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Politics › Northern Elders Forum Denies Adopting Atiku As Consensus Candidate by leethebee(op): 11:24pm On Feb 18, 2023

Alhaji Seidu Baba, a member of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), says the forum has not adopted former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, as a consensus candidate.

Baba made the clarification on Saturday at a news conference in Abuja.

According to him, though, Atiku has been scheming to be endorsed as the sole candidate of the North, NEF has not endorsed him.

He dismissed the claims that the NEF’s 10th Anniversary was to adopt Atiku as the consensus candidate for the North, “Atiku has no credentials to be a sole Northern Presidential candidate”.

Baba said: “There was an attempt to cajole and even force the NEF to adopt him (Atiku), shows how desperate he is.

“Many people believe, that although the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-rufai, was condemning Northern elders, it is believed, his real target was Atiku Abubakar.

“There is no way Atiku can be a Northern candidate because he does not know them and we do not know him.”

“It is believed Atiku got wind of his rejection the reason he failed to show up at the NEF Assembly and could not send any representative.

“Atiku has not been seen as somebody who is closed to the North, because he has not been fair to us.

“He is somebody that have his base outside the North.”

Politics › Peter Obi: Why I Campaign In Markets by leethebee(op): 11:14pm On Feb 18, 2023

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has explained why he visits markets for campaigns.

Obi, who embarked on an open tour of markets within the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos on Saturday, said he is attracted to markets because they are centres of production, manufacturing and distribution, as well as the hub of small and medium scale enterprises upon which the Nigerian economy rests.

A major plank of Obi’s campaign rests on production. He has repeatedly said that he will move Nigeria’s economy from consumption to production.

The LP candidate said that the quickest way to realize this plan of action is to “make our markets the epicenter of economic activities”.

Obi, who likes to describe himself as a trader, said he connects well with the business community because he is one of them.

A major highlight of Obi’s interaction with the business community in Lagos was his announcement that women and youths will occupy 50 percent of appointive positions in his administration if he is elected as president.

While addressing crowds of elated and excited traders in the markets within and around the Trade Fair Complex, Obi told them how important women and youths are in the development and growth of economies around the world.

Obi said he has followed the contributions of women in developed countries and was convinced that Nigeria will reap bountifully if it gives women and youths the opportunity to thrive and excel.

He gave the example of Bangladesh whose export trade, especially in clothing, boasts of women occupying 50 percent of the workforce.

Obi said he will replicate these models of production and manufacturing in Nigeria, as one of the ways of growing the country’s economy.

To realize this noble objective, Obi said his administration will pursue an affirmative action or enact a law that will make it mandatory for women to occupy important positions in key sectors of the economy.

Obi also met with the diplomatic community in Lagos such as the United States, Britain, Germany and Finland, whose ambassadors or High Commissioners to Nigeria are all women.

The LP candidate said Nigeria, under his watch, will borrow a leaf from these countries that have prioritized the education and appointment of women into important and productive positions.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/02/why-i-campaign-in-markets-peter-obi/amp/

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Politics › Naira Scarcity: Tinubu Asks Youths To Not Engage In "Destructive Protests" by leethebee(op): 11:16pm On Feb 15, 2023

Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has lamented the ugly scenes of violence that has trailed the Naira redesign policy and its attendant currency scarcity which has generated a wave of anger across the land.

In a personally signed statement issued Wednesday night in Abuja, Tinubu said he was saddened by reports of violent protests in parts of the country especially in Delta, Oyo, Kwara and Edo states.

“In Delta, there were reports of arson and destruction of bank branches.

“I sympathise with all Nigerians who are going through the pains of not being able to get money from banks and ATM points to meet their basic daily needs. I also sympathize with the banks for being victims of the CBN currency redesign policy.

“Be rest assured that this phase will soon pass away as our governments at both the federal and state levels are working to surmount the current challenges”, he stated.

Tinubu noted that with the Supreme Court reaffirming its order of 8th February on monetary authorities to allow the old and new Naira notes to circulate together, he believes a solution is right on the way and the scarcity of Naira notes will soon be over.

“I am happy to note the various measures being put in place by many of our Governors to cushion the effect of the scarcity of Naira on households.

“I want to appeal to our young people not to take law into their hands through destructive protests.

“We feel your pains and frustration but destroying lives and properties will not solve any problem. Rather, it will only complicate the crisis we have on our hands.

“We must keep the peace and remain calm. Let us not be provoked. Instead, let us cooperate with the government in seeking immediate and lasting solution.

“This difficult time shall soon be over. We must keep hope alive as we move forward to a better, stronger and more prosperous Nigeria of our dream”, he stated.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/02/naira-scarcity-we-feel-your-pains-tinubu-counsels-youths/amp/

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Politics › Gbajabiamila: Saboteurs Behind Naira, Fuel Crises by leethebee(op): 11:39pm On Feb 14, 2023

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, has attributed the current hardship occasioned by fuel and naira scarcity to the activities of saboteurs.

Gbajabiamila made this known in Lagos on Tuesday, during the launching of the second phase of a transport initiative called “Gbaja Ride”, designed to empower his Surulere constituents .

He said the fuel crisis and the lingering scarcity of naira notes were carefully contrived by some elements to derail the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to achieve political motive.

He said the House of Representatives was working hard to rescue citizens from the current hardships towards bringing relief as soon as possible.

“As your representative and Speaker, I have a good understanding of the current hardships and discomfort being faced by many Nigerians, without exception to my constituents.

“The lower legislative chamber under my leadership has been on the side of the people, working tirelessly to rescue them from these difficulties.

“I am glad that the judiciary has also confirmed our position on the implementation of the policy of naira redesign ”

He said the naira swap policy was a well-thought-out one, which had unfortunately been hijacked and politicised.

He alleged that some elements had created crisis around the policy just to stop the All Progressives Congress(APC ) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, from wining the presidential election .

He said the plot seemed to be failing as Nigerians were still keeping faith with the APC and Tinubu in spite of what they were going through.

“Nobody can convince me that it is not a plot to stop Asiwaju from becoming the president of this country .

“But I am glad that our God is a wonderful being, as the plot these people sat together to hatch he has intervened .

“I have followed the campaign team to the East, North and everywhere with Asiwaju and I doff my hat for Nigerians.”

Gbajabiamila urged Nigerians to cast their votes for Tinubu on Feb.25 ,saying he would not disappoint Nigerians if elected .

He said none of the candidates vying for the presidency had the capacity or competence to lead the country, except Tinubu.

Speaking on the “Gbaja ride”,the Speaker said the first edition kicked off in June 2018 with 30 new buses ,160 motorcycles and 25 tricycles.

it was designed to empower the constituents and ease movements.

He said the second phase had been better structured to offer better bus services to the people of Surulere at very low fares.

Gbajabiamila said the new 35 buses would be run in partnership with members of Lagos State Park and Garages Administrators and that many routes would be covered by the buses.

He, however, said the buses would offer free rides to teachers ,students and residents who are above 70 years.

He explained that the scheme was one of his many interventions geared towards improving the lot of the people of the constituency.

Earlier, Mr Sulaiman Yusuf, Chairman, Surulere Local Government, commended Gbajabiamila for the initiative.

He said the scheme was another proof that the Speaker was committed to the wellbeing of the people of his constituency .

“This is another proof that the Speaker cares .He has done so much for the people of Surulere and we are so proud of him.

Mr Fouad Laguda, APC Chairman in the area, also thanked Gbajabiamila for the initiative, saying it would ease movements of people of the area as well as provide job opportunities

He urged the people of the area to continue to keep faith with APC and vote all the party’s candidates on Feb.25.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/02/saboteurs-behind-naira-fuel-crises-gbajabiamila/amp/

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Politics › El-rufai Denying Buhari To Run Away From Apc’s Failure — MBF by leethebee(op): 11:13pm On Feb 13, 2023

The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, has said Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna is desperate to run away from the monumental failures of the All Progressives Congress, APC, which he is part of, by trying to distance himself from President Muhammadu Buhari’s policies.

The National President of the MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu who Monday was reacting to the Kaduna State Governor’s recent media outing where he was quoted as saying that he believed in President Buhari and not his policies anymore, described him as a self-centred person.

Dr. Pogu said, “Governor El-Rufai has always been mischievous and selfish. Under the former President Obasanjo he was accusing everybody outside that government. When he joined ranks with the people who eventually formed the All Progressives Congress, APC, he started saying all sorts of things against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, where he belonged at a time.

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“Today he is in the APC where he is one of their notable leaders and the APC has failed woefully, he is desperately trying to distance himself by saying Buhari is this and that.

“He forgets that he has also performed badly in Kaduna state. People have lost their lives and lands taken over and all of that.

“So El-Rufai will continue to be a selfish and self-centered person. And remember just before now, this same El-Rufai said the Governors are the leaders in the North. He is not a person you can rely on. So you can forget about his statement and let posterity judge him.”

Politics › Ohanaeze Youths Call For Disbandment Of Ebube Agu In Ebonyi by leethebee(op): 10:27pm On Feb 10, 2023

Ahead of the February 23 and March 12 general elections, the apex Socio-cultural youth organization of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Ohanaeze Youth Council, (OYC) has called on the federal government to disband Ebube Agu Security Network, in Ebonyi State.

OYC made the call in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka and sent to Vanguard in Abuja on Friday.

Igboayaka who described Ebube Agu as militia group of the State governor, Engr. David Umahi added that the security outfit is now a terror to the people.

He said: “Ebube Agu Militias squad in Ebonyi State is now a terror to villagers and a tool of harassment, torture and intimidation against any perceived political enemy of Governor David Umahi. The activities of Ebube Agu are becoming too worrisome and unbearable.”

Igboayaka also urged the Inspector General of Police and all other heads of various Security agencies to act fast and prevent the looming blood bath that might strike during the elections, if Ebube Agu continues operation in the State, regretting that the said security outfit is merely set up to serve in the interest of the Governor David Umahi.

