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Politics › Tinubu Presents Economic Plans To Stakeholders At NESG Presidential Dialogue by OddsDoc(op): 9:58pm On Jan 13, 2023

Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has assured of a private sector-driven economy if elected president.

Tinubu gave this assurance while presenting his comprehensive economic plan to stakeholders at a Presidential Dialogue organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Lagos on Friday.

The APC candidate stressed the need to end the fuel subsidy regime, insisting that it has overstayed.

He said, “My core belief is that the private sector must be the prime driver of economic progress. However, the government establishes the framework within which the private sector must operate.

”If that framework is sound, the private sector will flourish. If the framework is frail or incomplete, then the private sector will struggle.”

He however noted that before economic recovery could be achieved, the nation must be secured, stating “First, to achieve the economy we seek, we must resolve the pressing security issues. No nation can flourish with terrorists and kidnappers in their midst.”

Tinubu also reiterated his resolve to urgently address the fiscal, monetary, and trade reforms to effectively increase domestic production immediately after he resumes office, thus serving to curb imported inflation, and to ensure better macro-economic stability by accelerating inclusive growth and job creation across Nigeria.

He said, “I do not hold to the mainstream view that all forms of inflation are best tackled by interest rate hikes and shrinking the economy. Supply-induced inflation does not lend itself to this harsh medicine, just as one does not cure a headache by plucking out one’s eye.

“I do not embrace the conventional wisdom that fiscal deficits by the national government are inherently bad. All governments, especially in this fiat currency era, run secular budget deficits. This is an inherent part of modern governance. The most powerful and wealthiest governments run deficits, as do the poorest nations.

“A budget deficit is not necessarily bad. Look at the Japanese example with high government borrowing and low inflation. The real issue is whether deficit spending is productive or not. Unproductive deficit spending is a compound negative. Especially if backed by excessive borrowing of foreign currency. This is not classroom economics but it is the lesson of the real economic history of nations.

“It is based on this idea that I believe we must remove the PMS subsidy immediately. It has outlived its shelf life as a public good. We will neither subsidize neighbouring countries’ fuel consumption nor allow a select few to reap windfall profits and hoard products.

“And the subsidy money will not be ‘saved’ because that means elimination from the economy. Instead, we will redirect the funds into public infrastructure, transportation, affordable housing, education, and health, and strengthen the social safety net for the poorest of the poor, thus averting increased security challenges.

“Fiscal policy will be the main driver. Monetary policy is weaker and a less effective instrument. Bad monetary policy is, of course, destructive. But even good monetary policy cannot carry the load the fiscal arm can. Thus, we must steadily remove ourselves from the fiction of tying our budgets to dollar-denominated oil revenues.

“This is effectively pegging our budget to a dollar standard. It is as outdated as the fuel subsidy itself. It is also restrictive and ties the economy to slow growth.”

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Politics › Don’t Hand Over Sick Country To Sick Person, Obi Warns Nigerians by OddsDoc(op): 10:08pm On Jan 12, 2023

The presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, has cautioned Nigerians not to hand over a ‘sick country to a sick person’.

He advised that Nigerians should vote wisely, noting that it would be destructive if a sick person is elected to rule in the next four years.

Obi made the appeal in an interactive session with students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, Business School, in Enugu on Thursday.

His words: “This country is sick and should not be handed over to a sick person.

“I am not saying that everyone is sick. We have been here for over two hours, we don’t want people who can’t stand for 30 minutes.

“If you said you will fight corruption, let’s go to the road you have passed and see what is remaining there after you left.

“This year’s election must be based on competence. This job requires physical and mental energy, it is not a retirement job.”

Politics › Peter Obi Will Win On First Ballot – Dele Farotimi by OddsDoc(op): 9:41pm On Jan 12, 2023

A seasoned political activist and Obi/Datti campaign spokesperson, South-West, Dele Farotimi said the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi will win the 2023 presidential election on the first ballot.

Farotimi stated this while speaking in an interview with Politics Hub, a Vanguard Online TV’s political show on Tuesday.

The social rights activist, in the course of the interview, told the anchor of the TV show, Damilola Ogunsakin that the 2023 elections have caught the attention of Nigerians in a way that it has never arrested their attention before.

He said, “This time around the people are engaged. They see that elections have consequences and they are involved in getting involved in the process because President Muhammadu Buhari has taught everybody.”

Politics › Buhari: We Will Improve Security, Revamp Economy Before Leaving Office by OddsDoc(op): 10:17pm On Jan 11, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has promise that his administration will improve on security and revamp the economy before handing over on May 29th of 2023.

Buhari made this promise while receiving the executive members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House on Wednesday.

According to Buhari, the gains recorded in security will be further consolidated, and more attention will be given to the economy.

The President said the security situation had improved over the years, particularly in the North East where the focus had shifted to rebuilding infrastructure and re-orientation on education.

He said, “I am very grateful for your visit to the Presidential Villa, and I agree with you on some of the observations you have made. The question of insecurity is most important to us because unless a country or institution is at peace, it will be difficult to manage.

“I just came back from Adamawa and Yobe States. During the visit to both states, I listened carefully to what the people and officials had to say. And they all said the situation had improved since 2015, especially in Borno State.

“Boko Haram was just fraudulent and a plot to destroy Nigeria. You can’t say people should not learn; the people need to grow intellectually,’’ he said.

Buhari told the Catholic Bishops that the government will continue rebuilding infrastructure in parts of the country affected by terrorist attacks, while underscoring that terrorists had no control over any space in Nigeria.

“Some people have acknowledged the difference,’’ he added.

On the economy, the President said creditors had full confidence in Nigeria, with the capacity to utilize resources and repay loans before the approvals were granted.

“We are credible, that’s why the countries and institutions agreed to support our development with the loans,’’ he stated.

President Buhari said the destruction of oil facilities slowed the generation of revenues, and the government would be harder on saboteurs.

“If you look at the economy, we are trying hard to rely more on ourselves. Nigerians rely more on agriculture for livelihood, and we are putting in our best to enable more people, and diversify,’’ the President noted.

He said some of the challenges faced in the past, which include coups and counter-coups, and civil war, had prepared the nation for survival.

“We thank God that Nigeria is still one,’’ he said. “We should not forget that more than a million died for the nation to survive.’’

The President noted that he had been part of Nigeria’s history since 1967, fighting in the civil war, serving as governor, minister, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011, before winning in 2015.

“We should thank God, and we should reflect on these things and thank God more,’’ he added.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation and President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, commended the President for reforms in the electoral system, making it more stable and fair, particularly the signing of the Electoral Bill into law.

“We commend and congratulate you for the efforts the government has put into ensuring real improvement in our electoral system and processes, especially your signing into law the electoral bill.

“Please do not relent in making sure that INEC and other relevant agencies of government carry out their serious duties to conduct peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections,’’ he said.

Ugorji urged the President to use the remaining months in office as Commander-in-Chief to tackle insecurity in the country, and improve the economy.

“The main crux of our message to you today is one of fervent appeal and strong encouragement. Your tenure of two terms as President, Commander-In-Chief of Nigeria, is drawing to an end. But we believe a lot can be done to turn things around for the better in the about four months left of your presidency before you step down in May 2023.

“We have seen some signs that the government is not entirely incapable of tackling the sad state of insecurity in the land, which has consumed thousands of innocent Nigerians across all religions, creed, and ethnic groups,’’ the cleric said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/well-improve-security-revamp-economy-before-leaving-office-buhari/amp/

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Politics › Bayo Onanuga: Worry About Atiku’s Health, Credibility Not Tinubu by OddsDoc(op): 9:12pm On Jan 11, 2023

The presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has assured Nigerians of his sound health and corruption-free status, saying Nigerians should, rather, worry about the 76-year-old candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Tinubu, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director, Media and Publicity of his Presidential Campaign Council, PCC, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said Atiku must come clean on issues regarding his health and corruption allegations.

