₦airaland Forum

2019: The type of candidates PDP needs to win elections,Makarfi

A former Interim National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Kaduna state governor, made the appeal on Saturday in Ibadan.

A Presidential Aspirant on the platform of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Markafi, has appealed to supporters of the party to field only credible candidates for positions in the 2019 general elections.
Makarfi, a former Interim National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Kaduna state governor, made the appeal on Saturday in Ibadan.
The presidential aspirant who is presently on a nation-wide consultation, said the party needed candidates with integrity and capability to win elections.
He said that the choice of credible candidates was crucial in winning elections, pointing out that the electorate was looking for capable candidates who had integrity.
The former governor said institutional restructuring was necessary to achieve the needed economic transformation in the country.
According to him, the PDP believes in the restructuring of Nigeria.
He, however, regretted that much emphasis was being placed on political and financial restructuring at the detriment of institutional restructuring.
He expressed dismay over the high rate of school dropouts but blamed it on economic challenges.
Makarfi, therefore, promised to introduce “student loan scheme’’ where genuine students with financial difficulties would borrow and repay when gainfully employed.
According to him, the gesture will force government to create job opportunities for graduates so that such loans can be repaid by the students.
He said: “I want to caution our members on the need to have a candidate that is sellable with capacity and integrity which the voters are looking for.
“If they give you (delegates) money, take it but you must vote for somebody with integrity and capacity that the masses would accept.’’
He warned against hurling insults at opponents and appealed to “northerners’’ to play by the rules of the game if they desired to achieve the party’s return to power in 2019.
He said: “People think that before you get votes from the north you have to insult, but when you insult, you lose northern votes.
“They want you to talk on issues, they want integrity and a stable person. They don’t want somebody who is white today, black tomorrow and something else the day after.’’ |
Dr Saka Balogun, a chieftain of the party, lauded the doggedness and commitment of the former governor and interim National Chairman.
He expressed fear that the party’s national leadership would effect the right process in picking the party’s presidential flag bearer.
Balogun said: “I only wish and pray that the PDP members, particularly the delegates, who will elect the candidate will think and choose right. I wish and pray that we will do so.
“You demonstrated integrity when the PDP was almost getting off the list of parties in Nigeria. We have many of them around and some of them still serving as moles in our party.
“I am scared, worried and really disturbed that the standard of integrity you set is already being seriously eroded.
“I hope and believe it will never happen that you may be rigged out through illegal imposition or ingenious manipulations.’’
Balogun expressed hope that such won’t happen, saying the stage was set for the party to take over at all levels.
According to him, what I am feeling from the headquarters in Abuja does not give me rest of mind.
He said: “I hope we will watch and talk to people who are in charge, let them make sure that the integrity is sustained if it cannot be improved upon.”

Makarfi promises institutional, all round restructure of Nigeria if elected President


Ado-Ekiti-Immediate past National Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and presidential hopeful, Ahmed Makarfi has vowed to ensure institutional and all holistic restructuring of the country to ensure that the Nigerian system works for one and all and meaningful development devoid of favouritism, nepotism and ethnicism.

Markafi spoke yesterday during a meeting with delegates of the PDP to interact with them on his presidential ambition ahead of PDP national convention to choose the party’s presidential flag bearer.

Markafi reminded the delegates that he had restructured Kaduna State from the harmful grips of tribal sentiments and gross infrastructural deficit and underdevelopment and made the state a secured environment until: “the APC government returned insecurity and underdevelopment to the state.

He said his past records as chairman of the PDP when he was able to ensure the survival of the party, and efforts as member of the Senate Committee on Finance which demanded transparency on federation accounts from the federal government are part of his credentials that he can effectively put Nigeria into a better shape.

Speaking about his manifestoes to newsmen, Markafi said: “First of all is the restructure of the country to make it good for everybody, restructuring of the security and creation of jobs and infrastructure development in all respects and promoting the private sector so that it can become an effective employer of labour.

“We have also look at some issues that have negative impact in the country. Any issue of protocol that doesn’t serve national interest in terns of security we will dialogue with other country where they have got it right and restructure ours

“I have been tested and proven myself as governor of Kaduna State as selected chairman of Committee finance, my records are there and as party chairman of PDP when people are not given the chance to make the party to survive, I was able to bring everybody together and ensure that the party survived and that is why many more people are defecting to PDP and they are all welcome.

“I am straight forward person and do not say one thing in the morning and turn it another thing in the evening.

“The problems facing Kaduna when I became governor are the problem facing Nigeria now, mutual distrust between tribes, poor infrastructure, economic and educational standards and others, we restructured Kaduna but sadly, APC has returned insecurity to Kaduna.

“I built infrastructure which has now been destroyed by APC. 90 percent of development in Kaduna were ensured by me.

“When I was in the senate, we ensured transparency on the part of the Federal Government on the allocation of federation accounts which now made all state governors to ask for accounts of the federation from which they have their share. We brought back PDP and made it now a threat to APC. I restructured Kaduna, and Nigeria needs restructuring.

“I am not talking politics. I was the architect of the first political sovereign conference in the country as head of the committee under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

” Institutional restructuring that would include the police, INEC and other security apparatus to ensure they do not serve the dictates of the paymasters will be done by me. Such will prevent anomalies such as the election fraud in Ekiti during the July 14 poll.

” We must make our institutions to be accountable. We will ensure comprehensive restructuring of this country. I chose to travel by road for all my campaigns traveling by road is taking eighty percent of my tour. This is to enable me see the deficiencies of our infrastructure, such as roads, condition of our people and our environment among others. I want to be aware of all these things so I can perform properly and prepare for office better if voted in. We will also restructure power generation.

Senator Makarfi: Senators attempting to remove Senator Saraki are ignorant


Senator Ahmed Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna state, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) senators cannot get the required number to remove Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Makarfi said this on Friday while speaking with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state.

The ruling party has been mounting pressure on Saraki to step down, with Adams Oshiomhole, its chairman, saying the nation’s number three citizen could be ousted.

But Makarfi said the move by the APC shows that the party is ignorant of the constitution.

“I will refer the APC senators to the constitution for better understanding of the laws of our country,” Makarfi said.

“I am not surprised with their actions, it shows their ignorance about the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, because the constitution is clear about that.

“If they are familiar with the constitution they will know that they lack the legal powers to impeach the senate president. I am sure they cannot have the two-thirds majority which the constitution requires for the impeachment of the senate president.”

Makarfi said the PDP senators in the upper legislative chamber are intelligent people who would not give lawlessness a place.

“Our members in the senate are intelligent people who will not give lawlessness a place in the senate,” he said.

2019: Makarfi speaks on what Saraki, Tambuwal, Kwankwaso would do for PDP


A former National Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, on Friday, said the defection of high profile politicians into the party would not have negative impact on the fortune of the party in the next general election.

He said the defection of political leaders, including the the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso would add value to the chance of the party in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

He stressed that the party has the capacity to handle the likely challenges that may confront it as a result of the defection of new members into its fold.

Markafi, who is a presidential aspirant of the party spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while on sensitisation visit to the leaders of the party in the state.

He solicited the support of the state chapter of the party for the realization of his presidential ambition.

He admitted that the defection of new members into the PDP has its challenges, but said: “the leadership of our party has all it takes to handle any challenge that may come as a result of the development.”

“There is nothing good without its challenges. Our party needs new members and we appreciate the defection of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into our party, but this may come with its own challenges as many of them may also signify intention to contest for political offices.

“However, the leadership of the party has the wisdom to handle such situation, and we won’t allow it to divide us.”

Speaking on the threat by the APC senators to impeach the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, he said “I am not surprised with their actions; it shows their ignorance about the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the constitution is clear about that. If they are familiar with the constitution they will know that they lack the legal powers to impeach the Senate president.

“I am sure they cannot have the two-thirds majority which the constitution requires for the impeachment of the Senate president. Our members in the Senate are intelligent people who will not give lawlessness a place in the Senate.”

According to him, the defection of the Senate President to the PDP does not prevent him from holding his office, saying the constitution failed to indicate that the Senate president must come from the ruling party.

He said, “I will refer the APC senators to the constitution for better understanding of the laws of our country.”

Markarfi, however, threw his weight behind the restructuring of the country, saying that the country needs total restructuring in order to develop and advance its economy.

He said PDP will ensure that the country is restructured if the party return to power in 2019, saying that the party has the key to the myriads of challenges confronting the nation.

