₦airaland Forum

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi met with Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike behind closed-doors on Wednesday in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Wike who is widely rumoured to be plotting an exit from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP following his loss at the Party primaries and not emerging the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the party's 2023 presidential flag-bearer.

This meeting is coming amidst reports that Obi and his party are in talks with NNPP Presidential Candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso over a possible merger.

Political Analysts reveal that if the merger succeeds, it will create big problems for the Ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The concept of a “place holder” that some presidential candidates are resorting to is unknown to the Constitution and the Electoral Act. When a name is submitted to INEC, the name’s bearer automatically and legally becomes the vice presidential candidate of the party simpliciter.

However, Section 31 of the Electoral Act, 2022 allows for withdrawal of candidacy. Unlike the position under the repealed 2010 Electoral Act where parties were allowed to substitute for “cogent and verifiable” reason, the new Act prohibits substitution; subject to two exceptions.

By Section 33 of the Act, a political party shall not be allowed to change or substitute its candidate except by reason of death or withdrawal. Section 31 requires a candidate seeking to withdraw to do so in writing, and must deliver the withdrawal letter personally to the party.

Where a candidate has properly withdrawn in accordance with the law, the political party is required to inform INEC within 14 days and also conduct fresh primary to produce a fresh candidate and submit the name to INEC.

What is the fate of Tinubu and Peter Obi and their parties?

It has been reported in the media that the presidential candidates of the APC and the Labour Party, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Mr. Peter Obi, respectively, have nominated persons as “place holders” to stand-in pending when they’ll nominate“substantive” vice presidential candidates.

This is a risky political arrangement. It is not rooted in law. The individuals so nominated are the vice presidential candidates of the APC and the Labour Party. However, Tinubu and Obi and their parties can substitute them if the above conditions are met by the “place holders”.

The risk with this arrangement is that if the “place holders” subsequently fail or refuse to withdraw as expected or agreed in writing after they’ve been validly nominated, the parties and the presidential candidates will have no choice but to stick with them till the election.

The suggestion that a vice presidential candidate can be substituted at will is erroneous. The position of Vice President is elective, not appointive. As the Supreme Court correctly stated in AGF V. Atiku Abubakar, a VP is the Vice President of the country; not of the party.

It should also be noted that by Section 142 of the 1999 Constitution, a person cannot be validly elected as President except he nominates another candidate as his associate from the same political party to run with him to occupy the office of Vice President if they’re elected.

In summary, a vice presidential candidate is a candidate. See the case of James Faleke V. INEC & Anor (2016). Thus, the conditions for valid withdrawal of candidacy under Sections 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act, 2022 are equally applicable to a vice presidential candidate.

The difference is that the process of substituting a vice presidential candidate upon valid withdrawal does not involve the conduct of a primary election. The reason is that vice presidential candidacy is birthed by and incidental to the nomination of a presidential candidate.

Presidential candidates, political parties, the media and the public shouldn’t trivialize the process of nominating a vice presidential candidate. I understand that parties resorted to this ‘aberration’ to beat the deadline of INEC. As earlier explained, this is not without risk.

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has barred all Catholic Faithful from attending services at Father Ejike Mbaka's Adoration Ministry.

This is coming after the priest faced massive backlash for calling Ex-Anambra Governor and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi a 'cursed' and 'Stingy' man.

In a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA, the Bishop of Enugu, Father Callistus Onaga disclosed that he took the decision due to Mbaka's continuous violation of 'Fraternal corrections'. The statement read in full;

"In the light of the happenings in the Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu capable of undermining the Catholic faith and teachings; and after several fraternal corrections and admonitions to Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry Chaplaincy, which he persistently violated; and in the fulfillment of my pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd with the obligation to promote and safeguard the Catholic faith and morals in Enugu Diocese, I hereby prohibit all Catholics (clergy, religious and lay faithful) henceforth from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Catholic Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese is concluded."

"My decision is based on the fact that some of the teachings and utterances of Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka at the Catholic Adoration Ministry are not consistent with the teachings and faith of the Catholic Church."

"I enjoin all the Christian faithful to keep praying for Fr. Mbaka and the Catholic Diocese of Enugu as I entrust him and the Diocese to the maternal care and protection of the blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles."

Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has issued a statement on his emergence as the running mate of PDP's 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Okowa expressed thanks to God for rare privilege of being a Vice Presidential candidate. He also called on Nigerians to join hand and support them in 2023.

The statement read; "I thank God for this rare privilege, and I appreciate our flagbearer, His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and other leaders of our Party for this great honour."

"I pledge to join hands with His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the leaders and stakeholders of our party, and all patriotic Nigerians to rescue our country from the precipice."

The taciturn politician was up against the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who was also eyeing the prized seat. Wike was initially recommended for the position by a 19-man committee setup by the party to oversee the selection process.

This result reportedly did not go down well with the leadership of the party who then opted for Okowa.
Speaking at the announcement ceremony on Thursday, Chairman of the Party, Iyorchia Ayu revealed that the decision for Okowa was made by Atiku himself after due consultations with all the relevant stakeholders of the party.

The 2023 presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has unveiled Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.

This was contrary to a selection made by a 19-Man committee setup to select the party's vice-presidential candidate. The committee has opted for Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the party's national secreteriat, Atiku revealed that his running mate has to be someone he can 'work' with, trust and will support him wholeheartedly to steer the country to greater heights

Below is his full speech at the event;

Let me begin by, once more, commending our great Party for organizing and concluding, arguably, the best and rancour-free Convention, which produced me as our flag-bearer for the next year’s Presidential Election.

Once more, I commend my fellow aspirants in that contest. I thank them for their sportsmanship. They put up spirited fights because they cared and care for our country. I have personally gone around to thank them and to seek their cooperation for the struggle ahead.

