The Ex President of the Nigerian Senate. Dr. Bukola Saraki has been described as the most experienced PDP aspirant by a section of PDP delegates. Dr Saraki’s experience with both the legislative and executive arm of Government has been touted as the most diverse track record in the PDP line up.
Dr Saraki started his political career at 37 when he was appointed as a Special Adviser to President Obasanjo on Budget, before going on to Govern Kwara state, heading the Nigerian Governor’s forum and then representing Kwara Central in the Senate.
Dr. Saraki went on to be elected into the Nigerian Senate and became the President of the Nigerian Senate in his second term. As President of the Senate he was involved in the passage of ground breaking bills like the Petroleum Industry Governance bill.
The PDP Presidential aspirant queue is deeply experienced with a former Vice President, Sitting and Ex Governors all aspiring to win the party’s ticket for next years’s general election, but none of the front runners has gained both legislative and executive experience despite being the youngest aspirant.
Several media reports have indicated that More delegates have settled for a younger candidate that can be the bridge builder between the young and old and the North and South because of the divisive rhetorics involved in 2023 elections.
COURT GRANTS ORDER COMPELLING PPD, INEC TO SHOW WHY PRIMARIES SHOULD HOLD IN RIVERS WITHOUT DAGOGO
The Federal High Court,Abuja presided over by Justice Taiwo Taiwo has ordered the peoples Democratic Party and the Indpendent National Electoral Commission to show reasons why the party’s gubernatorial primaries should hold in Rivers State without the plaintiff, Hon Farah Dagogo.
The Plaintiff/Applicant, Farah Dagogo the Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency of Rivers State under the PDP.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo ordered the PDP and INEC to show cause on Tuesday, May,2022 why Dagogo’s application seeking injunctive orders against the PDP and INEC in respect of the PDP gubernatorial primary election for Rivers State should not be granted.
Dagogo had filed a suit on March 12, challenging his prevention from the screening exercise of his party (PDP) for the on coming gubernatorial primary election for Rivers State having submitted all the required documents.
The presiding judge in the sitting of the court on Monday granted the order for INEC and PDP to show cause why the primaries should not be stopped.
Dagogo went to court to seek an order of the High Court to restrain INEC, (2nd Defendant) or any of its officers or agents from monitoring the conduct of the PDP (1st Defendant) primary election for the gubernatorial position for Rivers State scheduled for 26th May 2022.
He asked the Court not allow INEC to send any of its representatives on the scheduled fixed without his name on the list of contestants for the forthcoming primary election pending the hearing and determination of the substantive action.
Dagogo, is appealing to the court to compel INEC and PDP, to include his name as one of the aspirants in the forthcoming gubernatorial primary election.
The aspirant is seeking “an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the 2nd Defendant either by itself or any of its officers or agents from monitoring the conduct of 1st Defendant’s primary election for the gubernatorial position for Rivers State on 26th May 2022 or any other date fixed, without the name of the Plaintiff on the list of contestants for the said primary election pending the hearing and determination of the substantive action.”
The Network gathered that the aspirant was duly nominated by not less than 45 persons from at least two-third of the Local Government Areas within Rivers State, who are registered voters in their respective Local Government Areas and registered members of PDP.
According to Dagogo, he completed and submitted the said nomination form to the the PDP, and accompanied them with all the relevant documents, including copies of his PDP membership card, voter’s card and sworn declarations made before a Commissioner of oaths at the High Court.
He stated that he satisfied and abided by the guidelines, all laws, rules or regulations made by PDP relating to the conduct of primary elections.
He stated that his Primary Form was issued to him by the PDP as proof that he had met all the requirements required of him as an aspirant by the National headquarters of the party.
He said that he presented himself to the Screening committee for gubernatorial aspirants in Rivers State, on the 28th and 29th of April, 2022, at the PDP Zonal Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He disclosed that while he was waiting to receive his interim clearance papers, some individuals in mufti who claimed to be Rivers state Government House security agents led by the Camp Commandant, DSP Efeture Irikefe removed him from the sitting arrangement with the active connivance of the membership of the Screening Committee, who had ensured that he was the last person to be screened.
However, Dagogo narrated that he was whisked away to Operation Sting Police Unit/formation and later at State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (State CIID) both in Port Harcourt.
According him, the State CIID, quickly made an attempt to arraign him on trumped up charges at the Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt on 29th April, 2022 which proved abortive.
“There was an attempt to arraign Plaintiff/Applicant on trumped up charges at the Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt on 29th April, 2022 which proved abortive.
“Following the deterioration of the Plaintiff/Applicant’s health in custody the Plaintiff/Applicant is now receiving medical attention at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt,Rivers State and he as remanded in hospital care since 4th May 2022, still under the detention of the security agents.
“From inquiry and investigation, Plaintiff/Applicant was being prevented from physically participating in the PDP Primary, and as a result he caused his Solicitors wrote to the PDP Screening Committee in charge of the exercise on 29th April, 2022 narrating his travails and requesting that he should be obliged with a virtual meeting or for the appeals committee to come to the State CIID, Port Harcourt where he was being detained at the time to meet him since he had earlier submitted all his necessary documents to the 1st Defendant.
“None of the complaints of the Plaintiff/Applicant were treated and the 1st Defendant’s agents at Port Harcourt has completely ignored the Plaintiff/Applicant which led Plaintiff/Applicant to write again, through his solicitor’s (in line with the PDP Guidelines) to write an appeal to the PDP Gubernatorial Screening Appeal Panel, Abuja in a letter dated 30th April, 2022.
“Again, despite the appeal made to the said Appeal Panel, it did not treat the appeal and or deal with the grievances of the Plaintiff/Applicant or granted his request.
“By the constitution and guidelines of the 1st Defendant, an aspirant to the position of the gubernatorial office of a state must go through the screening process before he/she will be eligible to participate in the 1st Defendant’s primary election to elect the party’s gubernatorial flag bearer/candidate of the state, (Rivers State herein) for the general election,” the sworn affidavit deposed in support of the motion of interlocutory injunction before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2022 read in part.
Mr AMEH SAMUEL, the Litigation Secretary in the Law firm of Dickson Sofiyegha & Co. deposed to the affidavit.
Execpt the southern part of the country puts its acts together and works as a team to secure the presidency, there are strong indications that scripts being worked out by some interest groups in the northern region may ensure that the presidential candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and major opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emerge from the region.
Recall that the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) have severally led the campaign that the presidency must return to the South after President Muhammadu Buhari ends his tenure in 2023. And many socio-political and cultural organisations like Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum and others have since keyed into the demand that the north cannot retain power after eight years of President Buhari in office. The north has, however, cleverly been taking advantage of the division between the Igbo and Yoruba who are clamouring to produce Buhari’s successor, to attempt to remain in power for another four or eight years after the incumbent president.
Despite the southern agitation to take power, the leadership of both the PDP and APC, currently being controlled by northerners, appear unperturbed. While PDP has openly declared it will throw its presidential race open, APC is still playing the ostrich, with indications it may also follow in PDP’s footsteps.
As it is, the two main parties whose presidential candidates may be competing for the big slot in Aso Rock are still the PDP and APC. Though there are upcoming parties like the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) trending and the National Consultative Front (NCFront) working towards a mega alternative party, it is doubtful they will have a national appeal to upstage the ruling APC and the major opposition PDP main to produce the next president.
As a matter of fact, SDP is currently facing some sort of leadership challenge that will stall its capacity while NNPP, led by former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso may jot appeal to the southern electorate.
The development may have buttressed why the national focus is on the 38 aspirants seeking the presidential tickets of PDP and APC.
Among the 15 aspirants cleared to contest the PDP presidential ticket at its national convention scheduled to hold at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, in Abuja, are former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku; former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed; Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal and former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi. Others include Akwa Ibom Governor, Emmanuel Udom, ex-Ekiti state Governor, Ayodele Fayose, boardroom guru, Sam Ohunabunwa, former Managing Director of Nigerian International Bank (NIB), Mohammed Hayatudeen, Ovation Magazine publisher, Dele Momodu, Olivia Tarela, who is the only female among them, Charles Okwudili, Chikwendu Kalu and Cosmos Ndukwe.
In the APC, the contestants who submitted their nomination form before the closing date and will feature in the primaries billed for Eagles Square, Abuja, on May 29 are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonanya Onu, Ebonyi state Governor, David Umahi, former Minister of State, Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajuba, and Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Other APC aspirants are ex-Governor of Akwa Ibom, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, popular preacher, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Ekiti state Governor, Kayode Fayemi, former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Jigawa state Governor, Abubakar Badaru, former Zamfara State Governor, Sen. Ahmed Sani Yerima, Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, and former Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, among others.
In the PDP, from the beginning of the race, it has been clear the opposition planned to go to the north in search of a candidate. That is why from the word go, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, and Bauchi state Governor, Bala Mohammed were the leading candidates. The race has since last week narrowed to three aspirants: Saraki, Atiku, and Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state.