“The policy of the PDP is restructuring and I can assure you that we will restructure this country. The Police will be restructured, so also the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Each political party must have a representative in INEC and that is what the PDP will do if we take over the government,” he said.

2019: Defections will not affect PDP chances ― Makarfi


FORMER National Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, on Friday, said the defection of the new entrants into the party would not affect the fortune of the party in the next general election.
Markarfi said the defection of would add value to the chance of the party saying the party has the capacity to handle the likely challenges that may confront it as a result of the defection of new members into it.

Markafi who is a Presidential aspirant of the party spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while on sensitisation visit to the leaders of the party in the state, solicited for the support of the state chapter of the party for the realization of his presidential ambition.

He admitted that the defection of new members into the PDP has its challenges, but said: “the leadership of our party has all it takes to handle any challenge that may come as a result of the development.”

“There is nothing good without its challenges. Our party needs new members and we appreciate the defection of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into our party, but this may come with its own challenges as many of them may also signify intention to contest for political offices. However, the leadership of the party has the wisdom to handle such situation, and we won’t allow it to divide us.”

Speaking on the threat by the APC senators to impeach the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, he said “I am not surprised with their actions; it shows their ignorance about the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the constitution is clear about that. If they are familiar with the constitution they will know that they lack the legal powers to impeach the Senate president.”

“I am sure they cannot have the two-thirds majority which the constitution requires for the impeachment of the Senate president. Our members in the Senate are intelligent people who will not give lawlessness a place in the Senate.”

According to him, the defection of the Senate President to the PDP does not prevent him from holding his office, saying the constitution failed to indicate that the Senate president must come from the ruling party.

He said, “I will refer the APC senators to the constitution for better understanding of the laws of our country.”

Markarfi, however, threw his weight behind the restructuring of the country, saying that the country needs total restructuring in order to develop and advance its economy.

He said PDP will ensure that the country is restructured if the party return to power in 2019, saying that the party has the key to the myriads of challenges confronting the nation.

“The policy of the PDP is restructuring and I can assure you that we will restructure this country. The Police will be restructured, so also the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Each political party must have a representative in INEC and that is what the PDP will do if we take over the government,” he said.

Eld-el -Kabir: Makarfi Urges Muslim Ummah to Show Love

Makarfi
Former Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has urged the Muslim Ummah in the country to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity and show love towards fellow citizens as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

According to Makarfi, the best way for the Muslim Ummah to show appreciation to Almighty Allah is to live in peace and harmony with fellow citizens at all time and continue to pray for the growth and development of the country.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Murktar Sirajo, Senator Makarfi said the period of the celebration should also be used for sober reflection in the interest of all.

The statement reads: “Fellow compatriots,God in His infinite mercies and immeasurable powers has again afforded us the opportunity to celebrate yet another Eid-el-Kabir. As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, I would like to urge us to exhibit the spirit of love, obedience to God and sacrifice which are some of its hallmarks and historical significance.

“The period should also be, for not only celebrations and merry making, but also for sober reflection and desire, indeed, efforts to get closer to God Almighty in our actions and utterances by exhibiting the quintessential values of love, peace and good neighbourliness, all of which are encapsulated in the fear of God. We should also use the occasion to rededicate ourselves to His service by striving to continue to serve humanity irrespective of tribe, creed or political leanings.

“God in His infinite wisdom and mercy has created us the way He has, with all our diversities, and has decreed that we exist in this highly endowed nation as each other’s keeper. The best way to express our gratitude to Him is to continue to live in peace and keep on harnessing our diversity in order to explore and exploit the numerous opportunities He has endowed our nation with, in so many positive ways.

“And as our country grapples with various challenges of development, this is also an apt period for all of us to pray earnestly to God to continue to bless Nigeria as well as guide and guard it.

“The problems of banditry kidnap farmers and herdsmen problems and all other elements of criminality and breach of peace and security should also form part of our prayers to God solve,

“I also wish to congratulate our pilgrims for the God-given opportunity to perform this year’s Hajj and also urge them to, as part of their rituals, pray for the continued peace, security, development and prosperity of our dear country. I also wish them a successful as well as fruitful Hajj, and a safe return home.”

2019: Dallatu Campaign Organization Declare Support For Makarfi



The Director General, Dallatu Gubernatorial campaign organization, Hon. Nuhu Dogo has reaffirmed their total support on the presidential aspiration of former Governor of kaduna state and immediate past national caretaker committee chairman of the PDP, Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi.
​In a statement passed by the spokesperson of the team, Hon. Yakubu Lere on the visit in kaduna, The team told Senator Makarfi that they were in his house to pay him a Sallah homage as well as wish him well in his aspiration to be the 2019 PDP presidential candidate. Hon Nuhu Dogo assured senator Makarfi of the support of Dallatu Campaign team.
Senator Makarfi was delighted and urged the organization to remain resolute towards nationalism, peace and unity as the election approaches. The Presidential Frontliner also assured that he has not and will not endorse any gubernatorial aspirant in kaduna but calls for understanding and consensus while exercising the process.

Anointed  Gubernatorial Candidate In Kaduna State  -Makarfi

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The former National caretaker chairman of the PDP,  Sen. Ahmed Makarfi has disclosed that he has no anointed person among the Kaduna State gubernatorial candidates. 
Makarfi disclosed this while receiving the Director General and members of Dallatu 2019 central working committee on a Sallah homage. 

“I belief in consensus for the selection of those to carry the party’s flag in the forth coming primary convention, warning that the process must be fair whereas only popular and acceptable candidates will immerge” He said. 

Makarfi described as un true that he asked anybody to via for any elective position adding that no one has contacted him before declaring  his interest.
The team thanked the Presidential aspirant as well as reaffirm their loyalty and support towards his aspiration. The Dallatu 2019 team also wished him success.

We Shall Improve Security By Decentralising Public Agencies, Restructuring -Makarfi

By nyp admin | August 21, 2018 |Campaign, Election, Government, Security |No Comments


nyp-newsline : www.nyp.com.ng : 21/08/2018

 

Sen Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, former national caretaker committee chairman of the People’s Democratic Party PDP and equally a presidential aspirant for the 2019 election. The Senator has reiterated his call for the restructuring of our public institutions, especially security agencies to make them answerable to the state rather than under the control of the elites.

 

 

Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, Senator Makarfi spokesperson in a statement said that the Unifier expressed dissatisfaction over the undemocratic and unlawful intimidations in some parts of the country.

 

 

“The unfortunate event of last Saturday in Rivers State is unnecessary. It is rather intimidating for the central government to use agencies of state that are paid and are supposed to protect the people” he said.

 

 

Senator Ahmed Makarfi further said “that this type of state sanctioned criminality can lead this country in only one direction: and irredeemable damage to or even truncation of the democracy that Nigeria paid enormous price to bring about”.

 

 

“I will waste no time, in fact, no President must waste time or shy away from restructuring in Nigeria. If elected president, we shall decentralise the security and institutional agencies, we will restructure public institutions to make them answerable to the state alone as that will improve our nation’s security ” He said

Kaduna 2019: Sani-Sidi the People's Choice


By: Abubakar Danladi On: August 21, 2018.



As the race to Kaduna State Government House gathers momentum, the former Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sani-Sidi, has thrown his hat in the ring. The people of Kaduna deserve a quintessential public administrator as Sidi. He is a disaster management guru; a politician with heart flowing with milk of human kindness. He has turned a political gladiator and unarguably the man to beat by any candidate produced by any of the political parties in the next year’s governorship election.



The aspirant, whom many have described as an accomplished administrator, has indicated interest to slug it out under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. He is confident, just as everyone that keenly follow the political developments in Kaduna are without doubt that Sani-Sidi is the only man with an enviable profile that can unseat the ruling party in the state. He is an uncommon achiever who has been tested and trusted. Delegates at the party’s primary election cannot but to give him a nod to fly the party’s flag. He is a strong advocate of people-oriented governance. He sees and believes that any public service without putting the people at the centre is a misplaced priority. His exemplary lifestyle is his unique selling point and easily sells him to the people.

No wonder the clamour for Sani-Sidi to become their governor became a daily song in the lips of the people of Kaduna until he finally succumbed. This is not unconnected with his intimidating profile and the robust relationship with the common man on the street. In him, there appears new hope and a breath of fresh air for the state.

He is qualified to occupy the number one political seat in Kaduna, judging from his political antecedent and vast experience in public. As at the time he was appointed as NEMA’s DG, he was a member of the Kaduna State Executive Council where he served variously as the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources; Works and Transport as well as Culture and Tourism. During same period, he was also assigned at various times to supervise the ministries of Health and Finance.

