The governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress APC, Senator John Owan-Enoh on Saturday stormed the streets of Calabar with an unprecedented length of motorcade made up of supporters, parading the flag and party insignias, singing songs and chanting party slogan.
Owan-Enoh who was handed the party flag the previous day by the National leadership of the party as the authentic candidate of the party over Pastor Usani Usani, the Minister for Niger Delta who has been contending the governorship ticket of the party, was accompanied in the motorcade rally round and into the hinterland of the Calabar South local government area by his running mate, Ntufam Ekpo Okon.
They both received cheers and expression of acceptance from many residents who came out of their homes to catch a glimpse of the APC candidate who had supporters sharing information leaflets and flyers carrying some of his programmes and agenda when elected into office.
Some of the streets taken were, Main-Avenue, Inyang street, Afokang street, Imman street, Edibe-edibe street, Calabar road through the Watt Market into the Murtala Muhammad highway; then branched into Old Odukpani road to Ikot Efa road into old parliamentary road and Marian road extension before returning to the Campaign secretariat along Barracks road in Calabar.
Speaking with some newsmen after the motorcade rally, Owan gave reasons why Cross River State, currently under the Peoples’ Democratic Party PDP administration, will rather vote APC in 2019.
On why the people in Cross River State should vote APC and vote President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, he responded thus; “For our country as it is today, we cannot make a mistake to change the leadership at the national level.”
“Our country; if it was let to continue to go on that trajectory of the kind of massive corruption that attended the country, it could get to a point that the country cannot work anymore.”
“And that the credentials of President Muhammadu Buhari even in terms of integrity alone and the fight against corruption, even in terms of how much its protected our territory, even in terms of works going on across the state, I think that there is great need for us to join the rest of the country to be part of the national agenda of the APC administration”.
More so, “because in 2019, this government (of President Buhari) is going to be re-elected; what do we want as a state? Do we want to go back to PDP and the national government is APC? No!”
“I think that, on and on, after every four years of the former PDP administration, the leadership of our state then, kept saying that we cannot afford to get out of the national picture, now is the time to say that to all Cross Riverians, that in 2019 Cross River cannot afford to vote another party when the APC is still going to win at the national level”.
He also gave reasons for embarking on the motorcade rally and his experience on the streets as he went along.
His words, “I feel the fact that the people of the state actually want change, and I can imagine how much of their time we have been taking.
“I am glad about the event which held in Uyo where I was given the party’s flag; I did not think it mattered as much, but increasingly, every moment I appreciated how much it has mattered to the people and they thought we should celebrate these.”
“That is why we stepped out and I am glad about the reaction that I found in the field as we drove around. I will get back home now, even more, challenged by the fact that the people need a change and we have to provide them that change in the state.”
The Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP, Mr. Peter Obi said that Nigeria needed now was a team with a firm understanding of global economic realities to plan the re-engineering of the country along those realities. Obi was speaking yesterday at Isuofia in the House of Chief Ozomma Uba during the stakeholders meeting of Aguata people.
Obi who said his visit was by accident, as he had merely come to see a friend, assured that Atiku/ Obi candidacy has the requisite knowledge to turn the economy around, create jobs and tackle unemployment, which, according to him, is the roots of many crimes in the country.
Speaking during the event, the Managing Director of Pokobros Nig Ltd and a renowned industrialist, Chief Paul Okonkwo said that the election of Atiku and Obi would mark the beginning of Nigeria's economic rebirth, going by their antecedent of wealth- creation and sound management of resources.
Recalling Obi's tenure as the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Okonkwo said: " Obi's era marked the awakening of industrialization in The state. As an industrialist, we interacted with him on regular basis, he understood what the sector needed and gave it 100% support. We are optimistic that he will do more for Nigeria if he eventually becomes the Vice President."
The highlight of the event was his endorsement by 13 traditional rulers from Aguata that were present. They jointly prayed for him and assured him that Anambra traditional rulers and indeed all lovers of progress who are concerned with Nigeria's economic recovery are interested in Atiku/Obi Presidency.
Other prominent stakeholders from Aguata who were present includes: Chief Godwin Okafor, the MD of Winco Foam; Chief Uche Obiakor, Chief Patrick Ifionu2; Chief Emma Nwafor, among others
The former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani has described Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as not only a true friend of his community, Amechi Uwani, Enugu South Local Government Area, but also "one of us" who has always supported his people in so many ways.
Senator Nnamani spoke during the inauguration of the rebuilt Amechi Uwani Town Union Centre, which was completed with the N5 million first tranche of N10 million earmarked by Gov. Ugwuanyi's administration for every community in the state to execute priority development project of their choice.
The elder statesman, who thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for finding time to identify with them despite his tight schedule this festive season, declared: "We remember those who remember us".
Senator Nnamani added that "a good product markets itself" and disclosed that "when the time comes, I will say where our people belong".
He commended the community for utilizing the state government's grant to complete the project, pointing out that "everybody is happy across the state" because of the existing peace and good governance.
Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Amechi Uwani community, HRH Igwe Joseph Ogbodo, who was represented by the Onowu, Chief Michael Okenwa while breaking the Kolanut acknowledged the good works of the governor in the state and prayed for his victory at the forthcoming general election.