However, there are indications that the race may have narrowed down to only two people with one of them being the favoured choice of the top leaders of the party, a significant section of the governors, and other super delegates.
The calculation in the PDP is that using the mathematical principle of elimination and substitution, the race should continue to narrow down until it will get to the convention day. Now, the two aspirants who are having serious consideration as possible flag bearers are Saraki and Wike. It is believed that the elimination process has got to a semi-final stage where one aspirant from each of the two sections of the country, north, and south, is now being considered.
Atiku was eliminated on account of age, agility, and past position on party issues. At age 75, he is said to have been too old to face the rigour of the job and provide the presence that the critical job of salvaging the nation requires. Also, it is believed that his health is suspect. The stakeholders also believe that he has had his chance and that his best time was in 2019 when he was handed the ticket on a platter of gold based on the surreptitious intervention of the elders.
His failure to win and his lacklustre attitude to pursuing the litigation challenging the victory of the incumbent has also become a piece of baggage for him. Many party elders and delegates are still unhappy at the way he abandoned the party after the loss of the 2019 election.
“When the party was in crisis in many of the states and even at the national level, he was nowhere to be found. He was aloof, staying in the United Arab Emirates. He failed to provide leadership. We do not think such a man should get our most prized trophy,” a source said in Kaduna yesterday.
Saraki was therefore chosen as the aspirant from the north who will be pitched against a southern candidate for the party ticket at the convention. What counted most for the former Senate President is his affinity with the South and the decision of the northern elders and power brokers to compensate the northern minority from the north-central zone. It is believed that at a time when the major issue is a threat to national unity and general instability, a man with his background is who the country needs.
His role in the party’s presidential campaign as the Director-General Atiku Campaign Organisation in 2018/2019 and also as chairman of the National Reconciliation and Strategy Committee (NRSC) and his underground role in all the staggered elections that the party featured in, in the last three years, are said to have counted for Saraki.
It could also be noted that Saraki can be used to strike a balance between the South and the North. He spent a considerable part of his youthful days in Lagos and was very familiar with many Southerners.
In any case, it was generally agreed that he is capable, competent, and courageous enough to do the job. Some others mentioned that he is the only aspirant that has unfolded his plan that he will implement as soon as he is elected President.
In arriving at Wike, it is believed that he has created too many IOUs that he is now cashing and converting to political capital. Wike has also shown the capacity to provide funds for the campaigns. It is believed that only his money and the number of people he has provided financial support to in the past are working for him. The Rivers state governor, many stakeholders reasoned, also has a lot of pieces of baggage, which may make him unelectable and acceptable to people from other zones other than his own, if he emerges.
In the APC, the deal initially seems to have been concluded that the presidential ticket of the ruling party will go to the South in line with an old, unwritten agreement put together when the party was formed in 2014. This was why until about a week ago, all the aspirants in APC except Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, were southerners. It is also the reason why all the big wigs in the South in all the three geo-political zones are in the race.
However, the calculation changed when the APC failed in its determination to coerce or compel the opposition PDP to also follow suit. When it became apparent that PDP will not yield to the game of presenting an all-southern candidates election, the APC suddenly changed gear. And guess who was first used to send the clear signal that APC may also join the PDP in presenting a northerner as its candidate? The incumbent Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan.
It is believed in political circles that Ahmed Lawan is the joker the APC has prepared in case PDP picks a presidential aspirant from the North. He is said to enjoy the support of the National Assembly caucuses, the Presidency, and other stakeholders.
Many believe Lawan is the establishment candidate. He was said to have been propped up after a secret opinion poll sponsored by some top elements in Aso Rock indicated that Saraki will likely win the PDP presidential primaries and go ahead to defeat any candidate from the South.
The apparatchiks who are privy to the results of the opinion polls and the attached analysis then decided to move fast and create an opportunity to stage a return leg of the battle for the Senate Presidency in 2015. It was said that the nation was denied the opportunity of seeing both men square up against each other when Saraki emerged because Lawan and his sponsors out-schemed themselves by being absent from the venue of voting. It was also said that the game is now a draw with Saraki having been forced out of the return leg by the forces that ensured he did not get re-elected in his constituency, to forestall his standing against Lawan in 2019 race for the presidency.
The 2023 presidential election maybe another race between the two gladiators, both former Senate Presidents, the incumbent, and his predecessor, to slug it out for a higher post. This time, the electorate will not be just 109 senators; they will be over 80 million registered voters. However, before that return match, both men must scale the hurdle of the presidential primaries next weekend in Abuja.
Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that Nigeria will not be able to end insecurity without state police, stating that without intelligence, the war against terrorism cannot be won
Wike, who is a presidential aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made this statement on Thursday, when he visited Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to meet with Oyo State delegates to the party’s National Convention scheduled for the end of the month.
The River State governor noted that he believes strongly in restructuring, adding that state police is a panacea to the insecurity challenges facing the country.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Oyo State, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Governor Makinde, while receiving Wike at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, declared the support of South-West PDP delegates for the Rivers State governor.
Makinde said: “I want to thank the delegates but there is really nothing much to say. If people say that Seyi Makinde and PDP delegates from the South-West of Nigeria are supporting Governor Wike, what will you tell them? Just let them know there is a reason behind the support.”
Speaking earlier, Wike said that Nigerians were aware of his views on restructuring and state police, noting that any country that practises true federalism knows that policing and intelligence gathering are key to surmounting insecurity challenges.
He said: “Nigerians know my views, as I believe in restructuring and state Police. Let nobody deceive you, we cannot stop insecurity in this country without state police.
“In all the countries that practice true federalism, the Federal Government has its own Police, the state has its own Police. Local Councils have theirs too. Go to those countries, the Police know who is living where and that is how we can bring down insecurity. If you like, go to America and buy 50 Tucano jets, it won’t work. Who are you bombing? Intelligence is key. You must have intelligence.”
The Rivers State governor, who appreciated South-West PDP delegates for being his pillar of support, tasked Nigerians to allow an individual with character and integrity, who is firm and courageous, become the next president, stating that he remains the best candidate that the PDP could put forward as its presidential standard-bearer.
Wike added: “Allow people who have character, which is part of the qualities of leadership. Allow people with integrity. A leader must be firm and courageous.
“What PDP requires now is you having the leadership quality to put the best of heads and you being able to supervise and coordinate and give out functions. Governance is totally a different ball game.
“By the special grace of God and with God on our side, today, we can say that if the primaries are conducted transparently on the 28th of May, we will emerge.
“The Tsunami of support all over the country, whether it is in the North, in the West, in the East, or in the South, the support is so overwhelming than you can imagine. Let them formally announce myself as the candidate of the party. I mean, if you look at the situation on the ground, who actually do you think the party will give this ticket to?
“Don’t be bothered about social media comments that people manufacture and put up there. See what has happened here today. That tells you everything and you can rest assured that if you have the South-West, you can be sure to go home when it is over and then give thanks to the almighty God.
“I thank all of you for this support. For you to support me, you must know who I am fully. I don’t abandon people. Seyi is here, even though he is a younger brother, he knows nothing can make me abandon him, not one. If you are fighting Seyi in Oyo or South-West, ntooor! My hand no dey dia again o, because he knows I will not abandon him.
“That is who I am. I won’t because I want to become president and say it must be at all cost. It is you who will determine if I will be the president. If you say I will not become the president, I won’t go and kill myself or people. But seeing your countenance here today, I know you have made up your mind that it is me.
“So, from today, anything that you are doing now is Wike. Everything we must do now is Wike. If you are called on the phone, you say Wike.” Governor Wike equally assured the delegates that the party would carry the day if he is given the nod to fly its flag on May 28, explaining that the Federal Government and the APC could not match him in Rivers State when they tried to take over the state.
“The Federal Government and APC tried it in Rivers State, I said foul. They brought a helicopter, General Division but it did not work. I told them if they liked it, they should bring ‘International Division’, it won’t work here. Just the same, on the 28th of May, give me the PDP ticket and then go home to sleep.”
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Frontline PDP Candidate, Dr. Bukola Saraki has moved to the front of the queue for the PDP primaries, in the past few weeks, his campaign has intensified, he’s visiting multiple states in a day and he recently declared his reason for contesting at a well organized event at the ballroom in Abuja.
The Abuja declaration had almost half of the PDP delegates in the hall (1500) and they all listened to his brilliant speech as he explained the problems plaguing the country and his solutions to each problem. The delegates appeared impressed.
Away from the event, Dr. Saraki released a well detailed policy document that his team travel with to all states, the printed copy of the policy document is handed over to delegates while Dr. Saraki presents himself as the best solution to Nigeria’s tumultuous future. A lot of delegates have confirmed that he’s the only candidate that meets them with this sort of preparation, and solutions to take home, some local candidates have said they copied their manifesto from this well written document.
As the Primaries approach, Dr Saraki has endeared himself and his modern politics to the delegates and these delegates have realized the reason to step into this new era of brilliant, innovative policy positions and this is the reason they are committing their votes to the Ex President of the Senate.