His leadership qualities, especially in the area of disaster mitigation and management, began to manifest while he was in the state cabinet.



Thus, he was credited with the successful demolition of unhealthy and defective structures that were hazardous to the people of Kaduna State and was also responsible for the prompt and timely interventions of the state government in curtailing the spread of contagious diseases at a time.

He at various time, he chaired the committees on decongestion of Kaduna metropolis; removal of carcasses in public places; decongestion of the federal highways, particularly Tafa and Mararaban Jos; and the cleaning and clearing of garbage in Zaria.

Prior to his appointment into the Kaduna State cabinet, he served as Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance between 2003 to 2007, having been a senior manager in the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA).

While he held sway NEMA’s boss for seven years, his charisma, team spirit, intellect, humility and transparency endeared him the more to his co-subordinates. His landmark, uncommon achievements and record had since set a new and uncomfortable standard for his predecessors.

Through his position and selfless leadership at NEMA, he redefined stewardship and kept the agency’s vision and mission alive. Some of his progress included expanding the coverage of NEMA through its zonal operation offices. The initiative enhanced its timely response to sudden onset emergencies throughout the country. Above all, the move took disaster management to the people after all disasters like politics are all local.

During his stay at NEMA, the wide ranging and sustained accolades showered on the agency by the people was indeed a testimony to the level of confidence placed on him. He was able to galvanize NEMA in partnership with its stakeholders to develop a national contingency plan to guide timely response to any sudden onset emergency in the country. The NEMA helmsman was applauded near and far for the feat. The stride brought a speedy transformation in disaster management.



Sani-Sidi elevated the agency from mere coordination of its stakeholders, but also involves them in its capacity building programmes, especially manpower development and the simulation of various disaster scenarios to test their level of preparedness, identify gaps and improve on their response plans.

Through a purposeful leadership, Muhammad Sani-Sidi, sustained the training of members of staff of the agency and the conduct of various simulation exercises to test the preparedness and response capacity of NEMA and its stakeholders and recorded unprecedented industrial harmony. It is simply stating the obvious that NEMA became the face of the Federal Government and the trailblazer of disaster management and resilience not only in Nigeria but in West African sub region.

He has the potential to revolutionize the socio-economic fortunes of the state. While many human and natural resources remain untapped in Kaduna, Sani-Sidi has plainly made known his blueprint to swiftly swing into action to change the narrative. And the residents of the state have reposed their confidence in the public servant and declared him as capable of placing Kaduna once again on the roadmap to economic boom.

His achievements while served as the Director-General of NEMA are too numerous to recollect all. It can’t be forgotten so soon how Sidi, on behalf of the Federal Government helped in supporting the country’s sister West African countries such as The Gambia to establish their own National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) through the exchange of information, trained personnel and capacity building. His international relations prowess also puts him ahead of others aspirants in the Kaduna gubernatorial race. He knows how to project the image and potentials of the state to the international communities and attract direct investments to Kaduna.

Under Sani-Sidi’s watch, NEMA hosted the COSPAS-SARAT programmes, the international satellite search and rescue station at the Nigerian Mission Control Centre (NIMCC) located in Abuja and the two Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs) in Lagos and Kano. The NIMCC Unit receives and disseminates processed distress alert signals from ocean bound vessels and aircrafts across the entire West Africa Sub-Region to relevant stakeholders for timely intervention in accident situations.

Under a robust disaster Mitigation programme, NEMA undertook Sensitisation and public awareness campaign on Disaster Risk Management and peace building to enhance communal resilience in Nigeria and conducted the National Capacity Assessment of Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Nigeria.

The agency through the governorship aspirant, in collaboration with stakeholders at Federal, State and Local Levels sustained the dissemination of information on NIMETs Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) and NIHSAs Annual Flood Outlook to enhance flood disaster preparedness and mitigation. NEMA also Sustained advocacy visit to State Governments to promote the establishment of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) which has resulted in the growth of the numbers of States (and the FCT) having SEMAs with requisite legal backing, manpower and funding from 10 to 31 in the past five years.

He repositioned NEMA to achieve an active collaboration with the United Nation Systems and International development partners for enhanced emergency preparedness, response and mitigation. This culminated in the selection of Nigeria by the United Nations (UN) to host the fifth African Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, held for the first time in West Africa. It also included a ministerial segment in Abuja between 13th-16th May, 2014 in consideration of Nigeria’s success towards the implementation of the Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA), a UN General Assembly resolution on building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters. In line with its international collaboration, NEMA Organized a high level Executive Brief for senior level Emergency Response organisation at state and national levels at the Bournemouth University Centre for Disaster Management.

THE MAKARFI SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM FELICITATES WITH HIS EXCELLENCY, SEN AHMED MOHAMMED MAKARFI ON SALLAH CELEBRATION

The Makarfi Social Media Team felicitates with His Excellency, Sen Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi on the Sallah Celebration and the Arafat fasting.

The message,was signed by Victor Mathew Bobai, which enjoins all Muslim to pray for the unity of our Nation, God's protection and wisdom on the nation's leadership to propel the Buhari led administration to greater heights and pieceful elections come 2019.

His statement reads; "I am calling on all Muslim Ummah to eschew all evil acts and be good ambassadors", as this would make our multicultural and multiregion society a better place to live in.

The team called on all the youths to eschew violence, drug and alcohol abuse in the name of celebrating the highly holy event.

The team finally wishes His Excellency Sen Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi a fun filled and blessed Sallah celebration.



Signed:

Victor Mathew Bobai
National Coordinator
NYP Social Media For Makarfi

GOODWILL MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF EID-EL KABIR 2018, BY SENATOR MAKARFI CON,
 
Fellow compatriots,
 
            God in His infinite mercies and immeasurable powers has again afforded us the opportunity to celebrate yet another Eid-el-Kabir.   As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, I would like to urge us to exhibit the spirit of love, obedience to God and sacrifice which are some of its hallmarks and historical significance.
 
            The period should also be, for not only celebrations and merry making, but also for sober reflection and desire, indeed, efforts to get closer to God Almighty in our actions and utterances by exhibiting the quintessential values of love, peace and good neighbourliness, all of which are encapsulated in the fear of God.  We should also use the occasion to rededicate ourselves to His service by striving to continue to serve humanity irrespective of tribe, creed or political leanings.
 
            God in His infinite wisdom and mercy has created us the way He has, with all our diversities, and has decreed that we exist in this highly endowed nation as each other’s keeper.  The best way to express our gratitude to Him is to continue to live in peace and keep on harnessing our diversity in order to explore and exploit the numerous opportunities He has endowed our nation with, in so many positive ways.
 
And as our country grapples with various challenges of development, this is also an apt period for all of us to pray earnestly to God to continue to bless Nigeria as well as guide and guard it.
 
The problems of banditry, kidnap farmers and herdsmen problems and all other elements of criminality and breach of peace and security should also form part of our prayers to God solve,
 
I also wish to congratulate our pilgrims for the God-given opportunity to perform this year’s Hajj and also urge them to, as part of their rituals, pray for the continued peace, security, development and prosperity of our dear country. I also wish them a successful as well as fruitful Hajj, and a safe return home.
 
           
 
            Happy  Eid-el-Kabir.

Makarfi Fingers Top Govt Official In Rivers Bye-election Violence


Senator Ahmed Makarfi
Ex-National Caretaker Chairman of the PDP, Ahmed Makarfi, has disclosed that a top government official was responsible for the violence that marred Saturday’s bye-election in Rivers State for Port Harcourt Constituency III State Assembly seat.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday suspended the election, citing widespread violence.

Speaking to newsmen on Sunday, the former Governor of Kaduna State accused the federal government of knowing those responsible for the carnage in the state and must be called to order.

Makarfi said: “I have said it when I went to commission a project in Rivers that, one Governor that has been under the continuous siege, intimidation and harassment by the Federal Government is Governor Wike of Rivers State. It is uncalled for and this must stop.

“The Saturday election in Taraba went fine, but in Rivers, look at the disruption with the connivance of the security agencies involved. And we all know who in the Federal Government is responsible for this crisis in Rivers State.

“I watched a video of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of Rivers State, where he said that the security agents responsible for the crisis were not those engaged to secure the election process.

“If it is true according to the REC that certain individuals were going around polling units with platoons of security men unchallenged, then the President should do something because that is injurious to our democracy.

“Nobody should be beyond being called to order. The person in the Federal Government that is consistently causing security breaches and the crisis in Rivers state must be called to order. The government knows him, we all know him.

