₦airaland Forum

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Osita Okechukwu, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) and chieftainof All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised Ndigbo and indeed all other Nigerians not to be swayed by the euphoria that greeted the emergence of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar as the flag-bearer of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his choice of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi as his running mate.

Answering questions from journalists in Enugu on Sunday on the emergence of His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as PDP presidential candidate and His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi as his running mate, Mr. Okechukwu, a senatorial aspirant for Enugu West senatorial district, reminded Nigerians that “all that glitters is not gold.”

The VON DG noted that restructuring and quick fix measures so far offered by Atiku truly glitters but were not gold, cautioning Nigerians to be careful before they jump into a “one chance bus.”

Okechukwu submitted that it was better to re-elect Buhari who had silently commenced restructuring of Nigeria through his Road, Rail, Agricultural and Power, RRAP Projects, which will enhance economic prosperity and anchored on prudent management of public funds.
He particularly advised Ndigbo to take Atiku’s promise to vacate office in 2023 after a tenure of four years with a ‘pinch of salt’, bearing in mind that political promises were hardly kept.

He said, “I have tremendous respect for His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s trajectory in politics and for His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi I have similar tremendous respect; however one respectfully must advise Ndigbo and indeed Nigerians that the restructuring and some quick fix offers Atiku has so far made, truly glitters, but not gold.”

Prodded further on why he couldn’t buy into the Atiku restructuring agenda, Okechukwu said, “I personally would want Nigeria to be restructured like most Nigerians, except that pragmatism has to be our watchword. One, we were taught in Political Science class, indeed in elementary government class that there are two types of Constitution, one flexible and one rigid in amendment. The 1999 Constitution to the best of my knowledge is a rigid constitution. Accordingly, can Atiku amend it without the support of over 15 Houses of Assembly which are hesitant if not frowning at restructuring?

“Secondly, how do you convince Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna and host of other states indigenes to buy into regional structure? Please don’t forget that the Wawa (Enugu and Ebonyi) people rejected region in the both 1995 Abacha and 2014 Jonathan Conferences.”

Reminded that it could be done with Executive Order, which President Muhammadu Buhari had perfected, Okechukwu quipped, “there are fundamentals, which no matter how crafty or ingenious a president is he cannot order without the amendment of this rigid constitution.”

On the way forward, Okechukwu advised Nigerians to be careful not to jump into “one chance van,” for all that glitters are not gold.

He maintained that it would be better to re-elect President Buhari who has already commenced restructuring silently with his RRAP Projects, which will liberate our stagnant economy.

According to him, the fastest route to restructuring our dear country is the Buhari’s RRAP Projects, which will provide safety net for vulnerable groups who feel that they can’t survive without oil.

“The truism is that by the time Buhari completes 8 years in office, the 5,000 kilometers of federal roads, 5,000 kilometers of standard gauge rail lines, 5,000 additional megawatts of electricity and self sufficiency in food production must have picked at 80 percent completion. Majority will key into restructuring when their prosperity is magnificently enhanced. Today farmers in Kebbi State will not mind restructuring, so Buhari should be allowed to extend his agricultural revolution to other states.” he stated.

On Atiku’s pledge to do only 4 years in deference to the zoning convention, Okechukwu said one cannot in all honest say whether Atiku will stick to his pledge or not.

He added: “For some of us who have no foresight, we rely on hindsight. Hindsight knowledge shows that such political pledges are rarely kept. Consequently, Buhari’s remaining 4 years is constitution bound and better guarantees Igbo president in 2023″ he said.

matasinc:
Only fools talk the way u do. Have u find out what the meeting of Bishop Oyedepo with those politicians all about? Stop being envious of someone's prosperity if u want to prosper in life. My father is not a politician but believes in good government that has the interest of his people at heart not blood sucking demons that wont allow innocent souls to enjoy their lives.
Whether Buhari, Atiku or anyother, let peace reign.

