News From Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Monrovia, Liberia called on leaders in West Africa to do all within their powers to ensure that elections are conducted in their countries in an atmosphere of trust, freedom and transparency as this is the only way the sub-region can be insulated from the scourge of unconstitutional take overs that reared its head in three countries recently.
President Buhari made this call this in a goodwill message to the Government and people of Liberia as he joined other world leaders on the occasion of the 175th Independence Anniversary of the West African nation.
According to the President, democracy and good governance must take its roots on the African continent to sustain peace, stability and development while leaders must redouble their efforts to guarantee the irreversibility of democracy.
“I would like to use the opportunity of this event to address an important issue affecting three countries in the ECOWAS region; Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
“All the three nations have National Elections in 2023. In Nigeria, we are working towards a free, fair, transparent, credible and acceptable outcome of elections and their results, it is important and necessary for all our countries to key into these resolves as they are indispensable to peace and stability in our countries and sub-region.
“The deepening of democracy and good governance are essential antidotes to check-mate unconstitutional change of governments as we sadly witnessed within the last three years in three countries within our sub-region. We must strengthen our efforts to guarantee the irreversibility of democracy in our sub-region and Africa,” he said.
President Buhari used the opportunity to recall Nigeria’s leading roles that pulled the country back from its fratricidal insurrection in the 90s, adding that his presence at the celebrations underscores his strong belief in cementing existing bilateral ties:
“Nigeria’s contributions to the survival and safety of Liberia are well known. The dark period of your country’s civil war from 1989 to 1997, was a period that Nigeria invested hugely for peace in Liberia and indeed stability in the rest of the ECOWAS sub-region. May those dark days never re-surface in our countries and sub-region.”
The Nigerian leader commended his Liberian counterpart, Dr. George Manneh Weah, for his demonstration of love for the country and the pursuance of peace, unity and progress, as evidenced by people-oriented projects executed with the sole purpose of taking the country to greater heights within the limited resources available. While urging the Liberian leader to do more, he assured him of Nigeria’s continued support in this regard:
“Your Excellency’s policy of development launched in 2018 as well as the recently launched youth empowerment program, targeted at comprehensively addressing the problems of youth restiveness in Liberia and equally aimed at rescuing the disadvantaged youths (ZOGOS in local parlance) from drug addictions and other forms of social vices and transforming them into useful members of the Liberian society, are clearly very appropriate policies to lift up the most vulnerable.
“Permit me to assure you and all Liberians that Nigeria, as a good partner and a dependable ally, would continue to support you in these efforts, within the limit of our resources. This brings to the fore, the need for strengthening and broadening the levels of collaboration and cooperation between our two countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally, within the ECOWAS, AU and the UN, in order to adequately tackle the common national, sub-regional and global challenges.”
The President of Liberia, Dr. George Weah, thanked President Buhari and other West African leaders for their attendance and to our President in particular, “thank you Mr. President and the good people of Nigeria. Without your support we would not have had peace.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 26, 2022
“The three new projects will also be delivered to the traditional great quality, the Julius Berger standard, and on time as contracted”, Says Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, JBN PLC MD.
Nigeria’s leading and most reliable engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has signed new contracts with the Rivers State Government for the construction of two new flyovers and a new road project in Port Harcourt.
The contract signing ceremony, which held at the Council Chambers, Government House Port Harcourt was presided over by His Excellency, Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON. Also present at the ceremony was the Deputy Governor of the State, Her Excellency, Dame Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo. Honourable members of the Rivers State Executive Council, Speaker and members of the Rivers State Assembly, Elders, Chiefs, senior civil servants also attended the ceremony in Port Harcourt.
Governor Wike at the ceremony and thanked the leaders of the State for their support to his administration. He also commended the ever-dependable construction company, Julius Berger, the State’s trusted infrastructure development partner for its commanding engineering standards, reliable project delivery, and for its brilliant and standout quality.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Plc, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter said that the engineering construction company had earlier successfully delivered six flyovers, which have been commissioned by the Rivers State Government for the beneficial use of the Rivers people and indeed for Nigerians. He also said three more flyovers are at completion stage by Julius Berger, with one ongoing flyover works fast rising. Richter thanked Governor Wike for the trust he has continued to repose in Julius Berger for the construction of these major infrastructural development works. While congratulating Governor Wike for the success of the already completed and commissioned projects, Dr. Richter, on behalf of the Board and Executive Management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, further confidently promised that, as it is the constant contractual culture of Julius Berger, the three new projects will also be delivered to the traditional great quality, the Julius Berger standard, and on time as contracted.
The flyovers, which have a completion period of ten months, will be located at the Rumuokuta-and NTA-Choba Road Obia Akpo LGA. A contract was also signed for the dualization of Azikiwe Street, Iloabuchi road in Port Harcourt with a completion period of six months. Gov. Wike called his administration’s construction of twelve flyovers amongst other infrastructures in Rivers State within four years since 2019 a record-breaking feat in the history of Nigeria.
On the team of the Julius Berger managing director to the event were the company’s Regional Manager, South east/South south, Engr. Juergen Fischer, South east/South south, Project Coordinator, Chief Sam Ngbor, Special Projects Manager, Rimon Marisho, Project Manager, Engr. Terna, Contract Manager, Mrs Efe and the Head, Media Relations Office, Prince Moses Duku.
NLC EMBARKS ON A THREE-DAY NATIONAL WARNING STRIKE
CONSIDERS INDEFINITE STRIKE
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that it will embark on a three-day warning strike immediately after the Tuesday and Wednesday nationwide protest in solidarity with the striking lecturers.
Also the National Union of Electricity Employees is expected to join Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in solidarity protest with ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
A memo dated July 22, 2022 and issued by the union’s General Secretary, Joe Ajaero urged all members to participate actively in the protest.
The memo reads, “In line with the NLC’s directive and our position which was made known at the Central Working Committee (CWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Congress.
“All members of the union are enjoined to massively mobilize and actively participate in the NLC/ASUU solidarity protest against the continued closure of Nation’s Tertiary Institutions scheduled for 26/27 July, 2022.
“You are encouraged to work with the leadership of State Executive Council (SEC) of the Congress in your various states with a view of having successful outing.”
The Labour Congress stated that it might extend the warning to an indefinite strike if the federal government fails to resolve the issues with the university unions and have the schools reopen for Nigerian students.
The labour movement said it has mobilized workers across the country for a nationwide protest in all the 36 states of the federation and Abuja Tuesday.
The protest is to compel the federal government to resolve all the lingering issues to re-open universities for academic activities.
NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, stated this while speaking to journalists at the ongoing 18th NLC Rain School in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
“The protest happening tomorrow is not a solidarity protest but a protest of NLC against government actions that lead to our universities being shut down and our kids staying at home instead of going to school. All the unions directly involved in the strike are NLC affiliates and their members are part of NLC.
“We have taken three levels of decision. First is the protest, which is going to be national tomorrow. After the protest, a three-day national warning strike will start, and if they fail to resolve the issues and bring back our kids to school, we go on indefinite strike.
“That is the decision of our National Executive Council. And what will be helpful for them is to check the timeline we have given for them to resolve the issues. We are optimistic that they will be willing this time because we are also willing to get our children back to school,” he said.
Speaking on the harsh living condition of Nigerians, Wabba said that it is not only the education sector that is in a shambles but the economy.
Wabba said: “I never knew that the exchange rate has moved within a week from N630 to N670. This is very frightening and it erodes the purchasing power of workers. There is no way we can continue in this direction and expect that there will be shared prosperity within workers, and within the large portion of Nigerians that are in the lower echelon at the economic ladder.
“Importantly is the issue of our children that are out of school for five months. Basically, it also requires a political decision for the issue to be sorted out. What is even more worrisome is the fact that they keep posting the graduation of their children in universities out the country on social media and then the universities where the children of the working class study are closed down.
“I was told today that we have three sets of students that ought to be in the university but unfortunately they have not even sorted out their admission challenges. So it is really a very frightening future for Nigerians, particularly the youths.”
He said the irony of it is that most of the political elite today benefited from free public education, wondering why it is impossible for them to fix our public education.
“Is it about the class divide, it honestly beats somebody’s imagination. That is why all of these issues resonate that we need to engage politically. We have also realised the fact that they have used different approaches to divide Nigerians.
“Unfortunately for them, NLC is a pan-Nigerian organisation that cannot be divided and workers should not allow themselves to be divided along ethnic or religious lines. This is just diversion of interest. Their division tool is happening now. Workers should be wiser, citizens should be wiser. We should work assiduously to unite Nigeria and not to divide Nigerians.”
PRESIDENT BUHARI THANKS KASSI BROU FOR UNITED ECOWAS
President Muhammadu Buhari Monday received the exiting President of ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, in a farewell audience at State House, Abuja, thanking him for the role he had played in ensuring that the sub-regional body remained united.
“You showed great commitment to the unity of ECOWAS, and of the sub-region. Your tenure has been very successful, and I wish you and the family more successes ahead,” the President said.
He noted that in spite of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, and political tension in some countries, Kassi Brou and his team at the ECOWAS Commission “showed capacity and patience, and dealt with all the issues.”
President Buhari hoped that Brou’s successor would study what made him succeed, for the good of the sub-regional body.
The exiting ECOWAS Commission President thanked the Nigerian leader for the support given in the past four years, “particularly at the time of great challenges like COVID-19, and political instability in some West African countries.”
He also lauded all ECOWAS leaders, as well as Nigerian Ministers who made his tour of duty a successful one.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 25, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES TRACK SUPERSTAR, AMUSAN, FOR WINNING GOLD AT WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP
President Muhammadu Buhari expresses heartfelt congratulations to Tobi Amusan for winning the women’s 100m hurdles gold for Nigeria at the World Athletics Championship 2022, setting a new world record in the semifinals of the athletic event and becoming the first Nigerian to win a World Championship.
The President joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating this outstanding feat by a compatriot and two-time African Games champion, who in one night stunned the athletics world with her superlative and stellar performance.
The President thanks the track superstar for making the Nigerian national anthem resonate again from the international podium, leaving the nation with the excitement and unforgettable memories of tears of joy and triumph; hope and victory; incredulity and belief.
President Buhari says the legendary career and achievements of the golden girl will continue to inspire the upcoming generations of Nigerian athletes to achieve spectacular success.
The President also commends Ese Brume for representing Nigeria with honour and pride, winning silver medal in the Women’s long jump event.
The President lauds Team Nigeria for displaying courage, integrity and good sportsmanship at the world stage, proving that with hard work and determination, success is achievable.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 25, 2022
25 July 2022
Access Bank Plc becomes first bank certified against the Compliance Management System ISO 37301:2021 standard
In recognition of its exemplary commitment to achieving sustainable business continuity, Access Bank Plc. has been conferred the MSECB Management System Certificate in accordance with the management system requirements in ISO 37301:2021. This feat sees the institution become the first bank to achieve certification against this standard.
The certification which was issued upon review of the Bank’s compliance management system contributes to SDGs 8, 16 and 11, affirming its commitment to promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels, as well as making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Commenting on the feat, the Managing Director of Access Bank Plc., Roosevelt Ogbonna, said, “This certification demonstrates that the Bank’s Board of Directors and Management are committed to meeting internationally accepted standards in our global banking operations, particularly in the areas of sustainability and compliance. We believe that attaining this global standard would serve to deepen the trust that our stakeholders have in our institution as we continue to innovatively bridge worlds and connect customers to opportunities.”
The certification, which is valid for a period of three years, is subject to satisfactory surveillance audits and will also be used as a management measuring tool. The tool will be used to evaluate Access Bank’s business continuity policies and operations, sustainability practices and management compliance systems.
Published in April 2021, the ISO 37301 Compliance Management System seeks to provide a certifiable global benchmark for compliance systems.
As a leading financial institution, Access Bank continues to promote responsible environmental stewardship and stimulate socially responsible development. Its management approach to sustainability is grounded on global best practices and aims to impact across the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. Its compliance management strategy has continued to evolve as it constantly seeks to meet the demands of a dynamic and fast-changing world.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES TRACK SUPERSTAR, AMUSAN, FOR WINNING GOLD AT WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP
President Muhammadu Buhari expresses heartfelt congratulations to Tobi Amusan for winning the women’s 100m hurdles gold for Nigeria at the World Athletics Championship 2022, setting a new world record in the semifinals of the athletic event and becoming the first Nigerian to win a World Championship.
