₦airaland Forum

Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr the Converner "CountryFirst Movement", has called out the All progressive Congress led government (APC) over inability to secure the lives of Nigerians across the country.

Nwaokobia also called on all Nigerians to reject the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Presidential election schedule for February next year.

He stated this in a press statement while reacting to the killing of seven military officers by armed bandit last Sunday in Abuja.

Part of the statement reads " With Private and Public schools and institutions under lock and key. Tinubu and the APC have lost all bragging rights and have nothing on which to run".

"the security they boasted about is in shambles as Abuja the Federal Capital Territory is presently under siege and threat".

Recall that the bandits attacked the Kuje prison recently setting free about 600 inmates including jailed commanders of the terrorist group.

The APC led Federal government for fear of another attack had recently ordered the shutting down of boarding schools within the FCT.

Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, the Convener of CountryFirst Movement berates Mr. Reno Omokri spokesman of former president Goodluck Jonathan over his claim that PDP will win 2023 presidential election.

Nwaokobia Jnr. in a press statement said the analysis by Omokri especially as with regards to the just concluded Osun state election is understandable but however, it is far from the facts on ground.

Omokri while analysing the forthcoming 2023 presidential election shades the labour party and it's candidate's performance in the just concluded Osun state guber election.

Nwaokobia Jnr, reacting said Osun state is not Nigeria and the Labour party has the next 7months to cover the whole nation.

He said Peter Obi is a movement and the labour party is the vehicle and as such the PDP and the APC will be defeated come 2023.

"Labour Party is the issue and the discourse everywhere because of the credibility, the capacity and the competency of Peter Obi and his ebullient running mate Dr Yusuf Datti Baba Ahmed".

Nwaokobia said millions of young voters out there who have picked up their PVCs and those registering across the nation are doing so because of the Obi-Datt Ticket and victory assured.

The Campaign for Equal Voting Access for Persons with Disabilities (EVAPWD), a program of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) engaged in the observation of the July 16, 2022 Osun State Governorship Election organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has commended the electoral body and other stake holders on the conduct of the election.

Mr David O. Anyaele, the Chairman, Campaign for Equal Voting Access for Persons with Disabilities in a press statement commended INEC and other election stakeholders for the significant improvement on accessible polling units as INEC ensured that PWDs and other vulnerable groups enjoyed priority at the PUs, assistive devices such as Braille guides, shade and magnifying glasses and siting of significant number of PUs in accessible environments.

Anyaele also applauded the level of security provided by the security agencies, not withstanding that INEC Ad-hoc staff struggled to administer form EC40H to PWD, as Voting Guidelines were missing at most of the PUs visited.

The statement reads: "The key objective of the observation exercise was to observe provisions made by INEC for persons with disabilities’ participation in the election; and raise awareness on equal voting rights for citizens with disabilities. It was an opportunity to assess the election management body’s compliance to the provisions of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, section 54 of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities, and the Nigeria Constitution 1999 as amended".


"EVAPWD commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of today’s election, as we observed that Polling Units (PU) were opened as early as 8am, and good voter turnout at the Polling Units observed".

"EVAPWD is impressed to observe that marginalized populations – the aged, nursing mothers and pregnant women and persons with disabilities were offered priority voting in most of the polling units observed. In particular, Polling Unit 4, ward 5 in Irepodun LGA, Polling Unit 2, ward 5 in Ede South LGA, Polling unit 8, ward 10, columnist, Odo-Otin LGA and the majority of other observed Polling Units were see providing priority voting for PWDs. We commend Polling Officials for their efforts in this regard".


"EVAPWD observed that significant PUs were accessible to persons with physical disabilities. In particular. PU 9 Ward 3, Boripe LGA; PU 10 Ward 4, Ijebu Ijesha; PU 7 Ward 3, Ijebu Ijesha LGA; PU 4 Ward 4, Ijebu Ijesha LGA, PU 04, Ward 4, Ede North LGA, PU 3 ward 5 in IIeogbo LGA. and PU 2, ward 9 in Aiyedire LGA were good examples of how to make PUs accessible to physically challenged voters. Observation shows that INEC sited a significant number of PUs along the Roadside and dropped the ballot boxes on the floor, whilst a good number of other PUs were sited in building with access for those on wheelchairs".

"That notwithstanding, EVAPWD is dissatisfied that significant number of Polling Units observed were not accessible. Notably, P U 9, Ward 3 in Boripe LGA was not accessible as it was too high and filled with steps and grasses. Also, in PU 4, Ward 10, Ede South LGA, PU 8, Ward 5, Ede South, PU 8, Ward 10 in Odo- Otin, and PU 5, Ward in Osogbo were sited across gutters. Also not accessible is PU 2, Ward 9, and its environs in Aiyedire LGA were sited across gutters or in schools with steps and high pavements. What this means is that voters with physical disability would struggle much more to cast their votes".


"EVAPWD observed the deployment of Braille guides, shade and magnifying glasses in the significant number of the PUs visited. In particular, PU 8, Ward 10 0din-Oti LGA, PU 4, Ward 10, Ede South LGA and others were seen with assistive devices for PWDs. This is commendable as INEC has made observable improvement in this regard".

"EVAPWDs is pleased to note that security provisions were adequately provided in each PU visited. EVAPWD observed that form EC40H was readily available, but the knowledge of INEC ad-hoc staff around the use of this document remains weak, even as Voting Guides for the deaf in a significant number of the Pus were not seen".

"In conclusion, EVPWD commend INEC and other election stakeholders for the significant improvement on accessible polling units as not only did INEC ensured that PWDs and other vulnerable groups enjoyed priority at the PUs, assistive devices such as Braille guides, shade and magnifying glasses and siting of significant number of PUs in accessible environments".

"EVAPWD is pleased with the level of security so far provided by the security agencies, not withstanding that INEC Ad-hoc staff are struggling to administer form EC40H to PWD, even as Voting Guidelines were missing at most of the PUs visited".

The Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Chike Maduekwe is unfit to hold public office and Governor Soludo must checkmate his activities now, say the Ekwerekwu family.

The family while reacting to a statement credited to Mr. Maduekwe says his overzealous Anambra State task force on demolition of illgal structure has continue in their activities around the state and this time around decided to cook up lies to manipulate the emotion of the public.

Maduekwe who supervised the demolition of a property on the family land of ekwerekus alleged that a charm and a coffin was found on the property.

In his claim the charm was to scare the task force from performing their duty , he also went ahead to declare Barrister Harold Ekwerekwu as an "interloper"

But the family while reacting said "Maduekwe made him self the judge and presecutor in his own case what he failed to disclose to the public is how he criminally demanded for a plot of land from the ekwerekus and was turned down".

"A man with such corruption tendency and also a pathological lier should not be entrusted with such a position" .

"Maduekwe should note that the land in question has been a subject of litigation and the federal government has since handed it to the rightful owners which is the ekwerekus".

"We make bold to challenge maduekwe to show pictures or video of his discoveries on the land".

"Gov. Soludo must as a matter of urgency act now by reviewing the activities of the taskforce".

Recall that Anambra CJ, Justice Anyachebelu was called out by the lawyer representing the Okpesieke family , Barrister Harold Ekwerekwu over the illegal take over of their family land.

The Chief Justice responding to the allegations said the matter was already in court and as such the law will take it course.

The CJ went against all natural Justice and continued in his illegal demolition vowing to crush anyone who tries to stop him.

Joining the Chief Justice then was the commissioner for housing , Arch Mike Okonkwo who also insisted he will do everything including going against the law to protect the interest of the chief justice.

Mr Okonkwo Threatens Barrister Ekwerekwu insisting that if he doesn’t back down he will be harmed and nobody will do anything as he has the authority of the governor and the CJ to do what ever they instruct him

The Continue demolition and taking over can be seen as subjugate and fragrant disobedience to our laws as every legal documents shows and proved ownership of the Ekwerekwus.

https://authorityngr.com/2022/07/12/chairman-anambra-state-physical-planning-board-chike-maduekwe-unfit-to-hold-public-office-ekwerekwu-family/

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) as part of it advocacy in mainstreaming the rights of people with disabilities in the electoral process has called on the government of Osun State to sign into law and begin the immediate implementation of the National Disability Rights law.

This call was made at a virtual Public Presentation of Findings from CCDs Assessment of INEC’s Preparations for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) for the 2022 Osun State Governorship Election with critical stakeholders in the Nigerian development space in attendance.

In his opening remarks the Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, David Anyaele said part of the job of the organization is to monitor compliance of State institutions to relevant disability laws particularly the national Disability law, the Electoral Act, government policies as it relates to persons with disabilities and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Executive Director recalled that last month they made similar presentations in Ekiti State which led to massive reforms in the State gubernatorial elections vowing not to relent in there quest to ensure compliance with laws and policies that make life meaningful for persons with disabilities.

Contributing in the same vein Mr. Ugochukwu James co-Convener of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room hailed CCD for there efforts at issues concerning persons with disabilities, saying it was as a result of CCD's efforts that the discriminations against person with disability (prohibitions) act was passed into law.

In her remarks Chief of Party SCALES Lydia Odeh stated that it is very important that INEC rolls up it sleeves judging from the Ekiti State elections and make adequate improvements in Osun, saying there is the adequate legal framework but there is need for more advocacy.

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities called on the Osun State government to sign the National Disability law and on INEC this is to reduce the application of charity based approach in addressing disability issues:
To Take bold steps to improve on Accessibility of Polling units for PWDs in Osun State for all PWDs particularly for those on wheelchairs and crutches .as majority of facilities used for elections are State owned. This could be achieved through siting of Polling Units in accessible environments.

Make election materials and facilities accessible for all PWDs. This includes ensure the availability of Form EC40H at the Polling Units, and assistive resources such as sign language interpreters, tactile ballot jackets, braille ballot paper and magnifying lenses,

Train election day ad-hoc staff adequately to appreciate their roles and responsibilities to PWD Voters. Findings from previous election observations shows that an average INEC Adhoc staff don’t understand what assistive devices for PWDs means.

Ensure the mainstreaming of PWDs issues in public sensitizations to reverse negative public perceptions and attitudes towards them. The level of engagement of INEC with the disability community in the State is impressive. However, the general public needs to be carried along as well.

INEC to encourage deaf voters to come with personal sign language interpreters to the Polling Unit to minimize communication gap between the Adhoc Staff at the Polling Units and the Deaf voters.

INEC should mainstream issues of concern in the development of security architecture for the election. Sustain their collaboration with the security agencies to reassure the electorate of their safety and security, to down tension and brace up security challenges especially in some flashpoints to ensure accessible, credible, free, fair, and peaceful elections.

The Media houses in Osun State and other media election stakeholders should take appropriate measures to mainstream people with disabilities in their narratives on the election. This is to ensure inclusivity in media engagements on the elections

Support in raising awareness and public enlightenment on the National Disability act, INEC framework on persons with disabilities, the newly signed Electoral Act 2022 and promote the passage of the Disability Bill by the Osun State Government.

The Civil Society and the non governmental organizations should assist in extending voter’s education and capacity building for persons with disabilities
Collaborate with INEC and other stakeholders to support INEC-trained PWDs to step-down the training to their members in the rural areas to ensure no one is left behind in voter education,

Interface with PWD Opinion Leaders and leaders to step down information on voters’ education and training from INEC to their cluster members. This will ensure that no cluster is excluded in citizens mobilizations for the election.