GMPO:
SIR IF YOU AND I THAT ARE I THE SOCIAL MEDIA ARE NOT VOTER WHO ELSE ARE THE VOTERS?ARE YOU NOT A HUMAN AM I NOT A HUMANS.THINK BEFORE YOU TALK.

RebelChip:
You waste siders are really useless things. East votes is inconsequential? Yet you guys have been jittery since the emergence of Atiku/Obi?[/b]

socialmediaman:
Is midol.ian indirectly advising Buhari? 2019 will be interesting. Unfortunately Buhari is stubborn, he believes that being stiff with policies is a virtue...

But most of us fed up Nigerians care less about Buhari’s restructuring or whatever. He’s incompetent for the position of President, can’t find simpler words to put it straight

A South-South delegate to 2014 National Conference, Col. Tony Nyam (rtd), has revealed the only way Buhari can beat his main opponent, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 presidential race.

Nyam said that the emergence of the former Vice President as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP portends a good sign for Nigeria.

He pointed out that since Atiku had drawn the attention of Nigerians with the promise to restructure the country, it would be wise if Buhari commences the process now to make the former VP’s campaign slogan irrelevant.

Speaking with New Telegraph, Nyam also appeal to Buhari to see the need to join the agitation for restructuring.

According to him, “I think the emergence of Atiku Abubakar portends good for Nigeria. I must command the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for conducting a good primary election.

“It was a classical outing for the party, because to a large extent, the primary was free, fair and transparent. But having chosen a candidate (Atiku) who has been clear about his support for restructuring, the party owes Nigerians a duty to see that the vision is realised when they reclaim power.

“Without action, Atiku has endeared himself to those of us who are agitating for restructuring. This is largely responsible for the support he had gathered so far across the various regions.

“I think that President Muhammadu Buhari should join the campaign for the restructuring of Nigeria.

“He should join the leaders of the various socio-cultural organisations, civil society organisations and pressure groups, that have been championing the agitation for several years now.

“Restructuring is inevitable and I am using this opportunity of Atiku’s emergence to ask Buhari to join the crusade. As a non- partisan politician, I want to appeal to Buhari to see the need to join the agitation for restructuring.

“It can never be late. In fact, if I were one of his advisers, I would have made him see the essence. He can even kick start the process right away. He can do a turn around and kick start the process in the remaining part of his tenure.

“If he could listen to the cries of Nigerians on the need to secure the release of Leah Sharibu and he put a call across to the girl’s mother, he should be able to respond positively to the cries for restructuring.

“We are all praying that the little girl should be released from Boko Haram’s captivity. As a non- partisan politician, I want to appeal to Buhari, to see the need to join the agitation for restructuring.”

bankylan:
No wonder u are where u are......Mark today's date down......with your mouth u will ask for forgiveness when you begin to experience the aftermath of this post of yours.

President Muhammadu Buhari says religious leaders should not partake in partisan politics or be involved in political controversies.

Buhari gave the admonition while speaking at the Interfaith Conference on Religious Harmony in Nigeria on Saturday.

According to the president, with the influence religious and traditional leaders wield over their followers and subjects, they are in the best position to encourage them to “vote wisely” ahead of the 2019 general election.

“Having recognised the role our religious leaders have been playing so far, I appeal to them to eschew partisan politics and appeal to their respective members to read the manifestos of each political party, discuss and pray for God’s guidance before casting their votes,” he said.

“Religious leaders should not be seen to involve themselves in partisan politics or political controversies, otherwise they risk losing their status and public respect.

“On their part, the traditional rulers are also requested to enlighten their subjects, encourage them to ask questions and clarifications before going out to vote.

“As you are present, I will request that you encourage your subjects to come out and exercise their voting rights as responsible citizens.

“It is my hope and prayer that we will even perform better in the polling stations and see to the peaceful conclusion of the entire process without resorting to the negative use of religion and ethnicity.”

The president urged “aggrieved persons” to place the stability of Nigeria ahead of their individual political ambitions and to seek redress in court where necessary.

“It is my hope that all, who feel aggrieved will put the stability of our country first before their political ambition, or accept the decisions of their political parties or seek resolution through party reconciliation mechanisms or the law court,” he said.