“The National Security Adviser, National Director of State Security Service, Inspector General of Police must as a matter of urgency understand that Ebube Agu in Ebonyi State is merely serving the interest of Gov. David Umahi, and it’s a time bomb waiting to blow, an incident that will interrupt national peace and a direct security threat to the nation.

“It is, therefore, very necessary at this time to banish Abube Agu Militias in Ebonyi before the 2023 general election otherwise heads will roll in Ebonyi”, he said.

Politics › APC Fighting For Old Notes To Buy Votes – PDP by leethebee(op): 10:43pm On Feb 09, 2023

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fighting for the retention of old naira notes for the purpose of using it to buy votes in the forthcoming general elections.

Spokesman of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Charles Aniagwu who stated this at a news conference in Asaba, said that the ruling party was hiding under the guise of fighting for the suffering masses to perfect its illicit plans of spending its stashed old notes on vote buying.

He said that the PDP having engaged Nigerians on how it intends to recover and rebuild the country from the ruins of the APC-led government was very much prepared for the elections and warned against moves that could lead to postponement of the polls.

He accused the APC of plotting to derail the electioneering process by instituting frivolous court injunction and warned that the PDP was very ready for the polls to hold as scheduled.

According to Aniagwu, we are depending on the interface we have had with Nigerians and we are depending on the fact that Nigerians know that Atiku-Okowa have what it takes to rescue and rebuild Nigeria.

“Why is the APC going to court to seek extension of the old notes rather than ask the court to compel the CBN to release more new notes to the populace?

“The PDP as a political party would want the elections to hold as scheduled. We are impressing it upon the Federal Government and the Central Bank to make sure that funds are available to the people in line with the limits they have set.

“This is important so that when you go to the ATM or the banking hall, you should be able to access the little or the much you desire in line with that benchmark.

“That is because as a Campaign Organisation and as a political party we are not depending on vote buying, we are very confident of the interface we have had with Nigerians.

“We are confident because Nigerians are looking towards the direction of Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa to recover us from where we are,”

He said the APC was jittery over the naira redesign policy because it banked on its stashed funds to buy votes.

“Why the APC have been very busy fighting Muhammadu Buhari and the CBN Governor because they know that they are losing this election, we are confident that we even want the election to hold tomorrow so that we can begin the process of recovery.

“We are very much eager to go into this election because we are very confident that Nigerians are yearning for the PDP to return to power so that we can begin to move our country forward once again.”

Aniagwu further said that the PDP as a party was not interested in joining the suit against the CBN or the Federal Government and added that any party member who does so was on his own.

“Anybody in the PDP who says he is joining people to go to court for the purpose of truncating the process does not enjoy the support of our Presidential Campaign Council or the party at large.

“We do appreciate the challenges Nigerians are going through with respect to the scarcity of the redesigned Naira notes, we are comforted by the fact that the CBN said it’s doing something to shore up the available funds so that banks will be in a better position to meet up with the demands of genuine Nigerians who want to spend their money legitimately.

“We support every effort to trap all illicit funds and not make them available for this election. We are very much aware that the APC and its presidential available for this election. We are very much aware that the APC and its presidential candidate are depending on stashed funds largely in the old naira notes.

“That is why you find it very astonishing that three governors of the same political party that initiated a policy are the ones that decided to go to the Supreme Court with a view to short-circuit the progress that is being made.

“You begin to wonder why they didn’t join the CBN or even the banks, because they know that if they do that they cannot run to the Supreme Court and so they went ahead to activate the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court with respect to cases between the Federal Government and the states,” he said.

Aniagwu who is also Commissioner for Information in Delta said Emefiele and the CBN had been a subject of discussion over the naira redesign policy and wondered why they weren’t joined in their ill-fated suit.

“When they cry they shout Emefiele, they call CBN, now they went to court they didn’t not sue the elements, they didn’t sue the CBN, that tells you that that party is only confused but they know that they have lost this election.

“We have it on good authority that the APC is trying to trigger processes that could lead to the postponement of this election but we are happy with the position of the INEC Chairman that this election will hold as scheduled.

“We are continuing our interface with Nigerians, and as a Presidential Campaign Council, we are confident that Nigerians are looking in our direction.

“We plead with Nigerians that the challenges they are going through today will be over in a not too distant time, the Egyptians they see today they shall see them no more.

“We are also very happy with Nigerians for the amount of decorum they have maintained even in the midst of the frustration they are going through on account of a whole lot of challenges triggered by the APC in the last seven and half years.

“The fuel crisis we are having now is worse than any we have had before, just check out the amount you are paying for fuel yet Nigerians are eager to bear and allow the APC to just go away so that the PDP can kick-start the process of recovery,” he stated

He said the party’s Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa were very much ready to hit the ground running because the issues militating against the growth and development of the country were very much known to them.

“Atiku-Okowa are very much ready for the purpose of hitting the ground running from day one because the issues are very well known to us and we have been able to speak to the how with respect to what we have said we are going to do.

“We are not like other Presidential candidates that are talking about what they are going to do without talking about how they are going to do it,”

On the fuel scarcity issue, Aniagwu queried the three governors for not approaching the Supreme Court to resolve the impasse.

“How come the three governors didn’t know that we had a Supreme Court? In this country, people were having a very difficult time to even obtain their PVCs these governors were very busy minding their business.

“Today they pose as if what is affecting them is not having naira in the pockets of Nigerians, that is not their challenge, their challenge is how to deploy the old notes that they have stashed if not why didn’t they ask the court to impress it on CBN to provide the new naira notes?

“Why are they interested in the old notes? Nigerians are saying we can’t access the new notes and why can’t these governors go to court to say please print more money let us have the new notes?

“Why are they interested in the old notes? Nigerians are saying we can’t access the new notes and why can’t these governors go to court to say please print more money let us have the new notes?

Why are they busy talking about the old ones? This tells you where they are coming from and I tell you very honestly, with the support of Nigerians we are very convinced that these Egyptians we shall see them no more very soon,” Aniagwu stated.

Politics › Atiku Seeks Removal Of Lagos REC Over Alleged Partisanship by leethebee(op): 3:58pm On Feb 08, 2023

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Olusegun Agbaje, for “his partisanship and compromise.“

This was contained in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

He said it was curious that Agbaje had insisted on using the Lagos State Park and Garage Management Committee led by transport kingpin, Musiliu Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council.

Shaibu dismissed Agbaje’s excuse that INEC would not be able to use the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) because they had been barred in Lagos State.

He said , “The law is clear that only a court has the power to proscribe an organisation. That was why the Federal Government had to go to court to proscribe the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

“What Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu did in Lagos State was to arbitrarily announce a ban on the activities of the NURTW because the organisation suspended MC Oluomo, the APC’s henchman.

“INEC must not promote illegality by working with a partisan organisation which is filled with APC members that are working for Bola Tinubu.

“How could such people be given sensitive materials to be distributed across Lagos on election day?

“This has already undermined the possibility of a free and fair election. INEC must sanction Mr. Agbaje for insisting on using MC Oluomo’s committee despite protests from members of the public.”

Shaibu recalled that Agbaje was the REC who superintended over the fraudulent 2018 governorship election rerun in Osun State which even the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union discredited.

He further said, “Recall that it was Mr. Agbaje who superintended over the fraudulent and violent Osun governorship rerun which produced Gboyega Oyetola as governor. US Consul General, John Bray was spot on when he stated, ‘We witnessed what appeared to be incidents of interference and intimidation of voters and heard reports of harassment or party monitors, journalists and domestic observers.”

Shaibu equally noted that even election monitoring groups like the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) dismissed the Osun rerun as “fraudulent and anti-democratic”.

He maintained that, “Unfortunately, it is the same Agbaje, who could not effectively supervise a rerun in a few polling units that has been given the task of superintending the election in Nigeria’s largest state with over seven million registered voters. The election is doomed to fail if INEC doesn’t do the right thing by removing him.

“We remind the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, that this will be his last general election before the end of his tenure.

“We ask him to protect his legacy by removing Mr. Segun Agbaje if he insists that MC Oluomo must be the one to handle sensitive INEC materials. This election must not only be fair but it must be seen to be fair as well.”

Shaibu explained that “as of Wednesday morning, over 17,000 Nigerians had signed a petition on Change.Org titled, ‘Remove Olusegun Agbaje as the Lagos INEC Commissioner for Incompetence and Bigotry’.

The Atiku media aide said Agbaje has been under fire for the last one week following his comments over the inability of a large number of non-indigenes in Lagos to vote.

While explaining the development on Channels Television, Agbaje, who was visibly disgusted, stated that people of the southeast migrated to Lagos and engaged in double registration hence their inability to get their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC).

Responding to thIs development, Shaibu said, “It is disheartening that the Lagos REC, Mr Segun Agbaje, has begun to show open partisanship. We find it curious that it is the local governments considered as opposition strongholds that were unable to get their PVCs.
“Historians and analysts have described this 2023 general election as a watershed. The destiny of over 200 million people is at stake. INEC says it is ready to deliver a credible and free election but one weak link in the chain of command can undermine the entire process.

“We call on Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu to remove the Lagos REC, Mr. Agbaje, as his credibility is seriously in doubt. Again, we call on INEC not to use the MC Oluomo-led partisan organisation to distribute ballot papers on election day.”

Politics › Naira Scarcity: We Won’t Be Used To Derail General Election, CBN Assures INEC by leethebee(op): 9:32pm On Feb 07, 2023

The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has said it would not allow itself to be seen as derailing the forthcoming general election, promising to do all within its mandate to assist the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deliver free, fair, credible, and inclusive polls.

According to the apex bank, it would bend backward to make available, the necessary cash that INEC would need to pay for certain peculiar services.

CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja when he played host to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

Yakubu had embarked on an emergency trip to the apex bank to request concessions regarding the Naira Redesign policy with specific reference to the limitations placed on cash withdrawals.

He said some of the service providers are required to be paid in cash and that aside from that, experience has shown that emergency situations do arise on election day which could demand the use of cash by the commission.

