₦airaland Forum

SPOKESPERSON of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bayo Ononuga has said the party’s candidate Bola Tinubu would win the presidential election at the first ballot.

Speaking during a Twitter Space organised by The ICIR on Saturday, February 11, Onanuga also rejected polls which projected a rerun in the presidential election.

The Twitter Space was themed, ‘The APC Strategy: Defining The Tinubu Manifesto’

Despite most of the pre-election polls being conducted with data, Onanuga dismissed them as lacking in empirical evidence, describing them as ‘armchair polls’

Several polls have been conducted prior to the forthcoming presidential election, with recent ones by NEXIER and Bloomberg predicting the victory of Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi.

NEXIER in its polls earlier reported noted that although Obi had the highest poll, it is unlikely to give him outright victory in the first ballot.

According to the Bloomberg, two-thirds of respondents said they intend to vote for Obi.

The results of the survey conducted for Bloomberg News by Premise Data Corp were published on Friday – 15 days before the vote to choose President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.

Of the 93 per cent of participants who said they have decided how to vote, 66 per cent named Obi as their preferred choice.

However, Onanuga said Tinubu is the candidate to beat in the election.

According to him, Tinubu’s chances are further boosted with control of 21 states by the ruling APC and underground support being offered by some of the G-5 governors of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He also expressed concerns over reports published on the APC candidate by some media houses.

“Many media houses attacking our principal have an agenda, and that is part of the reasons why we don’t respond to call door interviews by such media outfits.”

Onanuga noted that the APC is sure of victory as a result of findings from field reports and internal polls conducted by an internal organ of the Presidential Campaign Council.

Despite admitting the key challenges of the current administration to consist of security and economy, he said there are lots of positives to take away from the current administration.

“Buhari is an unlucky President. He needs to be given kudos in most of his legacy projects like the second Niger Bridge, investments in roads and airports infrastructure,” he said.

Onanuga, in the same vein, assured that Tinubu’s administration, with the mandate of renewed hope, would provide solutions to the key problems of insecurity and economy.

PRESS STATEMENT

FUEL AND NEW NAIRA NOTES SCARCITY: FIFTH COLUMNISTS WORKING IN CAHOOTS WITH PDP

Nigerians should no longer be in doubt about those working in cahoots with fifth columnists in the system to inflict avoidable pains on our hapless people for political end.

No sooner Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu empathised with the Nigerian people facing the dual crises of fuel and new Naira notes scarcity, than the opposition PDP and the Atiku camp issued a knee-jerk response, derailing from the issues, distorting Asiwaju’s statement and trying, in vain, to create a wedge between our presidential candidate and President Muhammadu Buhari.

When the guilty are afraid of being uncovered, they try to push back with red-herring

For the records, Asiwaju Tinubu during APC campaign rally at Abeokuta on Wednesday, in his statement, did not mention, blame or accuse President Muhammadu Buhari for the current challenges in the country.

Asiwaju Tinubu was only adverting Government’s attention to the sabotage being carried out by some Fifth Columnists in the system, possibly working in cahoots with the PDP.

The CBN officials, including Governor Godwin Emefiele have said many times that enough new Naira notes have been supplied to the banks, yet our people complain that they have not been able to get the new notes.

In recent days, many ATMs are either not working or when working they are dispensing the old notes, just a few days to the January 31 deadline.

Similarly, Asiwaju Tinubu is aware of the salutary efforts by President Buhari to end the fuel queues, by chairing a 14-man panel. Yet the queues and agony continue.

For a presidential candidate, who cares about the suffering of our people, he has a duty to warn government that its efforts to make life better for Nigerians are being sabotaged on several fronts.

Our presidential candidate only re-echoed what is well known and acknowledged, even by President Buhari himself at different fora: That there are Fifth Columnists in and outside of government who often throw spanners in the works against good intentions and programmes of the government.

How does an advisory genuinely made by Asiwaju Tinubu to protect and create goodwill for the government of his party become an attack? It can only be so in the jaundiced view of the PDP.

It is in this light we found amusing the directionless Atiku Campaign's bagful of mischief in their hurriedly put together press statement meant to gain shameful mileage from the suffering of Nigerians.

PDP and Atiku should remember not to get high on their own smoke. No political blackmail and an attempt to create a conflict between Tinubu and his long-term ally, President Muhammadu Buhari can succeed.

We have bad news for Atiku and his handlers: their latest mischief is therefore doomed to fail.

The Atiku rudderless campaign, always seeking cheap shots and easy ways has again woefully attempted to make a mountain out of a molehill from the comments made by Asiwaju Tinubu in Abeokuta.

As a patriotic and compassionate leader, Asiwaju Tinubu will not stomach seeing ordinary Nigerians being made to face excessive difficulties over mundane issues due to activities of petrol and currency hoarders.

As a proud leader of the APC, Asiwaju Tinubu would not also look indifferent as his party and the government get dirtied with black brush at a critical time like this, whether he is a candidate or not.

Atiku camp’s hasty move to mine political capital out of the clearly difficult situation betrays his campaign’s possible connivance, due to its desperation.

As Asiwaju said in Abeokuta, these orchestrated hardships will not stop his impending victory come 25 February. Nigerians shall surely vote for a party that is working to solve all the problems and mess created by the PDP for which their presidential candidate was an integral part in the, largely, 16 unproductive years they spent in government.

