evidential standard provided by the Rome Statute. Thus, the information available to the Prosecutor to make a request for investigation is not expected to be ‘comprehensive’ or ‘conclusive’.”

 

“It is necessary to ensure that any request for authorisation covers investigation into ongoing and continuing election-related crimes during and after the elections, especially given the volatile political environment in the country and the entrenched impunity for these crimes.”

 

“The incidents of election-related violence strike at the integrity of the democratic process in the country, and undermine the right of Nigerians to participate in their own government.”

 

“Victims have been let down when it has come to the prevention and prosecution of these offences, largely because they are regarded as an accepted concomitant of elections in the country.”

 

“The available information provides a reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity under Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court are being committed and may be committed across the country ahead of the elections.”

 

“Nigeria is a state party to the Rome Statute and deposited its instrument of ratification on 27 September 2001.”

 

“According to our information, opposition supporters are routinely targeted, attacked, beaten and ill-treated and subjected to other physical abuse. Violent attacks against political opponents or persons perceived to support the political opponents continue to be reported.”

 

“According to the Nigeria Election Violence Tracker by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Centre for Democracy & Development (CDD), there were over 4,000 cases of violent attacks and 11,000 fatalities between 1 January 2022 and 3 February 2023 alone.”

 

“State governors continue to suppress campaigns by opposition parties within their states, and fail to ensure the security and public safety of opposition candidates, members and supporters.”

 

“These cases followed other growing reports of election-related intimidation, harassment and violence in several parts of the country including Abia, Lagos, Imo, Kaduna, Kano and Rivers states.”

 

“Nigeria has a long history of election-related violence. Dozens of people were killed during the 2019 general election. In 2011, hundreds of people were killed in post-election violence.”

 

“Under Article 15(1) of the Rome Statute, the Prosecutor may initiate investigations proprio motu on the basis of information on crimes that are within the jurisdiction of the Court.”

 

“In accordance with Article 15(3) of the Statute, if the Prosecutor concludes that there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation, he shall submit a request for authorisation for an investigation, together with any supporting material that has been collected.”

 

“Under Article 7(1) of the Statute, a crime against humanity involves any of the specified acts that are listed when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack.”

 

“Similarly, pursuant to Regulation 49 of the Regulations of the Court, the Prosecutor can provide information to the Chamber on the basis of information by non-governmental organisations and the media.”

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

12/2/2023

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

 

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Okowa mourns security aides killed by unknown gunmen

Okowa mourns security aides killed by unknown gunmen

 

 

Okowa mourns security aides killed by unknown gunmen

 

Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa has commiserated with the Delta Police Command and families of police officers killed by unknown gunmen in Anambra State.

 

The officers, Inspectors Lucky Aleh; Celestine Nwadiokwu and Jude Obuh were attached to the Explosives Ordinance Disposal EOD Unit in Government House, Asaba.

 

They were ambushed and killed around 1.30pm yesterday Friday, Feb. 10, by unknown gunmen along Ihiala-Orlu Road enroute Umuahia on official duty.

 

State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu who briefed journalists on the sad incident said the late officers would be greatly missed for their contributions to the peace and development of Delta.

 

He described the unfortunate killing of the officers as barbaric and unacceptable in a country seeking to be united again for peace and development .

 

“We bring you the sad news of our very gallant officers who have helped us in maintaining peace in our state attached to the Explosives Ordinance Disposal EOD Unit in Government House, Asaba.

 

“The officers met their untimely death while they were proceeding as advanced team for the PDP National Campaign Rally in Abia, unfortunately this particular team veered off from the convoy and took another route different from where the convoy was taking.

 

“They were ambushed along the Ihiala-Orlu Road enroute Umuahia by non-state actors who eventually killed three of them in police  uniform while the one on mufti escaped.

 

“We have recovered their corpse and we have also reached out to their families,”

 

He said some accounts of the unfortunate incident trending on social media was untrue adding that the state government delayed announcing their untimely death because efforts were being made to reach out to their families before making the announcement.