The President joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating this outstanding feat by a compatriot and two-time African Games champion, who in one night stunned the athletics world with her superlative and stellar performance.
The President thanks the track superstar for making the Nigerian national anthem resonate again from the international podium, leaving the nation with the excitement and unforgettable memories of tears of joy and triumph; hope and victory; incredulity and belief.
President Buhari says the legendary career and achievements of the golden girl will continue to inspire the upcoming generations of Nigerian athletes to achieve spectacular success.
The President also commends Ese Brume for representing Nigeria with honour and pride, winning silver medal in the Women’s long jump event.
The President lauds Team Nigeria for displaying courage, integrity and good sportsmanship at the world stage, proving that with hard work and determination, success is achievable.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 25, 2022
*You’re Making Our Country Proud, Gov. Abiodun Tells Jimoh Ibrahim*
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has told Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim CFR that he’s making Nigeria proud as he was awarded the first-ever Doctor of Business Degree by the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
The governor also described the achievement of the billionaire business mogul, who also the All Progressives Congress’ senatorial candidate for Ondo South in the forthcoming general elections, as outstanding and inspiring.
This was contained in a congratulatory letter personally signed by the governor and addressed to Ibrahim as he was on Saturday awarded Doctor of Business degree by the Cambridge University, the first-ever since it was established in 1209.
He said the award further revealed Ibrahim as a sterner stuff than perceived by people.
The letter reads in parts: “On behalf of my family, the Government and the good people of Ogun State, I congratulate you on your conferment with the first-ever Doctor of Business Degree by the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom on Saturday, 23rd of July, 2022.
“This well-deserved recognition did not come as a surprise. Indeed, it is yet another feather to a cap already decorated with many feathers that are a reflection of your many achievements that are as outstanding as they are inspiring.
“This award further reaffirms my conviction that you are sterner stuff than most mortals can discern. It also validates the self-evident truth of your humility, humanism, philanthropy and focus which is almost unequalled among your peers. No wonder our grateful Nation Nigeria, accorded you with the enviable National award as Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
“The conferment is both recognition of your contribution as it is and yet a challenge to do more for the development and service to humanity in general.”
Governor Abiodun, therefore, tasked Ibrahim to see the achievement as a call to serve humanity more than ever.
He said: “I urge you therefore to regard this rare honour as a task for you to be more diligent and committed to the betterment of mankind as you continue to remain a source of inspiration to the younger generation.
“Once again, please accept my hearty congratulations and the assurances of my highest regards.”
ECA says pool procurement platform, ATEX, can help mitigate impact of rising commodity prices in Africa
As part of its regular Price Watch Dialogue series, the African Centre for Statistics (ACS) at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) hosted, on 21 July, a policy dialogue on the impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflict on commodity and food prices in Africa.
In his welcoming remarks, Oliver Chinganya, ACS Director, stated “Africa, in the last two years, has been hit by exogenous shocks that undermine its dreams of prosperity. Interest rate hikes, increased borrowing costs, weakened currencies and tightening global financing conditions have had dire implications on the fiscal space of low and middle-income countries.”
Rising consumer prices, particularly rising food prices, are increasing inflationary pressures. Critical items like oils, fats and vegetables are up near 10% in Morocco, whilst the price of staple foods like cooking oil and wheat have risen by almost 50% in Kenya. Thus, to cope with market turbulence, nations have sought to pass on costs to consumers and seek external help. Increased food costs put vulnerable populations at increased risk of food insecurity. The ECA estimates the food crisis could further reduce Africa’s fiscal space by 7% of GDP on average.
The double-shock driven by the Ukraine-Russia crisis, and global conditions threatens to unleash a third debt crisis in Africa. Rising interest rates and tighter financial conditions limit government fiscal space while additional spending is needed.
Consequently, ECA is supporting Member States to reduce the severity of the food crisis through the Africa Trade Exchange Platform (ATEX). The ATEX is a pool procurement marketplace, which has the potential to strengthen Africa’s economic resilience.
“The platform can mitigate the supply shocks by pooling and aggregation Africa’s demand and supply to enable the negotiation of competitive prices and facilitate the delivery of essential commodities at affordable prices while boosting regional trade,” explained ECA economist, Wafa Aidi.
The webinar discussed further solutions to counter a third debt crisis in Africa, including the need for African countries to prioritize the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, support agriculture production and improve the resilience of agricultural systems. To address the tightening fiscal space, there’s need for immediate debt-service relief and waiving of surcharges, especially for countries with large borrowings. Another recommendation was on the need to refashion the SDR quota by increasing the share allocated to developing countries and triggering an automatic release of adequate SDRs during crisis; and extend the DSSI through December 2023 with interest payments deferred.
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda, Uzziel Ndagijimana added to the discussion by suggesting the longer-term responses that are also required, “Covid-19 and the Ukraine-Russia conflict found us unprepared. It is time for Africa to embark on structural transformations – to develop and invest in its infrastructure, agricultural production, human capital and regional trade.”
The next session of the webinar policy dialogue organized by the ECA will take place in three months’ time.
-Ends-
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org
Ekiti election: SERAP sues INEC for failing to prosecute vote-buyers
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for “failing to prosecute those suspected of vote-buying and electoral bribery during the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election.”
According to reports, there was a brazen pattern of vote-buying and electoral bribery in several polling units during the recently concluded Ekiti governorship election, including bargaining prices for votes and payments made in uncompleted buildings.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1189/2022 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to seek and obtain detailed information about reports of vote-buying by the three leading political parties in the 2022 Ekiti State governorship election.”
SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to promptly and effectively prosecute those arrested, and to bring to justice anyone who sponsored, aided and abetted them.”
SERAP is arguing that, “Vote buying is a threat to fair and representative elections. Vote buying amounts to undue influence and improper electoral influence.”
According to SERAP, “Wealthy candidates and their sponsors ought not to be allowed to profit from their crimes. Arresting and prosecuting vote buyers will end widespread impunity for vote buying ahead of the February 2023 general elections.”
SERAP is arguing that, “Vote buying encourages poor governance and weakens citizens’ capacity to hold their ‘elected officials’ accountable for their actions.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Vote buying undermines the ability of INEC to discharge its responsibilities under Section 153 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), paragraph 15(a) of the third schedule of the Constitution, and the Electoral Act 2022.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Corruption of the ballot box intrudes on the freedom of Nigerian voters to make up their own minds. Vote buying and other forms of electoral corruption freeze out the less wealthy candidates and parties.”
SERAP is arguing that, “When political candidates or their sponsors decide to buy the support of the people rather than contest fairly for their votes, there are possibilities that such candidates and sponsors will show a disregard for democratic rules and a disposition to adopt illegal means becomes inevitable.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “Vote buying is entirely an act of election malpractice connected with vested interest since an election can be said to be free and fair when it is devoid of vote buying.”
“Ending impunity for vote-buying and electoral bribery would contribute to free and fair elections. A corruption-free electoral process is essential for building public confidence in the electoral process, and the credibility and legitimacy of the 2023 elections.”
“One of the people’s most sacred rights is the right to vote. INEC has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to ensure the effective exercise of the right of all eligible voters to participate in their own government in free and fair elections.”
“Preventing and combating vote buying and electoral bribery would advance the people’s right to vote and to participate in their own government, as well as bolster the ability of INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional and statutory mandates.”
“Many years of allegations of vote-buying and electoral bribery and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined public confidence in the electoral process.”
“Prosecuting allegations of vote-buying and electoral bribery would be entirely consistent with the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the country’s international human rights anti-corruption obligations.”
“Agents of the three dominant political parties in the state, namely All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), were reportedly involved in buying votes across the state, and voters offered as high as N10,000 in exchange for their votes.”
“The Nigerian Constitution provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”
“Section 145(2) of the Electoral Act provides that, ‘a prosecution under this Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it.’”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
24/7/2022
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
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS MIKE AWOYINFA AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with frontline journalist, editor and author, Mike Awoyinfa, as he turns 70.
The President recalls with delight the more than four decades Awoyinfa has devoted to journalism, informing, educating and entertaining the public with the best of prose and literary prowess, plying his trade with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Concord Press, The Sun Newspapers, and publishing the Entertainment Express, among others.
He equally salutes the journalist’s foray into book writing, and encourages many more journalists to toe the same path, “since books virtually live forever, and reading makes a full man.”
President Buhari congratulates the Awoyinfa family, the media profession at large, and specifically the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), on the landmark occasion.
He wishes Awoyinfa longer life in good health, “and greater contributions to a profession he loves so much.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 24, 2022
July 23, 2022
Press Statement
2023: PDP Has Valid Governorship Candidate in Delta State
…As Party Charges Deltans to Disregard Social Media
Speculations
The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to speculations in a section of the social media that our Party had disobeyed an Order of Court with regards to our Governorship candidate in Delta State and that our Party do not have a candidate for the 2023 Governorship election in the State.
For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP makes it abundantly clear and states in very precise and categorical term that our Party had not disobeyed any Order of Court and we have a valid Governorship candidate for the Delta State governorship election in 2023.
However, in the interest and due information of our teeming supporters and the general public, our Party clarifies as follows;
In line with the new Electoral Act, submission of names of candidates is no longer physical but by electronic transmission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Under the electronic process, INEC grants access to its portal to political parties to electronically upload its candidates’ information/particulars; which access for governorship candidates closed on Friday, July 15, 2022.
With reference to Delta State, our Party duly submitted and uploaded the name of Oborevwori Sheriff Francis Orohwedor as the Delta State Governorship candidate of the PDP onto INEC Portal on Friday, July 8, 2022.
On July 18, 2022, three days after the closure of access to the INEC Portal, our Party and INEC received a Court Order directing the substitution of the name of Oborevwori Sheriff Francis Orohwedor with another name. However, given the closure on July 15, 2022, our Party had no access to the INEC Portal
Subsequently, the PDP and INEC were served with Court of Appeal processes comprising; Notice of Appeal, Motion for Stay of Execution and Records of Appeal filed by the candidate whose name was initially uploaded by the Party onto the INEC Portal.
It is instructive to state that under the INEC guideline, the last day for effecting any change of names of candidates for the 2023 general election is September 28, 2022.
For emphasis, the PDP currently has a candidate for the 2023 Governorship election in Delta State. If there be any change drawing from the outcome of the judicial processes, such will be duly and appropriately reflected in compliance with the Order of Court. The PDP as a law-abiding Party has always and will continue to comply with Orders of Court in every matter and situation.
Our Party therefore urges our members, teeming supporters and the people of Delta State to disregard the speculations and remain focused on the platform of the PDP in their determination to consolidate on the achievements of the Governor of Delta State and our Vice-Presidential Candidate, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
The PDP is fully prepared for the 2023 general elections in Delta State as well as across the nation and will emerge victorious at the polls.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
GOV AKEREDOLU AT CAMBRIDGE, DECRIES SPATE OF ABANDONED PROJECTS IN NIGERIA
Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has decried the spate of abandoned projects in Nigeria.
Governor Akeredolu said abandoning projects at this critical period in the economic life of the country is not cost-effective.
The Governor, who identified corruption, resource control, project goals, contractor selection and supervision as some of the major challenges behind abandoned projects, noted that a reasonable government must work towards achieving a successful completion of projects in its state.
Governor Akeredolu spoke on Saturday at the First Business Doctorate Degree of the University of Cambridge Graduation Ceremony held at the University’s Arms Hotel, United Kingdom.
The Governor, who was a guest speaker, described Megaproject as an excellent accelerator if properly planned and executed.
Governor Akeredolu spoke on the topic: ”The Paradox Of Abandoned Megaprojects In Nigeria.”
He said: ”The Ondo State Government, under our leadership, has completed several megaprojects. These projects exacted considerable pressure on the severely lean resources of the State. These megaprojects have gobbled billions of Naira.
“While some have been completed and delivered, several others, some of which are complex, may take over five years or so to be completed. Our administration has continued to construct roads, bridges, among other infrastructures.
“We made a solemn pledge on assumption of office that we would complete all projects abandoned by our predecessors in office. We are not unaware of the acute paucity of funds for the execution of projects.
“We are, however, poised to fulfill our promise as best as the financial situation permits. We intend to complete all projects in the lifetime of our government. We do not intend to handover any abandoned project to our successor.