“President holds it a responsibility to this nation, that individual should be called to order, otherwise, the havoc they can cause to our democracy and to our country will be grievous.”

19th August 2018


PRESS STATEMENT

The abortion of the by election for the Prot Harcourt 3 seat of the Rivers State House of Assembly is yet another unfortunate evidence of the impunity and brazen disregard and violation of the laws of the country by elements of the current ruling party, unfortunately, with no consequence.

It disturbs Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi to no end that an election into a single constituency for which INEC had made adequate preparations and for which voters were ready, could fail to hold simply because some men of the moment, using their influence, deployed thugs to violently disrupt the exercise, knowing that their party was going to lose. Sadder still is the fact that these thugs operated openly, given cover by armed security agents who were supposed to protect the people.

Senator Ahmed Makarfi that this type of state sanctioned criminality can lead this country in only one direction: and irredeemable damage to or even truncation of the democracy that Nigeria paid enormous price to bring about.


The unfortunate event of last Saturday, was a part vindication of the complaint of Senator Makarfi recently in Port Harcourt to the effect that the Rivers State government, and particularly Governor Nyesom Wike were continuously and consistently being targeted for intimidation and blackmail by the central government, using agencies of state that are paid and supposed to protect the people.

More intriguing is the fact that the chief orchestrator and perpetrator of this dance of shame is very well known, and in fact makes no attempt to hide; yet nothing is done by those in authority to call them to order. Senator Makarfi believes that Nigeria is no banana republic and should therefore not allow a situation in which some people are beyond reproach. He thus believes that President Muhammadu Buhari owes this country a duty to, not only call masterminds of this shameful act to order but also ensure that they are subjected to the full rigors of the law to answer for their crimes.

Senator Makarfi identifies and commiserates with the government and people of Rivers State over this wanton assault and primitive abuse of privilege and urges Governor Wike to remain resolute and focused on delivering democracy dividends to the people, in the face of this unnecessary distraction.

The Senator, equally reiterates, once again, his call for the restructuring of our public institutions, especially security agencies to make them answerable to the state rather than the whims and caprices of the controllers of the political levers.

Sgt

Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo

Stop the siege in Rivers, Makarfi advices Federal government


THE immediate past National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Presidential hopeful under the party, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi has called on the Federal Government to stop the siege on Rivers State.
This was even as he called the FG to bring the top government official that is responsible for the incessant security threats to order.

Speaking with newsmen on Sunday, Makarfi who was reacting to the last Saturday’s aborted bye-election in the state maintained that the Government knows who was responsible for the carnage in the state.

To this end, he posited that President Muhammadu Buhari holds it a duty to Nigeria to call such person to order, saying that, ‘if not called to order the action of the individual is capable of causing a grievous havoc to Nigeria’s democracy.

“I have said it when I went to commission a project in Rivers that, one Governor that has been under the continuous siege, intimidation and harassment by the Federal Government is Governor Wike of Rivers State. It is uncalled for and this must stop.

“The yesterday election in Taraba went fine, but in Rivers, look at the disruption with the connivance of the security agencies involved. And we all know who in the Federal Government is responsible for this crisis in Rivers State.

“I watched a video of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of Rivers State, where he said that the security agents responsible for the crisis were not those engaged to secure the election process.

“If it is true according to the REC that certain individuals were going around polling units with platoons of security men unchallenged, then the President should do something because that is injurious to our democracy.

“Nobody should be beyond being called to order. The person in the Federal Government that is consistently causing security breaches and the crisis in Rivers state must be called to order. The government knows him, we all know him.

“President holds it a responsibility to this nation, that individual should be called to order, otherwise, the havoc they can cause to our democracy and to our country will be grievous.

“INEC did the right thing by suspending the election. But beyond that, correction should be done, the security agencies must not allow themselves to be used by an interested party in the election to hijack the political process, whether in Rivers State or any part of this country. But the siege on the people and government of Rivers State must stop.” Makarfi said.

2019: WHY I DECLARE FOR KAURA HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY – HON. SHABANYAN

By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

As countdown to 2019 general elections begin to garner serious momentum, the young vibrant politician, Hon. Sam Shabanyan Abuk, has thrown his hat in the ring, seeking to represent Kaura Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

Making his declaration known amidst hundreds of Youth and women in Manchok Ward on 22th July, 2018 he said,” My decision to vie for Kaura House of Assembly was born out of passion to serve my people which has been my watch word.

“Credible representation has been a major bane of development in our constituency. I am determine to effect a positive change through my legislative functions that will have a direct impact on my people.

Acquainting his electorates on some of his plans; he said,” entrepreneurship drive, promotion of youth inclusiveness in governance and charity projects across his constituency will be his priority.

He assured the Party and the people that, if given the opportunity to represent them, he would offer quality representation that would make them proud and deliver the gains of democracy to them.

He assured them of a level playing field in decisions making that will projects the LG to compete globally.

According to him,” I will sponsor a bill where gubernatorial zoning will be accepted for both parties,” He said.

” I believe that, the acceptability of the zoning will help in curtailing some wrangling issues that has to do with favoritism or marginalization.

He also, called on the people of Kaura to support his candidature, not because he is the best but because Kaura deserve better.

“We’ll ensure a sustainable town Hall meetings were progressives decision will be discuss to foster unity and mutual coexistence.

“Safe guarding lives and properties of our people will be an utmost concern to us, stressing we’ll work assiduously toward building our State.” He declared.

*NEED FOR THE MOMENT*


Nigerians are in an usual situation, its extremely unbearable and unacceptable.


The people can no longer wait for another day, no one single being is spared except the perpetrators who live at the expense of the people.


We now need an expert, we can't further expose our dear country to dangers of uncertainty that has had to cause this total collapse of every fabric of our existence: Nigeria needs one who has executive and legislative prowess.


A system that should work for the PEOPLE are rather been used against the custodians of the mandate: Nigeria must be restructured in all necessary areas.


Nigeria, as far as I was born and history has it, have never been this divided:Nigeria needs a unifier, only unity can make it walk else it can't work.


Nigeria yearns for a competent leader from the background of economics and prudent in management of resources, with great capacity to unite, one from amongst us who isn't power drunk.
A power drunk can only restructure the country verbally so we must be wiser this time around.


Nigerians, particularly the party that cares "PDP" must not think otherwise of a President that is to serve rather than to be served. Only a candidate with sincerity in all seriousness is what the Nation deserves and desires to entrust their confidence in.

Nigeria needs that man who relocated his family from the government house when serving as Governor back to his private residence where they had lived before he became Governor.

Nigeria deserves the best.

Nigeria deserves *MAKARFI.*

*Support/VoteTheUnifier*


*#MAKARFImustwin2019*

*Nigerian Youth Project (NYP*)

*Makarfi Support Group (MSG)*

Odama Groovydee Abednigo.

Hon. Victor Bobai.

2019: Over 29 Associations/Groups Endorsed Makarfi for President.

By nyp admin | 


nyp-newsline : www.nyp.com.ng : 16/08/2018

 

Nigeria Youth Project (NYP), a Pan Nigerian Youth Movement for the actualization of Sen. Makarfi 2019 Presidential Ambition has expressed confidence on his candidature, saying he is the only solution to Nigeria`s problems. The National Coordinator, Hon. Bobai Victor Mathew has revealed in a statement signed and issued to Newsmen in Abuja. Hon. Bobai said, their support for Sen. Makarfi to replace President Buhari was as a result of his vast political exposure and track records of Bridge Building, Transparency and Accountability over the years.

 

 

Bobai, said “Today, I received over 29-group in Niger state, who pledged their loyalty to Makarfi, the Nigerian Unifier in the 21st Century ”

 

 

In a similar statement made to the media by the Niger state Coordinator of NYP, Mr. Thomas through the Zonal Leader of the North Central, Toba Owojaiye said “We were directed by the National Coordinator of NYP, Hon. Bobai Victor during our Principal’s 62nd Birthday to submit names of groups and associations who are willing to register with NYP for the actualization of Sen. Makarfi Presidential bid 2019.