Party unity is critical not only for us to prosecute a winning campaign but also to provide good governance that our country seriously deserves and our people earnestly yearn for. The task of winning the coming elections will be a tough one and we must not take anything for granted.

With the convention behind us, we have arrived at the stage for me to pick a Running Mate because this is a joint ticket. I am very happy to announce today that I have reached a decision on that.

In arriving at the decision, I held wide consultations with various stakeholders in our party including our Governors, National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and other leaders to seek their inputs and their wisdom.
In these consultations, I made clear that my running mate would have the potential to succeed me at a moment’s notice, that is, a President-in-waiting.

In other words, the person must have the qualities to be President. The person must have an appreciation of the deep rot which our country has been put into by the rudderless APC government; understands the great suffering that most of our people are going through and the urgency of relieving them of that suffering; understands the critical importance of economic growth and development to provide our young people with jobs, hope, and a pathway to wealth.

The person must appreciate the critical importance of education in the development of modern societies so we can prepare our young people to be able to compete in the increasingly competitive and globalized world.

My running mate must understand that without security, development will be very difficult because local and foreign investors who have been scared away already, would not return to invest in our economy. Thus, my running mate will be a person who will stand by me as a I confront the frightening level of insecurity in our land.

As you know, the APC government went to sleep as huge swathes of our country’s territory fell into the deadly hands of gangs of criminals, including those masquerading as freedom fighters or pastoralists, while our farmers and genuine pastoralists are unable to go about their businesses. The costs in precious human lives and properties have been enormous. My running mate must also not only symbolize the imperative of reuniting our country but also be able to work with me to achieve that objective. This is because a united Nigeria is a potentially stronger, more prosperous, and more secure country able to lead Africa and give hope to the Black race.

In addition, my Running Mate has to be someone who is not afraid to speak his mind and give honest advice, and, be by my side as I work very hard to reverse the destructive impact of the past seven years of the APC government.

In the United States of America from where we borrowed key aspects of our current Presidential system, a running mate is used to balance the ticket, complement the candidate and, after victory, assist the President with governance. Sometimes a candidate is chosen who generates a buzz and adds huge excitement to the campaign.

But today in Nigeria, we face huge challenges which leave us little room for drama. We have to win the elections and get to work immediately. My running mate has to be ready to start working with me, from day one, in addressing our country’s challenges. Nigerians will not accept anything less. That is why I promised the Governors of our party that my running mate will come from among them. Our current challenges call for a government that is highly focused and disciplined.

I have sought for the support, guidance, and counsel of the PDP in selecting a befitting Running Mate who meets all or most of the qualities enumerated above. The wisemen and sages of the Party, put together by our NWC, have gone fishing and brought home an enviable group of awesome politicians that surpasses these qualities. Every one of the recommended persons is a fit and proper individual to hold this office. While this makes me marvel at the bundle of talents that abounds in our Party, it also compounded my task of choosing a single person from among them.

Let me therefore pay tribute to my Party and, most especially, to all those that made the shortlist that must now be narrowed down to a single person. They are all dedicated party-men suitable for this task. I wish all the recommended persons could be announced today as my Running Mates. Unfortunately, only one MUST be chosen.

It is a difficult decision that I am called upon to take. But, as someone hoping to lead a complex country such as ours, tough and difficult decisions would remain a part of my everyday life.
Let me, therefore, start this momentous journey with a crucial decision about who, among the eminently qualified shortlist, would be my Running Mate.

Accordingly, [b]let me state that the person I have chosen as my Running Mate possesses all those identified qualities. He personifies not only the seriousness the current moment represents for our country but also the future that our young people yearn for and deserve. He is a serving State Governor who has demonstrated, in his State and through his conduct, that governance is about service to the people.

I know that he will not only add excitement to our already energized ticket and campaign, but will also help to bring focus, discipline and stability to our government, come 2023. I am pleased, therefore, to announce here my choice of Running Mate who will help to lead us to victory next year not only in the Presidential election but also in the governorship and legislative elections. And he will be by my side as I work hard every day to provide our people with security, revive our economy, improve education and unite our country. He has both Legislative and Executive experiences. Please join me in welcoming to the ticket the next Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.[/b]

You know him to be a fighter; you know him to care about winning; you know him to care about good governance; and you know him to care about our people. Now, my dear friends, let’s do the disciplined hard work necessary to win this election. Let’s go. Thank very much.

Alhaji Isa Baba Buji, one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates from Buji Local Government Area (LGA) of Jigawa State, for its presidential primaries, has died this afternoon in Abuja.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that Alhaji Baba Buji died aged 61.

It is not yet clear how the delegate died, or the cause of his death.

Reacting to the update on Tuesday afternoon, Vice-President of Nigeria and a presidential aspirant under the ruling APC, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said he is saddened by news of the delegate’s exit.

In a statement by Laolu Akande, one of his aides, Osinbajo extended his condolence to the deceased’s family, associates, government and people of the Jigawa State. He also prayed that his soul rests in peace.

At last count, 2,322 delegates from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expected to elect the flagbearer of the ruling party for the 2023 presidential election.

The APC said 28 contenders bought the presidential nomination forms, but following the screening exercise, the list was pruned. A shortlist of 13 subsequently emerged. But as of this morning, the APC governors and National Working Committee (NWC) have recommended five hopefuls.

Following his defeat at the People Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential primaries, Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike has resolved to throw his weight behind the Presidential ambition of former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, POLITICS NIGERIA can authoritatively report.

Wike, who emerged second in the race to clinching the party's ticket, lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who polled 371 votes against the River Governor's 237 on Saturday.

Also, former senate president Bukola Saraki came third after he garnered votes of 70 delegates while Governor Udom trailed behind him with 38 votes.

Pundits believe that Wike’s loss at the poll was as a result of the last-minute alliance between Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State Governor and Abubakar. The former declared support for the latter at the 11th hour.