PDP delegates will vote on the 29th of May for the future of their party and Nigeria as the largest opposition party in Africa, their decision will create a ripple effect across the continent for the move into a modern, issue based campaign that will resonate with electorate.
Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial district, Prof Nora Ladi Daduut has dispelled the rumoured rift between her and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong .
Prof Daduut , a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress APC in the state made this known while addressing newsmen in Jos on Thursday night .
She said, Governor Lalong has always supported her politically and that she respects the governor so much .
Senator Daduut said there was never a time she fell out with Governor Lalong .
In her words , “I want to use this opportunity to clear the air on some ongoing rumors and unverified reports carried by some online and electronic media alleging that I am seeking re-election and have been denied the opportunity by some major political actors in the state, and that I was attacked and threatened to back down from the race of the Senatorial seat.”
“I Senator(Prof) Nora Ladi Daduut want to emphatically stress that I have never contemplated seeking re-election at any point in time, nor endeavored to procure a nomination / Interest form for the Plateau South Senatorial District race.”
“Secondly I have never informed anyone that my life was threatened because of the Senatorial seat I currently occupy.”
She added that ” What happened in Namu District of Quaanpan Local Government Council on the 28th April 2022 was an act of criminality by hoodlums, dissident enemies of progress and detractors protesting the arrest of some suspected criminals and unfortunately, my entourage including that of the members of the NUJ who went to cover my event got caught up in it .”
” I want to use this medium to say that no rift whatsoever exists between me Senator(Prof) Dame Nora Ladi Daduut, the Senator representing Plateau South and the State Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong .”
” Governor Simon Lalong has been very supportive and I do appreciate all his support thus far.” “Any rumour that I have been threatened by Governor Lalong is baseless , false and a mere blackmail which should be disregarded .”
Senator Daduut further added that ” I want to use this opportunity to thank his Excellency Governor Simon Lalong for his support and to say that I support his political aspirations, and I would always remain grateful to him for his support.”
She urged the people of her Senatorial district to remain peaceful and continue to be their brothers keeper at all times.
Senator Daduut pledged to continue to do more for the people of her Senatorial district while in the Senate .
On why she is not seeking re-election ,Senator Daduut said ,I have done my best and would do more for my people while I am in the National Assembly ,i need to give space for others to come on board contribute and provide dividends of democracy to the people of Plateau South .
A cutting-edge masterpiece has just been unveiled by global smartphone, electronics, and accessories brand, itel. In what is considered the most daring innovation of the brand to date, itel has introduced the itel P38 series consisting of the P38 and P38 Pro smartphones. Built with cutting-edge innovation in smartphone technology, the series is specifically crafted to suit your everyday mobile phone needs, while ensuring you charge faster and have more fun without worrying about power.
In the release announced today May 17th, 2022, itel has once again pushed back the boundaries of limitations, exhibiting sheer brilliance and craftsmanship. Since its entry into the smartphone market, itel has always been known as a big battery brand and, with the itel P38 series, the brand has gone a step further by introducing a fast charge option that helps you stay connected all day long.
Fast Charge, Big Battery: Your itel P38 Series is a Bundle of Benefits
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The itel P38 Pro takes it a notch higher with 18W of fast charging value. It is the only device within its price range that offers such charging abilities. With the itel P38 Pro, 8 minutes of charging equals 2 hours 30 minutes of talk time. Compared to other regular smartphones, the itel P38 Pro charges fully in 157 minutes, saving more than 5 hours of charge time. How amazing!
More Power, More Talk, Even More Play
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Award-winning smartphone and accessories maker, itel, is here again with a bigger bang. This time, it is with the all-new itel P38 series released today, 17th of May 2022 to show the brand’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to stay on point when it comes to quality smartphone delivery. This new release comes on the heels of the super successful itel P37 which, only months ago, was awarded the “Best Big Battery Smartphone of the Year” at the Beacon of ICT Awards 2021.
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itel P38 Series Smartphone Has 18w Fast Charge and 6000mAh battery You no longer must wait for countless hours to see your phone fully charged. With the itel P38 series, itel’s first offering of fast-charging smartphones, you can get a full 100% charge in 150 minutes- that’s only 2½ hours. This is supported by the 3x fast-charge feature that offers 3 times the speed of other regular phones, most of which take as much as 7½ hours to fully charge. The itel P38 has a 15W fast charge technology feature that gives you triple fast charge action. With only 10 minutes of charging, you’re guaranteed up to 3 hours of WhatsApp call.
Just when you think itel has done enough, it beats its own record every single time. The itel P38 Pro charges like a pro! With a more unique 18W Fast charge technology, it is the only model within its price range that can deliver such a feat. Now you can talk more, play more, and enjoy more phone time with superior technology designed just for you.
What’s a smartphone without memory? Not just any memory, but big enough to afford you sufficient storage space and processor speed. The itel P38 series certainly checks that box. With a guaranteed 64GB storage on the itel P38 Pro, you get to enjoy enough storage space to save your files, whether official or personal. That means all your documents, favourite music, cool videos and even as many functional and seamless mobile apps as you want. But there’s more; the itel P38 Pro also supports memory extension up to 256GB. Amazing right?
Whether you’re a YouTuber, TikToker, or just big on videos and social media, this one’s for you. And, if movies are your thing, itel’s asking if you can keep up with the itel P38 Pro. With storage, itel P38 series has got you covered. The smartphones also feature an AI Gallery that compresses your photos intelligently so you can have more space to do much more. With the ‘cleaner’ function, your itel P38 series launches a quick phone sweep to clear unwanted files and improve your phone’s long-term fluency and storage capacity.
The itel P38 series uniquely takes care of all power worries that users may have. The itel P38 boasts of a big 5,000mAh battery, so you can rest assured of quality time with your smartphone. To put this into context, that’s 28 to 32 hours of voice calls, 15 to 18 hours of movies and videos on the TL, 158 hours of music, up to 18 hours of social media time, 8 hours of game time, 6 hours of selfie time, and lots more. On standby mode, the itel P38 will last for about 558 hours- that’s more than 23 days!!!
It gets even more rewarding with the itel P38 Pro which comes with an outstanding 6000mAh battery. This ultimately means 823 hours on standby mode, 230 hours of jamming your favourite tunes, and up to 16 hours of quality game time. Now itel is bringing the “smart” back to smartphones.
When it comes to trailblazing technology and disruptive innovation, itel always comes through. The AI Power Master introduced by the Power Series in 2019 has been improved upon and embedded in this itel P38 series. The feature, which intelligently learns your usage habit, automatically adjusts the power consumption of the software from the background to achieve a balanced power saving. This means more power for your most used apps.
While many smartphone users are often asked to choose between functionality and appearance, itel says you can have both. The itel P38 series offers a unique blend of fashionable design and sleek outlook that gives you a sense of style and confidence. With a super slim frame, quality 13MP dual camera, unique colour scheme and ergonomic texture, and upgraded fingerprint sensor, the itel P38 series is the new definition of elegance and class; the outlook is both sparkling and attractive.
What about the screen? itel goes above and beyond with a charming 2.5D water-drop fullscreen, with a much more immersive visual experience of 91% screen ratio. Handling is made easier with a perfect blend of narrow edges and contour. This additional functional piece of design further makes the screen larger, slimmer, and more elegant. Even the fingerprint sensor at the back has been upgraded to withstand dust and handle cleaning, when necessary.
itel still holds a reputation as one of the most affordable smartphone brands in Africa and Asia. With the new itel P38 series, the brand is consolidating its unique, customer-friendly price points. The itel P38 goes for less than N50,000 (fifty thousand naira) only, while the itel P38 Pro sells for less than N60,000 in stores nationwide. No other brand in its category offers as much value for such an incredibly affordable price.
Frontline PDP Presidential Aspirant, Dr. Bukola Saraki unveiled a policy document for his first four years in office over the weekend.
Dr Saraki, whose campaign theme is #FixNigeria released a 53-page detailed plan titled “My Social Contract with Nigerians”. In it, he focused on the 5 pillars of growth. Economy, the Rule of Law, Fiscal Federalism, Security and National Planning.
On the Economy, he plans to tackle sky rocket inflation rate, achieve exchange rate stability by moving to a market determined single rate regime, de-link Nigeria’s revenue base from Oil dependency, Fuel subsidy removal and increase the tax base.
According to the document, Youth unemployment, a big problem for the Nigerian economy will be tackled by creating a great environment for local businesses, investing heavily in infrastructure, creating priority industries with immediate focus for investments.
On Security, the document plans to invest highly in the Federal Police while allowing states to Also Police themselves, improve the capacity of the Nigerian army for a multi thronged approach in the war against terrorism, with more focus on effective, incisive targeted surgical strikes.
The document rounds up with a detailed plan for Restructuring, Judicial reforms and improving the rule of law to make Nigeria a sustainable, peaceful democracy and other plans for National planning and good Governance.