 

 

Therefore, we released below some of the Organizations/Associations who have declared total loyalty to Makarfi for President come 2019 and looking forward to receiving others are as follows:

 

 

1. National Association of Shiroro Students (NASS) Kuta Niger State – 0708 337 9504.
2. Hauwa Dos women Association, Bosso Anguwan Biri Chanchaga Local Government – 0816 807 4657.
3. Santuraki Minna Youth Coalition Chanchaga Local Government – 0818 981 3091.
4. PDP National Youth Action Congress c/o PDP Lavun Local Government Area, Kutigi Niger State; Chairman, Mamman Yisa – 08032905448.
5. Mokwa Youth Forum, Tiffin Madza area, Mokwa; Chairman, Emmanuel Shaba – 07067352100. Mokwa LGA, Niger State.
6. Edati Pata Progressive Association, Sakpe Ward, Emi-ndayisa village; Chairman, Ndako Mohd Enagi – 07033641673. Edati LGA, Niger State
7. Integrity Campaign Group No. 29 Tunga Top Medical Road, Chanchaga Local Government Minna, Niger State – 08039690361.
8.Youth Renaissance and Transformation Initiatives (YRT) address: No. 47 Okada Road Minna Niger State – 08166755609.
9. Ever Green Campaign Group Gidanmadara, Chanchaga Local Government Minna, Niger State – 08167206283 or 08165185394.
10. Agwara Reformers, Agwara Local Government, Niger State – 08063254521.

11. GBAKO Student Association (GBASA) National President, Pius Musa – 08060037929. Office Address: GBAKO LGA by Town Hall.
12. GBAKO Student Association (GBASA), Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai Niger State (Ibbul) chapter, Comrade Abubakar Mohammed Edozhigi – 07036875165 or 08056433099.
13. Kamuku Youth Movement Cooperative Society Mariga Local Government, Niger State – 07085620336, 07068286882.
14. Association Name: Gonagi
Name: Obadiah Aliyu,
L.G: Edati
L.G: Enagi,
Office Address: Yebojin Clinic gonagi, State Niger – 07068810269.

15. Edati Pata/Gogata Youth Development Association. Office Address: Edati Pata – 08060012121. Edati LGA Niger State.
16. Jiyako Youth Development Association.
Address: Jiyako Village in GBAKO LGA of Niger State – 09035577902.
17. Chyda Movement Group (SOJE A) Kpakungu Minna, Chanchaga Local Government Area, Niger State – 08038989857.
18. Zumunta Zabi Sonka Club (RADIO NIGERIA POWER FM 100.5 BIDA) Bida LGA Niger State – 08036322866.
19. Skyweb Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd (CHANCHAGA BIDA) Lavun LGA Niger State – 07066393412.
20. Tunga Youths Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd (TUNGA MINNA) Chanchaga Local Government Area Niger State – 07068144579.
21. Chanchaga Multi-purpose and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd (CHANCHAGA BIDA) Lavun LGA Niger State – 07032533519.
22. Kafbodan Saibes Chanchaga Multi-purpose and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd (CHANCHAGA BIDA) Lavun LGA Niger State – 07032533519.
23. Think Wise Youth Association Fazhi – 08138736969 Edati LGA Niger State.
24. Joint Association of Edati Youth; 08063327246, Edati LGA Niger State.
25. Kagbodan Saibesokwe Cooperative Society Ltd (TSADU NKOCHI GABA) Lavun LGA Niger State – 07033550942.
26. Jinjin Akunyema Co-operative Society Ltd (TSADU NNKOCHI GABA) Lavun LGA Niger State – 08062412424.
27. Tsadu Nkochi Cooperative Society Ltd (TSADU NKOCHI GABA) Lavun LGA Niger State – 09069292382.
28. Emiladan Shaba Maliki Cooperative Society Ltd (SHABA MALIKI GABA) Lavun LGA Niger State – 08160779236.
29. Eyelo Co-operative Society Ltd (NASARAFU GABA) Lavun LGA Niger State – 08184140573.

 

 

The statement stated further; The leadership of NYP Niger State wishes to make it public that we hereby endorsed His Excellency Senator Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Makarfi to be the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the PDP.

 

 

Hon.Victor thanked the efforts made by the Zonal and state leadership of NYP for taking the bold step in the right direction. He further explained that their quests to support Makarfi presidential ambition is as a result of his tremendous achievements during his time as two term governor in Kaduna State and the country at large, he said a great politician who has Nigeria on the pam of his hands has served in various capacity even before he ventured into active politics.

 

 

Having served as Commissioner of Finance and Economic Planning under the Military Administration in Kaduna during the regime of Colonel Ahmed Ali and later became member of board of Trustees at the Institution for peace and conflict Resolution in Abuja (Abacha Foundation).

 

 

Makarfi was elected governor of Kaduna state for two consecutive tenure (1999-2007) and later Senator representing Kaduna North Senatorial Zone in the 2007 elections.

 

 

“We see him as the only person who can Unify our diversities, provide Jobs, manage the security problems and handle the vast problem of our teeming youth and Nigeria at large”, he stated.

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MAKARFI Remains PDP’s Best Option   -Isah Rabiu



Nigeria requires a real dimensional change through senator Ahmed Mohammed  Makarfi, the area to start would be a revere to where the political journey started, which to Nigerians, is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the biggest political party in Africa, one man who stood firm… he is Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the presidential aspirant for the 2019 election under the People’s Democratic Party PDP.

Since the abuja Convention that produced the current PDP national leaders, I have since believed that  former Kaduna governor and PDP caretaker chairman Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi made the right impact in an unimaginable way. 
We got challenged with the dexterity with which he managed the crisis of the PDP,  he stood firm as the captain and forced the party to unite. A little check backwards showcases him as one former governor and senator of the federal republic who has no hidden skeletons in his wardrobe.

Elective Convention: The last convention showed the democratic credentials of the former Kaduna State governor, Makarfi, even though with alot of challenges that he faced in the party, he saw through a successful convention that produced the Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee of the party.

Many people, pundits, columnists and road side political analysts thought the ugly development in the party will mark the end of PDP. Makarfi, defiant but ‘focus’ took the strides.

Those who harbour this erroneous line of thought did not reckon that a man of calibre, substance, timbre, character, valour and true champions of democracy in the mould of senator Makarfi was still in charge of the party.

Both friends and followers, within and outside the PDP gave him fantastic grades. One common line is that, Makarfi did not disappoint anybody as he commandeered a team of “democratic musketeers” to fight the monsters imposed on the party by its traducers.

After the successful Supreme Court verdict which asserts Makarfi as the chairman caretaker committee, the party was left with another huge challenge of conducting a national convention that will produce the substantive National Working Committee of the party PDP.

Adversaries of the party who do not give it the slightest chance of survival simply dismissed the possibility of the conduct of a successful national convention as a mirage, on the premise that the party could neither handle nor tame the vaulting ambitions of many of its members who were ready to tear it to shreds if their ambitions were nixed.

Makarfi conducted an excellent convention that produced the NWC of the party and finally put to rest the speculative hoax being peddled around by the enemies of democracy.

In an unprecedented feat, Makarfi held the most organised and peaceful convention in the history of the party which is in sharp contrast even to the last convention of the party which took place at Port Harcourt that was nearly stymied by legal tussles at a time the party was in power.

However, we represent the well meaning members of the People’s Democratic Party PDP and good citizens of our nation at large..  We believe Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi is best to take our nation to a new heights.

God bless the People’s Democratic Party 

God bless the federal republic of Nigeria

2019: I’m not an opportunist, says Markafi

A former governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, on Monday, in Asaba, Delta State said he is committed to the total restructuring of the country if elected as president in next year’s election.

Makarfi said his commitment to restructuring is not mere political talk, insisting that there must be a way to restructure the country and its agencies including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) such that political parties are represented in the commission.

He said as governor of Kaduna State, he was the architect of the first national conference under former president Olusegun Obasanjo, adding however that so many vital areas which were classified as no go areas, were shot out.

Makarfi who spoke during a meeting with possible Delta State PDP delegates to the national convention said he is not aspiring to the position of president because he was once the national chairman of the caretaker committee.

“I am not an opportunist, I am not coming out to be president because you once appointed national chairman of the caretaker committee. People may have forgotten that I was to succeed Obasanjo in 2007.

“After we had gone round and I was ahead on the ballot, for some reasons, somebody far behind me on the ballot was selected. Some people were not happy but I agreed to withdraw from the race in the interest of the party and the country.

“They didn’t believe that I was withdrawing, and the president then asked for a formal letter of withdrawal which I tendered in three days. I did that to ensure smooth transition from one civilian government to the other.

“That didn’t stop me, I became the leader of the presidential campaign for South-West. And they made a lot of promises to me which were not fulfilled, again I remained loyal to the party,” Makarfi said.

According to the presidential hopeful, political leaders are not associated with so much money before they emerge as president of the country from the onset.