Politics › Tinubu Explains Reason For "Low Key" Campaign Rally In Katsina by leethebee(op): 10:18pm On Feb 06, 2023

The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to defeat terrorists if elected as Nigeria’s president in 2023.

Tinubu made the remark while addressing the huge crowd that turned out for his campaign rally held at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina State on Monday.

According to the former Lagos Governor, the party had deliberated on calling off the rally due to the recent carnage experienced in Kankara – Bakori communities of the state but chose to make it lowkey and pray for the souls of the lost in the carnage.

Tinubu also assured citizens in the state that the children and widows of victims of terrorism will not be abandoned.

Meanwhile, Tinubu has donated the sum of N100 million to the victims of the carnage in Katsina State.

Tinubu said: “We all discussed whether we should continue with or cancel the rally today but we said if we cancel, they will appear as if they have achieved their objective.

“Nothing happens without the wish of Allah. We should take it as a crime without faith in Almighty Allah.

“They will pay their price because they have committed a heinous crime that is not prescribed by any faith or any believer in the work of Allah and the teaching of the Holy Qu’ran.

“Therefore, we summon our courage, and I salute and condole with you all. We participate in the sorrow, we share in the mourning, the pains.

“Only Allah can soothe the pains of many orphans and widows they created but we promise one thing and many more that they will not win.

“The wicked shall perish. We will definitely deal with them. There is no way they will go scot-free.

“Whether they derive some moment of joy or satisfaction, we are saying, we are bold, courageous, and believe in Allah better than what they have because they are evil and we will defeat and eliminate them.

“The orphans and widows made by their wickedness will be catered for and none of those our men and women in uniform who sacrifice to save lives will be forgotten.

“This government will definitely continue to work against crime with determination, courage and perseverance.

“We are the people who want peace and progress for the country. President Muhammadu Buhari does not wish harm or danger for anyone. He wants protection and peace for all and we will work with him to show that this part of Africa is progressive and our party also is progressive.

“Indeed, the symbol of the “Poverty Development Party” will never be sustained and we will never allow them to come back to govern over you again. We are saying no no no to PDP, no no no to their evil. God bless you.”

Also speaking at the rally, Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, said the 2023 election is about choosing between light and darkness.

According to Masari, leadership is not an issue to joke with. He urged the people of the state to focus their attention on good leadership by differentiating between light and darkness.

The Katsina Governor also warned citizens not to allow other politicians to play with their intelligence. He said: “Don’t listen to them and their fake promises of ending insecurity and hunger.

“We have done what is good for the people, hence people should allow APC to continue,” he said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/02/tinubu-holds-lowkey-rally-in-katsina-vows-to-defeat-terrorists/amp/

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Politics › Osun Poll: How BVAS Exposed Alleged Rigging Machine by leethebee(op): 11:18am On Feb 06, 2023

WHEN in August 2022, I announced to the whole world that in Osun, my principal, Adegboyega Oyetola, did not lose the July 16 governorship election, but only lost the vote count, some Nigerians, especially sympathisers of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were furious. They called me names. But they could not marshal any reasonable argument to disprove my position. So, the judgement of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal is a vindication of my position prior to the 2018 governorship election that the majority of Osun citizens, who are reasonable, knowledgeable, and who apart from ‘dancecraft’, has nothing to offer the state. His administration of Osun in the last 60 days has further exposed him as a man lacking in character, content, and capacity.

Similarly, the outcome of the tribunal is a vindication of my August 2022 postulation that we only lost the vote count and not the election. Contrary to the claims of the governor and his cohorts, three of the judges agreed that he forged his certificate, while two concurred that there was indeed overvoting in the July 16 governorship election. And in accordance with the Electoral Act, the invalid votes were separated from the valid ones, and Oyetola was declared the validly-elected governor of Osun State. Therefore, the issue of “Member 1” and “Member 2” being propounded by Senator Ademola Adeleke, Kolapo Alimi, and the rest only exists in their imagination. It is a pity that the governor does not know, and those we thought should know ended up misleading the poor man.

In the lead judgement, which was over 90 pages, “we” featured prominently to indicate that the position reached was reached by two or more persons. Similarly, in the dissenting judgement, which was just eight pages, “I” featured prominently to indicate he was alone in that decision. How Senator Ademola Adeleke’s men were able to confuse him about the fact that an eight-page judgement can be used to overturn over 90 pages of sound and scholarly judgement, which are well grounded in law and facts, remains a mystery to me.

How the tribunal arrived at its conclusion: Before delving into how the tribunal arrived at its conclusion, I wish to deal with the issue of alleged forgery as established by the Tribunal. Recall that Oyetola and APC approached the Tribunal on two fundamental grounds: one, that at the time Senator Adeleke was contesting, he was not qualified. Two, that he did not score the lawful valid votes. According to the Tribunal led by Justice Tertsea Kume, APC and Oyetola were able to prove the alleged forgery case against Governor Adeleke as EC9, which is the affidavit in support of personal particulars about the governor, told “a lie about itself”. The three justices of the Tribunal went further to hold that “clear reading of the above reproduced section of the Criminal Code and exhibit EC9 reproduced above reveals that EC9 tells a lie about itself. See ACN vs. Lamido (2011), LPELR-91741 (CA) 1 at 79–80 paras C- A, and 80 81 paras F- A.

“In that regard, the forgery of the said documents presented by the 2nd respondent (Ademola Adeleke) to the 1st respondent (INEC) has been proved. “The same consequence applies to File D in so far as the contents therein relate to ‘Osun State’ which was not in existence before 1991. See PDP v. Degi-Eremenyo (2021) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1781) 274 at 292 paras A-C cited by learned counsel for the Petitioners.” The Tribunal Justices went further to hold as follows: “The question, however, is whether, having found forgery in parts of exhibit EC9 and file D, the 2nd Respondent (Ademola Adeleke) is exonerated by exhibits 2R.RW6 and 2R.RW9. We think he is. It would have been otherwise if no other qualifying certificate of attendance at an institution had been presented to the first respondent for the election.” As a layman, the mere fact that the Tribunal only says they “think,” shows that this is another potent pendulum that could swing against the governor at the appellate court. Reason being that, the additional qualifications which were the basis of what I want to refer to as his temporary respite in the issue of qualification, was acquired using the O’Level that has been proven to be allegedly forged. Therefore, if we go by the popular axiom, you cannot build something on nothing and expect it to stand. It goes without saying that the governor is yet to be let off the hook as far as his qualification to stand for the election is concerned. He can be disqualified for submitting an alleged forged document as contained in his file with INEC.

But let’s go back to the issue of overvoting. The Electoral Act is clear. To make a return as to the announcement of the results of the election, the presiding officer must take into account what the BVAS transmitted, which is on the back end. In this instance, Senator Adeleke was declared winner of that election by the INEC on July 17 based on the figures the BVAS transmitted. It was these figures the APC and Oyetola applied for and got from the INEC. After filing their petitions, the PDP rushed to INEC and obtained what was later referred to as a “synchronized” BVAS report. Assuming without conceding that there should be a synchronised BVAS report, the next question to ask, which I raised in September, is: On what basis then was Adeleke declared the winner on July 17? By their stretch of argument, it means Adeleke was declared the winner before “synchronization”. Since Adeleke was never declared the winner by opening the BVAS machine, how on earth will you now sway the tribunal to accept that? At any rate, even in that one too, the expert hired by Adeleke, Samuel Oduntan, to analyse the BVAS machine also admitted before the court that there was overvoting. The only difference is that he said it was discovered in only six polling units. But during the cross-examination, APC and Oyetola counsel were able to prove to him that apart from the six he claimed over-voting occurred, there were others. “Under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, I conducted the forensic analysis of BVAS machines. I then analyzed the result with the Form EC8A series. My report didn’t determine who won or lost. I only gave the figures. I observed overvoting in six polling units. I was paid for the job. But it does not affect the figures and facts in my report,” he said.

Under cross-examination by petitioner’s counsel, Akin Olujinmi, SAN, Odutan, while being confronted with his witness statement and the BVAS report (Exhibit RBVR) on the accreditation figure in Ward 4, unit 7, said: “In my witness statement, page 7, serial number 138, the accreditation figure as extracted on the BVAS machine is 388, but on exhibit RBVR, it is 313.” But because it is difficult to cover up lies, even in the synchronised BVAS report presented before the Tribunal by INEC, the APC and Oyetola legal team were able to prove over-voting in over 100 polling units across the 10 local government areas, or LGAs, that they were challenging. What is more, INEC, the beneficiary (Adeleke), and the PDP, which sponsored Adeleke, could not even agree on the BVAS reports they presented before the Tribunal. This was what led Adeleke’s counsel to disown even the synchronized BVAS report INEC presented to the Tribunal.

Again, INEC’s witness, who testified before the Tribunal, did not disown the BVAS report given to Oyetola and APC, and she admitted under cross-examination that there was indeed overvoting in that election.

Politics › Omo-agege Blasts Okowa Over Power Failure In Asaba by leethebee(op): 10:42pm On Feb 03, 2023

Deputy Senate President and Delta APC Governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has censured Delta’s Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for lighting up the Government House and leaving the residents of Asaba and the environs in darkness.

Senator Omo-Agege stated this Wednesday, February 1, when the ongoing ward-to-ward campaigns of APC touched ground at Oko, Okwe and Umuaji-Asaba, all in Oshimil South LGA.

He said Governor Okowa abandoned the 28 megawatts Independent Power Plant, IPP, project initiated by the previous administration and designed to power the entire State capital, in favour of a 5 megawatts IPP only able to power the Government House and Commissioners’ quarters, leaving the entire Asaba metropolis and environs in darkness.

He lamented that Asaba does not wear the fit and proper look of capital even after the state governor has received over 4.2 trillion naira and borrowed so heavily.

“I am very angry, we are all angry at the misgovernance by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the past seven and a half years. This is Asaba, Delta State capital. If for nothing else, we owe Asaba a duty to develop the State capital. Governor Okowa cannot give a satisfactory account of what he has done with over 4.2 trillion naira, yet the State is over-borrowed with no significant Infrastructure on the ground anywhere commensurate to inflow.