“It is time for Atiku Abubakar, the 76-year-old presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to come clean over two issues clouding his campaign: his health status and his scandalous confession of how he colluded with his former boss, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to fleece the Nigerian treasury, using the special purpose vehicles after he became Vice-President in 1999,” said Tinubu.

He said Atiku ought to have stepped down from the race that he is bound to lose again, “following the release of his audio clip, in which he provides a vivid explanation of the modus operandi of his legendary corruption.”

Tinubu noted that so far, there has been no notable response from Atiku’s camp about the disturbing revelation, except for a futile attempt to disown the whistle-blower, Michael Achimugu, a media consultant to Atiku.

However, a campaign spokesperson for the former vice president, Senator Dino Melaye, had immediately dismissed Achimugu’s allegations and accused him of working with “Bourdillon”, a reference to Tinubu’s signature Lagos residence.

“What sort of media aide is he? Where is his appointment letter? Let him tell us about one publication he made on behalf of Atiku Abubakar.

“I don’t talk to these small ‘419 yahoo’ boys. He is only looking for attention after collecting money from Bourdillon. He should get out so we can focus on more serious matters,” Melaye had said.

Tinubu, however, noted that Nigerians are appalled that Atiku and PDP are so shameless that they have shrugged off the bombshell.

“We implore Nigerians, however, to hold Atiku to account over the shocking revelation by rejecting him at the polls in February,” he stated.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/worry-about-atikus-health-credibility-not-me-tinubu-tells-nigerians/amp/

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Politics › Tinubu Is Healthy, Every Nigerian Above 40 Is Sick – Orji Kalu by OddsDoc(op): 8:35pm On Jan 10, 2023

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu said the 2023 presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s health is very stable.

Kalu made this assertion while speaking on Political Paradigm, a political pogramme of Channels Television on Monday.

According to Kalu, Tinubu has no health problems.

Kalu, a former governor of Abia State emphasised that every Nigerian above 40 years old suffers from one form of health challenge or the other.

He said, “His (Tinubu’s) health is very stable. No man above 40 is not sick. There is not one, no Nigerian above 40 that is not sick,”

The federal lawmaker also said some incoherent statements attributed to Tinubu at rallies were forged by political opponents.

“These are things you people go to form on the internet. All these things can be forged by political opponents,” he said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/tinubu-is-healthy-every-nigerian-above-40-is-sick-orji-kalu/amp/

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Politics › Atiku-okowa Mocks Tinubu Over Buhari’s Adamawa Snub by OddsDoc(op): 9:17pm On Jan 09, 2023

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization has mocked the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following what it described as President Muhammadu Buhari’s obvious snub during Monday’s APC campaign in Adamawa.

The PDP said it was clear that Buhari avoided the booby trap of identifying with Tinubu when the outgoing President declined to speak directly in favour of Asiwaju by commending him for anything during the rally.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Spokesperson of the PDP Campaign, Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja, on Monday.

He said, “The public watched as a visibly embarrassed Asiwaju Tinubu had to put up with President Buhari merely raising his hand without speaking on his (Tinubu’s) personality despite the pressure being mounted on him (Buhari).

“It is clear that President Buhari attended the APC Presidential rally, after much prodding, only to satisfy partisan exigencies and not to campaign for Asiwaju Tinubu, who is badgered by allegations for which most well-meaning Nigerians have distanced themselves from his Presidential bid.

“Our Campaign is therefore not surprised that President Buhari avoided the booby trap of smearing his image by refusing to campaign for Asiwaju Tinubu at the rally.

“It was indeed a pitiable sight to behold as Asiwaju Tinubu watched Mr. President’s mouth, expecting him to campaign for him and speak words of commendation on his personality, which to his embarrassment, never came.

“Even when President Buhari, who was about to leave the campaign stage, was reminded by the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, to address the gathering in Hausa language, Mr. President merely described him (Tinubu) as being nominated by the Party and failed to campaign for him.

“Nigerians can recall that our campaign had earlier cautioned Asiwaju Tinubu that dragging President Buhari into his campaign cannot help him given that his image had gone beyond redemption.

“The APC Presidential Candidate should face his political woes and not attempt to transfer the burden and smear of his alleged narcotic-related offence and countless allegations of corruption and sundry misdemeanors on the President.“

He further said, “Asiwaju Tinubu should stop wasting his time. He should yield to the consensus by Nigerians to vote in a more acceptable, capable and experienced Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar to rescue, rebuild and redirect our nation at this critical time.”

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Politics › My Fiscal Discipline Mistaken For Stinginess — Peter Obi by OddsDoc(op): 8:53pm On Jan 09, 2023

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi has said those pushing the narrative that he was stingy were those who feel threatened by his commitment to enforce fiscal discipline in the use of public funds.

He debunked claims that he was stingy by nature.

Obi said this while speaking as a special guest in a programme at the Human Rights Radio popularly called Berekete Radio, in Abuja, on Monday.

Obi explained that the perception about him being stingy is his fiscal discipline in the management of public funds and those who lose out in the blockage of waste consider this as being stingy.

According to him, ordinary Nigerians have critical roles to play in the selection process of who governs this country and they can only do that through their Permanent Voters Card.

The LP Standard bearer said he is seeking to be hired by the real owners of Nigeria- the ordinary downtrodden citizens of this country who have suffered hardships in the midst of plenty.

He said he is seeking office because he wants to build a new Nigeria where the populace are secure and productive.

Obi also took time to explain to the listeners why it was important that the antecedent of all applicants should be considered before an applicant is considered for job placement.

The former Anambra State Governor used the opportunity to take listeners through his resume in the public and private sectors, said that having done it well in the past, he is well equipped to do better being the most qualified of all the candidates.

He said, “Saving money is not in the constitution of Nigeria but my Presidency will change our sharing mentality to saving and production mentality.“

On the issue of corruption, Obi promised that if elected, he will draw the line and face the future as he would not close shop to chase thief although he noted that the looters would not be allowed to go free.

He equally described nepotism as a huge corruption especially when leaders pick unqualified persons who maybe of the same family with him and allocate land and contract papers to them.

Obi disagreed with a questioner that when people enter office like President or Governor the office changes them, instead he said that money and power expose who such persons really are.

The candidate further explained that Northern Nigeria is the nation’s new gold mine and oil this, he explained can only become a reality when the right people like himself and his running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed are given the chance to unlock Nigeria’s potential.

He said, “The poverty in the country can only be tackled through production and it’s only through it crimes and criminalities can be reduced. Those bandits are factory workers who are doing nothing.“

Speaking about the thorny issue of the Biafra agitation, Obi declared that “the Biafra war ended 52 years ago and that is the position. I am a Nigerian and running for President as a Nigerian.

“If the President is to be given by whose turn it is, as an Igbo it’s my turn but I am in the race as a Nigerian wishing to be hired based on my track record, competence and capacity.”

He expressed regret that Nigerian leaders have not shown sufficient compassion for the plight of the ordinary people they govern.

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Politics › You Deserve Better Nation – Tinubu Tells Nigerian Youths by OddsDoc(op): 10:48pm On Jan 07, 2023

The Nigerian youths deserve a better nation that bring desired prosperity, presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said.

Tinubu stated this while speaking at that National Youth Town Hall Meeting of the APC in Abuja on Friday.

