Twenty-four Nigerians have filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for “failing to give them and other seven million Nigerians adequate time and opportunity to complete their voter registration after they have carried out their registration online.”
The Plaintiffs who are suing for themselves and on behalf of seven million other Nigerians want to “complete the registration process, so that they can obtain their permanent voter cards (PVCs), and exercise their right to vote.”
INEC recently disclosed that out of 10,487,972 Nigerians who carried out their pre-registration online, only 3,444,378 completed the process at a physical centre. This represents just 32.8 percent of completed online registration.
But in the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1662/2022 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the Plaintiffs are seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to re-activate its continuous voters registration exercise to allow the Plaintiffs to complete their registration and collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).”
The Plaintiffs are also seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to provide adequate facilities and deploy personnel to the registration units of the Plaintiffs to enable them complete their registration and collect their PVCs.”
The Plaintiffs are arguing that, “We have completed the online registration exercise. Denying us the time and opportunity to complete the registration for our PVCs would impair our right to vote, and deny us a voice in the 2023 elections.”
The Plaintiffs are also arguing that, “The inability to complete our registration is entirely due to factors outside of our control. We are eligible Nigerians but unless we are given a reasonable time and opportunity to complete the registration process, and obtain our voter cards, we will not be able to vote in the 2023 general elections.”
The twenty-four Nigerians include: Adeeyo Bayo Wasiu; Kunat Tychius Amos; Tagbo Philips Chidubem; Emeghe Uchanma Grace; Ayoola Opeyemi Ebenezer; Eche Onah Otakpa; Olatoye Clement Damilola; and Ogunejiofor Raphael Emeka.
Others include: Adedotun Adegoke Babatunde; Emmanuel Promise Tochukwu; Emmanuel Ternajev; Joy Oluwadamilola Ige; Lawerence Ignatius; Agbede Kunle; Eze Daniel Ndubisi; and Nkemdilim Agbor Bassey.
Others are: Omoike Iredia Oseine; Joshua Patrick Ogenekaro; Wisdom Emeka; Ukpe Victor Destiny; Abayomi Opeoluwa; Ndubuisi Anthony Ahanihu; Akande Akintunde O; and Adamma Rhodes.
The suit filed on behalf of the Plaintiffs by lawyers to Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “Closing the gates on eligible Nigerians cannot preserve trust in the electoral process.”
“According to reports, the inability of Nigerians to complete their voters registration exercise or even transfer their permanent voters’ card, affected wide spectrums of persons, hence this class action by the identified plaintiffs on behalf of other affected Nigerians.”
“There were reports of incidence of bribery, unethical conducts of INEC staff, registration process marred by irregularities, insufficient machines, malfunctioning of machines, insufficient staff and unskilled staff, before the defendant ended the Continuous Voters Registration Exercise on the 31st July, 2022.”
“The right to vote is not merely the right to cast a ballot but also the right to be given the time and opportunity to complete the registration process, so that the right can be meaningfully and effectively exercised.”
“Any proffered justifications of saving time and cost are therefore wholly insufficient. Administrative convenience is simply not a compelling justification in light of the fundamental nature of the right to vote.”
“This severe vote deprivation cannot be justified by any perceived considerations of saving time, especially because Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that ‘the registration of voters, updating and revision of the Register of Voters shall not stop not later than 90 days before any election covered by this Act.’”
“Providing fresh opportunity for the Plaintiffs and seven million other Nigerians to complete their registration would promote and preserve the right to vote, and ensure that legal and eligible voters are not inadvertently and unjustifiably turned away from exercising their fundamental right to vote.”
“The Plaintiffs are Nigerians who commenced the voters registration exercises in their respective states via successful online enrolment at the respective dates but could not complete the registration process, and obtain their voters cards.”
“The plaintiffs also include those who are interested in transferring their permanent voters’ cards to another location so that they can vote.”
“The Plaintiffs and other eligible Nigerians have the rights to equal treatment before the law, equal protection, non-discrimination and equal opportunities to participate in the government of Nigeria.”
“By refusing the Plaintiffs and seven million other Nigerians the opportunity to complete the registration for their PVCs, INEC have unfairly, unreasonably, and unjustifiably denied them the opportunity to be heard at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner as to the reasons for not completing their registration.”
“The Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) 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.’”
“Similarly, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance guarantee the right to political participation, including the right to vote.”
“The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), recently disclosed that over seven million Nigerians who carried out their voter pre-registration online could not complete the process at physical centres.”
“According to a report released by INEC, out of 10,487,972 Nigerians who carried out their pre-registration online, only 3,444,378 Nigerians representing 32.8 percent, completed the process at a physical centre. 7,043,594 Nigerians carried out their pre-registration but are yet to complete the process at a physical centre.”
“This represents over 67 percent of those who began their registration process online. According to INEC, a total of 12,298,944 Nigerians completed their voter registration; 8,854,566 of which were persons who did their registration entirely at a physical centre.”
“The Plaintiffs and seven million other Nigerians have already completed their registration online, that is, via INEC online portal by providing their biodata and required documents.”
“According to INEC, the process that is outstanding for the applicants to complete the registration for their PVCs is to visit INEC designated centres for their biometric to be captured.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
18/9/2022
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
Niger Delta women denounce NDDC IMC promoters
Women in the Niger Delta on Friday denounced promoters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) interim management committee, describing them as the greatest friends of illegality and the most pronounced foes of the region.
‘’The interim management committee will breed hostility among the oil states in the country. The inauguration of substantive board is the best possible course under existing circumstances’’
They also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to dramatize the end of one man or a three man rule in the commission.
At a gathering in Port Harcourt, the women appealed to leaders of key nations and world statesmen to implore Buhari to constitute the commission’s board.
‘’It would be a tragedy if Mr President let himself be diverted from consideration of the NDDC Board by the proposal of another interim management committee. Such a tendency shows a singular lack of understanding of the region’s problems and a failure to remember the larger purposes for which the NDDC was established. The composition of a substantive board is primary and fundamental’’
They also appealed to presidential candidates, traditional rulers and religious leaders to impress on President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute a board for the Commission.
The women described interim management committee agitators as predators, destroyers and zombies.
A statement read to newsmen by the President of Niger Delta Women in Politics (NDWIP), Chief Josephine Ekong said without the board, it would be practically impossible to assume a leading role in attempting to bring about a lasting peace and development in the oil rich region’’
‘’At inception, NDDC gave the Niger Delta people new confidence and a tremendous sense of regional solidarity. It taught the people the meaning of development’’.
The women said they would have nothing to do with the interim management committee or another sole administrator.
‘’The delay in constituting the board and the zero implementation of the recommendations of the NDDC Forensic Audit Report are enough to move the people of the region to anger.
They expressed complete satisfaction over the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana’s good faith.
The women also praised the NDDC Sole Administrator, Mr Effiong Akwa for displaying leadership.