In his welcome address, the President-General of the Town Union, Deacon Okoye Ogbodo, welcomed Gov. Ugwuanyi to the community to celebrate with them. Deacon Ogbodo noted that they set aside 28th of every year as a special day "to celebrate Amechi Uwani community, exchange gifts and reassess what God has done for us", stating that "the governor has always been our guest".
He explained that the community used N4 million of the N5 million released by the state government under its "one community one project" programme to complete the town union centre , revealing the balance of N1 million was dedicated for another priority project.
Also present at the event were the chairman of the council, Hon. Sunday Ugwu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ofor Chukwuegbo and member representing Enugu South Constituency, Hon. Obinna Okenwa, among others. #amokelouis
A few hours after Boko Haram attacked the Nigerian military in the Northeast, President Buhari without much empathy launched his campaign by releasing the names of the members of his campaign council. Like everything with him, it took a long time to come out, and now that it has, the list is filled with some of the biggest names in corruption. Here are a few:
Tinubu: he is the Campaign Advisory Board Chairman. He owns Alpha-Beta which till today, fleeces billions off the Lagos state government . He does all the contracts in Lagos state and has his guy as the Boss of FIRS, to corner Nigeria’s revenue generation.
Aliko Dangote: Business man diversifying to Oil. He hates competition. He knows Buhari will not sell the moribund and inefficient NNPC. As such, he will be the only refiner in Nigeria. His refinery at Ibeju Lekki can only make monstrous profits if the NNPC remains inefficient. Is this his reason for joining the campaign train? Is he being held captive and threatened with enemy action against his business interests if he fails to join campaign council?
Otedola: great friends with Aliko. Involved in a bribery scandal with Senator Lawan. Sold shares in Forte so he can invest in Dangote’s refinery. They don’t want competition and Buhari will ensure that. He is held captive by threats to unleash the FIRS and EFFC on him if he fails to join the campaign trail.
Akpabio- Campaign coordinator for South-South. Stole N142 billion from Akwa Ibom state. Blackmailed by EFCC to deliver the South-South to APC in 2019, or else risk jail time. Known for his greed in Akwa Ibom.
Ayiri Emami: He is the top oil bunkerer in Warri. In fact, everyone knows that he controls the drug cartel in Warri too. He is the chief sponsor of APC in Delta state. What a line-up against corruption. He is a Director in Buhari’s campaign Council.
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi: Looted Rivers state dry. Chief sponsor of Buhari 2015 election. Indicted by a judicial panel and only recently gave a $195m contract to an unregistered Israeli firm, while paying $50m upfront to his peers. Strikingly corrupt, but the Campaign Chairman of the APC.
General Abdulrahman Dambazzau: Fired by GEJ for Arms purchase fraud, current Minister of Interior under APC. Police, Civil Defense, Immigration and Customs Boss. Now heading APC campaign security. In his current executive position, it unethical for him to be partisan as he would wield paramilitary might to unduly secure power for his party.
Hadiza Bala Usman: Nigeria lost $19bn to inefficiency at the ports according to a US Newspaper; Bloomberg. Her agency; NPA, has not remitted NGN 2.8 billion 2018 proceeds to TSA. Is she going to be one of the major sponsors of the APC? Yes, she's already involved in the $2 million bribery scandal wot Oshiomole during the APC primaries. This was why she was added in the campaign team as a Director Mobilization. It is what she does best.
Adamu Adamu: Minister of Education and campaign Secretary. ASUU is on strike and all he wants to do is to be flying around campaigning for a second tenure. They don’t care about about the youth..That is just a campaign speaking point.
George Akume: A regular EFCC customer in 2007. Presently a saint because he is now in APC. On 11th June 2007, he was interrogated by EFCC. His case is still in court, but you know what, he is being blackmailed for it. Campaign for Buhari or go to jail. Paid Benue lawmakers N4m each to impeach Benue State governor Samuel Ortom.
Ali Ndume: A court in Nigeria 6 years ago confirmed evidence, tying him to Boko Haram. Perhaps he could give us some apologies for thousands of soldiers lost to Boko Haram, like Lt. Col Abu Ali. An SSS forensic expert; Aliyu Usman confirmed this. Today, he's tasked with delivering a Buhari re-election campaign.
Wammako: has more than 8 count charges by the EFCC to his name. Remains a saint because he is a sponsor of APC and in the campaign team.
Dr. Dora Akunyili of the blessed memory would be rolling in anguish in her grave now. On 26th of December, 2003, she was almost killed by gunmen believed to be members of the fake drug cartels she busted. Dora was DG of NAFDAC then. Her appointments saw Nigerians heaving a sigh of relief that the problem of fake drugs will finally be solved. Was it? Yes, to a reasonable extent while she was in NAFDAC. These successes have a cost. The cost is that every now and then, a bullet would fly across her face in her car. Her family was in fear. She did not give up.
NAFDAC is supposed to be the last hope of the consuming man. Everything we consume in Nigeria, should be done in confidence, knowing that NAFDAC is working. Is that still the case now? Recently, the DG of NAFDAC, who personally is not doing badly, has lamented about the sorry state of the agency. “80 per cent of our equipment is no longer working and that is a major challenge to deliver on our mandate. The last time, the World Health Organization visited our laboratory in Yaba, they scored us zero,” the DG lamented.
Coming from the DG, one will understand that this is an agency gasping for the last ounce of oxygen, to survive. She is not looking for your pity or ours. She is simply stating that the FG is starving a quintessential body like NAFDAC of funds to keep combating fake drugs.
