Denounce IPOB and Kanu completely, tell your host there is a difference between Igbos and IPOB, in the end, commonsense must prevail. Let the f00l continue.
TonyeBarcanista: Mohammed Shittu is the chairman of Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance, (APDA) one of the new five parties recently issued certificates of registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC). He speaks with TAIWO AMODU on the mission of his party, as politicians regroup for 2019 elections
HOW prepared are you for the 2019 general election? We also learnt certain people in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are funding the APDA, only waiting to join when the coast is clear?
As social democrats, we believe that issue of being stooge for some people isn’t the issue. The issue we have on ground now is that as a party, we are raising our heads high and we are ready to absorb anybody who shares the same ideology with us. Whoever we know, even if he is the sitting president who shares our ideology and we know that he will carry out our manifesto, we are ready. So, our hands are open. To answer the first leg of your question, we are prepared for 2019.
Walking into your secretariat, the impression one gets is that you are just around to test the waters, waiting for those who will jump the ship in the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the PDP and ultimately, pick your bill?
I want to tell you: the PDP we started in very obscure place, we started with Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s property on Airport Road here (Abuja). Even the present Wadata Plaza, we were using a three bedroom, where we had other tenants using the building, but at the end of the day, it won the 1999 presidential election. So, it isn’t about a property. Party is people.
But, who are the forces behind the new party, because there has been insinuations that certain members of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi faction of the PDP are the financiers?
I have told you that even to the president of this country, our doors are open.
Meaning that you may even adopt Buhari as your candidate in 2019?
No, what we are telling you is that it isn’t necessary that he must contest under our party; we can share our views, share ideology. In a civilised society, the opposition party can share same ideology with a sitting president in another party.
So, what is APDA’s ideology? What do you intend to do differently from the ruling party, the APC and the PDP, which was in the saddle for 16 years?
We intend to put food on the table of Nigerians; we intend to improve on our social security: housing. Then we intend to put a comparative advantage of each state, so that each state can catch on that then we start our industrialization, because we must industrialize to be able to create employment. It isn’t for government to create employment. Again, instead of calling ourselves Afro-centric in foreign policy, we shall look at policy that suits us. These are what we must do. We must be able to stop this growing agitations by empowering the people and then make sure that education and agriculture are taken care of by the federal government. States should depend on their cash crops and solid minerals resources by taking comparative advantage of what they have in their state.
Take Maiduguri for instance, if you clear Sambisa Forest today and start gum Arabic plantation, it will employ millions of youths. It has value chain: from harvesting, processing to importation. It will add to our foreign exchange earnings. You can go to Ondo State, put up Cocoa plantation. From plantation, you establish processing plant, it will go into marketing and exportation. This will create jobs. You must be practical in not just saying it in the papers. As a party, these are some of the little things we want to do. It is simple but it gives life, it grows the economy and it can change the country by discouraging importation.
Are you sure Nigerians are ready to accept the APDA in 2019?[b]
We know we will win. People say our political parties lack ideology.
[b]What is your take?
Well, that’s what we are bringing on board.
So, what is the ideology of the APDA?
We are social democrats. We are for welfare of the state.
You said your doors are open to everybody, but how do you sieve to ensure that it is only those who share your ideology that are taken on board?
We are introducing electronic registration, we are introducing voting in our primary and e-payment to ensure transparency. We are saying, don’t bring a billion to us. Rather, our election, even if you want to be the president of this country, go back to your ward. So, from your ward to local government and if you win there, come to state and from your state, to federal. That way, we are sieving them because if you start from ward, it gives you sense of belonging, you know their needs and when you get to Abuja, you know you are going back to them.
How soon are you making your presence felt in 36 states of the federation?
You are a journalist. Call other states, activities are going on there. Before you came, I have talked to not less than 10 state chairmen.
How do you convince Nigerians that this platform isn’t another PDP?