“Very soon, political campaigns will commence leading to elections in February next year.

“To all of us politicians, I ask that we discharge our political responsibilities with integrity, bearing in mind that we will one day give account to God Almighty.

“I am proud to say that our country has moved on; the era of free money, lack of transparency and accountability is over.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential flag bearer said the party deserves re-election in 2019, in view of its achievements thus far.

“We deserve continuity, we deserve a better future for the coming generations,” he said.

“I sincerely hope that 2019 will move us closer to these goals and so I look forward to a peaceful, fair and credible election come 2019.”

godfatherx:
Let me rephrase the headline: Strategy towards upcoming election, the ruling party (APC) bars 50 members of the opposition party (PDP) from traveling overseas

Una go lose last last...

The Federal Government has put about 50 prominent Nigerians on watch list in its resolve to fully implement the Executive Order 6 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday.

Shehu said following the judicial affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of the executive order, Buhari has mandated the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to implement the order in full force.

The presidential spokesman said the prominent Nigerians put on watch list had also been restrained from travelling outside the country pending the determination of their cases.

He, however, did not name the affected persons.

He said, “A number of enforcement procedures are currently in place by which the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies have placed no fewer than 50 high profile persons directly affected by EO6 on watch-list and restricted them from leaving the county pending the determination of their cases.

rock003:
Should we start reminding you of the bad things that el-rufai and Tinubu had said about buhari in the past?

These empty BMC zombies keep on looking for an angle to salvage buhari's badly image


Buhari didn't want alliance with Tinubu
https://punchng.com/buhari-didnt-want-alliance-with-tinubu-in-2013-galadima/

Tinubu called buhari a blackmailer

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2011/04/17/you%E2%80%99re-a-blackmailer-tinubu-blasts-buhari/

You are too old for power- El rufai to buhari


https://www.nigerianbulletin.com/threads/el-rufai-to-buhari-you-are-too-old-for-power-archived.104397/

Things El-rufai said about buhari

https://www.naija.ng/1094253-the-governor-el-rufai-buhari-2010-omokri.html

Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, and his second in command during his administration, Atiku AAbubakar buried the hatchet on Thursday. Who would have thought that Obasanjo would ever endorse a man he had called a number of unprintable names and even vowed never to forgive?

Here are a few nasty things Obasanjo previously said about Atiku when their relationship was sour.

GOD WILL NOT FORGIVE ME IF I SUPPORT ATIKU

Obasanjo, who is now fond of dropping God’s name in any conversation, perhaps for his newly acquired doctorate in Christian Theology, said just two months ago that God would not forgive him if he ever supports Atiku for "anything".

“How can I be on the same side with Atiku? To do what?” Obasanjo had asked.

“If I support Atiku for anything, God will not forgive me. If I do not know, yes. But once I know, Atiku can never enjoy my support. I do not have personal grudges with anyone. If you do not do well for Nigeria, you do not do well for all of us.

“It is not a question of working with or not working with an individual,” he said. “If you are working for the good of Nigeria, I am working with you. If you are not working for the good of Nigeria it does not matter who you are I am not working with you.”

With the former President’s declaration of allegiance to Atiku on Thursday, can we say the octogenarian is ready for the wrath of God? Or has God spoken to him again and asked him to forgive his former second-in –command? Has God washed Atiku clean of his myriad sins with something close to hyssop and the man now divinely absolved of his misdeeds?

MY POSITION ABOUT ATIKU WILL NEVER CHANGE

The Ota farmer once said his stance on Atiku was carved in stone and there was no way he would reconsider it. The retired general claimed when it comes to political issues, he and Atiku were like day and night.

“Most of you do not understand the way I operate and I thought your own paper will understand better," he told Premium Times. "I know Atiku very well. And I have mentioned my position with Atiku. My position has not changed."