Scandal hits the management of Civic Centre Lagos as a customer drags the event center over the fraudulent cancellation of booking and diversion of his funds into private pockets.


The Managing Director of Fitilah global entertainment Ltd had made reservations for an event hall for a musical event slated for 2nd of January 2022 at the Civic centre in Victoria island Lagos in the sum of 3million Naira Only.

Shortly after the payment was made, the disbanded IRT a unit of the Nigerian Police force under the monitoring unit of the inspector general of Police Abuja, via a faceless individual alleged fraud against the director of Fitilah global entertainment Ltd.

While investigation on the petition was ongoing ,the police invited the Civic Centre to shed more light on Fitilah entertainment and its activities.


While the investigation lasted the management of Civic Centre connived with officers of the Nigeria police force in person of Asp Bala Abdullahi and Inspector Reuben Noah by cancelling the event and the money for the booking diverted into a personal individual account in Keystone bank by name Mohammed Oseni Auyo as provided by the police officers.

Subsequently Fitilah Global Entertainment Ltd upon Discovery that the booking for the event was cancelled demanded for the refund of the money made.

Civic Center having realised that trouble looms for agreeing with the Police to divert the funds into a personal account without informing Fitilah Global Entertainment Ltd or a court directing same , has continue to mount every resistance against Fitilah.

In a latest move Civic centre has refused to acknowledge a Memorandum seeking for settlement in compliance to Court process.

Instead the MD of Civic Center informed Fitilah legal representative support staff to meet with the IGP over the issue.

https://www.arewareportersng.com/scandal-the-civic-centre-lagos-cancels-customer-event-divert-funds/

Persons With Disabilities have emphasised the need for airports in Nigeria to have more facilities and assistive devices for persons with disabilities However they noted that while there are limited assistive devices at airports in Nigeria for persons with physical disabilities including leg and spinal cord injured there were absence of same for the visually impaired hellip
PWDs need improved assistive devices in Nigeria airports – PWDs, CODO
Persons With Disabilities have emphasised the need for airports in Nigeria to have more facilities and assistive devices for persons with disabilities,

However, they noted that while there are limited assistive devices at airports in Nigeria for persons with physical disabilities including leg and spinal cord injured, there were absence of same for the visually-impaired, hearing-impaired and persons with albinism, among others.

A former Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Omololu Soyombo, highlighted these while presenting a report on : “Accessibility of Nigerian Airports to Persons with Disability: Presentation of Assesment Result”.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the presentation was the outcome of a fieldwork of an empirical study conducted for the Coalition of Disability Organiations (CODO) from Dec. 10 to Dec. 21, 2021.

CODO, is an NGO, aimed at promoting inclusion, disability rights and mobilizations of persons with disabilities in areas critical to their survival.

The Coalition includes Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiatives (HAPI) and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigerian (SCIAN), supported by Disability Rights Fund (DRF).

Making the presentation in Lagos, Soyombo, also a Professor of Sociology, said that in spite national and international provisions for the assurance of the rights of persons with disability, their plight was further compounded by societal attitude.

“ People with disabilities are generally known to be disadvantaged in the society, and consequently suffer many deprivations, discriminations and denial of their rights.

“One important, but often ignored or under-estimated area of life where the rights of people with disabilities are flagrantly abused is in accessing facilities and services for the purpose of air travel.

“ The access of PWDs to airports and airlines facilities should be assured. As citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Constitution guarantees protection against any form of discrimination.

“The promotion of the rights of PWDs also in line with Goal 10 of the Sustainable Development Goals, as adopted by the United Nations in 2015, to “promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

“Despite Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation provisions and the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 provisions, that airport and airline operators shall provide facilities at the airports to enhance the movement of persons with disabilities and also ensure that no passenger is discriminated against on the ground of disabilities, PWDs still suffer so much violation of their human rights.

“ Reports of denial of air travel completely, as well as humiliating and embarrassing to the needs of PWDs exit and PWDs are sometimes prevented from travelling by air. ‘’

According to him, the study shows that where they are allowed to travel by air, they are often subjected to degrading treatment when boarding and de-boarding aircrafts as a result of absence of assistive devices that could help them.

He listed some of factors affecting PWDs access to airports to include poor arrangements, institutional deficiencies, oversight, as well as human, material, logistic and infrastructural inadequacies.

“PWDs experienced difficulty in getting on the aircraft, difficulty in climbing the stairs into the airport building due to lack -functioning elevators and ramps,

“Communication barrier, absence of sign language communication, absence of a Disability Desk at the airport, poor direction in the airport for PWDs, denied boarding, and of care by other travellers.

“Having to walk long distance to board the aircraft, having to be carried physically which was embarrassing and absence of dedicated seat for PWDs.

“Also, workers not taking wheelchairs outside the airport hall for PWDs needing wheel chairs and lack of assistance by airport and airline staff”.

He noted that those who said they had no challenges talked about assistance given by staff, having their personal aides with them, as well as issues relating to differences in the nature and degree of physical disability.

Proffering solutions, Soyombo said that travel information at airports should be provided in accessible formats (e.g. large print, bold print, audio and visual, use of sign language interpreters, etc.) for various categories of PWDs.

This, he said, should be beyond the use of Public Address Systems for announcements, which a person with auditory impairment may not be able to decode.

“Announcements should be made in multiple formats – verbally and visually.

“ There should be provision for the inclusion of information at booking point for PWDs to indicate their status and special needs for the officials to make necessary arrangements to meet their needs.

“Provision of adequate information to PWDs about services, facilities, safety, security and hazards within the airports should be widely available in different formats.

“ Special training should be organised for airport and airlines personnel involved in the provision of assistive services, including check-in staff, boarding staff, cabin crew, etc. on the needs of PWDs and how best to meet them.

“Capacity building on the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. This is to enhance the full implementation of the Act and service delivery of the Ministry on persons with disabilities.

“Ramps and hand-rails should be constructed at various parts of the airport for wheelchair users and easy access by PWDs.’

He said there should be accessible ticketing portals at airports for use by PWDs and other passengers as well as directional guides at airports for PWDs and other airport users.

The report also urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently conduct an audit of all airports in Nigeria for disability facilities and provisions, with the full involvement of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and other stakeholders.

Mr David Anyaele, Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), made a presentation on “Disability Rights Act: Access to Airport and Nigerians with Disabilities’’.

Anyaele, who is the Convener of CODO, restated that the Nigeria Disability Act provides for the full integration of person with disabilities into the society.

“And establish the National Commission for person with disabilities and vests the Commission with the responsibilities for their education, health, care social, economic and civil right.

“Removal of all barriers against PWDs use of their services (institutional, environmental and attitudinal barriers.

“Airport authorities and airline operators could support the government in raising awareness on the rights of PWDs,’’ Anyaele said.

NAN also reports that the study was carried out in the six geopolitical zones including South West, South East, South South, North West, North East, North Central, Federal Capital Territory.

The airports included the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 and Murtala Muhammed Airport 1, Ikeja, Lagos.

Also, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu; Akwa Ibom Airport (Victor Attah International Airport), Uyo, Akwa Ibom; Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport,Kano.

The Gombe Lawanti International Airport (Sanni Abacha International Airport),Gombe; Jos Yakubu Gowon Airport, Plateau and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, FCT Abuja.

I most respectfully congratulate you, the Vice-Presidential Candidate of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections and Executive Governor of Delta State, Your Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, on this auspicious occasion of your 63rd birthday.

On this special day, I salute you for your unrelenting selfless service; your unmatched commitment and dedication towards the unity, stability and economic development of not only our dear Delta State but also our great nation, Nigeria.

Indeed, you have over the years; as a medical doctor, Local Government Chairman, Secretary to the Government of Delta State, Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, two-term Governor of Delta State and now Vice-Presidential Candidate of the PDP, continued to demonstrate extraordinary capacity for result-oriented leadership in all spheres of life.

I particularly celebrate your astonishing humility, vision, proactiveness, resourcefulness, sincerity of heart and loyalty to the good cause, with which you united and transformed our dear state Delta into a model state and flagship of development in Nigeria in the last seven years.

You are a dazzling statesman and brilliant administrator who loves the people and continues to demonstrate that the essence of leadership is in deploying its authority and influence for the benefit of the people.

Your confirmation as Vice Presidential Candidate of our Party is without doubt informed by the confidence and trust reposed in you by our Presidential Standard Bearer, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, GCON, (Wazirin Adamawa) that with your experience and commitment to duty, our Party is not only assured of victory but our nation is also guaranteed of the purposeful leadership Nigerians earnestly yearn for.

On behalf of the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, the people of Delta State as well as all our members in the House of Representatives, I congratulate you on your birthday and pray to God to grant you many more years in good health to His glory.

Signed:

Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives

Kuje Medium Prison on Tuesday night came under heavy bombardments by unknown terrorists, throwing the entire area Council into confusion.

The first explosion, a high capacity bomb, went off around 10.25pm. It was followed by second and third blast and sporadic gunshots that left the residents scampering into safety.
Few hours earlier, security report had alerted the prison officials of possible attacks of the medium prison.

A prison staff, who confirmed the attack in a chat , explained that the attackers had come from the back of the prison yard.


https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/07/05/breaking-kuje-prison-under-bomb-attack/

According to Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, Nigeria’s number one citizen was not in the convoy at the time of the attack but security operatives and an advance team heading for Daura, Buhari’s hometown, ahead of Sallah, was attacked near Dutsinma in Katsina.

He said the attack was repelled by “gallant presidential guards”.

“The Presidency has described as sad and unwelcome, the shooting incident near Dutsinma, Katsina State, at the convoy of cars carrying the Advance Team of security guards, protocol and media officers ahead of the President, Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Daura for Sallah.

“The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy.

More details soon...

https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/07/05/breaking-bandits-attack-buharis-convoy-in-katsina/

Everyone talks about Peter Obi, everyone debates the Movement he leads, everyone ponders the urgency of now, everyone is caught by the bug called the OBI-dient, some are so scared they have made him the crux of their campaign. Indeed, they are mortally scared of the structures-less one.

Even the two big Parties and the dye in the wool partisan who consistently argue that Peter Obi has no structures have all structured their campaigns around the structures-less one. Peter Obi is the nightmare of the past and the present generation of looters that bestride our space, he is anathema to the profligate and the corrupt, he is a questionmark on the conscience of a nation in search of new values, and he is the call of the Youths, the old and the aged for the economic, socio-political cum moral rebirth of Nigeria.

80% of the time, the APC and the PDP are talking about and dwelling on Peter Obi, why aren't they talking about their manifesto, why always Peter Obi? Why has the one without structures become their campaign theme and mantra? Why do they and their soulless supporters desperately seek to taint Peter Obi and his profound record? Must they tie corruption to him because they are corrupt? Wouldn't they dwell on their credibility issues ala their missing or fake certificates and questionable credentials? Why Peter Obi all the time?

Why have they structured their campaigns and propaganda on and around the structures-less one? Why are they desperate and scared of the one without structures? Why are they worried about the millions that are ready to 'waste their votes on Peter Obi'? WHY? If you know, you know.

No one says that Peter Obi of the Labour Party is a Saint but compared to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC, Peter Obi is a Saint deserving beatification. He leads the Movement seeking the redemption of Nigeria. He believes in a Nigeria for all Nigerians. His passion is indiscriminate of region and religion. His politics is beyond Tribe and ethnicity, and he is committed to birthing and berthing the Nigeria of our collective dreams.