He said, “I am here as your accepted candidate to give your a renewed hope today, tomorrow and day after. I am here to build that foundation for a greater economy of medium and long term for you to inherit.”

“This is not Isi Ewu of beer parlour talk. This is a concrete plan that we have. This is an assured hope for all of you. There is no single sub sector of our economy more important than you the youth. You outnumber all of us in this nation.

“You’re young, you’re strong, you’re intelligent and your support is the key to unlocking the economic prosperity and progress of our nation. I am very proud of Nigerian youth, because they created great economy our of darkness.” he said.

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Politics › Hold Me Responsible If I Don’t Change Nigeria — Peter Obi by OddsDoc(op): 10:06pm On Jan 07, 2023

THE Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and two-term governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, recently visited Akwa Ibom State for his campaign. Speaking with newsmen before the campaign rally, he revealed his plans for Nigeria if elected president of Nigeria next month including the development of the Niger Delta region, and making Nigeria as a country to work again. Excerpts:

In 1983 the Senate approved the establishment of Ibaka Deep Seaport here in Akwa Ibom. If you become the next president what is your plan for that project?

We are talking about how do we compete in the world today. You compete by producing something that you export. So we are not doing Akwa Ibom a favour by developing the Deep Seaport, rather Akwa Ibom is offering us a space to develop an export channel which I am going to develop. Akwa Ibom can become a processing center for export. I want to change it as a processing center for export. The reason our currency is collapsing today is the function of our reserve, as we have no reserve. We have a problem because we’re not exporting anything. If you are exporting something, you won’t have dollar problem. Vietnam doesn’t have dollar problem, Malaysia that is less than 50m people does not have dollar problem. In Nigeria everybody is waiting to share money from oil. I will remove sharing formula and replace it with production formula. So we are not going to waste our money.

One of the presidential candidates said if he wins the election he will sell the NNPC. What is your take on that?

That is where we are having problem because we are dependent on oil. Oil is a diminishing asset that’s not giving anybody, anything. Oil contributes less than 10percent of our Gross Domestic Product, GDP, but it contributes about 50percent of federal government revenue which should not be. If we are a productive country, we can earn more money from other areas apart from oil. Akwa Ibom can earn more money from other things but we just believe in consumption and this formula of sharing. We don’t believe in production and that’s why I keep saying that the reason millions of people have been thrown into poverty is that Nigeria is not a producing country. Because we are waiting to share money from oil, we have our people living in poverty, it can’t continue. We have vast uncultivated land in the north and people are looking for oil. If I become president, within the few years I will devote the money from oil in trying to ensure that we clean up, and be able to develop Niger Delta for what they have suffered. Then resources from other places will be used to develop the areas. I am a champion of fiscal federalism so that people can become productive. So, I am not going to sell the NNPC, it is the least of my problems. My problem is to create a future and allow the country to work again. NNPC is not even producing anything today, its not making any profit, it is not contributing anything today.

Power distribution is a major challenge Akwa Ibom is currently facing. How do you intend to address the issue?

In my manifesto I was very clear about the power issue. As at today, our generating capacity is about 12,000Megawatts. We will do everything possible to solve the issue of power. We are going to support existing facilities, increase and decentralize the transmission to ensure that what is being generated is being distributed. Additionally, we will support every other method. In South Africa they are 60milion people and they generate almost 50,000megawatts. And the president in the past few months declared emergency in power and authorised that anybody can generate up to 100megawatts without license. We are over 200million people, we generate only 5,000megawatts, what do you think I will declare in the sector? War.

In 2019 you were running mate to Atiku Abubakar on the platform of the PDP. He is still the presidential candidate of the party for the 2023 election. Why are you not with Atiku to contest for presidency this time around?

I have a background as an Igbo man. In Igbo land if you are learning a business, you stay with your boss and when you finish he will settle you. Now two of you will be doing the same business and be looking for the same customers who will now decide who is the best. The customer may decide to continue to buy from the Oga, or from this new boy, that the product he is selling is better than that of the Oga.

How do feel about the recent comment from your own governor, Professor Charles Soludo that you cannot be the next president?

My state governor is my brother and I wish him well. I want him to do very well. If I care about people’s comments I won’t be here. People have rights to their comments and there is freedom of speech. That’s what we preach. It’s not everybody that’s here that likes me, there are people who don’t want to see me here. If everybody here likes me there is a problem. That’s life. So wherever we find ourselves in life it is only by God’s grace, because He gives it.

Your opponents have said that Labour Party doesn’t have the structure you require to win the 2023 presidential election. How will you respond to that?

You are the structure. The structures they have today are the structures we want to dismantle, the structure of criminality; structure that produced 133 million people living in poverty; the structure that produced 20million out-of-school children, and made Nigeria surpass India in Infant mortality; the structure that destroyed us. We want to destroy that structure. We want to build a better place for our children, a better place for all of us. The driver that brought me here, I asked him, who will you vote for, I want you to be honest? And when he finished telling me I said to him, you are from Akwa Ibom, can you show me one thing the Federal Government has done for the people of Akwa Ibom? That is the structure you are talking about, structure that destroyed the country and threw everybody into poverty. So we want to build a better structure, and the people are the structure. Leadership in Nigeria is a problem, but the worst problem is the people who have refused to say no in the face of bad leadership, who are celebrating the criminality of the country. That is what we want to stop. So you are the structure, I do not need any other structure, if you believe in it we’ll change the country, if you don’t believe in it, one day when they start they will not spare any of you. Today you can’t move around, you are scared, everybody is scared to move around in Nigeria. Is that a structure you want to maintain?

Since you have observed that Akwa Ibom lacks federal presence, if you become the next president, what are you going to do about it?

You can imagine that the next president is your in-law. You can only imagine it, I won’t say more than that. For me I am home here. That is why I asked what did they do for you?

Politics › Tinubu Visits Emirs Of Kano Emirates, Solicits Blessings, Support by OddsDoc(op): 10:23pm On Jan 06, 2023

KANO – The Presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the traditional institutions as a catalyst for development.

Tinubu who was represented by the APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, made the statement when he paid a homage to the Emirs of Gaya, Rano and Karaye in their palaces respectively to solicit for their prayers and support.

The Presidential Candidate was accompanied by the Kano State Deputy Governor and APC Governorship Candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, APC Deputy National Chairman, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, State APC Chairman, Alh. Abdullahi Abbas, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives and other State Government Officials.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Hassan Musa Fagge, Tinubu said the traditional rulers have value and should be accorded respect for their role in community development.

The APC Presidential Flagbearer pledged to provide agricultural support farmers as well as enhance economic development, peace and security in the country.

He also sought for support towards ensuring the victory of Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Alh. Murtala Sule Garo for consolidation and continuity of development in the State.

Tinubu also commended the APC supporters in Kano for turning out enmass during the recent Presidential rally held in the State.

“I have never witnessed a mammoth crowd like that,” Tinubu said.

On his part the Deputy Governor and APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna said the visit was to interact with the Emirs, he however assures that his administration will continue to maintain the dignity, respect and relate closely with the Emirate Councils in the State.

In their separate remarks the Emir’s of Gaya, Alh. Aliyu Ibrahim, that of Rano, Alh. Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa and Karaye Emir, Alh. Ibrahim Abubakar II thanked the Presidential Candidate for the visit and urged the electorates to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during the general election period

Politics › Okowa To Omo-Agege: I Have Constructed 4 Road Projects In Your Village by OddsDoc(op): 9:22pm On Jan 05, 2023

Against the claim of Deputy President of the Senate and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Delta state, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege that the governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa has not constructed any road in the state since he took over the leadership of the state, Okowa said no fewer than 45 road projects have been constructed in his Delta Central Senatorial District by his administration, while four of the projects were constructed in the lawmaker’s village.