“Megaprojects, such as the Ore Bridge, provide the necessary support for government deliverables and economic transformation, which is readily discernible in our GDP. So, where it is properly planned and executed, megaproject is an excellent development accelerator.
“Given the resources such a project can take, abandoning projects at this critical period of our economic lives is not cost effective. The challenges are not only limited to developing countries as over £30 billion (British pounds) has been spent on the Cross-rail Project in England without completion. This is a terrible example of a project going bad in developed countries.
“Specific to Nigeria and as pointed out in the thesis, just three abandoned projects equal 60% of our national debt. The Lagos-Badagry Express Road, the Ajaokuta Steel Project, and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Project. At all times, the Federal Government abandoned 60% of every project and the Nigeria National Library, where over N200 billion has been spent, is abandoned. The project is on the 5th floor of a 13-floor building project.
“The Federal Government has been on site for over 25 years without meaningful progress. Again, the megaproject takes around 10% of global GDP and over $9 trillion yearly. It is the case that Universities globally should rise to the challenges of acquiring and engaging new knowledge on megaprojects.”
The Governor also congratulated the Billionaire businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, who obtained the Doctor of Business Degree of the University.
“I am told it is the first time the University of Cambridge will be awarding her first Doctor of Business Degree in the last over 800 years.” Governor Akeredolu said.
He noted that the incredible performance of Dr. Jimoh at the University of Cambridge comes with hard work and commitment to primary goals, adding that the business mogul has invested time in the institution.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 23, 2022.
Wike: I will speak on Atiku soon
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has promised to speak soon on recent happenings in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike contested for the presidential ticket
of the party but lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Since then, there has been no love lost between the duo, especially since Atiku picked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as his running mate.
Wike, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said it had become pertinent for him to speak and reveal to Nigerians all that had transpired in the PDP since the emergence of Atiku as the presidential candidate of the party.
“On Atiku, I will speak soon and Nigerians will know the actual truth of all that has transpired in the PDP in recent times.”
GOV AKEREDOLU MARKS 66TH BIRTHDAY WITH SPECIAL HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Thursday marked his 66th birthday with a special holy communion service held at the Chapel of the Epiphany within his residence at the GRA, Ijebu Owo.
The wife of the Governor, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who also celebrated her birthday yesterday, attended the holy communion service as well as other members of the Akeredolu’s family.
Members of the House of Assembly, Commissioners, Heads of Security Agencies, Council chairmen, political associates and others were also in attendance.
The Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Right Reverend Stephen Fagbemi, in his sermon titled “Living A Purposeful Life” congratulated the governor and applauded him for redefining governance in the state.
In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu, who was full of gratitude to God for His grace and mercy, said God has been merciful to him and his family in all ramifications.
He took time to sing various songs of praise to God for His protection and goodness towards him, his family and siblings in general.
“We want to thank God for His grace, thank God for His mercy. We cannot ask for a better thing. God has been faithful to us. Is it the children He has blessed us with, is it the grandchildren,” the Governor said.
The Governor, who described his siblings as a very strong pillar of support, noted that he is proud that he has a good and supportive family.
In the area of governance, Governor Akeredolu emphasised that God has always been with him since he assumed office as Governor of the state despite numerous challenges.
He appreciated the support and cooperation of members of the State Executive Council, party members, heads of the security agencies among others, saying their supports have greatly assisted him in the development of the state.
The celebrant, who believes that it is God who gives position to man, equally thanked God who has been directing the affairs of the State, even as he prayed for more divine guidance.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 21, 2022
Atiku replies Tinubu, says ‘My university attendance is a matter of verified record’
We Challenge Bola Tinubu To Take The Hot Seat
We were rather amused to read the knee jerk response from the Tinubu Campaign Organisation to the wave making interview granted by Waziri Atiku Abubakar to Arise TV on Thursday, July 21, 2022.
Mr. Tinubu has not sat down to do any prolonged interview for obvious reasons. Nigerians have seen him talk in public and can themselves gauge the reason why he is mortified to do so.
Nevertheless, I will now take the issues in their statement one after the other.
* The Tinubu campaign exposed its gross desperation and vacuousness by citing the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) 1999, to declare Waziri Atiku Abubakar’s stance on engaging in a side business while he was a young custom officer as a breach of the law. It is pertinent to educate the Tinubu campaign organisation that Nigeria is not under a military regime and our Constitutions are not retroactive in nature.
* Again, the Tinubu campaign betrayed either dishonesty or lack of attention to detail by claiming that Atiku Abubakar said oil contributed 20% of Nigeria’s GDP. That is a lie. What the Waziri said is as follows:
“Oil only maybe accounts for about 20% of our GDP”.
* The use of the word maybe by the Waziri was in reflection to the different figures given. While the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics states a figure close to 10%, other multilateral organisations have given a much higher figure of between 15-20%. So, while the jury is still out, it is right to qualify the contribution of oil and gas as a maybe. However, we do like to point out that Waziri Atiku Abubakar mentioned both the PDP and the APC during the interview and did not forget the name of his own party.
* It seems the Tinubu campaign organisation (can a disorganised body be called an organisation?) does not know the meaning of rotation of power and micro zoning. So, we will gladly educate them. Rotation of power refers to a constitutional provision where power is zoned between North and South. Micro-zoning refers to a non constitutional idea, where power is zoned not between North and South, but amongst geo-political zones. We hope this cures the political illiteracy of the authors of that document.
* The rude response also accuses Waziri Atiku Abubakar of having “limited education”. Atiku Abubakar has an earned Masters degree from Anglia Ruskin University. We challenge any of the present Presidential candidates to present an equal or higher degree. Moreover, his university attendance is a matter of verified record. Can we say the same about some other persons?
* On President Lincoln, we are afraid the poor student of history is the Tinubu campaign disorganisation. Yes, it is true that Lincoln ran for President with his name on the ballot twice. But he ran at other times, and failed to get his name on the ballot.
* In conclusion, we would like to challenge Bola Tinubu to subject himself to an hour long interview, like the Waziri did, and if he is able to be as articulate and mentally present as our candidate, then he can talk. Until then, we will only want to remind him and his yes men that they are not in a position to point fingers when they have not sat on the hot seat.
Paul Ibe
Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar
Presidential candidate of the PDP and Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007
Abuja
July 23, 2022
WE ARE SHOCKED BY ATIKU’S LIES, IGNORANCE ON ARISE TV – TINUBU CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION
Says Mr Presidential candidate: Lincoln did not contest US Presidency five or six times
The Bola Tinubu Campaign Organisation has picked holes in some facts stated by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). That was the interview he granted Arise Television.
“We have watched Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s interview on ARISE Television and were extremely shocked by the many lies and ignorance displayed by the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate.” The organization stated in a statement signed by its Director, Media & Communication, Bayo Onanuga.
“In the interview, Alhaji Atiku exposed himself as a man who is not prepared for the job he is applying for and a man who cannot be entrusted with our commonwealth. He was flippant in his response to important questions about his record of service and how he made money while serving in Customs. He muddled up facts and exhibited befuddling absence of mind.”
Here, according to the organization, are takeaways from what it called “the bungled interview”:
PDP candidate is a lawbreaker: It was most shocking Atiku admitted that he cheated the system for decades and engaged in gross misconduct as a government worker. As a customs officer at the Idi-Iroko border, Atiku revealed that he ran a commercial taxi service, claiming ‘there is no law stopping public officers from doing business in Nigeria”. He punched harder, claiming there is no conflict of interest in doing so.
We found this to be untrue.
Every officer in the civil service is expected to comply with a code of conduct and service rules which bar civil and public servants from engaging in private business while in government employment to the detriment of the service he/she is employed to render to the public. The 1999 constitution further codifies this in Part I, Fifth Schedule, Section 2 (b).
It says a public officer shall not, except where he is not employed on a full-time basis engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade. The rules however allow a public officer to engage in farming.
We wonder which rule or which law Atiku was relying upon for his gross misconduct as a public officer. It is our considered view that Atiku gamed the system all through his career in public service, culminating in his founding of the Intel Logistics along with Late Shehu Yar’Adua and some Italians, even while he was still in the employment of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Poor Knowledge of key sectors of the economy: We also found it surprising that the PDP presidential candidate does not know the contribution of the oil and gas industry to Nigeria’s GDP. He claimed the sector represents 20% of our national GDP whereas it is below 10 per cent and it is still falling owing to the growth of the non-oil sector under the current All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
False Data from Egypt: Atiku Abubakar wanted to impress his audience with his supposed knowledge of international affairs. He ended up embarrassing himself with false data he cited from Egypt. We found his claim that Egypt has 2 million police officers on the streets to be untrue. Various sources put the number at about 500,000 for a population of 104 million and not 80 million as falsely claimed by Atiku.
Rotational Presidency: Asked to justify why the PDP jettisoned Section 3c of its constitution which enshrines power rotation between the North and South, Atiku tried to fudge his answer by focusing on Governor Nyesom Wike and his effort to reconcile with him after he, a northerner snatched the presidential ticket that ought to have been taken by a southerner. While Atiku was playing to the gallery on APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, he didn’t see seeking to be President after 8years of a President from his part of Nigeria as politics of exclusion.
Probed further, Atiku provided several contradictory answers. In one breath, he said power rotation is not in the constitution. In another breath, he said the PDP has never “micro zoned any position’. Then he admitted that the party has always rotated power between the North and the South. Atiku’s justification as to why he became PDP’s presidential candidate, instead of a southerner is a perfect example of ellipsis: “In politics”, he said, “We negotiate power through negotiations(Sic)”. Whatever that means.
Atiku ever an expert in not telling the truth also did not come clean over his once-upon-a-time preference for a same-faith ticket. In 1993, after Atiku and Kingibe lost to MKO Abiola in the SDP presidential primary in Jos, Atiku was the choice of the Yar’Adua camp to become Abiola’s running mate. Abiola overlooked him and picked the more cerebral diplomat and bureaucrat, Babagana Kingibe. In all the tonnes of biographies written about him, there was nowhere he said he opposed Shehu Yar’Adua’s support for his candidacy as Abiola’s VP. He was not against it, since it favoured him. Now, it is politically convenient and opportunistic for him to oppose the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.
Political Credentials: Most reprehensible were Atiku’s lies about how many times he ran to become the governor of Adamawa or the old Gongola State.
Mr Presidential candidate, in case you don’t know due to your limited education, you run for an office, only, when you are on the ballot in an election. Your signifying interest in an office does not mean the same as running for the office. From available records, the first time you contested the governorship election in your state was in 1999. Your name entered the ballot for the first time and you won.
Poor grasp of history: Atiku Abubakar also exhibited poor Knowledge of history when he claimed that Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s famous leaders contested the presidency five to six times before he eventually won.
This is a beer parlour tale that has been recycled over time. Lincoln contested the U.S. presidency twice. He ran in 1860 and 1864 and won both, before he was assassinated on 15 April 1865.
The false story about Lincoln’s failed presidential bids sprang from his previous failed state and national elections, in his state of Illinois. They were not the same as America’s presidential election.
According to historians, Lincoln lost his first election in 1832 for the Illinois state legislature. In 1834, he ran again and won.
In 1843 he ran for Congress. He lost. Three years after in 1846, Lincoln ran for Congress again – this time he won and went to Washington. From established history, in 1848, Lincoln ran for re-election to Congress and lost. In 1854, he ran for Senate of the United States. He lost. Lincoln also made another failed bid for U.S. Senate from Illinois in 1858. He lost to Democrat Steven Douglas.
We conclude that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is ill-prepared to be President of Nigeria if he could bungle a Television interview that was planned well ahead of the day and time the duo of Dr Reuben Abati and Ms Tundun Abiola conducted it.
We expected the PDP presidential candidate to be well informed on any issue before coming on national television to expose himself to avoidable ridicule.
Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media & Communication
Tinubu Campaign Organisation
July 23, 2022
2023: Osun victory signposts PDP’s rescue mission determination – Okowa
Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, said the party’s victory in Osun governorship poll was a pointer to its readiness to rescue the country from mal-administration and government insensitivity.
The governor stated this while addressing PDP faithful at a mega rally at Ozoro, on Saturday, and affirmed that PDP remained the only party that could return Nigeria to better days.
He assured that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, PDP was strong, virile and united in the state, adding that what was playing out was democracy-in-action.
“I am glad that some of our friends have come to join us in this revolution to rescue Nigeria.