‘’The obligation of the government is to supply the focal point where problems could be integrated and resolved. The way out lies not in attempting to sack Akwa and putting in place interim management committee but in completely inaugurating the commission’s board’’
PRESIDENT BUHARI ATTENDS 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja, Sunday, September 18, for New York, United States to attend the annual meeting of world leaders, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77).
The theme for the 77th session which opened on Tuesday, September 13 is: “A watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges.”
Key topics of discussion at the UNGA this year include; the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis, climate action, ending the COVID-19 pandemic, and a special Transforming Education Summit.
President Buhari will take his turn to deliver the National Statement on the second day of the General Debates on Wednesday, September 21.
Aside his Statement, the President will also participate in High Level meetings and side events including the Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum (NIEPF), convened by Nigeria in partnership with the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU); Strengthening Coordination through National Humanitarian Development Peace (NHDP) Framework: A practical approach to sustainable durable solutions to ensure no one is left behind, organised by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development; and the EFCC-NEPAD Programme on combating Illicit Financial Flows.
President Buhari will also hold strategic bilateral meetings with World Leaders, renowned investors and heads of multinational organisations while in New York.
On the entourage of the President are the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, some Governors, Ministers and top government officials.
The President is expected back in the country on Monday, September 26.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 17, 2022
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022:
MY RESPONSE TO THE CALL BY LABOUR PARTY TO PLACE ME UNDER SECURITY WATCH
I also call on the Security Agencies in Nigeria to place Mr. Peter Obi and some of his demented supporters on the terror watch lists for circulating an incendiary video with a fake message by one of his supporters called Powell Glad Legbe (on his Facebook page) calling on Yorubas not to vote for Peter Obi. Mr. Peter Obi then wrongly and wickedly attributed that quote to an amorphous ‘Tinubu group’. Up till now he has not withdrawn his accusation nor has he apologised to our candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It is obvious Mr. Peter Obi wants to cause religious and tribal crises in the country and for this I call on the security agencies to place Mr. Peter Obi on security watch or invite him for thorough investigation. If necessary, I am prepared to be invited too as a witness to prove my case against him.
Thank you.
FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN FCIArb(UK)
– Director, Public Affairs and Chief Spokesperson,
APC Presidential Campaign Council
– Honourable Minister of State,
Ministry of Labour and Employment,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
ONLY FEW CAN RIVAL MAMA’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN HER LIFETIME – ONDO EXCO MEMBERS
- Condole Gov Akeredolu On Mother’s Death
- Forum Of Permanent Secretaries Commiserate With Governor
- Our Mum Was Wonderful – Gov Akeredolu
Members of the Ondo State Executive Council on Saturday paid a condolence visit to the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, over the death of his mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu (JP).
Governor Akeredolu and his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, received the Exco members at the Kopindogba residence of the late Lady Evangelist Akeredolu in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The Exco members and the Forum of Permanent Secretaries were led by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
They commiserated with the Governor and his siblings and congratulated them for surviving their mother.
The Deputy Governor, who spoke on behalf of the State Executive Council and Forum of Permanent Secretaries, said the late Lady Evangelist Akeredolu lived a fulfilled life.
He noted that not too many mothers can rival what the late Lady Evangelist achieved in her lifetime.
“She produced seven wonderful children who are doing so well in their areas of core competence. To even have produced a two-term governor of a State is a great thing.
“Not even after her death, but when she was still alive, she witnessed the success of one of her children as two-term governor, chairman of South-West Governors’ Forum, chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“So, Mama has lived a fulfilled life. And that is the aspect of joy. It is a mixed feelings. We commiserate with you. All of us, the Cabinet members, the Permanent Secretaries, and the entire poeple of Ondo State we are representing here. We also thank God for your life and that of your siblings,” the Deputy Governor said.
Hon. Aiyedatiwa added that the late Mama has done so well and impacted so many lives.
“Sir, we, members of the Cabinet of the Government of Ondo State, and some other staff, the Permanent Secretaries, are here to commiserate with you on the loss of your dearly beloved mother, Mama Lady Evangelist Grace Abosede Akeredolu, a nonagenarian.
“The second is to also thank God for you, members of your family, your siblings and the entire Akeredolu’s family for surviving your aged mother. Sir, at the break of the news in the wee hour of Thursday, the 15th of September, some of us made phone calls to express our heartfelt sympathy. Some in text messages, all of us have expressed our condolences.
“But we owe you the honour of coming here physically to commiserate with you and also solidarise with you at this time. That is why we are here corporately as a body. We, therefore, commiserate with you on the loss of Mama, a nonagenarian.
“The death of an aged mother comes with mixed feelings, the feelings of love, of grief, of pain that you will not have the opportunity of having a daily interaction with her again.
“It can be so painful. So, we identify with you and pray that the vacuum she has left will be filled by God Himself, who has taken her home. As human, we will grieve but God has taken her home.
“We pray that God will console you, your siblings and the entire family, and grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“The other feeling is a feeling of some level of thanksgiving and joy that you and your siblings are able to survive the aged mother. Not too many people have that opportunity to have an aged mother, a nonagenarian that was able to live a fulfilled life, seeing all her children doing very well in her lifetime.
“Mama has done so well, impacted so many lives. She was a benefactor to some of us one way or the other, either directly or indirectly. She prayed for all of us at her 90th birthday. I know that on daily basis, she prayed for you and those who are working with you. These prayers were answered for all of us.
“We thank God for her life, and indirectly, for all that you have done for Ondo State. Your wonderful programmes and projects and what Arabinrin has also done to impact live across board.
So, we want to thank God for the life she lived and that you are all alive to survive her. Congratulations, sir, and God bless you sir,” the Deputy Governor said.
Responding, Governor Akeredolu described his late mother as a wonderful woman who was prayerful and caring.
The Governor thanked members of the state executive council and the forum of Permanent Secretaries for coming from Akure to Ibadan to condole him and members of his family.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 17, 2022.
PRESS STATEMENT
APC is putting machinery in motion to win the federal elections
The attention of the APC Presidential Campaign Council has been drawn to a poll conducted by the NOI polls which made wild and incredible permutations on the presidential elections.
We are unperturbed by these dubious and unreliable statistics because our research shows that NOI Polls have been off the mark at critical election periods in recent times.
For example, preparatory to the March 2015 presidential elections, NOI published in October 2014 the results of a “Viability Poll” which used the concepts of Familiarity and Net Favourability Position to survey.
In the results, NOI claimed that President Goodluck Jonathan has the best overall familiarity rating at 99% and Net Favourability Probability of ±25.
By contrast, NOI dismissed the then All Progressives Congress candidate, Muhammadu Buhari as a “borderline candidate” who needed ” huge public relations” to shore up his performance.
But when the Nigerian people went to the polls, who won? The APC candidate and now President, Muhammadu Buhari.
This is not the only instance when the NOI has turned its political bias in an election period to fraudulent statistics.