But Wike, according to multiple sources familiar with internal workings, will not be supporting PDP as expected. Rather, he will support Tinubu, a Presidential hopeful, who stands a chance to clinch the ticket under the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Sources attributed this to the outcome of the Saturday election, noting that the Rivers state Governor is at war with fellow south-south governors, whom he believes contributed to his defeat.

“As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing to worry about. I contested that election based on the agreement with all the Southern Governors and the leaders of the South that the presidency should go to the South.

“We have done our own part. We never betrayed anybody because it is not in our blood to betray. But it is a shame to those people, some governors from the South who are the people they used to sabotage our victory. But however, we have shown them that we are not like them," the Rivers Governor had said on Monday.

Another source explained that prior to Saturday, there is an unwritten agreement between Tinubu and Wike, which states that the latter will support the former should he lose in the primaries.

According to this source, Wike, like some Governors who have a clandestine agreement with the APC leaders, has promised to deliver South South, which is his stronghold, to Tinubu.

Also, Tinubu’s agreement with Wike is to enable him 'cause problems' for Rotimi Amaechi, one of his contenders in the APC Presidential primaries. This is evidenced by Wike's subliminal support for Senator Magnus Abe, who is an opponent to Amaechi and currently battling him for the structure of the APC in Rivers state.

It should be noted that Amaechi, who is currently the minister of Transportation, is an arch rival of Wike.

Some bigwigs in the Peoples Democratic Party have already got a hold of Wike's move and have commenced resolution talks. Part of this was the visit of Abubakar at Wike's residence on Monday.

The Ikwerre born Politician has in the past expressed praise and support for the Lagos Political leader adding that he would never "say or do anything to malign the hard-earned reputation of the elder statesman."

A House of representatives aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Philip Okwuada fainted after losing the party's primaries in Delta State on Monday.

POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that Okwuada who was contesting to be the party's flag-bearer to represent Ika Federal constituency in the Green Chamber, awkwardly fell forwards while observing a live interview shortly after the exercise.

This newspaper gathered that Okwuada managed to poll 7 votes while the winner of the exercise, Victor Nwokolo polled 75 votes.

Efforts to get an update on Okwuada's current health status proved abortive.

The apparent refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amended Electoral Act has altered political permutations in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

As it stands, without to president's signature, the act stipulates that only 811 people will be able to elect the Presidential Candidate of the PDP as statutory delegates including the president, serving and former governors, and serving and former members of the National Assembly were excluded from voting at the national conventions.

The 811 delegates would comprise of 774 national delegates (1 Per LGA and 37 special delegates (People with disability from each of the 36 states and FCT).

The development has caused a total reshaping of permutations for the presidential candidates in the party with Senator Bukola Saraki, Governors Nyesom Wike and Aminu Tambuwal being boosted by the development.

While Saraki has been boosted by the endorsement of the North-Central zone of the PDP, Wike even though without an endorsement from the South-South, is, however, without a serious contender from the region and would be gladdened by the fact that he has a fewer number of delegates within and outside the zone to reach out to.

Tambuwal would also be gladdened by the fact that the Northwest Zone is presenting the highest number of delegates to the convention given the region’s superior number of local governments. Tambuwal’s room for manoeuvre, is however, tempered by incursions made into the zone by Wike and Saraki.

The Northwest has 186 National Delegates more than double the 95 coming from the Southeast, a region that has three major presidential aspirants, Peter Obi, Anyim Pius Anyim and entrepreneur, Pharm Sam Ohabunwa.

The development means strong consequences for the Southeast as the limited number of the national delegates available from the zone is now being split among themselves and others poaching from outside.
[quote]While Atiku looks formidable on the national scene, being the immediate past presidential candidate of the party, he has to grapple with Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi for the Northeast’s 112 national delegates.

Atiku is also being challenged by the fact that no governor is openly associating with him besides his home governor, Ahmadu Fintri who according to political insiders sees it as an obligation or rather compulsion to support the former vice-president.

While the stalemate on the Electoral Act is like a catastrophe for the Southeast as it removes the region’s advantages in statutory delegates, it also at the same time present’s the region’s diminished LGAs, 95.

All attention is now turned to the South-West, which presents only Ayo Fayose. This presents a lot of opportunity for Saraki, Wike and the Atiku who already have strong appendages in the region.

Saraki has maternal origin in the region and campaign officials are very hopeful of the support of delegates from Ondo where the campaign is fighting off the influence of Atiku who has entered the state through his long-time associate, Eyitayo Jegede.

The Wike campaign on its part is hopeful of mobilizing delegates through the only governor in the region, Seyi Makinde who is openly backing the Rivers State governor. Ayodele Fayose who even though an aspirant is also believed to be working for Wike.

The development has turned the Southwest into the most contested zone.

The Supreme court has fixed May 26 to hear a suit filed by President Muhammmadu Buhari and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, voiding the provisions of Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022.

Buhari and Malami filed a suit on April 29 before the apex court through a group of private lawyers, including Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), hired by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

In the suit, the National Assembly is listed as the sole defendant.

Section 84(12) has been a subject of serious political debate since Buhari signed the amended Act 2022 into law in February.

Shortly after signing it into law, Buhari had urged the parliament to delete the controversial clause, but the National Assembly declined the President’s request.

Expectations are high. Rightly so. 2023 has been roundly described as a make-or-mar year for Nigeria. Citizens seek change. Things have to change. The current socio-economic tailspin must be arrested. But we have to be pragmatic with our expectations. Good things do not come easy. No single individual can magic Nigeria into an El dorado in four years. Nigeria’s problems, which are functionally in situ, are age-long. But one ‘’Alexander the Great’’ can actuate the process to cutting the systemic Gordian knots.