Atiku and his team can continue their indulgence in fake news and twisted narratives, they cannot change the minds of majority of Nigerians who have long rejected the PDP and Atiku, after their 16 wasted years in power.

Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media & Publicity
APC Presidential Campaign Council
January 26, 2023

ON ALHAJI TANKO YAKASAI’S QUESTIONING OF THE PRESIDENT’S SUPPORT OF APC AT THE FORTHCOMING ELECTION.

"Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is unknown to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Everyone is entitled to their view, but what we do know is that his insight in a recent interview does not come from within the party or the President’s team. His support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is welcome although it is difficult to see what value it will add.

"He is right to highlight his experience as a senior citizen, a leader in government and ability to reach out across divides are strong foundations for the highest office.

"But Yakasai’s questioning of the loyalties of President Muhammadu Buhari stands in sharp contrast to the actions of the President. Only on Monday, he was out at a rally in Bauchi supporting the flag bearer of the party. Presidential duties permitting, he is scheduled to make further appearances at campaign events in the coming weeks.

''His support for the party’s candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is unquestioned.

"If this wasn't on TV, Yakasai's unwise comment on the issue would have been dismissed as a misquotation. But he was live on TV.

"On this one against President Buhari, no one should take him seriously.

"Perhaps times are hard and the old man needs a bit of help."

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 25, 2023

Obama’s rival in 2008 US election, Sen. McCain had a deformity in one hand. Obama’s team showed him respect & NEVER mocked him for it. But here, a VP candidate laughs as a clown falls on stage to mock another candidate. It’s the height of imbecility. They owe Nigerians an apology

The Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa has sacked the State Executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state with the nullification of the ward, local government and state congresses held between September 3 and 4, 2021 and October 16, 2021.

According to Justice Timipre .J Corcordia the High Court on Friday upheld the eight prayers of the plaintiff over the issue of exclusion, anomalies and disobedience to court order over the conduct of the congresses.

The suit, numbered YHC/107/2021,which was filed by some aggrieved members of the party in the state, Ompadec Victor, Esuenifen Obi, and Seimiegha Ebibofe Agbozu with the prayers seeking an Interim injunction stopping the conduct of the ward congress in the state.

Justice I.A Uzaka, however, had granted the interim injunction but the party went ahead with the conduct of the congresses which produced the Barr. Denis’s Otiotio-led State Executives and other executives at the ward and local government levels.

This is to inform the general public that this event is a scam. Wizkid and his management know nothing about this event and accordingly, he will not perform at the said event as claimed, so please beware of this poster and information put out from its organizers as Wizkid and his management will not be liable for any damages.

Appropriate legal action is currently being explored against the persons responsible for creating and disseminating this false information.

TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK: LASG MOVES TO REGULATE ACTIVITIES OF MAJOR, INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM MARKETERS

In view of the lingering fuel scarcity across the country, which has continued to affect the free flow of traffic in Lagos, the State Government has initiated moves to regulate the activities of Major and Independent Petroleum Marketers operating along major roads and traffic-prone areas within the State.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, noted that the move becomes imperative in order to check indiscriminate activities of motorists queuing to buy petroleum products and oftentimes impeding the free flow of traffic on some roads.

Oladeinde explained that Petroleum Marketers whose filling stations are situated on major highways and areas susceptible to traffic will henceforth be allowed to operate only between the hours of 9 am to 4 pm daily, pending when the fuel shortage crisis subsides.

He added that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Transport Operations Compliance Unit (TOCU) and other Law Enforcement Agencies have been charged to ensure a seamless flow of traffic across the State.

The Commissioner, therefore, implored all major and Independent Petroleum Marketers operating across the State to comply with the directive to avoid sanctions.

#LASG
#LagosIsRising

Oluremi, the wife of Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged Nigerians to ‘drive out’ her husband if he’s elected president of Nigeria and fails to perform.

Mrs Tinubu, currently representing Lagos Central senatorial district at the National Assembly, also asked Nigerians to not be focused on the religious leaning of whoever takes over the presidential seat.

“Let’s leave religion aside; I am a Christian. Have you ever thought that one day a Christian-Christian candidate would emerge? What would be the reference point?

“We have tried the Muslim-Christian ticket, let us try this one too and after four years if they don’t do well, you can drive them out,” she said on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo.

Mr Tinubu, a former Lagos governor, is among eighteen candidates contesting the February 25 presidential election.

He would be contesting the seat with other top candidates including Messrs Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (LP), and Rabi’u Kwankwaso (NNPP).

Speaking at the South-East women’s rally for Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign in Imo, Mrs Tinubu said next month’s election should be about capacity to perform with the fear of God, not religion.

“When you have a person who fears God, not a person who is a Christian or Catholic or Muslim, but a God-fearing person. When a man who fears God is in power, he will treat you right,” she added.

Assuring that women would form a large percentage of her husband’s administration, the wife of the APC presidential candidate urged women to continue to rally their support for Mr Tinubu’s candidacy.

Mrs Tinubu also stressed that the election was about a renewed hope of a country that is safe with investment in entrepreneurship and human capital.

