NNPC ask Tinubu and Atiku to Withdraw from Presidential Race Over Drug Allegation

January 18, 2023

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has called on the presidential candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the presidential race over allegations of drug peddling and corruption against the two of them.

The NNPP said the allegations against the duo have made mockery of the 2023 general election and has brought the country into ridicule and disrepute.

A statement signed by NNPP’s national publicity secretary, Dr Agbo Major, the party said the two presidential candidates should withdraw from the February 25 elections to answer to charges preferred against them in court.

While calling on Nigerians to collect their PVCs and make the right choice next month, NNPP says its presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is the man to give Nigerians a new lease of life from the grip and years of misrule by APC and PDP.

Nigeria has been brought to ridicule and disrepute before the comity of nations over accusations of high level corruption and drug peddling against Atiku and Tinubu. He that goes to equity must come with a clean hand.

NNPP demands the immediate withdrawal of both presidential candidates to answer to charges preferred against them in court. It is justice juxtaposed for them to continue in the presidential race with heavy allegations of wrongdoings on their shoulders. It is moral burden for the two candidates to continue in this race at a time Nigerians are looking for a younger and unblemished crop of leaders. There is no moral justification for Atiku and Tinubu to strive to rule the nation until the court decides their fates one way or the other. National interest supersedes personal interests, aggrandizement and grandstanding in the quest for a better, greater, progressive, equitable and just democratic nation.

“Nigerians are tired of recycled politicians who have numerous cases of corruption, drugs, birth/educational certificates, health and questionable source of wealth. Citizens want men and women of integrity, visionary, purposeful, resourceful, dynamic and transformational leaders to usher them to a new and better Nigeria we all desire and deserve.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is the man of the moment to give Nigerians a new lease of life after years of wandering in political wilderness from the oppressive APC and PDP regimes.

Eligible Nigerians should collect their PVCs and let their voice be heard loud and clear in the forthcoming elections.”

(Journalist101)

Civil War: We Must Say Never Again To Another War — Peter Obi

bvichannel1

January 16, 2023

FIFTY-THREE years after the Nigeria-Biafra civil war that claimed no fewer than three million lives on both sides, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to avoid situations that would lead to another war.

Obi, who said Ndigbo, who were on Biafran side during the war were committed to the ideals of a just, equitable and inclusive Nigeria.

The former Anambra State governor, who spoke in Lagos before jetting out to London for an appearance at Chatham House, said, reason for some agitations across Nigeria was due to non-functional system and policies, insisting that a new and united Nigeria was possible.

Obi’s address was to mark the 53rd anniversary of the end of the Nigerian civil war and the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The Federal Government has set aside January 15 each year to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War and remember the sacrifices made by the Nigerian Armed forces in various theatres of conflict across the globe.

Obi recalled that the end of the civil war, 53 years ago, gave Nigerians an opportunity for a fresh start with the then Military Government declaring “No Victor, no vanquished,” and all Nigerians were encouraged to partake in the reconciliation process.

He said: “Anyone who still harbours a different agenda different from the realisation of a wholesome and unifying people-oriented development vision is doing a terrible disservice to this generation and generations of Nigerians yet unborn.

“I cannot think of any valid reason, except for the deficit of sound socio-economic and political policies and programmes that will unite and propel Nigeria forward.

“From what I know of the South-East, the Igbo Nation, led by Ohaneze, has at every opportunity been unequivocal about its commitment to the unity, oneness, integrity, and progress of Nigeria, based on equity, justice, and an inclusive society.

“And I, Peter Obi, a proud Nigerian of Igbo extraction, I am most truthfully and wholly committed to that stand of one united, secure and progressive Nigeria.”

He described this year’s edition of the annual event as a very special and unique day.

Obi also recalled the role played by the then Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo, who handed over the instrument of Biafran surrender to Nigeria’s sovereignty to the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

He declared that all Nigerians have a duty to commit their mental and physical energy to building a secure and inclusive Nigeria that works for all.

Obi also said: “While we regret the immense losses from the war, pray for the repose of souls of the departed and thank God that it ended. We all must join hands with utmost sincerity and commitment to prevent any serious violence in Nigeria, let alone another civil war! Never again.

Obi said: “It is also worth calling a spade a spade. There are youths all over Nigeria, who are frustrated because of injustice, poverty, lack of opportunities, unemployment, and apparent exclusion. Such youths could seize upon and use anything issue or tool to express their frustration and anger.

“I believe that some of those who are agitating, are doing so partly due to our failures in creating an inclusive and progressive Nigeria. A working Nigeria with equity, justice and fairness will also definitely and effectively checkmate such extreme groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.

“I personally believe that the best strategy for dealing with these situations manifesting in the guise of unclear nationalism, bigoted patriotism and religious bigotry is a carrot and stick approach.”