 

He called on security agencies in the country to fish out the killers and bring them to book so that Nigerians can once again live peacefully in any part of the country.

 

“What is happening in parts of this country today, particularly in the South East, is not  healthy for our development as a country because the elections are very very close.

 

“The security we are asking for are not just for the purpose of the elections. It is also something that everybody wants. We should be able to have security at every given time; that way, we would have development.

 

“We must also plead with our brothers and sisters who may have taken guns on the account of what they see as agitation to know that the best way to help our people, is to allow peace to reign. That way development will take place in the South East.

 

“Our people in the South East are very very industrious, they are commerce oriented and have developed love for one another over the years.

 

“We will plead with these our brothers to allow this kind of love that permeated the atmosphere in the time past in the South East, to continue to pervade that environment.

 

“That way, they are able to ensure that government will bring development to them and also able to ensure that private sector investments would thrive.

 

“It is unfortunate that these our gallant officers, just like many others have also lost their lives in the past, have lost their lives on account of the activities of individuals who describe themselves today as ‘unknown gunmen’.

 

“We are pleading with them to sheath their swords and begin to allow that love of which the people of the South East have been known for over the years. So that as a people, we will continue to coexist.

 

“We pray the good Lord Almighty to accept the souls of these our loved ones, three of them, that have passed on due to no fault of theirs.

 

“We also pray that God gives their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss; even as we seek justice on their behalf,  both as a government, as a state and as a people.

 

“We ask their immediate families to take heart. Only God understands situations like this and we know that God will not allow them die in vain because it was in the course of duty and service to our dear cou try.

 

“But even if it was not in the course of duty, nobody deserves to die the way these our brothers have been killed.

 

“As a government in Delta, we will be with their families in this their trying moments and we will also take steps to seek justice on their behalf by impressing it upon security agencies to take steps to unravel those who have caused  this pain that is in our heart today,” Aniagwu stated.

 

 

 

Delta Guber: Local Govt pensioners reject endorsement of Omo-Agege

 

Members of the Local Government Contributory Retirees of Delta State have disassociated themselves from the recent endorsement of the All Progressives Congress APC Governorship Candidate and the Deputy Senate President, Ovie-Omo-Agege by the Primary School Teachers Retirees under the aegis of the Association of Contributory Retirees (ACR).

 

Mr Daniel Onosanimoni and Engr. Godwin Ekenini, Chairman and Secretary respectively of Local Government Contributory Retirees, in a press statement said that; “We the Local Government arm of the Association of Contributory Retirees (ACR) wish to outrightly dissociate our members from the meeting between Mrs. Helen Ejieh, Chairman Contributory Retirees (Local Education Authorities/Primary Schools Retirees), her supporters/group (among the LEA/Pry. Sch. Retirees) and the Gubernatorial Candidate of the APC in Delta State, DSP Ovie Omo-Agege.

 

They stated that the Local Government Contributory Retirees is composed of all categories of Local Government employees who retired from the Local Government Service of Delta State and are yet to draw their Pensions, adding that as a body they were not consulted nor was a part of the meeting at Ozoro “and therefore  the Teachers group of ACR cannot speak for us nor serve as our mouth piece. Whatever resolution reached is for the Primary School Teachers and should not be misconstrued as the decision of all Local Government Retirees”.

 

According to them ; “We are a non-partisan body that is poised for the payment of the pensions and gratuities of our members using only known legal and constitutional channels to press home our demands and we have not resorted to party politics by endorsing any political party or any Governorship candidate for that matter.

 

“We completely disown the contents of the press release/publicity that followed the said meeting as we remain neutral and apolitical in our approach and agitations for the payment of our pension entitlement,” they wrote.

