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WE’LL SEND TINUBU’S SPOKESPERSON TO DEBATE WITH YOU, KEYAMO TELLS PETER OBI
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday said the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi cannot debate with its counterpart in the ruling party, Bola Tinubu.
APC said it would rather send one of Tinubu’s media aides to have a debate with Obi, after he must have presented his manifesto and showed his political feats as a former governor of Anambra state.
A spokesperson of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo made this known while accusing Obi of not showing his manifesto to Nigerians ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Keyamo, then, gave conditions for the LP presidential flagbearer to fulfil before he could engage in a debate with the former Lagos state governor.
Among the conditions APC listed was that Obi should name his political mentor from the time he was governor till now.
He said if the conditions are fulfilled, the APC will send one of its spokespersons to have an open debate with Obi.
Keyamo said,”They have no manifesto, so what are we debating? What documents are we comparing? He said Nigerians should depend on what is inside his brain, not on any document.
“So, Asiwaju will then be debating with what? Is this campaign a joke to them? Do they think this is a Debating and Dramatic society in school?”
“Before Obi can stand shoulder to shoulder with Asiwaju to debate, he should first release a manifesto for scrutiny; then he should list his tangible achievements as Governor of Anambra State compared to the tangible achievements of Asiwaju as Governor of Lagos State.
“Then he should list those he has mentored in politics from the days of his being Governor who is still with him now; then he should tell us any political party he has either formed or partnered to form and which he still belongs to today.
“Then he should list his democratic credentials, that is what he did to contribute to the return to democracy from Military rule and what he has since done, better than Asiwaju, to sustain our democracy”.
“After all these, we shall send them one of our spokespersons to debate with him”.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CALLS FOR TIGHTER SECURITY AROUND BORDERS IN LAKE CHAD BASIN WITH THE PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS FROM THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja urged more vigilance and tightening of security around borders, drawing attention to the increased number of arms, ammunition, and other weapons from the Russia and Ukraine war in the Lake Chad Basin.
At the 16th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), the President, who is Chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Government, said the threat by terrorists in the region had been relatively brought under control, while the influx of weapons poses fresh challenges.
“It must however be stated that despite the successes recorded by the gallant troops of the MNJTF and the various ongoing national operations in the region, terrorist threats still lurk in the region.
“Regrettably, the situation in the Sahel and the raging war in Ukraine serve as major sources of weapons and fighters that bolster the ranks of the terrorists in the Lake Chad Region. A substantial proportion of the arms and ammunition procured to execute the war in Libya continues to find its way to the Lake Chad Region and other parts of the Sahel.
“Weapons being used for the war in Ukraine and Russia are equally beginning to filter to the region.
“This illegal movement of arms into the region has heightened the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which continues to threaten our collective peace and security in the region. There is, therefore, the urgent need for expedited collaborative actions by our border control agencies and other security services to stop the circulation of all illegal weapons in the region,” President Buhari noted.
The President said the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) deserved commendation for various operations that had brought measurable stability to the Lake Chad Basin.
“The threat of Boko Haram terrorism in the Lake Chad area no doubt brought to the fore, the imperative of enhanced collaboration among the defense forces of the region in the face of a common aggressor. I am pleased that through the Multinational Joint Task Force we responded to the challenge, proving beyond reasonable doubt that with the requisite commitment and determination, the region can solve its challenges in the best ways possible.
“The MNJTF has indeed become a model, breaking physical barriers, and affirming the workability of the common approach to conquer challenges in the area.
“Permit me, therefore, to pay tribute to the untiring efforts of the officers and men of the Multinational Joint Task Force and our various National Armed Forces who continue to make remarkable sacrifices in the fight against terrorism in the region.
“The efforts and memories of these gallant soldiers, some of whom have paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty for the survival and restoration of stability to the region, will never be forgotten,” he said.
President Buhari further reiterated that during the period under review and with the support of Heads of State, efforts and funding were sustained for the MNJTF to ensure that it delivers on its mandate of ensuring a safe and secure environment in the region.
“You will recall that consequent on the deteriorating security situation in the Region, the Extraordinary Summit of 15th December 2018, held here in Abuja, directed the conduct of continuous operations to completely eradicate the scourge of Boko Haram terrorism from the region.
“I am glad to inform my dear brothers that in keeping with that decision, the MNJTF has since then, successfully conducted three major operations: Ops‘YANCIN TAFKI (I&II) and Ops Lake Sanity I, with, the fourth one, Ops Lake Sanity II, being planned. The next phase of the operation will take cognizance of lessons learned from previous exercises and effectively consolidate the gains attained by preceding Ops. I am glad to note that during the execution of Ops Lake Sanity I, regrouping terrorists in the Lake Chad Islands were effectively decimated,” the President added.