Towards the 2019 presidential elections, and knowing fully that President Muhammadu Buhari was going for re-election for a second term in office, the NOI pollsters embarked on another abracadabra. In June 2017, they issued the results of another poll, that Nigerians prefer a middle-aged president claiming that this poll was inspired by the election of Macron as the president of France and the campaign of the Not Too Young To Run. According to the predictable bias, NOI claimed that 64% said they would prefer to vote for a presidential candidate between the ages of 40 and 50 years and 15% preferred candidates between 51 and 60. In short, for a presidential candidate in his 70s running for re-election, NOI results meant certain defeat.
But when the Nigerian people went to the polls on February 23, 2019, the man the NOI polls had tried to bully with statistics out of the race won again.
It is significant that at the time NOI was generating the unrealistic figures to boost the ego of President Jonathan, a more serious and independent team of pollsters- Neo-Telligence based in the United Kingdom used geo-demographics and public sentiment analysis to forecast the emergence of President Buhari. By contrast, their empirical analysis showed that two years before the 2015 presidential elections, Goodluck Jonathan’s public approval rating on corruption, insecurity and the economy had nosedived across most of the battleground states.
Our objective profiling of NOI Polls as an anti-APC research organisation is grounded on the aforesaid facts and that is why we believe this present report is, in the language of Nigerians, “*wuruwuru to the answer”.
The NOI has chosen the preferred candidate and has decided to use fake, dubious statistics to package him to the Nigerian voters.
We know as a matter of fact, the owners of NOI and where their political interest lies and wish to advise NOI to stop polluting the political system with irresponsible, unscientific and biased polling so that we don’t expose the puppeteers pulling it’s strings.
Our party is putting machinery in motion to win the federal elections with a margin that will be too wide to contest. Our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu recorded the highest votes of a senator across the country under the Social Democratic Party in July 1992. He will do it on nationwide scale on February 25.2023.
Bayo Onanuga
Director,
Media and Publicity
All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council
MY MOTHER WAS A PRAYER WARRIOR, GREAT MUM TO US – GOV AKEREDOLU
- Receives Oniju-Odo, Organised Labour On Condolence Visit
More dignitaries have continued to visit Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, over the death of his mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu (JP).
The Oniju of Iju-odo, Oba Festus Olumoyegun; the Organised Labour in Ondo State; Local Government Vice Chairmen; Senatorial candidate of the APC In Ondo Central Senatorial district, Niyi Adegbonmire (SAN); and Mr. Diran Iyantan were among the early callers at the Kopindogba residence of the Late Lady Evangelist Akeredolu on Saturday.
They were received by Governor Akeredolu, his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and siblings.
Oba Olumoyegun described the deceased as an achiever who witnessed the successes of her children before passing on to eternal glory.
The monarch disclosed that his decision to visit the Governor in Ibadan to identify with him was hinged on the various achievements of the Governor in Ikaleland.
He promised to support the Governor in giving his mother a befitting burial.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ondo State, Comrade Sunday Oluwole Adeleye, who led the delegation of Organised Labour, congratulated the Governor for surviving his mother.
“We are here to celebrate with you that you survive your mother. We rejoice with you that you are the one burying your mother and not the other way round. We share in your grief,” Adeleye said.
Governor Akeredolu appreciated the monarch and the organised Labour for finding time to pay him a condolence visit.
The Governor described his late mother as a prayer warrior who served God wholeheartedly in her lifetime.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 17, 2022.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU COMMISERATES WITH AKEREDOLU OVER MOTHER’S DEATH
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commiserated with his Ondo State counterpart, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), on the death of his mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, urged Governor Akeredolu, the deceased family, friends and entire people of Owo and Ondo State in general to preserve the legacy of love and prayers left behind the deceased.
He also urged members of the Christian community to immortalise the good name of the late nonagenarian and her service in God’s vineyard.
He said: “On behalf of the State Government, good people of Lagos State and my adorable wife, Ibijoke, I sympathise with my brother, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on the demise of his beloved mother and matriarch of the family, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu.
“I also send my heartfelt condolences to all the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family members and entire people of Owo and Ondo State over the death of Mama Akeredolu.
“Mama was a strong supporter and pillar of Governor Akeredolu and without any iota of doubt, she contributed to the success of all her children as a principled, disciplined and committed mother. She also trained her children and those around her in the way of God.
“As an evangelist, she served God and humanity passionately using her gift and talent to win souls for God and minister to people around her. She was an apostle of God and remained committed to God till her passing on Thursday.
“The elderly and wise counsel of Mama would be sorely missed. I pray God will grant the deceased eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
15 SEPTEMBER 2022
Wrangling in PDP part of democracy – Atiku Campaign Organization
The Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation has described the disagreements within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as one of the characteristics of democratic governance.
Spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr. Charles Aniagwu stated this while answering questions on Arise Television on Thursday.
He said that PDP as a national party was committed to the ideals of freedom of speech and expression as guaranteed by the Nigeria constitution, adding that individuals in the party were exercising their democratic rights and helping to widen the democratic space.
Aniagwu who is also Delta State Commissioner for Information, said, “Atiku is a man of character who keeps his words if he says look we are going to run a government that will rescue Nigeria he knows that for him to do that, every segment of the society must be carried along and that includes our brothers and sisters in South West.
“What Atiku wants is to have a very peaceful government so that at the end of the day he is able to unite the country and because he believes that for him to be able to drive the economic polices he needs to first of all bring everybody on board.
“To unite the country he is trying to bring individuals who have the ability whether they are in the diaspora or other political parties, once you have got the quality to be effective he brings you in.
“What is happening within the PDP is democracy at play and even in the midst of the disagreements, the PDP is still far ahead of any other political party.
“Our candidate is the only person that has been able to show Nigerians that he has a policy framework that he will use to rescue Nigerian.
“No other candidate has been able to produce anyone even from those parties you think they are quiet without any crisis.
“Our candidate is very much prepared and he has gone ahead to make a public presentation of what he intends to do with the economy.
“So in spite of what you are hearing as disagreements, the PDP and our presidential candidate are far ahead of other parties that tend to have what we may call the peace of the grave yard,” Aniagwu said.
He commended Nigerians for their interest in the unity of the PDP and for the confidence reposed in the party to rescue Nigerians assuring that the crisis would soon be over.
“What Atiku is looking forward to is not just to get individuals on board for the purpose of getting the votes, Atiku is Interested in uniting the entire country but he is starting with the PDP.
“To be able to unite a country that is so disjointed on account of the mismanagement of our diversity is not something that you will just do in one night.
“You heard the Presidential candidate when he said he doesn’t have any problems with individual asking Ayu to step down but that for us to do so, we must also not look at the principles of the end justifying the means, we must also look at the processes that will lead us to the end in which case we need to bring to bear the provisions of the constitution of the PDP.
He called on the people of the South West to be patient with the party as issues being raised by stakeholders were being resolved in the interest of the rescue mission.
“If you listened to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and other leaders of the party in the South West, they clearly acknowledged that by the grace of God, Atiku will become the next President of Nigeria.