“This is work time for Nigeria. We are not playing games. Women, we will remember you and I can assure you that Asiwaju for sure will remember you.

“So, the Tinubu/Shettima have a big package for our youth. We will sit down and work with every region on their needs,” she said.

President Muhammadu Buhari has recalled how during his private meeting at the White House with former President, Donald Trump, the then US leader had asked him “why are you killing Christians in Nigeria.”

Buhari according to a release by spokesperson, Femi Adesina, on Tuesday said he then proceeded to tell him (Trump) that the issue in the country was not religious, but rather criminal, and a usage of religion by some elements was to further their economic, and sometimes, political interests.

According to the release, Buhari spoke at Nouakchott, Mauritania, Tuesday, while meeting with Rashad Hussain, United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.

The Nigerian president said some people hid under the canopy of religion to advance their economic and political agenda, and continuous education was needed so that the larger populace would not be hoodwinked.

The statement partly read, “Recounting his private meeting at the White House with former President Donald Trump, the Nigerian leader recalls Trump asking him: “why are you killing Christians in Nigeria,” and how he proceeded to tell him that the issue in the country was not religious, but rather criminal, and a usage of religion by some elements to further their economic, and sometimes, political interests.

“It’s a problem Nigeria has been struggling with for a long time, and it is completely unnecessary,” President Buhari said. “Some people use religion as sentiment, but with adequate education, people are seeing through it now. Majority of the people just want to practice their religion without problem, but some people cash in on religious misunderstanding for their own ends.

“When people are educated, they are able to discern when others want to use religion for certain ends. They do it mostly for material reasons. Also, when some people are incompetent, they bring in all sorts of excuses, including religion.”

“Ambassador Hussain said the United States of America is interested in partnering with Nigeria in the areas of formal and non-formal education, towards religious harmony.

“There’s so much we can do together to promote peace, promote communal harmony. We love what you are doing, and we would be glad to assist as appropriate,” he said.”

An Ikeja Special Offences Court presided over by Justice Mojisola Dada sentenced a 32-year-old vulcaniser, Chidozie Onyinchiz to death by hanging on Tuesday for robbing a nurse of N57,000.

Justice Dada held that the prosecution had proved the three-count-charge of conspiracy, armed robbery and membership of an unlawful society against Onyinchiz.

Dada said the convict’s attempt to wriggle out of the charges was futile.

This, she said was because he had earlier confirmed to the police at Igando, Lagos, that his victim, Mrs Veronica Uwayzor sighted him and they both recognised each other at the time of the offence.

“The defendant had stated that the complainant pointed at him as one of the boys armed with a pair of scissors and forcefully snatched her bag containing N57,000 at Akesan Bus Stop.

“The complainant had stated that neither the defendant nor his accomplice, Ediri Endurance, (still at large) wore masks which made it possible for her to easily recognise Onyinchiz few hours after the robbery.

“The first statement of the defendant which he made at Igando Police Station confirmed that he and Ediri went to Akesan Bus Stop on the day of the robbery.

“Onyinchiz admitted to belonging to an unlawful society as he stated that: `this is my first time of coming to Akesan to steal. I was initiated into Eiye Confraternity in 2009 but I have not killed before.’

“The same information of him being a vulcaniser was also contained in the statement he made at Igando police station and the one he made at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad office at Ikeja.

“In his confessional statement, Onyinchiz stated that he met Ediri Endurance in a public bus and Endurance took him to his father’s house after the bus developed fault.

“He also stated that they ended up sleeping in an uncompleted building because Endurance’s father did not open the door for them to spend the night in his house.

“The statement corroborated the submission of the victim that she was accosted at about 4.30 a.m. by two boys holding an iron rod and a pair of scissors on the day of the incident.

“She said the two boys were the ones who robbed her.

“The totality of the evidence before the court is compelling and I find the defendant guilty of the charges preferred against him.

“He is hereby sentenced to death by hanging and may God have mercy on his soul,’’ Justice Dada said.

The state prosecutor, Mrs Afolake Onayinka had earlier told the court the convict committed the offences with an accomplice still at large on Aug.12, 2018.

Onayinka submitted that the complainant ran into a white garment church after the defendant robbed her.

The shepherd of the church alerted landlords in the area which led to the arrest of Onyinchiz while Endurance escaped, she said.

Onayinka submitted that the offences contravened the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

To many Nigerians, democracy has produced few benefits. Since 2015 President Muhammadu Buhari has presided over worsening security, corruption, and two recessions.

Nollywood actor cum broadcaster, Patrick Doyle, has remarried years after parting ways with his wife, Ireti Doyle.

The couple went their separate ways about three years ago, however, the reasons for their separation were not stated.

The two kept their separation a secret until the actress stated that they were officially divorced in a recent interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo.

According to the actress, she had no business with marriage when she became a mother.

She also questioned her choice of spouse but didn’t hit the nail on the head as to what led to her divorce.

Barely a few hours after her interview, pictures of Doyle and his new wife where they were signing the dotted lines in a marriage registry also surfaced online.

In the video, the two stood together in a loved-up position while taking pictures.

The woman revealed they got married in March when Doyle celebrated his birthday.

She thanked God for the successful event while flaunting her engagement ring in the video.

Popular on air media personality, Kayode ‘Do2dtun’ Oladotun has been summoned by the police over domestic violence claims by his ex-wife.