“The Osadebey University in Asaba is a signboard because he has not added a block to the former structures of the Anwai campus of Delta State University that he converted to Osadebey University.

“But I commit to you that when I become governor, I will make Asaba wear the proper look of a State capital. I have given this commitment to the Asagba of Asaba. Government House and Commissioners’ quarters that are powered by Governor Okowa do not produce jobs for the people. When I become governor I will revisit the 28 megawatts IPP project to power the entire Asaba and environs so that businesses can operate; so that we can attract investor companies to come in and provide jobs for the youths.”

“I also commit to fixing the yearly flooding which Governor Okowa has neglected to pursue his ill-fated vice presidential ambition. I will tackle the problem using Balloon Technology.”

He said he would fix roads in the State capital and adjoining towns that fall within the Asaba capital territory. “When I become governor, I will construct Oko and Okwe roads. In fact, I have already fixed the Oko 28km road into the NDDC budget and by this time next year it would have been done from Asaba to Oko.”

Earlier on, State Chairman of the APC, Elder Omeni Sobotie, said Okwe was supposed to be part and parcel of Asaba township but because of the wickedness of Governor Okowa, the road to the community is in disrepair. He urged the people to support all candidates of the APC in the elections for a change from the bitter pains inflicted on them by Governor Okowa and the PDP, “because the wickedness of the wicked will soon come to an end.”

Dr Mrs Ngozi Olejeme, former National Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Chairman, told the people that Senator Omo-Agege is a dependable ally who will improve the living standards of the people. She said that as a tested and trusted daughter of the Anioma nation, her choice of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as governor was well thought out, and supported by the people.

Politics › Presidency: Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Endorse Peter Obi by leethebee(op): 8:30pm On Feb 02, 2023

Leaders of thoughts, elder statesmen from four of the six geo-political zones of the country, under the aegis of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF led by South-South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark have endorsed the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi as its candidate for February 25 Presidential election.

The decision was taken at the end of the extraordinary meeting of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum on Wednesday in Abuja.

The leaders of SMBLF is made up of the Middle- Belt, Ndi- Igbo( Ohanaeze, Afenifere, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF).

The Communique was read by the immediate past President General of the umbrella body of Ndigbo Worldwide, the Ohanaeze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo.

Politics › 2023: I’ll Appoint Women Into Key Positions – Uba Sani by leethebee(op): 5:01pm On Feb 02, 2023

The gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has said that

his administration will appoint women into key positions and support their businesses when elected governor.

He noted that Kaduna state is one of the most gender inclusive governments in the country and promised to continue to empower women when elected governor of Kaduna state.

Senator Uba Sani who made this pledge at Kajuru on Wednesday, while reacting to women’s request for adequate representation during a Town Hall meeting, prior to the campaign rally.

The gubernatorial candidate, in a statement,also promised to support security agencies in the war against banditry and general insecurity bedeviling the area.

The federal legislator who represents Kaduna Central in the Senate,however pointed out that security is a collective responsibility and should not be left to the federal government alone, adding that both the state and local governments, including the traditional institution as well as the citizens should contribute their quotas.

He commended Governor Nasir El Rufai for giving logistics support to the military, adding that peace has started retuning in the last three weeks, owing to the attacks on criminals’ hideouts.

The governorship candidate commissioned a fully renovated and equipped Primary Healthcare Center, nurses quarters as well as an ambulance.

Speaking at the palace of Etsu Chukun, Senator Uba Sani also promised to continue with Town Hall meetings and community engagement for policy formulation and implementation.

The gubernatorial candidate noted that the appointment of the Etsu Chukun has brought peace to the chiefdom, adding that ethno-religious differences have been reduced.

The Senator called on the people to live together in peace as this will bring about progress and development in the area.

Uba Sani also said that he is committed to completing all the ongoing road projects in Chukun local government and initiating new ones when elected into office.

A rally was held at Sabon Tasha where the gubernatorial candidate enjoined the people to vote APC from top to bottom, for continuing development in the state and country at large.

Politics › Peter Umeadi: I’ve Capacity To Tackle Security Challenges by leethebee(op): 5:22pm On Feb 01, 2023

Prof. Peter Umeadi, the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) says he has the ability to tackle security challenges bedevilling the country.

Umeadi said this when he spoke at the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) State of The Nation Dialogue in Abuja.

He said that he plans to adopt some measures including a holistic review of the security apparatus with special attention to the police to tackle the challenges.

He added that the welfare of the police and the provision of adequate working tools would be given optimal attention

“As APGA Presidential candidate if elected in the General Election, I will lead the country to overcome insurgency.

“The police should be able to stay and fight and overwhelm the internal security challenges with the needed support.

“The social progress philosophy of my manifesto is all-encompassing to help the nation come out of her current challenges through the application of true federalism and concept of effective decentralisation of power.

“The problem of the Nigerian economy is not resource related but mono-economic policies and politicised crude oil production smeared with corruption.

“This has rather made the resource blight than a blessing,’’ he said.

Speaking, NBA President, Mr Yakubu Maikyau, expressed appreciation to the participants and commended the initiators of the programme.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/02/ive-capacity-to-tackle-security-challenges-apga-presidential-candidate/amp/

Politics › Katsina APC Chieftain Dumps Party, Rejects Tinubu, Dikko’s Appointment by leethebee(op): 10:52pm On Jan 31, 2023

Another bigwig from the Katsina State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC),
Hon. Mamuda Lawal Musawa has dumped the ruling party.

Mamuda, a property development guru and CEO of Zamani Estates and Properties Development Ltd also rejected his appointment into Jagaban/Shettima Northwest Ambassadors’ as well as that of Dikko/Jobe 2023 Campaign Council.

This is coming barely 24 hours after three APC currently serving house of representatives members dumped the ruling party for APC after a meeting with the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The property development guru, fondly referred to as ‘Zamani’ cited the imposition of candidate and refusal of the party to conduct primary election on 27th May, 2022, for Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency as his primary reasons for quiting the party.

Mamuda, in his letter of resignation addressed to the APC Musawa Ward Chairman, said his decision is with effect from January 31, 2023.

Mamuda, a two-time House of Representatives Aspirants, also held many political appointments in the past. He was a former member, National Advisory Council for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and also a former council member for the re-election of Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

Politics › Scores Injured As APC, PDP Thugs Clash In Lagos by leethebee(op): 10:07pm On Jan 28, 2023

Scores of persons were injured Friday, in Aiyetoro, Surulere area of Lagos, during a clash between suspected thugs of the All Progressive Party and the Peoples Democratic Party.

A video that went viral on social media revealed that thugs from both sides engaged themselves in a gun battle.

But members of one group overwhelmed the other.

Vehicles were seen hurriedly making U-turns while shop owners hid to avoid being hit by stray bullets.

The impact of the gunshots caused a forced contraction for a pregnant woman identified simply as Chinyere..

A campaign vehicle of one of the parties was seen driving off from the scene.
By the time policemen arrived, the armed thugs had left.

When contacted, the spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hudenyin, said three persons were injured.

He added that there was no loss of life and that no arrest was made.

Politics › PDP Rejects Osun Governorship Election Judgment by leethebee(op): 10:08pm On Jan 27, 2023

The National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has rejected the judgement of the Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal which annulled the victory of its candidate, Adémólá Adeleke.

The PDP described the judgement as an attempt to nullify the mandate freely given to it and it’s Candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke by the people of Osun State in the July 16, 2022 Governorship election.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, in a statement in Abuja, on Friday said, “The judgment of the Tribunal is contrary to the Will of the people of Osun State which was expressed by the overwhelming votes cast for our Party and Candidate at the election.

“The July 16, 2022 Governorship election in Osun State was adjudged by Local and International Observers to be free, fair, transparent and clearly won by the PDP and our Candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke in confirmation of the wishes and aspiration of the people.

“The Will of the people of Osun State as expressed by electing Governor Adeleke must be respected. As a law-abiding Party, the PDP will explore all available legal means to restore the victory of our Party.

“The PDP charges the people of Osun State to be calm, remain at alert and continue to support Governor Adeleke as we restate our confidence in the Institution of the Judiciary to dispense justice in this matter at the Appellate Court.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/pdp-rejects-osun-governorship-election-judgment/amp/

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Politics › APC Debunks Expulsion Of Ex-presidential Aide, From Party by leethebee(op): 10:13pm On Jan 26, 2023

THE Executive Council, Elders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress APC, in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom Statte have debunked the purported expulsion of former Senior Special Adviser of President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang from the the party.

The local government Chapter Chairman, Mr Umoh Ekop, in a statement in Uyo on Thursday said that those behind the purported letter of expulsion were aliens to APC.

Ekop said that at no time did Enang commit any offence that should warrant an expulsion from the party, describing the alleged expulsion of Enang from the party as an insult.

He stated: “Ordinarily, we would have allowed the said publication, knowing that the said publication is meaningless and does not have the weight capacity of distracting the party nor the Distinguish Senator Ita Enang, who is the backbone of the part at the Local Government Area and State government levels.

“For the sake of the public, who may be misled to believe this lies from the pit of hell, we want to put the record straight, that Senator Ita Enang is still a member of All Progressives Congress, Eastern Ward 2, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

“We have not received any news or petition from the Ward Chairman of Eastern Ward 2 against Senator Ita Enang at any time.

“Senator Ita Enang is the only light and voice of the party at the local level as well as the known voice in Akwa Ibom State that has always been speaking for the party,”

The chapter chairman urged those behind the publication to tender an unreserved apology to Enang within 72 hours, noting that such a move was the handiwork of mischief makers and also an insult to the entire Ibiono Ibom LGA.

He described the former presidential aide as a very dedicated, committed, and sincere member of APC who has been querying the opposition on the issues of transparency with public funds in the state.