“What does that tell you, it means that we have been able to move the beam from where some persons are reluctant to join the boat to where they have now joined the boat and are now looking at what part of the seat would they take in order for them to sit comfortably.
“So the South West is for PDP and other members have declared full support for Atiku Abubakar but they are saying can we do this?
“I asked the question, does Atiku Abubakar have the power to remove Ayu? No, he doesn’t have that power. And as a man who believes in the rule of law, he is not going to do that.
“The constitution of the party is very clear on this. If you go to the constitution of the party, you will discover in Section 45 of the constitution that for you to remove the chairman of the party or for him to resign, certain processes need to be activated.
“When the chairman resigns or he is removed, the Deputy national chairman who is from the same region as the chairman will automatically have to step in.
“But beyond that, in the PDP, the third in line is the National Secretary and as we speak, it’s in southern part of the country. There are some hierarchical forms of arrangement in the party.
“The National Organising Secretary usually comes from the same region where the chairman comes from for ease of operations.
“How do you now deal with the Deputy national chairman who must come from the same region as the chairman and must step in, in the event of the chairman’s removal?
“So for you to demand that the chairman moves to the south, you must first of all solve these two puzzles. Even after you have solved these puzzles, you must also come back to begin to look at the issue of the national secretary of the party.
“These are constitutional provisions that you must look at and know whether you have the strength to offend those constitutional provisions and still remain very healthy within the party.
“It means that the resignation of the national chairman is not even the main issue but to move the chairmanship position from the north to the south is a very big issue that will alter all other arrangements within the party and we have just five months to a general election.
“So the leadership of the party is pleading with the people who believe that there is need to make that move for the purpose of equity to tarry awhile.
“Once we are able to deal with the big elephant in the house, which is organising to be able to win the general elections, then we can now come back to look at that movement of the chairman to the south,” Aniagwu added.
On the attempt to challenge the use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS in court, Aniagwu described the move as unrealistic as BVAS was provided for in the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.
He called on the National Assembly to reject any INEC nominee identified to be card carrying members of any political party to retain the independence and integrity of the electoral umpire.
“The BIVAS is backed by law and by virtue of the Nigeria constitution, INEC is empowered by law to manage elections in the country and the Electoral Act empowers INEC to further prescribe rules guiding to conduct of elections,” he stated.
PRESS RELEASE
2023: SHETTIMA, SANWO-OLU, OTHERS DRUM SUPPORT FOR TINUBU
…Sanwo-Olu: APC Candidate Most Credible To Succeed Buhari
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Kashim Shettima, on Thursday, said the APC National Leader and presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is the most qualified with the capacity to lead Nigeria among all the presidential candidates contesting to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in May 29, 2023.
Speaking during the 95+1 anniversary lecture of the Yoruba Tennis Club held at the club’s Greeting Hall in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu and Shettima urged Nigerians to vote for capacity during the 2023 presidential elections and shun religious sentiments.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who urged Nigerians not to allow religious division, especially with respect to the APC Muslim-Muslim joint ticket for the presidential poll, said electing the next President of Nigeria should be about leadership, character, audacity to think and ability to think deeply and solve problems.
He said: “There is nothing in the issue of a Muslim-Muslim Ticket. I am a Christian and my wife is a Christian but we know too well that it is not about religion. We have forgotten that in 2011 the Action Congress of Nigeria fielded Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and his vice presidential candidate, Mr. Fola Adeola in a Muslim-Muslim ticket. We did not see any problem at that time.
“But suddenly because there is a likelihood of this ticket (Tinubu-Shettima) emerging as a winner, people now want to divide us. We will say no because that is not who we are. It is about leadership. It is about character. It is about the audacity to think. It is about the ability to be able to think deeply and solve problems.
“We do not want to despise other candidates. We all know too well what their antecedents are. We all know too what their credentials are. But we know that as a nation, we need a strong launch pad. We need to think out of the box and be able to put our best foot forward.
“I want to thank the leadership of the Yoruba Tennis Club again for making the right choice by inviting Senator Kashim Shettima to deliver the anniversary lecture. We are celebrating 96 years now and let it be on record that by 2026 during our centenary celebration, by the grace of God, we will have Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu coming here to celebrate with us as President on our centenary and of course by your grace and your support, I will still remain as your 15th Governor, coming here and celebrate in four years time and all of you will be here.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also charged Yoruba people and residents of Lagos State to work toward the emergence of Asiwaju Tinubu as the next President of Nigeria. “We deserve to produce the next president. In Lagos we deserve it. Lagos requires it and it would be by the grace of God a bigger, better and stronger nation and state that all of you would be truly proud of to have been part of,” he said.
In his address, Senator Kashim titled, “Social Club and the search for a national cohesion in Nigeria,” described Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as an excellent example of national cohesion.
Shettima, a former Governor of Borno State, said the Tinubu-Shettima ticket was dedicated to the building of a progressive and united country, that would allow for harnessing the very best that the country had to offer, adding that candidacy will rekindle the spirit of patriotism and draw on all the positive lessons from the commendable history of the Yoruba Tennis Club.
He said: “We have seen the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the APC. We are convinced that the general political situation in Nigeria needs the competencies of a detribalized and committed Nigerian, like, ABAT (Tinubu), to re-ignite the requisite values that can help us rededicate ourselves and all Nigerians to collectively tackle the challenges of national cohesion.
“The 2023 general elections are just a few months away and Nigerians have a choice to make, in the determination of our destiny.
“In 2023, we need a Nigerian leader that has the humility and generosity of spirit of General Yakubu Gowon. We need a leader that has the commitment of Muhammadu Buhari.
”We need a leader that has the work ethic and broad-mindedness of an Olusegun Obasanjo. We need a leader that has the situational pragmatism and understanding of Nigeria’s security, the maradonic skill of an Ibrahim Babangida.
”We need a leader with a vision and sense of responsibility and commitment and somebody who understands the nation like an Abdulsalami Abubakar and in our systemic circumstances, we need a leader with a dose of the hospitality of a Sani Abacha.
”We need a leader with the intellectual acumen, with the action to catapult this nation to a higher pedestrian. We need a leader who is not bound by regional or religious sentiment.
”We need a leader that has established such records of excellence and commitment to good governance. There is no one, with all due respect, that fits this than Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Shettima also commended Yoruba Tennis Club’s leadership and members for sustaining one of the foremost social clubs in Nigeria in the last 96 years.
“We must get our politics right, in the same patriotic manner that the Founding Fathers of the Yoruba Tennis Club, and their successors, got it right, and have kept it going for 96 years. Social clubs play a vital role in the process of national cohesion.
“Inadvertently, you (Yoruba Tennis Club) have taught the lesson of brotherhood and enduring legacy having survived all the challenges of the past 96 years. This statement of success and continuity is a lesson we must take on board if we are to build a great country,” he said.