According to legend, Gordius, king of Gordium, tied an intricate knot and prophesied that whoever untied it would become the ruler of Asia. It was cut through with a sword by Alexander the Great in 333 B.C. Alexander went on to conquer most of Asia. So, the term ‘’Gordian knot’’, which means difficulty, snag, setback, problem or obstacle, came from the artful tapestry of the king of Gordium.

What are Nigeria’s Gordian knots? Pervasive insecurity, omnipotent corruption, nepotism, prostrate economy, acutely divided citizenry, decrepit health infrastructure, wobbly education, ubiquitous poverty, unchecked killings, indiscipline, persistent workers’ strikes, capricious and avaricious petrol subsidy regime, and general societal malaise.

Nigeria’s next president will be coming at a time the country is agonisingly sundered along ethnic and religious contours; at a time of unseething anger and great uncertainty; when the economy is in shreds; corruption at the apogee; at such a perilous a time when Nigerians cannot commute from one part of the country to another for fear of being killed and kidnapped; at such a vulnerable time when a dollar is N600 at the parallel market, and when over 13 million children are out of school. Nigeria’s next president will be coming at a time of anomie.

In the column, ‘Why are ethnicity, zoning dominant issues of 2023 elections’, I said while we fixate on primordial concerns, we lose sight of the most important matters. We dispense too much energy on trivialities, and leaving little to interrogate those who have come forward to represent us. Even if ethnicity, region and religion are to be criteria for selecting Nigeria’s next president for the sake of ‘’justice, equity and fairness’’ as propounded by those calling for an orbiting in the geography of power, this should not take precedence over the principal issues of leadership.

The task ahead is humongous and Nigeria desperately needs the right people in government to get the right fixes.

A critical concern today is insecurity. How would the next president tackle the hydra of insurgency, banditry, terrorism and kidnapping? What measures will the next president take to address the galloping debts, oil revenue shrinkage and freewheeling inflation? How will the next president provide elixir for our health sector and get our wobbly education kicking again?

What are the plans to take the edge off youth unemployment? What will be the policy on petrol subsidy, considering that N4 trillion will be spent on this Venus flytrap in 2022? What is the plan to oxygenate Nigeria’s power sector and make it less of an embarrassment? How will ASUU demands be addressed for good? How will sectional agitations and omnipresent corruption be tackled?

These are some of the issues that the next president will have to contend with. The task ahead is immense. If we are serious about getting out of the doldrums, then we must make this election about real issues – with gravitas.

Who will begin the process of cutting Nigeria’s many Gordian knots? As a matter of fact, people with the capacity for governance are not in short supply here. But if we are seeking some flawless individuals or celestial beings to turn Nigeria around, we will only be chasing a will-o-the-wisp. Again, we have to be realistic and measure our expectations.

No single government can fix all of Nigeria’s problems. What we need is successive corrective leadership. One government addresses some critical challenges, and the next comes to build on the successes of the other. Governance should be a progressive continuum.

If 2023 is really a make-or-mar year for Nigeria, then we must begin to make every bit of the process to electing a new leadership count. We must prioritise the real issues and interrogate those who have come forward for elective office. It is facile to assume that because delegates, who are often bribed, will nominate the candidates for elections, the choice of the ‘’uninitiated population’’ is already compromised. It is not a fait accompli. Delegates do not exist in isolation. They are everyday Nigerians encumbered by the same quotidian problems.

I believe the zeitgeist; the mood of the time, (among other factors), will govern the nomination of presidential candidates by the parties.

And if I am reading the mood of the country correctly, Nigerians are tired.

My sympathies in advance to anyone who takes up the job of leading Nigeria under this reign of babel.

By Fredrick Nwabufo; Nwabufo aka Mr OneNigeria is a writer and journalist.

An explosion has occurred on Aba Road, Sabon Gari area of Kano, leaving several people injured with many feared dead.

Details of the blast are still sketchy but images from the scene reveal that it affected at least one building and left several injured including school children.

The visuals also confirm that the blast might have claimed several lives with at least one corpse seen on the scene.

It is not yet clear if the affected building housed a school, but footage from the scene showed several schoolchildren being moved away with one of them gruesomely injured.

POLITICS NIGERIA has obtained a list bearing the name of APC governors that signed the expression of interest and Presidential Nomination forms of Ex-Lagos Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu, who is a frontline aspirant for the Presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was endorsed by 12 governors and 37 statutory delegates.

On Wednesday, the APC National leader's form was submitted to Party officials in Abuja by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

In a tweet, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Lagos State, Gboyega Akosile, wrote, “Just in: frontline @OfficialAPCNg presidential aspirant @officialABAT this afternoon submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms to the @OfficialAPCNg officials at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. Former SGF, Babachir Lawal, accompanied by Gov @jidesanwoolu submitted on his behalf.”

Below is the list of Governors that signed the form;

Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State
Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State
Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state
Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State
Governor Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa State

Nigerians have reacted negatively to footage of police officers carrying a PDP Gubernatorial Aspirant in Rivers State, Farah Dagogo to court despite being in an 'unconscious' state.

Dagogo, in footage seen by POLITICS NIGERIA, was brought out of a police van unconscious and carried into the State High Court by three policemen on Friday.

Dagogo being carried by Police Officers in court on Friday

The presiding Judge, Justice Chiwendu Nwogu ordered that Dagogo be remanded at the Port Harcourt correctional centre.

Below is a statement signed by Dagogo's media aide, Ibrahim Lawal, on the matter; "On Friday, May 13, the Rivers State Government under the orders of Governor Nyesom Wike caused his willing ally and tool, the State Police Commissioner, Friday Eboka, for Hon. Doctor Farah Dagogo to be presented in Court despite his very deteriorating health conditions. Chief of Staff to the Governor, Emeka Woke led police officials from Government House to the Court.