Omo-Agege had alleged Okowa that with N4.2 trillion Internally Generated Revenue, IGR and 13 percent derivation in the last seven and half years, the governor has nothing on ground to show for it.

Omo-Agege, also claimed that Okowa, who is touted as ‘Road Master,” uses unknown and substandard contractors in some of the road reconstruction.

The APC governorship candidate also alleged that the governor instead of using the state resources to develop the state has resorted to wasting the state funds for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP presidential campaign.

But the governor has described the Deputy Senate President’s claims as empty lies.

The governor through his Chief Press Secretary. Olisa Ifeajika said that over 2000 kilometers of road has been constructed by him.

While alleging that lie is in the DNA of the Deputy Senate President, the governor said that about 45 roads have been constructed by his administration in Senator Omo-Agege Senatorial District and four to his village.

The four projects are the construction/rehabilitation of Internal roads in Orogun town – Ughelli North, the construction of Arhagba – Orogun Road in Ughelli North Local Government Area (Phase I: From Arhagba/Emonu Junction to Ebor Community)-Ughelli North, the Ogbe-Ikolobie Road Orogun – Ughelli North and the Imodje Road Orogun – Ughelli North.

Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Omo-Agege said it was a misconception to tag Delta a PDP state.

Fielding questions from journalists on how intend to dislodge the state currently in firm grip of the PDP, Senator Omo-Agege, who said he was in the Villa to confer with the President on national issues, said, “That is a very serious misconception to tag Delta State, a PDP state. Delta is very ripe for the taking.

He said, “We’re determined to achieve this; we’ve been going round each local government, ward by ward, making the case; drawing the attention of the people of the state to the mis-governance and lack of performance on the part of not just Okowa but the PDP led administration in the past 14 years, but most especially in the last seven and a half years; and the message we’re saying to people is resonating.

“We’ve been able to make the case to them, that Delta State is supposedly a very, very rich state and indeed a very rich state given the contributions that we’ve made, not only to the economy of this country, but also to the economy of the state, because of the receipts we have gotten from federal allocation, inclusive of a 13% derivation and other resources that come to the state by way of IGR.

“By our own reckoning, since the Okowa administration came into being, Delta State has received close to about N4.2 trillion and this came, like I said, by way of federal allocation, it came by way of 13% derivation, and also about N400 billion that the state has borrowed.

“Only recently, thanks to my brother, the governor of Rivers state (Nyesom Wike), who also made us to understand that another N260 billion was given to our state (on account of shortfall payment). So if you look, that will be a total of 4.2 trillion Naira that has come to the state. There’s nothing on ground by way of infrastructural development that is commensurate with all of these receipts that come to the state.”

He further said, “If you go to Delta State today, there is no road, no single road that is a new road that was constructed by Okowa as a governor. The last set of roads that we have in Delta State were constructed by Governor (James) Ibori. Since that time not a single new road, either by Governor (Emmanuel) Uduagan or by Governor Okowa. All he’s been doing is doing patches using mushroom companies to do patches, or remedial work on some of these roads which after three, four months, they get washed away by the rains.”.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/ive-constructed-4-road-projects-in-your-village-okowa-replies-omo-agege/amp/

Politics › Obasanjo Jealous Of My Achievements, Endorsing Peter Obi Won’t Work – Tinubu by OddsDoc(op): 8:26pm On Jan 05, 2023

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has hit back at former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his endorsement of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the February 25 presidential poll.

Tinubu, while addressing supporters at the APC presidential rally held at the University of Benin Sports Complex in Benin City, the Edo state capital on Thursday, said Obasanjo is “jealous” of his achievements.

He said the former President’s endorsement of Obi won’t work or make any difference in the outcome of the election.

According to Tinubu, “the blind” cannot lead “the blind”.

Tinubu recalled that as Lagos governor from 1999 to 2007, whilst Obasanjo was President, he “punished” him and millions of residents of Lagos by allegedly withholding local government funds that belonged to the nation’s commercial nerve centre.

According to Tinubu, both Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar, his then Vice President and now presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, seized the Federal Government’s allocation to Lagos.

He said, “Can that man recommend a leader for you in Nigeria? Is that not sending an agent to pick your pocket?” Tinubu asked thousands of APC supporters at the rally.

“A blind leading the blind. I am sorry I am not insulting visually impaired people. But it won’t work, they will end up in the ditch. If I talk about Obasanjo and Obi…one who doesn’t know the way cannot show the way,” he added.

Obi’s endorsement by the former Nigerian military head of state between February 1976 and October 1979 has since provoked the candidates of the APC, the PDP, amongst others.

Recall that the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Edwin Clark also endorsed Obi as his preferred candidate.

Obi was also previously endorsed by leader of pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo.

Politics › Peter Obi Is My Brother, I Know His Capacity – Ngige by OddsDoc(op): 10:55pm On Jan 04, 2023

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has described the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi as his brother, saying he (Ngige) knows his capacity of leadership.

Ngige stated this on Tuesday, at his hometown, Alor, Idemili South local government area, Anambra State, during the annual distribution of Christmas largesse by his Chris Ngige Foundation to APC members, the indigent, widows and aged persons.

He said, “Peter Obi of Labour Party is my brother, his Local Government is next to mine here my successor and everything. I know him too well.I know his capacity.”

The minister advised Nigerians to vote for the right candidate who should be able to work for them after a critical evaluation of their manifestos and antecedents.

Nigige, however, tackled former President Olusegun Obasanjo for criticising the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in his controversial new Year letter to Nigerian Youths.

Meanwhile, Ngige said he decided to stay away from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential campaigns or any other political party because four frontrunners for the presidency are good candidates who have the requisite cognate experience in Government business at state and federal levels.

Recall that the Minister had indicated interest in contesting the APC Presidential primaries and was said to have purchased the Expression of Interest Form before he withdraw from the exercise.

Ngige in a statement issued by his Media Office said the Federal Government realised that things were difficult and requested ministers to go home and assist their people since last September.

Regarding his choice of presidential candidate, he said, “the four frontrunners are good candidates with cognate experience in governance at the federal and state levels.

“They are my friends and they are well known to me. They have worked with me in one way or the other before now.

“Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was at the helm of affairs in the country when I was kidnapped as a sitting governor. He was Acting for Mr. President who was away in Maputo at that time. He ordered my reinstatement. We sat together in the National Economic Council which he is the Chairman. We formed the Action Congress (AC) with Asiwaju.”

“Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC is also my good friend and political ally. He was very supportive during our trying times as Governor. We formed AC together. We worked together in ACN and I became the lone opposition Senator in the Eastern Region under the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He is not somebody I don’t know.

“Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of NNPP is my friend too. I knew him as Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives under Agunwa Anaekwe in 1991as Speaker. We were in APC So, I know him.

“For me, let the Nigerian people vote right. Let Nigerians look at them and their manifestos and vote, according to what is right for the country. I don’t think I will go around campaigning for candidate A or B or C. I won’t do that. It is not my stock in trade. I don’t jump from party to party. But besides, I have some conscience and I am going to protect my conscience and make sure that I don’t hurt it.”

Politics › Our Track Records More Than Obi’s – Nnpp’s Idahosa by OddsDoc(op): 9:21pm On Jan 04, 2023

Vice presidential candidate, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Bishop Isaac Idahosa, said the track record of his principal, Rabiu Kwankwaso outnumbered that of the Labour Party LP counterpart, Peter Obi.