He disclosed that the chapter executive of the party, elders and the entire members of APC in Ibiono Ibom have passed a vote of confidence on Enang as a true party man, and therefore
called on the entire members of the APC family at all levels as well as the general public to discard such publication”

Politics › Atiku, Tinubu, Peter Obi Jittery Of Kwankwaso’s Growing Popularity — Party Chair by leethebee(op): 8:04pm On Jan 20, 2023

The Chairman of New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP in Osun state, Dr Tosin Odeyemi has disclosed that other political parties presidential candidates are jittery about the growing influence of its Presidential candidate, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, hence attempting to incite crisis within the party.

Speaking while reopening the party secretariat in Osogbo on Thursday, Odeyemi said Kwankwaso will shock both Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu at the forthcoming presidential election.

According to Odeyemi, we have all seen how the electioneering is ongoing and majority of candidates from other parties are jittery of Kwankwaso’s growing influence and are eager to to incite crisis within our party, especially in the southwest.

“All of their efforts will not materialise. As you can see, we have resolved our differences here and we have all come together with resolve to ensure the victory of Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the February 25 election.

“We have reached truce in Osun to continue to mobilize support for all our candidates for the general elections and ensure their victory in the poll.

“We have a candidate that is experience, he has track record and his antecedent is towers above others, hence, our call to Nigerians to rally behind him to enthrone good government in the country”.

Politics › Southwest To Become Hub Of Nigeria’s Industrialization If Elected – Atiku by leethebee(op): 5:21pm On Jan 19, 2023

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said that Southwestern Nigeria will be made the nation’s industrial hub if elected president on February 25.

The former Vice President made the disclosure, while speaking at the PDP Presidential campaign at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday.

Atiku, while appealing to the state to go out enmasse to vote for all PDP candidates in the coming election, however, expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for creating the enabling environment and providing the needed support for the peaceful rally.

He said: “South West is going to be a business centre, that’s why in our economic programs, we are committed to making sure that industrialization of the south west is achieved and has the support of the federal government.”

“These is our commitment. There are five major commitments to the people of this country. We must make sure there is unity, we must make sure there is inclusion. Every part of this country will be represented in our government, not like what the APC government is doing.”

“We will also make sure we take control of our security situation so that there is peace, law and order in every part of this country. These are commitments unlike the commitment of the APC in the last seven to eight years. They have failed in every areas of their commitment and you’re all key witnesses.”

“This is an opportunity for you to vote out APC, vote them out completely from top to bottom and replace them with PDP all the way from top to bottom,” Atiku said.

The PDP presidential candidate who is making his fourth attempt at the number one office in the land expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde of Oyo state for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the rally.

“Le me use this opportunity to commend Governor Seyi Makinde and the PDP in Oyo State for making sure that this rally is well organised and orchestrated.”

Atiku alleged that the current government at the federal level has failed to restructure the country, despite the fact that the people of the region have been clamouring for it over the years.

He told the audience the type of restructuring he will introduce would give more powers to states and local government areas.

“I will restructure Nigeria. Restructuring of the country will be achieved during my time. By restructuring, we mean giving more powers and autonomy to the states and local government areas.”

“The written of the southwest has been known to agitate for restructuring. By restructuring we mean giving more powers or giving more autonomy to the state.”

“This is one of the five pillars of our programmes to make sure we implement restructuring meaning that we give the state more resources and more powers so that you can develop your respective zones and states. This is our commitment.”

“Again, we are committed to making sure there are no more strikes in our universities. Meaning we will fund our universities, pay our teachers on time so that we don’t have any disruption to academic activities,” Atiku added.

The national chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu in his remarks, said the PDP had a great dream for the country which occasioned the birth of PDP as the adopted name for the party noting that the party was gradually bringing the dreams to bear before APC came and disrupted it.

He, however, urged all aggrieved members including the G-5 Governors led by Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike to return to the party to collectively salvage the nation from what he described as misrule of the APC government.

Other notable party stalwarts who spoke at the rally include the chairman of the presidential campaign council (PCC), Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State; Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State; Atiku’s wife, Mrs. Titilayo Abubakar, Senator Dino Melaye and former Minister of State for FCT, Jumoke Akinjide, among others.

Politics › #atikugate: Pdp’s Attack On Tinubu, An Admission Of Criminal Guilt — APC PCC by leethebee(op): 10:07am On Jan 19, 2023

The Presidential Campaign Council PCC of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC has asked the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to come clean on allegations of money laundering and sundry charges regarding a Special Purpose Vehicle SPV account operated by its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar when he was vice president between 1999 and 2007.

It described PDP’s attack on the APC standard bearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as a shameless skirting of issues.

The APC PCC noted that rather than address the allegations of criminal money laundering and reckless abuse of public trust levelled against Atiku by one of his closest aides, “the PDP today tried in vain to defend its presidential candidate by embarking on a puerile diversionary journey by drumming up a stale allegation against his rival”.

Part of the statement reads;

“The issues the Nigerian people want the PDP and its candidate to address are simple.

“They are: Was the whistleblower, Michael Achimugu, who swore to an oath, employed by Atiku?

“Did Atiku make a scandalous confession in a telephone conversation on how he and his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo set up SPVs, such as Marine Float, to steal public money? Was the taped voice not Atiku’s?

“It is obvious that the PDP presidential candidate has no defence to these allegations, which he admitted in his viral confession.

“This was the reason we boldly made the call on him to beat the path of honour, for once, by withdrawing from the presidential race. We also urged the authorities to hold him to account.

“But the hangers-on and dependants who saw his withdrawal as an end to the campaign bazaar in desperation resorted to painting the kettle black to look like their pot.

“This resort to counter-mudslinging is not only an admission of criminal guilt, but it is also an irresponsible way to cover up the concrete evidence of conspiracy and corruption.

“How can PDP pretend that Atiku is innocent of the allegations when even General Olusegun Obasanjo, his boss and collaborator had documented Atiku’s legendary corruption in his book and had sworn never to support Atiku’s presidential ambition to avoid the wrath of God?

“The cocktail of lies and tales by the PDP against the APC presidential candidate did not disclose any witness to their dredged allegations.

“The regurgitated allegations cited have either been thrown away by the court or the deponent, like in the case of Alpha Beta had withdrawn the untried and untested allegations.

“The former MD of Alpha Beta had even gone ahead in recent advertorials to endorse the APC presidential candidate as the best man for the job.

“On the contrary, a patriotic citizen, against all existential dangers, has stepped forward to confront Atiku with allegations deposed in an affidavit.

“If the PDP has any modicum of respect for Nigerians, if it has any concern for the Nigerian youths and a future without corruption, it should come clean on these allegations and stop dancing around the real issues”.

Politics › I Will Secure, Unite Nigeria — Peter Obi Tells Kaduna Supporters by leethebee(op): 9:17pm On Jan 18, 2023

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has said that he will secure and unite Nigeria where every citizen will be proud.

“Nigerians are ashamed to identify themselves as Nigerians because of the many challenges the country is faced with. I will change the narrative,” he said.

Obi who spoke on Wednesday while flagging off his presidential campaign in the North said that they have started the campaign in Kaduna because Kaduna was the capital of Northern Nigeria which every Nigerian was proud of.

He said “we are about to bring back that Nigeria where everybody was happy to belong. Kaduna State represented productivity in the North. It represented what was good in Nigeria. And that is what we want to bring back. We are tired of hearing stories.”

“Kaduna State hosts the best military formations in the country, it is supposed to be more secure than any part of the country, but there are so many security challenges in the state. We will secure and unite Nigeria. Security will come back again. Insecurity in the country is not because the bandits are more formidable than the government, but because of bad leadership.”

“That is why the bandits are everywhere and operating almost freely, killing and causing unimaginable destruction of valuables. We will restructure the security architecture. Security personnel will be well taken care of. We will ensure their lives are taken care of so that their families are taken care of in the event of death.”

“Datti and I will change this country from a consumption to a production country because of the high prices of things. All the vast lands in the north will be centres of agriculture. Kaduna State again will become a processing centre. The Bank of Agriculture, (BoA) will finance food production in Nigeria and all the support groups, youth, women and all Nigerians, their labour for the party will not go in vain.”

“During the coming elections, nobody should talk about tribe, religion or section. Things are not sold in Nigeria based on religion, tribe or section, Nigerians are all suffering from the bad leadership of the country.”

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party presidential running mate said ” those looking for peace, unity, desiring that things work fine in Nigeria should cast their votes in the coming elections in order to ensure the emergence of a new Nigeria.”

“Nigeria has never gotten the calibre of presidential candidates as it is presently. Kaduna is the centre of good things in the country . People of the state should outcome out and change the narratives of this country with their votes by electing Labour Party to power for the good of every Nigerian.”

“We are people that said and do exactly what we promised to do. We are serious about ensuring the betterment of Nigeria and ensuring equality in all aspects of life for all Nigerians. We promised to wipe away the tears of the common man and give them a sense of belonging. It is only Peter Obi that is saying that Nigerians should vote for him because of his credibility.”

The gubernatorial candidate of the party in Kaduna State, Jonathan Asake said with Labour Party in power, “there will be inclusiveness in all spheres of life to enhance the living standards of all Nigerians because the party means well for Nigerians and Nigeria.”

He thanked the youth and women who he said, constituted the majority in the Labour Party.

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Politics › Northern Christian Elders Raise Alarm Over Worsening Insecurity by leethebee(op): 6:00am On Jan 18, 2023

The Northern States Christian Elders Forum, NOSCEF, has raised the alarm over the worsening insecurity in the region, warning that it can lead to the disenfranchisement of eligible voters.

NOSCEF condemned in strong terms the increasing targeting and killing of clerics and others, calling on the government to beef up security in the region ahead of the general elections.

Chairman of NOSCEF, Ejoga Inalegu in a statement yesterday, among others, said “We were excited when politicians were able to make night visits to areas of hitherto high insecurity only to at the same time be greeted with sustained attacks against communities in Southern Kaduna at about the same time.

As the 2023 elections approach, we urge parents to counsel their wards against making themselves available to be used as political thugs to cause violence during the coming elections.