Ethnic profiling wrong

Further, he said: “It is also unfair to use the misconduct or position of one person or few persons in an ethnic group to stigmatize the entire group.

“It is a wrong approach and should not be so. I have repeatedly said that I will sit down and discuss with all agitators, believing that we must continue to talk and negotiate with all to achieve positive results.

“Today, marks 53 years since the civil war formally ended. Let us accept that the war has truly ended. To try to continue to ‘fight the civil war’ today, after 53 years, would be a great disservice to Nigeria and Nigerians, particularly our heroes who diligently laboured to secure and unite us.

A new Nigeria is possible

“There are critical junctures and times in which every nation must seize the moment to define or redefine its history. For Nigeria that moment is now. Today marks 53 years of Nigeria’s re-unification after the civil war.

“A new Nigeria is possible; a nation bound in freedom, peace, unity, justice and prosperity is realizable! Let us all join hands in love and brotherhood to build, with God of our creation guiding our noble cause.”

Peter Obi will be at Chatham House London Tomorrow

Queen Madu

January 15, 2023

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has officially announced that he will be at the Chatham House tomorrow, being 16th of January 2023 to discuss his vision for policy and governance reforms in Nigeria, including the priorities for tackling deep-rooted insecurity and corruption, and measures to promote social and political mobility for Nigerian citizens.

Though before now, the international think-tank organization had explained that the event which will also feature the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso and the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), professor Yakubu is part of a series of events and outputs examining Nigeria’s 2023 elections and political developments.

In its schedule of events, the INEC boss will discuss preparations and priorities for ensuring electoral integrity and inclusivity on 17, January 2023.

He will also discuss key challenges and plans for the conduct of the elections, including election security and the use of new technological systems.

On his part, Kwankwaso will discuss his policy ideas for improving systems and services in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the country’s education sector and the wider priorities for ensuring secure and inclusive service delivery on 18, January 2023.

(Newsband)

Wike Reveals Leader of G5 Governors in PDP

Queen Madu

January 14, 2023

Wike Reveals The Leader Of PDP G-5 Governors 2

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has said he is not the leader of the aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), popularly known as G5.

Speaking in a recent interview on BBC, monitored by Akelicious, Wike named the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom as leader of the G5.

“We can’t leave our house to armed robbers, we can’t do that. No way. And we won’t leave this party,” he said.

I don’t lead the G5; our leader is the governor of Benue State.

“We are not like them. We would stay inside this house and fight.

And we know they have no choice than to allow peace to reign.”

The PDP has been enmeshed in crisis after the party’s national convention in May 2022 where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar defeated 12 other aspirants, including Wike, to emerge the party presidential candidate for 2023 elections.

Dissatisfied with the outcome of the primary, Wike and his associates are demanding the replacement of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu with a southerner to correct “regional imbalance” in the PDP considering Messrs Atiku and Ayu are both northerners.

Apart from Wike and Ortom, other governors who are members of the G5 are Ifeanyi Ugwanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).

The G5 governors, who were appointed into the PDP presidential campaign council, withdrew their membership and have since boycotted PDP presidential rallies.

(Akelicious)

GGM Congratulates The Newly Elected APGA National Leader- Prof Chukwuma Soludo

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January 14, 2023

Good Governance Ministry( GGM), a political Ministry has congratulated the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo on his election as the National Leader of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA)

In a statement signed and released to the Press, the Leader of the group, Comrade Chinedu Asuzu said APGA has got a revolutionary Thinker as a Leader. The statement reads in full ” GGM expects Prof Soludo to translate those beautiful proposals he has authored over the years into a political ideology. APGA as a political party has taken a historical position among all the progressives in Nigeria to be led by a renowned economist of first class rating . GGM expects that in Soludo Leadership ,APGA will set a high ethical standard and show the light for others to follow in line with democratic principles. GGM believes that the obvious reason why most Nigerians sell their votes and show indifference on who occupies political offices is because they(the people) have never benefited anything from democratic dividends.

GGM therefore, challenges Prof Soludo to initiate processes that would reform APGA operations to accommodate all the progressive elements in the Country as the era of sharing crumps from political table has long expired and the era of selling ideas that would touch lives positively taking over. GGM is ever ready to partner with Prof Soludo Leadership so long as the interest of people will be served and protected ”. The statement concluded

Why I Like Peter Obi- Dike Chukwumerije

Queen Madu

January 13, 2023

WHY I LIKE PETER OBI
One. He flies economy and carries his own bag. Yes. For simplicity matters to me. And Obi was like that before public office. As Governor, eye-witnesses place him on queues. And afterwards, no change. That is not typical of Nigerians in politics. Here, make your brother Local Government Chairman and he will begin to ask you, ‘Do you know who I am?’ But this power is not personal. This power is for us.