Popular Nigerian celebrity Anita Natacha Akide, who is popularly known as Symply Tacha is the latest addition to the FairMoney family, as the credit-led digital bank launches FairSave, a fresh savings product that gives customers the flexibility to grow their wealth and see instant rewards.
FairMoney MicroFinance Bank wants to become the center of all transactions for its customers, giving them a rewarding experience, while also promoting financial inclusion. This led to the launch of FairSave. FairSave is the new savings wallet on the FairMoney app that allows its user to save money and accumulate interests. With FairSave, users get 10% interest Per annum on their savings and daily interest alerts, although unlike other platforms, FairMoney is offering users the flexibility of withdrawing their interest and principal any time they feel like.
“Tacha connects with most of our target audience who are young, confident and talented Nigerians who are not afraid to get more out of life. Through this partnership, FairMoney Micro Finance Bank plans to reach out to a broad class of both younger and older Nigerians, and those that need access to credit, carry out day to day transactions on their phones and have the need to grow their finances through savings” - Nengi Akinola, Head, Marketing & Branding, FairMoney Microfinance Bank.
To get on the FairSave ride, all you need to do is to get on the FairMoney app, fund your account and move the amount of money you intend to save from your FairMoney bank account into FairSave, wait for a day and your interests start pouring in. Asides from being safe and secure, using FairSave is also another way of increasing your credit score.
Get on FairMoney MFB to enjoy FairSave as well as Fair Banking for all; Free Secure Debit Cards, 3% Discount on Airtime & Data Purchases, Savings with 10% interest p.a, 100 Free Bank Transfers monthly, Quick and Easy Loans in 5mins, 0% interest on 15 day loans, best rates on deposits, and lots more!
… Holds Strategic Meeting with NDLEA, Other Stakeholders
Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has pledged to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other critical stakeholders to reinvigorate the war against drug abuse, especially in schools and communities across the state.
The First Lady made the pledge on Wednesday at a strategic meeting held in Lagos House, Ikeja, with the NDLEA and other critical stakeholders, including the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, senior officials of the Ministries of Education, Health, Youths and Social Development, wives of Local Government Chairmen, Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), School Principals, Market Women and the Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Gbenga Owoeye.
According to her, drug addiction, especially among the youths, has become a worrisome menace in society that no one could longer pretend about its existence.
In her words: “The earlier we begin to tackle the daunting challenge, the better for our youths, ourselves and the social health of our society. This strategic meeting is aimed at putting the menace of drug abuse and associated social vices on the front burner”.
“We are truly and deeply concerned about the increase in the rate at which the younger ones are now getting addicted to illicit drugs, a development that brought about the need for all relevant stakeholders to embark on a campaign to fight the menace and enlighten victims on the dangers inherent in such lifestyle both now and in the future”, the First Lady said.
Maintaining that the time was ripe for real action to tackle the war against drug abuse and not just mere rhetoric, Dr. Sanwo-Olu disclosed that a series of initiatives would be unveiled in the coming weeks to advance the fight against the menace in schools and in communities across the State.
She said: “At the level of the Nigerian Governors' Wives Forum (NGWF), we are all concerned about this and we have resolved in our respective States to frontally confront the menace, looking at it from a holistic point of view”.
“We have to be proactive and connect with the schools, the religious bodies, community leaders and associations and others to cascade the message to all segments and sectors of the State”, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu asserted.
On his part, Commander of the NDLEA, Lagos State Command, Barr. Callys Alumona, commended the First Lady for convening the meeting of relevant stakeholders to advance the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), noting that something urgent must be done to prevent Lagos from becoming a gateway for illicit and dangerous drugs, both within and outside Nigeria.
He also urged the First Lady to organise a training workshop for women in government who are mothers themselves, as well as political and social leaders, to enable them to have a better understanding of the consequences of drug abuse and the signs to note when a child is engaging in drug abuse or illicit dealing in drugs.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said National Leader of the All Progressives Congress Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is not bothered about the number of aspirants contesting for the party’s presidential ticket with him.
Speaking after submitting Tinubu’s nomination and expression of interest forms on Wednesday, Lawal said even if there are one million aspirants, the former Lagos State governor will carry the day.
“We are 100 per cent prepared. We believe that even if there are one million contestants on the platform of this party, we will carry the majority of the delegates at the convention. So, the more the merrier, they are all welcome.
“He is a democrat, every politician should not be afraid of election because the probability are two; either you win or lose. “So, if we don’t win at the convention, we will go back home, leak our wounds and prepare to support the winner if he wins in a free and fair manner.
“There are no challenges. We are politicians, we have been in this game for many years, whatever challenges there are, we have already converted them into opportunities,” Lawal said
“We feel elated that today, we’ve come to submit the winning form and we have complied with one of the major requirements of the party for contesting for presidency on the platform of APC.
“We’ve done all that is required we’ve submitted all the required documents as you can see.
“We have received our acknowledgement copy and we’re confident that victory will be ours come May 30th during the convention,” he added.
Frontline aspirant for Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Ms Martha Agba, yesterday purchased her form from the Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja.
Addressing press men in Abuja yesterday at the party secretariat in Abuja, Martha stated that her desire to serve the people of Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku is born out of divine call and sincere passion to contribute massively in the development of her federal constituency.
She further stated that it is a race to finish as she won’t disappoint all those who have contributed to see to the success of this project. She urged all her supporters not to deem their lights as victory is on its way. She also appealed to leadership at different levels to see the need for women in critical decision offices.
I sometimes wonder why the Ogun state Governor Dapo Abiodun act like an ineffective
Ogun state is gradually becoming something residents cannot explain, from street lights going into extinction (except for the one that leads to Saganu which he passes when going to his home town), to the increased rate of violence to bad roads to non-existent water supply to a complete breakdown of government.
Some days people in Abeokuta wonder if we really have a governor. But we do and he is only active when he wants to help his political brother/father become president.
Abeokuta residents have been complaining of the manner at which waste disposal is managed for months now and the government has not been able to find any solution. The waste disposal company JIAS have said they can't keep up as the funds allocated to them isn't enough and diesel is expensive but the government has enought to do political Jamborees.
Gubernatorial aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu Senatorial 0 have told the Ikeoha campaign organization that there were no bandits or cultists in Enugu state.
The aspirants were reacting to a press conference held in Abuja by the campaign organization, whose principal is senator Ike Ekweremadu
The Ekweremadu campaign team had among other things alleged that the April 30 PDP ward Congress for three-man ad hoc delegates election held in the state was married by banditry, much violence and skewed against Ekweremadu.
But the aspirants from Enugu East Senatorial district, represented by Denge Josef-Ken Onoh, in a statement, Friday evening, described all the allegations by the Ekweremadu campaigners as falsehood.
The aspirants however noted that Ekweremadu was one of them whom they hold highly in esteem but stressed that the 2023 governorship in Enugu state has been unanimously zoned to their district and urged him to have faith in the peaceful electoral process.
Onoh in the statement said: “This conference is a unification and a show of solidarity among ourselves to drive home the acceptability and agreement of the people of Enugu state on power rotation and zoning of the common political position of Governorship of the state. Our coming together is to stress our commitment to a peaceful transition process in the state and its dividends of good governance, security and welfare of the people of Enugu state, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of every good administration.
“We wish to acknowledge the pragmatic leadership of the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has been doing all his best to position Enugu state as the most peaceful and secured state in the country, despite attempts by a few uncooperative ones to dress the state in bad stead. We are behind Governor Ugwuanyi in these trying times and wish him divine intervention in the process of the people of Enugu state to choose who becomes their next administrator after him. We pledge that we will support whoever will emerge as the candidate of the PDP in the process that has already started well on April 30 2022 with the successful conduct of three-man Ad hoc delegates held in all the 260 political wards of our dear state.
“As you were all witnesses, the ward congress was conducted freely and fairly in all the wards of Enugu East senatorial district and to a larger extent in all the 260 wards of the state as was certified by the ward Congress committee sent to the state, except for one or two of complaints, as we learnt, and which is normal and sometimes unavoidable in political contests. We are happy that there was no causality, despite attempts by some disgruntled persons who have chosen not to abide by the popular decision for governorship zoning and rotation among the three senatorial components of the state.
“We have been inundated by inquiries from outside the state, where a press conference was held, in clear neglect of you reputable and hardworking journalists in the state, whom we know had severed them with all you might, up to this time that they chose to make a volt face. However, in response to the inquiries and for posterity’s sake, we wish to make the following clarifications.
“Enugu state is a peaceful state that had not been associated with banditry or cultism as the Ikeoha Campaign organization inferred. We are amazed that the Ikeoha campaign organization would describe all the local government council and PDP leaders in Aninri local government, where their principal comes from, as thugs, bandits and cultists. These are leaders whose principal was part of the election process and never described them as bandits until they chose to hold a parallel congress which they conducted in their private residences.