Idahosa stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

His comment comes on the heel of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of Obi in a six-page open letter.

Kwankwaso had served as Minister of Defence between 2003 and 2007, during the second term of the Obasanjo administration.

The cleric said the NNPP has received a number of endorsements but is keeping them close to the vest.

He said, “If I mention to you a few that have endorsed us, you will marvel, and over time, you will begin to see the manifestations of all I’ve been saying. We’ve been doing a whole lot. Peter Obi is endorsed based on what the elder statesman, former president (Obasanjo) said of his track records, which we have even much more.

“We talk about the track record, vision, character, and the physique. These are the things that indeed must be found and seen in any leader as a very good attribute or quality.

“My own principal, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has got all this in abundance. Talk about track record, what he’s been able to achieve and he’s still on there as a very proper, visible legacy in Kano, when he was a two-term governor,” Idahosa said.

Speaking a decision to keep mum on the party’s endorsements, the NNPP vice presidential candidate said the party is “in it to win it.”

He stated that those, who “undermine us should go on ahead and undermine us,” saying with the February 25 election on the horizon, “you will call me back to say congratulations.”

According to Idahosa, despite Obasanjo refusing to endorse a former member of his cabinet, there is no cause for disappointment.

He said, “He is but one among 200 million people endorsing a candidate. So many more will endorse who they want to endorse. He has the entitlement to endorse who he wants to endorse. Why would I be disappointed? The former president has got just one vote to cast.

“It depends on what impact it has on Peter Obi and the Labour Party. But for us, the NNPP, we are never disappointed. It’s just another way to saw, ‘Move on ahead. Get courageous and get at the goal,’” he added.

Politics › Peter Obi: Obasanjo Wants To Impose Adolf Hitler On Nigerians – Fani-kayode by OddsDoc(op): 9:51pm On Jan 03, 2023

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Fayode has described the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP as the German war lord, Adolf Hitler, whom former President Obasanjo wants to impose on Nigerians in the 2023 presidential election.

His comment comes as a reaction to Peter Obi’s endorsement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Fani-Kayode stated this in an article via his Facebook page, titled, “What have they done to our baba.”

He said, “Like Peter, Adolf Hitler started in a similarly charming, humble and alluring manner, hiding his true colours long before he wormed his way into power.

“By the end of it all Germany, and indeed the entire world, paid a heavy price for their folly,” he added.

The chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, stated that “Something has clearly gone wrong, adding that ”how Obasanjo spoke in glowing terms about Peter the Pooh and Dati the Daft amazes me.”

He accused Obi of persecuting non-Catholics, Muslims and non-indigenes in Anambra, including Northerners and Yorubas.

The former minister said Obi and his running mate Yusuf Baba-Ahmed control an army of trolls on social media.

“Their only mandate is to insult, denigrate, threaten, intimidate and attack anyone who disagrees with their principal. he said.

According to Fani-Kayode, unlike Obi, neither Bola Tinubu (APC) nor Atiku Abubakar (PDP) has been going to Mosques or Churches to “incite the passions of believers, preaching religious politics and hate.”

The former presidential aide warned that a vote for Obi will be one step closer to the break-up of Nigeria and a second civil war.

He lambasted the candidate for “refusing to condemn the brutal killing and killers in the South-East, who kidnap and murder anyone and everyone.”

Fani-Kayode said, “I respect and love Baba OBJ, I always will and unlike others, I believe that his record in public office was extraordinary, unassailable and spectacular.

“However I think his rabid opposition to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu particularly is misplaced, sad and unfortunate.

“I also believe it is rooted in something personal which is deeper, darker and more sinister than mere politics and this saddens me deeply”, he said.

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Politics › OBJ Endorsement Of Obi: I’m Worried For PDP — Wike by OddsDoc(op): 9:05pm On Jan 03, 2023

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said that the endorsement of Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, for the 2023 presidential election by former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, calls for worry over the fate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike said this at the flag-off of construction of Mgbuodohia Road in Rumuolumene, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area on Tuesday.

He noted that for Obasanjo to pick Obi above the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who served him for eight years as Vice President, every lover of PDP should be worried.

“I was not mocking anybody. I was merely worried. My prayer was, look, let Obasanjo remain quiet and not say anything. That was all my prayer, but my prayer didn’t work.

“My prayer was that if this man makes any statement, it will indict us because he was President under the Peoples Democratic Party for eight years, and he worked with our presidential candidate.

“And the campaign of our presidential council is that our presidential candidate during the eight years did very well, with experience.”

On being castigated on his position over the development, the governor wondered “What did I do? I didn’t do anything.

“All I did was to express concern. If you care for this party, it is for you to go back and ask what is fundamentally wrong.

“Me that is worried that we should do something and have expressed it, you’re abusing me for telling the party that we should do something.

“They are not bothered, but those of us who since 1998 joined this party, contributed for the survival of this party until now, we keep shouting always when we see danger coming.

“Abuses upon abuses, it will not change anything, rather it will spoil more things. What you don’t know, ask people, seek for advise, people will help you to solve the problem.

“Nobody can drive us (Integrity Group) from this house (PDP) we have built. All of us will fight here.

“So, if anybody thinks that you can just sit in your house and dish out orders, it will not work. The house will collapse on you. So, you better think twice.”

Wike also wrote off the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state, saying its soul and strengh have departed, leaving the carcass and therefore, cannot get any electoral support from Rivers electorate.

Specifically, Governor Wike pointed to the level of support that Chief Anele Orobule, a die-hard believer in the former governor, Chibuike Amaechi, gave to the APC but was disgraced because of failed promises.

He urged the people of Rivers State to be wary of the APC governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, alleging he is being fronted by Amaechi because they do not mean well for the state.

The governor urged the Rivers State PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to consider constructing a bridge to link Rumuolumeni to Eagle Island in Port Harcourt, when he eventually assumes office.

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Politics › Armoured SUV: Kwankwaso Was Being Generous To Me – Buhari by OddsDoc(op): 2:06pm On Jan 02, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari said the presidential candidate of the New NigeriaPeople’s Party, NNPP, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso was being generous to him with an armoured vehicle gifted to him by former Kano governor.

The said SUV armoured vehicle, according to Buhari, helped him survive a deadly attack in Kaduna State in 2014.

Buhari stated this, in his documentary titled ‘Essential Muhammadu Buhari.’

He said, “I think Kwankwaso was being generous. He gave me an armored Land Rover vehicle. He said I should use it because he believed the competition I was going on involved people who would like to eliminate me.

“I was going to Kano from Kaduna in that jeep and a vehicle wanted to overtake us but my escort stopped them and they detonated the bomb.

“When I looked, I saw pieces of human beings. None of us in the vehicle were injured. But somehow I saw blood on me because of the number of people killed outside by the bomb,” Buhari said.

Recall that Buhari had escaped unhurt in the explosion that occurred at the busy Kawo market area of the city, while three of his security aides were injured and rushed to hospital.

According to an aide of President Buhari, the bomber, who drove in a Toyota Sienna vehicle, rammed into Buhari’s convoy and detonated the explosive-laden vehicle.

While Buhari survived the attack, his vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, and another one behind it were badly damaged.

Politics › 2023: Atiku, Tinubu Kick As Obasanjo Endorses Peter Obi by OddsDoc(op): 1:17pm On Jan 02, 2023

MIXED reactions, yesterday, greeted former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, for the nation’s exalted seat in the February 25 Presidential election.