President Buhari urged the leaders to complement the fight against terrorism with development.
“Although terrorist threats have been significantly decimated in the region, it is worthy of note that military actions alone cannot effectively win the war against terrorism. There is the overriding need to complement military operations with the provision of sustainable development projects that will ameliorate the living conditions of the affected people in the region.
“Government presence must be positively felt in the area to restore the confidence of citizens in the ability of the State to protect them and provide basic infrastructure for all.
“It is in view of the foregoing, that the implementation of the Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience of the Boko Haram affected Areas of the region must gain further traction without any delay.
“I am glad to note the development, costing, and validation of the territorial action plans for the eight Boko Haram most affected territories of the region.
“These action plans are the basic building blocks for the implementation of the strategy for the developmental needs of the people of the area. While we commend these initiatives, we must immediately commence efforts at their operationalization.
“In this regard, I urge our partners to continue to support us as we redouble the ongoing efforts at developing the region, to win the hearts and minds of the citizens in the area,’’ he added.
President Buhari said the Lake Chad region was faced with a complex security situation that was highly dynamic, constantly changing, and increasingly influenced by the impact of climate change and other variables, including sadly, some external factors.
“These factors have made it imperative for us to regularly review the development and counterterrorism strategies that are operational in the region.
“We must continue together to proffer ingenious solutions to the challenges confronting us. We must, through the Commission, continue to make concerted efforts to provide the desired leadership, and ownership and ensure that our experts and troops are adequately motivated and supported to achieve our objectives.
“We must strive to continue to view our region through the lens of equity, fairness, diversity, and inclusion. It is imperative that we all see ourselves reflected in the kind of leadership we provide for the region.
“We must continue to support and contribute to the success of the organization. We all must rise and face the challenges of the region headlong in order to deliver the bright future we envisage for our region,’’ he stated.
The President said budgetary concerns remain a challenge for all member countries, considering the declining global inflows and increasing demands, adding that “we must, however, never lose sight of the vision of the Founding Fathers of the Commission. We must continue to strive and make collaborative efforts at upholding the ideals for which the LCBC in its nearly 60 years of existence has continued to pursue.’’
“To our gallant troops in the field, ensuring the safety and stability of the region, we recommit ourselves to sustaining the ongoing counterterrorism efforts by providing you with the requisite needs to function optimally. I wish to assure you that your welfare would continue to remain our priority. I urge you all to rededicate yourselves as we take the final push towards eradicating terrorism from our Region. Together, we shall restore and transform the Lake Chad Region to its former glory.
“As Chairman of the Summit of Heads of Government and State of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, I commend and thank you all for the vibrant solidarity, enhanced strong cooperation, and support we continue to share.
“I equally express sincere gratitude to our partners for the support they continue to offer us in our joint collaborative efforts to fight the challenges that have hampered the sustainable development of the region, particularly climate change and terrorism. Together, we have shown that with commitment and with the desired support, we can achieve success,’’ the President said.
The President urged the leaders to remain committed to ensuring that the diversity in the region continues to be a source of strength and a positive cohesive force for the people of the Lake Chad Region.
“My dear brother-presidents, we must remain unrelenting in providing the needed political and material support for the LCBC/MNJTF in its efforts at delivering regional initiatives that will revamp Lake Chad and revitalize the socio-economic activities of the region. The fight against Boko Haram and other forms of criminality in the region must remain issues on the front burner of discourse in the region.
“I thank you all for your support to me as Chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and call on you in the spirit of true African brotherhood, to extend the same support to my successor.
“I also wish to thank the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Head of Mission of the Multinational Joint Task Force, Ambassador Mamman NUHU, and his team for their efforts at delivering on the mandate of the Commission. Keep the lofty ideals of ensuring that the people of the region optimally benefit from the resources of the region,’’ President Buhari stated.
The President welcomed the State of Libya to active participation in the activities of the Commission.
“This is a positive step in the quest of our sister nation to rise beyond its current travails and to return to active engagements in the comity of nations. Together, we shall collectively pursue our shared objectives of joint development of the Lake Chad region,’’ he said.
On his stewardship as Chairman of the LCBC, President Buhari said the meeting provided a platform to holistically review collective efforts at sustainable management of shared heritage, Lake Chad, and to reinvigorate efforts at ensuring peace and stability in the region.