“In fact, the police forcefully brought Hon Farah Dagogo on a stretcher, and the Chief of Staff, Emeka Woke, was busy harassing and threatening journalists at the Court from taking videos or pictures of how he was brought in on a stretcher."

“The journalists were further barred from going into the courtroom."

Lawal accused the state governor, Nyesom Wike and the state commissioner for Police, Friday Eboka of being behind Dagogo's ordeal.

"The High Court, where Hon. Doctor Farah Dagogo was arraigned and had adjourned to May 16, 2022, only for Governor Nyesom Wike and CP Friday Eboka to break all known laws in the Country by bringing the matter forward before Justice Chiwendu Nwogu, today, May 13th,".

He alleged that the development was part of a plot to kill his principal.

"All these are orchestrated and well-planned plots to gradually kill Hon. Doctor Farah Dagogo in Police custody."

"If anything untoward happens to Hon. Doctor Farah Dagogo, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, the State Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka, Camp Commandant to the Governor, Efeturi Irikefe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Emeka Woke, and others should be held responsible."

Nigeria's President, Muhammadu buhari has reacted to the killing of a female student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Deborah Samuel over alleged Blasphemy.

The President strongly condemned the resort to self-help by a mob in sokoto, resulting in violence, destruction and killing of Samuel who reportedly blasphemed Muhammad (SAW), the Prophet of Islam.

In a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Friday, President Buhari said the news of the killing of the young lady by fellow students was a matter of concern and demanded an impartial, extensive probe into all that happened before and during the incident.

He admonished Muslims all over the world demand respect for the Holy Prophets, including Isah (Alaihissalaam, Jesus Christ) and Muhammad (SAW) but where transgressions occur, as alleged to be the case in this instance, the law does not allow anyone to take matters into their hands.

Moreover, religious leaders preach that it is not for the believer to judge the actions of another person. The constituted authority must be allowed to deal with such matters when they arise.

“No person has the right to take the law in his or her own hands in this country. Violence has and never will solve any problem," said the President.

President Buhari also directed the Ministries of Information and Culture, Police Affairs and that of Communications and Digital Economy to work with GSM providers and Tech companies to help contain the spread of false and inflammatory information through social media.

The President extended the nation’s condolences to the family of the deceased student and wished all those injured a quick recovery.

He commended the immediate response to the incident by the Sokoto State Government and urged religious and community leaders to call citizens’ attention to the need to exercise the right to freedom of speech responsibly.

President Buhari called for tampered comments by the media and calm among the general population while investigation is ongoing to find out the remote and immediate causes of the incident.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, has tasked heads of security and law enforcement agencies to step up close monitoring and profiling of political actors who exhibit tendencies to subvert the electoral process.

Monguno disclosed this at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) second quarterly meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Abuja on Friday.

The NSA, who is also the co-chairman of ICCES, said that the political thugs and their sponsors would equally be under discreet surveillance for possible arrest and prosecution.

Monguno, represented by Mr Sanusi Galadima, said that he had noted with utmost concern, the growing uncertainty heralding the conduct of party primaries for the 2023 general elections.

“This is in addition to the unabated spate of violence that threatened the upcoming off cycle gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun States, arising from internal party wranglings, increasing acrimony and bickering amongst political actors.

“Also the inability of various contending political blocs to amicably resolves differences in line with democratic tenants.

“Consequently, the above disturbing development has already culminated in intense power play capable of heightening unnecessary political tension across the country.

“More worrisome is the unguarded utterances of some highly respected individuals and groups which more often than not amplify divisive narratives to the detriment of national security and stability.

“ Accordingly, heads of security and law enforcement agencies have been task to step up close monitoring and profiling of political actors no matter highly placed who exhibit tendencies to subvert the electoral process, even as thugs and their sponsors would equally be trailed for possible arrest and prosecution,” Yakubu said.

The NSA emphasised the need for INEC to impress it on political parties to consistently abide by prescribed rules as outlined in their respective constitutions.

“This is to significantly reduce areas of conflict and ensure a peaceful atmosphere for a hitch free off-cycle and general election,” Monguno said.

Earlier in his remarks, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said that the general security situation in the country and its impact on the electoral process was a source of concern to the commission.

Yakubu said that the commission would continue to work with the security agencies to ensure the success of all forthcoming elections and electoral activities.

He said that as INEC prepared for the 2023 General Election, it was also preparing for two off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State on June 18 and in Osun State on July 16.

He said that INEC also had pending by-elections in 18 constituencies across the country involving three senatorial districts, one federal constituency and 14 state constituencies.

Yakubu said that political parties were expected to end their primaries latest by June 3 and for their candidates to emerge for public campaigns nationwide.

He said that immediately after this, INEC and the security agencies had their work clearly cut out ahead of the elections.

“The general security situation in the country and its impact on the electoral process is a source of concern to the commission.

“However, we are confident that with nine months to the 2023 General Election, there is enough time to respond to the security challenges and secure the nation for elections to take place nationwide. The timetable for the election has also been released.

“Let us not wait until a few weeks to the election before we realise that time is not on our side and begin to seek for extension of timelines. The time to act is now.

“We wish to reassure the security agencies that we will continue to work cooperatively with you to ensure the success of all forthcoming elections and electoral activities,” Yakubu said.

He said that INEC had directed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to provide basic data on areas of security challenges in their states, including information on citizens living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

He said that the idea was to harvest the data as a basis for further engagement with the security agencies as well as devising the best way to provide electoral services to all Nigerians under all circumstances.

“As you are all aware, a number of developments have taken place since our last meeting.

“For instance, with the coming into force of the Electoral Act 2022, there are roles and responsibilities required of all involved in elections, especially in the areas of voter accreditation and result management in particular and election administration in general. All these have bearing on election security.

“We therefore need a clear understanding of some of these responsibilities under the new law,’’ the INEC chairman said.