While the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described Obasanjo’s endorsement of Obi as worthless, the LP and Director-General of the Obi-Datti Campaign Organisation, Mr Akin Osuntokun, commended Obasanjo, saying the endorsement is a clarion call to other statesmen, Nigerians.

Obasanjo, in a letter titled ‘My Appeal to all Nigerians, particularly Young Nigerians’, described Peter Obi “as a needle with thread attached to it from North and South and he may not get lost.”

The former president, however, urged young Nigerians to stop inheriting other people’s prejudices and enemies.

The letter reads: “I am constrained to write this letter to all Nigerians especially young Nigerians, friends of Nigeria globally as well as our development partners because of the gravity, responsibility and implications of the collective decision Nigerians, both young and old, will be made within the next two months.

“The last seven and a half years have no doubt been eventful and stressful years for many Nigerians. We have moved from frying pan to fire and from the mountain top to the valley.

Politics › G-5 Governors: Make Yourself President If You Want To Stop Me – Atiku by OddsDoc(op): 10:12pm On Dec 30, 2022

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said that anyone that plans to stop him from achieving his political ambition, should first make himself the president of Nigeria.

The former vice president equally noted that he was not perturbed by plots of five aggrieved governors, popularly known as G-5 governors, to endorse presidential candidates of their choice.

He stated that he is an elephant that has seen everything, noting that he cannot be taken by surprised by the aggrieved governors.

Atiku, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said any person boasting of having such powers to stop his presidential bid, should first make himself president.

His words: “Atiku will be president. Whether the cock crows or not, the sun must rise. Power belongs to God Almighty; no man can arrogate to himself the powers of God Almighty. Any man who can boast of stopping Atiku should first make himself president of Nigeria.

“Atiku is an elephant. Even when an elephant walks on thorns, it does not limp. And when you have seen a snake, it cannot bite you anymore. In this case, we have seen the snake, how can we be taken by surprise?”

Politics › Again, Wike Dares PDP To Expel Him by OddsDoc(op): 10:05pm On Dec 30, 2022

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has challenged those threatening to expel him from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to go ahead and try it, if they can.

Governor Wike gave the challenge at the Eneka Road Roundabout, venue of the flag-off ceremony for the construction of Eneka -Igbo Etche Road dualisation project.

Wike who insisted that he is unperturbed about the threat of expulsion, however, wondered why those desiring to expel him are displaying anxiety instead of acting out their threat, and see if they will survive it. According to him, “when the time comes, we will know who has capacity and who does not have capacity.”

The Rivers State governor also reiterated the minimum demand of the members of the G5 group, which is the resignation of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as national chairman of PDP to allow for a southerner to occupy the office.

“We have made our demand and our demand is the national chairman must come to the south. Its non-negotiable. If you say you don’t care, no problem. Lets go the field. No need to begin to threat people you will do this, you will do that.”

In retrospect, governor Wike recalled how between 2002 and 2003 former President Olusegun Obasanjo knelt down to beg his then vice, now PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to support his second term bid and the conditions the latter gave to him.

“You say we are giving condition, but you forget history. In 2002- 2003 when president Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to run for second tenure, he knelt down before his vice president and said my vice please allow me to run. You know one of the conditions he gave him, Tony Anenih must be sacked as the Minister of Works and Tony Anenih must not be in the presidential campaign council. Obasanjo obliged and sacked Tony Anenih as Minister of Works and removed him from presidential campaign council.”

He expressed surprise over the undying interest by those who said they have moved ahead and do not need the G5 group to win the 2023 election. He wondered why those antagonistic to the G5 are always sniffing around to uncover any latest move made by the group.

Governor Wike queried why they are bothering themselves about where the G5 goes, what it says and which person they chose to speak with.

The governor noted that even as the G5 recently travelled to Europe, some people including media outfits speculated and insinuated so many unfounded things without a proof of any pictorial or audio, to affirm their claims that the G5 met with a presidential candidate in Europe.

The Rivers State governor took on Prince Uche Secondus, the former national chairman of PDP, who claimed that he is his benefactor, and said it is a lie.

He stated that at no point in his political career did Prince Uche Secondus sponsor him to any political office except for the fact that he accompanied him on some lobbying trips.

Governor Wike insisted that he is rather the benefactor to Prince Uche Secondus because against fierce opposition and rejection from the likes of Sule Lamido, Austin Opara, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Celestine Omehia and Lee Maeba, he sponsored him to become the national chairman of PDP and removed him later when he wanted to make his nephew governor of Rivers State.

“You wanted to be national chairman first to impose your nephew or your cousin as you may call him to become governorship candidate of PDP in Rivers State. I said not here, it won’t work. We had to kick you out first and we did, and you are out.”

He listed the Nsirim, Senator John Mbata and the Dr. Odili’s families as sponsors at various times of his political dreams that had made him what he has become.

Sports › King Of Football; His Legacy Will Never Be Forgotten – Mbappe Pays Pele Tribute by OddsDoc(op): 10:07pm On Dec 29, 2022

France and PSG star, Kylian Mbappe has paid tribute to the late Brazilian football icon, Pele, saying the late icon’s legacy will never be forgotten.

Mbappe’s tribute was conveyed in a tweet via his official Twitter handle on Thursday.

He stated, “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING ��…”

The greatest player of all time, as widely regarded and three-time World Cup winner, Pele was announced dead by his family on Thursday.

The Brazilian football legend, who masterminded the “beautiful game,” died at the age of 82.

“Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace,” daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram.

Named athlete of the century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999, Pele is the only footballer in history to win three World Cups — 1958, 1962 and 1970.

Nicknamed “O Rei” (The King), he scored more than 1,000 goals in one of the most storied careers in sport, before retiring in 1977.

He had been in increasingly fragile health, battling kidney problems and colon cancer — undergoing surgery for the latter in September 2021, followed by chemotherapy.

Politics › Peter Obi: Obasanjo’s Father Figure To Us Not Ally – Osuntokun by OddsDoc(op): 9:54pm On Dec 29, 2022

The newly appointed Director General (DG) of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the Labour Party (LP), Akin Osuntokun has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a father figure to LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s camp and not an ally.

Osuntokun stated this in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, adding that Obasanjo is “fully backing” Obi

When asked if Obasanjo is “fully backing” Obi’s campaign, Osuntokun responded with an emphatic “Yes!”

Recall the LP announced the former presidential aide as its new presidential campaign DG, following the resignation of Doyin Okupe whom a Federal High Court in Abuja on December 19 found guilty of violating the Money Laundering Act.

Osuntokun said, “He is a father figure. That’s a better description of the relationship. He (Obasanjo) is a father figure to us, not an ‘ally.’ Assuming that what you are saying is correct, am I not qualified for the job? Am I not competent for it?”

Asked if his appointment was based on the recommendation of the former president, Osuntokun said, “You’ll have to ask the presidential candidate, my principal, whether it was an Obasanjo slot and that was how the position was filled.

“Don’t forget that I was the immediate zonal coordinator of the campaign in South-West, so this is essentially an elevation. It is not that I’m just joining the campaign organisation, but if you say that it’s Obasanjo’s slot, people have different perceptions and you’re at liberty to say so.”

The campaign DG argued that the focus should not be on who is behind his appointment, but what he brings to the table.

“Forget about who recommended me or whether I’m filling the slot of somebody. That is not an issue. It’s my capacity and competence to do the job that matters most. If Obasanjo recommends a very competent person who will lead the party to victory, why should I have any issues with that. For me, it’s a non-issue,” he said.

On Okupe’s removal, Osuntokun described the ouster as a bittersweet experience.

According to him, the bitter part has to do with the circumstances of his predecessor’s exit.