Two. He has not weaponized philanthropy. My faith teaches me that when the right hand does good, even the left should not know. Because True Love – true charity – is not a down payment on future loyalty. Like this, conventional politicians help only to harm. Yes. For paying your school fees they want your soul. But who hands over the controls of a plane to a pilot simply because he is generous? Yes. It is rare for a wealthy politician – in a country where iced fish buys votes – to keep his philanthropy and his politics separate. This is his mantra, you see? Follow me for the ideas in my head, not the money in my pocket. I like this.

Three. He does not have political ‘children’. And for this has been mocked by conventional politicians, and those who admire their methods. It is true. That a man who has 100 naira to share amongst 10, and gives 90 naira to 1, and the remainder to the rest, will have created an extremely passionate follower gingered enough to out-shout the others. But the man who shares the 100 naira equally will end up not giving any single beneficiary special reason to carry his matter personally on their head. Like this, Fairness & Equality is never populist. And those who are more interested in building systems loyal to them, than in building just systems, will always romanticize nepotism. But, in the end, the glory of a just country rubs off on its citizens, no matter how poor. While the shame of an unjust one taints us all, no matter how rich. This is true.

Four. He is prudent with public resources. For he has neither lavish lifestyle to service, or personalized political structure to water. So, Public Money can go to Public Interest. Like Public Education. And Public Health. And Public Infrastructure. Yes. I like it – that, on his watch, Anambra shot up the ranking from 24th to 1st on the NECO and WAEC lists. That he re-energized cottage hospitals and built a tertiary one. And still left enough money for his predecessor to use and build an international airport from scratch without having to borrow. This is something. But politics, sometimes, is the art of calling white, black. Yes. That is how the virtue of prudence has become the vice of stinginess in watery mouths.

Five. He is not the candidate of a mainstream party, and yet is a frontline candidate. Ah! This one sweet me die. For, indeed, there is a historic path to Power. But by the time you finish walking it, you are too old, or unhealthy, or compromised to work. Like making someone run a cross-country marathon before selecting them to run the main sprint. Imagine? We need to open up other paths, for monopoly is bad, and we want Presidents arriving fit, competent and unfettered. True. This is not the first time we are trying a Third Way. But this is the first time we are trying it with an experienced politician, who has served meritoriously in executive office, and has far less baggage, and far more popular support, than usual. Imagine? This chance to storm the castle with a proper battering ram. Imagine?

Six. He is not the candidate of established politicians. So when he arrives in a state, he is not received by house of assembly members and senators, by federal ministers and DGs, by local godfathers with reputations for delivering particular polling units. Yes. It is a system, with its own internal logic, and its business is not Good Governance; its business is Power. I like Obi because he is not in this business. So when he arrives, he is received by people. For this power is not personal. This power is for us.

Seven. He is not running as an Igbo candidate, or a Christian candidate, or a Southern candidate. Not that he denies being any of these. But that he is running, first, as a Nigerian. I tell you. It is not easy, in this ethno-religiously charged environment, to maintain the right balance – even within yourself – between your tribe and your nation. But that is where it begins, with the choices you make in your own heart. Of how you choose to present yourself. Of how you will respond when provoked. And what narratives you will reach for when put under pressure – to win. I like Peter Obi because he is not desperate to win.

Just In: Resident Doctors Threaten Strike Over Unresolved Issues

Queen Madu

January 13, 2023

Earlier, the resident doctors issued a statement warning of imminent nationwide strike action.

Another industrial action looms in Nigeria’s health sector as members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have threatened to embark on a nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government fails to address their demands

NARD President, Emeka Orji told Channels Television that the association does not desire to down its tools, knowing its implication for the health sector, but could be forced to do so if the government refused to address their demands before January 28 when the association will end its National Executive Council meeting.

We have been restraining ourselves as their leaders and that is exactly what we stipulated in the letter,” he said.

The association is appealing to well-meaning Nigerians including the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Aminu Tambuwal and the Director General of the Budget Office, Ben Akabueze to intervene and save the looming industrial action

According to the association, some of the unresolved issues include the irregularities in the new circular on an upward review of the medical residency training fund, non-payment of outstanding arrears of the new hazard allowance, as well as the non-payment of the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage to some of its members.

Others are salary arrears of our members in State Tertiary Health Institutions running into several months, including Abia, Imo, Ondo, Ekiti and Gombe States, and non-domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA) in most states across the Federation.

Earlier, the resident doctors issued a statement warning of imminent nationwide strike action.

The aggrieved doctors recalled issuing an ultimatum to the Federal Government six months ago on account of lingering unresolved issues affecting our members, including the irregularities in the new circular on the upward review of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), outstanding payment of the arrears of the new hazard allowance, non-payment of the skipping arrears for 2014, 2015 and 2016, non-payment of the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage to some of our members, and delay in the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure(CONMESS).