In his address, the Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Chief Babajide Damazio, said the club since its existence in 1926 has witnessed many seasons of bloom and gloom, and therefore enjoined members to continuously celebrate the essence of their togetherness.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
15 SEPTEMBER 2022
Delta establishes 22 new schools
In a bid to expand the frontiers of its educational development, Delta State Government (DTSG) has approved the establishment 22 new schools comprising 9 primary and 13 secondary schools across the state.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Noel Omodon disclosed this on Thursday evening at Government House, Asaba, while briefing journalists on some of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor of the state, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro.
Omodon pointed out that the new primary and secondary schools were approved by the state exco in response to the demand for schools in areas where such educational facilities were lacking.
Apart from the approval for the establishment of the new schools, he said, Exco also, approved the change of name and status of some of the existing primary and secondary schools in the state.
According to him, the payment of the counterpart funding for the UBE 2022 cycle was approved by the Exco to strengthen the delivery of qualitative educational services aimed at further promoting mass literacy in the state.
The Works Commissioner also disclosed that approval for the supply of laboratory/workshop equipment to University of Delta was equally approved by Exco to enhance academic activities in the university.
“The establishment of nine new primary and 13 new secondary schools in the state was approved by the state Exco in areas where there is demand for schools to cater for the shortfalls in those areas.
“Approval was also given by Exco for the change of name and status of some of the existing primary and secondary schools in the state, the Commissioner added.
On the Kwale Industrial Park, Omodon said Exco approved investment into a modern production facility at the park where things like flat bars, nails, screws and angle among others would be produced, adding that the state government had equally approved equity participation at the Kwale free zone (Industrial Park).
“The Emevor/Ivrogbor/Orogun Road phase l that has been an issue in Isoko area and Samagidi/Izejagbo Village Road in Ethiope East were approved for construction.
“In the capital territory, we approved Edwin Uzor/Chukwudi Dafe Road, Ambassador Leo Okogwu Road and Ogongosu Road to enhance good road network in the territory.
“Exco also approved Egodon Agodobiri Road in Burutu, Ogbudugburu Road in Warri North, Dr. James Fakejeme Julius Layout Road and Ovwor Township Road, he said.
Under the Girls Entrepreneurship and Skills Training (GEST) Programme, Omodon said, the state Exco gave approval for the training of 500 young women to boost the employment generation and wealth creation drive of the Okowa led administration in the state.
While saying that some funds have been approved by Exco for the completion of the Ogheye floating market, the Commissioner pointed out that approval was also given for the reactivation of the Warri/Effurun Water Project.
“We approved participation with a private agency in the Warri/Effurun Water Project and we are going to guarantee some of the funds by APG so that we can get the water facility functional,” he stated.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES FORMER MINISTER OF FINANCE, SHAMSUDDEEN USMAN AT 73
President Muhammadu Buhari joins family members and friends to rejoice with former Minister of Finance, Shamsuddeen Usman, who clocks 73 on September 18, 2022, extolling the economist, banker and administrator for his unique influence on Nigeria’s economic growth.
The President congratulates Usman, who was also Minister of National Planning, for pivotal leadership roles in the private and public sector, setting the framework for the country’s long term development strategy, Vision 2020, and National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan.
As the first Minister of Finance to publicly declare his asset before assuming duty, President Buhari affirms that the hallmark of integrity, discipline and diligence guides the public servant, whose experience continues to inspire younger generations on the value of patriotism, honour and dignity.
The President prays for the wellbeing of Usman and his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 17, 2022
Akeredolu’s Mum, Queen Elizabeth II: The Righteous Left Together In Honour – Jimoh Ibrahim
…As He sends condolence messages
Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim CFR, billionaire business mogul and the candidate of All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo South senatorial district for 2023 general elections, has described the transitions of the mother of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Queen Elizabeth II of England as exit of the righteous in honour.
This was contained in his condolence messages to the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Prince Charles of Wales (the king apparent of England) upon the passage of their mothers, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu and Queen Elizabeth II respectively.
Pointing out the similarities in the death of the nonagenarians, Dr. Ibrahim who recently graduated from University of Cambridge and awarded First-ever Doctor of Business by the varsity, noted that “Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral at age of 96, after reigning for 70 years.
“She died peacefully on Thursday afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.
“The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.
“Likewise, our mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu died peacefully in her sleep early on Thursday morning. Mama was 90 years.
“Both of them lived an enviable life and were known as true apostles of Christ Jesus propagating His gospel.
“Mama lived a godly life. She was a leading example to up and coming mothers and a unique disciplinarian during her hay days.
“She was a caring-mother which actually radiated till date in the lives of her children.
“She dedicated her life to God till her last moment with us here on earth.
“We are happy that she lived till a ripe age due to the grace she received from God Almighty.
“Despite this, we will still miss her.
“May the souls of the Queen and Matriarch of the Akeredolu dynasty rest in peace.
“I enjoined the king apparent of England and the grand-children and great grand-children of the Queen to take solace in the good life she lived.
I condole with our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, and his siblings as well as the grand-children and great grand-children to rejoice in the Lord because Mama lived to witness them rise to the peak of their individual careers.”
APC cause of poverty, hunger in Nigeria – Okowa
Governor of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Saturday said rising hunger and poverty in the country was caused by poor management of the nation’s economy by ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He stated this at an empowerment programme for the people of Ika Federal Constituency by the Member representing the constituency at the House of Representatives, Mr Victor Nwokolo, at Boji-Boji Owa, Ika North East Local Government Area.
The Governor who was in company with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and PDP Governorship Candidate in the state, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori and State Chairman of PDP, Chief Kingsley Esiso, commended Nwokolo for his gesture in giving hope to the hopeless, describing the event as “empowerment programme with a difference”
He said that Nigeria was troubled because people were hungry and out of job due to mismanagement of the nation’s economy.
He added that even students were having lots of challenges because their parents could not meet their needs owing to the level of poverty resulting from ineptitude of the APC-led Federal Government.
Okowa, therefore, urged Nigerians to support the PDP, saying it was the only party with clear understanding of the nation’s challenges and had clear solution to rescue the nation.
“The important thing is that we know the issues troubling our nation and we have a clear pathway for rescuing and rebuilding the nation,” he said.
He commended Nwokolo for empowerment and noted that it was a show of love to the people and prayed that the beneficiaries would utilise the items and equipment for the common good of the people.
“I also pray that the students who benefitted from this gesture will study hard and become successful for the good of their families and our people,” he stated.
Earlier, Nwokolo had said that his motive for the empowerment was to restore hope to the hopeless amid rising hunger and poverty in the land.
He commended Governor Okowa for providing leadership and for his efforts in empowering the people through the various entrepreneurial programmes of the state.
Items presented at the ceremony include cars, mini buses, tricycles, cassava processing machines, oil processing mills, block processing equipment, generators, transformers, sewing machines, educational grant and motor cycles.
PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISERATES WITH GOVERNOR AKEREDOLU OVER MOTHER’S DEATH
President Muhammadu Buhari extends condolences to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and his family on the passing of their beloved mother, Mrs Grace Akeredolu.
The President urges the Akeredolu family members to draw strength from the life lessons taught by Mama, the values of care and compassion she inculcated in them and the sacrifices she made for her children to succeed in life.