“The victory of our party last week Saturday in Osun is just the beginning of the revolution to rescue Nigeria and to return us to the path of growth.
“In the last seven years, it has not been too well with us as a nation, but we know that God has come to our rescue and it’s just for the PDP to take it and run with it; that sign has already started with our victory in Osun.
“Last Saturday, you listened, you watched and you waited for the result in Osun S. We went to the heartland of the APC in Yoruba land to make a statement and to God be the glory.
“They did not give PDP a chance; the APC thought it was a done-deal but God showed His mighty hand and when the results started coming, it was unfortunate for the APC.
“That is just the beginning and I must thank Nigerians who have come to realise that something has gone wrong and that we need rescue and there is only one party that can rescue Nigeria as at today and it is the PDP,” the governor said.
He pointed out that PDP was the only party with the most experienced candidate and urged Nigerians to support the party’s rescue mission.
According to him, when you look at all the persons they have brought out, you can see the distinction; we need a man who is calm with a lot of experience; somebody who knows what to do from day one.
“And, if you look at it very well, only one man fits the bill and that’s why we are talking about the ‘Atikulate Revolution’.
“I heard some people saying that PDP is dying in Delta State and I wonder why they are deceiving themselves.
“We are not boasting but on the day of election, our people will come out and vote and in the next election we are going to win all available seats – from the Assemby to the Presidential.
“In 2019 they got two local government areas but in 2023 we will win the entire 25 local government areas.
“Whatever is going on in the party today is a normal democratic process; so, there is nothing to worry about, no cause for alarm and no cause to fear,” he stated.
The governor thanked PDP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for nominating him as his running mate, and assured him that Deltans would support the Atiku-Okowa ticket.
“We thank God that a very experienced presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, picked one of your own as his running mate and we give God the glory.
“When it’s time for campaign we will come out to campaign but one thing is that Atiku has done well for the people of South-South, South-East and the people of South-West because we stand for all and he has done well for us.
“2023 is about the youths and women of Nigeria and we cannot continue to suffer and stay hungry. We must definitely move forward,” he stated.
Welcoming party faithful earlier, the state’s Chairman of PDP, Chief Kingsley Esiso, said the primary purpose of the rally was to receive defectors from other parties.
He said that Nigerians could no longer tolerate a party that had divided Nigeria along ethnic, religious and regional lines.
“People are hungry and angry, and in the midst of that, APC showed its desperation and insensitivity by coming up with a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“In Northern Nigeria, Christians constitute no fewer than 40 per cent of the population, yet APC said they couldn’t find a Christian to be vice-presidential candidate.
“Nigerians will not answer them, we will wait till 2023 and answer them with our votes using our PVCs.
“Our people have seen with their eyes what Governor Okowa has done in Delta,” he said.
On the governorship tussle in the state, Esiso urged party faithful to remain calm, adding that INEC had asked stakeholders to maintain calm until the entire court processes were exhausted.
“As the state Chairman of this great party, it is my responsibility to educate our people on developments in the party.
“Some weeks ago our party conducted one of the freest and fairest governorship primaries in Delta state and a candidate emerged and our party has dutifully submitted the name of that candidate.
“It is our responsibility to stand and defend the outcome of that primary. The issue before the court has nothing to do with the integrity and credibility of that primary.
“By the action of INEC yesterday(Friday), we have been told in PDP to wait patently for the outcome of the court judgement,” he stated.
The rally was attended by, Minority Leader of House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu, Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, among others.
The defectors to the PDP, who were in large number were led by Chief Fred Obe and his Grassroot Unity Movement; Chief Solomon Omene, Chief Gladys Agba, Amb. Nwaham Iwendi and APGA State Secretary, Chief A.T. Okrakpo among others.
They apologised for contributing to the emergence of a tyrannical party in APC and pledged to be part of PDP’ rescue mission.
Akeredolu Hails Jimoh Ibrahim As He Bags University of Cambridge Doctor Of Business
Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has congratulated and commended billionaire business mogul, Dr.Jimoh Ibrahim CFR on his new academic feat as he was awarded Doctor of Business by University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
According to the records, Ibrahim received the first Doctor of Business degree to be awarded by the university since it was established in 1209.
In his address at the graduation ceremony and faculty launch in honour of Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim held at the University of Cambridge Arms Hotel, United Kingdom, on Saturday, revealed that Ibrahim’s dissertation was on “How Megaprojects Are Damaging Nigeria And How To Fix It.”
He also disclosed that the All Progressives Congress’ senatorial candidate for Ondo South in the forthcoming general elections “completed the degree in record six months before the university’s four years.”
In the dissertation, Ibrahim was able to identify 11,886 abandoned Nigeria Federal Government projects.
According to Akeredolu, “Specific to Nigeria and as pointed out in the dissertation, just three abandoned projects equal 60 percent of our national debt. The Lagos-Badagry Express Road, the Ajaokuta Steel project, and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Project(SURE-P) project.
“At all times, the Federal Government abandoned 60 percent of every project and the Nigeria national Library where over N200 billion has been spent, is abandoned.”
Expressing his excitement about the record being made by the Ondo State-born business mogul, Governor Akeredolu said: “It is not only a matter of great joy, the event marks a significant punctuation in the history of our dear state and country, that a prominent citizen of Ondo State and Nigeria is the first person. To be admitted to complete the degree of Doctor of Business from the Judge Business School.”
Akeredolu, therefore, appreciated the University of Cambridge “for the incredible opportunities given to Dr. Jimoh to be the first in the Business doctorate programme of the university, as I’m told, the first in 800 years.”
He disclosed that his administration and the nation at large would exploit and explore Dr. Ibrahim’s newly acquired knowledge.
“We return home with joy and an excellent opportunity to improve megaprojects knowledge with new skills acquired by Dr. Jimoh, which, once put into use in our country, will surely change the narratives.
……………………………………………………………………………..
EBIRERI HENRY OVIE
08036977194
henryebi@yahoo.com
TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), HON. DEBO OLOGUNAGBA ON THE COLLAPSING FOLLOWERSHIP OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC), PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, TODAY, FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022.
Osun Election/Fake Bishops
PDP to Tinubu: Withdraw from Presidential Race Now
Gentlemen of the Press,
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the nauseating, blasphemous and unpardonable act by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in hiring street artisans, fraudsters and touts and criminally dressing them in bishop’s vestments to orchestrate an endorsement for its collapsing Presidential campaign.
The PDP, in the strongest term, condemns this profane and highly provocative act of desperation by the sinking APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the face of APC’s collapsing leadership, membership and followership structure across the country.
Nigerians were sickened by videos and pictorial evidence of known mechanics, bus conductors and fraudsters sacrilegiously being dressed in fake bishop vestments and paid to endorse the unveiling of Asiwaju Tinubu’s widely rejected running mate, Sen. Kashim Shettima.
Such action is unacceptable and unbecoming of any individual aspiring to a leadership position at any level let alone, the office of the President. This is an embarrassment to leadership.
With this scandalous act, Asiwaju Tinubu, who is still battling with issues of alleged perjury, non-existent certificate and allegations of extortions has become more ethically challenged and lost all moral standing to seek election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
More sickening is the outcry by the hirelings that they were defrauded by agents of the APC Presidential candidate, who paid them sums ranging from N30,000 to N40,000 as against the N100,000 they were earlier promised.
It is therefore ludicrous that instead of being remorseful and asking for forgiveness, the APC Presidential Campaign is shamelessly posting lame denials and excuses in the face of hard and verified evidence of its involvement in the shameless venture.
Our Party is not surprised by the attitude of the APC Presidential Campaign. Such is consistent with the character and DNA of the APC, which was never a political party but a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) hurriedly put together by conflicting bed-fellows and inchoate sailors clobbered together for remote personal gain and whose only interest is to defraud Nigerians through falsehood, lies, deceit, bribery, Temporary Loyalty Purchase, corruption of established institutions and violation of set rules without regards to the feelings, sensibilities and wellbeing of Nigerians.
With this ugly episode, Nigerians now know the individual who has been the planner and executor of the lies, false promises and corruption of the APC that have brought disunity, excruciating hardship, mass killings and political instability in the country in the last seven years.
Under the corrupt and deceptive government Asiwaju confessed to have helped to install, our productive sector has been completely wrecked; the over $550 billion economy (largest in Africa and 26th globally) with a naira value of N167 to the Dollar handed over by the PDP has been brought to its knees with the naira now crawling at N665 to a Dollar today.
Under Asiwaju’s APC government, Nigeria’s debt stock has astronomically risen from N12 trillion under the PDP to N41.6 trillion with our nation going broke as Debt Servicing cost has now surpassed Government revenue with over N300 billion.
Today, millions on businesses have been shut down due to harsh economic policies and high cost of fuel; unemployment has risen to over 35%, cost of food items, medication and essential services have skyrocketed beyond reach as over 90 million Nigerians are no longer able to afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life. What a tragedy!
It is now crystal clear to Nigerians why the people of Asiwaju’s ancestral State of Osun and the South West geo-political zone which ought to be his natural stronghold outrighly rejected him and his APC in the July 16, 2022 Governorship election in Osun the State.
PDP’s sweeping victory and the spontaneous jubilation across our country are direct statements by Nigerians on their resolve to stand on the platform of the PDP to free themselves from the agonizing stranglehold of the lying, cruel and life-discounting APC and its Presidential Candidate.
Furthermore, Asiwaju Tibunu’s humiliating rejection in Abuja, where he had reportedly rushed to in a desperate bid to frustrate the smooth conclusion of the Osun State Governorship election is a clear testimonial that the APC Presidential Candidate has been roundly deflated.
Our Party is privy to reports of how doors were locked against APC leaders in Abuja and how their frantic telephone calls and corrupt offers to truncate the Osun election were turned down.
The APC Presidential candidate can recall that our Party had in a statement on June 8, 2022, cautioned him that he will soon realize that Nigeria is not one of his acquired estates or fiefdoms and that Nigerians are not his political string-puppets and retinue of lackeys, from whom he bought the APC Presidential ticket.
Now that the APC Presidential candidate has lost the basic required leadership integrity and having been exposed and roundly rejected in his ancestral home State of Osun, the South West and across the country; our Party counsels him to immediately withdraw from the 2023 Presidential race to avoid further disgrace.
Nigerians cannot afford to have fraudsters, liars, deceivers, perjurers, swindlers and corrupt individuals at the helm of affairs in our country. Such individuals can only superintend over a deceptive, fraudulent and duplicitous administration and worsen the woes faced by our nation under the current inhumane and rudderless APC administration.
The APC Presidential candidate and his party should know that it is in his own interest to withdraw from the race as it will be futile to go into an election in which the Will and aspiration of the people are manifestly against him and the APC.
Asiwaju has no political fighting chance in the face of the soaring popularity of PDP’s very competent, candid, transparent, people-oriented and much more prepared Presidential Candidate, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar at the poll.
The PDP is poised for a winning campaign and as always, our Party is open to suggestions and further collaborations with well-meaning Nigerians as we collectively march to liberate our nation in the 2023 general elections.
Thank you for listening and God bless you all
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI: ELECTIONS IN ANAMBRA, EKITI AND OSUN PROOF OF MY IRREVERSIBLE COMMITMENT TO CREDIBLE POLLS
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja declared that the off-season elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States have confirmed his Administration’s irreversible commitment to credible and violence-free polls in the country.
Receiving a delegation from Nasarawa State, the President urged the electorate to vote the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections to ensure continuity in the polity, and stability in the country and West African region.
The President told the high-powered delegation led by the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, that the Electoral Act, signed by him earlier this year, was an attestation of the fulfilment of the administration’s determination and commitment to the tenets of the rule of law.
‘‘On the issues of credible, free and fair elections in the country, I have always re-assured my listeners both at home and abroad, my personal desire and indeed the priority of this administration is to bequeath to our nation an irreversible political process that continues to be both democratic a
nd acceptable to the people.
‘‘My desire for our nation is that the 2023 elections should clearly mark the commencement of the institutional strength of our electoral body in conducting acceptable, credible and violence-free elections.
‘‘The forthcoming general elections will provide us with the opportunity to convince the electorate on the need for continuity to enable our party to consolidate on our achievements in the last 7 years.
‘‘The Government and people of Nasarawa State, as usual, have a great role to play in returning our party to governance in the 2023 elections, in order to create a path for greater socio- economic growth and development. This is not only important for Nigeria alone but also for the West African Sub-Region.’’