 

They added that “We do not begrudge any person or group of persons from associating or holding political opinions. But we object to the use of our umbrella Association and name in the promotion of the interests of a political party (the APC), among political parties on ground in Delta State. While we concede that no pensioner of Delta State ought to be owed pensions, having served for 35 years or attained the age of 60 years, we therefore use this medium to urge the State Government to expedite action with the Technical Committee put in place to clear the backlog of pension and gratuities owed the Local Government Retirees in the State”.

 

They commended the Delta State Government for a renewed commitment towards the payment of accrued rights of pensioners, especially, with the release of the 2 tranches of N2.5 billion each making a total of N5 billion lately for the payment of the accrued rights of Local Government and Primary School Teachers in the State.

 

“The information at our disposal from our engagement with the Bureau of Local Government Pension at various times indicate that there are not more than 8,000 retirees yet to be paid. Our figures are not near 10,000 not to talk of the 50,000 cited in the news. And that the number is decreasing on monthly basis due to the enhanced fund release by the Governor for the payment of accrued rights,” they added.

 

They also said that “We therefore condemn in its entirety the attempt by the Primary School Teachers Retirees arm to drag us into unwholesome politics and unnecessary heating up of the polity as we do not want to be caught in any guise, in the unfolding struggles and contests among political actors, since we are ordinary retirees supporting the government of the day to speedily pay our outstanding pensions”.

 

“Therefore, we once again deny and reject any attempt by Mrs. Helen Ejieh and her sympathizers to draw us into any political circus show”, they said.

 

 

Polls: Okowa wants total rejection of Muslim-Muslim ticket

 

Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for total rejection of Muslim-Muslim ticket in the forthcoming Presidential election to mitigate religious intolerance and ensure unity in the country.

 

He made the call at the PDP’s Presidential rally on Saturday in Umuahia, and urged the South-East people to stick with the party for Nigeria’s recovery and good governance.

 

Okowa charged Abia citizens to work hard for the party’s victory, pointing out that Nigerians had embraced PDP “and those in South East cannot afford to be in opposition anymore”.

 

“I say this with all seriousness because Atiku Abubakar will win the Presidential election and PDP will return to power at the federal level and when that happens, we want to ensure that Abia State is counted.

 

“We know that the South East has suffered a lot under the APC and that is why Atiku said he would unite Nigerians and ensure that every part of the country is carried along.

 

“We want to restore the dignity of the Igbo man and by the grace of God, when Atiku Abubakar and I become President and Vice President, we will be able to ensure that the construction of railway from Port Harcourt to Aba and Ikot-Ekpene is done.

 

“Atiku is a man who is fair to all and he will work for all Nigerians, including Christians and Muslims to make life better for all.

 

“We say no to a Muslim-Muslim ticket because that is not good enough for our country Nigeria. We can work together to make Christians and Muslims live peacefully in this country.

 

“Let me assure you that the Igbos will benefit from the principal positions due to each of the six geopolitical zones,” he said.

 

He urged to vote for PDP to “take APC out” but remarked that In taking APC out, the opposition must be united to fight the battle.

 

“Let me reiterate that Atiku will raise 10 million dollars to support businesses across the country; so, we must support him because he is the candidate that is best positioned to win the elections and rebuild our country,” Okowa added.

 

On his part, Presidential Candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said that his quest for PDP to rescue and rebuild the country was not based on ethnic or religious cards but was to provide Nigerians with good governance.

 

He recalled that the country prospered when PDP was in charge from 1999 to 2015 and urged the people of Abia and the entire South East to join hands with the party to return Nigeria to the part of glory.

 

The presidential candidate expressed optimism that the people would come out to cast their votes for the PDP in the forthcoming elections, adding that “PDP is going to win and therefore it is better you are on a winning ticket than a ticket thar cannot take you anywhere.

 

“Do not be distracted by other political parties playing religious or ethnic card. In PDP, we have no religious or ethnic card, we play a Nigerian card, a card that will bring everybody on board and bring a sense of belonging to every part of this country.