“Security agents are saddled with the responsibility of tracking bandits and hoodlums as alleged by the campaign organization, and so we are miffed that instead of following the right path of reporting such cases to the appropriate authorities for investigation and action, they chose the media to ridicule the well-conducted exercise and paint Enugu state black.
“We are in good stead with the principal of Ikeoha Campaign Organization, Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who is one of us and who we revere so much in high esteem that we are not quite sure that the campaign organization had his authority to disseminate the falsehood it has circulated.
“We and Ekweremadu share a very close affinity bond of friendship and commitment to the greater good of Enugu state and we urge him to unite with us to promote peace so as to ensure a peaceful democratic transition in Enugu state. In the spirit of brotherhood, we urge him to play politics without bitterness but toe the line of amicable settlement of any issue that may arise in the course of this transition.
“The Governor of Enugu state is not a thug, neither does he support violence and has never demonstrated any form of violence against anybody. Under Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s watch as the leader of Enugu state, nobody has been meted with violence; rather freedom of speech has been enhanced in the state with level playing grounds.
“In a nutshell, we urged the general public to disregard the false narrative of brigandage in Enugu state. It’s not true and not in the character of the Governor and good people of Enugu state who are working hard to ensure that there would be the most peaceful electoral transition process in the state.”
I watched with utter dismay the recent outburst by businessman and founder of Stanbic IBTC, Atedo Peterside, on Thursday during an interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, in his attempt to deride the candidature of Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in the forthcoming 2023 presidential elections.
It is also hilarious seeing how seemingly vested he is, in Dr Jonathan’s emergence, even when the latter is yet to formally declare his intention to contest for Nigeria’s top job.
During the interview, Mr Peterside claimed that Dr Jonathan’s approval rating which was 54% in 2015, had dropped to 26% and was currently below 5% according to “a recent poll that he saw”.
Peterside said: “Let me use the data, I said in 2011, Goodluck Jonathan had a 54% approval rating and by 2015 before election, it had collapsed to below 26%, the recent poll I saw, not done by us because we don’t waste time on things that are not all that relevant, his approval rating was below 5%. So, everybody is free to ignore data and come out and do anything they want to do. In fact, I hope that the APCs of this world would make a mistake and bring out people whose approval ratings are very low. You cannot fool all of the people all of the time.”
While he attributed this to “data”, it is rather appalling that in today’s world, Atedo Peterside, an economist and foremost player in the financial sector, will make bogus and unsubstantiated claims without attribution.
What is the source of this data? At least, so that Nigerians can share in the intellectual insight and reflect on the revelation. Except it was a concoction of his imaginations.
It is no secret that after he left office in 2015, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has since gained even more public trust and approval, not just in Nigeria but across the world. The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), a global thinktank, described him as having metamorphosed into “a senior statesman” since his concession.
In his peaceful disposition, Dr Goodluck Jonathan (then the incumbent president) handed over to eventual winner, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, instead of clinging to power. He had called Gen Buhari to congratulate him, even before the official announcement of the election results.
The singular act of honour endeared him to people across the world earning him international recognitions as the Hero of Democracy in Africa and numerous awards, including the Martin Luther King Award. Dr Jonathan has also led peace missions with appointments as United Nations Global Crisis Envoy and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Special Envoy to Mali.
With this credentials, one can understand the situation that has made Dr Goodluck Jonathan well-sought after across political parties, with each of the leading two battling for his candidacy. How more prolific can a man be?
Interestingly, various independent polls conducted have also revealed overwhelming public support for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan over many leading aspirants like Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Yemi Osibanjo, even while he is yet to declare his interest in the presidential contest. Of the 12,454 votes from the CableIndex poll, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan clinched 52.3% over Atiku Abubakar’s 47.7%.
Another poll organized by Report Afrique received a total of 46,751 votes, out of which Jonathan polled 14,546 votes followed by Peter Obi with 11,545 votes, Yemi Osinbajo with 5,466, Saraki with 5,436, Atiku Abubakar with 3,424, Rotimi Amaechi with 3,232, Bola Tinubu with 2,036, Aminu Tambuwai with 657, Pius Anyim with 311 and Yahaya Bello with 98 votes.
Similarly, when Nigerians across the country, were interviewed for their choice of presidential candidate, Dr Goodluck Jonathan was most preferred. Results of these polls, including video interviews by Fix Naija, are readily accessible and easily verifiable.
While not attempting to dismiss his recent comments, it is worrisome that a businessman like Atedo Peterside will try to discredit a man under whose tenure businesses in Nigeria flourished in a stable economy – the largest in Africa and 23rd in the world, at the time. Through his well-crafted and executed policies anchored on rapid growth and sustainable development, Nigeria’s economy was growing at 6.7% with a GDP well above US$570 billion and an exchange rate of N170/$1, peaking at N230. Today, it trades at N590/$1.
With his keen eye for talent and competence, Dr Jonathan assembled a team of top performing professionals to steer Nigeria’s multi-sectoral economy, one of whom was the same Atedo Peterside, who served as member of the National Economic Management Team and Chairman of the technical committee of the National Council on Privatization (NCP). Does the man also discredit his own credentials?
Peterside had previously described Jonathan as a true democrat who has the interest of Nigerians at heart. I recall during an interview with The Guardian in 2015, how he spoke glowingly about Dr Jonathan’s credentials and the successes recorded during his administration. This easily makes one who watched him speak yesterday wonder as to the inconsistency of thoughts and beliefs.
It is known that within the current political season, politicians employ all tricks and skills in their books, to push their agenda and market their personal and/or party’s choice aspirants and candidates.
However, an even more honourable path would be to do so without seeking to malign other aspirants or candidates of other parties. This is what Atedo Peterside should do, as a respectable citizen and member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He should invest this energy into bettering the fortunes of his party and improving the chances of their aspirants or candidates, at the forthcoming polls, rather than making vituperations masked as informed assertions backed by non-existing data.
Finally, I am challenging Sir Atedo Peterside to conduct an opinion poll on his Twitter handle where he is very vocal on Nigerians’ preferred choice for 2023 presidency if Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will not win the poll with a landslide.
Architect Oladipo Akande is a Public Affairs analyst based in Los Angeles, United States of America. Akande can be reached via Twitter, @OladipoAkande
Let me start by wishing you a blessed Eid-el Fitri celebration. May the Almighty Allah receive your prayers and devotions, with blessings to you, your family and our nation, Nigeria.
Your Excellency, I write to you with a deep sense of passion, pure patriotism and good intent for Nigeria. As the days go by, we draw closer to the end of your administration. Nigerians will remember you for your strong will in governance, notable reforms across sectors, infrastructure, human and resourcedevelopment.
From the multibillion-naira funding for farmers, small-scale business owners and market women; to the payment of pension arrears owed staff of current and privatized/defunct Federal agencies; budget bail-out to states; revival of our hitherto moribund rail transport system; numerous road projects linking different parts of the country, including the 2nd Niger bridge; Nigerians recognize your efforts and contributions to nation building and the sanctity of our collective existence.
Mr. President, you have shown great leadership by not just steering the ship but also charting the course. Now, it is imperative that you “find a way to get much of your vision seen, implemented, and added to by others,” borrowing the words of top leadership thinker, John Maxwell. What better way to bow out with the legacy of having a good, capable, tested, trusted and experienced successor?
In the past weeks, we have seen declaration of interest in the Presidency from 35 politicians across board. Thisoverwhelming interest – the highest in Nigeria’s history, point to a widespread understanding of the high stakes and critical nature of our current political realities. There is no gainsaying that Nigeria’s survival and sustainability largely depends on who succeeds you as President.
Your Excellency, the next president must after careful assessment, be patriotic, proven to be of good standing, possess strong character and have the will to serve the Nigerian people, independent of any vested interests and influence. One person who easily embodies these qualities is your predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his antecedents readily show proof.
Through Dr. Jonathan’s economic policies and astute management, Nigeria grew to be ranked Africa’s largestand most diverse economy and 26th in the world in 2014 with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $510 billion in 2013 and foreign direct investment of over $25 billion. We believe that he has the potential to consolidate on these and your achievements to unleash economic growth that will reestablish Nigeria as an economic powerhouse.
It is also important to recall how Nigeria under his watch played its role as a leader amongst nations, supporting other African countries for sustainability. During the outbreak of the Ebola virus, the Nigerian government donated about $3.5 million in grants to West African countries to help ease the struggles of countries against the virus.
His reforms led Nigeria to significant strides in the road and rail developments nationwide, setting the tone for a multimodal transport system, with the revival of our moribund rail system, improvement in aviation infrastructure and the construction, rehabilitation and expansion of numerous road projects across the country.
Dr. Jonathan’s introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in the financial sector, stands today as a novel innovation and one of the most significant and historic contributions in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. It is the bedrock of our centralized, efficient, transparent and accountable revenue and fiscal management system today. Similarly, the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) was also introduced during the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2010, eroding institutional corruption and inefficiency in personnel records and fund administration, saving the country billions of naira.