The FG understands that the nation’s borders are porous and largely unmanned. The FG understands that the nation’s customs services are highly understaffed. The FG however, while knowing all these, is devoted to killing off the one agency coming in between Nigerians and fake drugs. Recall that the biggest challenge of the nation regarding drugs, comes from addictions to codeine. This menace is too bad that even musicians sing confidently about it. Every shop in Nigeria is stocked with codeine and you wonder why the agency spends so much on making the media believe they are fighting this scourge.
Sometimes in November, a video circulated where people were using Sniper to preserve beans. Up till today, nothing has been done about it. Sniper is very detrimental to human health. Even if it does not kill now, an accumulation can lead to various forms of cancer. Is this what we are all joking with? Why has the defender of the sick in NAFDAC gone to? Perhaps it went with The OBJ/Atiku/GEJ administrations. If we are being honest, when was the last time NAFDAC confiscated and burnt a large chunk of fake products? All of these monumental feats of NAFDAC went with 2015. Now we are left with a shadow of what we had; a scarecrow named NAFDAC.
For the family of the Late Emmanuel Okwuke, Banana and plantain have become a symbol of death. No one that knows them would ever dare consume those fruits. Those fruits have become the messenger of death in their family. How would they have known that the fruit their late father consumed was ripened with carbide if the responsible agency did not tell them or do anything to stop it? Fake products, sniper-preserved products and carbide-ripened fruits have joined other scourges like killer herdsmen, Boko Haram and protest-hating soldiers, in dealing with the common man. One thing they all have in common, is Buhari. He is supposed to build from where previous administration left. Why then is everything falling apart? Why has the NAFDAC DG turned to a wailer overnight?
All we have heard is the DG complaining about the World Health Organization rating them zero in the latest accreditations held. This is not the NAFDAC we once trusted for better and efficient drugs. There has been a change in NAFDAC, and that change is not just peculiar to NAFDAC. Recall that the National Bureau of Statistics complained about lack of funds to publish the state of the economy. Why does the Buhari-led FG take special joy in strangulating agencies that cater to poor Nigerians the most?
Dora will be angry wherever she is, knowing that she could have died from those assassination attempts, for an agency that would later be treated like trash, become trash and rated like trash by the World Health Organization.
The attention of Youth Coalition for Peace and Good Governance, Enugu State, has been drawn with utter dismay to the unfortunate series of internal strife in the Enugu State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ever since Senator Ayogu Eze joined the party.
As an advocacy group for the promotion of peace and good governance in Enugu State, we are concerned about the ugly shape of this internal fracas between Deacon Okey Ogbodo faction, which has Barr George Tagbo Ogara as its governorship candidate, and Barr Ben Nwoye faction that is backing Senator Eze as its candidate. We are also perturbed by the inherent consequences of these utterances on the existing peace in Enugu State vis-à-vis the forthcoming general election in 2019.
It is on record that the crises between the two factions of the APC degenerated the moment Sen. Eze joined the party for the sole purpose of clinching its governorship ticket obviously to pursue his personal interest and to advance his divisive tendencies on the party and the people of Nsukka zone.
We recall with consternation the deadly and shameful fracas that ensued between the two factions at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the very first day Sen. Eze returned to the state after over three years on self-exile.
Shortly before the show of shame at the airport, the two factions had displayed a similar act at the APC Secretariat in Enugu, which would have endangered the peace of the state if not for the swift intervention of the security agencies.
Our group, just like the overwhelming majority of the people of Enugu State, were equally worried that this disgraceful act of the APC factions was also heavily felt during the state party congress to elect its governorship candidate, which was marred by intense violence and is currently under litigation with regards to the authentic governorship candidate of the party.
A few days ago, there was renewed apprehension in Enugu, over the recent attack on Barr. Ogara’s governorship campaign headquarters, which led to the destruction of two buses with both factions accusing each other of being responsible for the heinous act.
Today, there was news that the party’s campaign vehicle branded with Sen. Eze's picture was burnt in Enugu. Although the Enugu State Police Command, through the Public Relations Officer, CSP Ebere Amarizu had alleged that it was a fire outbreak incident, the truth remains that the APC in Enugu State should not disrupt the peace the good people of Enugu State have been enjoying. The two factions should embrace reconciliation and desist from overheating the polity for selfish reasons.
As we go into electioneering proper, the Enugu Youth Coalition for Peace and Good Governance would be glad to see the two factions of the APC embrace each other to maintain the tempo of peace, security and good governance in the state, in order to guarantee peaceful, free, fair and credible general election in 2019, which we passionately stand for.
Tears of joy flowed on the faces of the devastated victims of the recent fire outbreak at Ugboezeji and Ugboye in Abakpa Nike, Enugu, which burnt down the apartments of three widows, those of two other families and shops belonging to four furniture makers, a yam seller and bean-cake (Akara) fryer, respectively, when Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi visited them to sympathize and offer assistance to overcome their challenges.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who was represented by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, while at Ugboezeji, sympathized with the victims and gave the five tenants the sum of N500, 000 each to start a new life and N1 million to the landlord to assist her rebuild the property.
At Ugboye, the four furniture makers got N500,000 each while the yam seller and bean-cake fryer got N300, 000 and N200,000 respectively, totaling N6 million.