President Buhari prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed, and urges the family to hold fast to their faith and trust in God to guide them through this difficult period.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 16, 2022
Delta’s healthcare investment to curb medical tourism – Okowa
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Saturday, said the huge investment being made by his administration in the health sector was to improve healthcare delivery and reduce medical tourism in the country.
Okowa who is the Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), disclosed this in an interview with journalists shortly after inspecting facilities at the Advanced Diagnostic Medical Centre and Mother and Child Hospital, Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.
He said that the twin medical facilities would, on completion, reduce medical tourism as it would provide first-class medical services to people who would have sought medical treatment abroad.
While saying that the Mother and Child Hospital would take care of every illness concerning women and children, the Governor said the Advanced Diagnostic Medical Center would take care of all manner of investigative procedures in radiology and other laboratory analyses.
“I am glad that we have gotten to this place. I had high hopes that by today, we would have inaugurated these projects.
“We are working behind time, there is no doubt about that but I have just been reassured that in the next one month, the projects would be ready.
“The equipment is fully on site and we are trying to get things fully sorted out and I am sure that in the next one month, it should be ready and opened to the public for use.
“The two projects are obviously very important. The Mother and Child, as it is so stated, is supposed to take care of every illness concerning our women and children.
“The Advanced Diagnostic Center is going to take care of all manners of investigative procedures both in radiology and other laboratory analysis that they have to do.
“The Advanced Diagnostic Medical Center is also going to be a center that would be involved in treatments. There is equipment in here. But until they finish with this construction, they would not be fully installed,” he said.
Speaking further, Governor Okowa said the key infrastructural projects being executed by his administration would be inaugurated between November and December, this year.
However, he pointed out that many of the projects executed by his administration, especially the multiple road projects, were already being put to use by Deltans as soon as they were completed, adding that he doesn’t have to go and start inaugurating all them before they can be put to use.
On the new technical colleges in the state, the Governor said students were already being admitted into three of them which he listed to include Uvwie, Obiaruku and Asaba Technical Colleges, adding that Asaba and Uvwie Technical Schools will commence academic activities by next week while that of Obiaruku will start in October, this year.
“Those schools are really well planned and we have lots of equipment to teach the children. The academic and non-academic staff have already been engaged and they are undergoing some trainings now.
“There are still so many other projects that are ongoing. For instance, the 160kms dualisation that we are constructing from Asaba to Ughelli is one of them.
“We also have several bridges that we are constructing. I intend to pay a visit to one or two of them. I also hope I find time to go through Trans-Warri Road and bridges.
“I believe that between now and December, a lot of key projects would be brought to completion and we will be inaugurating projects in the dry season. September and October are still raining season and I would not want to fix project inauguration within this period of time.
“But for any project that is completed, we put it to use. It does not have to wait for inauguration because the project is for the people, inauguration is fun fare,” the governor added.
ASUU STRIKE: PRESIDENT BUHARI MEETS WITH PRO-CHANCELLORS OF VARSITIES, PROMISES FURTHER CONSULTATIONS
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday at State House, Abuja, met with the Chairman and select members of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities, promising to engage in further consultations with relevant stakeholders, towards ending the protracted strike by university lecturers, under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The President said without necessarily going back on what is already established policy, “I will make further consultations, and I’ll get back to you.”
The Pro-Chancellors were led to the meeting by Professor Nimi Briggs, who said they had come to meet with the President in three capacities: “As President and Commander-in-Chief, as father of the nation, and as Visitor to the Federal universities.”
He added that despite the pall cast by more than seven months of industrial action, “the future of university system in the country is good,” citing as example the recent listing of the University of Ibadan among the first 1,000 universities in the world, a development occurring for the first time.
Prof Briggs commended Federal Government for concessions already made to the striking lecturers, including the offer to raise salaries by 23.5% across board, and 35% for Professors. He, however, asked for “further inching up of the salary, in view of the economic situation of the country.”
The Pro-Chancellors also asked for a reconsideration of the No-Work, No-Pay stance of government, promising that lecturers would make up for time lost as soon as an amicable situation was reached, and schools reopened.
Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Nana Opiah, said all the concessions made by Federal Government were to ensure that the industrial action comes to an end, but ASUU has remained adamant.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
September 16, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH HIS HOLINESS, MOST REV DR RUFUS OKIKIOLA OSITELU ON ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF WCC FOR AFRICA
President Muhammadu Buhari shares in the joy of elevation for The Church of the Lord (TCL) Worldwide and entire Body of Christ, with election of His Holiness, The Most Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Olubiyi Ositelu as President of World Council of Churches (WCC) for Africa.
The President warmly congratulates the Primate of TLC, Dr Ositelu, who made history as first African from an African Instituted Church and first head of Church in Nigeria to occupy the respected position of WCC President for Africa since it was formed in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 1948.
President Buhari appreciates the delegates at the 11th WCC General Assembly on September 5th, 2022 in Karlsruhe Germany for the honour and recognition, after taking into consideration the Primate’s love for God, sacrifice for others and dedication to service of humanity, especially in Nigeria.
The President believes the election of Dr Ositelu to the exalted and esteemed position further highlights the efforts in spreading the gospel of Christ, particularly in Nigeria, and the impact of the good work, which has brought transformed many lives, lifted many homes and shown the way of hope and righteousness for the fallen, desperate and hopeless.
Dr. Ositelu, who is the incumbent and fourth Primate of TCL Worldwide, was the former Vice President of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and served successfully as a member of WCC central committee – the highest decision-making body of the WCC.
The President prays that the Almighty God who has favoured the Primate, will grant him good health, strength and wisdom to deliver on the mandate.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 15, 2022
NIGERIA WILL RETURN HER LOVE AND LOYALTY TO YOU, PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES 286 FOREIGN NATIONALS GRANTED CITIZENSHIP
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja awarded Nigerian citizenship to 286 nationals, urging them to be good citizens of the country to enjoy all the rights and privileges bestowed on them.
”You have pledged your allegiance to Nigeria. When you give your love and loyalty to Nigeria, she returns her love and loyalty to you,” the President told the awardees during an event at the State House.
The President explained that out of the 286 foreign nationals presented with certificates of Nigerian Citizenship, 208 received certificates for Naturalization, while 78 got certificates by Registration.
He urged them to make positive and useful contributions to the advancement, progress and well-being of the different communities they reside, adding that as citizens they must be in accord with the national ethics and code of conduct.
”You are expected to abide by the Ideals and Institution of the Nigerian National Flag, Anthem, Pledge and respect for all Constituted Authorities.
”All those concerned with Immigration matters are to offer our new citizens quick legal identification. Also, their Local Governments should assist with their integration in the local community to enable them enjoy all the entitlements of a Nigerian citizen,” he said.
In exercising the constitutional powers conferred on him, by Chapter III Sections 25-31 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the President told the new citizens that Nigeria is a nation united by the principles of opportunity, equality, and liberty as enshrined in the Constitution.