Something great is happening across the land, the STRUCTURES of the one they call Structures-less has become monstrous and vehement, organized Labour, the NLC and the TUC, students, striking lecturers ASUP, ASUU et al, Doctors, Lawyers, and several Professional groups and bodies are increasingly, profoundly and profusely becoming OBI-dient. Yes, Peter Obi is the paladin of the Ballot based peoples revolution sweeping through the Land. He understands the urgency of now, and the sweltering harmattan of the OBI-dient will not cease until together we consign the ones with Structures to a distant second and third at the polls come 2023.

Of Senator Rabiu Musa KWANKWASO.
To this great leader of men and women, to this mentor of the Kwankwasiya Movement is my candid advise. Sir, do not allow traditional politricktians mess with this opportunity. Do not succumb to their perfidy, and do not allow Courtjesters deprive Nigeria of this moment and time. Together with Peter Obi you are better. The truth is that Peter Obi is the monstrous pull of the moment, and together you can win the Presidency. Sir, please learn from the HUMILITY of Joe Biden and run with Peter Obi as his Vice President, it was Obama's moment when he did, Biden's experience and over 30years at the Senate did not discourage or disuade him from running as Obama's Vice, today Biden is President. Please do the same for Nigeria, run with Peter Obi, together you can retire the PDP and the APC, and berth a new Nigeria for all. May God Bless you as you do that which is right and trite.

Countrymen and women, we are willing, ready, able, and OBI-diently set to redeem Nigeria come 2023. Yes, with PETER OBI, We Move!! We WIN!!!

Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.
The OBI-dient Convener Of COUNTRYFIRST MOVT.

Hon. Nelson C. Len, flag bearer of the People's Democratic Party for Nguroye Constituency sardauna local government , Taraba state house of assembly has condemned in totality the recent killings of military men in Taraba state and across the nation.

Nelson, in a press statement said the killings and level of insecurity in Taraba state is becoming worrisome and task the APC Led federal government under president Muhammadu Buhari to restore the protection and sanctity of lives.

Nelson expressed his dissatisfaction with the approach been deployed by the federal government in tackling insecurity in the country.

"Insecurity all over the nation has become a thing of concern and the federal are not doing much to avert the pathetic situation".

"Bandits are regrouping and currently gaining controls in some part of communities in Taraba state and nothing is done to avert this looming danger".

"It is interesting to note that the last attack on the military in Takum Local government , Tati village to be precise took the lives of some fine military personnel including a Commanding Officer, while the attack lasted no reinforcement came and as i speak today no security beef up in the area".

"This attack that ended the lives of this officers is condemnable , sacrilegious and a crime against humanity and must not be allowed to continue".

"The federal government must as a matter of urgency bring an end to all this unwarranted killings and arrest all those behind the killings".

Nelson condoles with families of the victims and also commended the state governor in his effort to restoring peace in the state.

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives are shocked and grief stricken over the sudden death of the member representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency of Edo State.

The minority leader house of representative, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu in a press statement said indeed Nigeria has lost a patriot, a vibrant and selfless legislator who remained steadfast in his commitment towards the unity, stability and development of our dear nation.

“Hon Jude was a humble, peaceful, dedicated, hardworking, and remarkable focused lawmaker, a kindhearted and amiable personality who loved Nigerians and stood for the rights and interest of the people”.

“As a member of Edo State House of Assembly and later House of Representatives, Hon Jude Ise-Idehen selflessly dedicated his time, energy, expertise and resources in the service of his people”.

“The death of Ise-Idehen, especially at this critical time when his experience and commitment are needed the most, is not only a blow to our Caucus and the entire House of Representatives, but also a personal loss to me. He was a dependable brother, associate, and comrade and he will surely be missed”.

“Though we deeply mourn, we draw solace in the fact that despite his ascendancy in political leadership Hon Jude Ise-Idehen was a devouted Christian and we believe that he is resting in the Bossom of the Lord”.

“The Minority Leader commiserates with the family of Hon Jude Ise-Idehen, the people of Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency as well as the Government and people of Edo State and prays God to console us all on this painful and irreplaceable loss”.


https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/07/02/minority-reps-mourn-hon-jude-ise-idehen/

In a daring move fraught with brazen impunity and cross criminality an officer of the Nigerian Police force attached to the inspector general of police Monitoring Unit has Fraudulently obtained and diverted the sum of 3 million Naira belonging to Fitilah global entertainment.

Trouble Started with Mr Adeshina Adekanmbi, Managing Director of Fitilah global entertainment when shortly after he had made reservations for an event hall for a musical event slated for 2nd of January 2021 at the Civic centre in Victoria island Lagos, he was picked up by police officers of the disbanded IRT and handed over to the officers attached to inspector general of police Monitoring Unit Abuja on the basis of a fictitious petition from a faceless individual for alleged fraud.

Mr Adekanmbi Was subsequently placed under a 4 month gruelling detention without Been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction not until the press Uncovered the highly unconstitutional and Condemnable act and exposed it to the reading of the public.

While Mr Adekanmbi Was still under detention the officers attached to inspector general of Police Monitoring Unit dispatched a letter of invitation signed by a superintendent of Police by the name Usman Garba inviting the managing director of the Civic centre for questioning where he was subsequently placed under a 24 hour detention and cajoled to refund the sum of 3 million Naira earlier paid to his company by fitila global entertainment and was instructed to pay the said amount into a keystone Bank account with the Name Oseni Mohammed Auyo

It is instructive to note that even as Mr Adekanmbi is currently facing prosecution before a High Court in Abuja the Said Sum of three Million Naira was Never tendered as exhibit nor mentioned before the Court Suspecting diversion by the officers involved particularly the investigating police officers in persons of Asp Bala Abdullahi and Inspector Reuben Noah.

A message sent to the inspector general of the Nigerian Police Force seeking his explanation to the allegations was not replied at the time of filling this report.

This Act Unfortunately Perpetuated by officers of the Nigerian Police Force a constitutional Body responsible for the protection of lives and properties of Nigerians is a heavy dent on the integrity and professionalism of the Force.



https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/06/26/scandal-how-nigerian-police-officer-fraudulently-diverted-money-belonging-to-suspect/

Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr. Convener of "CountryFirst Movt." Has said Peter Obi's candidacy is a Pan Nigerian redemptive ballot based revolution which is beyond Creed or Clan.

Prof Nwaokobia Jnr, stated this in a press statement , part of the statement reads "it is indiscriminate of Region or Religion, and it is indiscriminate of the Muslim/Christian divide that trouble our space. It is about a nation in dire need of redemption".

"To those blinded by partisan loyalty, who believe that either the Leviathan the APC, or the Behemoth the PDP will win the 2023 polls because they have STRUCTURES, let them know that if the structures are human beings, then there is a rude awakening ahead of them".

"Tell them that hunger has created structures bigger than the two big Parties. Tell them that Insecurity has given birth to a new generation of people committed to berthing a New Nigeria. Tell them that lack of power has empowered the resolve of our people to change the change, and retire the gerontocrat. Tell them that our students dampened by incessant academic strike have risen OBI-diently and are poised to strike out the Parties responsible for the incessant academic strikes that has messed up tertiary education in Nigeria. And tell them that Trade Unions in Nigeria along with the Labour Party are committed to reset, rework, refix and reposition this nation for greatness, such and no other is the spirit of the ongoing ideological and peaceful ballot revolution sweeping through the land".

"Folks, we must continue to work, March and mobilize across the nation, for we are bigger, larger and mightier than the structures of the APC and the PDP put together. Our STRUCTURE is unyielding, our structure is the energy and the resilience of the neglected and impoverished masses of our people, we are the Movement of the willing, the able, the ready, and the OBI-dient masses of a Nation in dire need of redemption. And nothing can stop an idea whose time has come".

"You can take this to the Bank, the sweltering harmattan of discontent across the nation is sufficient to berth the NEW". He said.

The Campaign for Equal Voting Access for Persons with Disabilities (EVAPWD), a program of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) who participated actively in the observation of the June 18, 2022 Ekiti State Governorship Election Commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mr David O. Anyaele Chairman, Campaign for Equal Voting Access in a press statement ask INEC to improve especially as with regards to people living with Disabilities.

Part of the statement reads: “We received reports from our field observers deployed across the three Senatorial Zones of the State. These observers were trained to observe the election with focus on equal voting access for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The key objective of the observation exercise was to observe provisions made by INEC for persons with disabilities’ participation in the election and raise awareness on equal voting rights for citizens with disabilities. It was an opportunity to observe the extent of INEC compliance to the new Electoral Act 2022”.

“EVAPWD commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of today’s election, as we observed large turnout of voters as early as 8am at the Polling Units observed by EVAPWD Observers”.

“EVAPWD is impressed to observe that marginalized populations – the aged, nursing mothers and pregnant women and persons with disabilities were offered priority voting in most of the polling units observed. We commend Polling Officials for their efforts in this regard”.

“EVAPWD observers observed that the promised Braille Ballot Paper by INEC for easy access for the Blind voters were scarcely available as it was only observed at PU 003, Ward 10, Afao/Kajola and PU 001, Ward 11, Odese in Ikere Local Government Area”.

“EVAPWD Observers did not see any magnifying glasses at the Polling Units observed. When Adhoc Staff were asked about this material, they told EVAPWD Observers that it is not available”.

“EVAPWD also observed that Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials such as Election Day instructions and guidelines to assist the deaf or persons with hearing impairment understanding of voting process were not available in all the polling units visited”.

“EVAPWD observers report shows that large numbers of the polling units were not accessible to physically challenged persons. These polling units were sited in difficult places such as buildings without ramps/handrail, across gutter, staircase etc. The worse we observed was locating of a Polling Unit in a basement at PU 004, Ward 002, near Odo-Ado market, Ado-Ekiti LGA with no provisional elevators nor ramp to assist physically challenged voters”.

“EVAPWD observed massive vote buying and selling, in particular PU 001, Ward 10, Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, PU 002, Ward 10, Odo-Oye / Ayedun 1, Gbonyi LGA, and PU 039, Ward 11, Ado-Ekiti LGA”.

“With the above stated observations, the Campaign for Equal Voting Access for Persons with Disabilities, a program of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is pleased that INEC granted PWDs priority voting during the 2022 Ekiti State Governorship Election”.

“Provision of assistive devices (Braille Ballots, Magnifying Glasses and location of Polling Units in accessible environments) were not observed nor sighted by our observers”.

“By this singular act, INEC has displayed minimal commitment to the implementation of the Electoral Act, INEC Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Process and the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018”.

“We urge INEC to address these issues as observed by EVA4PWD observers, especially as we move towards Osun State Governorship election next month”.

https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/06/18/ekiti-election-evapwd-urge-inec-to-address-issues-with-pwds/?amp=1

Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr. Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVEMENT has declared his support for the presidential ambition of Mr. Peter Obi.

Nwaokobia Jnr in a press statement titled "The Figures 371, 1271 And 12371. A Tough Choice And The Metaphysics of 2023". Said he align with the Young and the Old seeking a new deal for Nigeria come 2023 and that Atiku and Tinubu will over nothing new.