The victims who could not hold back their tears of joy, asked God to continue to bless the governor and grant him his heart’s desire for coming to their rescue. They also prayed for the governor’s re-election in 2019, describing him as “a good and kindhearted governor”.
The speaker, who led the state government’s delegation, was accompanied by Executive Secretary of Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Mrs. Nkechi Eneh and her team; the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Hon. Alex Ugwu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Prince Cornelius Nnaji, who separately donated N50,000 to each of the victims at Ugboezeji.
They cautioned residents to be vigilant and avoid any act that could lead to fire outbreak, especially in this period of Harmathan.
Relief materials were given to the Ugboezeji victims at the Government House, Enugu by SEMA, immediately after the visit.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God. #amokelouis
Aide to President Buhari, Tolu Ogunlesi has said that the PDP's Presidential candidate in the 2019 elections has a significant amount of shares in the bank via a pension's fund company
Indigenes of Enugu State who benefited from Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s free transportation to return to the state for the festive season have poured encomium on the governor for his magnanimity and commitment to the wellbeing of the people of the state.
The returnees who thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for making it possible for them to be home to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with their loved ones, recalled that the governor extended the same gesture to them last year.
The visibly excited indigenes, after they were formally received by the Managing Director of Enugu State Transport Company Limited (ENTRACO), Mr. Bob Itanyi and his team, stated that they had a smooth journey and appreciated God for the safe trip.
The beneficiaries asked God to bless the governor and also prayed for his resounding victory at the forthcoming general election in 2019, declaring their support for his re-election bid.
Speaking, Mrs. Ngozika Mmadu who returned from Benue State said: “We thank God for this magnanimity from our Governor, for remembering us by giving us free transport. May God bless him. It shows he has us in mind. I was not prepared to come back before but immediately I heard that our Governor has given us free transport, I decided to come home.
“What I have to tell Enugu people is that as 2019 approaches, that they should please re-elect him, so that he will continue to lead us because his administration has been very favourable to us. He will win by the grace of God."
Another beneficiary, Reverend Godwin Ude who returned from Taraba State added that “we did not pay for the transport fare at all. Governor of Enugu State provided it and urged anyone willing to come back to go and join the motor and when we entered the motor no fare was taken from us.
“Since the governor has the heart to do this for us, we pray that God will grant him the opportunity to continue and we pray that God will also grant him more wisdom”.
According to Daniel Okoli, a returnee from Lagos, “we are happy and we are praying that next term he will do better than this. We are going to support him which we have been doing. It is certain that 2019, he will win based on what we can see and what he has been doing”.
Expressing her gratitude, Paschaline Onyema who returned from Kano State said: “I feel so happy. I appreciate him (Ugwuanyi). I wish him more years in government. I pray that this coming election he will still come back to continue with the good work he is doing.
“I am always happy because my brother is a beneficiary of the governor’s scholarship programme. This has been a great help to me and the entire family. We appreciate.”
Many others who spoke equally commended the governor’s gesture and declared their support for his re-election in 2019.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God! #amokelouis
Alhaji Buba Galadima, a staunch supporter of President Buhari in 2015, has since debunked claims that the President has any integrity. In an interview with Channels Television, he stated that Buhari's relatives and friends who were bankrupt and could not afford 2000 Naira in 2015, are now billionaires.
Galadima stated that Daura GRA presently has residences that look like houses in London and Dubai. And these houses were built after 2015.
Recall that Buba Galadima was the National Secretary of CPC in the run up to 2011 election. Galadima has been at the side of Buhari, but had to tell the world his fears that Buhari is corrupt because he condones corruption and is surrounded by corrupt people. He insisted that this is not the General Buhari he knew.
The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo on his Saturday visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo,appealed to tribal sentiments, telling the Yorubas that 2023 presidency is theirs for the taking if they vote Buhari come 2019.
Prof Osibanjo wants the Yorubas to vote for APC, not because of good reasons, but because of selfish reasons.
He cares not that over 20 million Nigerians are now unemployed under the Buhari-led administration and Osibanjo-supervised economy. He does not care that Nigerians find it increasingly difficult to feed or cater to their families because of the fact that Buhari's incompetence has crumbled the economy and made Nigeria the capital of poverty. He does not care that 13.5 million Nigerian kids are out of school. He does not care that Millions of Nigerian students who are supposed to be in school are sitting at home due to ASUU strike. He does not care that 20,000 Nigerians are presently in their graves due to the inability of the Buhari-led government to secure lives and property.
This shows the VP is clearly not concerned about the incompetence ruining Nigeria’s economy and the welfare of Nigerians but fully focused on his attempt to grab power in 2023. This also shows that the VP has now been corrupted by the nepotism culture that rules Aso Rock. Nepotism, no matter which tribe is benefiting, never brings progress to Nigeria. It is now clear that the VP is asking Nigerians to suffer for 4 extra years of massive job losses, another potential recession, herdsmen killings, dying soldiers in the hands of Boko Haram, and high level of corruption just to be able to contest in 2023.
As you gather whatever little change you have left to try and enjoy this Christmas, remember that in less than two months, you will have an opportunity to do something for yourself, not to fulfill Osinbajo's own agenda, but to be able to live a better life and to offer your family the same. You will have the chance to make a choice that births a better Nigeria; a country where the interests of all Nigerians matter more than ethnic and personal interests. You know what to do. Merry Christmas.