He said Tafawa Balewa, Shehu Shagari, Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and even President Muhammadu Buhari never paraded so much wealth before they were elected presidents at various times in the nation’s history.

“They often underrate us but we have always performed excellently in any task given to us. That is how you know who is capable. We are focused and can never be distracted.

“When I was running for governorship in 1998, all the big politicians were against me, saying I didn’t have enough money but political leadership is not determined by how much you have.

“Having too much money is a distraction to the public service you are expected to render when you are elected,” he said.

He added that he was confident that the PDP will present a credible candidate that all the stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious leaders and all class of the citizenry can feel comfortable with when voted into office.

In addition to restructuring, Makarfi said if elected, he address the dearth of infrastructure, noting that he has decided to be going on his nationwide consultation by road to “feel what Nigerians are feeling.”

He also promised to address insecurity and create an environment for the economy to thrive, pointing out that education, tackling unemployment and poverty reduction will occupy top priority in his administration.

Responding, the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa described the presidential hopeful as very grounded about the issues affecting the country having held various positions as governor, senator and national chairman of the party at a time the PDP was in turmoil.

He said Makarfi was able to manage the turbulent era of the PDP and made it a beautiful bride that now being sort after, just as he affirmed that Makarfi was a good and honest party man.

“We have so many good materials in the PDP, and the least we can do is to ensure a free and fair primary at the national convention. But I will maintain my neutralit

How PDP will win in 2019 – Makarfi

A presidential aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has warned the People’s Democratic Party against picking a candidate that has money against a trustworthy candidate that has credibility.

Senator Makarfi urged delegates of the PDP to vote wisely at the forthcoming party primaries if they want to garner votes in the presidential election.

Makarfi who spoke in Bénin City while addressing Edo PDP delegates said certain criteria should be used to eliminate some aspirants from the race.

The former Kaduna State Governor disclosed that he is traveling round the country on road in the course of his campaigns to have a mental state of road and infrastructural situation across the country.

This, he stated, was to enable him not to waste time in addressing the problems when he is elected President of the country.

Senator Makarfi cautioned that the role he played to stabilise the PDP should not give him automatic presidential ticket.

He said he did not defect from the PDP in 2015 even when he knew he would lost the election.

According to him, “That I did service to the party should not give me any automatics right. Every other member of the party should have equal right to come and seek for this ticket and go around and communicate with you.

“That is why I do not take my campaigns by air. I go by road to take mental note of roads condition across the country. That made me not to waste time as Governor to address the infrastructural needs of Kaduna State. That is why I am loved by the people of Kaduna.

“I am also taking mental note as I canvass for support of party men and women to nominate me as the party’s candidate.

“I knew I was going to lose election in 2015. My former chairman told me to leave the PDP but I said no. I told those that want to leave to go but that they will come back. I decided to contest and loose. I didn’t think about myself but about those that looked up to us as leaders. We need to be there for the party and do whatever we need to do for the party because someday you win, someday you loose.

“I stayed with the party I will continue to stay with you. All of us are qualified, and when you have so many people qualified, you have to use criteria for elimination. When use those criteria, you end up using location which is my own.

“People say Markafi does not have money then go and sell yourselves. Whatever comes to you don’t cry. I have not seen leaders that get responsibility because of the money he or she has. If you want to go out for money, go out for money. If you want to be a good leader choose public service.

“No past Leader of Nigeria became president because of the money he or she has. The issue is credibility and goodwill. I am not lacking in either credibility or goodwill. I know what I have until the décision is made. It is a choice the party will not regret taking.

“If you put a credible trustworthy individual, votes will come from all nooks and crannies but if you do otherwise people will pull away and no one individual can stand alone. Let us vote wisely.”

2019: If we don’t restructure INEC, they will keep falsifying results – Markafi;

ABAKALIKI-THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential aspirant, Alhaji Ahmed Markafi yesterday insisted that without the restructuring of institutions, especially as it concerns Nigeria’s electoral body, INEC, candidates for the 2019 general election might win but would have their results falsified because the operational institution was not restructured to capture the interest of all and sundry.

Markafi stated this in Abakaliki when he paid a courtesy call on PDP stakeholders in the state

The former PDP National Caretaker Committee Chairman who stressed on the need for the restructuring of institutions as a key panacea to solving Nigeria’s problems emphasized that “as long as you leave key government institutions under the executive arm of government, then, the problem is not solved”.

“On the issue of restructuring, I said we must include institutional restructuring. If you restructure financial and political without institution, I tell you, you will regret it. What do I mean by
institutional restructuring? As long as you leave key government institutions under the executive then, the problem is not solved. That’s why the National Assembly was invaded the other day. Because
somebody in executive can just ask security to go and stop National or States Assembly.

“But when you restructure institution such that they become apolitical, they take no political directive from anybody. They provide for all irrespective of their political affiliation. If you
don’t restructure electoral body, you will win but they will go and falsify the result. So, we must do institutional restructuring and make them more accountable.

“If I’m given the opportunity to serve I will ensure National cohesiveness. The trusts that use to be between us are being eroded. The fabric that is holding us together as one nation is becoming
tinnier and tinnier by the day and about to break. We must reinforce it. Nigerians have been talking that they want to sit down and restructure the country. We cannot run away from it. We must sit down immediately and talk about how Nigeria can be for the good of everybody. It is achievable. It is a policy of the PDP. It is not an individual policy of an aspirant of PDP.

“When one of the APC Governors said in Channels Television that the APC and the government do not believe in restructuring. The very next day, Channels television called me to come and tell them the policy of PDP and I told them that PDP believes in restructuring. And whoever that is standing for an election in PDP must believe that restructuring is a matter that we must have to face.

“I have a bit of experience to do that. Most of you may not be aware that the first national conference convened by President Olusegun Obasanjo that before he convened it he set up a technical committee
which he asked me to head to prepare the background and agenda for the conference. I chaired the committee that prepared the agenda and background for the Conference. It was my report though edited that was used. I said edited because some items were taken out by the federal government as no-go-areas. But according to my own report, we did not consider them as no-go-areas.

“We thought they are matters that Nigerians should talk about so that whatever they resolve, will help put an end to them once and for all so that it does not keep on reoccurring. So, if I played such a role back so many years ago, I think by now nobody will be in doubt what my principles and capabilities are.

“We must address the issue of unemployment. The unemployment rate is terrible. The people who have lost their jobs is about 7.7m not to talk about those who are employable but are not employed. If this
trend continues, there cannot be peace and security in Nigeria. We must address it by direct employment and providing enabling environment that can make the private sector to grow. If the private sector is not allowed

MAKARFI IS RELIABLE-ACHIKE UDENWA

Former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, has described presidential hopeful under the auspices of Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, as intelligent, a bridge builder and very reliable fellow.

Undenwa made the submission Sunday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, when Makarfi paid the state PDP family a visit as part of his tour to mobilise support for his aspiration.

"I know Makarfi more than anybody here. I can testify that he is a very good person, a bridge builder and somebody you can rely on. He is also very vibrant, very quiet but not lacking in intelligence. If he was not a straight forward person, he could have sold out when the party was in crisis," Udenwa told the crowd that gathered at the PDP secretariat.

The former governor was not alone in heaping praises on the former National Caretaker Chairman of the party. Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Sam Anyanwu and the state PDP chairman, Barrister Charles Ezekwem affirmed that Makarfi is detribalised and eminently qualified to take the country from the woods.

Addressing the gathering, Makarfi said being party chairman was not a right to seek favours as the party prepares for the primary elections. He also said the presidency is not a do or die affair for him as it is God that makes leaders. He reiterated the need for dialogue among the aspirants with a view to bringing out the best candidate.

The former Kaduna State Governor cautioned that past mistakes should not be repeated as it would be expensive for the party to make the wrong choice of candidate in the 2019 elections. "You can take one step to jump into a pit but you may jump a thousand times without coming out of that pit," he summed.


If elected president, Makarfi said he would kickstart with the issue of restructuring, which is a party policy and not a personal one. Similarly, he said he would ensure institutional restructuring for there to be checks and balances.

He said he would tackle infrastructural decay, power generation and distribution as well as poverty and unemployment which has made Nigeria beggars of Africa instead of the giant of Africa.

YOU'VE WON OUR HEARTS, ABIA PDP TELLS MAKARFI

Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi has been told in clear terms by the Abia State chapter of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), that her delegates would support his ambition of getting the party's nomination for the presidential election in 2019.