"I have tasked my body, soul and spirit with the swing of the redemptive pendulum with 2023 in view. I have pondered about the numericals and debated the facts before us. I have x-rayed the conjectures and analyzed the strength and the weakness of the leading contenders to the Office of President come 2023".

"It will be three decades (30years) since we had the freest and the fairest election in our nations history. 30years after there is hope that we may have a very credible election come 2023, thanks to the Amendment of the Electoral Act to allow for Electronic Transmission of Results from Polling Units, the challenge therefore is how the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC responds to the call of history, and the urgency of now".

"What happened in 1993 ditto the annulment of the Presidential election will not happen in 2023, however the numericals point to a stalement, the Big Two will cancel out each other, and a Third Force shall carry the day. Yes, a People driven Third Force shall annul the status quo and take back the Country for good. Don't wait for too long, here are the numericals".

"If we agree that largely the difference between the two dominant Parties the APC and the PDP is the difference between six and half a dozen, and if this truth sits pretty in your soul this piece will make great sense to you. If for partisanship you live in denial, you are most likely to dispute and deny this truism. Need I however remind you that almost all the members of the National Working Committee NWC and the National Executive Committee NEC of the PDP have been members of the APC and vice versa. They are one, one soul, one tendency and one big Party".

"Don't forget that 30years ago the contestation was between two political tendencies and Parties, the SDP and the NRC, 30years after the second Party comes in the fray as the emergent Third Force that the Peter Obi and the Kwankwaso phenomenon epitomizes. I shall address this in the sequel to this effort, please bear with me. Like the June 12 Fervency headed by Chief MKO Abiola GCFR, there is undeniably a Third Force in the land, a movement beyond religion and region, a movement beyond ethnicity and language, one beyond creed and clan, and one that craves the OBI-dience of the old and the young. One seeking to annul our old ways, one seeking to annul profligacy and one seeking to annul wastage".

"The APC/PDP bond is the NRC of 30years ago. And the raging national redemptive movement that reverberates through the land defines the SDP/Abiola phenomenon. Before us Countrymen and women is a defining moment, the numbers are deep, and the metaphysics of it, profound".

"The PDP Presidential Candidate Alhaji Abubakar Atiku scored 371 votes to emerge the PDP candidate. And the younger of the two dominant Parties of the same tendency the APC, gave Asiwaju Bola Tinubu 1271. In numerology the two candidates scored the same votes. They have the same score. They will neutralize each other. None of them will win the polls, yes 371 is the same as 1271. Because Nigerians have yearned night and day for a new order, and prayed earnestly for a new day, the universe have risen to the rescue, the Cosmic and indeed the Almighty has spoken. When the delegates in the heavily monetized and dollarised Primaries voted for Atiku and for Tinubu they didn't know that a tie would come, and that Nigerians will reject them for something new and different".

"Don't wonder too much about how I came bye this truth, I was born on the 12th day of March, 1971, that is 12371. And in the numericals of my birth are the scores of the Presidential Candidates of the PDP and the APC. I am a member of the APC, and headed the Change Ambassadors of Nigeria CAN which in 2015 along with Tinubu and the leaders of the tendency that became the APC sacked a sitting PDP President. In 2019 I was the Spokesperson of Turaki Vanguard one of the groups that campaigned for Abubakar Atiku to replace the Buhari administration on account of not having fulfilled the promises we made to the electorate in 2015. Do not forget that like me, Atiku Abubakar was in 2014/2015 in the APC".

"I fought against Jonathan in 2014/2015, and in 2018/2019 I fought against Buhari for the same reasons Nigerians are rooting for a new deal. I supported Atiku in 2018/2019 because I believed that he will outperform Buhari whose first term was largely lack-lustre. As we head towards 2023 the odds are totally different, and so are the candidates. Truly a choice between a Tinubu and an Atiku is a tough one because they are one and the same people, same tendencies, and the same calculus, they will cancel out each other"

"I stood before my altar in prayers, I sat in meditation, and x-rayed the uncanny numericals 371 and 1271. In the depth of my search, my soul brought to the fore a greater mystery, my numericals 12371. And I enquired about the uncanniness. Why Atiku's 371, Tinubu's 1271 and my 12371. I wondered, and I heard clearly, that the Presidential Candidates of the APC and the PDP will cancel out each other, and that the candidate that I support shall win the 2023 Presidency. What a burden".

"In 2014/2015 I supported an opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent, curiously the reasons for which I did that are rife today than they were then. The reasons are perhaps the call of my soul to walk the path that I walked in 2014/2015. That I OBI-diently urge and nudge the Peter Obi redemptive cause for a new Nigeria come 2023 is the thumb of my Soul. And to this I say FORWARD EVER".

"I must align with the Young and the Old seeking a new deal for Nigeria come 2023. And with the 12371 Joker Card OBI-diently sway the victory the way of integrity, commitment, prudence, accountability, competency and capacity, GOD WILLING".

"I shall march with the OBI-dient, I shall campaign with the OBI-dient, I shall speak for Peter Obi, and I shall Vote for Peter Obi. To this end, may the Labour of our Heroes Past Not Be In Vain". He said.



https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/06/17/2023-prof-nwaokobia-rallys-around-peter-obi-says-atiku-and-tinubu-are-men-of-the-same-tendencies/?amp=1

The Coalition for True Democracy (CTD) has described Hon Ndudi Elumelu as a refined Democrat, astute legislator and a Messiah of his people for rising against stranglehold of Godfathers by providing qualitative and result oriented representation for his people at the National Assembly.


The Group in a Joint press statement issued by the Convener Charles A. Augustine, and Co-convener Hon Ibrahim Gaddafi pointed out the need for other Lawmakers and public office holders to emulate the exemplary leadership Style and public conduct of the Federal Lawmaker.


The Group further stated that it will not forget in a hurry how Anti-democratic forces who never meant well for the country and the legislature as an institution rised against the emergence of Hon elumelu as minority Leader with the sole aim of decimating the voice of the opposition at the lower chamber of Nigeria's Apex legislature.


The Group further commended the Federal Lawmaker for been in touch with his constituents at the grassroots Unlike other Lawmakers who are quick to abandon there people immediately they step there foot in the green Chambers of the National Assembly.



https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/06/09/hon-elumelu-a-detribalised-nigerian-and-icon-of-democracy-coalition/?amp=1

Governor Yahaya Bello is set to dump the All People's progressive Congress (APC).

Governor Yahaya Bello is said to be disappointed over the betrayal of his colleagues at the ongoing APC convention and will seek another political party to pursue his political ambition should the result not favour him.

A member of the Governor Yahaya Bello Kitchen Cabinet confirmed the development to KWARARAFA REPORTERS.

The source who doesn't want his name mentioned said it was very unfair for the party to accept 100m naira from aspirant and then deny them right to fairly participate in the Primaries.

"The Mandate of GYB is divine and all plans has already began to seek platform were the vision to birth a new Nigeria will be achieved".

"GYB is the face of hope and the voice of many majority".

A text to the Chief Press secretary seeking to confirm the development was not responded to at the time of filing this report.

More details to follow......



https://kwararafareporters.com/2022/06/07/breaking-governor-yahaya-bello-set-to-dump-the-apc/

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, the Convener "APC TRUTH FORUM" has said
The news making the rounds about the zoning of the APC Presidential Ticket to the South at the behest of certain Northern Governors in the APC is manifest falsehood and hubris.

Nwaokobia Jnr in a press statement said: "The truth is that in compliance with the directive of Mr President that Governors should meet to discuss on the possibility of a consensus candidate for the Party, the Governors met on the 4th of June, 2022. And some 11 Governors from the North who are clearly interested in being Vice Presidential Candidates to their friends from the South allegedly agreed albeit selfishly to support a candidate from the South, and mandated three Governors amongst them (Simon Lalong of Plateau State, Governor Sule of Nasarawa State and Governor Bagudu of Kebbi State) to broach the idea with Mr President, knowing the mischief being hatched by Governor El Rufai and his Team, Mr President refused to meet with them, and reiterated his position, that the Presidential Aspirants in the Ruling Party the APC should find a formidable consensus candidate amongst themselves. The President did not approve of any zoning to the South or the North".

"No communique to the effect that Northern Governors have conceded the Presidential Ticket to the South was indeed signed, the one purportedly released to the Press by some Northern Governors was the creation of Governor El Rufai who attached excerpts of a previous attendance register signed by Northern Governors to the communique drafted by him. Note that the tradition of the Northern Governors when releasing a communique is to sign against their names, the criminal disparity in the document presently in circulation can be seen from the documents attached to this Press Statement. In the so-called Press Statement released by the Governors you will notice that the signatures appeared on a new page as opposed to the valid and authentic tradition of the Governors signing on the Communique page and against their names. It was meant to deceive, to heat up the polity and to an egocentric end for those seeking to be Vice President".

"The general public is hereby put on notice that Mr President, and indeed the All Progressive Congress has not zoned the Presidential Ticket of the Party to the South or the North. And disregard the ignoble mischief of certain political operators out to feather their selfish nest".

"We implore the media to discountenance the falsehood making the rounds. And call on the esteemed delegates of our great Party to vote for the candidate they consider fit, proper, competent, youthful, formidable and possessing the ability and the capacity to lead our great Party to victory in the 2023 Presidential Election". He said.


https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/06/05/disregard-the-falsehood-the-apc-has-not-zoned-power-to-the-south-apc-truth-forum/

Political Support Group Known as CountryFirst Movement has said Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state remain the best candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr., Convener of the group stated this while listing twelve grounds why Yahaya Bello should become the parties flagbearer.

Parts of the statement reads: "There is a fervency in the political space, the pace is monstrous and the call is for NEW THINKING in leadership, for NEW IDEAS in governance, and for a NEW ORDER in our Country. Nigerians are unanimous in the call for something new and different. The PDP bungled the opportunity to challenge for the soul of our nation by throwing up a 75 years old gerontocrat as its Presidential Candidate for the 2023 Polls. The APC must not fail to take initiative and right that wrong".

"The sweltering harmattan of discontent and disapproval of PDP's decision to stick with the old is palpable amongst young people and women, and don't forget that they make up 70% of the Voting population. Across the socio-political amphitheatre here is the refrain that liters the space, 'Atiku again?', 'Must Atiku Rule Nigeria?', 'Doesn't the PDP have a young, vibrant and credible person to put forward as Presidential candidate?', 'At 75 what more does Atiku want?', 'So Atiku Abubakar in almost 40years of active politics has not mentored someone he can support for President?', and the curiousity appears endless".

"The APC must not go the way of the PDP in putting forward a Presidential Candidate for the 2023 Polls. Truth be told, Nigerians want a new deal and a new day. Nigerians desire capacity, competency, commitment to purpose, and youth. And Nigerians want a leader who can think on his feet, who can work and walk long hours with little fatigue, and a leader full of strength and energy as there is indeed so much work to be done to reset, re-fix and rework Nigeria. The APC cannot therefore afford the luxury of ignoring the urgency of now".

"Compatriots I place before you 12 huge and pertinent reasons the APC should put forward Governor Yahaya Bello GYB as her Presidential Candidate for the 2023 Polls".