Mr. President, away from his numerous achievements, one thing that stands Dr. Jonathan apart and above all others, is his appreciable and amiable personality. One cannot help but appreciate his rare character of peace and patriotism, beyond personal gains and ambition. I am sure Your Excellency still recalls the famous and historic phone call you received on Monday March 30, 2015 at about quarter past five in the evening. With that singular action, Dr. Jonathan ceded powers to you, congratulating you on your victory against him, even before the official announcement of results by the umpire, INEC. An incumbent, conceding defeat is a rare event and unheard of in African political history.
Years after that event, Dr. Jonathan has continued to maintained absolute decorum, not given to hate or any ploy/plot to undermine or distract your administration, with the verbal and legal tantrums that is the stuff of aggrieved politicians. One can only attribute this to the class, maturity and selflessness that makes the man.Instead, Dr. Jonathan has devoted his life to driving peace across the African continent, earning him recognitions as a “Hero of Democracy” and “Ambassador of Peace” across the globe.
Your Excellency, it is also clear that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s influence and acceptability transcends the political divide, thin ethnic and religious lines that have often proved volatile through our common existence. As such, supporting and endorsing him to succeed you as Nigeria’s president, would have tremendous impact on our currently threatened situation.
The time is now to make the bold step and leave Nigeria with the lasting legacy of a good, proven, trusted, capable and experienced successor, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Dr. Mustapha Ahmadu
Chairman, Restore Nigeria Project writes from Kano and can be reached via dr.mustapha.ahmadu@gmail.com
Women for postive movement , a group in Plateau South Senatorial zone on Friday described as untrue an online report by Sahara reporters titled – Angry youths attack ruling party APC female Senator Nora Ladi Daduut over poor representation .
In the report published by the online platform they said that angry youths in Namu village on Thursday attacked Senator Nora Daduut because of non performance .
Our correspondent reports that Senator Dadu’ut and 14 Journalists as well as some of her aides on Thursday escaped death by whiskers ,when their convoy ran into an angry mob in Namu community in Quaan pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred shortly after the Senator commissioned an ICT Centre/E-Library in the community, leaving the vehicle of the NUJ Plateau State Council burnt and the pilot vehicle belonging to the Senator.
It was further gathered had security operatives had stormed the community on Thursday and whisked away four members of the community.
The angry youths blocked the convoy of the Senator and started burning tires, insisting that the Senator must work out the return of the four persons before she is released.
Some traditional rulers who attended the event could not calm down the situation as the youths remained adamant to their plead. . The group in a statement signed by Juliana Nanjul their spokesperson ,and made available to newsmen in Jos, said “we condemn the attack on Senator Dadu’ut and some journalists .
We would use this opportunity to thank our senator for the good works she has been doing in her constituency since she got elected .”
The report that she was attacked by the youths because of non performance is not true , we want to put the record straight that the Senator had finished commissioning an ICT Centre when her convey ran into Youths who were protesting .
The attack which was said to be unrelated to the commissioning of the project was alleged to have been orchestrated by hoodlums who were said to have been angered by the arrest of a suspected wanted kidnap kingpin by security agencies, and thus decided to vent their anger on passers by and any innocent person they encountered.
This led to the burning of one of the security vehicles of the Senator, the damage of her official vehicle as well as the complete burning down of the NUJ Press bus which conveyed members of the Union to cover the event.
Our senator has done so well ,on the December 6 th 2021 Senator Nora Dadu’ut Commissioned Constituency Office, Boreholes and Block of classrooms for the benefit of her constitueny
These Constituency Projects were part of her campaign promises made to her constituents during the bye-election that brought her to the National Assembly
The projects commissioned by Senator Dadu’ut at her senatorial district in December includes bocks of classrooms at Government Secondary School, Lardang, a primary school in Vutu village in Quanpan local government council of Plateau state, a motorized hand borehole at Government secondary school in Mikang, modern toilet facilities and solar panel streets light in Shendam, Mikang and Quanpan LGAS.
Also in February 2023, Senator Ladi Dadu’ut distributed empowerment items worth millions of Naira to over 600 persons in her constituency.
The items distributed included power tillers, motorcycles, tricycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, Knapsack and water pumps for dry season farming.
Senator Daduut is always in touch with her people and on Thursday commissioned an ICT Centre which is so beneficial to the people of the Zone
” We are proud to say that Senator Daduut has empowered over 10 ,000 citizens of Plateau South since she got elected into office about a year ago .”
The group Specifically commended Senator Daddut for her efforts at empowering women in the zone .
They lauded the Senator for her courage, patriotism and commitment to nation building as well as her quest to better the wellbeing of women and youths in her consistency .
The statement reads that “We have noticed your quest to improve the standard of living of women and the aged in the society .”
The women also commended the Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong for the support to the people of the zone and to Senator Daduut at all times .
The Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong had earlier condemned the attack on the Senator
In a statement signed by Macham Makut his director of press and public affairs ,Lalong expressed outrage over an attack on Senator representing Plateau South District, Prof. Nora Dadu’ut and some journalists which occured on Thursday after the commissioning of an ICT HUB constructed by the Senator as part of her Constituency Project in Namu, Quan Pan Local Government Area.
Lalong said the attack which was said to be unrelated to the commissioning of the project was alleged to have been orchestrated by hoodlums who were said to have been angered by the arrest of a suspected wanted kidnap kingpin by security agencies, and thus decided to vent their anger on passers by and any innocent person they encountered.
This led to the burning of one of the security vehicles of the Senator, the damage of her official vehicle as well as the complete burning down of the NUJ Press bus which conveyed members of the Union to cover the event.
Governor Lalong while sympathising with the Senator and Members of the NUJ over the despicable act, directed security agencies to conduct thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that the culprits are fished out and brought to justice.
Similarly the Plateau State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) , on Friday condemned in strong terms the attack on 14 of its members who were in the entourage of Senator Ladi Nora Daduut (representing Plateau South Senatorial District in the National Assembly) to Namu, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday by suspected hoodlums.
Addressing a press conference at the NUJ press centre Jos on the incident, the Chairman of NUJ Plateau State, Cmr Paul Jatau observed with total dismay and disappointment that the said journalists became subject of attack for reason other than carrying out their constitutional duty towards serving the society.
In his words “The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council condemns the unwarranted and unprovoked attack on its members who were there to serve the society”. We wonder why journalists are being targeted while carrying out their legitimate duties”. “
He said that though no life was lost, the Union’s Hummer Bus donated by the Plateau State Government was burnt alongside the Senator’s pilot Hilux van.
“Consequently, the NUJ Chairman called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and punish them accordingly to serve as deterrent to others contemplating such action. “
“We indeed call on government to come down hard on the perpetrators as Namu has become a hotbed of violence and criminality and the state cannot be afford to continue on that path”, Jatau said.
Narrating how the incident occured, the Chairman stated that no sooner had Senator Daduut made to leave after commissioning an ICT Hub/E-Library when the road was blocked and they were immediately surrounded by the hoodlums.
The NUJ Chairman further narrated that the attackers claimed that four of their members were arrested by armed security men while the programme was ongoing.
He added that the hoodlums were said to have been angered by the arrest of a suspected wanted kidnap kingpin by security agencies, and thus decided to vent their anger on passers by and any innocent person they encountered.
Jatau further said, “The hoodlums then demanded that the Senator must secure the release of their members before they would clear the roads.
“The hoodlums held the Senator and the journalists captive for over three hours before men of Operation Safe Haven intervened
PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING REMX AND ITS RELATED COMPANIES
It has come to our attention that articles have been published by certain media platforms, making allegations of money laundering and corruption against our Company (and related Companies), Directors and elected officials. These articles have been picked up by more Nigerian and Kenyan news websites.
These allegations are speculative, wrong, and defamatory. These articles have used unrelated facts and conjecture to create a narrative that is fictitious, with no proof provided by these journalists.
ABOUT THE COMPANIES: To clarify, RemX is a Multi-Currency Treasury Management Start-up company, the first of its kind. It is aimed at solving cross-border currency challenges, experienced by companies operating in different African markets. RemX is purely B2B (Business-to-Business) service provider. Hence, we only provide services to corporates and not individual customers. We also do not provide services to Politically-Exposed-Persons (PEPs).
OIT: is an online remittance collection company that partners with licensed remittance companies to enable marketing expansion and collection capability. Multigate: This is an extremely high growth Fintech company that serves mainly banks and large enterprise corporates. Licensed as a Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) and International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO), our services are powered by our cutting-edge Fintech products: OmniVue and BoltSend. OmniVue is a treasury and cash management product for corporates. It allows corporates to view all their account balances on one dashboard, access their bank statements in an aggregated display and make payments from any of their bank accounts. This product is powered by SWIFT, as we are the first Fintech in Africa to provide SWIFT to corporates.
BoltSend is a cross-border remittance product solely for banks and financial institutions (inclusive of Fintechs). BoltSend provides deep access to local currency liquidity in various African markets, thus enabling financial institutions to execute their cross-border needs without over-exposing their currency position.