Documents obtained by Punch shows that the media personality was summoned by the police for questioning on January 16, at 11:00 a.m.

“This is to formally invite you in respect of an ongoing investigation at the SWAT/FCIID, Abuja on Monday, January 16, 2023, at 11:00 am for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, through DSP Umar Ubali,” the document reads.

In December 2022, Do2dtun called out his brother-in-law Dbanj, following which his wife and sister to the Kokolet crooner, filed for divorce.

Omotayo claimed that her husband forced her to abort her third pregnancy in addition to the domestic violence and emotional abuse she experienced during the time of their union.

“Anyways, @iambangalee of life, I have heard and read the spurious lies you, your half-baked lawyer and your family have fabricated with the press and the police and I promise you, I am ready for you.

“Since you have chosen to take the matter to the press, the entire world will now know how wicked, deceitful, ignorant and despicable you and your entire family are,” Do2dtun responded to his wife’s claims via Instagram.

Do2dtun and Omotayo got married in 2013 and share two children.

Dear Nigerians, don’t vote for any of the following thieving politicians:
-Atiku
-Tinubu
-Obi.

Don’t claim you were not warned. This post serves as an eternal warning. I call them thieving politicians because they stole public funds. The records are there.

If not that Nigeria is a hopeless country, none of the 3 leading thieves should be running for president. They should be in jail for their numerous corruption scandals.

Nollywood actress, Ireti Doyle has confirmed her divorce from veteran actor Patrick Doyle.

The 55-years-old made the confirmation in an interview with Chude Jideonwo saying: “We are officially divorced.”

The mother of six also corrected the impression that she had her first child at 17, noting that she was 19 when she became a mother.

Chude in his intro disclosed that the actress suffered physical and domestic violence as a teen.

She supported his claim by saying that she had no business getting married at the time she did, not to talk of who she chose to get married to.

The Tinsel actress said: “The truth of the matter is that I had no business being married at that time talk less of… let’s not even go to the choice of who I got married to.”

Ireti and Patrick Doyle got married in 2004 and have six children together, but lost one to sickle cell.

In 2017, Ireti moved out of the house after an undisclosed dispute with her husband.

Two years after, Patrick Doyle took to social media to publicly apologize to his wife after admitting he was the one who screwed up their relationship.

The 55-year-old actress is a writer, actor, producer, and presenter. She produced and presented her own fashion and lifestyle show titled Oge With Iretiola for ten years.

The Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Isaac Auta Zankai, and the member representing Zaria state constituency, Suleiman Dabo, have defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Labour Party in the state.

The Deputy Speaker is representing the Kauru state constituency in the state Assembly.

The National Secretary of the Labour Party and Chairman of the governorship Council, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, made the announcement while inaugurating the party’s 450-member Governorship Campaign Council and the unveiling of its manifesto in Kaduna on Thursday.

Ibrahim boasted that half of the state House of Assembly members were “Obi-Datti” apostles, noting that the support received from the calibre of personalities in the state, was an indication that the party was on the march to taking over political power both in the state and the national levels in the forthcoming general elections.

He said, “sincerely speaking, today is one of the happiest moments in my life. I have gone around to campaign for our presidential candidate, Peter Obi and I have received great receptions.

“I am particularly impressed by the calibres of personalities that grace this inauguration. In the entire northern states, we don’t have any personality that dumps APC and join Labour Party except in Kaduna State with the Deputy Speaker and another member from Zaria state constituency.”

The LP scribe also urged members of the party in the state to close ranks and unite so as to coast to victory in the forthcoming elections.

He counselled Nigerian youths, who formed the bulk of the Labour Party not to relent until Obi-Datti formed the next administration in the country as according to him, “power resides with the youths.”

Also speaking, the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Jonathan Asake, described the Labour Party Movement as “divine”, urging members of the campaign council to see their membership as a “call to service,” considering the current mood of the nation.

“This is a call to service because the mood in the nation is that the Labour Party must take over the nation. The mood of the nation is nothing other than the readiness of the youths to take over Kaduna and Nigeria so that the country will be a production nation and not a consuming nation.

“This is a divine movement and God’s hand is in the movement. May peace comes to Nigeria so that we may not experience hunger, or kidnapping again,” Asake, who’s also a former member of the House of Representatives, added.

Pastor David Ibiyeomie the founder and lead minister of Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, has banned his followers from enjoying their marital rights as the church commences twenty-one-day fasting.

Pastor Ibiyeomie on Sunday declared a 21-day fasting and prayer for the church.

To this end, he has ordered married couples in the church to suspend the consummation of their conjugational rights until the end of the 21 days of spiritual exercise.

Speaking during the church’s Sunday thanksgiving service for the year 2023, Pastor Ibiyeomie told his congregation that physical intimacy would not be allowed during the period of fasting, stating that abstinence from sex for only three weeks will not kill anyone.

Giving Bible references to back his claims, the cleric read recommended 1 Corinthians 7:5 for the couples.

The Bible scripture given by Pastor Ibiyeomi reads: “The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, – 1 Corinthians 7:5”.

Pastor Ibiyeomi charged couples who believe they can break their fasting with food and sexual affairs for the day to stir clear from it.
According to him, such kind of mentality is associated with persons who wish to twist the Bible to gratify their fleshly lust.