"SECURITY. That Governor Yahaya Bello GYB is the best Governor in the area of Security is known even to the fiercest of his critics. From inheriting a State six years ago that had a Boko Haram IED plant to making Kogi State the safest State in the entire North, and arguably one of the safest States in Nigeria is profound achievement. Don't forget that this great feat is indiscriminate of the fact that Kogi State is the only State in Nigeria with 10 borders, ditto 9 States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. And considering the fact that our biggest challenge as a nation going into the 2023 General Elections is security, GYB is indeed the most suitable candidate to lead the APC challenge to retain power at the centre".

"HEALTH. Not only is GYB one of the few Governors to have made the healthcare of the citizens one of primacy, he pays healthcare workers their salaries, allowances and emoluments as and when due. Kogi State under his watch has built one of the best Hospitals in Africa which is The Reference Hospital in Okene, and GYB has built several ultra modern medical facilities across Kogi State. GYB knowing that health is life, will come into the Presidential contest with a massive resume' as his feat in the Healthcare sector speaks profound".

"EDUCATION. In this era of constant industrial action (Strike) by almost every sector of our tertiary education, GYB's Kogi State is the only State in Nigeria where no tertiary institution is on strike. GYB did not only add to the infrastructure in the Kogi State University, he built a new University (The Confluence University) which is up and running. He ensures that all the schools are well funded such that no University, Polytechnic or College of Education is on strike in Kogi. And across Kogi State there is a massive overhauling of the infrastructure of Primary and Secondary Schools, as well as the upgrade of the capacity of Teachers. GYB will lead the APC Presidential challenge in 2023 with an intimidating resume' in the area of education."

"HERDERS/FARMERS HARMONY AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE. Kogi State under GYB has profoundly managed this problem. There is no doubt that incessant Herders/Farmers tiff is a massive national challenge, but this is largely extinct in Kogi State because of the 'live and let's live' strategy of GYB. In Kogi State Herders and Farmers are healthy partners in the agricultural chain because they both have something for each other. GYB will bring to the table a robust solution to the challenge. And indeed capacity and competency will speak for him."

"YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP. Kogi State is number one in Youth Inclusiveness in leadership in Nigeria. And that appeal was brought to bear when GYB led the APC Membership Mobilization and Revalidation drive during the Governor Buni led Caretaker Committee watch over the APC. As the Head of the Committee on Youths, Women And People with Disability, he along with the leaders of our Party brought in over 21million new members to the Party, a number if properly mobilized can win the 2023 General Elections for the Party. It is therefore important that the APC puts forward as its Presidential Candidate a leader with such massive appeal amongst young people considering the urgency of now, and the number of Young people in the voter demography."

"GENDER PARITY AND WOMEN INCLUSION IN GOVERNANCE. Kogi State is arguably the only State in Nigeria that can boast of compliance with the United Nations MGD Goals, and the Global Affirmative Requirement of 35% minimum inclusion of women in leadership. In Kogi State, from the longest serving female SSG in Nigeria today, to the ADC to the Governor; from the Vice Chairmen in all the Local Government Areas in the State to all the Speakers in the Local Government Councils; and with most of the State Government Agencies run by women, Kogi State leads in GENDER PARITY and inclusion of women in governance across the nation. Knowing very well that the highest number of voters in Nigeria are women, GYB comes in as the best person to lead the APC challenge to retain the Presidency in 2023."

"WORKERS WELFARE AND SALARIES. That GYB inherited a Salary Bill of over 50billion and about the largest civil service in Nigeria is verifiable. That Kogi State is one of the States with the lowest revenue allocation in Nigeria is also true. However it is on record that GYB has cleared the backlog of salaries, that GYB pays State Government workers as and when due, that salaries due Local Government Workers are being paid, and that Kogi State have joined the States paying the new minimum wage. All this is the product of the expertise of the leader called GYB who was able to raise the IGR of the State from a miserly 300m per month to about 3billion monthly. GYB is therefore the star boy that the APC needs to defeat Atiku Abubakar come the 2023 Presidential elections."

"FISCAL DISCIPLINE AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. That for 3years and counting Kogi State tops the national chart in fiscal discipline and financial responsibility is a testament to the prudence of Governor Yahaya Bello GYB. It is on record that the World Bank have also attested to the sagacity and prudence of the young and phonomenal leader called GYB. In a nation troubled by corruption and wanton looting of State resources, only a candidate that comes with a resume' of financial discipline and rectitude can win the Presidential election for the APC, and GYB fits the bill."

"JOB CREATION AND WEALTH CREATION. The Skill Acquisition Program of the Kogi State Government is indeed one of the most credible governmental programmatic in today's Nigeria. Not only are young men and women being trained to be self sufficient and self reliant, the Government supports them with seed monies to carry on with life after training. Do you know that inorder to create more jobs and also help the Agricultural value chain, the Confluence Rice Mill built by GYB in Kogi State employs over 5000 workers directly, and receives feed from farmers across the State, and the nation? GYB is thus the lead Aspirant that should head the APC challenge for the high office of President come 2023."

"INFRASTRUCTURE. From educational facilities to Road Construction, from Health care facilities to recreational facilities, from factories, industries and multinational companies and corporations sprouting and supporting the infrastructural revolution that draws life from the Peace and Security of lives and property guaranteed by the GYB government, Kogi State is today a huge construction site. And GYB is set to take the infrastructural revolution of the Buhari administration to the next level. He is the one to trust with the Nigeria of our collective dreams, I assure you."

"THE REACH. GYB in the words of the Senate President Ahmed Lawan is the 'shield of the APC', he connects with the high, the mighty, the low and the small in the Party. In the larger Nigerian State GYB has the widest spread of support groups rooting for any Presidential Aspirant be they of the APC or the PDP. Indeed GYB Support Groups are the most effective and boisterous groups across the nation, little wonder it is GYB everywhere you go. The GYB Movement is a massive ideological cum intellectual vehicle that seeks no harbour but the Aso Rock villa from where the rebirth and rebuilding of our nation is key."

"AGE. At 46, to be 47 before the election, GYB is the youngest serving Governor in today's Nigeria. He is the BRIDGE between the young and the old. He is vivacious, he is smart, he is intelligent, he has the competency and the capacity to get the job done, he is passionate and committed to the quest for a nation that works, he is fit and proper, and he is ready, willing and able to lead the challenge for a new nation and a new deal for the masses of our people. He can lead the APC Presidential challenge and as the candidate of our great Party take Nigeria from the nadir to promise."

"Compatriots, GYB is a mobilizer of men and women. He is a passionate and a caring leader to the Old, the Young and to Persons Living with Disability. You can take this to the Bank for value, to GYB the challenge to birth and berth a new Nigeria is soul deep. And the cap fits the one who sees a New, Prosperous And Great Nigeria as his unalterable commitment. The cap fits GYB."

"Finally Countrymen and women, the Hope 2023... Bridging the Gap mantra of GYB is not only a call to a new deal for all Nigerians, but a license to pursue the best of our abilities in a peaceful, just and equitable Nigeria. It is a new day, Great Nigerians, together with GYB the sky is bright." He said.


https://premiumnewsnigeria.com/2022/06/02/2023-presidency-reasons-governor-yahaya-bello-should-be-the-presidential-candidate-of-the-apc-group/

Clearly the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has shown its disregard for the urgency of now, and has displayed manifest arrogance by ignoring the call for new tendency in leadership. They chose a 75years old (forgetting the truth put before us by President Muhammadu Buhari, that if he were younger he would have done much better). To the PDP however, anything goes. They mouth redemption without the sincerity of purpose to follow it through, little wonder the choice of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to lead their charge for the 2023 Presidency. Indeed they do not care a hoot about what the People think or want.

In the highly monetized Presidential Primaries of the PDP, the Delegates chose their belly and their pocket over Nigeria. They forgot the urgency of now. They threw away the call for competency, youth and capacity. They chose wads of dollar over the call to elect a candidate who will put Country first. They sacrificed the call for a new order, and by electing a doyen of the old order Atiku Abubakar, they inadvertently threw the baton to you.

They disregarded Youth, competency and Capacity, all they do afterall is to mouth support for the New Order when they politic, but their heart is far from it. The onus is now on you not to let the Country down, Dear APC Delegates.

The history of Nigeria is replete with the fact that the best of times happened when leaders in their 30s, 40s, and 50s were in the saddle. The First Republic had the Azikiwes, the Osadebes, the Sardaunas, the Balewas, the Eyo Itas, the Awolowos, the Enahoros et al in that age bracket. They could burn the candles, they could work and walk long hours for Nigeria, and they could debate long hours to fashion a workable economic blueprint and development policy for Nigeria, perhaps that goes to tell why the First Republic remains the best in our history.

Under the Military we saw the explosion in the Oil Sector, Refineries were built, a Shipping line and an Airline proudly owned by Nigeria spouted and blossomed, Cities were built, major connecting bridges like the 3rd Mainland Bridge came alive, and the Federal Capital territory Abuja was built. The records are unarguably profound, this reference is a plus for youth, for competency and capacity, and not for Military Rule. The point here is that the most halycon days of this Country were when leaders in their 30s, 40s and 50s held the levers of power. But such historicity is lost on the PDP, however they should matter to you, Dear APC Delegates.

You must Think Nigeria when you elect the candidate that will face Atiku in the 2023 Presidential election. You must think about the candidate that can defeat the Waziri Adamawa in the 2023 polls. You must think about how we can correct the mistakes of the past and the present by etching a new order on our socio-political canvass. And you must put before Nigerians a candidate that identifies with the highest electoral demography.

Do not forget that Governor Yahaya Bello GYB as the Governor of Kogi State has the largest number of Young people in his cabinet. Do not forget that he runs the government with the highest gender parity in Nigeria. Do not also forget that when he marshalled the APC's membership mobilization and revalidation drive as the Chairman of the Committee on Youths, Women and the Persons With Disability, the Party overtook the PDP by becoming the most populous Party in Africa. I dare say that if GYB could mobilize as much as 20milion Youths, Women and Persons with Disability into the APC he can beat Atiku Abubakar at the polls before 2pm on election day, and this truism is incontrovertible since he is at home with those who predominate our voting population.

Need I remind you Esteemed Delegates of our great Party, that the greatest issues in today's Nigeria are those of Security, of health, and of Education. Do you know that with Governor Yahaya Bello GYB we shall be go into the 2023 elections with more than bragging rights. It is on record that GYB is the Best Performing Governor in Nigeria in the area of Security. It is on record that Kogi State is the only State in today's Nigeria where tertiary institutions (University, Polytechnic or College of Education) are not on strike, not one. And it is on record that under his watch Kogi State is completing the most outstanding medical facility in Nigeria. GYB shall be facing Atiku Abubakar with a deafening resume'. He will come to the contest with Youth, with vivacity, with strength, with candour, and above all with competency, with capacity and with a record of outstanding performance and fiscal discipline.

Conjecture the odds, check the optics, imagine the picture of a Tinubu against an Atiku, and watch how the largest voting demography will spurn the two major political parties, and settle for perhaps a Third Force. Put GYB against Atiku, and watch the people exhale in profound appreciation, because then the stage will be set for the long overdue duel between the forces of progress and the forces of old, between new ideas and old ideas, between individual (lifelong ambition) and the passion, commitment to progress and challenge for the soul of Nigeria which GYB epitomizes.