A SHAMELESS LIAR

In his book, 'MY WATCH', Olusegun Obasanjo criticised Atiku, who had earlier accused his former boss of trying to tinker with the constitution in the twilight of their administration to secure life presidency. He called his former lieutenant "a blatant and shameless liar". Obasanjo said: "Those who can be regarded as influential and who publicly accused me of allegedly manipulating a third term were Atiku Abubakar who is a blatant and shameless liar who was behind the episode of turning wholesome constitutional amendment efforts of the National Assembly to a futile exercise as a means of riding on its ashes to be a Nigerian President”.

Is not logical to say Obasanjo and Atiku share the same strain for lying, now that Baba Iyabo has now welcomed Atiku back in his political fold? Perhaps what Atiku said about him was true after all.

ATIKU IS A THIEF

In that same memoir, Obasanjo spoke about how he embarked on spiritual exercise, fasting and praying together with his chaplain, Revd (Dr.) William Okoye, for 30 days, for God to reveal his successor to him. According to him, Atiku’s name was on the list they put before God for consideration. And just in the nick of time when he almost endorsed Atiku to succeed him, his record of financial malfeasance was exposed by the EFCC. And he had no choice but to jettison the idea of Atiku’s presidency.

"Atiku Abubakar’s name was among names sent to us. Up to that time EFCC had enjoyed a close cooperation and collaboration with law enforcement agencies in the UK and the USA. I gave the green light to Nuhu for the investigation as requested by the authorities and forwarded his report to the USA. The report was uncomfortable and unsavoury about Atiku and his associates,” Obasanjo had said.

MOST DISLOYAL HUMAN BEING

In the lead-up to his endorsement of Atiku, SaharaReporters gathered that Obasanjo had told his close associates that Atiku was "a most disloyal human being"; however, the former President added that he would "support anything that can remove Buhari from power".

The 2019 presidential election will soon be here, then we'd see if this endorsement would have contributed to Buhari's ouster from power.

“While the governors were opposed to the Southeast zone producing vice president, to avoid it affecting the Igbo presidency project in 2023, the National Assembly members were not happy that a man who worked against PDP interest for eight years as governor of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was compensated with PDP vice president slot on a platter of gold."

A Few unresolved issues yesterday delayed the official announcement of former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, as the running mate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

A source close to the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Uche Secondus, told The Guardian, yesterday night, that although Obi has been endorsed by many party leaders, he was yet to be formally announced because of a few grey areas to be sorted out.

He, however, said that such issues, which he did not disclose, would soon be resolved, as consultations were being concluded at various levels and the announcement might be made soon.

When contacted, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said the party had no statement to make on the matter “for now.”

Spokesman to Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation, Segun Sowunmi, said: “I can’t confirm what I have not been told officially.”

Another close source in the PDP national secretariat said: “Nothing was conclusive yet. We are still at the meeting, no official decision has been taken for now. So, I can’t talk about it for now.”

https://guardian.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Atiku-and-Peter-Obi-698x598.jpg
At the announcement of Peter Obi as vice president candidate for Atiku

But an insider in the Atiku campaign office said: “Yes, it is true, but I can’t speak about it. Peter Obi is the running mate, but please leave my name out.”

Meanwhile, a high-level consultative meeting involving Atiku, Obi and other relevant PDP stakeholders has been ongoing at Atiku’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja since around 2.30pm.

It was learnt that some stakeholders, Southeast PDP governors and members of National Assembly were against his choice.

A source close to the leadership, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian that those against his emergence have registered their displeasure to the party leadership over choice of Obi, which the source alleged was made without wider consultations.

“Neither the party leadership nor PDP the governors or National Assembly caucus were consulted before Atiku made the choice of Obi. It came to many party chieftains as a great surprise. That was why many of them were absent at Atiku’s house when the choice was made.

“While the governors were opposed to the Southeast zone producing vice president, to avoid it affecting the Igbo presidency project in 2023, the National Assembly members were not happy that a man who worked against PDP interest for eight years as governor of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was compensated with PDP vice president slot on a platter of gold.

The governors have threatened to issue a statement if the choice is not reversed.