Wife of Lagos APC Governorship Candidate, Dr Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu meets all women groups in Lagos
The wife of the Lagos APC Governorship Candidate, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu was at the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Independent Campaign Group (ICG) Office, GRA Ikeja on Friday 21st Dec. 2018 to meet with Women Groups across the State & she also commissioned the ICG Clinic, She assured the women that they will be carried along in all aspects of Governance, she also encouraged the women to embrace the new Health Insurance scheme recently launched by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, she says it is very good initiative that will ensure affordable healthcare for Lagosians. #SanwooluForGovernor #IStandWithSanwoolu #ForAGreaterLagos
Experts have reacted to the government reports that N2.81t is unremitted to TSA. A report has since found its way to the full glare of the Public, holding that Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs), have blatantly refused to remit a large amount of money, to the tune of N2.81t, to the TSA account. The TSA is one of the hallmarks of the GEJ-led administration. This anti-corruption system ensures that all of the government’s money is remited to a single account controlled by various Nigerian banks. However, under the Buhari administration, the TSA has become less effective as GOEs have found a way to circumvent the resilient system. This shows a failure on the part of the managers of the system. The system can only work with the money remitted to it. The system is not built to force money out of the hands of GOEs.
Mr. Ben Akabueze who is the head of the Budget Office, while addressing the heads of GOEs, stated that the government revenue was operating at a meager 36% as at September. What this means is that the government is heading to a serious financial upheaval, as it does not have enough money to implement the 2018 budget, talk-less of the touted 2019 budget. Leading the pack of the %) defaulting GOEs, are the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) who owes the TSA the huge sum of N1.343t. Another is the CBN, who owes the FG 801bn. These are figures that can sponsor 40% of the 2018 budget. These irregularities are not isolated as various other financial mismanagements have happened under the Buhari-led administration. Remember the $5.8bn NEMA funds alleged to have been mismanaged by the VP, by the House of Reps? This is sick, coming from a government that touts itself as a corruption fighter. If this government is unable to figure out its main campaign promise; corruption, then it has done nothing for Nigerians. Heading to the polls, Nigerians will have learned a lesson of preferring plans to promises, because the APC-led FG rode on empty promises and now the nation is facing another recession according to the DG of Budget Office; Ben Akabueze.
Atiku/Obi Meets the Civil Society, Agrees to Cooperate for Democracy
The Presidential candidate of the leading opposition party; the PDP, yesterday, met with members of the Civil Society. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Mr Peter Obi, accompanied by prominent members of the society like the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, the Senate President who also doubles as the campaign DG, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Senator Dino Melaye, various members of the civil society like Alhaji Buba Galadima and Nollywood Actor, Bob Manuel Udokwu. This meeting has become important as many members of the Civil Society have become targets of the Buhari administration, including Amnesty International. In the meeting, the members of the Civil Society who spoke reaffirmed the normative role of the Civil Society as the third sector of the society. Alhaji Buba Galadima, a former supporter of President Muhamadu Buhari notably but regrettably, apologized for supporting the presidential candidacy of President Buhari stating “this is not the Buhari that we know.”
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki in his speech did not leave any stone unturned as he lampooned the 2019 budget presentation by President Buhari, asserting that “this budget does not have a plan for anybody.” This likely follows a series of accusation that the Buhari-led FG had claimed that uncompleted projects were completed in the budget. On the very controversial electoral act, the Senate President stated that “INEC told us they have enough time to implement the electoral amendment bill, the President does not have an excuse.” Mr. Bob Manuel Udokwu spoke about the numerous investments of the PDP regime in Nollywood. Mr. Bob Manuel stated clearly “PDP and Jonathan was the first government that ever invested in the creative industry,” he continued, “At some point, Nollywood was the second largest employer of labor, now Nollywood is Moribund.” This is ripe as a recent interview on CNN with Miss Genevieve Nnaji, revealed that she self-financed her Netflix-acquired movie; Lionheart, unlike other climes where the government provides cheap loan facilities to their creative industry. Mr. Bob Manuel went on to state reasons why Nigerians must support the PDP back to power because the PDP means it when it states that it is all about jobs, jobs, and jobs.
Mr. Peter Obi, who was described by Senator Dino Melaye, as the man who turns orators to stammerers, spoke succinctly about all that was and is wrong with Nigeria. Mr. Obi castigated the lackluster approach of the Buhari-led FG on infrastructure, “They tell you that they have been borrowing for Capital Projects, which capital project is more important than Lagos Ibadan expressway? How much have they released for that?.” On the claims by the FG that there is no money in Nigeria for infrastructure, Mr. Obi affirmed, “People keep asking - Peter, where will you find the money for these projects you're talking about?" I always respond that I have governed a state successfully. And we found the money. ” Mr. Obi said a lot about how the bank of industry which is supposed to fund the whole industrialization, has been reduced to a micro-credit bank.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar came in the venue to a lot of cheers, accompanied by the PDP Party Chairman. He talked rather emotionally about working with the civil society to guarantee dividends of democracy. In his words, “Democracy will not survive without Civil Society organizations.” This comes at a time when the Amnesty International is being threatened for releasing death toll numbers from herdsmen attacks. Alhaji Atiku stated that it was the PDP that brought democracy to Nigeria and not APC, and that “The dignity of Nigeria starts at home, not abroad, when we dignify Nigerians at home, we will be dignified abroad.” This comes at a time when Nigerians all over the world are being discriminated upon because of the color of their passports. The aspirant went on to discuss how it was important that a synergy between the Civil Society and political parties should be established. The session ended with fulfillment, as groups and individuals shook hands, took pictures and endorsed the Atiku/Obi candidacy
We have observed, with consternation, the unrelenting spate of hate and deliberate falsehood being peddled by some political actors in the state in the guise of campaign, both via conventional and social media platforms. Coming just a few weeks ahead of the 2019 general elections, we find this recent surge particularly worrisome especially given its capacity to breach the peace, and the fact that it persists despite our earlier plea for all parties to be restrained in their utterances.
