The Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna went agog as hundreds of thousands of PDP faithful welcomed Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate to the state. In the entourage includes but not restricted to, former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, Senate President and campaign DG, Dr. Bukola Saraki, PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who is fondly called the Turakin Adamawa.
Nigerians who were present did not believe their eyes as the mammoth crowd trouped out in their numbers to chant praises of the Presidential candidate under whose watch the GSM was brought into Nigeria. Every person in the crowd was highly ecstatic as the candidate reeled out his plans to get Nigeria working again.
In his speech, he attacked hunger and attacked the poverty mentality of the APC, which has led Nigeria into recession. Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi who was also present, beckoned on the multitude present to support Atiku and the PDP at all cost for a better economy, better security and better business environment.
A lot of other politicians who spoke, castigated the anti-people policies of the APC which sees the President and cronies making money at the detriment of the people. The rally ended with the national anthem and a very happy and satisfied crowd.
The Atikulated Youth Force (AYF), a youth mobilization campaign for PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar has congratulated Dr Oby Ezekwesili on her exit from the 2019 presidential race and urged her to take a look at the Atiku Plan because it already addresses a lot of the issues her now defunct presidential campaign is passionate about. The group acknowledged her passion and respectfully called on her to join and support the Atikulated movement.
In a statement released by Stanley Ebosie on Thursday morning, the group said while it disagrees with Ezekwesili on several issues, it is time to get everyone on the moving train to get Nigeria working again.
“We respectfully call on her, to take another look at the Atiku Plan which details a blueprint of his vision for Nigeria. Atiku Abubakar has made a commitment to support and push for devolution of power to the lower tiers of government. Let’s consider a Local Government that has more autonomy, and the effect it will have on the improvement of basic education and primary healthcare. Let’s consider how the people of a State will hold their State governments more accountable seeing that the government has more control of the resources and assets available to it, surely this will help the fight against corruption, promote competitive development and accountability.
“We recall that the first time Ezekwesili had an opportunity to showcase her abilities in the governance of Nigeria, it was under a PDP administration that she is now disgruntled about. Wouldn’t she rather return to her first love – the PDP and help rebuild Nigeria under an Atiku presidency? We equally recall that she earned her public sector reform credentials as ‘Madam Due Process’ under the PDP administration of Obasanjo and Atiku as President and Vice President, respectively. What changed?
“Whatever coalition Ezekwesili is seeking to build with other ‘third force’ candidates, 22 days to a presidential election is dead on arrival. The only plausible thing to do at this point is support Atiku to beat Buhari at the polls. Anything short of this is an ego trip that risks everything about the future of Nigeria on the altar of ineffectual self-glorification. We earnestly await Ezekwesili’s return to reality and when that happens, we would be excited to welcome her to her true home – the PDP. Even her former boss and mentor, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is already Atikulated”, the statement said.
Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in keeping with the demand of protocol, accords President Muhammadu Buhari warm reception at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu en route to Anambra State for an official engagement.
The President will also attend his presidential campaign in Enugu later today.
Peter Obi Shuts Down Ladipo, Computer Village, Festac, Others at Short Notice
The Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, Mr. Peter Obi has reiterated his support for a pro-business administration with his impromptu visit to markets in Lagos, to understand first hand, what they go through. The visit ended up becoming a carnival of some sort, as the traders in the markets closed their shops, shut down the streets, while chanting praises of the two term Governor of Anambra State.
Recall that while Obi was Governor of Anambra State, he ran an anti-wastage government which cut down on cost of running governance, starting from selling off the Governor’s lodge in Abuja, so he could fund education in the state. Anambra State later moved from 28th in education across the country to 1st because of this radical initiative by Obi. He was welcomed in the most joyous of ways with jubilant crowd, chanting and singing songs with his name.
Victory in the North as Atiku Bags Jigawa and Kano
Till today, the biggest miracle of Nigeria is the freeness and fairness of the Port-Harcourt PDP convention. This has since united every other PDP aspirant under Atiku’s candidacy, including the former Governors of Jigawa and Kano State; Alhaji Sule Lamido, and Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso respectively. Now that a notable Northerner, North-Easterner, Fulani and Muslim for that matter is contesting against Buhari, Jigawa and Kano have firmly fallen into the warm hands of the PDP. This is seen in the numerous rallies conducted by the PDP in the state and of course the loss of Goodwill by the Buhari administration in the State concerning the duo of hunger and security.