These companies are high growth start-ups run by professional founders, whose backgrounds are not affiliated with any political movement.
ALLEDGE POLITICAL AFFILIATION: The founders of Multigate, RemX and every company mentioned in these articles do not know and have no relationships or affiliations to any politician in Nigeria, Kenya or in any of the markets we operate in.
These articles also make an issue of the fact that the commissioning of one of our offices by the government, suggests an improper relationship. Please note that the government promotes Nigerian entrepreneurs, and it is a well-known fact that over 100 commissioning’s have been conducted over the last 7 years. To suggest an untoward relationship of political affiliations because of this, without any sort of proof is unfortunate and unprofessional.
The articles have also attempted to tie a series of stakeholder engagements with government representatives which is common anywhere in the world, to improper activity without any proof of such and how they connect to our companies.
ALLEGATIONS OF MONEY LAUNDERING: Our companies mentioned above, routinely move funds legally and internationally in large amounts to perform its services and these articles have sought to isolate a number of transfers without providing supporting evidence of money laundering.
The mere fact that large amounts of money are moved by our businesses does not make it money laundering and demonstrates a lack of understanding of our business model. We would have been happy to explain this to the journalists however, in a surprising breach of journalistic responsibility, neither of these publications reached out to us for comments or clarification.
There was no money laundering involved. Rather, these companies engaged solely in treasury management and currency hedging services to corporate clients that work in different African markets. Contrary to the articles claim, all money received by RemX are from electronic payment processing and settlement of corporate client funds which are legitimate businesses in Kenya, Nigeria and worldwide.
The fact that we have multiple companies operating in different countries does not make this a money laundering operation and while the articles have gone to great lengths to show common ownership, which is public knowledge, they did not apply this same diligence to providing any evidence of money laundering.
INTERPOL: Please note that prior to these articles and at this time, we have no knowledge of an Interpol Investigation, neither have we being contacted or interrogated. As a company, our purpose is to simplify transactions across multiple jurisdictions. We exist to make financial inclusion efficient. Kenya and Nigeria remain key markets in our operations, and we are positive about the outlook of our business model, not only in these countries but across Africa and the globe.
Senator Daduut inaugurates ICT centre/e-library to boost learning in Namu district of Quanpan LGA
Senator representing Plateau South in the National Assembly Prof Nora Dadu’ut on Thursday inaugurated an Information Communications Technology (ICT) Centre/E-library in Namu, Quanpan Local Government, Plateau, to boost learning and socio-economic development in the area.
She said that the education “is the fulcrum on which development revolves” and hence the reason why she took it as one of critical areas she had given her attention to.
In her words ,” The ICT Centreand E-Library constructed in Namu, Quaanpan Local Government Area will connect Plateau South for socio-economic transformation of the people.”
She noted that the centre will ease the registration of students for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and other online examinations in the zone.
“The ICT Centre is to connect local communities in Plateau South to the global world for online business and for JAMB and WASSEC registration. Our children usually travel far to carry out this registration but today the situation has changed for good.”
She described the project as a life fulfilled dream and commitment to giving back to society through the construction of the ICT Centre to ease the burden of student registration.
“This transformation has manifested itself as we can see in the growth and world wide expansion of business and social network.
“It provides great opportunities for anyone connected to the internet to better their lives through networking, which may ordinarily not to be possible in their local environment.
“It is no longer acceptable for anyone to be left behind by not being connected, or having access to the globalised world society.
“This is because ICT provides opportunities in different strata of our lives; be it education, health, business, communication and social-economic activities,” he said.
Dadu’ut commended the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for listening to yearnings of her constituents.
The senator also commended Gov. Simon Lalong in meeting the aspirations of the people of Plateau, especially in the area of ICT development .
She pledged to always put the interest of the people of Plateau South first in all her dealings .
Gov. Simon Lalong who was represented at the by Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Gyang Musa, said that ICT play a critical role in industrialization and sustainable economic development globally.
The governor challenged the youth to take advantage of the great opportunity given to them to make good use of this facility to better their lives, advising them against indulging into social vices.
The Chairman, Quan Pan Local Government, Mr Ernest Da’a, represented by Supervisory Councillor for Social Services, Mrs Rita Buba, said that the project was the first of its kind in the area.
A director with Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Ene Adikwu, said that initiative “is in tandem with UBEC mandate that all basic learners must acquire digital literacy.
Adikwu urged the community to thank the Senator for situating the centre in the community.
“UBEC has established 37 smart schools to ensure that our basic education learners benefit from ICT in line with global best practices”.
A former spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2019 presidential election, Segun Showunmi, has said his decision to join the Ogun governorship race is not a joke
This is as he threatened to defeat Hon. Ladi Adebutu to win the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and emerge the party’s governorship candidate in 2023.
Before now, many had speculated that Adebutu, who is perceived as the major financier of the PDP in Ogun State, would have the governorship ticket without let or hindrance.
Adebutu recently told newsmen in Abeokuta that he had worked relentlessly for seven years, building and uniting the party, saying he deserved to have an advantage in the PDP.
“People abandoned this party, we built it from the scratch. Now the party has become very rosy, people are now struggling to snatch it from us. If people say we have an advantage in this party, will it be unusual? Can we say somebody that cooks a pot of soup should not have an advantage to take, at least, the first serving?
“If people want to come, they are welcome; but it will be unkind and morally wrong that I should be pushed aside,” Adebutu claimed.
However, it appears the former House of Representatives member would have an axe to grind with Showunmi, who threatened legal actions should the party fail to make the primary election free, fair and credible.
Showunmi, while addressing newsmen at his Abeokuta residence, said Adebutu was not qualified to be the governor of the Gateway State.
He said the PDP should give him the ticket because 45 per cent of the votes is from Ogun Central.
According to him, the PDP, since 1999 has not given its ticket to a candidate from Ogun Central Senatorial District where he hails from.
Showunmi denied being pushed into the race by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, saying he would have got the ticket if Makinde were behind him.
“Seyi is not pushing me. He only told me to unite the party. I am running on my own merit. Seyi is not playing games with them. It is their bad behaviour, their ability to get along with people, the over-exaggeration of the so-called wealth they think they have, that makes them to see others with a contrary position as an enemy,” Showunmi taunted Adebutu
His words: “I have written a pre-trial letter to the PDP National, with the intention that they should come and show cause before a court in Abeokuta, why one of the aspirants will have all the excos under his armpit, including those who said they bought him forms. That case is coming up on Thursday. I am not a joker. They (the party leaders) have been served.
“I don’t know why Chief (Kessington) Adebutu will even send that one to come and govern Ogun State when he cannot even send him to govern his company. Do they not have other sons, that the worst of them be the one that will be sent to govern the best of us? I am not one of those who play games.
“If the PDP gives the ticket to him, he is my brother. But his political ways are a bit strange. I expect to beat him like a baby (at the primary).
“I learnt they are sitting at the party secretariat, filling the party register with fictitious names. Do I look like a fool like them?… when I’ve already queried the right of those ones to even be anywhere near the ballot. Will they build something on nothing? Will it not be declared null and void? Is it not a preelection matter that will drag to supreme court back? If there’s only one judge that has integrity in this country, he would hear that case,” Showunmi talked tough.
Reducing Malaria, Saving Lives: itel and Amatem Softgel Distribute Relief Materials For World Malaria Day 2022
itel Nigeria and Amatem Softgel on April 25, 2022, joined the rest of the world to commemorate global efforts to bring an end to malaria, especially among African children and pregnant women. More than 3.3 billion people in 106 counties are at risk of malaria, and according to the World Malaria Report 2020, Nigeria alone accounts for 27% of the malaria burden and 23% of malaria deaths worldwide, and children under the age of 5 remain the most vulnerable population to the disease.
Recognised for its outstanding services to Nigerians through its Love Always On CSR Initiative, itel has shown its continuous interest in impacting lives in the low-income communities surrounding it over the years. So, it is no surprise that the mobile phone, home appliances, accessories, and laptops manufacturer partnered with Amatem Softgel, a leading anti-malaria drug in Nigeria, once again. This they did to fulfil this year’s World Malaria theme of “Harnessing innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives”.
itel and Amatem Softgel joined hands together to donate, among other relief materials, anti-malarial mosquito nets, free medical tests, and mosquito repellent creams to more than 1,500 families in the Agboyi Ketu area of Lagos State.
Known for its relentless support towards children’s education and growth, itel also extended its love to the children in the community by donating educational materials such as notebooks, mathematical sets, stationery, and other materials to aid their love for learning.
To also mark World Malaria Day 2022, the Amatem Softgel team were at Randle General Hospital, Surulere, Alimosho General Hospital, Alimosho, and Ifako General Hospital, Ogba, Lagos to conduct free malaria RDT tests with malaria positive patients receiving Amatem Softgel antimalarial drugs.