He said it “equally provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far since 2018 when my dear brothers bestowed on me, the task of steering this unique organization, an honour for which I am grateful.’’
“In the last four years, the Commission and indeed the region witnessed several challenges. However, with your support, we rose to the task of addressing them.
“As my mandate as Chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission comes to an end, I am proud of the great strides we continue to collectively make to ensure that we ultimately restore the Lake Chad Region to its once enviable state as a hub of economic development.
“Our sustained sacrifices at restoring peace and stability to the region and enabling the people in the area to return to their normal lives and activities are highly commendable.
“During the period under review, we intensified our efforts at ensuring that the drive to revitalize the Lake Chad through the Inter-Basin Water Transfer Project attracts regional and international attention. I acknowledge the concerted efforts of the Commission, in consonance with our partners, towards giving life to this laudable and all-important project.
“Progress has been made towards procuring the services of a world-class firm to conduct in-depth feasibility study on the improvement of the hydraulic capacities of the major tributaries of the Lake and to improve the retention capacity of the Lake itself. This is the first and most important step towards ensuring that the project is executed in conformity with international best practices and that the solutions we seek today are sustainable.’’
President Buhari said it was heartwarming to note the various interventions that had been carried out through the Commission to complement the developmental initiatives of various governments in the region.
“Initiatives such as the Lake Chad Emergency Development Program; the Program for the Rehabilitation and Strengthening of the Resilience of the Socio-Ecological Systems of the Lake Chad Basin; Lake Chad Region Recovery and Development Project, as well as the Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience of Boko Haram, affected areas of the region are worthy of mention.
“The LCBC through these interventions has improved the revenue-generating capacities, resilience, and productive capabilities of the people of the region, most of whom are engaged in primary production, adding value to them, and enabling them to take control of their means of livelihood,’’ he said.
The President noted that through the Regional Stabilization Strategy and its implementing components, the people of the region affected by the scourge of Boko Haram had continued to receive the support they needed towards ensuring that they effectively return to their normal homes.
“You will recall that following the demise of our dear brother, H.E. Idriss Deby ITNO of Chad, in April 2021, I, under the umbrella of the Commission, convened an Extraordinary and enlarged Summit of Heads of State and Government of the region on 25thMay 2021 to review and consider the situation in Chad. This was aimed at ensuring stability and a peaceful transition in that nation.
“With your support, and in execution of the decisions of the Extraordinary Summit, I have taken several measures including, appointing an accomplished diplomat, Ambassador Baba Gana KINGIBE, in June 2021, as the Special Envoy of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to facilitate the transition in Chad.
“Through his efforts, I have remained actively informed of the situation in Chad. Accordingly, I wish to reiterate to the government and people of the Republic of Chad, our collective commitment to actively work with them to navigate the processes of the transition in that country to a successful conclusion,’’ the President stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the LCBC, Amb. Mammam Nuhu, said two reports of the 68th session of the Council of Ministers will be presented, and a report by the Special Envoy for Chadian transition.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 29, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
2023: APC UNVEILS “BLESS MI” MOBILE CROWDFUNDING CHANNEL FOR TINUBU’S CAMPAIGN
- Party targets N5 billion in donations
- ‘Innovation to democratise election funding’ – Sanwo-Olu
All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), on Tuesday, unveiled a mobile channel for crowdfunding for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-Kashim Shettima presidential project ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The QR code-enabled platform was initiated to give Nigerians who believe and share the vision of Tinubu-Shettima presidential ticket to contribute towards realisation of the project.
The APC presidential campaign team targets to raise N5 billion from the crowdfunding platform known as “BlessMi”, launched at the Civic Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos.
Donors can freely donate to the project, using the QR Code. The amount ranges from the least currency denomination to any amount affordable.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the fundraiser, described the approach as another “creative way” of using the technology to democratise funding for political activities. He said the mobile platform would offer opportunity to Nigerians supporting APC to be part of the process of forming the next Federal Government.
The Governor said every little contribution received from the channel would matter in funding the APC’s presidential campaign council’s activities across the federation.
He said: “There is no better place to launch this innovative project than Lagos, which is the nation’s hub of innovation and technology. This fundraising effort speaks to our support and those who share the vision of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-Kashim Shettima presidential ticket to have an input to the realisation of the project. The ticket strongly considers the interest of every Nigerian, regardless of social status or ethnic origin.