Yakubu said that one of the agenda of the meeting was to agree on the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Security Personnel on Election Duty.

He said that a further review was necessary in view of the new Electoral Act and current security challenges.

“The commission will continue to appreciate the cooperation and support of all members of ICCES in our determination to conduct peaceful and credible elections.

“Your support in providing security for the deployment of election materials, the protection of INEC officials, party agents, election observers, journalists and voters make democratic elections and related activities such as the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) possible,” Yakubu said.

The meeting was attended by representatives of security and law enforcement agencies in the country.

A high court sitting in Kwale, Delta State has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to refrain from blocking Godwin Emefiele, the bank's governor from seeking an elective post.

It was gathered on Friday that the court granted the order restraining the bank and INEC from making moves to stop Emefiele's 2023 Presidential bid.

The application was secretly filed on May 5th and judgment was granted on Thursday May 12th. According to Punch, the Judgement delivered by Presiding Justice, DC Maidoh read in part;

"The court upon reading through the motion papers and hearing C.N. Ofiah Esq. for the claimants/applicants ordered as follows: I have read the processes in this suit, the applicant has complied with order 39 of our rules."

"Applicants also deposed to an affidavit of urgency. From the processes before this court, I find that the said application at this stage has merit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice."

"In the circumstances, in line with order 39 rule 3 of our rules, this motion is hereby granted. The motion on notice is accordingly adjourned to 25/5/2022 for hearing."

Fitch, the world’s biggest global rating agency has alleged that Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote is not capable of completing its highly anticipated Refinery situated in Lagos.

The agency claims that his company, Dangote Industries has limited financial flexibility with to complete its refinery. The Allegation is based on the timely completion or lack thereof of the project, adding that only limited delays or cost overruns may be tolerated in the current rating.

In it's rating, Fitch argues that Dangote Industries suffers from weak corporate governance. It says that the existence of a “complex group structure with a large number of related-party transactions” has “a negative effect on operational and financial transparency.”

“We also think it’s a risk that Aliko Dangote, as CEO and main shareholder, has a lot of power over operations,” it added.

It can be recalled that Dangote has promised to commission the $19 billion refinery project before President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure ends next year.

Furthermore, Fitch claims that the government sees the project as 'the messiah' that will solve Nigeria’s perennial fuel scarcity problem as it will end the country’s dependence on imported foreign fuel.

But recent findings by the agency shows that the timeline may not be achievable. Apart from the country's failing economy, Dangote requires an additional $1.1 billion (900 billion) naira to complete the refinery.

Unfortunately, Dangote does not have that amount of money as he has reportedly invested all his cash and even borrowed from lenders to finance the refinery project. Again, the lenders that borrowed Dangote’s loan for the financing of the project cannot give him the 900 billion naira that Dangote needs to complete the project as they are already over exposed to the project.

So the only way Dangote can raise money is through the sale of bonds by his cement company, Dangote Cement.

Fitch wrote: "Funding for the completion of the refinery project is expected to be partly covered by proceeds of the new bond. If the transaction is not successful, or should completion costs overrun or market conditions in the cement or urea sector deteriorate materially, we do not believe that DIL's existing creditors would have further lending capacity. We believe that further asset sales, either in cement, or stakes in the projects, would be the more likely options to address funding of the refinery."

If the money urgently needed by Dangote isn’t raised through the sale of bonds, he can sell some shares in his cement company (he owns over 86% of Dangote cement) or he can sell some refinery project stakes, which would be the likely option to plug the gap.

He has sold 20% of the refinery stake to NNPC at a cost of $2.5 billion, but might be forced to dilute more stakes in the refinery if all the options to raise the $1.1 billion needed to complete the refinery fail him.

But if all these measures to raise money fail to see the light of the day, the only available option left for Aliko is to increase the price of his cement from what it is now to something higher.

Fitch concluded its report by saying that the earliest Dangote refinery can deliver its project is 2024 and not the 2023 that Dangote promised Buhari.

The Dangote refinery project has gone too far and Dangote, is racing against time just to make sure that he delivers the project.  Failure to deliver this project will be nothing but a catastrophe to the Nigerian billionaire.

Airline operators of Nigeria have suspended a planned withdrawal of services on Monday over rising costs of aviation fuel.

In a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Sunday evening, the decision was reached after discussions with the Federal Government yielded positive results.

The Statement read; "The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wishes to inform the general public that further to numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crises being faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1, that the AON has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being while we allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution."

"We have also reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities."

"In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022, is hereby suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government."

The Independent National Electoral Commission has rejected the applications of over 124 political parties, this newspaper has learned.

According to a statement from the Deputy Director, SERVICOM at INEC, Okuonghae Olayide, 101 political groups applied to be registered as political parties between 2019 and December 2021.

Further to this, 23 more political associations applied for registration between December 2021, and March 2022.

An Interim report by the commission also indicated that as of March 25, 2022, a total of 124 applications have been received and none so far has been approved.

“As of March 2022, the commission had on record a total of 124 letters of intent from various political associations seeking to apply for registration as political parties.”

“The summary of the status of the associations is that 97 associations out of 116 have been advised that their proposed names, acronyms or logos were not suitable or available for registration.”

Speaking on Friday, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, did not confirm if any new political party will be registered adding that the decision solely lies with the commission.

This means that only the 18 political parties that survived INEC’s deregistration exercise in 2020 will participate in the 2023 Elections. The 2023 General Elections Project Plan launched by INEC in April also projects 18 political parties for next year’s elections.

A National Commissioner who pleaded anonymity that INEC’s Timetable can not currently accomodate new parties.

“I don’t think INEC is in the position to turn them down. The only thing is whether or not they will be on the ballot. Maybe by the time they finish the process, it will be too late.”

“If party primaries are over before they register as political parties, automatically they are out. Party primaries are to end on June 3.”, he said.