Noting that Nasarawa remains very dear to his heart, President Buhari described the State as the symbol of hope and determination in collective efforts to entrench democracy in Nigeria.
He recounted that in 2011, the State stood out during the general elections of that year, as the one State that compensated the political efforts in the then Congress for Progressive Change, defying rigging and ensuring that their voices mattered.
‘‘To demonstrate this admiration and appreciation to the people of Nasarawa State, I personally attended the inauguration of Governor Tanko Al- Makura on May 29, 2011. In 2015 and 2019, the State remained one of the strongholds of our great party, the APC.
‘‘I am optimistic that the people of the State, the APC Government and this broad representation of your delegation will not disappoint me, as we sustain concerted efforts in pushing forward the frontiers of good governance in our country.’’
President Buhari also used the occasion to stress the need for partnerships among the three tiers of government in order to deliver good governance, infrastructure and critical services needed by the people.
He pledged commitment to the joint-efforts by the State and the Federal Governments to facilitate easy transportation by road, railways and airports as well as power as no nation can develop without these components of infrastructure.
‘‘The proximity of Nasarawa State to the FCT naturally makes the State a partner in infrastructural development. We therefore need more collaboration to enhance this proximity with other contiguous States to achieve more integrated development,’’ the President said, expressing appreciation to the Government and people of the State for their continuing support to his administration.
Governor Sule told the President that the delegation comprising political office holders, royal fathers and community leaders was in the Villa to show appreciation for the numerous projects executed by the Buhari Administration which Nasarawa State ‘‘is among the great beneficiaries.’’
He thanked the President for approving the Federal Government takeover of the Lafia airport, refunds for the completion of the Lafia-Keffi road, ongoing construction of Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi dual carriage road, and appointment of prominent sons and daughters of the State into different positions in the Federal Government.
On Lafia airport, the Governor said: ‘‘By this approval we can now see our airport being properly utilised not only as a cargo, but also commercial and security airport. This will createenormous economic activities, employment opportunities and more importantly security for our State and region.’’
He also congratulated the President for providing leadership and creating the enabling environment that facilitated the conduct of free, fair and credible primary elections, which resulted in the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Presidential Candidate of APC, as well as the recent Osun elections that produced the PDP-candidate as Governor-elect.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 22, 2022
Alhaji Nureni Oluwatoyin Animashaun is dead
Alhaji Nureni Oluwatoyin Animashaun is dead.
The top Lagos leader died on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 in Surulere.
He was 76.
A totally detribalized Nigerian, Animashaun was known for being outspoken and for not shying away from the truth.
Tributes from relatives, friends and neighbours have described him as a straightforward and a deeply committed family man.
“Alhaji Animashaun was a pillar of his family. His passing is a great loss to the family, Lagos Island and Alaka-Iponri Community.
Animashaun was buried according to Muslim rites on Wednesday, July 20, 22 at Ikoyi Cemetery, behind Radio Nigeria.
The 8 days Fidau Prayer will hold on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Block 135, Iponri Housing Estate, Alaka
Alhaji Nureni Oluwatoyin Animashaun is dead.
The top Lagos leader died on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 in Surulere.
He was 76.
A totally detribalized Nigerian, Animashaun was known for being outspoken and for not shying away from the truth.
Tributes from relatives, friends and neighbours have described him as a straightforward and a deeply committed family man.
“Alhaji Animashaun was a pillar of his family. His passing is a great loss to the family, Lagos Island and Alaka-Iponri Community.
Animashaun was buried according to Muslim rites on Wednesday, July 20, 22 at Ikoyi Cemetery, behind Radio Nigeria.
The 8 days Fidau Prayer will hold on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Block 135, Iponri Housing Estate, Alaka
. Engineering construction leader donates books, writing materials to schools within Lagos Shagamu Expressway, LSE, project corridor
It was excitement galore during the week, when the nation’s engineering construction frontrunner, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, hiked up its Corporate Social responsibility efforts by donating literary materials to students in Lagos and Ogun state schools. The effort was designed to fulfil its contributory obligations to communities in its operational environment.
At Iponri Estate Junior High School in Lagos State Wednesday, no fewer than 600 students got a bag each of the literary materials comprising writing materials and an award winning African-based science fiction and fantasy written work, What Sunny saw in the Flame authored by Nnedi Okorafor.
In applauding Julius Berger’s effort, the Vice Principal of the school, Mrs Lydia Omowumi Adenigba who stood in for the Principal said, “…we appreciate Julius Berger for this laudable effort. It has been long we saw such an effort from any organisation operating in Lagos. We will no doubt cherish this day for a long time to come. Thank you Julius Berger. We so much appreciate you”
The Head Boy of the school, Master Olatuyi Timilehin spoke in similar vein adding that, “we know Julius Berger as a construction company, building bridges and roads and houses. However, today, we have seen another good thing your company does; that is promoting education. Thank you Julius Berger for this and many more social works that you do.”
Earlier, leader of Julius Berger Team to the event and Head of the company’s Corporate Communications Department, Mr. James Agama, told the students the essence of the CSR effort. He said, “Julius Berger not only builds bridges, houses and roads. We also build the future of children by promoting the educational development of students in areas where we operate. We promote your education to prepare you for future challenges.”
Next day, at the Community High School, Ibafo, Ogun State, it was a replay of same scenario as no fewer than 650 elated students sang and danced with their respective bags containing the educational materials.
Ibafo is situated east of Magado, and east of Magboro-Shofolarin on the Lagos-Shagamu Expressway.
In his vote of thanks, Vice Principal of the school, Mr. Olaniyi Olusola thanked the company for the gesture saying, “…this is a very worthy effort by your company to uplift the education of our students. We appreciate Julius Berger; Tell your management that we will be supporting them in our prayers always.”
It would be recalled that Julius Berger’s laudable and continuing CSR Literacy Campaign also took the company’s books and writing materials donation to schools at the Federal Capital Territory Abuja recently.
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PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDEMNS MURDER OF CATHOLIC PRIEST IN KADUNA, CALLS IT HEINOUS AND DESPICABLE
President Muhammadu Buhari has strongly condemned the murder of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Cheitnum of the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, four days after he was seized by gunmen.
Reacting to the incident in Abuja on Wednesday, President Buhari said, “I am deeply disturbed by the murder of this revered religious figure by outlaws who seem to be bent on creating chaos and disorder in the country.”
He explained that “the persistent attack on innocent people, including religious figures, by gunmen is a matter of grave concern for this administration, because security is one of the major issues of our campaign promises.”
“Let me reassure Nigerians that my commitment to this issue is as firm as ever. I have always made it a duty to regularly summon security chiefs to discuss these challenges and the way forward. I’m not allowing the security chiefs to rest unless and until we find a very effective solution to this disturbing security situation. The security of all Nigerians remains our major priority and I assure Nigerians that we are determined to crush these enemies of humanity with all the resources at our disposal,” the President declared.
He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and Christian Association of Nigeria leadership in Kaduna State over the death of Rev. Fr. Cheitnum.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the president
(Media & Publicity)
July 20, 2022
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PRESIDENT BUHARI TO KASHIM SHETTIMA: I WILL RESPOND TO YOU WHEN I AM HANDING OVER TO YOU AND YOUR BOSS
President Muhammadu Buhari struck a chord of humour on Wednesday at the State House while responding to a flowery speech by Senator Kashim Shettima, the Running Mate and Vice Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, saying, “I will respond to your speech when I am handing over to you and your boss. God willing, you are going to win.”
President Buhari, who received the VP Candidate shortly after he was unveiled by the leadership of the Party and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said he is very happy with the choice of the former Governor of Borno State as running mate.
“I wish you the best. Your consistency in the party is very respectful. You served your two terms as Governor and finished well. You have kept touch with your base. At every important occasion or event, you are maintaining support for the one who succeeded you. This is commendable,“ he said.
The President expressed strong optimism that the APC ticket will emerge victorious in 2023.
In his remarks, the Vice Presidential Candidate thanked the President for his “empathy, support and positive role,” leading to his emergence as Running Mate to the APC Presidential Candidate.
He praised the President for having “a special place in your heart for Borno and Northeast,” adding, “I can cite 20-30 instances of support you have rendered, for which you will be remembered.”
He mentioned the establishment of the North East Development Commission, NEDC, and the Independent Power Plant for Maiduguri by the NNPC, “after many years of darkness,” saying that “words cannot describe our appreciation of your support. We will remain eternally grateful.”
The former Governor of Borno State requested the President to appreciate his successor, Babagana Zulum who was in his company, along with the Minister of State, Agriculture, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, for spurning “recurring mention” of him and pressure from his Governor colleagues to bid for the Vice Presidential ticket.
The Candidate pledged to remain “loyal and devoted” to the President, promising that his Vice-Presidency will not be for the “troika of Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri,” but for all Nigeria, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or geographical place of origin.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 20, 2022
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PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU RE-LAUNCHES LAGOS RESIDENCY CARD WITH SMART FEATURES
…State Targets 10 Million Residents For Enrollment Before December
…‘Registration Is Free, Card Useful For 28 Services’ – LASRRA Boss
The move by the Lagos State Government to generate a comprehensive database of all persons residing in the State has moved a notch higher, with the launch of an upgraded and chip-embedded smart residency card by the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), on Wednesday.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu personally unveiled the smart residency card at launching events held simultaneously across five locations in the State. The locations include Ikeja, Lagos Island, Badagry, Ikorodu and Epe.
The new card offered a transition from an ordinary plastic card, meant only for identification purposes, to a smart, multi-purpose ID that combines biometric identification with other benefits, such as security, financial services, transportation and access to government services and amenities.
Lagos started enrollment of its residents for residency registration in 2011 to create a reliable database to enable effective and realistic planning by the State Government, especially for the provision of social services and amenities.
Already, 6.5 million residents had been enrolled on the database by LASRRA, with the State witnessing four-fold increment in registration in the last three years.
With the launch of digitised card format, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government would be targeting to capture 10 million residents on the database before the end of the year.
This new residency ID, according to LASRRA, is a multipurpose smart card with 28 applets that make the provision of 28 services possible to the cardholders.
The Governor said: “Today’s relaunch is borne out of the need to embrace change and align with global best practices. We have upgraded the residency card from an ordinary plastic card, for identification purposes only, to a smart, multi-purpose card that combines biometric identification with other functionalities and benefits, that cuts across areas such as security, financial services, mobility and access to government services and amenities.
“Lagos experiences significant levels of daily inbound migration of people seeking economic opportunities and a better life. As a result, our population is rising rapidly, with obvious implications for social services, social infrastructure, and for security. It has become imperative for the State Government to re-examine strategies aimed at improving the security of lives and properties of the people.
“This smart residency card being launched today will help us to address the issues surrounding the identification and traceability of Lagos residents, and ultimately help inform the Government’s planning and provision of services designed to secure lives and property. The card comes with an electronic wallet, which can hold funds and be used for daily transactions to support the cashless agenda of the monetary authorities.”
Sanwo-Olu said new visitors in Lagos who planned to live in the State for more than two consecutive months were now required to register for the residency card.
The Governor said Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would be leveraging the database to validate residents for the purpose of delivering essential services, including health insurance, pension administration, school allocation based on residential addresses, and other necessary social amenities.
Sanwo-Olu solicited for the cooperation of all residents to register and acquire the card in order to enjoy the benefits on offer, and to enable the Government to plan effectively and allocate budget for the delivery of good governance against the backdrop of the State’s growing population.
“The political will and commitment of this administration to ensure that we are delivering on our mandate effectively and efficiently has led to heavy and ongoing investment in Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure on multiple fronts,” the Governor said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, said the launch of the smart residency card became another foundational layer on which the Government’s Smart City project would stand on, noting that the new card would also promote inclusion.
Explaining the details of the re-launched card, Alake said the registration procedure now came with elastic and expandable biometric interfaces to allow updates of information. He added that the card utilises industry standard security chips that prevent duplicated identities and profiles.
“We have a cloud redundancy system that allows 24 hours operations and a highly rated machine accuracy system. It has back-end cloud workload protection and two-factor authentication to make changes to information originally supplied, such as physical address,” Alake explained.
LASRRA General Manager, Engr. Ibilola Kasunmu, said the State could not afford to lag behind in the age of global digitalisation, thereby making the transition to smart residency card compelling.