“This campaign is about people and people have been asking how they can participate to contribute their own effort to the overall success of the campaign. This is why we used our creative minds and leveraged technology as innovative ways to create access for people towards supporting our party’s presidential campaign. People can donate through their mobile phones and be part of this campaign. Every donation, no matter how small the amount is, will matter and take its proper place.”
Sanwo-Olu maintained that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket represented a pan-Nigerian mandate, noting that the APC candidate remained the most competent of all presidential contenders.
The donations received at the fundraiser were transparently displayed on digital screens, which showed the donors’ names and amount contributed.
APC Vice Presidential candidate, Sen. Shettima said the initiative was aimed at leveraging the nation’s diversity to inflame loyalty in the people.
The former Borno State Governor urged Nigerians to vote for APC, stressing that only the party’s presidential ticket boasted of candidates with practical ideas to move the country forward.
Shettima said the objective of the project was to bring average citizens into the mission of building a better country for the youth and improve lives.
He said: “We have to look beyond the fabulous things happening around and look at somebody that wish to push and elevate the nation to the next level. And with all sense of modesty, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is the best material we have and we need in this nation to stand.
“I urge Nigerians to look beyond sentiment, look beyond the lies that are being peddled and make the best choice for the nation and next year will be a very great opportunity for Nigerians to make the right choice.”
Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, hailed the APC Fund Raising Committee for the initiative, noting that the mobile platform would democratise election funding.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
29 NOVEMBER 2022
JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC WINS NIGERIA’S 2022 HIGHEST DIVIDEND GROWTH AWARD AT 25TH PEARL AWARDS IN LAGOS
Nigeria’s foremost engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has won the award as the company with the ‘Highest Dividend Growth’ in the country’s stock market for the business year 2022.
The meritorious award which is strictly based on objective facts and figures already in the public domain through the Securities and Exchange Commission, was given to Julius Berger at the 2022 Pearl Awards ceremony which held at the iconic Eko Hotels in Nigeria’s business and financial hub, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year’s awards is themed ‘Sustaining Excellence through Tenacity.’ According to the Nigerian Stock Market Annual [NSMA], which was presented to stakeholders and the very distinguished guests at the ceremony, the 2022 Pearl awards criteria and methodology is based on nine distinct criteria. These include turnover growth, earnings yield, returns on equity, dividend yield, dividend growth, dividend cover, net asset ratio, profit margin ratio; and share price appreciation. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc won in the Market Excellence Awards category, where each award is made in recognition of entire market leadership in respect of the indices listed above.
According to the former Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Mazi Sam Ohuanbunwa, in its almost three decades of consistency, transparency and objectivity as facts-based, the Pearl Awards have encouraged companies to promote good corporate governance and ascending performance. This, he said, meaningfully underscores the theme for the 2022 Pearl Awards: ‘Sustaining Excellence through Tenacity.’
The Pearl Awards Report 2022 in scoping out the research for the awards, states that “…in line with the broad policy oft he Pearl Awards Project, data used in appraising companies were gathered from verifiable sources including Annual Reports of quoted companies and the Nigerian Exchange Limited’s [NGX] Daily Official List 2021’’. The Report further states that ‘‘for the purpose of being current with the reports used, a cut-off period was established, which ranged between June 2021 and June 2022.’’
It would be recalled that Julius Berger Plc had earlier announced a visionary growth policy based on a tripartite business strategy that revolves around the company’s core construction business, its subsidiaries and a robust diversification policy. This growth strategy was recently highlighted and celebrated at the company’s well-attended and widely reported Investor Relations Forum by the Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter as the pivot upon which the company has progressively and productively built its success and status as every serious investor’s destination.
At the prestigious award ceremony in Lagos, which was graced by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu in person, the Chairman of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, CON, the company’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, Board members, Mrs Gladys O. Talabi and Mr Ernest C. Ebi, MFR, FCIB, FIOD, were also in attendance. Other guests in the Julius Berger delegation to the event included the company’s Senior Executive, Strategic Business Development, Mrs Ndifreke Nkochio, Mr Seyi Johnson, and the Head of Julius Berger’s Media Relations Office, Prince Moses Duku.
Other recipients of the worthy awards at the event were the Dangote Group, Presco Plc, Transnational Corporation Plc, Guiness Nigeria Plc, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, N.E.M. Insurance Plc, United Capital Plc, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Courteville Business Solutions Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, TotalEnergies Marketing Nig. Plc, UH Real Estate Investment Trust, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Learn Africa Plc, Nigerian Aviation Handling Co. Plc, Multiverse Mining and Exploration Plc, , Universal Insurance Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Wema Bank Plc, amongst others.