About 9 members of the Kano State house of Assembly have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the New Nigeria Peoples Party(NNPP).

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the mass defection is coming a few weeks after Former State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso dumped the PDP for the NNPP.

The 9 members are said to be loyalists of Kwankwaso and members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

The lawmakers that defected are; Rt Hon. Isyaku Ali Danja; Hon Lawan Hussain Chediyar ‘Yan Gurasa, Hon. Umar Musa Gama, Hon Aminu Sa’adu Ungogo, Hon. Tukur Muhammad, Hon. Mu’azzam El-Yakub, Dawakin Kudu Constituency and Hon. Garba Shehu Fammar.

Others include Hon. Abubakar Uba Galadima and Hon Mudassir Ibrahim Zawaciki.

The members disclosed that the had to leave the PDP over the numerous crisis rocking the party at state and national levels.

Nnamdi Kanu's Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor has reacted to the designation of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB as a Terrorist Group by the British Government.

This newspaper earlier reported that the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) posted the following update about IPOB/MASSOB on its website;

“IPOB is proscribed as a terrorist group by the Nigerian government, and members of the group and its paramilitary wing – the Eastern Security Network (created in December 2020) – have reportedly committed human rights violations in Nigeria.”

“If a person has been involved with IPOB (and/or an affiliated group), MASSOB or any other ‘Biafran’ group that incites or uses violence to achieve its aims, decision makers must consider whether one (or more) of the exclusion clauses under the Refugee Convention is applicable.”

“Persons who commit human rights violations must not be granted asylum.”

However, Ejimakor says otherwise. He tweeted on Friday; "Britain DID NOT declare #IPOB a terrorist group. Sorry to disappoint those that have concluded otherwise."

"Read that Report again & be guided."

Palpable Crisis is looming in the All Progressives Congress, APC over the inclusion of a Withdrawal Letter in its 2023 Presidential Nomination Form, POLITICS NIGERIA has gathered.

Some Presidential Aspirants in the party have declined to sign the letter on the basis that it could be a move to force a consensus candidate on them.

This has also been seen as a move to protect the party from court cases/litigation.

The withdrawal letter, seen by this newspaper, has to be signed before a Commissioner of Oath/Public Notary before submission with the following declaration; "I hereby voluntarily withdraw my candidacy from the contest. My withdrawal is in the best interest of our great party, the All Progressives Congress."

Speaking on the development, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Babatunde Ogala opined that the addition of the letter "might be wrong."

"It might lead to a lot of problems including litigation because you can’t ask a man to withdraw from a process that you have not even started."

He queried why the party will have members purchase the form only to assent to withdrawing from the contest before even participating in the process.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the aspirants who have declared from the APC include; Ogbonnaya Onu, Rochas Okorocha, Rotimi Amaechi, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Yemi Osinbajo, Tunde Bakara, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Emeka Nwajiuba, Godswill Akpabio, Kayode Fayemi, Ibikunle Amosun and Nicholas Felix Nwagbo.

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has claimed that some top 2023 Presidential aspirants will withdraw for a consensus candidate backed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Omokri, a controversial political figure, made this claim on Thursday via his social media page.

He state that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, Chris Ngige and Governor Yahaya Bello will be among the aspirants who will withdraw on the day of the APC presidential primary.

He added that Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi and some others would also withdraw from the race.

His tweet read; "Remember how one APC youth leader cried as he ‘voluntarily’ withdrew from the race during the last APC convention?"

"That is how Osinbajo, Amaechi, Fayemi, Amosun, Nwajiuba, Ngige, Umahi, Bello and co will weepingly withdraw on the day of the APC presidential primaries."

POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that the party is set to hold its Special Convention for Presidential Primaries from the 30th of May to 1st June, 2020

The Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu may lose his British Citizenship as the his group has now been designated a Terrorist Organization by the British Government.

The United Kingdom, on Thursday, finally accepted Nigeria’s classification of the group as a terrorist organisation.

This is following widespread killings and acts of lawlessness in the south-east regions by individuals/members loyal to the group. Initially the UK did not recognise the Nigerian government's classification of the group until recently, exactly 4 days after the gruesome murder of a military couple in Imo state.

POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that the outlawed group beheaded an army couple, who were on their way to Imo State for their traditional wedding.

The British government has also ordered for the group's exclusion from its asylum programme.

"IPOB is proscribed as a terrorist group by the Nigerian government, and members of the group and its paramilitary wing – the Eastern Security Network (created in December 2020) – have reportedly committed human rights violations in Nigeria."

"If a person has been involved with IPOB (and/or an affiliated group), MASSOB or any other ‘Biafran’ group that incites or uses violence to achieve its aims, decision makers must consider whether one (or more) of the exclusion clauses under the Refugee Convention is applicable."

"Persons who commit human rights violations must not be granted asylum." the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) posted on its website.

Under UK law, is used against those who obtained citizenship by fraud and against the most dangerous people, such as terrorists, extremists and serious organised criminals.

Under UK law, removing someone's British citizenship, also known as "deprivation of citizenship", is used against those who obtained citizenship by fraud and against the most dangerous people, such as terrorists, extremists and serious organised criminals.

However, there is a room for appeal.

The coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP alongside members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Imo state have called for the removal of the party’s national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu alias Sam Daddy.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that Anyanwu has been at the centre of a crisis currently rocking the party after he allegedly hijacked party materials meant for ward congresses in the state.

CUPP through its spokesperson, Imo Ugochinyere, expressed fears that the involvement Anyanwu in the affairs of the party leading to the primaries may result in its exclusion from participating in the 2023 general election.

The Coalition also stated that Anyanwu was expelled from the party before his emergence as national secretary of the main opposition party, called on the PDP to immediately reconvene and appoint the Deputy National Secretary as Acting Secretary to avoid the consequential legal backlash of an expelled member signing official documents of the party.