At the Polls GYB will connect with the young and the old. He will connect with Women having been their greatest benefactor in contemporary Nigeria, do not forget that he heads the government with the highest gender parity in Nigeria? He will connect with the North and the South being the Governor of the Confluence State, and leading a State that has become a rainbow coalition of sorts having reduced ethnic and religious distrust to the barest minimum. He will connect with the END-SARS generation because he belongs to them, as the youngest serving Governor in today's Nigeria, he is their own. He will connect with the persons with Disability because more than any Governor in today's Nigeria he has empowered the greatest number of the persons with Disability, go to Kogi State and you will see them serving at different levels in his government. And he will not only connect with the many victims of insecurity but bring them great hope, because as the Governor of the only State in Nigeria with 10 borders (nine States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) he took Kogi State from one of the most unsafe States in Nigeria where Boko Haram once had an IED making plant, to the second safest State in Nigeria. GYB is unarguably the best answer to the challenge of the PDP, and indeed the answer to the generational challenge for the soul of our nation.

Dear Delegates of our great Party, may the waters of patriotism and love for nation guide your decision, may the promise of HOPE 2023 propagated by GYB and the smartest team of political ideologues and economic experts ever assembled by any Aspirant in our nations history, resonate. And may you put before Nigerians a candidate that will birth and berth the Nigeria of our collective dreams. God Bless You All.

Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVEMENT.
A Leadership And Mentorship Instructor.


https://www.arewareportersng.com/2023-dear-apc-delegates-please-put-country-first-by-pitching-gyb-against-atiku-abubakar/

The story of Beauty Pageant industry in Nigeria was before now misconstrued by many.

To some it was an industry that breeds corrupt character while to some it was an industry that encourages moral decadence.

But all thanks to the BOT of Pageant Guild Association of Nigeria under the distinguished leadership of Mr Onanikem Kenneth Onanikem Diamond


As well Known the first law of leadership is that your foundation is built through integrity, Character and trust.

Chief Diamond has an internal leadership map, a personal GPS, which brings his vision into action. It started with an understanding of where the Pageant industry should be and as a result went ahead to appoint credible men to pilot the affairs and harmonize the industry.

A Lion begats a Lion so the Appointment of his youthfulness Hon. Disebe S. Bala Dango by the BOT as the acting president of the pageant guild didn't come to many as a surprise.

Hon. Disebe understanding the vision and mandate hit the road running by the immediate appointment of state co-ordinator's assuring them of support while calling for collaboration amongst the pageant family.

Since Hon. Disebe assumption into office the misconception of the industry is been addressed.

"Effective leaders inspire and motivate people to follow their visions willingly and eagerly, not out of fear." - Maya Traver said. And this can best describe the actions of Hon. Disebe as acting president so far.

"The greatest gift a leader can get is the gift of feedback. When someone takes the time to pause, reflect on what’s happened, and communicate back what they saw and heard, and how it made them feel and act, they have offered the greatest gift of all". - Janeen Latini said.
And the feed backs from state coordinators and CEO across board is a prove of this statement.

The leadership of his youthfulness , Hon. Disebe has been able to identify fakes among the industry and to address the menace created special cover letter for state coordinators along side Identity Cards watermark to check mate fakes in the future.

The leadership also have been involved in dispute resolution among members and this has promoted untiy and hermonny within the family.

Organisers now having a sense of belonging as everyone is been carried along especially with the creation of the association website.

A new dawn is here and the industry is taking a new dimension and the choice of his youthfulness Hon. Disebe is truly a card for the moment.


Abel Augustine
Senior Special Adviser Media and Publicity To the Acting President PGNA
29/05/2022

The controversy that trialed the conduct of the Taraba APC gubernatorial primaries has taken a new turn.

The APC electoral chairman for Taraba State has declared Senator Emmanuel Bwacha as the winner of the primary election.

The Chairman while making the pronouncement asked the media to disregard his earlier statement

He had in an earlier press briefing that no election held in Taraba state, he said he was forced under gun point to make that earlier declaration.

“Only a foolish man will not do anything to save his life when he is hold to ransom, one of my official was shot and presently battling with his life , so we had to concour and do their bidding”.

“Election held and One senator Emmanuel Bwacha is the winner and we have since declare him, am not from Taraba and i hope they will solve their crisis internally”.he said.

From the result sheet seen , the total accredited voters was 159994, and Senator Emmanuel Bwacha pulled 97655 votes to beat his closet rival Senator Anthony Manzo who pulled 16,625 votes , David Sambo Kente got a total of 5836 votes.

Recall that Senator Emmanuel Bwacha had decamped from the People’s Democratic Party to The All People’s Congress (APC) to purse his governorship ambition after several harassment and political intimidation by the current administration.


https://kwararafareporters.com/2022/05/27/taraba-2023-guber-senator-emmanuel-bwacha-wins-apc-primaries/

Dear APC Delegates Please Elect The Aspirant With The Least Baggage As Candidate For President III.

In the first and the second part of this patriotic effort I was able to put a total 16 of the 23 Presidential Aspirants in the APC to the mill, and it has been a worthy task. As I conclude this assignment by passing the remaining 7 through the crucible, I crave the indulgence of our Esteemed Delegates, our Party men and women to put Country first by electing the best of the pack.

Our great Party must realize that Nigerians are unanimous in the quest for a republic where competency, capacity and commitment to new values in leadership is the summum bonum. We must put before Nigerians a candidate that understands the urgency of now. We must put before Nigerians a candidate that is passionate and committed to resetting Nigeria. And we must put before Nigerians a candidate that is beyond the prejudice of religion and region, indeed Nigeria is in dire need of an urbane leader that is committed to forging a rainbow coalition centred on competency and capacity, and possessing the kindred spirit needed to re-fix, reshape and rework Nigeria.

Kindly journey through the mill with me as I lay bare my thoughts on the remaining 7 Aspirants believing that together we shall arrive at the one with the least baggage, and the one that not only can win the election for our great Party, but a candidate that will aggregate our God given potentials for greatness.

IKEOBASI MOKELU. The Presidential Aspiration of this former Minister of Information and Culture in the Abacha Administration, and Convener of the ISTANDWITHBUHARI movement is somewhat of a surprise to Party faithfuls and close watchers of our politics. He was the last person to pick the APC Presidential Nomination Form, and has been very quiet since then. The fact that he has remained largely silent is a huge baggage because it speaks to his seriousness as an Aspirant. He comes across as one of those believed to be in the race for some sort of political relevance, and or consideration.

TEIN JACK-RICH. This Billionaire Businessman, owner of Belema Oil, and top player in the Oil Sector is a brilliant gentleman and philanthropist. He comes in with the baggage of deep elitism and appears hugely and largely distant from the grassroots. He is apparently very far from the Party faithfuls and structure. However his passion for a new Nigeria cannot be ignored.

AHMAD LAWAN. He is the President of the Senate. His late entrance into the race has thrown up several conjectures. He comes in with a huge baggage, one of them puts him out as an unwilling horse drafted into the race by certain Godfathers for egocentric end. The second is that his ambition pitches the Governors in the Party against members of the National Assembly. The third is that he is seen as one who superintends over a National Assembly that appears very subservient to the whims and caprices of the Executive. He also has no visible campaign structure outside his State. He is thus regarded as a paperweight that cannot take the Party to victory should he become the Presidential candidate of the Party, and that is a very huge burden.

KAYODE FAYEMI. He is the Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). He is urbane, intellectually sound and charismatic. But he comes into the race with a huge baggage, aside from Ekiti, the political strength of Fayemi in his geopolitical zone, the Southwest is limited. He doesn’t have visible political structures outside his State. Despite being the Chairman of the Governors' Forum no Governor appears to have endorsed his ambition. He also comes in with the baggage thrown at him by the former Chairman of the Party Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who alleged that he tried to get him Oshiomole to commit electoral fraud.

IBIKUNLE AMOSUN. This former Governor of Ogun State is one of the three presidential aspirants from the State. He is a seasoned politician that is believed to have the ears of Mr President. However in the race for the Presidential Ticket of our great Party, he comes in with a huge baggage, he cannot be said to be serious when he is currently at loggerheads with the APC Governor of his home State, Dapo Abiodun, and may not get the support of delegates from his State. He is also not known to have built formidable political structures outside Ogun State, he is therefore no threat to the leading contenders and may not be able to galvanize a formidable political machine to win the Presidency for our great Party come 2023.

DAVE UMAHI. This ebullient gentleman is the Governor of Ebonyi State. He was the first Aspirant from the Southeast to declare for the presidency. He has a good record of performance, but at the national stage he is a political paperweight, and considering the weight of a Presidential contest, the Party's chance of winning the 2023 election may be slim should Umahi become the candidate. Yet another baggage is the fact that he is not very trusted by the people of the South East. He is also involved in huge battles of wit with several political forces in his home State, and his popularity quotient is thin and may not win the Presidency for our great Party if given the ticket.

GODSWILL AKPABIO. The former two term Governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Senator and former Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry comes in with very huge baggage. He is believed to be high handed and arrogant, and he is at war on several fronts with political forces within and outside the Party. As a Minister not only was he not forthright with the forensic investigation of the books of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, he did not keep to the promise of ensuring that the NDDC Board is reconstituted. The EFCC also alleges that his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State is soiled with corruption. He is seen as brash and unable to galvanize the Party in the South South, he may be a huge electoral burden should he emerge as the Presidential candidate of our great Party.

YAHAYA BELLO. He is the youngest serving Governor in today's Nigeria. Yahaya Adoza Bello is the Governor of Kogi State. He joined the race far ahead of most of the Aspirants, and has remained consistent and passionate about his vision for a new Nigeria. He comes in with a contrived baggage, some say that 'he does not pay salary', as untrue as that may be, you find political opponents within the Party pushing this narrative so as to diminish his chances of winning the ticket, but like a colossus he has continued to reach out to delegates and to Nigerians with his MASTER PLAN for Nigeria. He is arguably the most visible of all the Presidential Aspirants, and considering the present challenge of insecurity across the nation, being the best performing Governor in the area of Security, in the area of Financial Responsibility and Fiscal Discipline, and in the area of Youth Inclusiveness and Gender parity, the ace is apparently his. As you decide, Dear Delegates, do not forget that the surge in the Party membership far above the number of the major opposition party the Peoples Democratic Party PDP happened when Governor Yahaya Bello GYB was the Chairman of the Mobilisation and Sensitisation Committee of the Party, remember how he transversed the nation wooing members to the Party, and to his credit the registration and revalidation exercise of our great Party became a monumental success. Without equivocation, the tenacity and doggedness he brings to the race has won him the hearts of many party members. And he is arguably the Aspirant with the largest number of support groups across the nation. He is on account of age, competency and capacity the candidate to watch, and considering the urgency of now, including the call of Young people and Women for a new tendency in governance, I implore our Esteemed Delegates to look the way of GYB. He is young, vibrant, intelligent, energetic, and he has the competency and the capacity to birth and berth the Nigeria of our dreams.

He is the only Aspirant of the lot that has presented a manifesto and a work plan to the people, he is apparently the most serious and the most prepared, and I wish him well.

May the Almighty guide and grant you the courage to do that which is forthright, trite and right. God Bless Nigeria.

Chabor Musa Nyamgul.
Political Activist
Abuja.


https://www.arewareportersng.com/dear-apc-delegates-please-elect-the-aspirant-with-the-least-baggage-as-candidate-for-president-iii/

Dear APC Delegates Please Elect The Aspirant With The Least Baggage As Candidate For President II.