“We urge Nigerians to disappoint politicians who in their desperate bid to win elections at all costs, embark on divisive politics of exclusion, in-spite of the pleas of patriotic Nigerians. We plead with Nigerians to, with one voice; through the ballot box send the message that we reject those who believe that winning an election is more important than the harmonious existence of the nation.

“Remember that the massive money they are using to buy and make people compromise their conscience is our money. Whether you collect or don’t collect their ill-gotten money, be prepared to vote out those propagating politics of exclusion and make it unattractive for the future. We urge all registered voters to collect their PVCs to be able to exercise their voting rights in the forthcoming election.

“Our hearts go out to the families of Rev. Father Achi who was burnt alive in Niger State, his assistant who was shot, the many killed recently in the Kagoro attacks, the 25 people kidnapped during church service yesterday January 15th 2023 in Katsina state and a host of others in the recent past. We pray for comfort for the families of those killed in the Church and God’s intervention for those in kidnapper’s dens and quick recovery for the injured.”

Politics › Huge Crowd At Presidential Rally, Sign Of Victory For APC – Abdulrazaq by leethebee(op): 10:50pm On Jan 17, 2023

Gov. AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, says the huge crowd that turned out at the APC Presidential rally in Ilorin on Tuesday, is an indication of victory for the party in the forthcoming general elections.

Abdulrazaq made the assertion at the rally held in Ilorin, amidst cheers from hundreds of party supporters.

The Governor, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq, commended the people of the state for coming out in large numbers to welcome the APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and his entourage to the state.

”This huge crowd is a testament to our standing with the people of Kwara and it shows that we have won this election.

”Our presidential candidate has seen what we have done in the state. Kwara is APC, we are indeed one of the strongholds of the APC.

”Our members are happy, the state is happy. They have seen what we have done, because we met a failed state in several sectors, and we have been able to tackle it from education, healthcare, and other sectors.

”All the indices have gone up in the right sense,” Abdulrazaq said.

The governor charged all Kwara residents to continue to support APC at all levels.

”President Muhammadu Buhari has done well and we need to build on his successes.

”No person could have done what he has done, despite the economic downturn, COVID-19 pandemic, and global economic crisis.

”We must sustain this growth consistently. That will be continued by our incoming team led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

”I urge you to support and vote for Tinubu, because the progress we have in this state will be continued with him in power,” he said.

Gov. Abdulrazaq, however, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari in absentia, promising that he would come back to the state when he returns from his trip to Mauritania.

”We still want to thank Mr. President, who is away in Mauritania, he couldn’t be here but he will come back to the state.

”We appreciate his efforts and the support he has been giving this government for the progress of the state,” he said.

APC National Chairman, Malam Abdullahi Adamu, said Kwara had proven to be a strong APC state with the showings posted through rally.

“Kwarans, you have really surprised me. I have seen more than what I expected, and everyone has seen what Kwara has done today.

”You have said it loud and clear that you are better together. We pray and hope that this is translated to real vote on Feb. 25,” he said. (NAN)

Politics › Alleged Graft, Treason: Tinubu, Atiku Seek Each Other’s Arrest, Disqualification by leethebee(op): 7:09am On Jan 17, 2023

The intrigues trailing the race for the presidency assumed a dangerous twist, yesterday, as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, counterpart, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, called for the arrest and disqualification of each other over allegations of graft.

Tinubu threw the first punch when he asked security agencies in the country to invite, arrest, interrogate and prosecute Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over what he described as #AtikuGate.

Citing a video clip made by one Michael Achimugu, said to be a former aide of the PDP standard bearer, Tinubu said Atiku as vice president between 1999 and 2007, colluded with his then boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, to operate an illegal account tagged, “Special Purpose Vehicles” SPVs.

He accused the PDP-led administration between 1999 and 2007 of running a criminal enterprise, describing the era as the “SPV Years.”

Responding in kind, Atiku and the PDP described Tinubu as a convict, who should not be in the presidential race, adding that Tinubu’s alleged $460,000 drug money forfeiture was evidence of a crime.

Tinubu’s attack

Minister of State, Labour and Employment; and Chief Spokesman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council PCC, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, had forwarded a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC and the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, seeking arrest and prosecution of Atiku.

In the petition filed as a “Concerned Nigerian”, Keyamo gave a 72-hour ultimatum to the anti-graft agencies to “arrest/invite, interrogate and prosecute one Alhaji Atiku Abubakar”, failing which he said he would approach the courts to compel the agencies to act.

Noting that Atiku does not enjoy immunity simply because he is a presidential candidate, the APC candidate asked the former vice president to apologize and renounce his ambition.

He, however, said he would, in the coming days, approach the courts to seek Atiku’s disqualification from the presidential race.

According to him, Atiku is not God and does not enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution, and urged security agencies not to be reluctant in arresting him simply because he is vying for president.

He said former Plateau State governor, Joshua Dariye, was jailed for the offenses of paying state money into a company, Marine Float, linked to Atiku, insisting that the former vice-president must be arrested.

Tinubu spoke in Abuja at the PCC headquarters in Abuja yesterday through the full complement of his media directorate.

While the text of a prepared speech was read by Keyamo, he was flanked by the Special Adviser, Media, Communications and Public Affairs at the PCC, Mr. Dele Alake; Director, Media and Publicity, Mr. Bayo Onanuga; Director, Special Media Projects/New Media, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode; and, Director, Strategic Communications, Alhaji Idris Mohammed.

The PCC queried the sources of wealth of both Obasanjo and Atiku, especially with regards to building their individual private universities.

On whether former President Obasanjo should equally be arrested, the PCC said the onus was on the security agencies to open investigations into the issue and arrest anyone found wanting, no matter how highly placed.

Atiku’s alleged 4 offences

While the council played a two-minute recorded voice call purported to be a conversation between Messrs Achimugu and Atiku, it listed four offences allegedly committed by the former vice president.

The alleged offences are a Breach of the Code of Conduct Act, Money Laundering, Criminal Breach of Trust and Conspiracy.

According to the PCC, Atiku may have gone against the provisions of Sections 5, 10, 13 & 17 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act; Section 18 (2) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition Act), 2022; Section 311 of the Penal Code Law and Section 96 (1) of the Penal Code Act In Nigeria.

No immunity

The council noted that law enforcement agencies may be reluctant to act simply because of the perception of persecution of a presidential candidate that the action may evoke.

However, it said facts are sacred and that the facts so far presented to the world clearly indicate that Atiku Abubakar has a case to answer.

“In other climes when such serious allegations arose in the middle of campaigns, the law-enforcement agencies acted decisively. You may recall that, in 2016, in the middle of campaigns for the exalted office of the Presidency of the United States, the FBI opened investigations into allegations of misuse of private emails against Hillary Clinton when she was Secretary of State.

“In fact, the case was referred to the Justice Department for likely prosecution few weeks to the actual voting. Though she was later cleared, it bears restating that a sane and dispassionate system never allowed such side talks to dissuade or distract them from initiating a process of investigation. It is the minimum expected in a constitutional democracy. That is what we call on the authorities to do in the case of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Marine Float Account

“The issue of the Marine Float Account is not new to Nigerians. In the voice note, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar can be heard boasting that the issue of that account was thoroughly investigated by EFCC.

“However, we note that in 2006, at the height of his public quarrel with Obasanjo, the same PDP officially asked Atiku Abubakar to refund N500 million taken from that account.

“In the circumstance, since the nation now knows that the Marine Float Account and other similar accounts were ‘SPV’ accounts, it follows that all payments made into that account were monies stolen from public coffers. Therefore, we call on all security agencies to recover all monies withdrawn from that account by anyone for that matter.

“In the light of these very grave revelations, we call on Atiku Abubakar to immediately tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian people and step down from the Presidential race forthwith, whilst handing himself over to the law enforcement agencies.

“Following these revelations, it becomes clear that Atiku Abubakar has absolutely nothing to campaign on again as the period of 1999-2007 that he always relies on can now be described by Nigerians as the ‘SPV years’ when they ran Nigeria aground.

“That whilst President Obasanjo and Atiku deprived the good people of Lagos State of their Local Government monthly allocations even after the Supreme Court ordered the release of the funds, they were busy using the SPV for other things.

“That the real, dark reason for the seemingly irreconcilable quarrel between President Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar is disagreement over the ‘SPV’ accounts at that time.

“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and the law-enforcement agencies to protect Mr Michael Achimugu, who has blown this whistle on Atiku Abubakar. No harm must befall him or members of his family.

“We shall hold Atiku Abubakar responsible if anything befalls this patriotic Nigerian or members of his family. We also encourage him to reveal to Nigerians those ‘earth-shaking’ revelations he is withholding for the sake of this nation and the future of our children.

“It is our firm belief that the judiciary is the last hope for the hopeless. In this case, the judiciary will not be quiet as we shall clearly take steps in the next few days to initiate a judicial process seeking the outright disqualification of Atiku Abubakar from the race based on these facts. He is clearly ethically challenged, morally damaged for the highest office of the land”, the council added.

Arrest, question Tinubu for treason, PDP tells security agencies

Countering, the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign has demanded the immediate arrest and questioning of Tinubu for his alleged formation of a uniformed gang of thugs code-named “Jagaban Army” for the sole purpose of committing an electoral heist.

The spokesman of the campaign, Kola Ologbondiyan, said this in a statement, in Abuja, on Monday.

Ologbondiyan described the formation of the uniformed squad by the All Progressives Congress (APC) code-named “Jagaban Army” as “a treasonable act and calls for the arrest and questioning of the APC Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He further said: “The Jagaban Army, which is apparently set up to disrupt the 2023 general elections and raid polling units for votes on behalf of APC Presidential candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a direct affront to the Nigeria Armed Forces and other security agencies as well as an assault on the sovereignty of our nation.

“It is reprehensible that Tinubu can create a rogue force just for the purposes of undermining the electoral and security arrangements of our nation.