We are alarmed by the total disregard for truth as evident in certain claims orchestrated by desperate politicians essentially aimed at smearing the reputation of individuals elected on the platform of our great party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). An instance is the recent allegation that local government council chairmen were on the run in order to escape prosecution from the EFCC. Nothing can be further from the truth! It is sheer falsehood fabricated by some desperate actors who are totally bereft of ideas to present to the electorate.
As a campaign organization, we will continue to play by the rules, demonstrate utmost decorum in our conduct and always make our campaign issue-based as espoused by the PDP's standard bearer in the governorship election, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor of Enugu State, whose ennobling vision and altruistic governance have made Enugu State an envy of all. While reiterating our admonition for all concerned parties to rid their campaign of hate and outright character assassination, we appeal to the discerning Enugu electorate to continue to ignore the cheap blackmail of these desperate politicians. The jeopardy in choosing to engage in a duel with a pit bull is the inevitable circumstance of equally getting soiled in the process. We are nonetheless happy that the good people of Enugu State on whose votes lie the victory of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and indeed other candidates of the party in the state know the truth and it will continue to set the state free. Enugu State is in the hands of God!
Barr. Nana Ogbodo Director of Communications PDP Campaign Organisation, Enugu State
The large Auditorium of Transcorp Hilton was bubbling with enthusiasm and a surging crowd, as the Civil Society met with key members of the PDP. In attendance, were the PDP Vice Presidential candidate, Pete Obi, the Senate President; Dr. Bukola Saraki, Dino Melaye, Tanko Yakassai and members of the Civil Society. This comes at a time when the Civil Society, which is supposed to be the eye and ear of every responsible government, has been sidelined by the Buhari administration. A notable event is the recent spat between the FG and the Amnesty International over the death tolls from the herdsmen attack.
Alhaji Buba Galadima who was an ardent follower and campaigner for the Buhari government dropped the bombshell when he apologized for the “regrettable act of helping to bring Buhari into office.” He went on to affirm that “Buhari cannot lose marginally, we have to work hard to make him lose overwhelmingly.” This was met by large applause, Senator Dino Melaye focused attention on the Gentlemanly and learned nature of the VP aspirant; Mr. Peter Obi, while referring to him as “the man who turned orators into stammerers.” The Senate President, Alhaji Abubakar Bukola Saraki spoke on the budget presentation yesterday amongst other key issues in the country, stating that “It is a budget that does not have any hope for anyone,” and that Nigerians have two months to determine the destiny of this nation.
Mr. Peter Obi spoke, reiterated the commitment of himself and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and plans to carry the civil society along in government. The Vice Presidential aspirant, who has shown to be a Democrat, was particular about the importance of the Civil Society in governance. He assured that the Atiku administration will give the Civil society back its role as the third sector of society. He also spoke very passionately about the budget and capital projects. He stated " Population is increasing, health budget is going down, education budget is going down but Petroleum subsidy budget is going up. It's a crisis. These people have to go....February 19 is the day Nigerians will make their decision on this government, but the Business sector voted already, you know how? There's no investment and jobs are being lost." These statements become significant, seeing that the nation is heading to the poll. Nigerians will have to decide whether they want a government that will work with the Civil society to ensure dividends of democracy, or not.
Extreme Poverty Looms As Nigerians Lose 20.9m Jobs In Three APC Years The National Bureau of Statistics has released eye-popping figures about the woes of the Nigerian economy. The body amidst pressures from the FG, stated that 20.9 millions Nigerians have lost their jobs under the three and half years of President Buhari’s administration. This did not come as a surprise to the Nigerian public, as indicators in the economy have long shown an ailing economy.
It is noteworthy that Nigeria has over the last three years, become the headquarters of extreme poverty. This comes at a time when the inflation rate has risen from 8% in 2013/2014, to 15% in recent times. The affront on the Naira by the dollar in the past three years has led to 50% devaluation of the Naira, from 155 Naira in 2013/2014 to 365 Naira in 2018. This has led to prices of basic goods and services skyrocketing unimaginably. All of these are definitely due to the anti-business stance of the Buhari-led administration, which has endangered the economic environment of the country, leading to the exit of the country by top foreign companies.
The APC-led FG has been unable to handle the Nigerian economy properly. This has led to the unprecedented rise in unemployment rate from 6.4% in 2014, to 23.1% in 2018, puting families in pains and out of the street. These figures are not getting any better, unlike what the Buhari administration wants Nigerians to believe. The major opposition party candidate; Atiku Abubakar, has since made his campaign about jobs, jobs and jobs, brandishing plans to liberate the market and fund SMEs, so the private sector can drive the economy. This is highly likely, since the Presidential candidate; Atiku Abubakar and the VP; Peter Obi are proven employers of labor to the tune of over 50,000 employees between them.