Making the pledge Sunday in Umuahia the ABIA State capital, Johnson Onuigbo, state chairman on behalf of the delegates said Makarfi is too knowledgeable, detribalised, dogged and steadfast that Nigerians cannot help but like him.

"Makarfi's knowledge cannot be hidden. Very articulate and a man who cannot be bought over. In all ramifications he is a detribalised Nigerian, not a religious bigot and in him I see a Nigerian leader of our dreams. You have stolen our hearts," Onuigbo said at the party secretariat.

Senator Makarfi had told the party men and women that his aspiration for the party ticket was not informed by his service as National Caretaker Chairman of the party but the need to salvage the country, which he said is on the brink.

Makarfi who said he is not a money bag and does not want to become one, posited that a political leader must not necessarily be a money bag because leadership is not associated with money but with capacity and trust.

The former senator enumerated a number of reforms which he would carry out if he becomes president. Some of these reforms he said would come in the power, security and economic sectors amongst others. He also said restructuring the country would be a matter of priority.

2019: Gambling will ruin PDP chances –Makarfi.

Ahead of the forthcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP}, the party’s former National Caretaker Committee Chairman and one of the presidential hopefuls, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has warned his party men not to gamble with PDP’s chances of regaining power in 2019, by it’s choice presidential flag-bearer, the party will make at the convention.

Makarfi gave the warning while addressing Ebonyi State delegates to the convention and the state’s leaders, at the PDP Secretariat in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

He said that gambling with such a vital opportunity, at the convention, would ruin the chances of the PDP in the election. “There will be no time to correct such gamble,” Makarfi stressed as he called on the party leaders in the state to choose only the best suitable candidate as PDP’s presidential flag-bear at the convention.

He noted that the party had become a ‘beautiful bride’ pointing out that the choice is quite wide with the return of many political heavy weights who at one time left the PDP as well new entrants, after the party was rescued from those he said were gambled with and wanted to destroy the party; but quickly added that the development does not give the opposition any edge at all. His words: “We have made PDP attractive; we have made it beautiful bride. If we have turned it to ugly bride, who would have come for it? We made it attractive, we made it beautiful not only to people who are returning even to new entrants, not only them. We have made it to be a bride to Nigerian voters.

“But it’s not yet Uhuru. We made a mistake because we tried what we didn’t know or know but soft-pedal. I am talking of the leadership that we took over from that wanted to bury our party. Earlier on, we didn’t know but some of us knew but preferred to take a gamble, it was an expensive and uncomfortable gamble but we had the opportunity to correct it. “But what is coming is another test for our PDP and we will not have the same opportunity to correct any mistake. In the next few weeks, the convention to nominate presidential candidate will hold and we are not going to have the same type of time to correct our mistake the way we did during the leadership struggle. If we make a mistake, it is a mistake we will either live with it or leave it and regret.

“Our party has able and qualified people; there is no aspirant that is not qualified. But every aspirant also has a history, so there is no need for gambling. You will weigh each and every one of us and whoever you find greatest comfort, you cast your votes. We have to work together in order to achieve the success that we are pursuing”.

Makarfi also used the opportunity to dismiss the insinuations in some quarters in the country that he was too gentle to govern the nation.

He said that those who see him as too gentle and weak would be shocked adding that he floored Senator Ali Modu Sheriff with his gentility during struggle for the soul of the party.

“Yes, people said I was too gentle to defeat Sheriff. You see, don’t be mistaken by looks, it is action. In Kaduna State people saw my action, they said I was too gentle to rule Kaduna and there were surprised on what I did there.

“People also said I was too gentle to face Sheriff, Federal Government that was backing him and all that but what happened? So, those who mistake me for weakness will be shocked when Nigerians will be happy,” Makarfi said.

The presidential hopeful also called for restructuring of all the institutions in the country including INEC and security agencies.

He said: “The National Assembly was invaded because somebody from the Executive woke up and deployed security men there. But when you restructure institutions, some of them become apolitical, they take no political directive from anybody, they provide for all irrespective of their political persuasion. You will stop many abuses that are drawing us backward.

“If you don’t restructure the

Makarfi: PDP can’t choose wrong candidate.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) must avoid the mistake of choosing the wrong candidate or be swallowed in self-confidence with the belief that it would clinch victory in next year’s presidential election without proper homework, a presidential aspirant and former caretaker committee chairman of the party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has said.
Addressing delegates in the Enugu State chapter of the party in Enugu yesterday, Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State, emphasized that it would be wrong of the party to give its presidential ticket to a candidate that could not be entrusted with the hopes and expectations of millions of Nigerians, adding: “Where we’re making a choice, we must make a choice among those we know. We cannot afford to err, we make one mistake this time and we’re in for it. We must not assume that we can pick any candidate and make a mistake that we will live to regret.”

He said he was in Enugu to intimate the delegates on his intention to contest for the party’s presidential ticket in next year’s election,
Makarfi said: “The problem of Nigeria is restructuring, we must restructure Nigeria. Restructuring is the policy of the PDP. The policy of the PDP is to restructure Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians. When we’re talking about restructuring, we must not forget institutional restructuring. We cannot have public institutions answerable to one political leader. Even INEC needs to be restructured, we have to find a way of having political parties represented in INEC. Any time INEC is about to do something that contradicts the norms, the parties can say no, this is not the way.”
Markafi, who described his visit to Enugu as a homecoming, having attended Federal Government College, Enugu in the 1970s, added that his government would also restructure electricity generation and distribution to ensure that the rot in the system is completely eradicated.
The state PDP chairman, Mr. Augustine Nnamani, said Makarfi represents intelligence, energy and integrity.

Makarfi: Extent of Corruption Under APC will Shock Nigerians When Kicked out of Power


A former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi on Friday in Enugu, accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government of being highly corrupt, insisting that the extent of corruption in the system will be unearthed by the time the administration is kicked out in 2019.

The PDP presidential aspirant, who addressed leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as part of his nationwide consultation in Enugu, lamented that the politicisation of the much publicised anti-graft fight had weakened the policy.

According to him, the corruption in government presently has become so monumental than any other administration in the nation’s history.

He said: “By the time APC is kicked out in 2019, you will know that the corruption in the system now is even worse now than in PDP’s 16 years. It is usually difficult to investigate a government in power. But, I must tell you clearly that this government is corrupt.

“They keep saying PDP is corrupt, yet we established EFCC, ICPC etc, which showed our readiness to fight corruption from the beginning.”

He further declared that the choice of a presidential candidate will to a large extent decide whether or not the PDP will return to power in 2019.

Makarfi, a former chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee (NCC), reasoned that the party should not be carried away by the obvious loss of confidence of Nigerians in the President Muhammadu Buhari- led administration and decide to bring anybody on board as party’s flagbearer.

He noted that the party had the best opportunity of wrestling power from the APC, but must ensure that the best material from the pool of present aspirants was chosen at the party’s convention.

He lamented that the nation was more divided now than any other time in its history, stressing that the PDP must ensure that the person who will not further severe the chord holding Nigerians together emerged as its candidate.

“I must state here that all of us in the race at the moment are eminently qualified but the party must ensure that the best emerges as candidate to face the ruling party, ” noting that those relying on opinion poll rating and social media endorsements will receive the shock of their lives.

The former governor, who said he had a great pedigree having governed a multi-religious and highly complex state like Kaduna with no trace of religious or ethnic crises within his reign, said he was able to bring his leadership credentials to bear in restoring the drifting glory of PDP, culminating in its emergence of a formidable opposition party.

On the vexed issue of restructuring, Makarfi said the PDP must come together and restructure the polity once it returned to power.

He stated that there was need for institutional restructuring where the security apparatus will not be answerable to political leaders, pointing out that had a full restructuring taken place, the recent siege on the National Assembly will not have taken place.

“INEC should be restructured to the extent of having representation from political parties. We should be able to address the problem of unemployment in our polity. We must restructure how power is generated and distributed,” he said.

While soliciting for the support of party leaders for his presidential bid, the former governor said he remained the best man for the job, adding, “let’s not over assume that because our chances look good and make mistakes that we shall come back to regret.”

The chairman of the PDP in Enugu State, Augustine Nnamani assured the presidential aspirant that “you will certainly reap the fruits of your labour because you brought back the PDP to life.”

He said the party had a leader in Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, adding that the final decision would be taken at the appropriate time.