“Abstain from sex this fasting season because I’ve heard people say, ‘My husband said that once we break since we eat food, we should eat this one too’! So, ah! I’ve heard it! As a pastor, they say please talk to my husband that we are fasting”, the cleric said.

ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY, BAUCHI
OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

7th January, 2023

RE: HACKING OF THE ATBU VICE-CHANCELLOR'S SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES

The attention of the University Management is once again drawn despite the earlier issued disclaimer notice that, some people continue to fall into the trap of scammers in the name of transacting business with ATBU, through the hacked social media handles of the Vice-Chancellor.

The General Public is hereby once again reminded that the Facebook account and other social media handles of Prof. Muhammad A. AbdulAzeez, Vice-Chancellor of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi have been hacked by some individuals for their selfish purposes.

We therefore wish to reiterate to the general public to disregard any request(s) to offer contract, Job employment or seek any kind of assistance or to offer help to any individual(s) or company by the account of the Vice-Chancellor, ATBU, Bauchi.

The general public is to once again note that anybody that transact any business in the name of the said accounts does that at his or her own risk.

Signed
*KABIRU GARBA AMINU*
HEAD, DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
ATBU, BAUCHI

Effective from March 1, 2023, any government official that withdrawals cash from public accounts risks investigation and collaboration by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

Director and Chief Executive Officer, NFIU, Modibbo Haman Tukur, who confirmed the latest development on Thursday in Abuja at a press briefing, disclosed that the decision syncs with full transition of Nigeria into cashless economy which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been leading.

Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the NNPP and a candidate for the position of president in the upcoming general election in February, discussed with the BBC on some important issues, including his reason for not supporting Peter Obi - the candidate for the position of President for the Labor Party.

Kwankwaso said that he is more experienced than Mr. Obi, "I have done various jobs; I worked for the government for 17 years, he did not do it, I became the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, he did not do it. Even our education, if you look at it, you will see it's not the same."

President Muhammadu Buhari Signs 2023 Budget into Law in State House on 3rd January 2023.

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has taken a swipe against those accusing him and Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State of frustrating the micro-zoning of the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to South East.

Governor Wike said he had always believed in and supported concerted efforts towards ensuring that the presidency was zoned to the South.

He spoke at Itu Bridge Head, the venue of the flag-off of the Akpabu-Odido Road in Emohua Local Government Area on Monday.

“I was one of those who led the campaign that the party’s chairmanship should go to the North because I believed the presidency should go to the South.

“I attended meetings of southern governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties from Delta to Lagos to Enugu states, where we agreed that presidency should come to the South.”

Governor Wike insisted that while southern cross-party consultations were going on, there were people in the PDP who were bent on frustrating the eventual zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to the South.

He maintained that such people could not now turn around to cast the blame on him and Governor Ortom to hide their scheme thinking they could deceive Nigerians.

“I woke up this morning and read where they said, how Wike and Ortom frustrated PDP’s micro-zoning of the presidential ticket to South East. That was what the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku, said.

“I keep on saying, they’ll be contradicting themselves, telling lies up and down, thinking that Nigerians don’t know. How can they say that I influenced Ortom, told him to allow and throw the ticket open?

Governor Wike said further: “Nigerians know those who are opposed to the zoning of the party’s chairmanship first.

“And when the zoning committee was set up, this time, Atiku had gone to buy form to frustrate the recommendation of the zoning committee.

“So that when they have bought form, they could say, oh, there is no need of zoning, will you tell people to withdraw?”

Governor Wike said it was rather noteworthy that their gimmick was now hunting them because they were unfair to Nigerians.

“Yes, you don’t like Ortom, no problems. I know my own, you don’t like me, no problems. But, I, my state gave you the highest support in 2019 both with logistics and by votes.

“You can’t deceive every Nigerians again. What I have stood for are equity, fairness and justice.

“So, saying that I and Ortom frustrated PDP micro-zoning to South East is neither here nor there. They know that they don’t want the presidency to come to the South.”

The Rivers State governor urged the presidential candidate of the PDP to leave him out of the attendant challenges he is facing in the party.

Governor Wike, however, stated that a bad product was always difficult to sell, otherwise, former president Olusegun Obasanjo would have recommended Atiku Abubakar to Nigerians having worked together with him.

Wike said instead of Obasanjo doing so, the former president choose to endorse another presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

Governor Wike insisted that if former president Obasanjo had refused to recommend Atiku, then, something must be fundamentally wrong.

He opined that Alhaji Atiku should be more concerned about that loss of confidence from his former boss, and his coming election.

Commenting on the road project, Governor Wike expressed gratitude to God that the Odido community will get a modern road for the first time in its history during his administration.

Governor Wike boasted that given the overwhelming joy expressed by the Odido people, it is difficult to believe that they will cast their votes for candidates of another party except for the PDP

Providing a description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr George-Kelly Dakorinima Alabo, said the Akpabu-Odido Road also has a 22 meters long bridge.

According to him, with the contractor already mobilised to the site about two months ago, the project will be completed within the agreed five months period.

He said this would in turn enable members of the community to drive on road for the first time into their homestead, enjoy associated development, and gain easy access to their farms and improved commercial life.