Malaria enlightenment talks with tips on how to prevent the disease by Elbe Pharma’s Brand Manager, Augustine Aisabokhale and the heads of the Nursing and Pharmacist Departments of both hospitals were some of the key highlights of the health outreach. Over 600 patients in the hospitals were reached with the hospitals expressing their gratitude to the brand for their efforts in reducing malaria burden.
Speaking at the Aboyi-Ketu CSR event, the marketing manager of itel for West Africa, Oke Umurhohwo said “Giving back to our communities is a project of love that we do with utter passion, and malaria is a disease that affect millions of people in Nigeria. Therefore, we and Amatem Softgel have chosen to help reduce the burden of malaria in Agboyi Ketu Community. Together, we can “Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives.”
‘Malaria is a life-threatening disease, but it is preventable and curable. We at Elbe Pharma continue to find a better way to combat this disease and support the vulnerable ones especially the young children and pregnant women. Hence, the introduction of this novel advanced soft gelatin antimalarial brand AMATEM SOFTGEL and this CSR partnership.’, said Augustine Aisabokhale, Brand Manager at Elbe Pharma.
This innovative initiative by both brands serves as a wakeup call and a reminder for communities and brands to come together to support the vulnerable ones and end malaria in their environs. See more pictures from the event below.
2023: Nigerian Young Professionals in Diaspora (NYPD) gives Jonathan, One week ultimatum to declare for Presidency
Nigerian Young Professionals in Diaspora has given Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan one week ultimatum to declare for 2023 Presidential race or risked being sued.
The group which comprises of Young Professionals in Diaspora is made up of Nigerians from all over the Country who are based in different countries. The convener of the group, Arc. Oladipo Akande in a press release made available to newsmen via email from Los Angeles, United States Of America stated that it was imperative for the former helmsman to throw his hat into the ring without further delay.
The group recalled that the Jonathan’s administration opened up Nigeria to the global business community and made Nigeria a major investment hub in the entire continent of Africa.
“We recall very fondly how President Jonathan made Nigeria Africa’s number one destination for foreign investment with over US$10.70 billion worth of foreign investments in the first 6 months of 2014. The administration also integrated Nigeria into the international e-commerce community with the approval and reinclusion of Nigeria as one of the Paypal-compliant countries after being banned earlier”, he wrote.
The Convener also highlighted how the administration placed Nigeria on the world map by becoming the first West African Country to host the World Economic Forum.
“Under President Jonathan, Nigeria hosted the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2014 which till date, holds the record of being the most successful World Economic Forum for Africa (WEFA) in history because of the scope and reach of the event.”
He also highlighted Jonathan’s peacemaking efforts across Africa in various Countries and how his intervention has helped to bring peace to many troubled African countries.
“President Jonathan has cemented himself as a true diplomat and African statesman through his various interventions in conflicts and election monitoring across the African Continent. This experience will be invaluable in bringing peace and political stability in the Country when he becomes President.”
The Convener reminded Nigerians that Jonathan was able to recruit a world class team of appointees to steer the affairs of the Country.
“As the first Nigerian President with a PhD, Dr. Jonathan was able to attract and appoint World acclaimed intellectuals like current ADB President Akinwunmi Adesina, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation among others who brought a lot of value to Governance. Given the opportunity to preside over the affairs of the Country again, we are confident that he will do even better as the Country needs her finest minds now more than ever”
“We are willing and yearning to contribute our quota to see this noble idea to fruition as we believe that the second time will be a better time.” He concluded.
With barely a year away, Nigeria edges closer to what is arguably, the most decisive election in its democratic history. One issue that has dominated political discussions in recent times is the choice of who succeeds the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari. Amidst these deliberations, the name “Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan” has remained a recurring decimal in the political permutations.
Within the last year, there have been growing calls for the entrance of Goodluck Jonathan into the race to occupy Aso Rock in 2023. The Otuoke-born politician is no neophyte in the scheme of things, having previously served as Deputy Governor and Governor of his native Bayelsa state, and later, Vice-President, Acting President and eventually, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His experience and sterling impact in these assignments, not only sets him apart as Nigeria’s most experienced political actor, but speaks to his strong character and capacity as a visionary leader and consummate administrator. This makes it easier to understand these agitations.
Nigeria has a rotational power arrangement between the North and the South, albeit unofficial. The current realities favour a power-shift to Southern Nigeria from the North, given that the tenure of the incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, expires in 2023. What this means is that the next president is expected to be of Southern extraction, although there are contrary beliefs in some quarters, which are more likely than not, inspired by mischief.
Some of the calls for Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential bid are predicated on this power rotation. He is widely seen as the most credible, valuable and marketable export from the South. With hardly any ethnic or religious controversies to his name, Jonathan’s democratic credentials easily trounce any other aspirant, a factor which will greatly influence his acceptability and tilts voting outcomes in the North, in his favour. His large pulsating followership across the other regions in the south is also unmatched.
Although a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as at the last elections, the former president has been out of partisan politics for a long while, at least in public glare. There have been reports that he may fly the All Progressive Congress (APC) flag at the 2023 presidential elections. While this has not been confirmed by his camp, it is a testament of his high electoral value.
Since the possibility of his candidature became public, Nigerians have been envisioning what Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s eventual return holds for the polity. With his experience as a former president, there’s no gainsaying that Jonathan has a clearer understanding of the challenges bedeviling Nigeria. The last eight years must have also given him an opportunity to assess the state of the nation as a private citizen – the rare privilege of a double-angled perspective. Surely, this has built him the strong will to contend with these issues head-on.
Dr. Jonathan has already established himself as one who has the interest of Nigerians at heart, as exemplified in 2015 when he shelved his personal ambition to avert a looming crisis, declaring that his ambition was “not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”
He also brings with him, a strong reputation as a statesman, a tested patriot and trusted nationalist who is committed to the Nigerian project. As a special envoy who has been facilitating peace in various countries across Africa, there is no doubt that Dr. Jonathan can replicate the same homewards to sooth the ethnic tensions plaguing different parts of the country.
Dr. Jonathan’s return will boost and significantly expand the scope of interventions he initiated to improve sectors of the Nigerian economy. Under his watch, Nigeria’s economy not only survived major setbacks that greatly affected most advanced nations, it actually grew in leaps and bounds to emerge as Africa’s largest economy. His re-emergence renews hope for economic recovery that could revive our now plummeted naira.
For the transportation sector, his pragmatic efforts laid the foundation for a national intermodal transport system which combined roads, railroads, waterways and aviation. It revived Nigeria’s rail system which had hitherto been moribund for over 30 years, built road infrastructure, and transformed the aviation sector.
With his unrivaled record of engendering an all-inclusive government, Jonathan’s return would provide more opportunities for women and youths. While his cabinet ranks as the youngest in Nigeria’s democracy, the 35% affirmative action is a clear indication of his commitment to creating opportunities for women in government.
Dr. Jonathan’s experience would largely prove handy in the quest to salvage Nigeria’s current struggle with insurgency and banditry. His unwavering commitment to the fight against insecurity saw an end to militancy in the Niger Delta region as well as dealt a convincing blow to the raving insurgency in the North. The purchase of Super Tucano jets amongst other military hardwares, under his watch and the training of elite corps and alliance with foreign mercenaries, proved decisive in the war till the end of his tenure.
As the days go by, it is largely clear that President Buhari’s successor could emerge from the South. However, a clearer reality is that Dr. Goodluck EbeleJonathan trumps every other aspirant, cementing his position as the most valuable and viable politician from the entire Southern region and his return as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will usher in an era of recovery, advancement and sustainable development for the country.
Dr. Mustapha Ahmadu
Chairman, Restore Nigeria Project writes from Kano and can be reached via dr.mustapha.ahmadu@gmail.com
Immediate past Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ayade on Humanitarian Affairs, Martha Agba has declared her intention to run for the position of member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku in the Federal Housing of Representatives in the forthcoming General election in 2023.
Ms. Agba declared her intention to occupy the legislative seat when she met with party stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Obanliku LGA of Cross River State.
Addressing party stakeholders in Obanliku, Ms. Agba stated that she was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor at the age of 27. She appreciated Governor Ayade for supporting and trusting young people with critical leadership positions. She pledged her commitment towards the development of the Constituency.
Receiving the aspirant, the Chapter Chairman of the APC in Obanliku LGA, Mr. George Ejikang stated that the party will continue to support aspirants till the final day of primaries. Mr. Ejikang also spoke extensively on the need for ward chairmen to collaborate with groups and aspirants to ensure people are able to register and get their permanent voter’s card. He also appealed to the leadership of the party to entrust more women with elective positions.
In his brief remarks, the leader of the LG legislative Council noted that Mrs. Agba is the first aspirant to officially declare intention to run for the office, he encouraged
In his remarks, the leader of persons with disabilities, Mr. Thankgod Akolea appreciated Governor Ayade for sending Ms. Martha Agba during the heat COVID19 to distribute palliative items, stating that those items were able to cushion the effect of the pandemic on his family. Adding that he believes Ms. Agaba will do more if given the opportunity to represent at the National level.