PRESS STATEMENT
TINUBU WILL NOT RELOCATE FEDERAL CAPITAL FROM ABUJA TO LAGOS, OPPOSITION PARTIES SHOULD STOP SPREADING SILLY RUMOUR
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council hereby alerts Nigerians about the latest insidious campaign in some parts of the country against our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
After exhausting their arsenal of calumnies and character assassination against Tinubu, the opposition PDP and their surrogate Labour Party have begun a multi-pronged desperate campaign of falsehoods.
In one of the falsehoods being circulated, especially in the North West of the country, Tinubu is said to harbour plans to relocate the Federal Capital from Abuja to Lagos on succeeding President Muhammad Buhari from 29th May, 2023.
This misinformation campaign, according to field reports, is being given some traction by some elders on the payroll of the Peoples Democratic Party.
We are shocked that some people could contrive such egregious lie, all in the name of politics, with the intention to confuse our burgeoning support base in that part of the country.
Let us say with emphasis, that Asiwaju does not contemplate any such plan and will not do anything that is so ultra-unconstitutional.
The same purveyors of falsehood have also been distorting the commercialization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited by the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The truth is that President Buhari has not privatised NNPC as planned by the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Buhari has instead made it a commercial entity, owned by all the tiers of government, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
In due course, the company will be in a position to declare and share dividends to all its owners, the way Aramco of Saudi Arabia and Petrobas of Brazil do.
As the destined successor of President Buhari, Asiwaju Tinubu will continue the policy of the Buhari administration. Unlike Atiku, Tinubu has no plan to sell NNPC to his friends or cronies.
Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media & Publicity
APC Presidential Campaign Council
November 29, 2022
November 28, 2022
Press Statement
Decision of the PDP NWC on Issues of Imo State Chapter
…Annuls Purported Suspension of LG Chapter Chairmen
…Refers Imo Presidential Campaign Council List for Review
Following enquiries by Party members on the decision reached at the interactive meeting between the National Working Committee (NWC) and critical Stakeholders in the Imo State Chapter of the Party held on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the National Secretariat Abuja, the PDP states as follows;
The meeting deliberated on and resolved important issues within the Imo State Chapter of the Party. In attendance were the National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, former governors, H.E Achike Udenwa and Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, members of the State Working Committee, serving and former National Assembly members, members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), members of the State Elder’s Committee and other key Stakeholders from Imo State.
After an extensive deliberation, the meeting resolved as follows:
- That all matters relating to the Governorship Primary election in Imo State should be suspended until after the 2023 general elections.
- That the purported suspension of some Local Government Chapter Chairmen in the State is null and void.
- That no member of the Party should be suspended, sanctioned, intimidated or victimized on account of legitimate and lawful democratic expression or association within the ambit of the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP.
- That the list for the Imo State Chapter of the Presidential Campaign Council should be referred to the National Presidential Campaign Council for review to ensure greater inclusiveness of Party members in Imo State in compliance with the guideline set up by the Party.
- That proper democratic processes should be put in place during the Imo State Governorship Primary Election to guarantee a free and fair process for all Party members interested to participate in the Primary Election process.
- That the two contending aspirants should have a private meeting and discuss on the way forward to ensure a smooth, united and cohesive Presidential, National and State Assembly elections campaign for the 2023 general elections.
- The Vice-Presidential Candidate should meet with critical leaders for further discussion and resolution of all issues in the Imo State Chapter of our Party
- That all members of the Party in Imo State should work together to ensure victory in the forthcoming Presidential, National and State Assembly elections.
The NWC commends the Imo State PDP Stakeholders for their openness at the meeting and urged them to further unite and forge a formidable front for the tasks ahead.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
November 29, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Alerts of APC’s Plot to Disrupt Its Ondo State Presidential Campaign Rally
…Says Ondo People Cannot be Subdued
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts of plots by the rejected All Progressives Congress (APC) to orchestrate violence and disrupt the PDP Presidential Campaign Rally scheduled for Akure, Ondo State Capital on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
The APC, having lost all foothold in Ondo State and dazed by the increasing popularity of the PDP and our Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over its deflated Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has resorted to violence in a desperate bid to disrupt PDP Presidential Campaign Rally in the State.
The PDP is aware of plots by the APC to import thugs from Kogi State and station them at strategic locations along roads and intersections leading to the PDP Campaign Rally venue in Akure town to attack PDP members and other Nigerians similar to the dastardly acts APC perpetuated against the PDP in our Kaduna and Borno States rallies.