In his address, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Chidi Lloyd, said the Odido community is an island that has never seen asphalted roads and is not linked to any neighbouring community.

With the flag-off and commencement of actual construction work, Lloyd enthused that it would be the end of the ordeal Odido people usually suffer.

The former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has accused the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, of peddling falsehood against him over claims of unexecuted contracts.

Wike's allegation: This follows the allegations made by Wike that Secondus has failed to execute and complete the contracts awarded to the latter by the Rivers State government.

The Governor, during the commissioning of the Eneka-Igbo Etche Road project on Friday, December 30, 2022, accused the former PDP National Chair of receiving full payment of the contract in some instances, but projects were not completed.

He also challenged Secondus to name any road contract he was awarded that he completed.

Secondus calls Wike a liar: Responding to the allegations, the former party chairman in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, described as lies the claims by the governor.

What Secondus said: “I have never been a contractor. I did not collect or bid for any contract in Rivers State or from his Government as alleged by the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.

“It is wrong of him to make such weighty allegations without any evidence. Let him do his investigation and go to the Corporate Affairs Commission to get the details of the companies he has given contracts to or those that the state gave contracts. I am not one of them.

“With his status, it is wrong for him to buy airtime from television stations and be dishing out outright lies and half-truths. Is he the owner of Julius Berger, which has done so well in the state by executing contracts running into hundreds of billions of naira?”

No room for distraction: Rather than joining issue with Wike, Secondus said he would prefer to focus on working for the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, to win the February 25, 2023, presidential election.

Secondus added: “As for me, I am not a violent man and I remain committed to the victory of our presidential candidate and his running mate, Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa in the forthcoming presidential election. I call on Governor Wike to join hands with progressive-minded people in Nigeria to be part of a positive history. I am sure he loves the PDP and won’t do anything to jeopardise its victory at any level. I wish the Governor a happy and prosperous new year.”

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has disclosed that his relationship with Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom State has not diminished irrespective of their political difference.

He stressed that ideally politics should never be allowed to create unwarranted friction between brothers.

Governor Wike stated these after a private meeting with governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom State at his private residence in Rumueprikom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday.

Governor Udom, who is chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign council, paid Governor Wike a private visit at his residence on Saturday.

The Rivers State governor, who described the meeting as convivial, said it was completely devoid of politics.

“Politics is not what will divide brothers and divide friends. Everybody knows my relationship with Udom, and we will continue to maintain that relationship. We may have different political affiliations or thinking, but that should not divide the brotherly love or create a gap among us.”

To corroborate this, governor Udom explained that his visit was not political, but a demonstration of brotherly love in the spirit of the yuletide season.

“Actually, this is the season of love. Within this period if we don’t demonstrate that love, love not shown is love wasted. I think that is what we are trying to demonstrate, brotherly love and friendship. And then in the spirit of the season, we must visit one another.”

Similarly, the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom explained that part of their discussion also centred on how they can best add value to governance in Nigeria.

“We are going into 2023 and we shared among ourselves how can we best add value to our government, how can we best add value to our people, how can we do things that will help add value to our country Nigeria.

“And that if there are any issues in the past which we have done wrong, we looked at it and said look let’s forgive one another and move forward. They are private issues.”

PRESIDENT BUHARI’S 2023 NEW YEAR MESSAGE

My Fellow Countrymen and Women.

A very happy and prosperous New Year to you.

First, I would like to thank and honour the Almighty who saw us through the year 2022 and has given us the opportunity to see another year. Each New Year is an opportunity to reflect on the past year, reposition, and move forward with the New.

As we celebrate the opportunity to be alive in the year 2023, we must also acknowledge the passing away of our brothers and sisters who didn’t make it into this new year. May their souls rest in perfect peace.

This year is particularly important to me because this message is in essence valedictory. After having the honour of serving you, my compatriots, for the last seven plus years, my tenure as your President in the most revered tradition of our ongoing and maturing democracy must necessarily come to an end. In the next five months we would have gone to the polls and elected a new president along with new governors and a plethora of other elected officials at both the national and state levels.

All these electoral and democratic principles are working in concert because of the transcendent beliefs, beyond partisan politics, of you the great citizen of Nigeria. In addition is my personal commitment and executive promise to see to the letter that the 2023 elections being diligently conducted by INEC will be free and fair. The collective electoral will and votes of Nigerians will be fulfilled, even in the twilight moments of my watch.

Reflecting on year 2022 allows us as a government to examine our legacies of successes and challenges. As we celebrate our wins and review obstacles, we all must understand that governance is a continuum, which still places a transitional responsibility on this administration to provide for the incoming government a non-partisan and objective roadmap for 2023. We as Nigeria; one country united under the will of God and actively growing as an indivisible entity, have been enabled year after year, decade after decade, to weather all stormy waters and emerge stronger and better where others have fallen and disintegrated. This has made us a unique nation across the globe and our continent.

In year 2023, Nigerians go to the polls to exercise our right to vote and elect a new Administration, it is an important year for our country to ensure that we have another smooth transition of government, to whoever the people have decided upon. This administration’s landmark Amended Electoral Act will ensure that we have free and fair elections across the Nation. We as Nigerians must also take responsibility to ensure we participate in ensuring that the 2023 elections are free and fair by not engaging in anti-state activities and other nefarious acts that may affect the run of the polls. We must also resist every attempt to be used by politicians to create unrest in any form to disrupt the elections. We, as government will ensure such activities are met with the full force of the law.