She said the agency was motivated by the resolve to contribute to the overall vision of the current administration on finding innovative ways to improve on efficiency of governance and service delivery for the benefits of the people.
Kasunmu said: “We took account of certain limitations inherent in the initiative, developed an ecosystem framework with propositions to include a cost-effective approach to produce the smart ID cards for residents. We are glad to announce that we have been able to secure partnership of several private sector players on this laudable project as we needed to ensure the card remained free to the residents of the State. Residents are not expected to pay for the card.”
In endorsing the new digitised ID format, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, said Lagos remained the cradle of transformation.
The high point was the symbolic presentation of the smart residency cards to the Governor and residents freshly registered by LASRRA.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
20 JULY 2022
‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
July 20, 2022
Press Statement
Osun Governorship Election: PDP Savours Appeal Court Judgment on Adeleke
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) receives with delight, the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the PDP Governorship Election Primary that produced Osun State Governor-Elect, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, as the rightful candidate of the PDP for the July 16, 2022 Osun State Governorship election.
The Appeal Court judgement which puts to rest all contestations regarding the validity of the Candidacy of the Osun State Governor-Elect, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, comes as further validation of the Will and aspiration of the people of Osun State which they overwhelmingly expressed on July 16.
The judgment is a firm confirmation that the Osun State governorship primary was transparently conducted by the Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu-led National Working Committee (NWC) in strict compliance with the provisions of the PDP Constitution and Electoral Guidelines as provided by the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
Our Party commends the Judiciary for its courage adding that the judgment has further restored the confidence of Nigerians on our judicial system and the processes of the PDP.
The PDP again congratulates the people of Osun State and charges all Party stakeholders in the State to remain united behind Sen. Ademola Adeleke in his determination to institute a transparent, people-oriented and development-based government that will rebuild and revamp Osun State from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
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ON UNIVERSITY STRIKES, GOVERNMENT IS READY FOR BUSINESS
The outcome of the meeting held by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to end the agitations by university unions ought to be beyond spin-doctoring and conjectures. It is a pity that almost all media houses allowed themselves to be deceived by interested sources that are not the authorized spokesmen of government.
Neither during nor after the meeting was any ultimatum given to the Minister of Education. During the meeting, the Minister of Education requested that the Minister of Labour hands off the negotiation to allow him lead and conclude what he had earlier on started with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). And he promised that he could get an agreement within the shortest possible time, possibly two to three weeks.
In carrying out this assignment, the Minister will carry along all relevant ministries and agencies with statutory functions and duties relating to the issues involved.
The Presidency is optimistic that agreements can be reached in an even shorter period if all parties/stakeholders are not unrealistically obstinate. We appeal to the parties to work together to end the strikes.
On the part of the administration, all doors remain open for dialogue and the resolution of the issues.
We appeal to the media not try to spread misinformation. The orchestrated media narratives seeking to present an entirely different picture, attributed to sources, in the last 24 hours are not helpful at all.
Garba Shehu
Senior special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
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19 June 2022
Access Bank to support education with $1.7m raised at 2022 UK Charity Polo Tournament
Seeking to improve the state of education in Nigeria, Access Bank has raised $1.7 million at its Charity Polo Tournament held at The Guards Polo Club, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom on Saturday, 16 July 2022.
The money, the Bank confirms, will be directed towards the building and equipping of over 100 classroom blocks in the less developed areas of Nigeria.
These donations, according to the Group Managing Director of Access Corporation, Herbert Wigwe, “Serve as building blocks towards achieving a brighter future for the country, while challenging the various state governments to take sustainable actions towards ensuring all boys and girls complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.”
“We thank all attendees and donors for buying into our vision and assure that Access Bank will not relent in its efforts to see that every Nigerian child regardless of tribe, gender and religion is given a fair chance for a better tomorrow.”
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director of Access Bank, also added that the polo event remained the greatest investment towards ensuring a great future for the vulnerable Nigerian child.
The Polo tournament, which is executed in partnership with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF, in Kaduna, South Africa and the UK has been an extension of Access Bank’s efforts to support anti-poverty and anti-HIV/AIDS campaigns in Nigeria. This is the first edition of the UK-based tournament to be held since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF TUC, COMRADE FESTUS OSIFO
President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Comrade Festus Osifo, newly elected President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
The President salutes the vision and courage of the dedicated trade unionist, whose election as President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) in 2020 has translated into improved welfare and working conditions for workers.
President Buhari congratulates the leadership of PENGASSAN and TUC on the historic choice, while looking forward to a partnership that will foster more development in the country, particularly for workers.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 20, 2022
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PRESIDENT BUHARI SHOWCASES 266 ECOLOGICAL PROJECTS COMPLETED UNDER HIS WATCH, DIRECTS MDAS TO PUBLICISE ACHIEVEMENTS
A total of 266 ecological projects have been completed across the country in the last seven years (2015-2022), President Muhammadu Buhari declared Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the launch of a compendium of ecological projects undertaken by this administration, the President said 332 ecological projects were approved during the period in review, out of which 266 were accomplished while the remaining 66 are at different stages of completion.
The President, who launched the publication before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Management Team of the Ecological Project Office (EPO), for the judicious use of available resources for the effective implementation of approved projects, as well as the initiative for the publication.
In order to leverage the benefits accruable to government from the commendable efforts of the EPO, and the effective communication of these efforts through the publication, the President directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) which have not done so to showcase their performance and achievements to the public.
‘‘The enormity of Nigeria’s ecological problems and inherited infrastructural deficit in general, has the tendency, like the proverbial drop in the ocean, to always drown our achievements in addressing ecological challenges and infrastructural deficit at large.
‘‘It is against this background that publications like the one being launched today, become very important and a useful tool in correcting the negative public perception, that government has not done anything in addressing these challenges.
‘‘The documentation and publication of these achievements in our modest effort to tackle ecological problems is therefore predicated on our quest to improve communication in governance, as a tool for keeping citizens well-informed and helping them to hold government accountable.
‘‘This is the most significant implication of the Ecological Project Office’s initiative in publishing this compendium.’’
The President noted that the Compendium, which is for the reading pleasure and knowledge of Nigerians, would bridge the information and communication gap between Nigerians and the real-time performance of this Administration by portraying the specific locations of ecological projects, with pictorial evidence as well as proofs of handing over the projects to the beneficiaries.
President Buhari urged States and Local Governments to judiciously use their shares of the ecological fund, strictly for ecological projects towards addressing the ecological problems in their areas.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, told the President that the 554-page publication supervised by the Permanent Secretary, EPO, Dr Habiba Lawal, is aimed at keeping the public abreast of the efforts of the administration in addressing verified ecological problems in ‘‘all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.’’
He thanked the President for promoting the culture of accountability and for approving the change of name of Ecological Fund Office to EPO, for its mandate not to be misconstrued by the public.
‘‘The Office was established through the Federation Account Act in 1981, primarily to carry out intervention projects nationwide with the Federal Government share of the ecological funds, to address critical ecological problems to supplement States and Local Government shares of the fund.’’
On the Federal Government share of the Ecological Fund, the SGF explained that the latest sharing formula of the Ecological and Derivation Fund (EDF) as modified allocates 1.00 per cent to the Federal Government, 0.72 per cent to States while the Local Governments get 0.60 per cent.
He added that out of the 1.00 per cent of the Federal Government share, monthly the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) gets 20 per cent, National Agency for Great Green (NAGGW) Wall 5 per cent, North East Development Commission (NEDC) 10 per cent while the National Agricultural Development Agency (NALDA) receives 10 per cent.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 20, 2022
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VERIFICATION COMMITTEE DISCOVERS ONDO GOVT LOSES OVER N400M TO PAYROLL INFRACTIONS
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has directed the Head of Service to dismiss officers who are receiving double salaries from the state payroll.
Governor Akeredolu gave the directive while receiving the report of the Committee for Verification, Scrutinization and Clean-up of the State Payroll.
The Governor, who suspected that the State Payroll including salaries and pensions had been compromised, set up a seven-member committee to continuously clean up the payroll of infractions.
The committee, led by the Chairman and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Victor Olajorin, on Wednesday submitted its report to the Governor at his office, Alagbaka, Akure.
Receiving the reports, Governor Akeredolu frowned at the different infractions discovered in the payroll.
He lamented the over-bloated workforce which he said was occasioned by many ghost workers.
The Governor also directed that all Ministries, Departments and Parastatals in the State should stop recruitment under any guise until the Salary Verification Committee has concluded its assignment.
“We have over-bloated workforce, and undoubtedly, I am sure there are many ghost workers. Those who are receiving double salaries, apart from recovering the money from them, I am directing the Head of Service to get them dismissed. They must serve as deterrent to others,” he said.
Governor Akeredolu appreciated the committee for doing a yeoman’s job and not compromising their integrity.
Earlier, Mr Olajorin informed the Governor that the first and major step taken by the committee was to contact the various service including the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) among others.
He noted that the committee also obtained vital documents like the Nominal Roll, Disposition List, Pay Register and Pension Payroll so as to achieve its mandate.
“The documents were consequently scrutinized and in the process, some infractions were discovered.
“Mr Governor, permit me to inform you that our beam light was initially focused on TESCOM and some of the infractions detected were about: Officers/pensioners receiving both salary/pension, retired officers later reappointed and drawing salary/pension, officers whose salaries are hanging among others.
“Details are contained in the Volume 1 report of the Committee. In the process, a sum of N304,859,812.51 was discovered as the aggregate loss to the State Government from the above infractions.
“In furtherance of our activities, attention was shifted to the pay register of Hospital Management Board. The committee carried out on-the-spot verification for both medical and non-medical personnel in their various facilities across the state.
“The exercise led to the discovery of some unwholesome practice like abscondment, study leave without pay, payment of salaries to officers after resignation, while some officers couldn’t be traced to any health facilities.
“So far, a sum of N192,873,592 has been discovered from HMB as the total loss to the State Government. Mr. Governor, permit me to mention that the Committee has so far, identified the sum of N497,733,404 for infractions in TESCOM and HMB,” Olajorin said.
The Chairman also explained that another issue of concern found by the Committee was the lopsidedness observed in the posting of officers to health facilities at the urban centres at the detriment of the ones in the ritual areas.
Other members of the Committee are: Tope Popoola Esq; Hadj Badmos; Dr. Ola Obaado; Bola Taiwo; Kayode Edema and Lawrence Akintunde.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 20, 2022.
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United Nations, World Bank Explore Developing Sovereign Green, Social, and Sustainable Bond Market in Africa
Addis Ababa, 19 July 2022 – The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the World Bank co-organized on July 19, 2022, a virtual workshop on the development of the Green, Social and Sustainable (GSS) sovereign bond market in Africa.
Innovative financing solutions are needed for countries across Africa to achieve their ambitious climate investment goals and meet the Paris Agreement commitments. In the context of prudent debt management, GSS bonds can constitute a central part of the financing strategy for sovereigns and subnational entities to fund both mitigation and adaptation investments.
Hanan Morsy, ECA’s Deputy Executive Secretary, said, “ahead of this year’s COP27 held in Egypt, Africa faces a mixed landscape for achieving climate ambitions and NDCs. We urgently need the 100 billion USD per annum promise to be realized, while we need a new financing target which will mobilize the trillions needed. GSS bonds play a critical role in tapping into resources at the international capital markets to unleash the potential of the green and blue economy in Africa. ECA is supporting member states under various initiatives, such as the Great Blue Wall, the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility, and debt-for-nature swaps, to graduate from the aid dependencies by leveraging market-based innovative finance instruments.
Global issuances of GSS debt reached $1.6 trillion in 2021. This was more than double the level in 2020, evidencing the surge in investor interest. However, Africa is not yet taking full advantage of the market.
“Less than 50 thematic bonds have ever been issued across Africa, and just five of these were from a sovereign. Sustainable finance, combined with sound debt management, represents a strategic way to raise the needed funds to respond to the pandemic in a way that also is resilient. Unlocking the potential for sovereign GSS bonds in Africa can only be achieved by clarifying market expectations and overcoming the knowledge gap. The World Bank, in coordination with ECA, is working on a capacity-building program to support clients in the region that will shed light on the opportunities of GSS market development.” said Jorge Familiar, World Bank Vice President, and Treasurer.