In the first series of this effort I put 8 of the Aspirants seeking the APC Presidential Ticket to the crucible, indeed this exercise houses no grudge or bias, it is but a didactic and patriotic effort at ensuring that the esteemed delegates of our great Party the APC choose the best person to fly the flag of the Party in the 2023 Presidential election.

The Ruling Party must realize that so much is expected of us by Nigerians, and largely the delegates are the ones in the eye of the storm. You owe Nigeria and Nigerians a great responsibility which is chiefly to elect a Presidential Candidate that understands the urgency of now, and one that connects with the aggregate demand for a new deal and a new Nigeria. And I believe that you will do justice to this onerous task.

Here are my candid analysis of the chances ditto the baggage of some more Aspirants within the APC if by Jove our Dear Delegates would do that which is forthright, trite and right.

DIMEJI BANKOLE. This former Speaker of the 6th House of Representatives that has been largely silent and quiet since he left the National Assembly comes in as not only an unwilling horse, but as one who is not seriously interested in the contest. The fact that he is not campaigning at all or reaching out to delegates gives the impression that the gamble of 100m naira for the APC Presidential Nomination Form may be an expensive gambit for political relevance and visibility. That he is seen as one of the pretenders with perhaps a different motive is a huge baggage.

ROCHAS OKOROCHA. This two-term former Governor of Imo State is one of the Aspirants from the Southeast. He is not in anyway an unwilling horse, this attempt being his fourth. He however comes in with the huge baggage of allegedly corruptly enriching himself, his family and proxies whilst in office as the Governor of Imo State, his cases with the EFCC speaks to that. He's also accused by his successor Governor Hope Uzodinma of being behind the rising insecurity in Imo State. And as the immediate past Governor of the State in the same Political Party as the incumbent the raging disharmony in the Party in State is another huge baggage.

UJU KENNEDY. Is the only female Aspirant in the race for the APC Presidential Ticket. Her vision, courage and strength is salutary, however the absence of political visibility, impact and capital is a huge baggage as the quest for the high office of President is not a turf for those not known to have had any serious or radical impact on the socio-political amphitheatre.

NICHOLAS FELIX. This good looking US-based Clergyman is the youngest Presidential Aspirant in the fray. He is largely unknown and comes in with the baggage of one seemingly seeking political relevance, and one that colours him as one of the pretenders having failed to effectively put before the people and the delegates his vision for Nigeria. If he builds on the mention of the present bid, he is perhaps a candidate for the future.

KEN NNAMANI. A former President of the Senate who led the popular rejection of President Obasanjo's 3rd Term bid by the National Assembly. He comes in with an uncanny baggage as many see his attempt at occupying the country’s highest office as a race to nowhere. Only last March he lost the bid to become the Deputy National Chairman of our great party thus underscoring the depth of his popularity within the Party, therefore putting him forward to fly the Party's flag in the 2023 Presidential contestation will most likely do the Party great disservice.

BEN AYADE. This former Senator who is presently rounding up his second term as Governor of Cross River State would perhaps not be seen as a serious contender but for the N100 million he paid for the nomination form. He comes in with the baggage of one seeking to remain politically relevant after his tenure. Clearly, not reaching out to the people and the delegates of our great Party the APC presents him as being in the presidential race for negotiation to become Vice President should the Presidential candidate come from the North.

MOHAMMED BADARU. This urbane gentleman and the serving Governor of the State of Jigawa is one of the many Presidential Aspirants whose entry into the race is viewed with much curiousity. He comes in with the baggage that defines his late indication of interest to run for President as one primed for political relevance and perhaps for consideration for the Vice Presidential Ticket should the APC Presidential Candidate come from the South little wonder he appears not to be reaching out to the people and to the delegates of our great Party.

AJAYI BOROFFICE. This good looking and eloquent Senator from Ondo State comes in as an underdog in the APC presidential race. The baggage he comes in with is that he is perceived by many as seeking to gain prominence and relevance as one of those who ran for the Presidential Ticket of the Party, this baggage is hinged on his rather quiet approach to the race.

Dear Delegates of our great Party, I shall in a few days put before you the conclusion of this effort as I assess the last batch of Presidential Aspirants, however it is my candid plea that you give primacy to the call to put before Nigerians a candidate with great love, passion and commitment to birth and berth a New Nigeria. We must put our best foot forward and the linchpin must be competency and capacity, for the time to reset, re-fix and rework Nigeria is now. God Bless Nigeria.

Chabor Musa Nyamgul.
Political Activist
Abuja.


https://nigerianpilot.news/2022/05/23/dear-apc-delegates-please-elect-the-aspirant-with-the-least-baggage-as-candidate-for-president-2/

Dear APC Delegates, Please Elect The Aspirant With The Least Baggage As Candidate For President (1)

Every mortal has his or her own baggage, we aren't Saints for saints aren't mortal. We are therefore judged as good or bad based on the weight of our baggage. As the Primaries of the Political Parties approach, this effort is a plea to the delegates of our great Party the All Progressive Congress APC, to elect as our Presidential flagbearer the Aspirant with the least baggage.

The challenge to sift or if you like identify the Aspirant with the least baggage out of the 23 Aspirants who obtained the APC Presidential Nomination Form and are still in the race to become the Presidential candidate of the APC is an onerous one, but I shall attempt to do so as dispassionately as possible, because we must as a party put our best foot forward.

BOLA AHMED TINUBU BAT. This seasoned politician is perhaps one of the front line contenders for the APC Presidential Ticket. He comes in with the heaviest baggage. There is the baggage of alleged corruption and primitive accumulation of wealth with his siphon pump directly fixed to the Lagos State treasury. There is the Bullion Van baggage. There is the baggage of age, fitness and health. And there is the baggage of pride, ego and arrogance, see the way he talks down on the other Aspirants, the way he denigrates the Youths, the Media, and the way he carries on like the 2023 Presidency is his patrimony.

AHMED YERIMA. The former Governor of Katsina State comes in with a heavy baggage. The one of alleged religious fundamentalism. The one of child marriage. The one of disrespect for the rights of women and untamed patriarchy. And questions about his watch over Zamfara State.

ROTIMI AMAECHI. The immediate past Minister of Transportation, 8years Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, and two term Governor of Rivers State comes in with very heavy baggage. The one of over 15billion allegedly looted whilst he was Governor, to his lacklustre watch over the State. The one of several over invoiced contracts in the Ministry of Transportation to the poor safety regime for our Rail transport system. From the many double speak on issues of State to the fact that the Party in his home State is in disarray no thanks to his arrogance and naivety.

PROF YEMI OSINBAJO. The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria comes in with a fantastic CV but with a baggage that presents him as an unwilling horse, indeed his marketers may have unwittingly done great disservice to his candidacy. Nigerians are in need of a President who sees the job as his unalterable commitment to purpose and destiny, not one who had to oblige the plea to run.

ADAMS OSHIOMOLE. The former Governor of Edo State comes in with a huge baggage. His alleged egocentricity is at the core of the Party losing his home State. His legendary 'I Am The Boss' disposition saw to his awkward exit as the National Chairman of the Party. And the baggage of the many files with the EFCC speaks poorly about his position on anti corruption.

EMEKA NWAJIUBA the immediate past Minister of State for Education comes in with the baggage of a less than wholesome handling of the ASUU, ASUP, NASU issues, the poor mediation of matters relating to the Ivory Towers ditto our tertiary institutions and the Strikes involving almost all sectors of our public tertiary schools, and several scandals involving Federal Government Schools.

OGBONNAYA ONU. The immediate past Minister of Science and Technology, a fine gentleman comes in with the baggage of a very lacklustre watch over the Ministry of Science and Technology. For almost 7years as the Minister of Science and Technology, it was all talk and less remarkable strides.

PASTOR TUNDE BAKARE. A fine clergyman who very recently stoked the ethnic fire with several unguarded remarks about one of the three major ethnicity in Nigeria. An Activist whose shots have shown huge bias for friendship and ethnicity. And an outsider in the larger political calculus cannot lead the Party to the challenge for the top job come 2023 as he comes in with the many baggage described above.

The challenge of birthing and berthing a new Nigeria is the cross before all Nigerians, whether of the APC, the PDP, the other Political Parties, and the nonpartisan, we must therefore dispassionately subject those seeking to steer the ship of State come 2023 to the stiffest and the most stringent intellectual crucible, we must make competency and capacity the linchpin and patriotism our watchword.

The Conversation Continues in a few days. God Bless Nigeria.

Chabor Musa Nyamgul
Political Activist
Abuja.


https://nigerianpilot.news/2022/05/20/dear-apc-delegates-please-elect-the-aspirant-with-the-least-baggage-as-candidate-for-president/

The APC in Benue Zone C recently witnessed the arrival of a young man called Philip Agbese into the party with the ambition of representing the Constituency at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

The self acclaimed philanthropist who is yet to say what he does for a living, has since his arrival into the Enone politics become the mastermind of politics of bitterness and blackmail in the constituency.

Philip Agbese who gave himself the title Okanga 1 of Agila Land in Benue state has on many occasions lied that he’s a British lawyer but unknown to his unsuspecting people, he has never been to the British law school before not to talk of having any certification of attendance as revealed by our independent investigation.

Further investigation about this self acclaimed British lawyer reveals that Philip Agbese has a gang of young yahoo boys around him who he uses as cover for his media business.

He is alleged to be a kingpin, notorious blackmailer, who is a specialist in mobilizing social media hoodlums to attack any government official who refuses to fall for his blackmail to pay him off.

One of his victims among many is the minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, the former governor of Benue state.

Recall that in 2013 Senator George Akume was notoriously blackmailed by Agbese who claimed that Akume had forged his academic credentials and used it to secure the governorship position in Benue and also used same forged credentials to win the election that brought him to the Senate.

However, the former governor was able to clear his name after he tendered copies of his original credentials, which were attached to his statement of defense, in the suit filed by Philip Agbese who accused Akume of forging his certificate hence unqualified to stand for an election.

Former deputy governor, Chief Steven Lawani was not left out of Agbese's blackmail game as he did all to blackmail him before his principal Gabriel Suswam the former governor of Benue state.

Amazingly, today Agbese is all out again with his blackmail game, all in a bid to get the Enone house of Rep ticket of the APC to which the leaders of the party and delegates have outrightly rejected him even before the party primaries .

Information available to us says that, Agbese whose frivolous attempt to blackmail Akume all to destroy his political career has also put plans in place to drag the minister should he not get the party ticket in few days as the party is set to go into the primaries.

Finally, we wish to thank our leader and father, senator George Akume, minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs for building a very strong leadership in the APC family in zone c and Benue at large.

The ENONE APC YOUTH NETWORK are determined to deliver the APC in all possible positions in the 2023 elections.

Thank you and God bless.

Evangelist Jame Adaudu

https://reportcardafrica.ng/2022/05/13/agbeses-blackmail-and-threat-to-apc-chances-in-zone-c/

Mr David Anyaele, Convener, Coalition of Disability Organisation (CODO), has urged the Federal Government to step up efforts to provide amenities for People with Disabilities (PWD) at airports across the country.

Anyaele made the appeal on Wednesday at a public presentation and training on access to airport for persons with disabilities, held at Academy Guest House, Ikeja, Lagos.

The convener urged the government to train relevant personnel on ways to handle people with disabilities.
He said that PWDs experienced challenges and discrimination in airports across the country.