By our actions. No party has been able to introduce electronic voting that we are bringing into party primaries. People are knocking doors, we aren’t sleeping. We aren’t a party that will think that we are going to buy votes. I have told you that we want to deemphasise money in politics. We are going to introduce bill in the national assembly to make it a crime to distribute gift like rice during election campaigns, because whoever didn’t give you money or gift during campaign you have the confidence to push for his recall. http://tribuneonlineng.com/mission-politics-shittu-apda-chairman/
They intend to put food on the table, how?? They intend to provide social security, how?? They intend to provide housing, how?? Why do we have so many dumb politicians.
FNG1: T Shine Sisi Eko who is an artiste according to his profile on Facebook wrote that although he doesn't know Evans personally, he just does not want him dead.
But if the inevitable happens, he threatened to take up the kidnapping job of Evans and he would kill uncountable persons.
He shared the picture of Evans and captioned it:
"Nigeria is so useless. I don't know this man but I don't jst want him dead. And if he mistakenly got killed by stupid Nigeria gov on Sunday,I swear me T SHINE SISI EKO,,will replace him and I must kill uncountable souls, Bet me"
sorry1: United nation with the endorsement of federal republic. of nigeria of which igbo hausa and yoruba are part of.
Have you checked the referendum guidelines to be sure Nigeria is qualified to give you one? Or you are asking because you heard UK can? You could have just asked Nigeria to give you a Queen since you are copying the UK senselessly.
Mr kanu, your only mission since you left Kuje Prisons is to restore biafra, whatever you pose with isn't part of that Job description. Face Biafra restoration by sticking to purpose, where are your delegates to negotiate with Global powers remember you don't have sufficient education for that purpose.
nogetenemy: Mr el Rufia should offer apology to northern youth.
All business own by Igbo people should be immediately shut down..
All Biafra businesses should be shut down All biafrA who occupied all government and private companies CEO should offer their resignation and leave their position.
The military most make sure all CEO of government and private companies office of Biafra origin should leave their position with immediate effect.
All Igbo luxury buses have ban on our road. Zenith, fedelity, diamond banks etc should be immediately close down. All supreme Court judge of Biafra origin should have vacated their seat from 2015.
All biafrA should be ask to leave 27 states with their families from 2015..
All passport should be withdrawn from biafra.
All plane flying in from biafra sha
biafrA should be ask to leave 27 states with their families from 2015..
All passport should be withdrawn from biafra.
All plane flying in from biafra shall pay international fee like all major airline. Asaba bridge and othere border should be close.. for goods coming I to nigeria
Watch video..Igbo voted in 2015.. and voted No. Asking that all their banks and business be shut down.. this is the decision of the Igbo people..
All business own by Igbo people should be shut down in 27 state.
It is important, that you are care when you vote to think of the implications.. Biafra voted No.
Quit talking through your Ars@, Igbos in Diaspora are not IPOB, if you want to get the Biafra agitators, face the IPOB in the South east, don't you know its an insult to call a sane man, IPOB member, as a Northerner, how do you feel if someone calls you Boko Haram?
ShootToKill: That jpphilips will keep running and running from the Biafra reality until he drops dead. A cantankerous element that wants to live with people he despises.
Only an Okada rider calls Biafra Buffoonery a reality, mine is to educate the few ignoramus you have sworn to lead to slaughter.
Blue3k: Ok wrong on that point. Either way I don't see what the weakened Iraqi state will do to stop Kurd's. Nobody wants to jump into this quagmire again. Especially not the United States. They still hold control over those disputed territories.
The kurds are revisiting their separatist agenda because of the new US foreign policy, which is "arm the kurds to fight Daesh" but it seems the Kurdish leadership has a different agenda, that is what the EU is warning against. EU has just thrown its weight behind Iraq, should the Kurds proceed with the referendum, it will stand illegal, home and abroad, what use is it? The Kurds and IPOB have the same story, surprised most of you are just hearing it.
Blue3k: Again they won't stop the kurdish either way. Yes referendum is in their constitution. The article you posted says so. The EU said they are concerned with timing of referendum due to secruity concerns. Again not sure what your reading. If you just want to troll biafra agitators they aren't taking bait.