‘’Our Campaign holds that this nefarious act of the APC Tinubu/Shettima Campaign lend credence to the position of the PDP and well-meaning Nigerians that Tinubu, as well as his rank and file, have set out to make our nation ungovernable and thereafter disrupt the 2023 Presidential election scheduled for February 25, 2023, using his army of ‘Jagabandits’.

“The notion of Jagaban Army is a ploy to bring hoodlums, thugs and gangsters together under the cover of the APC and turned them into an official militia that will be used to unleash mayhem on the day of the election.

“This reckless anti-democratic plot by the ‘Jagabandits’ must also be condemned by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria and across the world over.

“We call on the security agencies to save the lives of Nigerians and protect our electoral process by immediately going after this dangerous formation, arresting those behind this design and saving our nation from electoral violence.

“Our campaign counsels Tinubu to note that his Presidential ambition is not a do-or-die affair and that he should not set the nation ablaze just because Nigerians have rejected him and his party, the APC for their mass failures.”

Tinubu’s $460,000 drug money forfeiture evidence of a crime —PDP

In like manner, the PDP dismissed Tinubu’s calls and allegations against Atiku as “simulated allegations” and attempts to divert public attention from the issues affecting Nigerians.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in a statement said: “It is indeed ironic that an embattled Tinubu, who is beleaguered by uncountable cases of fraudulent activities, including perjury, forgery, treasury looting, corruption and narcotic-related conviction can attempt to impugn on the unimpeachable integrity of the PDP Presidential Candidate.

“For clarity and for the interest of Nigerians, it is on record that Atiku Abubakar is one of the most investigated public officials in this country. It is also on record that in all the investigations undertaken over him and his affairs, Atiku Abubakar was never found culpable in any of the allegations.

“In contrast, however, the APC Presidential Candidate has a litany of confirmed legal impediments on very grave issues including those that border on international crime, namely; trafficking in narcotics and taking proceeds of narcotics.

“In the recent case revealed in the United States of America, it is on record that the APC Presidential Candidate forfeited the sum of $460,000 which was confirmed and found to be proceeds of trafficking in narcotics; an international crime for which Nigeria, being a signatory to International Convention on trafficking in narcotics is obliged to enforce.

“The effect of the conviction and forfeiture of the sum of $460,000 by Asiwaju Tinubu confirms that he is ineligible and not qualified to contest for the Office of the President of Nigeria as required by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

The PDP Spokesman who is a lawyer by training further said: “For clarity, Section 137 (1) (d) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that sad

1) “A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if…

“(d)He is under a sentence of death imposed by any competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria or a sentence of imprisonment or fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud (by whatever name called) or for any other offence, imposed on him by ANY COURT or tribunal or substituted by a competent authority for any other sentence imposed on him by such a court or tribunal”.

“Having been convicted, sentenced and fined for narcotic trafficking in a criminal suit filed pursuant to the United States Criminal Code, Asiwaju Tinubu cannot by virtue of Section 137 (1)(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) seek office as President of Nigeria.

“The APC Presidential Candidate has not come out to deny the conviction and forfeiture or show evidence of any attempt by him to challenge or appeal the judgment, apparently believing that it will slide with time.

“Asiwaju Tinubu ought to know that time does not run against the State in a criminal matter!

“He should therefore withdraw from the Presidential race having been found ineligible and not qualified to run or to contest for the Office of the President of Nigeria under the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.”

Politics › 2023: Vote Candidates That Will Heal Southern Kaduna – Christian Leaders by leethebee(op): 10:27pm On Jan 14, 2023

The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has called on the people of Southern Kaduna to vote only for people that know the land and how to solve the myriad of challenges confronting it during the coming elections.

Speaking during the 21st Southern Kaduna Prayer Summit at the Kafanchan Township Stadium on Saturday, the Chairman of the Association, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, also urged the electorate not to vote along religious or ethnic considerations.

Apostle Kure, in a statement,said the people will not vote based on religious or ethnic sentiments but will be more strategic in their choices.

The SKCLA Chairman advised sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who are seeking for elective offices that know that there Party’s cannot win elections to merge or align their aspirations with the party they feel can win elections, to avoid splitting their votes.

He prayed that whoever wins the 2023 general elections will be bonded with the Southern Kaduna and be ready to be fair in the distribution of positions.

According to him, the essence of the Prayer Summit is to unite the people and kingdoms in prayers for the restoration of the land having spent three years without a formal gathering to pray due to COVID-19.

Commenting on the insecurity affecting the area, the SKCLA Chairman called on the attackers to lay down their arms for discussions that will bring an end to the loss of lives and property.

In a prayer declaration, the Founder, Living Faith Foundation, Rev. Dr. Joseph Adeolu Olaiya said the end of affliction in Southern Kaduna has come and the people have been set free.

The Guest Speaker, Rev. Jacob Kwashi who read from the Holy book of Isaiah 43:16, said when God says something, mortal men have nothing to do than to remain mute.

He said God will speak to the people of Southern Kaduna this year and the people should be ready to listen.

The Guest Speaker warned those liaising with the evil to attack and cause trouble in the land, to repent or be consumed by the waters.

He also urged the people to forget the past and all the evil accompanied by it and write a new chapter in their lives going forward.

In their goodwill messages, other speakers prayed that the forthcoming elections would bring forth good leaders that will give Southern Kaduna its rightful place.

The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has called on the people of Southern Kaduna to vote only for people that know the land and how to solve the myriad of challenges confronting it during the coming elections.

Speaking during the 21st Southern Kaduna Prayer Summit at the Kafanchan Township Stadium on Saturday, the Chairman of the Association, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, also urged the electorate not to vote along religious or ethnic considerations.

Apostle Kure, in a statement,said the people will not vote based on religious or ethnic sentiments but will be more strategic in their choices.

The SKCLA Chairman advised sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who are seeking for elective offices that know that there Party’s cannot win elections to merge or align their aspirations with the party they feel can win elections, to avoid splitting their votes.

He prayed that whoever wins the 2023 general elections will be bonded with the Southern Kaduna and be ready to be fair in the distribution of positions.

According to him, the essence of the Prayer Summit is to unite the people and kingdoms in prayers for the restoration of the land having spent three years without a formal gathering to pray due to COVID-19.

Commenting on the insecurity affecting the area, the SKCLA Chairman called on the attackers to lay down their arms for discussions that will bring an end to the loss of lives and property.

In a prayer declaration, the Founder, Living Faith Foundation, Rev. Dr. Joseph Adeolu Olaiya said the end of affliction in Southern Kaduna has come and the people have been set free.

The Guest Speaker, Rev. Jacob Kwashi who read from the Holy book of Isaiah 43:16, said when God says something, mortal men have nothing to do than to remain mute.

He said God will speak to the people of Southern Kaduna this year and the people should be ready to listen.

The Guest Speaker warned those liaising with the evil to attack and cause trouble in the land, to repent or be consumed by the waters.

He also urged the people to forget the past and all the evil accompanied by it and write a new chapter in their lives going forward.

In their goodwill messages, other speakers prayed that the forthcoming elections would bring forth good leaders that will give Southern Kaduna its rightful place.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/2023-vote-candidates-that-will-heal-southern-kaduna-christian-leaders/amp/

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Politics › Bisi Akande: Tinubu Is Most Experienced, Will Emerge President by leethebee(op): 9:39pm On Jan 14, 2023

Pioneer Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Bisi Akande has disclosed that the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will emerge Nigeria’s president after the presidential election in February.

Akande, who spoke a Symposium organised to celebrate his 84th birthday anniversary at his country home in Ila-Orangun, Osun state on Saturday, said Tinubu’s advantage over other candidates is his brilliance and experience in public administration.

He said, “My projection for 2023 election is that the best, most brilliant, experienced and best exposed candidate will emerge.

“Asiwaju Bola Tinubu shall become the president of Nigeria. He has everything that other candidates don’t have”.

He charged younger generation of Nigerians on the need to serve humanity selflessly, saying it is a better path to greatness.

“I am glad that at 84 I am still serving people that is why I will advise the younger generation to continue serving and be selfless, these qualities will make them great”, he said.

In his lecture, the guest speaker, Tunde Olatunji, stressed the need to choose political leaders on the strength of their capacity to deliver.

“Capacity of people in position of authority and decision making must not be compromised on any platform whatsoever. You can not continue to sacrifice capacity on the platform of political parties.

“I have looked at the candidates without primordial sentiment I have studied them on based of most educated and the one that demonstrated capacity is Asiwaju Bola Tinubu”, he added.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/tinubu-is-most-experience-will-emerge-president-akande/amp/

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Politics › How We’ve Observed, Monitored Elections From 1999 Till Date – TMG by leethebee(op): 3:26pm On Jan 13, 2023

An independent civil society organisation, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) says it has been monitoring and observing Nigerian elections from 1999 and prepared to do so with the 2023 general elections.

The chairman of the group, Mr Auwal Musa Rafsanjani disclosed this in an exclusive interview with Politics Hub, a Vanguard Online TV’s political show on Thursday.

Rafsanjani, said TMG was created in 1998 to monitor the transition policies of the former military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar and observed the 1999 elections that ushered in the current democratic dispensation.

“TMG was formed in 1998 as a major election observer prior the 1999 general elections. It was formed when the military was about to hand over in 1999. Some civil society organisations, largely human rights and advocacy groups came together to form TMG so as to observe General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s transition programme and the 1999 general elections,” Rafsanjani said.

Speaking about the tentacles of the group, Rafsanjani said, “TMG grows its membership across the country. It is about the only organisation in Nigeria that has wide membership strength and it has observed elections from 1999 till date.

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“It is non-governmental, non-profit organisation. It is purely a civil society organisation committed to democracy and democratic process in Nigeria to deliver transparent and accountable elections in Nigeria.”

TMG helmsman spoke about the obligations and achievements as he said the group has partnered with media organisations such as Vanguard to safeguard this year’s elections.

He also revealed that TMG enlightened politicians seeking for offices to channel their campaigns on issues. It also participated in getting the report of the Electoral Act for Nigerians.