 

“I appeal to you Abians to make sure you remain PDP and PDP remains Abia’s party. I have seen the number of requests you have made and they fall within our policy which we tagged ‘My Covenant with Nigerians’.

 

“The issue of railways and rehabilitation of federal roads is also there. Aba is the capital of South-East as far as business is concerned.

 

“I remembered addressing businessmen in this city in 2019 and I assured them that we will set aside funds to rehabilitate and support businesses, particularly in this part of the country,” he stated.

 

He promised to ensure operationalisation of the Abia dry port which he approved while in office as Vice-President and assured that PDP was prepared to give Abia people what they wanted.

 

“It is not an issue of ethnicity or religion, it is about good governance. You can bear us witness that when PDP was leading, Nigeria was prospering and that is the time Nigeria became the biggest economy in Africa.

 

“We created more jobs and more prosperity for everybody in this country. We brought about peace and there was unity and there was not a question of people crying over marginalisation because we created a balanced leadership in this country, so you have no reason not to vote for PDP,” Atiku said.

 

National Chairman of the party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, urged the people to vote for the PDP to rescue and rebuild the country from the ruins of the APC-led Federal Government.

 

He said “voting Labour Party will not help you rather it will help Bola Tinubu who will again marginalise you for another eight years and am sure that is not what you want.

 

“The PDP is the only alternative because it is an organic party owned by the people and not any individual.

 

“The APC thrives in distortion of truth, propaganda and lies and I repeat here today in Umuahia that APC has brought shame to all Nigerians.

 

“The APC came and made things difficult for the people; they brought hardship to Nigerians and I call on you to unite and let’s send them packing,” Ayu stated.

 

Former Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wagbara; Chairman, Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Akwa-Ibom, Udom Emmanuel; Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Chukwu; PDP Governorship Candidate in Abia, Chief Okey Ahiwe, among others attended the rally.

 

 

 

Izeze condoles Okowa over death of security aides

 

Member Representing Ughelli South State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Comrade Reuben Izeze has commiserated with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on the gruesome murder of three of his security aides.

 

Izeze in a condolence message to the Governor, the Delta Police Command and members of the deceased families, the lawmaker condemned the dastard act and called on the police authorities to fish out their assailants and bring them to justice.

 

The Comrade lawmaker said the deceased officers particularly Inspector Jude Obuh would be greatly missed for his impressive service as the EOD officer at the 6th Assembly.

 

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ughelli South State Constituency, I mourn the passing of three police officers attached to the EOD Unit in Government House Asaba.

 

“I commiserate with our dear Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate of our great party Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the State Commissioner of Police, and families of the deceased police officers who lost their lives in the hands of unknown gunmen at Ihiala-Orlu Road yesterday.

 

“It is my prayer that God will grant their souls eternal repose and give fortitude to the families and friends who mourn their demise.

 

“Once more my condolences to the families  and may their souls rest in peace,” Izeze prayed.

 

Attacks on opposition: SERAP seeks ICC probe of election-related violence

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to “promptly seek authorisation from the ICC Chamber to commence an investigation into the situation in Nigeria in relation to the growing cases of pre-election violence, which if not addressed may escalate and lead to post-election violence in the country.”

 

The petition dated 11 February, 2023 was sent to Mr Karim Khan, QC, Prosecutor, ICC.

 

The organization urged Mr Khan to “urgently send the ICC legal team to Nigeria to promote free and fair elections in the country, and gather potential proof of election-related violence before, during and after the general elections.”

 

The petition followed reports of election-related violence in several states including Lagos, Rivers, and Kaduna states. Over 4,000 cases of violent attacks and 11,000 fatalities were reported across the country between 1 January 2022 and 3 February 2023 alone.

 

In the petition signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “These cases reflect the gravest election-related crimes in several states ahead of the general elections.”

 

SERAP said, “Based on these cases and other similar cases and trends of election violence, we believe that opening an investigation into the situation in Nigeria will be in the interests of justice.”