One of the leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo told The Guardian yesterday that even the PDP Atiku had reached out to him to intervene in the matter, but said he is not disposed to do so, because apart from not being a partisan politician, he was not consulted before the choice was made.

It was gathered that Obi’s choice was influenced by the Catholic faithful, led by an influential Bishop from the northwest region, to sway the votes of the Christians, more so Catholics, especially from Southeast, South-South and North Central zones.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State chapter has described the choice of Obi as a great honour to its founding father, the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

State Chairman of party, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, said the nomination was a “round peg in a round hole,” saying Obi possessed all the requisite quality to occupy the position, having been a successful governor and a seasoned technocrat.

He said the state chapter was happy that the PDP hearkened to its call that Anambra be given the slot, as it had plethora of individuals who could partner with any president to chart a new course for Nigeria.

“It is a welcome development. The choice of Obi is that of a round peg in a round hole. As governor, he set Anambra on a pedestal for economic growth and left huge funds for future generation.

“During the campaigns, we told the aspirants that they should consider Anambra strongly for the slot of vice president as a sign of appreciation to Ekwueme for his great work as a founding father of PDP.

“For the chapter here in Anambra, we are happy that Obi was picked and we are fully of confidence that the Atiku/Obi ticket is the magic wand Nigeria needs in all sectors especially economy,” he said.

The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide commended Atiku for picking Obi, describing the combination as perfect.

A statement by its leader, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said after their special meeting in Abakaliki, the choice of Obi would yield better dividends for PDP, because the whole Igbo youths would support Atiku and Obi in the election.

Anambra State PDP’s governorship aspirant in last year’s election, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, congratulated Atiku on picking Obi, saying he made the right choice.

Obaze, a diplomat, said it was a hard-headed decision that was best in the interest of the country at this point in time, adding: “Atiku has made the right choice in picking Obi as his running mate.

“Atiku has just the exhibited the ability to make hard-headed decision required of purposeful leaders.”

Kehinde Wiley, a Nigerian painter, who was commissioned to do a portrait of former United States President Barack Obama, has been honoured with the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal by Harvard University.

On Thursday, Kehinde alongside seven others — Florence Ladd, Kenneth Chenault, Shirley Ann Jackson, Pamela Joyner, Bryan Stevenson, Dave Chappelle, and Colin Kaepernick — received the medals for their works in various fields.

Past awards have been conferred on Muhammad Ali (2015) and Maya Angelou (2014), and is Harvard’s highest honour in the field of African and African American studies.

https://secure.saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/normal_medium/public/Kehinde%20Wiley.jpg?itok=l8zFcHhq

CilicMarin:
What is that Useless APC Senate Leader doing in that chAmber?

The Federal High Court on Thursday warned the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over the imprisonment proceedings initiated against him by the Delta-Central senator, Ovie Omo-Agege.

Omo-Agege had initiated the committal proceedings praying that Saraki be sent to prison as punishment for flouting the May 10 judgment of the court which ordered him (Omo-Agege) to be reinstated from illegal suspension and be paid all his accrued benefits for the period of the voided suspension.



The hearing of the committal proceedings was scheduled for Thursday, but the alleged contemnor and his lawyers were absent from court.

Ruling on a request by Omo-Agege’s lawyer, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), to have the committal application heard despite the absence of the defence, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba said he was more inclined to giving the Senate President another chance to “remedy the alleged wrong” or appear in court to defend himself.

Justice Dimgba noted that the application was truly “ripe for hearing,” as argued by Izinyon, as the court’s records showed that Saraki had been served with the motion on notice and hearing notice for the Thursday’s proceedings via a newspaper publication of September 25, 2018 as earlier ordered by the court.

The judge, however, said he would give Saraki another chance to remedy the alleged wrong or appear in court to defend himself.

He also directed Izinyon to write the Senate President and the legal department of the Senate, informing them of the adjournment of the proceedings till October 18.

CROWNWEALTH019:
Says who, I get for Ilorin and Lagos. Anywhere I they I go vote