I DISMANTLED THE KADUNA MAFIA AND STOPPED ALI MODU SHERIFF- SEN AHMED MAKARFI

"Leadership is not about what you say but what you do. Do not be deceived by looks"

Presidential aspirant under the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi has disclosed that having chaired the technical committee that set the agenda for the National Conference under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, restructuring Nigeria now would be incorporating whatever Nigerians resolve and bringing in people that will dust his committee's report, removing what is obsolete and bringing in what is new.

Speaking to journalists at the sidelines of a visit to the Ebonyi State secretariat after his visit the party in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital on Friday, Sen Makarfi noted that his committee proposed how the country could be restructured for the benefit of all Nigerians but it was not followed through.

" First of all restructuring is not what a leader wants but what the people want. I chaired the technical committee that set the agenda for the National Conference under former President Olusengun Obasanjo, although some of the items were removed from the report, We need to bring Nigerians together again to dust that report, remove what is obsolete and add what is new, whatever Nigerians resolve," he said.

On the insinuations in some quarters that he is too gentle to lead Nigeria, Sen Makarfi said," People said I was too gentle to defeat Sheriff, what happened? Don't be mistaken by looks. It is the action. In Kaduna State people saw my actions. People said I was too gentle to handle the Kaduna Mafia but what happened? Those who will mistake me to be weak will be shocked but Nigerians will be happy."

Senator Makarfi also disclosed that he was the first governor in the country to appoint non indigenes into his cabinet and as governor an Igbo man was elected as member of the state House of Assembly. When people complained about that, I said he was elected by his people so let him serve his term. "My history will tell Nigerians who I am. It is not even in promising but in what I have done," he said.

On the accusation that PDP misruled the country for sixteen years, Makarfi said, " Ninety percent of those who accuse PDP of misruling Nigeria were PDP people who were on positions of authority. They were the ones who misruled and ran to APC. That is why APC is not ruling well. The people that remained in the PDP are the good people so Nigerians should take note."

HOW I WILL RESTRUCTURE NIGERIA -MAKARFI

Presidential aspirant under the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi has disclosed that having chaired the technical committee that set the agenda for the National Conference under President Obasanjo, restructuring Nigeria now would be incorporating whatever Nigerians resolve and bringing in people that will dust his committee's report, removing what is obsolete and bringing in what is new.

Speaking to journalists at the sidelines of a visit to the Ebonyi State secretariat of the party in Abakaliki on Friday, Makarfi noted that his committee proposed how the country could be restructured but it was not followe through.

" First of all restructuring is not what a leader wants but what the people want. I chaired the technical committee that set the agenda for the National Conference under Obasanjo, even though some of the items were removed from the report. We need to bring Nigerians together to dust that report, remove what is obsolete and and add what is new, whatever Nigerians resolve," he said.

On the allegations of being too gentle to lead Nigeria Makarfi said," People said I was too gentle to defeat Sheriff, what happened? Don't be mistaken by looks. It is the action. In Kaduna State people saw my actions. People said I was too gentle to handle the Kaduna Mafia but what happened? Those who will mistake me to be weak will be shocked but Nigerians will be happy."

Senator Makarfi also disclosed that he was the first governor in the country to appoint non indigenes in his cabinet and as governor an Ogbo man was elected as member of the state House of Assembly. "My history will tell Nigerians who I am. It is not even in promising but in what I have done," he said.

On the accusation that PDP misruled the country for sixteen years, Makarfi said, " Ninety percent of those who accuse PDP of misruling Nigeria were PDP people who were on positions of authority. They were the ones who misruled and ran to APC. That is why APC is not ruling well. The people that remained in the PDP are the good people so Nigerians should take note."

2019: Makarfi tells PDP who to pick as party’s presidential candidate

Ahmed Makarfi, former Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday admonished delegates on their choice for the party’s Presidential candidate during the PDP’s National Convention.

The former governor of Kaduna State said for PDP to win the 2019 Presidential election, delegates must pick a credible candidate.

Addressing party faithfuls in Enugu, Makarfi, who is also a Presidential aspirant said the socio-economic and political problems facing Nigeria could only be tackled by someone who had the fear of God and respect for humanity.

He said, “We should weigh our decision in choosing our candidate and our decision should be in tandem with the decision of many Nigerians. We should not be deceived by opinion poll. Nigeria voters do not follow media rating.

“We should not expect General to swallow everything we give him. Even if we do in PDP, General may not do. So, we cannot afford to make mistake in our choice.

“I am travelling around the country on roads to assess the state of the country. I will fly at a point but first I will largely use the
road to have sufficient knowledge before I take off.

“We no longer trust each other. We must elect a person who has the capacity to bring peace to the country. I did it in Kaduna State and I am ready to do it again as a President.

“I was the first governor in the country to appoint people from the Southeast and other parts of the country. As a governor, an Igbo man was elected into the Kaduna State House of Assembly. I believe in equal opportunity to all irrespective of where you come from.”

ONLY MAKARFI CAN UNIFY NIGERIA-EBONYI PDP


The Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), in Ebonyi State have identified with Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi's presidential ambition, saying he alone can unify a much divided Nigeria.

Saying this on Friday was Barrister Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the state chairman of the party at the party secretariat in Abaliki, the Ebonyi State capital when Senator Makarfi paid delegates a visit .

"If you fly the flag of our party, you will deliver us from the mess we are into under the All Progressives Congress (APC). We are tired of the APC-led government. We are tired of the killings, we are tired of unemployment and we are tired of discrimination. This is the first time we are having this kind of discrimination between Muslims and Christians, northerners and southerners. This is not the dream of our forefathers and only a man like you can unify this country," he told Makarfi in response to his earlier speech.

Nwebonyi further stated that as the party searches for a dogged and credible leader to fly its flag in the presidential election, Makarfi's uncommon effort would not be forgotten, saying it is time the party compared the achievements of the Senator with other aspirants and make informed decision.

Senator Makarfi had told the party delegates that he is offering himself to serve Nigeria because he is qualified like the other aspirants. He said the party should build a culture of reward as it would assure the electorate of its seriousness when making electoral promises.


On restructuring, he said that as head of the technical committee for then proposed national conference which was conveyed by former President Obasanjo, the committee made relevant recommendations that were edited which may have solved the problems confronting the nation today.

The former governor who said travelling the short distance of Abuja-Kaduna road has become frightening because of the activities of kidnappers, insisted that security of lives and property must be restored in every corner of the country.

Makarfi further disclosed that while serving as a commissioner, he was the first to accomplish public accounts of a government, saying there should be accountability in managing the resources of government. He said if elected president, unemployment would be tackled headlong by ensuring the growth of the private sector and instituting loan schemes for indigent students payable only when they are employed.

WE MUST CHOSE A LEADER LIKE MAKARFI-ENUGU PDP

Enugu State Chairman of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), Citizen Augustine Nnamani, on behalf of the party, has said for the party to win the 2019 presidential election, it must chose a leader like Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi.

Speaking at the party secretariat on Friday in Enugu when the presidential aspirant paid them a visit, Nnamani said Nigeria will be better if Makarfi becomes president because of his sterling qualities.

"A good leader has intelligence, energy and integrity. In Makarfi you will find intelligence, energy and super integrity. The time has come for us to pick a leader, why can't we chose a leader like you?" the party chairman stated.

The party chairman stressed that the former Kaduna State Governor is detribalised and believes in one Nigeria going by his antecedents of bringing people together in a complex Kaduna State

Continuing, Nnamani said, "In Enugu we don't speak from both sides of the mouth. We know your pedigree, we know your achievements and we are part and parcel of what you are pursuing. We pray that delegates in other states reason the way we do."

Speaking earlier to the large crowd of party faithful that turned out to welcome him, Makarfi who described his visit as homecoming, having spent his formative years in Enugu as a student of Federal Government College Enugu, said the training he got as a young man helped to mould his life to the person he has become.

Makarfi who said he was the first governor to appoint non indigenes in his cabinet as governor, posited that the division in the country along ethnic and tribal lines must be curbed to allow for a truly united Nigeria.

He noted that the division informs the need for restructuring because people can no longer be stifled with choices they don't agree with.

He equally called for the restructuring of government institutions so as to make them answerable to the people. He specifically said INEC should be restructured to have political party representation based on certain criterion.

The two-time senator also emphasised the need for job creation for the youths and the need to tap natural resources, wondering why the abundance of coal in Enugu should be left unutilised.

Makarfi however implored delegates to make the right choice at the primaries because Nigerians are eagerly waiting for the choice of the party. "We must not assume that Nigerians can swallow anything hook, line and sinker. Let us not deceive ourselves to think that we can win with any candidate we present," he said.