Hence, the ball is on the court of Nigerians as they head to the Poll on February 2019, in a bid to validate or invalidate the various economic policies of the APC-Led FG.
U.S Flays FG, Decries the Death of About 20,000 Nigerians from Herdsmen Attacks Since June of 2015
The United States of America has shown its disgust concerning the FG’s management of the herdsmen killings, leading to the ultimate death of about 19,890 people since June 2015. The US Council on Foreign Relations has come out with this exclusive report, to bring to light the menace of the herdsmen killings affecting mainly the Christian dominated Middle Belt and Southern part of the country.
These killings have become incessant and as such, has constituted a source of International worry to all and sundry, considering the strategic importance of Nigeria to the world. Recall that on the visit of President Buhari to the US in April 2018, the US President; Donald Trump warned about the "persecution of Christians in Nigeria," reiterating that "we are going to work on that problem very very hard." This is corroborated by the report of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), claiming that 1,061 have been killed by killer herdsmen in the first quarter of 2018, in the Middle Belt alone.
Remember that Nigeria is the third most terrorized country in the world, only behind the war-ravaged Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Global Terrorists Index. The menace of the herdsmen killing over the last three years has led to people abandoning their farms and a consequent increase in the price of food items.
This report has come at a time when the FG’s security strategies are put to the test at the polls, with Boko Haram still claiming lives of soldiers in their hundreds. While the nation gears up for this, about 19,890 families, go to bed and wake up, knowing they have lost their loved ones to the neglect and carelessness of the Buhari administration.
2019: Enugu North Senatorial District clergy prays for Gov. Ugwuanyi, others
Clergy from Enugu North Senatorial District, Enugu State, representing all the Christian denominations at today's well attended service for peaceful, free, fair and credible general election in 2019, prayed fervently for the success of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and other Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the zone as well as sustained peace and security in the state.
It would be recalled that similar religious event was recently held for the governor and other Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Enugu West Senatorial District and is expected to hold in Enugu East Senatorial District tomorrow.
2019 will surely end in Praise for Enugu State is truly in the hands of God! #amokelouis
Workers of Enugu State confirmed receipt of the 13th month salary as 2018 Christmas bonus on Monday, from Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration.
Confirming the news, the Chairman of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Enugu State Council, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe disclosed that “some workers started calling me this evening that they have received alert for the 13th month salary”.
The elated labour leader had in a letter issued to Gov. Ugwuanyi, today, which was co-signed by his secretary, Comrade Benneth Asogwa, appreciated the governor’s “magnanimity for the approval and payment of the 13th month salary (Christmas bonus) to the civil servants and workers of the state-owned parastatals in Enugu State”.
They stated that the Congress was delighted that “for the first time the state-owned parastatals will be paid 13th month salary alongside their colleges in the civil service”.
The Congress noted that the governor’s kind gesture towards the civil/public servants of the state has “demonstrated your continuous love for the workers of Enugu State by putting smiles on their faces in this Christmas season”.
They therefore, pledged their unflinching support for the success of his administration.
Truly, Enugu State is in the hands of God.#amokelouis
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Monday presented a budget proposal of N109, 199 billion for the 2019 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.
Presenting the 2019 budget proposal tagged: ‘‘Budget of peace, equity and prosperity’’, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that the appropriation bill was 5.44% higher than the 2018 budget of N103, 563 billion.
The governor added that the increase was in keeping with his administration’s promise last year to expand its expenditure vis-à-vis projects and programmes of the state as the economy of the nation improves “to ensure that every citizen and residents of Enugu State will reap the full benefits of the dividends of democracy”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who stated that his administration has implemented the previous budgets to N85%, explained that “out of the total budget proposal of N109.199 billion, the sum of N65.7 billion, representing 60.17%, is for recurrent expenditure. He noted that “this is higher than the 2018 figure of N60.7 billion by 8.22%.
He disclosed that capital expenditure stood at N43.493 billion representing 39.3% of the budget size, which is also higher by 1.5% than the 2018 figure of 42.846 billion.
The governor revealed that works and infrastructure would gulp the highest amount of N16.5 billion because of the premium the state government placed on infrastructural development of the state.
He maintained that the government intends to complete all ongoing road projects and construct new ones across the 17 local government areas of the state as well as provide other critical infrastructure that will stimulate economic growth and job creation.
Gov. Ugwuanyi added that the health sector was allocated the sum of N2.37 billion, stating that the sector received a boost in its financing to enable his administration fully equip the already completed Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre to commence operation in 2019. The governor pointed out that the state government also intends to sustain and improve on the services being provided through free maternal and child healthcare programme.
“We want to ensure that our children, pregnant and nursing mothers do not die from preventable ailments, thus we have set aside the sum total of N2.37 billion to all the ministries, departments and agencies under the health sector in the 2019 fiscal year”.
According to him, agriculture received an allocation of N633.5m to consolidate the efforts of his administration towards commercialization of the sector to achieve food security in the state, while N5.522b went to the education sector to sustain the tempo of government in the ongoing compulsory free education from primary to junior secondary schools; renovation, construction and equipping of schools at all levels, among others.
The governor equally announced that the sum of N742m was budgeted for the expansion of Enugu and Nsukka urban water scheme, boosting of small town water supply project and the state rural supply project and the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (ENRUWASA) with the aim of “making potable water available to our people irrespective of whether they live in a rural or urban area”.