“PDP candidates might be excluded from 2023 general elections if the National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu is not removed from office over his subsisting expulsion from the party, before his emergence,”.

Açcording to him, party leaders are expressing fear that “any INEC nomination form bearing the signature of the Secretary whose expulsion has not been lifted, may void such forms and give opponents legal ground to exclude the PDP from the 2023 ballots.”

“The party calls on the National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to take interest in Imo PDP matters so that Sen. Anyanwu does not destroy the Party in the state.”

“Imo party leaders reach a consensus that only statutory delegates should be used for primary elections in view of the compromise of the Imo Adhoc delegates congress.”, he stated.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the spirit of charitable giving that accompanies the Ramadan season distributed sacks of Rice and Sugar to over 50,000 families across Nigeria.

The distribution of these items which began last week, put smiles on the faces of beneficiaries with many expressing thanks through prayers for Asiwaju.

Speaking about Ramadan earlier in April, the former Lagos governor emphasised on the need to "contribute to the wellbeing of those around us, give succor to people we find in need and study more how to solve problems instead of creating them,".

He added: "Let us keep in the forefront of our minds that Ramadan also asks of us to show greater compassion, empathy and understanding, and enlightenment in how we treat and relate to one another."

"Ramadan asks of all of us to embrace acts of kindness, love our neighbors and reach out to the poor, needy and unfortunate among us."

"Our nation is one gifted by Allah with bountiful resources and a good and decent people."

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who used to live in Aba, Abia State. At 16, she finished her secondary education in the same Aba. She got married or was persuaded to do so and thereafter relocated with her new husband to Lagos. Ngozi had her first child at 17 and went on to have three others. At the age of 24, she was done with child birth. She had had her best and worst of times. She had seen pain, disappointment and betrayal. She had shed tears of sorrow but she had celebrated great accomplishments. She also shed tears of joy.

For someone who could have been deterred by early marriage, she conquered her barriers and owned her world. In between the challenges of child-bearing, family tending and other roles, she furthered her education. She, first, obtained a diploma in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Lagos. Second, she went ahead to aquire a Bachelor of Law degree from the same University. Today, she has enrolled into an LLM course at the UNILAG with intention to specialise in Human Rights and particularly the rights of women. One isn't surprised about her choice. Ngozi is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School, Boston. She is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators.

If one is awed by Ngozi's sense of duty to self-actualization, just wait a second. Her commitment to realise her dreams is demonstrated more by the successes she made in her foray into the business world. Not ever taking a no for an answer, Ngozi emerged from retailing, office hawking and supplying to become a global industry player in the oil and gas, aviation, shipping, insurance, manufacturing, farming, transportation and logistics sectors.

The once naive, fearful and laid back Lagos JJC has become a Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of a business conglomerate. She has among others Nepal Oil and Gas Services Ltd, Quest Shipping Ltd, First Fenders, Emline Nig. Ltd, Sorties Nig Ltd, Geo Travels and Tours among others. She has two Tank Farms; one at Oghara, Delta State (for storage of PMS, DPK and AGO) and the other, at Ikeja Lagos (solely for aviation fuel). Nepal Fly is the name of the aviation fuel company.

She is indeed a critical national player. She is an employer of labour. She is a problem solver. Her family and native Igbere Community of Bende LGA Abia State are lucky to have her. She has touched them. Easily available and highly accessible to everyone! Her skill acquisition centre named after her departed father, Pa Anyaso is catering for the people. When Ngozi is not paying for hospital bills or empowering the ordinary people in many unbelievable ways, she is engaged in several good causes. She mobilised efforts to build an Isolation Centre at Umuahia, Abia State during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. She has many less privileged people under her scholarship and sponsorship. Yet, she is not a politician. The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria is proud of her. The Immaculate Girls Secondary school, Aba is appreciative that you she is one of their own.

MD as fondly called, as you celebrate your 50th today, 29th April, I join your family members, friends, associates and other well-wishers to felicitate with you on this momentous occasion. It is my great delight to heartily and warmly congratulate you on your special day. No doubt, your years on earth have been impactful to your generation. Your legacy will sure touch future ones. You are a rare gem, role model and an Icon whose feats account for visible positive changes in the life of all those that have had the opportunity of crossing your path.

You have been in my life and those of many. Your friendship has been a blessing. You are a trustworthy and reliable personality. Some of the qualities that have defined you are numerous. A beautiful soul, pleasant daughter, diligent and supportive wife, outstanding mother, result-oriented and visionary entrepreneur, exceptional boss and wonderful friend characterise your personality. It is therefore not surprising that you naturally exude grace, charisma, kindness, compassion and other amiable traits that make you stand out. Many are easily endeared to you because of your positive and magnetic dispositions. Your self-discipline, resilience and passion for service have not only shaped you into a leader par excellence but have brought unprecedented outcomes on your organization thus launching it to greater heights.

On this auspicious occasion of your birthday, I want to appreciate you for always being there and looking out for us in ways unimaginable. It is my prayer that this birthday brings you nothing but joy and much love. I pray God’s guidance, protection, peace, uncommon favour and that His light shines on your path now and ever. May He endow you with the grace, courage and wisdom. May He continue to grant you many more fruitful and healthy years. Happy Birthday Mama Ifeoma, Ezinne, Alex and Daniel. Happy Birthday Grandma Kenny. Happy birthday nwanne Nneka, Chinyere, Chidimma and Chima. Happy Birthday Ada Ahuoma. Happy birthday Nwami Elder. May we all continue to suck from the milk of your kindness.

Congratulations on your glorious 50th birthday. You really looked forward to it. We all did. We are happy celebrating you. Someone is aging ooo...you sure deserve all the accolades, 50 year Grandma.

Happy Birthday! 50 Hearty Cheers, Ocho Okwu 1.