The initial constitution of Iraq has since been nullified years ago!! How can you work with an old constitution? do you still use the Nigerian Richard's constitution? Of what use is your referendum if the world doesn't recognise it? The first Iraqi constitution that support referendum was the 1925 constitution, presently, they are using the 2005 constitution!!
kingzizzy: The EU is a great supporter of self determination. As we all remember, the EU was there when Czechoslovakia split in Czech Republic and Republic of Slovakia, both of which are EU members.
Greenland and the UK both left the EU by way of referendum.
There are many examples to show that the EU supports the right of self determination.
This Illiterate again? Czech and slovakia was dissolved in 1993, they were never EU members at the time, they joined the EU in 2004, you lying Cvnt!!
PedroJP: No where was Biafra mentioned there. Guess you didn't read where they mentioned reason they do not support it now because of the joint fight against Isis( that the joint effort will not be jeopardized) but can be conducted later in agreement with all parties. Kindly urge them to do something about Brexit before others
Afonja unity begger, stop looking for saviour to keep the country together for you not be left alone with Hausa/Fulani
Village boy, we have asked Kanu to submit your application to the global stage where world powers will decide his fate, why is he running? Do you think Kanu a British citizen doesn't know that biafra will not see the light beyond Umuahia? where is his application of statehood? anyways dumb people hardly recognise each other.
FFKfuckedBIANCA: The Hq of the EU is in Brussels, Belgium. Ironically, there is a huge political, social and cultural division between the Walloons and the flemish, leading to the call for the partitioning of Belgium.
The EU cannot dictate to us. The EU should sort itself out. We do not need any EU approved referendum. Just split the country apart already.
EU just decided the fate of the Kurdish separatist group in Iraq, is Iraq an EU member? why are you guys this dumb?
Blue3k: I don't think you are understanding what you read op. The EU countries are against unilateral moves to impose referendum or break up. If the kurdish are to trusted they don't seemed concerned. The referendum will carry on since it's part of their constitution.
"Unilateral" means solely at the Kurd's behest, Iraq has refused to hold the referendum because it is not in its 2005 constitution just like Nigeria, EU just threw its weight behind a United Iraq, who do you think will get the EU support? United nigeria or Biafra?
PedroJP: No where was Biafra mentioned there. Guess you didn't read where they mentioned reason they do not support it now because of the joint fight against Isis( that the joint effort will not be jeopardized) but can be conducted later in agreement with all parties. Kindly urge them to do something about Brexit before others
Afonja unity begger, stop looking for saviour to keep the country together for you not be left alone with Hausa/Fulani
Biafra was not mentioned but EU's position is unwavering, now you know where Biafra is headed, dustbin of history
Paperwhite: EU can't dictate what happens in Nigeria as we're not their member.However,the UN constitution which Nigeria is a signatory to allow for succession.So EU assertion holds no water.
You forgot that two EU members are UNSC members as well, the only people that will decide the final fate of Biafra. Iraq whose fate was decided is equally not a member, If you lose the support of EU, UNSC and UN by extension, bros what do you have? Nnamdi Okwu Kanu? This is so painful
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Council of the European Union, in its conclusions on Iraq, has warned against “unilateral actions” in the country and urged dialogue among all parties.
The Council voiced its “steadfast support for Iraq’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity” and its commitment to the preservation of Iraqi’s diverse society, following a meeting on Monday on Iraq.
Though it did not explicitly refer to the Kurdistan Region’s referendum on independence planned for September 25, the Council stressed that “unilateral steps must be avoided” and all issues must be resolved through consensus “based on the full application of the provisions of the Iraqi Constitution.”
It called on Erbil and Baghdad to build on the military cooperation they established over the war against ISIS in Mosul and extend that constructive relationship into all issues “across the political and economic spectrum, including the disputed internal boundaries.”
The Council also urged Kurdish parties to restore “the functioning of its democratic institutions, including by holding regional elections.”
Individual EU member states have expressed sympathy with Kurdish aspirations while reiterating their support for Iraqi unity and concerns about the timing of the referendum.