“We also engage a lot of political parties to engage on issue-based debates and campaigns. We are also working with various media organisations particularly Vanguard to ensure that the 2023 general elections are adequately monitored and covered so that Nigerians will have the feeling of what is going before, on and after the election day.

“TMG also participated in the report of the Electoral Act because it was one of the major decider of this 2023 general elections. We partner with other groups to get the report of the Electoral Act at least to have one person one vote unlike what we use to have before which was rigging.

“It is funded by the members across Nigeria and also financially supported by development groups in the country that associate with what TMG does. We also advocate and mobilise stakeholders that the country experience the change Nigerian wants.

“We receive the support of human right groups and media organisations not only in the country but also outside Nigeria,” Rafsanjani said.

Politics › APC Synonymous With Infrastructure Deficit – Okowa by leethebee(op): 7:13pm On Jan 12, 2023

Governor of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday said ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was synonymous with infrastructure deficit and inept governance.

He said that the Federal Government, in its lackluster administration, orchestrated collapse of its roads in the state through deliberate neglect and abandonment.

Okowa stated this in Sapele at PDP’s campaign in Sapele and Okpe Local Government Areas and noted that the poor attention of the Federal Government to Delta had continued in spite of the state having a son as Deputy President of the Senate.

According to him, all our roads – from Benin to Warri, Sapele to Agbor, everywhere, are all impassable yet we have a son as Deputy President of the Senate. He couldn’t lobby the government to reconstruct roads in the state, yet he wants to be governor.

He, however, urged the people of the state not to despair, saying “with God’s will and your support, I will become the next Vice-President of the country and we will attend to all the roads for the benefit of our people.”

On the governorship election in the state, Okowa commended the people for the massive turnout for the rallies and urged them to translate it to votes for all candidates of the party.

He said that God had approved Sheriff Oborevwori as his successor, pointing out that “God made it possible for him to be Speaker of the State House of Assembly and he has remained the longest serving speaker in the state.

“Obviously he has been in a school and God has made it possible for him to become our governorship candidate.

“On behalf of our great party faithful, I want to congratulate the people of Okpe on this great achievement because what God has done no man can change.

“We haven’t come here to campaign because we have been equitable and just by supporting your son to become gubernatorial candidate of the party.

“Only four states score above one million votes and they are all from the North but we must join them by crossing the one million-votes mark.

“Sheriff is not greedy and he has good people management skills and he will not disappoint Deltans. He has promised to complete our ongoing projects and execute more projects for the benefit of the people.”

The governor charged the people to continue to live in peace and remain united as “the more united we are the greater strength and voice that we will have in Nigeria”.

State Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro buttressed the importance of voting all party candidates and urged the people to campaign vigorously across the state.

Immediate Past Governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan lamented that despite the abundance of gas and two power plants in the area the people were still grappling with inadequate power supply.

He however urged the people to vote all candidates of the PDP expressing optimism that Governor Okowa would work towards correcting the present narrative when he becomes the Vice-President of the country.

For the Governorship candidate of the party, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, flanked by his wife Tobore and Deputy Governorship candidate ,Chief Monday Onyeme, said it was a homecoming for him because Sapele and Okpe local government areas belong to one Kingdom, Okpe.

“So coming here to campaign is not necessary but we thank you for allowing their son to have the gubernatorial ticket and for the massive road infrastructure and entrepreneurship programmes for our people.

“Some of the challenges being faced by the people are on the exclusive list and therefore urged the people to vote Atiku-Okowa ticket to ensure that Okowa addresses the issues affecting the people,”

Oborevwori said he had learnt to be very humble under Okowa assuring that he would deploy his MORE Agenda for the equitable development of the state.

State Chairman of the party, Chief Kingsley Esiso lauded Governor Okowa for the massive infrastructural development in the area.

He said that the coming election was a battle of “no retreat no surrender” adding that the APC had so damaged the economy that over 133 million Nigerians have been plunged into acute hunger and poverty.

He said the party was on a mission to rescue and reset Nigeria and called on the people to join hands with the party to sack APC from Aso Rock.

Director-General of the State PDP Campaign Council, Chief Funkekeme Solomon said the state was growing from strength to strength under the PDP and urged the people to vote massively for all candidates of the party.

He urged Deltans to put aside party differences and support the Delta interest by voting for the PDP to enable Governor Okowa become the first Vice-President from the state.

At Orerokpe, former Minister of Information, Professor Sam Oyovbaire and former Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena urged the people of Okpe to support their son and vote all candidates of the PDP.

At the well attended rallies, hundreds of former members of the APC defected to the PDP citing incompetence and the good works of the PDP in the state.

The wife of the Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, Speaker Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Edward Ubosi; his Edo state counterpart Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun and former Speaker Cross River State House of Assembly and Pioneer Chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Speakers’ Forum, Rt. Hon. John Lebo attended the rally.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/apc-synonymous-with-infrastructure-deficit-okowa/amp/

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Politics › Our Concerns Over Curbing Vote Buying, Other Inducements – Adeyanju by leethebee(op): 4:59pm On Jan 12, 2023

THE convener, Concerned Nigerians, CN, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, Thursday, expressed concerns over curbing ongoing vote buying and other voter inducement strategies ahead of the 2023 general elections by some political parties and their candidates.

Speaking with Vanguard, Adeyanju said the move by some politicians does not make voters have their own decision to vote whom they want to give their mandate, and expressed doubts if the security agencies can really do much to curb the situation.

He said: “I doubt whether the security agents are willing to curb vote buying because their body language does not suggest that they are willing to do that. Like what happened in Ekiti and Osun, in fact, they supervised the vote buying processes.

“So I don’t have any confidence in the security agencies stopping vote buying in a large-scale election where there will even be inadequate policing and securing of the polling units.”

Also speaking on the whistleblowing policy as to be used to curb sources of vote buying and other inducements, he hailed the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, over its policy to control money laundering had seriously hit corrupt politicians who thought they will use their stolen and hidden monies to achieve their dark ambitions.

“The masterstroke was the Central Bank of Nigeria’s governor, Godwin Emefiele, coming up with the recent policy to curb such, but unfortunately, the political bandits have gone after them. They (political bandits) have actually been bullied almost completely”, he said.

On contemplating postponement of the 2023 general elections, he described it as flying a kite and not possible.

“I do not think there will be postponement of the elections. They are just flying a kite as some people in INEC are flying. There is no ground for postponement of the elections”, he said.

However, sharing his views on the reliability and possible compromise of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System, BVAS, during the elections, he said, “The people who vote do not determine the BVAS but the people who count the votes determine it.

“If the political actors are not ready to play by the rules even the positioning of the BVAS will be hijacked by the non-state actors like we see in many States in South South.

“Like in Bayelsa, where in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, non-state actors were in charge of the security of the entire election. The election was already compromised and has an issue

“How will BVAS be effective technically and mechanically when we hear people were copying data of voters on their system and so many wrongful inputs during registration of voters? Well, I sincerely don’t know whether it will lead to compromise of the BVAS.”

Politics › You’re Corrupt, Unfit For Public Office, Atiku Hits Tinubu by leethebee(op): 11:20pm On Jan 11, 2023

The Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization has described the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu as corrupt and unfit for public office owing to his alleged corruption.

According to the PDP campaign, it’s APC counterpart is trying to market “ a wobbly, wonky and narcotic-devastated Presidential Candidate.

This was contained in a restatement signed by the Spokesperson of the Atiku-Okowa Campaign, Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja, late on Wednesday.

He said the Atiku-Okowa Campaign Council decided to mock the Tinubu campaign over its failed attempt to impute illness on the healthy and energetic Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Ologbondiyan said, “The campaign also describes as ludicrous the failed attempt by Tinubu , the famed Lagos property stripper, who has gained notoriety as corruption personified and the living example of the ‘artful dodger” , to impugn the impeccable character and integrity of the incoming peoples’ President, Atiku.

“It is imperative to observe that our campaign had focused on issues and refrained from Tinubu’s appalling health issues prior to this ignoble public dance of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign.

“However, since Tinubu by himself has opened the channels for Nigerians to examine his ill-health, we have no other option than to further expose that the APC Candidate must be suffering from manifest Parkinson’s disease accompanied with incontinence.

“For clarity, Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder which symptoms include shaking hands, stiffness of limbs, difficulty with coordination, problem with balance when walking; articulation disorder, memory problems as well as general mental and physical weakness which are all being witnessed in the APC Presidential Candidate.

“This perhaps accounts for the desperation, the endless gaffes, the articulation errors, the incoherence, the many blunders and disconnection from reality for which Asiwaju Tinubu has become the butt of weird jokes among Nigerians and internationally.“

He further said, “It is rather unfortunate that the APC Presidential Candidate, who cannot stand erect or walk up an elevation unaided, who is plagued by visible tremor of the hands, who palpitates at the slightest physical exertion and who is reported in the public space as being challenged by incontinence could attempt to speak on the health status of any Nigerian.

“Moreover, some medical professionals have associated certain cases of nerve cell death with narcotic use and unhealthy lifestyle and our campaign urges Tinubu to examine himself in that regard.

“Furthermore, Nigerians find it incongruous that the tarnished Asiwaju Tinubu who is badgered by a smelly criminal past including the $460,000 forfeiture sentence for narcotic related offence by a Court of competent jurisdiction in the United States; alleged looting of Lagos State treasury and stripping of her property; cases of forgery, impersonation, perjury, inconsistencies in name, age as well as questionable educational background, ancestry and genealogy could attempt to speak on corruption and integrity.

“Asiwaju Tinubu should rather hide his face in shame given his malodourous activities for which well-meaning Nigerians have dissociated themselves from his Presidential Campaign.

“In any case, Nigerians are aware that Tinubu is not ethically, physically and mentally fit to hold office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, unlike the decent, honest, physically, mentally and emotionally fit Atiku Abubakar, who exhibits the manifest readiness, intellectual alertness, capacity and experience to lead our nation at this critical time.

“Those pushing Emilokan’s candidature cannot claim to be unaware that he is not fit to preside over a country of 200 million people. They just don’t wish Nigeria well.”

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