“That’s the first judgment I’ve heard that was essentially exculpating the person standing before her. She said it was an honest mistake — that is, the judge, not the lawyer of the defence. (For) the party, in such circumstances, for me, it’s not a good thing.

“He deserves a better exit than that. Nonetheless, life must go on. I’m back to familiar territory. I’m used to presidential campaigns. I like two before — 2003 and 2007 — as political adviser, and as a campaign coordinator for President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011,” he said.

Osuntokun however noted that he is no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that a party’s campaign organisation must not be confused with the party hierarchy.

“There is a sense of deja vu; when I was appointed the director of publicity by President Obasanjo in 2022, I was not a member of PDP. But once I assume the office, then of course effectively, I’ve become a member of the Labour Party. So, to that extent, I’m a member,” he said.

Politics › Labour Party Defends Osuntokun’s Appointment by OddsDoc(op): 10:34pm On Dec 28, 2022

The Obi-Datti Media Office, has risen in defence of the appointment of Balogun Akin Osuntokun as the Director General of its Presidential Campaign.

This is coming hours after embattled erstwhile National publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, demanded for the nullification of the appointment on grounds that it was fraudulently done.

Osuntokun’s appointment came on the heels of the resignation of Dr. Doyin Okupe from the position.

In a statement signed by the Head of Media Obi-Datti Campaign Council, Diran Onifade, in Abuja, on Wednesday, the LP PCC dismissed Arabambi’s claims describing him as a saboteur who was doing the bidding of the party’s detractors.

Onifade explained that “Prior to what is an elevation in the Campaign structure, Osuntokun was the South West Coordinator of the campaign in which position he has been functioning.

“Truth is that Osuntokun once expressed interest in running for the Senate but such decision was invariably abandoned in preference for the national movement for a formidable third force to rescue Nigeria, for which Peter Obi is the symbol of an unprecedented national coalition.

“Osuntokun has thus not taken any step in actualisation of any Senatorial ambition and will not be deterred in the national assignment of rescuing Nigeria through the OBIDATTI Movement.

“The new position of the Director General is the continuation at the national level of the same objective at the South West zone.

“Kindly note that Abayomi Arabambi is no longer the National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party.

“He is a saboteur serving the interests of a generous paymaster outside the party. We urge that he be treated as such going forward”.

Politics › Wike: G-5 Torn Between Tinubu, Labour Party’s Peter Obi by OddsDoc(op): 10:08pm On Dec 28, 2022

Feelers from the G-5 camp indicate that governors are torn between declaring support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and that of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

A usually reliable source within the G-5 Governors camp who confided in Vanguard, said, “The governors are considering giving their support to either of the two.

“One of the Governors is making a case for Obi but others argue that he lacks the support base to cover the 36 states and Abuja.

“Those in this camp argue that should he emerge victorious we will be returning to square one because he will not enjoy the majority in the National Assembly and thus will find it difficult to pass legislation required for him to make the reforms he has been conversing.

“On the other hand, those among them making a case for Asiwaju are of the view that the party being the ruling party has the requisite spread.

“They also allude to the fact that the candidate so far appears to recognize the disaster the APC represents at the Centre and had concentrated on using successes recorded in Lagos as example of what he intends to do when he gets into office; would endear him to Nigerians.”

The source further said, “Politics is all about negotiations they are still taking. One thing they agree on is their determination to ensure that the next President emerges from Southern Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, Atiku Abubakar and his entire campaign have expressed optimism about his prospects in the 2023 elections despite threats by 5 aggrieved Governors of the party to undermine him.

Spokesperson of the Atiku-Okowa Campaign Organization, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan told Vanguard in Abuja, on Tuesday, that facts on ground support the campaign organization’s confidence of a sweeping victory for Atiku at first ballot.

He spoke just as the Governor Nyesom Wike-led G-5 Governors relocated to London to perfect their endorsement plan for a yet to be named Presidential candidate.

The Atiku-Okowa campaign is confident that no conspiracy will be strong enough to deny its candidate who was destined for victory.

The campaign said with Atiku’s overwhelming support by Nigerians across the board, the outcome of the presidential election, in which Atiku will emerge victorious on February 25, 2023, “will shock Pollsters.“

Ologbondiyan said, “Atiku enjoys the solidarity and support of greater majority of Nigerians who are not captured in the indices relied upon by many of the pollsters in their projections on the 2023 Presidential election.

“It is incontrovertible that Atiku will win the majority of lawful votes across the country and garner the constitutionally required 25% of votes in more than 24 States of the federation.

“It is evident that the massive traditional voters of the PDP across the polling units, wards, local governments, states and the six geo-political zones are not distracted in their steadfastness to rescue Nigeria from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by voting enmasse for Atiku.“

He further explained that this army of traditional voters are unrelenting in mobilizing the non-partisan voters as well as the undecided across the country to vote for the PDP Presidential Candidate.

The PDP spokesperson equally said, “it is clear that the candidate of the rival APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lacks the political muscle and national acceptability to stop Atiku at the first ballot.

“Our campaign is therefore unfazed knowing that majority of Nigerians across the nation are in consensus to elect Atiku as the next President of our country, particularly, given his proven capacity, competence, political will and national acceptability to provide leadership at this critical time of our national history.“

The Campaign urged Nigerians to remain united and focused in rallying with Atiku in the collective mission to rescue and rebuild our nation from the misrule of the APC.

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Sports › Ronaldo’s Girlfriend Georgina Gifts Him Rolls Royce by OddsDoc(op): 10:57pm On Dec 26, 2022

Portuguese professional footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez has gifted him a Rolls Royce for Christmas.

The mother of five kids, shared the video on Instagram page on Monday, showing Ronaldo spending time with his family, while surprising him with a brand-new Rolls Royce, which is likely worth over £250,000.

She wrote,” A magic Christmas night, Os amoooo.”Gracias Santaaaa .”

Recently, Ronaldo broke another record by reaching 500 million Instagram followers, becoming the first to achieve this milestone.

He is currently the social media user with the highest number of followers, as a result

Politics › Buhari’s Aide, Others Tackle Sabinus Over Mockery Of Tinubu by OddsDoc(op): 10:42pm On Dec 26, 2022

Nigerians have reacted to celebrity comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, often known as Mr. Funny or Oga Sabinus, for making fun of the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Sabinus has been trending online with a viral, which shows the comedian entertaining his crowd at a recent show in Port-Harcourt with some skit makers mimicking Tinubu.

In response to the video, Bashir Ahmad, President Muhammadu Buhari’s media aide, wrote on his Twitter page, “This is very insulting Sabinus.”

Another Tinubu’s supporter, Qudus Akanbi Eleyi of Lagos, called out the comedian for the act and urged Twitter users to unfollow the comedian.

While another cross-section of supporters, backing Sabinus, claimed he only mimicked Tinubu.

@firstladyship said: “Sabinus is a young man minding his business. He paid his dues in full. Freedom of speech is guaranteed under your constitution. The APC will be defeated & sent back to the underworld (whence they came). Please follow @Sabinus1_ for more hilarious contents.”

@muzzie_ola said, “In English, what Sabinus did is called “mimicking” many great presidents, leaders, actors, actress have been mimicked in the past. Tinubu was mimicked, they didn’t add any words he didn’t say.. if you find this disgusting, that’s how disgusting you candidate appears and sounds.”

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Politics › We’re One, Tinubu Greets Opponents At Christmas by OddsDoc(op): 12:43am On Dec 26, 2022

The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has felicitated Christians, including his political opponents, on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.

He said no matter their political differences, they are all Nigerians and must be committed to the task of nation building.