APC leaders are reportedly bragging that APC-led Ondo State Government had bribed commercial road transporters in the State not to provide transportation to PDP members and supporters so as to frustrate their movement to the venue of the PDP Presidential Campaign Rally.
The PDP states clearly that it cannot be deterred by the APC’s plots which will be firmly resisted by the people of Ondo State. The people, having gone through excruciating seven and half years of pains and hopelessness under the APC are now in total support of the PDP and Atiku Abubakar.
The APC is cautioned to note that the people of Ondo State have NEVER and will NEVER be subdued or repressed by any oppressive force. The history of Ondo people is replete with stiff resistance to oppression, repression and any attempt by anybody to disrupt their normal peaceful lives.
We therefore urge Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as the Chief Law Officer of the State to call his party members to order as he will be held responsible should there be any attack on PDP members or breakdown of Law and Order before, during and after the PDP Presidential Rally in the State.
The PDP also charges security agencies to take immediate action to halt the APC and its thugs in their nefarious plot against the people of Ondo State. Any attempt by the APC to disrupt the PDP Campaign is a direct assault against the people of Ondo State and they will definitely resist it.
For the umpteenth time, our Party calls on President Muhammadu Buhari, even in the face of the inevitable defeat of the APC in the 2023 general elections, to rein in his party members as their actions have the capacity of derailing our democratic process.
The PDP salutes and commends the people of Ondo State for their courage and determination to stand with our Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the PDP’s mission to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from the horrible misrule of the APC.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
November 29, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates its Woman Leader, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe on Birthday
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family heartily felicitates with our own dear National Woman Leader, Prof Stella Effah-Attoe, as she marks her birthday today.
Prof. Effah-Attoe is an accomplished academician, a very experienced politician, party mobilizer and unrelenting advocate for women inclusion and empowerment in our country.
The PDP congratulates Prof. Effah-Attoe on her birthday and prays to God to grant her many more years in good health to the glory of His Name.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
ECOWAS: WE MUST KEEP FAITH WITH VISION OF FOUNDING FATHERS, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI
- INSECURITY, POLITICAL INSTABILITY, RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR BIGGEST CONCERNS FACING THE REGION
President Muhammadu Buhari, Monday in Abuja, reminded legislators of the ECOWAS parliament on the need to align their programmes with those of the founding fathers of the sub-regional body.
The President, who stated this at the opening session of 2022 Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, said that “the vision of the founding fathers of ECOWAS was to have a West Africa that is integrated economically with harmonized policies, enjoying free movement of persons, goods and services, as well as seamless right to establishment.
‘‘We must continue to strive harder to attain those objectives.
‘‘Let us take advantage of existing mechanisms and our enterprising population to turn our dreams into reality.
‘‘We have the capacity to do so. Let us collaborate more and remove our outdated physical and psychological boundaries and other colonially-inspired differences so our region can fully attain its full potential,’’ he said.
On the election of members of the ECOWAS Parliament by Direct Universal Suffrage, President Buhari strongly declared his support for the process, provided it is conducted with minimum or even at no cost at all, to the Community.
Explaining Nigeria’s support for the process, he noted that ECOWAS Parliament can only fulfill its true mandate when it has a set of directly elected and dedicated Members.
‘‘I believe that a membership of the ECOWAS Parliament, not drawn from serving members of Parliaments of Member States, would be a good step towards injecting our regional integration with new energy and initiative,’’ he said.
The Nigerian leader reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS efforts, with the support of partners, to keep the region peaceful, secure and politically stable, pledging that the country would continue to support the restoration of democratic rule in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
‘‘We are convinced that the sustenance of democracy and the rule of law should remain the norm in this promising region.
‘‘There will be multiple political activities in some ECOWAS Member States, including Nigeria, where general elections are due to be held in February and March 2023.
‘‘Let me seize this opportunity to reiterate my commitment to free, fair and transparent elections and smooth transitions.
‘‘This is one legacy that I want my administration to bequeath, not only to Nigeria, but to the region as a whole,’’ he said.
Citing upcoming elections in Sierra Leone and Liberia, President Buhari declared Nigeria’s readiness to stand by any country in the region that is committed to organising free and fair elections.
The President highlighted that the global economic downturn has deeply affected the economies of member-countries and resulted in dire economic hardships for the citizens of the Community.
In this context, the President urged the parliament to perform their sacred responsibility of considering the Community budget with diligence, conscious of the sacrifice of various countries in the payment of Community Levy.
The President described threats to peace and security, political instability and the adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our economies as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine as the biggest concerns facing the region.