In an interview on the Greek radio station Alpha on June 10, Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias, stressed that the European Union seeks Iraqi unity, “but as you know, the unity of a country must result from the wishes of its citizens and not third parties.”
He said that the referendum was something that was provided for by Iraq’s initial constitutional agreement, “but the right was never exercised in practice.”
Mentioning the self-autonomous Kurdish region of northern Syria, Rojava, which Turkey opposes, Kotzias said “in all these countries, the Kurds should have the rights that the Republic of Cyprus intends to grant to the Turkish Cypriot community.”
Britain’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson stated last week that the UK understands “the aspirations of the Kurdish people and continue to support them politically, culturally and economically within Iraq.”
“But a referendum at this time will distract from the more urgent priorities of defeating Daesh, stabilizing liberated areas and addressing the long-term political issues that led to Daesh’s rise.”
Germany has warned that Kurdish independence could cause instability. “Redrawing the lines of the state is not the right way and could exacerbate an already difficult and unstable situation, in Erbil as well as Baghdad,” Germany Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said earlier this month.
He called for dialogue.
The Kurdish leadership has downplayed such reactions. “I believe what has been done so far by the countries is a normal thing. It is not a big reaction,” said Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, said last week, adding that the international reactions so far are not a cause for concern.
The head of the Kurdish government’s Department of Foreign Relations Falah Mustafa said that his message when he meets foreign leaders and representatives hesitant to publicly support the referendum is to at least not stand in the way.
“If governments, countries are not able to support that publicly, then we do request that they will not stand against it publicly,” Mustafa said earlier in June.
He maintains that privately, many foreign dignitaries express “sympathy and support” for the people of Kurdistan.
A multi-party committee that hopes to include members of all political parties in the Kurdistan Region will be tasked with visiting neighbouring and foreign countries to discuss the planned referendum and independence.
1. If you arrest him again, his popularity will triple, and you will lose the remainiung Biafraans who are against IPOB as they know this young man has done nothing wrong. There is also a possibility that it will be bloody as any arrest will be resisted by supporters. This is not the time you picked him up alone with one assistant in Lagos in a Hotel. Now he is surrounded by millions who are willing to lay down their lives for him...not just to carry gun but to sacrifice themselves in mass suicides for him. Go and read about Iranian mass suicdes during the gulf war. The world/western powers before then, have never seen anything like that before. So this plan will not work
Elzakzaky was arrested in the midst of his worshippers not supporters, I suppose you know the fate of those who tried to resist that order, it might interest you to note that the community was razed down, this was a man that was backed firmly by the Islamic republic of Iran yet Nigeria picked him like chicken, let alone a clown like Kanu backed by National association of road transport workers. Arresting kanu is a piece of bread, the order hasn't come, let him enjoy his moments of fame.
2. Kill him? Hmmmm! I don't even want to go there. You will throw this country into an unforgettable anarchy that could last for the unforeseeable future. This country will be turned into ashes within 48 hrs; so don't even consider this option as Biafraans are angry; moved on from 1960s despite how they were massacred, this time around, they will tell you the real meaning of "to be or not to be." Not only will this war this time around be fought in Biafraaland, it will also be fought in Abuja and Lagos, and across the country. It will be a complete disaster and utter destruction. Rather than going with something without a war via referendum and peaceful separation, we will all end eventually separating after Abuja, Lagos and other priced cities have been turned into rubble.
After the death of Abiola and the riots that ensued, I am sure you were not born then, nobody believed that Nigeria will last a second, remember that Kanu is no where close to Abiola's popularity, Abiola had national acceptance not just a regional one, that theory he tested at the polls and won convincingly the presidential elections in all the regions of this country yet the matter died like any other, What is the point killing kanu when Buratai boys can shoot his left eye and throw him in the gallows forever without trial like Zakzaky? I will only advise you not to joke with the might of this republic. You are lucky that Obj is no longer the president, by now, umuahia where kanu hails from would have become a shooting range!!