As our security agencies continue to make the country proud, we must continue to assist our patriotic forces by providing much needed community intelligence. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Nigeria remains safe and peaceful for us all. Therefore, we have a duty and obligation to support our troops and intelligence agencies by being alert and reporting anything suspicious. The fight against insurgency in the North East region has continually recorded very clear wins in the past year. The Federal Government, and the Borno State government, have started the journey of returning internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes earlier taken by the insurgents. Also, over 82,000 insurgents with their families have surrendered to the Nigerian military. A number of surrendered insurgents are currently being processed by the rehabilitation (Operation Safe Corridor) program. The fight against banditry, kidnapping and other crimes in the North West and other regions is gaining momentum and showing very clear results. One of which is the resumption of Train Service along the Kaduna to Abuja corridor.

In the aftermath of the EndSars, our administration took heed and instituted the ongoing Police Reform program based on a new Presidential Vision for Policing in Nigeria. This new vision is framed in a clear road map that transcends the tenure of this administration and it is predicated on six principles: a) Building Trust and Legitimacy b) Leadership, Accountability and Oversight c)Technology and digital media d) Community Policing and Crime Reduction e) Officers Training and Education f) Funding, Officers’ Welfare, Wellness and Safety.

This reform program is very much in its foundational phase but has recorded noteworthy successes in improving police welfare and their emoluments. Other gains have been the ongoing training of 500 police cadet trainers to enable a better training regimen for the 2022 first batch of the 10,000 new cadets with an additional 10,000 set for 2023. In support of these reforms has been the provisioning of new material for the Nigeria Police to steadily improve on its constitutional responsibility to enforce law and order, protect lives and property as well as street level peace and security.

Despite the ongoing global economic crisis, we have been able to weather the storms. Inflation across the globe is at its highest, the Federal Government has been resolute through its economic interventions to remain above water during this period. 2022 brought a combined impact from ongoing wars and aftereffects of COVID-19. Though creating its own fiscal challenges, we have continued to subsidize our energy costs to buffer households from inflationary pressure of high energy costs. In 2023, we are focused on building on our GDP and sustain the huge surge in the non-oil GDP growth.

The Nigerian Start up Bill has been passed as an Act. This is considered a huge step in lowering our unemployment figures by boosting job creation and supporting the entrepreneurial drive of our youths. If you recall in my 2021 New Year speech, I had mentioned the need to secure the future of our youth recognizing that our young people are our most valuable natural resource, at home and abroad. In this regard, we worked with the legislature to develop an enabling law to turn their passions into ideas that can be supported, groomed and scaled across regions. 2023 will see the implementation of the Nigerian Start Up Act nationwide.

The year 2023 would, indeed, be a time when we would work to solidify on delivering key strategic priorities under our “SEA” – (Security, Economy and Anti-Corruption) Agenda. Some of the key priority areas we would direct our attention and strengths to include:

a. Focus on SECURITY; we will continue to engage, push back and dismantle the operations of both internal and external extremist and criminal groups waging war against our communities across the Nation. We will also focus on ensuring that free and fair elections would be held come February 2023. Our security forces are working in partnership to ensure the wins we have got in war against insurgency, banditry, secession and other crimes are sustained and more wins acquired.

b. For the ECONOMY; our focus would be on maintaining and building economic growth through the national economic diversification agenda that supports the goal of national food self-sufficiency and growth in non-oil sources. The ongoing infrastructure revolution by our administration will see us deliver the key projects across the Nation in power, rail, roads, ports and technology.

c. ANTI-CORRUPTION: On the anti-corruption drive of our administration, we have created new records in this fight, growing from 117 convictions in 2017 to 3,615 convictions as at December 2022. We as a government are committed to ridding our nation of all forms of corruption, through the collaboration with all the arms of Government to effectively prosecute this fight.

As we welcome the New Year, let us look with hope to 2023, a year to move forward as a Nation towards unity, progress and prosperity. I offer my own personal felicitations, mindful of the various opinions and interpretations of our executive legacies. I welcome and accept both the accolades and criticisms in equal measure secure in the conviction that I did my best to serve our dear country Nigeria and I pray that the next President will also pick up the baton and continue the race to make Nigeria one of the leading countries of the world by the end of this century.

Long Live the Nigerian spirit of oneness, togetherness, and unity. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A Happy and prosperous New year.

God bless you.

Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said the world will never forget the legendary footballer Pele, who died on Thursday, aged 82.

Buhari made the remark as he joined world leaders in expressing grief over the death of the Brazilian soccer legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele.

The world’s greatest ever football player succumbed to death after suffering a debilitating bout of cancer.

He won three World Cups and scored over 1,281 goals, becoming the original football icon in a long career for which he was named the “Player of the Century” in the year 2000.

In a tribute to the football legend on behalf of all Nigerians, President Buhari said, “May he rest in peace. He led a good life and made a huge contribution to the development of global football in particular and world sport in general.

“He had an enormous generosity of spirit and humility despite his greatness as a footballer and sportsman.