‘‘It is on record that the region has not rested on its oars as we have always striven to evolve effective regional mechanisms to address these challenges.
‘‘For example, at the height of the pandemic, Heads of State of ECOWAS appointed me as the ECOWAS champion on COVID-19.
‘‘Working with three Ministerial Committees comprising Member States’ Ministers of Health, Finance and Transportation, we developed an effective response by mitigating the effect of COVID-19 on our citizens.
‘‘Our efforts yielded positive results as the ECOWAS region became one of the sub-regions least affected by the pandemic, in terms of mortality rate,’’ he said.
President Buhari noted that in spite of several challenges, the regional bloc ‘‘has continued to wax stronger as a Community and has remained strong and resilient and shining example of regional integration and solidarity.’’
He lauded the Organisation for evolving in many aspects, since its formation 47 years ago.
‘‘We have recorded changes that have affected our demographic composition, as well as the social fabric of our population. We have seen our challenges increase in the face of growing aspirations and the expectations of our people,’’ he said.
President Buhari assured the parliament that the ground-breaking ceremony of the ECOWAS Commission’s headquarters in Abuja to be constructed by the Government of the Peoples Republic of China will take place on December 5, 2022.
The President who explained that the desire to create an ECOWAS complex, housing the Commission, the Parliament and the Court all in one arena, led to the delay in the formal take-off of the project, told the Parliament that as a country that believes strongly in regional integration and cooperation, Nigeria will continue to support all ECOWAS institutions domiciled within the country.
‘‘Our pledge to construct a new permanent headquarters for this Parliament remains as irrevocable and strong as ever,’’ he said.
President Buhari said he had hoped for the completion and formal commissioning of the project before leaving office in May 2023, however, the expansion of the project led to the delay.
The President expressed delight that the harmonization in drawings and other technicalities for the project have been concluded, clearing the way for the ground-breaking ceremony.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
2023 ELECTIONS: SANWO-OLU CHARGES MEDIA ON HIGH-LEVEL PROFESSIONALISM
- Urges press to shun fake news, malicious reports, hate speech
- As outstanding journalists receive NMMA merit awards
As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged Nigeria media to exercise a high level of professionalism and commitment to the ethics of the profession.
He appealed to media practitioners to discard fake news, malicious reports, hate speech, and any act that can derail Nigeria’s democracy and divide the country.
The Governor made the appeal at the 30th anniversary of the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA) held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was the Chief Host at the NMMA 30th anniversary where awards were presented to outstanding print and broadcast journalists in about 40 categories, urged the media not to shy away from showcasing Lagos State and Nigeria in good light.
He said: “Let me use this opportunity to lend my voice to the appeal by well-meaning compatriots to the media on the need to exercise a high level of professionalism and commitment to the ethics of the profession, especially as the 2023 general elections draw near.
“Even as the media holds powerful institutions to account, you must also reserve some of this scrutiny for yourselves, and ensure that there is no room for bad eggs and those who seek to bring a noble reputation into disrepute.
“The times we are in call for great circumspection, and great fidelity to the timeless principles of journalism; accuracy, fairness, balance, integrity. Your standards must never be lowered for anything, and definitely not in this age in which social media and the Internet enable the easy amplification of fake news and malicious reports, and hate speech, intended to give undue political advantage or to divide societies and derail democracy.
“I urge the media to continue to not shy away from showcasing Lagos State and Nigeria in good light, highlighting and projecting our social, economic, and cultural opportunities and potential, as we strive to attract more domestic and foreign investment into our economy, and position ourselves on the global stage.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who has received over 20 outstanding awards as Governor of the Year in many categories from different media organisations in the last three years, said his administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for media practitioners in Lagos State to thrive.
“On our part in Lagos State, we will continue to give our unflinching support to the media by being at the forefront of promoting and enabling press freedom, as well as taking steps to make our government more transparent and accountable to the people of the State and the world at large.
“Our administration is committed to providing good governance and dividends of democracy and we definitely would require the partnership and collaboration of the fourth estate of the realm as we proceed on this journey.
“Lagos and the NMMA indeed share something in common; we have continued to live up to the expectation of our founding fathers and we are both determined to set new standards of excellence and break new grounds,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended all the awardees for being found worthy of the prestigious award in different categories, adding that the “Award is a call to greater and more dedicated service, an encouragement to higher achievements through the power of your pen.”
He also congratulated the Board of Trustees and the management of Nigeria Media Merit Awards for “sustaining the vision and ideals of this platform, as conceived by the founding fathers, who would all be proud of the giant tree that the modest seed of yesterday has grown into.”