3. Exit Dialogue for referendum? Yes...this appears to be the only option right now. Engage him for referendum. Go and campiagn in ND states for One Nigeria against Biafra before the referendum since that is the reason why One Nigeria exists in the first place. Will be a difficult task but you never know, some ND states might say no Biafraa though I doubt in my lifetime as every sensible person in this country is fed up with Nigeria
Go to school and learn that not all countries of the world can call for a referendum for very obvious reasons, you heard it happened in the UK and the illiterate you call kanu quickly assumed it can happen here? why did you not ask Nigeria to give you a Queen since it is obtainable in the UK? Are you aware that the US federal government can not call for a referendum while its federating states can? Are you aware that China, Norway, India can not call for a referendum? You abandoned education and chose to sell tyres, you see the way lack of it is disgracing you in public? sadly, buhari does not even have the power to divide this republic, so all your noise will end at nothing, one wrong move will be met with a brutal force, the choice is always yours.
BAILMONEY: IPOBEXPOSED IS ACTUALLY WORKING FOR THE EMANCIPATION OF CHRISTIAN REPUBLIC OF BIAFRA
Only a child will think this, IPOB is actually working hard to achieve the militarization of the SE, remember when we used to raise our hands everywhere in Rivers state? Thats exactly what's cooking in the SE, when you haven't tasted, you are quick to open the pot.
warripekin: Nigeria is still playing about this Biafra thing. the DW journalists were there. Some thing is going on and the Nigerian government is helplessly looking. It's high time we got to the round table.
You havent realised that in the grand scheme of things, these plebeians don't count.
He even quoted a fabricated story planted by IPOB, a chess player claimed to immolate himself, anybody who believed a white man will immolate himself on a black man's account in the 60's when racism was rife is high on goat Urine.!!
Youngadvocate: The Ohanaeze Youth Council, Worldwide, OYC, has petitioned the United Nations, UN, asking that ndi Igbo in the North be granted special protection following the quit notice issued to them by a coalition of northern youths.
The council which is the youth wing of Ohaneze ndi Igbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization also, demanded that the United Nations begins preparation to conduct a referendum in Igbo land to finally determine the fate of their people.
This is following the letter written by the Arewa Youths to the Acting President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in which they bashed Ndigbo over the continuous agitation for Biafra.
Recall the Arewa youths in the letter accused ndi Igbo of instigating various crisis in the country, including the first military coup as well as the civil war.
But in the letter to the UN by the OYC, said it was high time a referendum was conducted to pave way for the final end to the “unworkable marriage” called Nigeria.
The letter signed by the group’s national president, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike (National secretary) Amb Arthur Obiora (Dep National President) Engr Obinna Adobe (National Publicity Secretary) was copied to the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the United States Embassy in Nigeria, the UK Embassy, the Commonwealth, the Amnesty International, among others.
The letter was entitled: “A CALL FOR EMERGENCY IN NIGERIA- OUR TWO-POINT DEMAND.”
It reads in parts: “It is with great concern that we alert the international community of the looming genocide against the Igbos in the Northern part of Nigeria, occasioned by a well-orchestrated, carefully thought-after plot by the Northern hierarchy, who are hiding under the Arewa Youths.
“Their latest ranting, which they packaged a letter to the Acting President has left no one in doubt as to their motive: A GRAND DESIGN TO ANNIHILATE THE IGBO RACE. This, they want to achieve so easily through the well packaged false history, which they have now dished out to gullible minds in order to create a passion hatred for the Igbos in the minds of their people and thereby easily achieve the October 1 planned mayhem against our people.
“How else could one justify their attempt to stab history in the back by labelling the first military coup in Nigeria as an Igbo coup? How else could people twist history than their justifying the pogrom against the Igbos between 1966 and 1967, which eventually led to the civil war? In what measure can one justify the insult on our late leaders, in the persons of Late Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi and Late Col. Chukwuemeka Odumewgu Ojukwu?