Musa Kwankwaso has been given the role of conquering Kano State with his Kwankwassiyya movement, which has seen massive boost following Ganduje’s bribery scandal. This amounts to no other outcome than a repeat of the Yaradua hurricane of 2007 which saw even Buhari scrambling for votes in Daura. Adamawa? Atiku won the state in 2007 under a smaller party, and surely will win the state under PDP, in 2019. Just like every other myth, Buhari is seen to have never lost a state in the north since he started contesting. This has since been debunked with the Yaradua massive victory. Now that Jigawa, Kano and Adamawa are in the bag, what next?
When he assumed office as Lagos State Commissioner of Police in 2017, Mr. Imohimi Edgal left no one in doubt of his determination to offer exemplary service and ensure adequate protection of lives and property in the Centre of Excellence. In an interaction with reporters soon after his appointment became effective, Imohimi Edgal said, “I told my officers and men that my passion for this assignment means that if I have to dine with the devil with a long spoon to ensure that Lagosians live in peace and happiness, I will do so. I intend to partner with everybody. I want to assure His Excellency that during my own watch, he will have no cause for complaint or concern”.
Of course, many of his colleagues in the police force took his pledge with a pinch of salt. It was whispered that Edgal was appointed Commissioner of Police in Lagos State simply because he was a schoolmate and a very close friend of the governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode. Those who belonged to this school of thought argued that Edgal’s immediate predecessor in office, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, had performed with distinction and did not deserve to be shoved aside so peremptorily and unfairly.
There were, however, those who contended that Edgal’s being a classmate and friend to the incumbent governor of Lagos State should not become an albatross on his career in the Nigeria Police Force. What matters most, they contended, was the capability and competence of the man to discharge the duties of the office effectively and efficiently. Even as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Lagos State, Edgal had shown what stuff he was made of ever before his posting as Commissioner of Police in the state.
For instance, he frontally confronted the menace of the violent Badoo cult group that had terrorized the people of Ikorodu for long kidnapping, killing and dehumanizing innocent citizens. To achieve this objective, he mobilized members of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Ikorodu local vigilante, Directorate of State Services (DSS), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corp and traditionalists in a collaborative effort that has practically wiped out the cult and brought a halt to its activities. He is also acknowledged as playing a key role in the successful rescue of the six students of Lagos Model College, Igbonla, Epe, who were kidnapped from the school premises on May, 25, 2017.
There is no doubt that Mr. Imohimi Edgal came well prepared for the job both academically and also in terms of rich operational experience. In the academic sphere, he graduated as a student of Art from the University of Jos in 1984 and also obtained a Masters degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos in 2004. Apart from attending several courses organized by the Department for International Development (DFID) based in the UK, he also obtained a Certificate of National Security for Nigeria’s Defense Intelligence at the Centre of Strategic studies, Galilee International Management Institute, Israel, among others.
As a police field officer, Mr. Edgal, who enlisted in the NPF as a cadet ASP on February 2, 1986, has served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Shomolu, Ikeja and Surulere police Divisions in Lagos before his promotion first as Chief Superintendent of Police and later Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area ‘A’ Command, Lagos. But it is exactly because of his professional experience and track record as well as academic attainments that the violence, which disrupted the Tuesday, January 8th, All Progressives Congress (APC)’s flag off campaign in Lagos by hoodlums on CP Edgal’s watch is inexcusable and indefensible.
For one, the Lagos State police headquarters is a stone throw from the venue of the rally, which is the Sky Power Ground, Ikeja. Of course, the police authorities cannot claim they were unaware that an event of such magnitude would be holding right behind their headquarters. How could such a large number of thugs armed with knives, cutlasses, guns and charms gain access unchallenged into the venue of the rally? After all, election campaign rallies have taken place at that venue at election seasons in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015. Not even when the PDP, in control at the centre expressed its determination to ‘conquer’ Lagos by all means and at all costs have we witnessed such horrendous acts of violence as took place at the APC flag off campaign for the governorship election. This kind of atrocity never happened under Imohimi Edgal’s predecessors in the last 20 years.
Was Mr. Imohimi Edgal aware that the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, would be in attendance at the event? Was he aware that the APC governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo -Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, would be in attendance? If yes, what explained the tardiness in the security arrangements to guarantee the safety of lives and property? Is it true that the Commissioner of Police met with leaders of the feuding factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and extracted a promise from them to keep the peace at the rally? As a seasoned police officer that he is, should Edgal not have mobilized his men to provide massive and water tight security at the venue just in case the NURTW factions did not keep their word just as ultimately happened?