In a message he personally signed, Tinubu said: “On this special day, I stretch forth my hand in fraternal affection and great joy to Christians and all who join in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.”

According to him, Christmas is a period of spiritual uplift as both Christians and non-Christians are moved to reflect upon God’s love for mankind and what, truly, it means to love God, one’s neighbour and one’s self.

“Thus, I say merry Christmas to the farmer, the student, the labourer, the artisan, the professional, the entertainer, the teacher, the police officer, the market women, the soldier and to all Nigerians.

“I also extend my wishes for a good and happy Christmas to my political opponents.

“No matter our political differences, we are all Nigerians and we must move this nation forward.

“Thus, let the hope symbolised by this season of celebration also herald our renewed hope in the Nigeria of our dreams.

“May the joy and great gift of this Christmas be the renewed hope that we can and will forge a better Nigeria with the help and guidance of Almighty God above,” he stated.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/12/were-one-tinubu-greets-opponents-at-christmas/amp/

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Politics › Kukah Lauds Buhari On Infrastructure by OddsDoc(op): 11:52pm On Dec 25, 2022

Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Catholic Diocese has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration on infrastructure development.

Kukah made the commendation in his Christmas message delivered at St. Mary Catholic Church titled: “Let us turn a new leaf”, on Sunday in Sokoto.

He called for more alignment on anti-corruption efforts, noting that Nigerians acknowledged that there had been a measurable improvement in the landscape, especially in the area of roads.

He advised Nigerians, especially those who were given custody of public trust and commonwealth, to rise up to the duties for which they had been so handsomely rewarded.

“Those holding elective office must appreciate that they have not been entrusted with the keys of our commonwealth just so they can turn it into their private money machines.

“History will record them and their roles, how they used the great opportunity God gave them among millions of other citizens, to witness to Him and to do good,” he said.

Kukah urged members of the political class to demonstrate their grasp of the length and breath of the problems that our country faced with emphasis on providing developmental solutions.

“We have heard your promises, but we do know that promises before elections are sweet, but actions after elections are often bitter.

“I plead with you to co-operate and collaborate with institutions which are tasked with the responsibilities for these elections,” Kukah advised.

He called on INEC, security agencies, the National Peace Committee, Civil Society Organisations and the entire people of Nigeria, to live up to the expectations on their responsibilities and always promote peace and cordial coexistence.

The bishop cautioned Nigerians against spreading hatred but should always work to creating a vision that would unite the country and it’s good image in the world.

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Politics › ADC Promises Women, Youths, Pwds Inclusive Govt In Lagos by OddsDoc(op): 11:40pm On Dec 24, 2022

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has assured women, youths and people living with disabilities, PWDs, that they were integral to the coming 2023 election in Lagos State, as the incoming ADC government will be an inclusive one.

Mabel Oboh, African Democratic Congress, ADC, National Diversity and Inclusion Director, made the party’s stance known during the official visit of Lagos Mothers for Good Governance to the ADC deputy governorship candidate, Rosemary Giwa-Amu, and other executives of the party yesterday in Ikeja, Lagos.

According to Oboh, who is also the National Representative in ADC Lagos 2023 Campaign Committee, the inclusion of women, youths and PWDs in the election and subsequent governance structure in 2023 take centre stage in ADC’s agenda in the interest of Lagosians and Nigerians.

“We back our talk with action. ADC remains the only political party with the highest number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and women as candidates in the country,” she stated.

Oboh added that it is high time people in governance realised that there is no inclusiveness without women, youths, and persons with disabilities.

“We cannot hide the fact that women, youths and PWDs make up a high percentage of Lagos society and are needed in government.

“Women are the most productive part of society, while the youths and PWDs need a fair chance to prove their productivity,” she said.

Oboh also emphasised affirmative action for women “if our democracy is to see the light of day”.

“No society can be considered developed without the inclusivity of these three vulnerable groups.

“So for Nigeria, especially Lagos, to meet up with the western world we need to include the development of women, youths and persons living with disabilities.

“ADC is very happy with the support we are getting from Lagos Mothers for Good Governance, because not only are women the most productive parts of society, they are also mothers of our future leaders and the PWDs.

“So women do have key roles to play in governance. Hence, the need to get them more involved in the affairs of the State.

“Women have been relegated to the background for too long, but ADC is now coming up with a new purposeful leadership that is concerned with bringing inclusivity to our government.

“We have a whole lot, a total package for women, youths and PWDs. We are going to use what we have to improve the involvement of women in our governance.

“We cannot undermine the power of women, the youth and PWDs in the coming elections.

“Notably, women, youth, persons with disabilities and internally displaced persons alone constitute about 70 per cent of people in the just-concluded Continuous Voter Registration exercise according to INEC records.

“This shows that this time around these groups will determine who will win the election. So, anyone who undermines them is not ready to win or interested in our democratic process.

“Moreover, the declaration of Lagos Mothers for Good Governance is proof that ADC has got it right to clinch the number one seat In Lagos come 2023,” the National Representative in Lagos noted.

Politics › Step Down For Tinubu, Adamu Garba Advises Peter Obi by OddsDoc(op): 11:58pm On Dec 23, 2022

Former presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adamu Garba, has advised the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi to step down for his principal, the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Garba disclosed this on his Twitter handle on Thursday. He advised Obi to step down and support the candidate of the APC, Tinubu.

His words: Peter Obi’s disappointing rally in Port Harcourt today should serve as a perfect breakfast from his aspiration.

“He should immediately step down & endorse the real and truly prepared Presidential Candidate; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu & stop isolating Southeast from the center.

However, when asked the position he (Peter Obi) would be given if he accepts to step down for Tinubu, Garba opined: “He’ll be assigned to monitor Alaka bridge & keep counting daily container traffic to and from Apapa ports. That’ll fit him because he loves containers too much.”

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Politics › 2023 Presidency: Obi Ahead Of Tinubu, Atiku, Kwankwaso In Fresh Anap Poll by OddsDoc(op): 10:18pm On Dec 22, 2022

For the second time in four months, a new poll conducted in December has shown that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi is ahead of the three other frontline candidates.

The poll conducted by NOI Polls Limited and commissioned by Anap Foundation showed that Obi leads Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Speaking on Channels Television, Politics Today, President of the Foundation, Atedo Peterside on Wednesday said Mr. Peter Obi’s support has strongly gone beyond social media as the election has moved past a three-horse race.

He said: ” Obi has 23 per cent, Tinubu scored 13, Atiku got 10 and Kwankwaso polled 2 percent in the fresh poll released in December.

“Nobody has gained or lost more than 2, 3 percent. I don’t know whether that is good news or bad news but it is as if nothing has happened fundamentally, no significant shift,”

He said mobile phones were the instruments used to conduct the poll because of increased mobile phone penetration in the country, adding that a large percentage of people are undecided.

Peterside also said the interest level in the next general elections is driven by economic challenges plaguing the nation, poverty, insecurity, amongst others.

He noted that the appetite of the youths in this election is high and carpeted candidates who have dodged presidential debates.

Anap Foundation had released a similar poll in September in which Obi also led the other 17 candidates in the race for Aso Rock’s top job in 2023.

It would be recalled that spokesperson for LP, Presidential Candidate Dr. Yenusa Tanko earlier insisted that the party will not be intimidated saying “the judgment against Dr. Doyin Okupe was a gimmick to de-market Mr. Peter Obi.

“Looking at the political situation, a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki who was charged of N23.3bn fraud case involving himself has been set free.

“That was why we called it a syndicated attack . Those that were supposed to be convicted are walking freely” Tanko said.

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