 

The petition, read in part: “SERAP urges you to seek authorisation from the ICC Chamber to commence an investigation into the situation in Nigeria in relation to election-related violence that may be committed during and after the elections scheduled for February and March 2023.

 

“SERAP also urges you to identify the suspected perpetrators of election-related violence and those individuals who bear the greatest responsibility for encouraging or facilitating these crimes, and to ensure their effective prosecution by the ICC.”

 

“These are not isolated acts, but part of growing cases of election violence, thus constituting crimes against humanity.”

 

“Seeking authorisation from the ICC Chamber to commence an investigation in relation to election-related violence that may be committed after the general elections is consistent with Article 53(1)(a) of the Rome Statute which allows investigation into ‘a crime which has been or is being committed.’”

 

“SERAP notes that the Prosecutor has consistently relied on the provisions of Article 15 of the Rome Statute and Regulation 49 of the ICC to investigate cases of election-related violence in other countries, including Cote d’Ivoire and Kenya.”

 

“The requested investigation is neither frivolous nor politically motivated. Cases of election-related violence are rarely investigated by the Nigerian authorities. Nigerian authorities are unwilling or unable genuinely to carry out the investigation or prosecution.”

 

“As a result, suspected perpetrators and those who encourage or facilitate their crimes continue to enjoy impunity. Victims continue to be denied access to justice and effective remedies.”

 

“The escalating cases of election-related violence in Nigeria meet the requirements of the Rome Statute and provide reasonable basis for you to promptly commence an investigation, particularly given the gravity of these cases and the interests of victims.”

 

“The test of ‘reasonable basis to believe’ is the lowest evidential standard provided by the Rome Statute. Thus, the information available to the Prosecutor to make a request for investigation is not expected to be ‘comprehensive’ or ‘conclusive’.”

 

“It is necessary to ensure that any request for authorisation covers investigation into ongoing and continuing election-related crimes during and after the elections, especially given the volatile political environment in the country and the entrenched impunity for these crimes.”

 

“The incidents of election-related violence strike at the integrity of the democratic process in the country, and undermine the right of Nigerians to participate in their own government.”

 

“Victims have been let down when it has come to the prevention and prosecution of these offences, largely because they are regarded as an accepted concomitant of elections in the country.”

 

“The available information provides a reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity under Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court are being committed and may be committed across the country ahead of the elections.”

 

“Nigeria is a state party to the Rome Statute and deposited its instrument of ratification on 27 September 2001.”

 

“According to our information, opposition supporters are routinely targeted, attacked, beaten and ill-treated and subjected to other physical abuse. Violent attacks against political opponents or persons perceived to support the political opponents continue to be reported.”

 

“According to the Nigeria Election Violence Tracker by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Centre for Democracy & Development (CDD), there were over 4,000 cases of violent attacks and 11,000 fatalities between 1 January 2022 and 3 February 2023 alone.”

 

“State governors continue to suppress campaigns by opposition parties within their states, and fail to ensure the security and public safety of opposition candidates, members and supporters.”

 

“These cases followed other growing reports of election-related intimidation, harassment and violence in several parts of the country including Abia, Lagos, Imo, Kaduna, Kano and Rivers states.”

 

“Nigeria has a long history of election-related violence. Dozens of people were killed during the 2019 general election. In 2011, hundreds of people were killed in post-election violence.”

 

“Under Article 15(1) of the Rome Statute, the Prosecutor may initiate investigations proprio motu on the basis of information on crimes that are within the jurisdiction of the Court.”

 

“In accordance with Article 15(3) of the Statute, if the Prosecutor concludes that there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation, he shall submit a request for authorisation for an investigation, together with any supporting material that has been collected.”

 

“Under Article 7(1) of the Statute, a crime against humanity involves any of the specified acts that are listed when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack.”

 

“Similarly, pursuant to Regulation 49 of the Regulations of the Court, the Prosecutor can provide information to the Chamber on the basis of information by non-governmental organisations and the media.”

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

12/2/2023

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

 

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