”No matter where you come from, or what faith you practice, this country is now your country. Our history is now your history, and our traditions are now your traditions. Nigeria is your home and pride and joy.
”In line with our transformational ideals of strict adherence to due process and transparent procedures, the Ministry of Interior ensured that only deserving persons were recommended to the Federal Executive Council to be conferred with Nigerian citizenship.”
President Buhari recounted that the Federal Government in 2020 adopted the National Action Plan to eradicate statelessness and accordingly, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, inaugurated the High-level Steering Committee to Eradicate Statelessness in Nigeria by 2024.
”This ceremony therefore is a further demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment and determination to remove as many people as possible from statelessness.
”In this regard, I will like to reiterate our commitment to the strategic role Nigeria plays in the comity of nations, in its unwavering quest for greater human integration, towards ensuring peace and prosperity.”
Welcoming the new Nigerians, the Minister of Interior in his speech entitled ‘‘The more the merrier’’, said the beneficiaries were from the United States, Europe, the Americas, Asia, Middle East, Oceania and Africa, who have seen the good in Nigeria.
”Without any doubt, Nigeria is a great nation, richly endowed and blessed with great people. Smart people continue to flock to our country to do business with us,’’ Aregbesola said, adding that Nigeria would continue to welcome every qualified citizenship applicant.
The Minister described the conferment ceremony as a celebration of the oneness of the human race, consistent with the mandate of the Ministry and the Buhari administration to lay a solid socio-economic and political foundation that will thrust Nigeria into one of the top 20 economies in the world.
”To achieve this lofty vision, the government is determined to encourage and attract foreign investors, high-net worth individuals, highly-skilled individuals and people with rare talents and strategic competencies into our country, ” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, read citations of select beneficiaries who received certificates and symbols of citizenship from President Buhari.
They are Mrs. Kathryn Teresa Barrera, an American citizen, Professor Albert Alos Rovira, a Spanish citizen, Mr. Giuseppe Bellini, an Italian citizen, Dr. Nasra Ali, a Kenyan, Rev. Prof. John Brown Okwii, a Ugandan and Prof. Oumar Al-Moubarak Adoun, a Chadian citizen.
Speaking on behalf of the new citizens, Barrera, who arrived Nigeria in 1974 at age 24, thanked the President, staff of the Ministry of Interior for making their dreams come true.
The 72-year old Nigerian-American is the proprietress of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Mother and Children Welfare Association, caregiver of Orphans and Vulnerable Children including children living with HIV/AIDS.
She currently lives with 20 children and young adults in training and in University, according to the citation read by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 15, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI REWARDS COMMONWEALTH GAMES, WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS ATHLETES WITH NATIONAL HONOURS, N200 MILLION
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja approved National Honours and cash awards of N200 million for Team Nigeria contingents to the 2022 Commonwealth Games and World Athletics championships.
Speaking at a presidential reception in honour of the athletes, the President said his Government is committed to rewarding excellence, no less for members of Team Nigeria who ignited the spirit of victory in the nation through stellar performances at international competitions.
Congratulating all the awardees and recipients, he expressed confidence that this will spur them to greater heights.
The President who described the athletes as champions, worthy ambassadors, national heroes and heroines, heaped praises on them for proudly flying the Nigerian flag in nine sporting events.
”I watched with millions of Nigerians those exciting moments when you all brought smiles to us and our homes by breaking world, national and games records, as well as achieving personal best in your careers.
”Your outstanding performances in recent times are consistent with the determination of a nation always yearning for excellent performance.
”You all, members of Team Nigeria have ignited the spirit for victory in our nation but even more you have been victorious in major sporting championships and games.
”I have followed keenly your achievements at the World Championships in Oregon USA and indeed your remarkable performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
”And I am very pleased that you displayed at both the personal and group levels great sporting talents and delivered for your country great podium performances,” he said.
The President told the athletes that their hour of sporting glory beamed the ‘‘radar of the world on Nigeria’’, adding that their exploits have gone a long way in projecting the positive image of the country.
”Twelve times the world stood still as our green, white green national flag was hoisted and the National Anthem recited. Thirty-five times we made it to the podium. You all Team Nigeria made that possible.
”You brought glory and honour to our country. And today, on behalf of the nation- I say, THANK YOU!”
President Buhari called out the names of the gold winners and other medal winners including the world champion in the 100m hurdles, Tobiloba Amusan, Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu , Oluwafemiayo Folashade, Taiwo Liadi, Ikechukwu Obichukwu, Bose Omolayo, Favour Ofili, Nasiru Sule, Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi, Ebikewenimo Welson, Hannah Rueben and Elizabeth Oshoba.
Reiterating the commitment of this administration in providing the enabling environment for youths to ascend to the pinnacle of their chosen careers, the President expressed satisfaction with the impact the Adopt-An-Athlete Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports had on the performance of athletes.
He urged more private individuals and corporate organizations to support government’s investment in sports, which has been reclassified from being a recreational activity to being a business in line with modern practices worldwide.
President Buhari also acknowledged the many giant strides witnessed in the sports sector under the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare and his team, commending the numerous and sustained successes recorded in the last few years.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development described 2022 as an outstanding year in the history of Nigerian sports, which shall not be forgotten in a hurry.
According to him, it is a year where many Sporting Federations have surpassed and are surpassing their previous performances, while many athletic records were broken.
Highlighting the most remarkable feats, Dare said in track and field, Amusan in a span of 4 months won Nigeria’s first ever gold medal in World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA with a world record performance in an event highly dominated by the Americans and Europeans.
She also successfully defended her Commonwealth Games title, which she won in 2018 in Gold Coast, with a games record in 2022 in Birmingham; and Diamond League title in Zurich, Switzerland on September 8, 2022, the Minister said, adding that this remarkable performance has never been achieved by any Nigerian in the history of our sports.
Further, the Minister said Brume, another trailblazer in Nigerian sports, won silver medal in the Women’s Long Jump event at the 2022 World Athletics Championships and a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with a games record performance.
Dare recalled that the first time Nigeria won a medal in wrestling at the Olympic Games since 1952, was at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by Oborodudu, who clinched a silver medal to the admiration of the entire globe.
”In confirming that the performance was not a fluke, she won a gold medal in the Women’s 68 kg category at the just concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games, ” he said.
Describing Nigeria as the best Para Powerlifting nation in the world, the Minister hailed Oluwafemiayo for keeping with this tradition by winning gold medal in the Women’s heavyweight category, setting a new world record in that class at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
”Mr. President, through the sporting exploits and excellence of the young athletes before you in this hall and several others not able to make it for this reception, Nigeria has served notice that it will not relent.
”That it will show up and compete for every laurel available not only in sports but in youth development, economic progress, social emancipation, political development and many more,” he said.