Jean-Paul Adam, Director, Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management Division at ECA, said “Africa faces multiple challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic, climate change, and the recent Ukraine crisis. While the ability to mobilize predictable grant resources from traditional concessional finance remains a crucial element in dealing with those challenges, the private sector can also play a conducive role to bridge the financing gaps. Currently, Africa is paying more than twice the price than countries with similar macroeconomic fundamentals. There is a need to provide Africa with affordable and stable sustainable financing, as sustainable finance markets are critical to addressing ‘Africa’s ambitions and achieving Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda. ”
There is very strong interest from potential sovereign issuers of GSS bonds. In a recent World Bank Treasury survey of emerging market debt management offices (DMOs) and international investors across all regions, over 75 percent of DMOs intend to issue GSS bonds. These DMOs saw strong potential benefits of tapping the GSS bond market to diversify the investor base, signal a commitment to sustainability, build a local market to motivate private sector issuers, and attract international investors. International investors highlighted several reasons for their interest in thematic bonds, including achieving ESG impact, developing the thematic bond market, diversifying their portfolios, and serving their investors’ and shareholders’ direct business interests. The surveys show strong alignment between issuers and investors that thematic bonds can be essential instruments to finance the vast investments required to meet NDC and SDG ambitions.
“There is a great potential opportunity for sovereigns to tap investor demand for GSS assets both internationally and domestically. However, there are challenges that DMOs cited in issuing GSS bonds, including understanding the principles and standards for GSS bonds, the cost and intricacies of the issuance process, and difficulty identifying eligible expenditures and projects. At the moment, there are strong headwinds for emerging markets in the capital markets, but this may allow time to prepare and build capacity when the time is right to issue GSS bonds”, said James Seward, Senior Financial Officer at the World Bank Treasury.
During the workshop, technical experts discussed the importance of building awareness and exploring the potential issuance of GSS bonds in Africa by sovereign issuers or subnational entities. The panel focused on practical experiences in issuing GSS bonds, the challenges, and solutions for developing successful GSS bond programs. The panelists also discussed new market trends such as the inflation-linked green bond issuance from France and the Colombia local currency twin green bond issuance. Finally, participants shared on-the-ground experiences and lessons from the recent Egypt green bond and Benin SDG bond and the plans for future issuances by panel participants.
The World Bank and ECA thanked all the participants for their contribution and involvement during the workshop.
-Ends-
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
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. BETTY MARCHING TOWARDS PLATINUM: REMAINING STRONG AND FOCUSED STILL
Courage, as against foolhardiness, is a rare endowment in human beings. The fortitude with which a person confronts life’s adversities is a mark of spectacular feat. Surmounting these challenges and turning the lessons of a bitter, near-fatal experience to an advantage of immense benefits for humanity is the most sublime of all engagements. That the triumph becomes a perennial reason for service inspires.
Combining modesty, honesty and an uncommon, unfailing mental acuity is special evidence of a life shaped with discipline, focus and divine munificence. Only a few mortals enjoy this grace till old age. A fewer number still view living as an art which must be appreciated with creative essence.
My Adorable Betty, I have always counted myself lucky since our paths crossed over four decades ago. I could not have asked for a better partner. I live with no regrets, whatsoever. Having a friend, wife, confidant, unsparing critic and supporter, loving mother of our children, Fond ‘Gran’ of our grandchildren all rolled into a personality, has been an exceptional blessing to me. And so, blessed am I among lucky men. I cannot ask for more.
As you take steady and confident steps towards the attainment of the Platinum next year, in less than 365 days from today, I fervently pray that you continue, in good health, to impact on the society, positively. The girl-child has an unyielding and vociferous advocate in you. Women, especially widows, rely on your tremendous inputs to make life meaningful. Those afflicted with the scourge of cancer see in you a courageous exemplar, enabler, who wrestled the menace to a standstill.
The defeat of this monster has been resounding in the last twenty-five years. This feat and your ceaseless advocacy for gender representation based on equity and justice have attracted global accolades, and deservedly so. That you remain strong and healthy is not a product of mere wishful thinking. Rigorous adherence to principles of healthy living, modesty, honesty and an effacing yet audacious disposition to existential issues are the ingredients which have molded these pristine qualities into an inspiring entity which you have become among your numerous admirers. Even your adversaries acknowledge your relentless and indomitable spirit.
I celebrate you, my Adorable Betty, at 69. I will join you in the particular strides in the days ahead on a march to an assured destination. We shall have a greater cause to celebrate when you will be 70 years young next year.
Congratulations, Darlin’ me.
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN
Governor, Ondo State
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PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES ADELEKE ON OSUN ELECTION VICTORY
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Senator Ademola Adeleke, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), following victory of the party in Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Osun State.
With the election over, the President expresses conviction that the people of Osun have expressed their will through the ballot, and the will of the people must always matter and be respected in a democracy.
President Buhari notes that the successful conduct of the election is a further testimony to the maturity and commitment of all stakeholders – the electoral body, security agencies, political parties, the media, civil society and the electorate- to further strengthen the integrity of the electoral process in the country.
The President reassures the nation that the commitment of this administration towards having credible elections remains unshaken.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 17, 2022
OYINLOLA, ATIKU, BODE GEORGE, OTHERS CONGRATULATE ADELEKE
A former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlo
la, has sent a message of congratulations to the governor elect of the State, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
In a statement he released in Okuku on Sunday, Prince Oyinlola described Adeleke’s victory at Saturday’s election as a divine validation of his efforts.
“That you emerged victorious in the poll was, no doubt, a product of God’s favour and people’s love powered by long years of planning and single-minded determination to serve our people as the state’s chief executive.
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated the winner of Osun governorship election, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
Abubakar in a statement on Sunday in Abuja described Adeleke’s victory in the election as a well-fought victory.
He also congratulated the PDP family and all stakeholders who came together to make the victory possible.
Abubakar congratulated the people of Osun for proving that power truly belonged to the people.
“I have always had affection for the people of Osun for obvious reasons. Yes, my wife hails from there, but if you have to walk a difficult path and you need men and women of courage and astute valour, the people of Osun will never be a disappointment.”
Abubakar said that it would be on record that Osun had provided the compass into that brighter future that awaited Nigeria at the horizon.
He said the referendum on 2023 general elections had commenced with the verdict of the people of Osun in electing Adeleke, saying we know that the 2023 general election would be a full referendum.
“The ship of hope is already at the harbour under the umbrella of the PDP. We shall intensify the work to ensure that we uproot all vestiges of bad governance and false hopes toward the 2023 election.
“The Imole (light) that has started to shine from Osun shall soon have a national coverage.
“One better thing about the victory in Osun is that it has provided a catalyst for the PDP to see the opportunity when the party works together in unity.
“The work to bring the PDP together is a work in progress and the good news is that we are steadily making progress.
As you wake up the morning after (Sunday, July 17), you may be assured that you are doing so with the illumination that has come to Osun.”
Abubakar said that the march to reclaim Nigeria’s greatness had begun and it shall not stop until the party achieved the goal of one people, one future and one country.
Similarly, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has congratulated Senator Ademola Adeleke, for winning the Osun State governorship election.
Adeleke, the PDP candidate, defeated the APC candidate and incumbent governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.
George, in a statement, congratulated Osun voters for speaking with one voice and declared that Nigerians will speak with one voice on February 25, 2023 during the presidential election.
George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, said: “The beginning of the journey to the Promised Land has started. And we thank God that the journey has started in Osun, the heartland of Yorubaland.
From Ilesa to Ile-Ife, Iwo, Ede, Ejigbo, Gbongan, Ila Orangun, Ikire, Ipetumodu, Ode Omu, Modakeke and other towns, the people have declared their support for PDP.
“As one of the founders of PDP, I want to thank the voters for rejecting APC and I am sure this rejection will also be extended to APC during the presidential election next year.
“I also want to congratulate the INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, and other officials for ensuring transparency during the election. Every vote was counted and results from all polling units were uploaded to INEC election portal in line with the new Electoral Act guidelines.
“I am happy that we have a new INEC now and I want to tell Nigerians that they should not be afraid at all.
“The presidential election will be free and fair. I also want to thank security agents for allowing the votes of the people of Osun to count”.
George, however, warned some PDP members acting as spies for APC to desist or leave the party.
“Now, all patriotic PDP members should be at alert. This is the time for us to iron out issues in the party. The party is for everybody, not a few individuals.
“All the issues in the party causing friction must be addressed this month and early next month. We cannot continue to pretend that all is well. In decision making, everybody must be carried along.
“In 2023, Nigerians are waiting for us. Are we waiting for them? Some are pretending to be PDP members but working for APC. We are not ready to accommodate renegades again in our party. This is the time for them to change or leave our party”.
Meanwhile, Osun Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adegboyega Oyetola, has taken cognisance of the results of the governorship election in the state as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Sunday.
He, however, noted that the party would be responding appropriately after studying the results and consulting with critical stakeholders of the party.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, Oyetola called on his supporters to remain calm, and the people of the state to go about their businesses without let or hindrance.
The Governor also called on security operatives to ensure maintenance of law and order. He, has therefore, directed security operatives to take adequate charge so as to prevent break down of law and order.
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PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS FRONTLINE APC WOMEN LEADER, KEMI NELSON
President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of himself and his wife, Aisha, commiserates with the Nelson family on the demise of frontline politician and advocate of the womenfolk, Chief Kemi Nelson.
The President also sends condolences to the Government and people of Lagos State, Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Lagos APC family on the loss of “a consistent and faithful party member who devoted so much to the evolution, development, sustenance and relevance of the party in Lagos and around the country.”
President Buhari notes the contributions of Chief Nelson as a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Lagos State, the State Women Leader, National Deputy Women Leader of APC, and former Executive Director of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, remarking that she was such a grassroots mobiliser and an achiever who left her footprints wherever she served.
“As the only female member of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Kemi Nelson continued to be part of the governance structure that led to the transformation of Lagos State into the Centre of Excellence it has become,” he says.
The President prays that almighty God will grant the husband, Adeyemi Nelson and the family, friends and associates of the deceased, the fortitude to bear the loss and repose her soul.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 17, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU MOURNS GAC MEMBER, KEMI NELSON’S PASSAGE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passage of Chief (Mrs) Kemi Nelson, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership body of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC).
Nelson, a former Executive Director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and ex-South-West Zonal Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, died on Sunday at the age of 66.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the death of Chief Kemi Nelson as a great loss to Lagos State, especially the ruling party, considering her unique position as one of the great mobilisers in the party.
The Governor described the late Lagos APC Women Leader as a “passionate, trustworthy, committed, extremely loyal politician, leader, women advocate and an invaluable asset to APC and Lagos State.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu said “The death of Chief (Mrs) Kemi Nelson is a painful and big loss to me personally. It is also a great loss to the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), our party, APC, the deceased family and friends.
“I am saddened by the passage of this indefatigable, devoted, loyal, committed, progressive democrat and team player who played remarkable roles in the success of our party at the state, zonal and national levels during her lifetime.
“Chief Kemi Nelson as a consummate politician and committed leader of her people, especially women, contributed immensely to the growth and development of our great party as APC Women Leader in Lagos and South-West. She also did her best for our dear Lagos State during her tenure as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
“She will be missed dearly by her family, friends and the entire political class, particularly GAC, chieftains and members of the ruling party across Lagos State and Nigeria.
“I pray that God would grant the soul of our beloved GAC member, Chief Kemi Nelson, eternal rest and comfort to the immediate and political family she left behind.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
17 JULY 2022
PRESS STATEMENT
Late Kemi Nelson Was An Asset To Our Party, A Dependable Ally-Akeredolu
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, received the news of the death of the former Southwest Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Kemi Nelson with deep sadness.
Governor Akeredolu, who described the death of the APC Chieftain as a great loss to the party, noted that her demise was shocking and irreplaceable.
The Governor specifically sympathised with the Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, as well as the entire APC family.
“The death of Kemi Nelson prods remarkably nostalgic moments. We have had cause to work together on the platform of our great party, the APC. Her commitment to the party, and the good of the people was admirable. She was a progressive to the core.
“While we understand the inevitability of death, the loss of close associate and friend stirs the vein. Kemi was a dependable ally and trusted party leader. She will be sorely missed by all.
“Indeed, our party and the good people of Lagos State have lost a rare gem with adorably immeasurable qualities. It is more saddened that we lost this great mobilizer at this crucial time when her services to the party is most needed.