This incident remains an indelible stain on Mr. Edgal’s hitherto spotless garment of exemplary professionalism. Unfortunately, all kinds of conspiracy theories are being read into his perceived lukewarm attitude to providing maximum security at the Sky Power Ground, venue of the APC flag off campaign rally. For instance, one theory has it that as a school mate and close friend of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Edgal was piqued at the governor’s loss in his party’s primaries and was thus part of a plot to cause mayhem at the rally in order to create the impression of the APC as a fractious and badly divided party going into the elections.
Of course, there is no way to prove this kind of allegation but such insinuations and speculations are bound to arise when such a grave security lapse occurs on the watch of a CP who is otherwise highly experienced and competent. Mr. Edgal, by his inexplicable negligence has done great damage to the image of Governor Ambode, a man who has received high praise in diverse quarters for accepting the outcome of his party’s primaries with equanimity and philosophical calmness.
Perhaps sensing that CP Edgal has become a divisive, partisan and contentious figure in the unfolding political scenario in Lagos State, the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, deployed him to police headquarters in Abuja and moved CP Kayode Egbetokun to Lagos as Acting Commissioner of Police.
Just as happened when Mr. Edgal was posted to Lagos as Acting CP, there has been outcry in some quarters against Egbetokun’s initial appointment. Those who oppose his occupying the office of Commissioner of Police in Lagos State do not question Egbetokun’s academic brilliance or unstinted professional record over the years. Their grouse is that he was posted to serve as Chief Security Officer of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration about 20 years ago! They claim that his deployment to Lagos as CP is part of the plan to rig elections in favour of the APC in Lagos. This is probably why the new Acting IGP, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has directed that the status quo be maintained in the Lagos State police command.
Egbetokun joined the NPF as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on March 3, 1990. He has served with distinction in various capacities over the years including Chief Security Officer to the Lagos State governor from 1999-2005, Commissioner of Police Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Commissioner of Police Servicom, the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Deputy Commandant, Police College, Ikeja, Commandant, Police Training School, Ikeja, Area Commander, Gusau, Zamfara State, Area Commander, Osogbo, Osun Sttae, Commander, Rapid Response Squad, Lagos, Squadron Commander, Mopol 5, Benin, and Officer in charge, Anti-Fraud, Federal Capital Territory among others.
Furthermore, Mr Egbetokun holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, Postgraduate diploma in Computer Science, and an M.Sc in Engineering Analysis, all from the University of Lagos. He also obtained a post graduate diploma in Petroleum Economics from Delta State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Lagos State University, Ojo. This is apart from a number of professional training courses he has attended at home and abroad. Should such a brilliant officer be denied his legitimate career progression just because he was posted by the police authorities to serve as a governor’s Chief Security Officer some 20 years ago?
Egbetokun was not involved in elections in 2007, 2011 and 2015, yet the PDP was unable to ‘capture’ Lagos as its leaders had often threatened to do. Indeed, in the 2018 election in Osun, Egetokun was the DPO who oversaw police operations in Ikire and PDP won in that local government because of his principled commitment to free and fair elections.
Can critical and substantial sections of the political class trust Imohimi Edgal to be a dispassionate professional in Lagos in the forthcoming election? I doubt it. Just as under his watch gun totting hoodlums and rival NURTW factions could have easy access into the venue of a political rally to kill, maim and cause mayhem, can Imohimi Edgal be trusted to maintain law and order and enforce the peace on election day? I doubt it. Edgal’s professionalism, objectivity and emotional detachment are badly tainted. He has become a liability rather an asset to the NPF in Lagos.
Members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the South East geo political zone have unanimously endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for a second term in office for entrenching peace and good governance as well as his accommodating gesture in governance.
The jubilant cattle breeders, who trooped out in their numbers to the Government House, Enugu, on a solidarity visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi, described him as a “kind, accommodating, ever focused and progressive governor” and promised him that “no single vote from us will miss during the governorship election”.
Presenting their stance, the chairman of the association, Alhaji Didado Sidikki, appreciated the governor for his “manifest love for our people living in Enugu State”, informing him that “we freely carry the message of your welcoming attitude to our kiths and kin in the Northern parts of Nigeria”.
“We do this as proof that the oneness that Nigerian leaders preach is in practice in Your Excellency’s domain”, the group said.
They also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi “for setting the pace for enduring peace amongst the people of Nigeria”, stressing that “Gburugburu is a true representation of that leader who is ever willing to accommodate and protect Nigerians plying their legitimate trade under his watch in Enugu State”.
Applauding the governor’s spirit of tolerance “at the moments of trial consequent upon the dynamics of a growing society”, the group said that the governor has involved them in the governance of the state through “strategic appointments and recognitions” and equally “demonstrated true leadership”. They maintained that Gov Ugwuanyi is “our model” and a leader who should be emulated.