The Minister thanked the President for being a great source of encouragement and support to the teeming youth in sports and other areas, saying ”this administration’s investment in youth and sports development, will continue to yield dividends years after you might have completed your term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He also commended some well-meaning Nigerians and sports philanthropists for keying into several initiatives of the Ministry on sports development.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 15, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS FOREMOST JOURNALIST, EDITOR, NAJEEM JIMOH AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Alhaji Najeem Jimoh, Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, as he turns 70 September 14, 2022.
The President salutes a sterling career which has spanned over four decades, beginning from the days of the WNTV and WNBS. Jimoh was later to move to the Daily Times and later the Punch Newspapers, which he edited in the 1980s. He also served briefly as Group Associate Director of Thisday Newspapers and the publisher of The Hammer Newspapers in the 1990s.
President Buhari urges the Vice Chairman, The Point Newspapers and Executive Vice Chairman of Citizen FM 93.7, Abuja, to continue sharing knowledge and skill with the younger generation of journalists, so they can value ethics and professionalism, like the celebrant.
The President equally shares the joy of the day with Jimoh’s family, friends, associates, and the media fraternity.
He wishes the alumnus of the University of Lagos and a one-time Secretary-General of the institution’s Students Union longer life in good health, and greater service to God and mankind.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
September 14, 2022
YOU HAVE WRITTEN YOUR OWN HISTORY, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS GOV. HOPE UZODIMMA OF IMO STATE
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State, commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma for his efforts in developing the state, saying, “You have written your own history,’’ after he saw the ultra-modern chamber of the rebuilt House of Assembly.
President said his administration will leave a legacy of major development projects across the country, while saluting Imo State Governor for giving more attention to constructions and institutional reforms that will improve lives of the people.
President Buhari, who commissioned the Owerri/Orlu dual carriage, Owerri/Okigwe road and the renovated House of Assembly Complex, noted that the Imo State government had made remarkable progress with infrastructure in three years.
“I am delighted to be back in Imo State – the Eastern Heartland – to commission a number of projects executed by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma.
“I am happy to note that within just three years of the administration of Governor Uzodimma, I have made two official visits to Imo State to commission projects in the state.
“On each occasion, I have received a very warm hospitality of Imo people, for which I am always appreciative. Ndi Imo, Ndewo!
“As it is often said in local Igbo parlance, a good road deserves a second passage. It is a pleasant coincidence that the name of your governor, “Uzodimma” is derived from this same idiom. Little wonder, therefore, that he has made the provision of good roads one of his top priorities,” he said.
The President said his administration recognizes the importance of critical infrastructure in economic development and was determined to drive the economic development of Nigeria through the provision of vital infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country.
“This can be seen in our commitment to certain critical projects such as Deep Sea Ports, new airport terminals and buildings, various railway projects, a network of gas and power infrastructure, roads and bridges including the Second Niger Bridge, telecommunications infrastructure to mention but a few.
“I am therefore happy to see that the APC administration of Governor Uzodimma is doing similar improvement here in Imo State.
“I commend the Governor for being able to do so with the limited resources at the disposal of the State Government. This proves that when leaders are dedicated and focused, much can be achieved for our people, “ he added.
The President said the Federal Government will continue to support the government of Imo State to ensure that it continues to provide the dividends of democracy to the people.
“This support is equally available to all the states of the Federation irrespective of the differences in political party affiliations,’” he assured.
The President encouraged Imo State indigenes to keep supporting the Governor to actualize his dream for the state, particularly on good governance.
“In my last visit here, I encouraged you all to support your Governor so that he can do more for the people of Imo state. I am happy that you took my advice and today, he has presented to me three key projects for commissioning.
“I have just commissioned the dualized Owerri – Orlu road, the Owerri Okigwe road (Phase 1) and the rebuilt House of Assembly Complex.
“I am told that these two major roads, which I commissioned, cut through several local government areas of the state. The roads will therefore serve as major stimulants to the local economy of these parts of the state,” the President stated.
President Buhari noted that previous administrations in the state were unable to fix the roads because of their unique and difficult terrains, which were complicated by erosion.
According to him, “it took the sheer determination and courage of the current government to fix these roads. So, I say “Bravo” to the Governor of Imo State, whose name I was informed means “good road”.
“I was also informed that the House of Assembly Complex which I have just commissioned was dilapidated and abandoned for over 10 years before the intervention of the present administration.
“This is equally commendable, because of the importance of the legislative arm of government in the sustenance of democracy. I, therefore, applaud the governor for according due respect to this arm of government which is at the heart of our democracy, “ he said.
President Buhari extoled the Government of Imo state for “the road revolution”, describing it as “infrastructure revolution”.
In his remarks, the Imo State Governor noted that the Owerri/Orlu dual carriage and Owerri/Okigwe road had significant economic value to the state and other neighboring states.
“Each of the projects has a remarkable history. Behind the dualized road has been a nightmare for decades,’’ he said, adding that erosion made the construction more difficult.
Gov. Uzodimma said: “To the glory of God we have found the courage, dedication and means to fix the road. The seemingly intractable challenges have been addressed.’’
The Imo State Governor noted that the renovation of the House of Assembly had made it more befitting for the lawmakers, after it was abandoned for many years.
The Governor thanked President for his interventions to ensure development in the South East, with historic projects, like second Niger Bridge, which would gulp the highest single investment in the zone of more than N360 billion, approval for upgrading of the Federal Medical Centre to a teaching hospital and establishment of a naval base in Oguta, Imo State.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 13, 2022
WE ARE NOT MOURNING, WE ARE CELEBRATING MY LATE MOTHER-GOV AKEREDOLU
- Receives Aare Musulumi, Senator Teslim Folarin
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Friday said his late mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu (JP), lived a fulfilled life deserving of celebration.
Governor Akeredolu, who said it is not easy to clock 90 years, noted that his mother has left enduring legacies.
The Governor spoke at his late mother’s Kopindogba residence in Ibadan where he received the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dahud Akinola and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin.
Aare Akinola who led other Muslims delegation on the condolence visit, described Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu (JP) as a true mother who would be missed by all.
He prayed God to give the Governor and his siblings the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
Aare Akinola stressed that Lady Evangelist Akeredolu is a woman of substance who left indelible marks in the sand of history.
According to him, God has been so good to the nonagenarian who lived well and was blessed with successful children.
The APC Governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin led some of his supporters and members of the party to condole Governor Akeredolu.
He congratulated the Governor for surviving his mother, adding that it is the joy of everyone to survive their old ones.
The Governorship hopeful said:”We are here to congratulate our boss for surviving his mother. You are one of Governors that our people have tremendous respect for. You speak your mind and stand up for the Yoruba race.”
Welcoming Aare Akinola and his team, Governor Akeredolu thanked them for identifying with him.
He said the good legacy left behind by his mother will continue to live after her.
Governor Akeredolu described his late mother as a true mother who did not joke with proper upbringing of her children.
While welcome Senator Folarin and his supporters, Governor Akeredolu appreciated them for visiting him and his siblings.
He charged the Governorship candidate and his supporters to work assiduously to ensure the victory of the APC in the state.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 16, 2022.