“This is a moment of shared pain, especially as late Kemi Nelson was an asset to behold. Her political experience was vast and inexorably deep. We will never forget her hard works.” Governor Akeredolu said.
The Governor also extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late APC Chieftain, while praying God to grant her eternal rest.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 17, 2022.
Okowa congratulates Maikyau, NBA President-Elect
Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Mr Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) on his successful election as the 31st President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Maikyau was announced President-Elect of the body following a virtual election conducted by a committee chaired by Professor Ayodele Akintunde.
Akintunde said while announcing the result of the poll on Sunday, that Maikyau scored 22,342 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, who polled 10,842 votes.
Okowa described Maikyau’s emergence as eminently deserving and an inspiration to young lawyers, adding that with his antecedents in the past, the NBA was in safe hands.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the governor said that Maikyau had over the years proven his mettle in the legal profession.
He urged him to bring his wealth of experience to bear not only in advancing the course of NBA but also the legal profession in general.
He assured the NBA President that his administration would continue to partner relevant authorities to ensure prompt administration of criminal justice system in Delta.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate you, Mr Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, on your election as President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).
“As a member of NBA’s Legal Profession Regulation Review Committee (LPRRC), you contributed immensely to the reform of the profession, which birthed the Legal Profession Regulation Bill.
“And, as the pioneer and current Chairman of NBA Welfare Committee, you midwifed the NBA-Law Pavillion Partnership, the NBA-NHIS scheme, and the NBA-Leadway Improved Life-Insurance scheme, making the welfare of lawyers a top priority.
“We recall your heroism as a young lawyer when you came on the national stage as a counsel in the Human Rights Investigation Commission of Nigeria popularly referred to as ‘Oputa Panel’, set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 as the country returned to democratic rule.
“As a cerebral Senior Advocate of Nigeria, you attained the pinnacle of legal practice in Nigeria through sheer hard work and distinction of character.
“Armed with these achievements and contributions to the bar, I have no doubt in my mind that the NBA will be in ‘safe hands’ with you,” Okowa stated.
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MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENT: AKURE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, PRINCE ADEGOROYE TELLS GOV AKEREDOLU
The new Minister of State for Transport, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, on Friday said the people of Akure will never forget the good deeds the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has done for the state capital.
He said the Governor has made it possible for an Akure man to become a Minister for the first time.
The new Minister paid a Thank-You visit to the Governor in company of his wife, Mrs Olufunke, and hundreds of Akure sons and daughters.
They were received at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s office, Alagbaka, Akure.
Prince Adegoroye who could not hide his joy appreciated God Almighty and sang various songs of praise, saying that God has elevated him through the Governor.
He was quick to thank Governor Akeredolu for his immeasurable roles, which he said led to his emergence as a Minster of the Federal Republic.
The Minister, who explained that it’s the first time an Akure man would be appointed as Minister, disclosed that the appointment came at a time when people thought everything was finished for him.
“An Akure man has never been Minister before. What you have done for us is something that no one has ever done. And Akure will mark it. Please, forgive and forget all that Akure has done in the past. You will see the difference from now on.
“The Governor is a man of integrity. He said go and I will back you. When a man has integrity, when he says yes, the yes will not change. Mr Governor, you have shown mercy to me. God has used you to take me up, God will continue to lift you and your children up sir. An Akure person has never been Minister before.” He said.
He specially prayed God to give the Governor and all other members of his family long life and good health.
Receiving the new Minister and his entourage, Governor Akeredolu, who expressed delight over his appointment, said only God gives position, adding that God has given him victory despite all odds.
The Governor pleaded with the poeple not to distract the new Minister with endless responsibilities.
“Ademola, this is a victory God has given you. Please use this office very well, serve everyone in the State. Whatever will be, will be. God has elevated you.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 15, 2022.
GOV AKEREDOLU: WE’II SMOKE CRIMINALS OUT OF THEIR HIDINGS IN ONDO
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Friday donated 50 fitted Patrol Vehicles to all the Security Agencies as part of the commitment of his administration to further strengthen the security of lives and property of the people in the State.
Governor Akeredolu handed-over the fitted Patrol Vehicles to heads of the Security Agencies in the State including the Nigerian Army; Nigeria Police; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Department of State Services and the Amotekun Corps.
The vehicles were distributed at the Governor’s office, Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital.
The Governor noted that the commissioning and handing over of additional 50 Vehicles was a further demonstration of the commitment of his administration towards providing the needed support for all security agencies operating in the State.
Governor Akeredolu, who said his administration places Premium on the dignity of human lives, vowed to smoke out all criminals in the State from their hidings and make the State uncomfortable for them.
The Governor said:”We still recall with trepidation the dastardly act of last month when some daredevil terrorists who have lost their souls to the devil launched an attack at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa in the ancient city of Owo.
“One of my promises then to the people of Ondo State was to do everything humanly possible to strengthen the capacity of our security agencies to be able to anticipate, prevent and combat a recurrence of such man’s inhumanity to mankind.
“Today, it gives me great delight to commission and hand over additional security equipment particularly fitted Patrol Vehicles, to security agencies operating in the State towards boosting the capacity of our men in the line of duty of crime fighting so that our people can go about their businesses and livelihood without fear of molestation or attack.
“In doing this, the agencies would be better equipped and strengthened to carry out their constitutional duties of protecting lives and property and combating acts of criminality in our dear State.
“Let me emphasise that procurement and distribution of vehicles to security agencies have been a recurring exercise in our state since we came on board. We have done this for the umpteenth time. As a government, we are aware of the inadequacies of our security agencies and we are prepared, more than ever, to be supportive because it borders on the lives of our people who voted us into office.
“I wish to reassure the good people of Ondo State of our avowed commitment to the constitutional responsibility of every government which is the security of lives and property and welfare of the people as enshrined in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended). This will remain our topmost priority.”
Governor Akeredolu noted that the provision of the vehicles is in addition to other logistic supports which his administration has continued to render because of its conviction in the dignity of human life.
“I, therefore, wish to inform naysayers that we are prepared to make Ondo State uncomfortable and too hot for any identified criminals to hibernate.
“Therefore, these vehicles will be deployed to relevant security agencies in charge of internal security to enable them function more effectively and efficiently. Our Key Performance Indicator shall remain a Zero Tolerance to Crime of whatever dimension.” He stressed.
Governor Akeredolu commended the sustained cooperation among the security agencies in the State , which he said has culminated in a more peaceful environment and reduction in crime occurrences.
“It is apposite to state that in spite of the occasional flashes of incidence of criminalities, Ondo State still remains one of the relatively peaceful states in Nigeria. I salute you all for your efforts in this regard.” The Governor noted.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and the Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the State, Rt. Rev Daniel Ayodeji Akomolafe commended the Governor for his efforts at securing the lives and property of the people.
They called for the establishment of State Police and better empowerment for the Amotekun Corps to be able to bear arms so as to complement the efforts of the security agencies in fighting crimes.
The Chairman of CIG motors, Chief Diana Chen, who condemned the June 5, Owo attack, commended Governor Akeredolu for his bold steps in securing the lives and property of the people.
Chief Chen said the CIG Motors is happy to partner with the Ondo State Government towards strengthening the State’s security.
She charged the people to support the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in the State, saying “It is important for the people to come out and say we are not afraid.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State
July 15, 2022
NBA NAMES BUILDING IN HONOUR OF GOV AKEREDOLU, CHIEF SOLANKE
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) on Thursday unveiled and commissioned a Building named after the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, and the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Folake Solanke.
Chief Solanke SAN, is the
Professional Mother of Governor Akeredolu.
The NBA building, located at Oro Ago Crescent Garki 2, Abuja-FCT, Nigeria was commissioned by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi.
The building is made up of two wings, named after the Governor and Chief Solanke,SAN.
The Folake Solanke Wing houses the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education(NBA-ICLE) while the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Wing houses the NBA Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI).
The President of the NBA, Olumide Akpata, who described Governor Akeredolu as an icon of the Law Profession, commended the Governor for demonstrating excellence in Public Administration.
The NBA President stressed that Governor Akeredolu’s fearless stance on issues of national importance has distinguished him as a true leader of the people.
He said both the Governor and Chief Solanke have earned their stripes in the Law profession, adding that they are so deserving of all the excellence that the centre will continue to represent.
The NBA President said:”To my illustrious, very illustrious predecessor in office, His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, another icon of our profession who continues to demonstrate that excellence in practice can also be deployed successfully in public administration.
“He is not just a second term Governor of Ondo State, he is also leading the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum. As my predecessor in office, I am glad to be associated with his fearless stance on issues of National importance.
“As some of my colleagues say, when we need to hit the nail on the head on any national issue, just call on Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. Many may not be aware, His Excellency still follows all that happens at the Bar and contribute financially to many programmes of the Association.
“Only recently, we were all in Owo where His Excellency commissioned an Ultra Modern Bar centre that he built and handed over to the Owo Branch of the Association.
“It is not a coincidence that the property we are now Commissioning today was actually bought during his tenure as President of the Bar.
“Seeing the marks that these two icons have made on the sands of our time, we need not explain further why the wings of this building are named in their honour. They have earned their stripes in the profession and are so deserving of all the excellence that this centre will continue to represent.
“Establishing this institute is the fulfillment of the vision of our founding fathers and we of this administration are committed to seeing that the NBA continues to do that which our forebears had asked us to do.
“These icons have inspired generations of Lawyers and non-lawyers alike. In the order of precedence, I must again extend my hearty
congratulations
to Chief Solanke SAN for being privileged to witness a glorious event like this.
“Chief Solanke SAN is not just an Advocate of repute, her distinction that saw her elevation to the inner bar as a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1981 still stands strong today.
“To have had 41 years of unbroken and unblemished record as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria leaves an important message to the younger generation of lawyers that it is possible to sustain practice for all times with integrity.”
In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu thanked the NBA for the honour done on him and Chief Solanke.
He assured that he will never depart from the path of speaking the truth to power at all time, while calling on Lawyers across the country to prosecute their convictions.
Governor Akeredolu said the NBA, under his leadership, was always at the forefront on the issue of protecting human rights and promoting the rule of law, while the late former president Umaru Yar’Adua was in charge of affairs of the country.
“We kept the fire on and continued mounting pressure, even till the time of former President Goodluck Jonathan. In fact, as president of the Bar, I saw myself as the alternate President of the country. Presidency of the Bar is not what you joke with. You are the voice of the people and when you speak, you do so with authority,” he said.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State
July 15, 2022
Press Statement
Akeredolu Reappoints Three Aides
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has approved the reappointment of three aides who resigned their appointments to participate in the Primary Elections of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in line with the 2022 Electoral Act.
The reappointment takes effect from July 1, 2022.
The three aides to the Governor reappointed are:
iii. Mr. Olusegun Micheal Iwalokun- Special Assistant to the Governor (Office of the Deputy Governor).
Governor Akeredolu congratulates the reappointed aides, while charging them to redouble their efforts and give their best in the discharge of their duties.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 14, 2022.
GOV AKEREDOLU SIGNS FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMOTEKUN LAW
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has signed into law the first amendment to the Ondo State Security Network Agency Law.
The Governor, who assented to the bill at the State Executive Chamber of his office, noted that the new amendment became imperative in light of the heightened insecurity across the state.
He assured that the amended Law will enhance the security architecture of the State and help the Amotekun Corps to perform better.
The Governor appreciated the State House of Assembly for the quick passage of the bill.
Similarly, the Ondo State Executive Council has taken some far-reaching decisions to further shapen the course of governance for the well-being of people of the state.
Addressing Government House Reporters at the end of the Council meeting, the newly reassigned Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju regretted that one more death has been recorded as a result of the June 5 terror attack on St Francis Catholic Church,Owo .
She said the number of fatalities is now 41 while 17 persons were still being hospitalised.
While commiserating with the bereaved families and praying for speedy recovery of those still in the hospital, the Commissioner restarted the commitment of the State Government to having a memorial site built in honour of all the victims.
Also at the briefing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye appreciated Governor Akeredolu for assenting to the amendment to the law which established the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.
He assured that the development will scale up the operational capacities of the state security outfit.
He used the occasion to announce the procurement of newly acquired operational vehicles to be distributed to all security operatives in the state including the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, Directorate of State Security and Amotekun Corps to fortify the performances of security agencies in the state.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 13, 2022.