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees and management of the NMMA, Prof. Olu Obafemi, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his exemplary leadership and outstanding performance in Lagos State in the last three and half years of his first term in office.
“The Board of Trustees and the entire management of NMMA are happy with what you are doing in Lagos. We appreciate you and thank your State. We urge you to continue to perform well to deliver the goods and services in the State and to continue to be an exemplar of great works,” he said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
28 NOVEMBER 2022
November 27, 2022
Press Statement
Atiku/Okowa Campaign Congratulates Adeleke, Says His Inauguration Reactivates Better Life In Osun
The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization Congratulates Governor Ademola Adeleke on his inauguration as the sixth Governor of Osun State, assuring that his inauguration sets the stage for the streak of victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which will climax on May 29, 2023 when its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, will be sworn into office too.
The people of Osun State are the first beneficiary of the better life which the PDP will be berthing at the national level with effect from May 29, 2023.
Our campaign commends the People of Osun State for their perseverance in the last four years of pains during which their collectively hard-earned fortunes were ferried to Bourdillon by the ‘Ajele’.
We celebrate the People of Osun State for asserting themselves and liberating their state from the yoke of anguish, misrule and accompanying pains which the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come to represent in our nation.
We urge Nigerians to reinforce the feat achieved by the people of Osun State by remaining steadfast in their resolve to vote in Atiku Abubakar in the February 2023 Presidential election.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
Spokesperson
Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization
2023: DELTA PDP EXPOSES APC UNPOPULARITY AHEAD OF ITS CAMPAIGN TOUR ACROSS DELTA
Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has lampooned the State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, over the schedule and modus operandi of its Campaign itinerary, especially in Delta North Senatorial District, describing it as a clear admission of its unpopularity not only in the Senatorial zone, but across the entire Delta State.
This conclusion was contained in a terse statement by the Delta PDP State Publicity Secretary Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza who further declared that the APC campaign schedule for Delta North, is a harsh reality check on the dwindling fortunes of the opposition party, ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The statement reads: “Our attention has recently been drawn to an invitation by Delta APC to join their Governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, “as he leads the Delta APC Campaign train to Delta North Senatorial District to rekindle the hope of our people with the EDGE Agenda to Build a New Delta”.
“Of course, there is nothing wrong with the invitation, signed by the duo of Barr. Bosin Ebikeme and Chuks Erhire, the Party’s Director and Deputy Director, Directorate Of Contact and Mobilisation respectively. But, what we, however, find quite intriguing is the fact that the APC has desperately lumped minimum of Four Wards together to converge at a central location in each of the major towns in the Federal Constituencies of Delta North Senatorial zone, with the intent to shore up their numbers at the various Campaign stumps on their schedule.
“This is indeed a very loud admission and an incontrovertible indication that the APC has already realized and accepted its obvious unpopularity in Delta North and indeed Delta State as a whole and to make matters worse, the APC even asks its flagging members in the public invitation to “turn out en-masse and help Mobilise our supporters and teeming Party members to make our outings grand.”
“In its frantic and despairing attempt to hoodwink Deltans into believing that this kindergarten ploy of gathering Four Wards at a central location is strategically inspired for whatever slim gains it hopes to achieve, the APC has unfortunately and inadvertently exposed the fact that it not only lacks the presence of solid structures and personnel on ground, it also lacks any modicum of popularity and will be unable to muster a meaningful crowd if it decides to do ward-to-ward campaigns.
“Compare this then, to the pomp, pageantry, and carnival-like celebrations across Delta State as massive and tumultuous crowds of Deltans welcomed the PDP campaign teams during our recent robust and comprehensive ward-to-ward campaigns which was a runaway success from every indication.
“Deltans indeed not only demonstrated an outpouring of love and trust for the PDP, but loudly and in one voice, chorused a unanimous endorsement for all our candidates, charging them to “bow and carry go”, as landslide victory in the 2023 general elections was already a “fait accompli”; a done deal.
“We will not grudge or diminish the tedious but potentially wasted effort which the APC will deploy to at least seek to enjoy some few moments of cameo recognition in the limelight, as they embark on their futile quest to assemble minimum of Four Wards together at every campaign ground in Delta North to give the impression that they are popular.
“Our own Ward-to-Ward Campaigns has already proved that PDP is on ground and we are the number one party in Delta State, it has once again consolidated the fact beyond reasonable doubt that Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta.”
PDP! Power to the People!!
Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.