We sincerely appreciate the efforts of the government through its ministries, departments and agencies in resolving some of the issues raised,” the statement read.

“However, many of them remain largely unresolved and have now become sources of serious nationwide agitation threatening industrial peace and harmony in the health sector.”

(channels)

The Nation Needs a “Stingy” Man for President- Pat Utomi

Queen Madu

January 13, 2023

He said the former Anambra State governor has qualities to stop what he referred to as transactional government.

A chieftain of the Labour Party, Prof. Pat Utomi, has responded to the notion that the party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi is stingy, saying that the country is currently in dire need of such a man to stop the economy from bleeding itself out.

He said the former Anambra State governor has the qualities to stop what he referred to as “transactional government” that has become the order of the day in governments of the Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress.

“If you look at his Anambra experience, let’s not forget that Peter Obi among the things he has done is rebuild democracy. In Anambra they used to lock up their governors in the toilet and stuffs like godfathers, schools were closed, everything was shut, and no pension benefits were being paid. When he comes to that process, Anambra becomes a new kind of place, pension was paid, and others.

“So from what I know of him, he has a transformation mindset. I think there’s this thing they say that he is stingy, my goodness the only thing you need now is a stingy man to run the country. The guys are bleeding the place, you need a guy to stop this nonsense, stop the bleeding,” Prof. Utomi said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday.

On why he thinks Nigerians should choose Obi ahead of other candidates for the February 25 presidential election, Prof. Utomi said he is convinced that the candidates of the PDP and APC will not take the country forward.

He maintained that they will continue with the “transactional government” and their friends will get rich while Nigeria will get stuck.

“These parties the way they are structured are so transactions driven that to emerge in the process you have already sold up. I will give the oil wells to this guy, you have committed that ministry to this guy and he is asking that a certain percentage of the budget of that ministry will come to him.

I’m not talking about stuff in the air, it’s stuff I have dealt with; I have spoken out personally to all of them aloud,” the professor of political economy said.

(channels)

Just In: INEC Extend Collection of PVC

Queen Madu

January 12, 2023

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

In a statement by INEC’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, the Commission extended the PVC collection deadline until Sunday January 29, 2023.

The Commission is determined to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming election.

For this reason, the timeframe for the collection of PVCs is extended by eight days.

“Instead of ending on Sunday 22nd January 2023, the collection of PVCs will continue until Sunday 29th January 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00 am – 3.00 pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays),” INEC’s statement reads in part.

(Journalist101)

BVAS Will Stop Rigging And Identity Theft During Elections – INEC

bvichannel1

January 12, 2023

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Authentication System, BVAS, the issue of identity theft and other election frauds would be addressed during the 2023 general election.

Umar Ibrahim, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Gombe State, stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting on the preparations for the 2023 general election held in Gombe on Wednesday.

Mr Ibrahim said the credibility of the 2023 general elections remained a top priority for the commission, hence the introduction of improved technology in recent elections to enhance the electoral processes.

According to him, with BVAS only voters will determine who wins elections in the country.

“I assure the good people of Gombe State that the days of identity theft during elections are over and only voters can determine the winner of elections in this country.

“There is no doubt the deployment of technology has greatly improved the conduct of elections in this country over the years.

“During the 2023 general elections, the commission will be deploying the BVAS for accreditation of voters and transmission of results,” said Ibrahim.

The REC said Gombe State had received the full complement of BVAS required for the conduct of the 2023 general elections in the state.

Mr Ibrahim assured residents of Gombe State that the commission was ready to conduct credible elections in the state, adding that 10 out of the 14 outlined activities had been carried out.

He appealed to all stakeholders to play their roles toward ensuring the smooth conduct of the 2023 elections.

“The conduct of credible elections is not the responsibility of INEC alone; free, fair, credible, peaceful, all-inclusive and accountable elections are a product of concerted efforts by all stakeholders.

“I urge you to join us in discouraging PVC selling/buying and vote selling/buying in the strongest terms as it stands against democratic norms and principles,” he said.

Speaking further on BVAS, Bitson Simon, Head of Department, Information and Communications Technology, ICT and Voter Registry, Gombe State office, INEC, said the BVAS device had been described as a “game changer” in recent elections.

Mr Simon said the device was introduced by INEC as a solution to the inadequacies of the card readers, which were used in precious elections.

He said with BVAS, frauds being perpetuated on election day in previous elections would no longer be possible, adding, “election by proxy will not be possible with BVAS.”

According to him, BVAS will be used to accredit voters, transmit accredited data to INEC server and transmit election results into INEC review portal.

Mr Simon said the BVAS machine would improve the transparency of the 2023 elections.

NAN

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