Ahead of 2019 governorship election, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, assuring party members of his unalloyed support for him.
The endorsement on Monday ended weeks of speculations that Ambode would work against the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the state.
The Nigerian youth has been on the receiving end of the Buhari administration. President Muhammadu Buhari has earlier this year criticised Nigerian youths, saying they were “lazy and uneducated.” His policies has affected youths negatively, more than “9 Million able bodied Nigerians have lost their jobs since Buhari came to power in 2015.
As the election date draws closer, the young people in Nigeria are desperately yearning for a leadership that can work for them, make jobs available for them and provide them with a chance to have a productive life. With this mind, thousands of Nigerian youths gathered at the Welcome Centre Hotel Ikeja, the heart of Lagos to receive the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar whom they pledged their undivided loyalty and support in the 2019 election.
The Nigerian youths who gathered in Ikeja to interact with Atiku Abubakar and his vice presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi unanimously stated that their support for Atiku Abubakar was based on his proven track record of being a performer, a sound manager of economic resources, a job creator who has provided more than 15,000 jobs for young people, a bridge builder who is not driven by nepotism but provides opportunity for all.
As the election campaign gathers momentum, one thing is sure that millions of Nigerian youths will not be voting for Buhari come 2019. Nigerian youths have made it clear in Lagos they are not looking for handouts, that the Buhari and Osibanjo administration have made them poorer. In Atiku Abubakar, the youths have a candidate that align with their interest and will make jobs available for them.
In his vote of thanks, Atiku Abubakar stated that the administration of Buhari has nothing to offer the youth of Nigeria. That already Buhari has promised more hardship for the youths of Nigeria come 2019. That the failure of Muhammadu Buhari to select a sound economic team, has made it possible for Buhari and his economic team to run the economy to the ground thus making life more difficult for Nigerians. Atiku Abubakar promised Nigerian youths that his government will consist of competent leaders that will get the economy working again for all, and his minister of youth will be a 30 year old that can help drive the needed reforms that will benefit the young people.
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Peter Obi, has said that Nigeria lost four million jobs in a six-month period, while China created 10 million jobs.
Obi, who said this at the ongoing Vice Presidential debate, at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, which was monitored by Post-Nigeria, knocked the current administration, for failing in counter-terrorism, education, and job creation.
He said: “On the issue of unemployment, which is worsening, we can see that millions of our children are out of School. You can see from a study that there is a straight link between SMEs and growing your economy, and we are not supporting our own SMEs very well.
“If you look at what China has been able to do with SMEs, SMEs in China is contributing to 60 percent of their GDP. And 60 percent of China’s GDP is 7.2 trillion dollars, which is 18 percent of Nigeria’s GDP.
“China today, using the same SMEs, is guaranteeing 10 million jobs annually. Half of this year alone, China has produced 7.2 million jobs, which is over 40 percent of their target. Within the same period, Nigeria lost four million jobs.”
According to the former Anambra State Governor, Nigeria needs to rejig its policies and have a better focus on how it can create jobs.
He added that as long as Nigeria does not create jobs, with the number of unemployed youths in their productive age, Nigeria might go into crisis.
Obi continued: “That is why we have issues of insecurity, instability and all sorts of things we are witnessing today. We now live in a country where we have the highest number of poor people in any nation – 87 million and growing six percent every minute.
Yesterday, the vice presidential candidates of the PDP, the APC, APCN, ANN and the YPP took part in a televised debate where they stated their plans and answered questions about the economy, fighting corruption among other topics. During the debate, which was largely adjudged to have been won by the PDP candidate Peter Obi, Professor Osinbajo made some claims that are factually incorrect.
Claim One: Nigeria Is producing 7000 Megawatts of Electricity (FALSE) According to the umbrella body of the electricity distribution company in Nigeria Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), While there is an available capacity of 7,000MW, what Nigeria presently generates is no more that 5,000MW. This is because there is insufficient gas to power the thermal plants due to gas line limitations.
Claim two: Nigeria produces 90% of the rice it consumes (False) Despite the APC government’s promised agricultural revolution, Nigeria is still perceived to the world’s highest importer of rice according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Also, Rice farmers in Nigeria have recently reported a drop in output since last year due to higher input costs, insecurity and widespread flooding in the main growing regions.
Claim three: The Cost of fertilizer has reduced (False) In a July report, Business Day newspaper reported that the average fertilizer prices across the states increased by with Urea rising by 0.64% and SSP recording an increase of 4.67% compared to average fertilizer prices of June, 2018.
Claim Four: Nigeria is one of the fastest growing economies (False) A World Economic Forum GDP forecast for 2017 listed Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Djibouti as the only african countries in it's world’s fastest growing economies list. Nigeria did not make the list.
Claim Five: Nigeria has built six innovation hubs (Unverifiable) While speaking at the launch of the NorthEast Innovation Hub in Yola in June, Professor Osinbajo stated that the Federal Government would establish six innovation hubs across the country but yesterday said the FG had established six of such hubs. However, this claim remains unverifiable as there is no report in the media to back this claim that six innovation hubs have been built by the government. .
Politics › Owan-enoh Storms Streets Of Calabar, Gives Reason Cross River Will Vote APC by OEPHIUS(op): 1:12pm On Dec 30, 2018