“People with Disabilities experience a lot of hardship in the country and the difficulty in travelling through the airport isn’t easy at all because there are no basic amenities for us there.

“We are treated harshly by airport staff because of our disabilities, so special training should be organised for airport and airline personnel on the needs of PWDs and how best to meet them.

“In other countries, there are wheelchair elevators that convey us to the aircraft and back, but in this country, there is none like that, as even the bus that would carry you to the point of entry of the aircraft isn’t user friendly in all ramifications.

“The government needs to address this urgently because there are so many difficulties we experience in the airport and it shouldn’t be so,” he said.

Anyaele urged the Federal Government to carry out more enlightenment programmes on the need to respect the right of PWDs.

He said that there should be advocacy for the implementation and enforcement of the National Disability Laws and other laws in order to protect rights of persons with disabilities.

The convener said that travel information at airports should be provided in accessible formats for various categories of PWDs.

“The airport authorities need to go beyond the use of public address systems for announcement which persons with auditory impairment may not be able to decode.

“There should also be provision for inclusion of information at booking points so as to indicate their status and special needs, for airport officials to make necessary arrangements to meet their needs,” he said.

Mr Rabiu Yadudu, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), in his remark, said that relevant personnel had been trained on how to attend to people with disabilities.

Yadudu, who was represented by Mr Ayinla Gbolahan, International Terminal Manager, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, said that the training would help in resolving some of the issues.

“The relevant personnel are being trained on how to provide the necessary needs of PWDs, especially those who provide assistive services in the airport.

“We are committed in ensuring that we provide the relevant services to make the airport comfortable for the people, so various steps have been carried out in ensuring that,” he said.

Mr Abdulwahab Matepo, a man with disability, told the News Agency of Nigeria, that discrimination was a major problem for people with disabilities.

He said that amenities were not provided for disabled people in public places.
“Discrimination against people with disabilities is a major problem in this country and this issue can be addressed by enlightening the public about this.
“Also, in most public places, amenities for PWDs are not provided and one of the reasons for that is because of the discrimination against us.

“People need to realise that we are also human beings and we didn’t decide to be this way, so, we should be treated like every other being,” he said.

PWDs seek better amenities at airports
Mr David Anyaele, Convener Coalition of Disability Organisation (CODO), has urged the Federal Government to step up efforts to provide amenities for People with Disabilities (PWD) at airports across the country.

Anyaele made the appeal on Wednesday at a public presentation and training on access to airport for persons with disabilities, held at Academy Guest House, Ikeja, Lagos.

The convener urged the government to train relevant personnel on ways to handle people with disabilities.

He said that PWDs experienced challenges and discrimination in airports across the country.


“People with Disabilities experience a lot of hardship in the country and the difficulty in travelling through the airport isn’t easy at all because there are no basic amenities for us there.

“We are treated harshly by airport staff because of our disabilities, so special training should be organised for airport and airline personnel on the needs of PWDs and how best to meet them.



“In other countries, there are wheelchair elevators that convey us to the aircraft and back, but in this country, there is none like that, as even the bus that would carry you to the point of entry of the aircraft isn’t user friendly in all ramifications.

“The government needs to address this urgently because there are so many difficulties we experience in the airport and it shouldn’t be so,” he said.



Anyaele urged the Federal Government to carry out more enlightenment programmes on the need to respect the right of PWDs.

He said that there should be advocacy for the implementation and enforcement of the National Disability Laws and other laws in order to protect rights of persons with disabilities.

The convener said that travel information at airports should be provided in accessible formats for various categories of PWDs.

“The airport authorities need to go beyond the use of public address systems for announcement which persons with auditory impairment may not be able to decode.

“There should also be provision for inclusion of information at booking points so as to indicate their status and special needs, for airport officials to make necessary arrangements to meet their needs,” he said.

Mr Rabiu Yadudu, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), in his remark, said that relevant personnel had been trained on how to attend to people with disabilities.

Yadudu, who was represented by Mr Ayinla Gbolahan, International Terminal Manager, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, said that the training would help in resolving some of the issues.

“The relevant personnel are being trained on how to provide the necessary needs of PWDs, especially those who provide assistive services in the airport.

“We are committed in ensuring that we provide the relevant services to make the airport comfortable for the people, so various steps have been carried out in ensuring that,” he said.

Mr Abdulwahab Matepo, a man with disability, told the News Agency of Nigeria, that discrimination was a major problem for people with disabilities.

He said that amenities were not provided for disabled people in public places.

“Discrimination against people with disabilities is a major problem in this country and this issue can be addressed by enlightening the public about this.

“Also, in most public places, amenities for PWDs are not provided and one of the reasons for that is because of the discrimination against us.

“People need to realise that we are also human beings and we didn’t decide to be this way, so, we should be treated like every other being,” he said.

(NAN)

https://kwararafareporters.com/2022/05/11/people-living-with-disabilities-seek-better-amenities-at-airports/

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, Convener "COUNTRYFIRST MOVEMENT" and also National Coordinator "GOT YOUR BACK NIGERIA", Has said Governor Yahaya Bello stands out and will emerge candidate of the All Progressive Congress and president come 2023.

Nwaokobia Jnr in a press release to newsmen , said these are interesting times, interesting politics and interesting moment.

"Indeed our Country appears drawn in a massive succession frenzy, to borrow from that epic MKO Abiola's HOPE 1993 campaign song, 'Nigeria on the march again, voting/looking/searching/waiting for Mr President...', the march is apparently long, large and loaded. The list of Aspirants across the two major political parties and more, is long, large and loaded. The characters and tendencies long, large and loaded. And the capacity, the competency and the plumage of the actors long, large and loaded".

"At the last count the number of Presidential Aspirants across partisan divides are more than 50. Over 25 doled out 100m naira to purchase the Presidential Nomination Form of the APC. Another 20 or so paid 40m naira for the Presidential Nomination Form of the leading opposition party the PDP. And several other Aspirants have sprouted from the many other parties, interesting times indeed".

"Curiously Nigerians have wondered why the huge number of Aspirants particularly in the APC. Don't forget that the APC is the party in power at the centre. Do not also forget that the APC has almost twice the number of States controlled by the PDP. And do not forget that the APC is presently the largest and the most populous Party in Nigeria. So the number of Aspirants may just be understandable".

"What however bothers the carapace of my mind is the reason, and or reasons why so many people/persons who are apparently political light weights would dish out 100m or 40m naira as the case may be, for the expression of interest and presidential nomination forms of parties when they are almost certain they cannot win the contestation to emerge as flagbearers of their Parties for the 2023 Presidential polls. Politicians eh!! What a specie of homo sapiens you would say".

"As we approach 2023, we have seen the desperation and the thin moral fibre and fabrics of our political operators. We have seen governmental appointees abandoning their brief to pursue personal ambition without resigning from office, for all they care Nigeria should wait until they win or lose their Party Primaries, here I have Ministers Godswill Akpabio, Rotimi Amaechi, Emeka Nwajiuba, Chris Ngige, Timipreye Sylva, Ogbonnaya Onu et al on my mind".

"We have also seen the heavily skewed morality of the Chief Banker who sits atop the Central Bank of Nigeria, not only is he a Political Party member against the rules of public service, but is surreptitiously seeking the high office of President. Hmmm, Na waooo!!! If they cannot take the plunge by resigning to pursue their political ambition, then at best they are mere gladiators and pretenders seeking nothing but further political relevance. Or how do you describe a people whose preoccupation, predilection, proclivity and propensity is 'me and my ambition' before the nation? Aren't they at best public deserters, having without an ounce of morality left their offices to pursue delegates across the nation. When will the power mongers who predominate our space have some space for morality and a place for due process? So sad".

"They have sought as pretenders to keep the Country in waiting, they have ignored the spirit of the draftsman who figured out that the now contentious Section 84 of the Electoral Act as amended should make Appointees of State nursing political ambition to resign so that governance does not suffer. Alas to them, Nigeria can go to blazes, their personal ambition must come first, and you think that they are not pretenders? Nigeria deserves the best going forward. And only patriots shall be considered as contenders going forward. Do they for Godsake think that Nigeria is a private estate that must wait on, and for them? We shall see!!"

"I have seen on our political amphitheatre three or four serious contenders, yes I shall name them, and may the debate grow a life of it's own. These contenders are indiscriminate of political parties. I have seen the former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Peter Obi, he is going round the Country marketing himself to the delegates of his Party the PDP, and to Nigerians. I have seen the former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, who like Peter Obi, he is selling himself to the delegates of his Party the PDP, and to Nigerians. I wish them well. The catch for me, is that they consider the race serious business, and they are giving it their best. You are free to disagree with me, if you do, please enrich the national debate by doing a rejoinder. What is important to me, is that we find and elect the best for Nigeria come 2023".

"There is also the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo. He is a huge contender, he brings to bear 7years of active experience as the second in command to the incumbent. He shall hit the ground running if elected President. But I have a problem with the way he is going about it. He comes across as an unwilling horse. He was begged, cajoled, threatened and coerced by his supporters to throw his hat in the ring. And Nigeria is in no deal for another unwilling horse. Nigeria is in dire need of a President who considers the job the fulfillment of purpose and the essence of his/her humanity. Sadly the image that the strategists of the Osinbajo movement have created is that Osinbajo was begged to enter the race, and some are running the same foul and soured script with the former President Goodluck Jonathan, they are at it with the serving Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Dr. Emefiele, and they are also playing the same atavistic script with Dr Akinwunni Adesina of the African Development Bank, and this is not what 21st century Nigeria is about. No. Nigeria is in need of leaders who consider the job of the President an unalterable commitment to purpose, faith and destiny".

"One Aspirant comes in as possessed by purpose, driven by passion, challenged by a generational cross, poised to bear the weight of a nation in great need of redemption, and committed to birth and berth the nation of our dreams. This Aspirant that God willing will become the Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress APC is Governor Yahaya Bello GYB. He is presently the youngest serving Governor in Nigeria. He is the best performing Governor in the areas of Security, Education, Agriculture, Fiscal Discipline and Financial Responsibility, and he has the highest youth inclusiveness, and gender parity in government. He is the Governor of Kogi State. And he is running the race believing that everything worthy and worthwhile must be done to reset, re-fix, reshape, rework and reposition Nigeria for greatness".

"He is talking with the delegates of his Party, the All Progressive Congress, he is engaging with Nigerians in a way never before seen, he is preaching justice, equity and national cohesion centred on deploying the inherent capacity, competency and capabilities of the average Nigerian for progress and growth. He is beyond the bias of religion and region little wonder he has the largest number of support groups indiscriminate of tribe, ethnicity, region or religion. He is not just a contender, he is the candidate that believes that the restoration of Nigeria is his unalterable commitment. He believes that Nigeria deserves the best, and he is ready, willing and able to give Nigeria the desired leadership that must unlock the great potentials of our nation and people".

"HOPE 2023 is the mantra, Bridging the Gap is the theme, and the purpose is to berth a nation where Peace and Justice shall reign. And GYB is not ignorant of the enormous challenge, he is confident that together with the masses of our people, a New, Prosperous, Safe and Boisterous Nigeria is possible. God Bless Nigeria".


https://nigerianpilot.news/2022/05/10/2023-presidency-governor-yahaya-bello-stands-out-nwaokobia-jnr/