“Having considered all these Your Excellency, our people unanimously raise our voices in supporting your acceptance to have a second shot at the governance of Enugu State through the instrumentality of the coming gubernatorial elections.
“We lend our weight in support of your re-election project as we share the belief that when a route is good you make it twice.
“Our experience of your shade of governance commands appeal, and we can do no less than give you our unalloyed support and votes to ensure that your re-election mission is duly accomplished. This we wish to demonstrate in clear terms”, they declared.
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked them for the solidarity and endorsement, reiterating that his administration’s commitment to the oneness of the people living in Enugu State, irrespective of class, religion, ethnicity or political leaning.
The governor appreciated the non-indigenes for their contributions to the peace and development in the state, which he said has brought enormous progress, proclaiming that “by the special grace of God 2019 will end in praise”.
The Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on election duty to help the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) win the forthcoming general elections in the state.
The presidential election, including national assembly elections, holds on February 16, while the governorship and state house of assembly is on March 2.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as it has become the practice, would be using NYSC members as ad hoc officials for the conduct of the elections.
Mr Emmanuel made the shocking appeal on Saturday at a political rally in Obot Akara Local Government Area of the state.
The governor after acknowledging the presence of his wife, Martha, and other dignitaries at the rally, went on to ask if there were NYSC members at the rally.
“Yes!” some voices responded from the crowd.
“You are the ones that will do elections!” Mr Emmanuel said from the stage where he stood to address the rally.
“You know how you do it!
“When you are doing it, remember PDP!
“When you are doing it, remember PDP-o!” the governor said.
“Gowon is a member of PDP, in case you don’t know,” the governor continued, after asking the crowd if they knew who started the NYSC programme in the country.
The NYSC is a scheme for Nigerian youth in place of mandatory military conscription which is non-existent in the country.
The programme was initiated in 1973 during the military administration of Yakubu Gowon.
Mr Gowon, 83, is not known to be currently involved in partisan politics.
At the Obot Akara rally, Mr Emmanuel expressed hope that the PDP candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West District election, Chris Ekpenyong, would defeat the incumbent senator, Godswill Akpabio.
Mr Akpabio, a former governor of the state, is seeking re-election as a senator under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The senator had defected from the PDP to the APC in August last year, igniting a political storm in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria.
“I can sign my signature on him, he will not betray you people, and he will not betray PDP” Governor Emmanuel said at the rally while soliciting votes for the PDP candidate, Mr Ekpenyong. “Nobody loves Obot Akara and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District like Chris Ekpenyong.”
The governor urged the people of Obot Akara to give Mr Ekpenyong 100 per cent votes in the election.
He said it would make a perfect combination for Mr Ekpenyong to be at Abuja, while he, as governor, controls the state.
“I have checked records, this is the first time Obot Akara is going to produce a senator,” he added.
The governor, who said his administration has built roads and bridges in Obot Akara, promised to do more for the area if he is elected for a second term.
In his remarks at the rally, Mr Ekpenyong told Governor Emmanuel, “We have finished campaigns, we have finished the election. We are only waiting for the D-day.
“We know how to do elections,” he assured Mr Emmanuel. “When we finish in Obot Akara we will move on to another part of the state to give support to those who don’t know how to vote.”
The governor smiled.
Mr Ekpenyong warned those who have “federal might” not to dare step foot on Obot Akara and the entire state on the Election Day.
“We will surely extend our boundary from Obot Akara to all parts of Akwa Ibom,” he said.
Yesterday, 17th of January 2019, had Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Senate President, Bukola Saraki, landing in Washington D.C, U.S. As opposed to speculations, the presidential candidate visited the US, to meet with the US Chamber of Commerce, the US Congress, Nigerians in Diaspora and the Business community.
Speculations of a likely US support of an Atiku presidency have been on and out, but the candidate gave life to the speculation when he referenced the huge support he enjoys across the US government, in an Interview in Hausa by VOA’s Aliyu Mustapha. Atiku when asked about the US support for him, stated; “There is no doubt because the United State is ready to support any country that is practicing democracy.”
Recall that the U.S African Mission in a tweet, stated that there are 13.5m out of school children in 2018. What many saw as a normal tweet, was misread by many as a frontal US support for Atiku’s candidacy. Also, considering that the Government of Donald Trump and the policies of Atiku Abubakar all have same free market and jobs outlook to trade and business, this might be another point of meeting between the two.
Furthermore, there is no bigger show of this support than several meetings held by the candidate, with House members in the US, including House members heading the Homeland Security. This will largely boost the chances of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi emerging as the President and Vice President of Nigeria, after the General election, since Nigerians are keen to know if their future president can work well with their biggest trading partners.