“In Igbo land, we have respect not only for the elders, but more so for the dead and it if is for that purpose that we chose not to go further into this matter. Truth cannot never be changed. However, we must let these youths and their pay-masters know that contrary to their claims, our people have made much more sacrifices for the unity of this country, starting from the later Owelle of Onitsha, Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“To also justify their planned killing of every Igbo man remaining with the Biafra agitation amounts to hypocrisy of the highest magnitude. May we remind them for over a decade now, the Boko Haram did not just declare war on the Nigerian State but has gone ahead to seize territories, killed thousands of thousand and rendered millions homeless, yet nobody has branded it an action signed by the entire North. Besides, like the Arewa Youths pointed out in their hypocritical letter, the Biafra agitators have their demand for self-determination found in so many characters, including that of the UN, for which Nigeria is a signatory to. Where does the Boko Haram derive its own right to be engaging in mass murder?
“Our point here, however, is not on the propriety or otherwise of the attempt by Boko Haram to take over every Nigerian Nigeria territory or the Biafra agitation, but the difficult attempt by the Arewa Youths to link every Igbo man with the activities of the IPOB. If it is so, suffice it to say that all of them are members of the Boko Haram sect.
“May we also state that contrary to their claims that Ndigbo were being accommodated in every part of the country, our people have continued to be slaughtered like chickens, especially in the North, without justifiable reason. The case of Mrs. Bridget Agbahime, a pastor’s wife, who was murdered in cold blood will speak against these youths. The manner her case was muzzled by the Kano State Government will make her blood to cry forever against her shameless murderers.
“We, therefore, alert your attention to another impending massacre of the Igbos, especially with thick rumour of arms being stock-piled in the North in readiness for action. It is even more painful considering undenied claims that some security personnel were aiding the smuggling of these sophisticated arms through the porous land borders in the North.
“Suffice it to say, Sir, that the life of our people are now at a great risker. It does appear that the pogrom of the 60s is here to repeat itself again. There are indications that they are only waiting for the whistle to be blown for them to unleash another round of terror on our people.
“Giving the above, we urge the United Nations to beam its satellite on the Northern Nigeria ahead of any eventuality that may befall our people. Considering the manner the security agencies have handled these endless threats, it is unlikely that they may protect our people when these marauders will strike.
“Secondly and very importantly too, having seen that Igbos have remained the victims of this marriage called Nigeria, despite our sacrifices, we demand that the on-going constitutional amendment will not be acceptable should it not make provision for a referendum. It is high time people are given freedom to decide whether they want to remain in a country where they are not loved, not wanted but hated with passion.
“The National Assembly should make no mistake of undertaking any further constitutional amendment without an option for referendum, this is the only way to go and we urge the United Nations to mount all necessary international pressures on Nigeria to effect that very much needed amendment.”
They think that the UN is Idling away in New york looking for Okirika sellers to give referendum? illiteracy is the biggest problem of the Nigerian youth, does it mean that nobody in this group and some neigh sayers on Nairaland doesn't know that referendum has guidelines and nigeria does not meet the first step? God!! how did I arrive this territory of bean heads??
Paperwhite: Former USSR split and today are better for it.In Nigeria unity only matters when a northerner is in power.A fact is that Nigeria's unity was forced on us by Lord Lugard.So let's renegotiate it as this forced unity have rather divided us than ever thought.The earlier the better.Nigeria is now a ticking time bomb.
The way you guys sit in your stalls (shade) and talk like people who don't own television, be advised that nigeria does not and will not take orders from illiterates. If i ask you to give a breakdown of former USSR you have no clue, if i ask you why Eastern Europe is considered the poorest in the EU, you will ask Mr Ibu, please, you guys should stop using the internet, you have disgraced nigeria enough. IPOB is a national embarrassment foreigners mock Nigerians with IPOB, please don't make it worse, I beg of you. Just hide in your stall and discuss with your wife if you can afford one, you guys have disgraced us enough!
Politics › Re: Doyin Okupe: Wept, Saw Hopelessness When IPOB Members Were Waving Biafran Flags by jpphilips(m): 9:23pm On Jun 25, 2017