“He also built bridges across nations, races and even religions. He was a UN Ambassador of goodwill. Pele is gone but the world will never forget him. RIP. “

Pelè is a legend not only to the lovers of the beautiful game but to all of humanity. He lived a life of impact both on and off the field. He was humble and generous to a fault. He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace. -AA

With utter shock and sadness, I received the news of the unfortunate and avoidable death of Barrister Bolanle Raheem at the hands of a police officer at Ajiwe.

My condolence to her family, friends and associates. I can assure you that justice will be served.

The Lagos State police command have arrested, disarmed and detained the officer(s) involved in the incident.

Nothing will be spared under the Laws of Lagos State until justice is served speedily and adequately.

AJAH SHOOTING: SANWO-OLU CONDEMNS COLD-BLOODED KILLING, COMMISERATES WITH BOLANLE RAHEEM’S FAMILY

•Governor promises speedy justice for victim

Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has condemned in strongest term, the alleged shooting and killing of Mrs. Bolanle Raheem, a lawyer which took place yesterday under the Ajah bridge by a police officer attached to Ajiwe police station, while the victim and her family were on their way out for Christmas Day celebration.

The Governor expressed shock and sadness over the mindless shooting of “a harmless citizen” by a police officer whose primary job function was to protect the same citizen.

Sanwo-Olu sympathized with the family, friends and associates of the late Bolanle Raheem, pledging the State Government’s full support and cooperation with the police authorities in their investigation to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the shooting, that led to the untimely death of the innocent citizen, with a view to ensuring that justice is served.

He said: “I have studied preliminary reports on the matter and have instructed the appropriate Government officers to immediately get on it. We must ensure a speedy justice for the late Bolanle. Our Government cannot sit back and watch our citizens killed by the same law enforcers that should ordinarily protect them.

“I’m aware that the Lagos State police command have arrested, disarmed and detained the police officers involved in the shooting incident. I can assure you that the accused persons will have their day in Court and nothing will be spared under the Laws of Lagos State until justice is served adequately. We will ensure that it is done speedily because justice delayed is justice denied.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu however appealed to residents to remain calm and not take the law into their hands on the matter, assuring Lagosians that the Government will live up to her responsibilities and get justice for the late Bolanle Raheem.

The Governor prayed for the repose of the late Bolanle Raheem’s soul, asking God to grant her immediate family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.


SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
26 DECEMBER 2022

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested one Irabor Kennedy Osasogie for alleged fraud.

The 21-years old was arrested recently by the Commission following a petition by one Antje, a German citizen, complaining that the suspect defrauded her of €17,000. The petitioner claimed that she met Osasogie through social media after she was defrauded of €68,000 by one Michael Patrick. She alleged that Osasogie offered to assist her in recovering the money but further defrauded her of €17,000.

Upon arrest, the suspect claimed he only received €12,850 from the petitioner.

The suspect will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has transmitted a supplementary 2023 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, read out the content of the cover letter on the bill to members on Wednesday.

Buhari, in the cover letter, said the additional demand for N819,536,937,813 for next year was due to the devastation caused by floods on farmlands and road infrastructure.

According to the President, Nigeria witnessed the “worst flood incidents in recent history, which has caused massive destruction of farmlands,” adding that the country now risks food insecurity.

He stressed that the floods affected “several roads and bridges” across the 36 states of the federation.

The supplementary budget got to the federal parliament about 24 hours before the passage of the 2023 Appropriation Bill.

The president only transmitted the Finance Bill 2023 to the National Assembly on Tuesday.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a bill banning private ownership of tigers and other big cats along with "cub petting." This bill aims to limit the ownership of tigers, lions, jaguars and other big cats to zoos, sanctuaries, universities and agencies. The bill was previously passed by the US Congress and was made into law after Biden signed it. Animal advocacy groups and conservationists alike have hailed the move which protects wildlife creatures.

Big Cat Public Safety Act
This bill revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). Specifically, it revises restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including restricting direct contact between the public and big cats, as per US Congress.

The bill prohibits direct contact between the public and big cats as seen in Netflix series "Tiger King," which featured the exploits of a flamboyant private zoo owner named Joe Exotic. It is an American true crime documentary streaming television series about the life of Joe. Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joe Maldonado-Passage, was sentenced in January 2020 to 22 years in prison for attempting to kill a rival animal refuge owner, Carole Baskin. The series focuses on the small but deeply interconnected society of big cat conservationists such as Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue, and collectors such as Exotic, whom Baskin accuses of abusing and exploiting wild animals.

Current owners of big cats
Current owners of big cats are exempted but will have to register the animals with the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

PETA applauds POTUS signing the bill
After Biden signed the bill that became a law, animal advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has applauded the move. The group said that after this landmark move, now Tiger Kings can no longer cash in on the suffering of big-cat cubs removed from their caged mothers.

"This law caps off years of PETA legal actions that resulted in the rescue of 75 big cats, took down Tiger King villains Tim Stark and Jeff Lowe, and established that big-cat cub petting violates the Endangered Species Act. PETA has now set its sights on ending photo ops with baby bears, otters, sloths, and other exploited animals who deserve to be with their families, and it urges everyone never to give a dime to animal exploiters," PETA Foundation General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet said in a statement.