His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (represented by his deputy, Hon. Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo), receives Vanguard Governor of the Year 2018 Award.
Truly Enugu State is truly in the hands of God! #amokelouis
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, ably represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, receives "The Independent Governor of the Year 2018 for Grassroots Development Award" in recognition of his administration's rural infrastructure development strides in addressing the age-long rural-urban drift for socio-economic expansion of the state.
Vanguard Newspapers will tomorrow, January 18, also honour him as the 2018 Vanguard Governor of the Year.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God. #amokelouis
Live from the Independent Awards in Lagos, where His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, ably represented his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, will receive The Independent Governor of the Year 2018 for Grassroots Development Award.
Details later...
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.#amokelouis
Former Nigerian Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the PDP, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, has arrived at Dulles International Airport, in the United States of America.
During his working visit to Washington DC, PDP Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar will engage in bilateral meetings with a high powered, bi-partisan delegation of US congressmen who are deeply concerned and troubled about the future of democracy in Nigeria.
The delegation is seeking Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s views on how best the United States can support Nigeria in ensuring democracy at all levels and more importantly ensuring the will of the people prioritised at all times.
His Excellency will have several other meetings with business leaders, high ranking US government officials, thought leaders and Nigerians in the diaspora.
A picture of Senator Muhammed Hassan representing Yobe South Senatorial district doing the 4+4 sign has come up.
The sitting senator who is also the PDP candidate of the PDP for the district has raise eyebrows. Remember that Senator Nafada of Gombe state also endorsed the President this week.
The President and Vice President of Nigeria; Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osibanjo, attended a Town Hall Meeting covered by NTA International. Issues were raised ranging from the economy, to security and to the President’s health. However, an astounding theme that ran across all of the interview, is the President’s health, which clearly has become worse.
Recall that earlier, the President almost fell down in a rally in Kogi State. This might be the reason why he handed his campaign to Bola Tinubu. Even at that, the Town Hall showed signs of his low comprehension and early signs of dementia.
Firstly, the President took more time than usual to process each question coming from the reporter; Kadaria Ahmed. Also, the President always wanted the question to be repeated, unlike his VP, who picked up the questions of the host easily. The 72 years old president was in a UK hospital in 2018, for 106 days, wherein there was speculations he underwent major surgeries. Perhaps, the after effect of such medications are coming back.
The height of the President’s incoherence and low comprehension was manifested in his inability to answer questions correctly. This usually prompted the VP to step in and answer questions on his behalf. This left the reporter asking the VP rather sternly, to allow the President talk for himself.
For instance, on the issue of the welfare of the soldiers in the front line, the president stated that the angry soldiers will be court martialed and punished if found guilty. On solving the problem if farmer-herdsmen crisis, the president gave a brief history of the grazing routes of the first republic.
Remember that this has been tens of years and houses and communities have sprung up in those routes. The host had to remind the president that Nigerians need 2019 solutions and not 1979 solutions. On the issue of Almajiri, the president stated that the press must investigate governors’ funding of the local government.
Lastly, the president was asked about the Ganduje bribery scandal and he stated that he saw the video of Ganduje taking bribe and smiling, but he is not sure of the technology that was used, and is waiting for the Kano State legislators to act on this.
This then raises the question; if the press is supposed to investigate governors for Local government funds as prescribed by Buhari as a solution to the Almajiri problem, why has the president not acted on the Ganduje bribery video clip?
A woman, Ocheido Marie had this to say about the difficulty disabled people go through walking into Nigerian banks Dear @gtbank, As a wheelchair user, I have some concerns over the way your facilities exclude me from your services. Of all Nigerian Banks, GTBank is my favourite because I can go an entire year with zero complaints and as such I don't have any reason to visit your banking halls
Please can this be addressed for the sakes of others? Recently, however, I needed to access my NGO's account and pick up a new debit card and I had to visit your branch in Kubwa which is closest to me. It gave me great pleasure to see that there were disability ramps in place for people like me but on going up, I quickly realised that my wheelchair would not be able to pass through your mantrap doors. Some of your other branches, along with the narrow doors, do not even have ramps in place for people with special needs (as shown in the picture).
Over 20 million Nigerians have a disability, some of which requires that they make use of wheelchairs. You can agree with me then that it is very unfair to build your facilities like this without consideration for wheelchair users who also require your services.
Politics › Re: Jubilation As Hundreds Of Thousands Of PDP Faithfuls Welcome Atiku In Kaduna by Chikiletta(op): 5:24pm On Jan 24, 2019
