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…says Tinubu stands with Nigerians
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the House would have no option but to reconvene before the February 25 elections if the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) failed to address the hardships Nigerians face due to the currency swap policy.
The speaker said the House would continue to monitor the CBN’s implementation of the policy closely following the Green Chamber’s meeting with the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, on the issue.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with some ethnic groups in Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday, Gbajabiamila said he was on the verge of signing an arrest warrant against Emefiele following his initial failure to appear before an ad hoc panel of the House.
“The House of Representatives intervened on several occasions. We summoned the CBN governor the first time and again, but he refused to answer, because we had many hard questions for him.
“It was until I issued the threat of warrant of arrest before he came, and I would’ve signed that warrant; it would’ve been the first time in the history of National Assembly that a CBN governor would be arrested. I would’ve done it.
“Many have argued on the independence of CBN, the autonomy of CBN. That does not make CBN above the law. The constitution gives the House the power to issue an arrest warrant against anyone, we can summon anybody, and that was exactly what the House was going to do until the CBN governor came.
“So, we are watching, and we are monitoring very closely. If need be, we will reconvene the House, even though we’ve all been away for our elections. I will call the House back, if need be.”
Gbajabiamila also said that amidst the ongoing hardship, the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has identified with Nigerians and faulted the implementation of the policy at this time, which necessitated the extension of the deadline for the collection of the old currency.
“On the currency swap, let me explain something to you. We are all very intelligent people. Many are suffering, we have paid your salary, and you cannot withdraw it; people cannot eat, what kind of thing is that?
“But I have news for you. There’s one man who is running for president of this country, and that man has courage and audacity. This man came out boldly and identified the problem, that the fifth columnists, in cooperation with the PDP are the ones trying to sabotage this election.
“Many have said he’s talking about Buhari, but he told them ‘no, I’m not talking about Buhari; I’m talking about fifth columnists.’ If you don’t know the meaning of fifth columnists, go and check your dictionary. Fifth columnists infiltrate people, they even infiltrate families, otherwise how do you explain this type of policy?
“The president, being a compassionate person that he is, has asked for a few more days to look at everything that is going on and see if anything could change. We pray that things will change. If nothing changes, we will intervene again, but be sure of one thing: that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands with you and stands with Nigerians in their suffering.
“He was the first to shout that what is going on? He has cried, he has begged, he has screamed that people are suffering, what did the PDP candidate say? He said, ‘no, CBN don’t listen to them; you must not extend this thing; let people continue to suffer.’ That is what the PDP candidate said. He said it publicly.
“So, you have the tale of two presidential candidates: one who stands with the people and says this currency swap must stop; the second one says,’ no, it cannot stop, it’s a good policy. CBN, don’t listen to him. Let the people continue to suffer.’ I leave the rest to you to determine who is with you and who is against you.”
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila held Town Hall with ethnic groups in Surulere, Lagos on Sunday, Feb 5, 2023.
The town hall meeting was also attended by the APC Lagos Central Senatorial candidate, Rt. Hon. Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, APC state assembly candidate, Surulere 1, Lagos, Hon. Desmond Elliot, Surulere Council Chairman, Hon Bamidele Suleiman Yusuf, leaders and members of the Ndigbo community, South-South assembly and Arewa community in Surulere and many other stakeholders.
PRESS STATEMENT
Akeredolu Appoints Aremo As New ODIEC Chairman
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, has approved the appointment of Dr. Joseph Igbekele Aremo as the new Chairman of Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC).
Equally, the Governor approved the reappointment of members of the Commission. They are as follows:
- Dr. Soji Omowole
- Oladele Akinyelure, Esq.
iii. Mr. Adeleye Olatunde Adeniyi
- Mrs. Stella Omotoso
- Mr. Rotimi Olorunfemi
- Dr. Ibraheem Tajudeen Ojo
Their names have been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for clearance and confirmation.
The Governor urged the lawmakers to give timely consideration and approval to his request.
Signed :
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
February 9, 2023.
February 10, 2023
Press Statement
PDP Expels Nnamani, Ogbu, Ajijola Others from the Party
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its 566th meeting today, Friday, February 10, 2023, approved the expulsion of the following individuals from the Party for anti-Party activities and other grave offences in violation of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017)
Those expelled from the Party are:
- Senator Chimaroke Nnamani – (Enugu State)
- Hon. Chris Ogbu – (Imo State)
Others are:
- Ajijola Lateef Oladimeji -(Ekiti Central)
- Olayinka James Olalere -(Ekiti Central II)
- Fayose Oluwajomiloju John -(Ekiti Central I)
- Akerele Oluyinka -(Ekiti North I)
- Emiola Adenike Jennifer -(Ekiti South II)
The expulsion takes effect from today, Friday, February 10, 2023.
The decision of the NWC is sequel to the recommendation of the National Disciplinary Committee and pursuant to Sections 58 and 59 (1)(g) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
The PDP charges all members of our Party across the country to remain united and focused on the mission of our Party to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from misrule.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI, TINUBU TO SULTAN:
WE WANT TO WIN THESE ELECTIONS
President Muhammadu Buhari and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the Presidential elections 16 days ahead, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Thursday took an important message to the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III: “We have come here to ask for your support and blessings; we want to win the coming elections.”
Asiwaju Tinubu, the first to speak and the first to bait the Sultan, said plainly to leader of the Sokoto Caliphate: “I have come to be presented to you as Candidate. The President and Commander-in-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari is here in person to do that. I want to win the election. Is there a way you will decline the request of the President?”
Echoing the same line, President Buhari said, “my wish is for your support and blessings; we want to win.”
He went on to narrate the qualities of the candidates, including their common belief and commitment to the unity and progress of every section of the country.
He said he had associated with Asiwaju for more than 20 years and did not have any reservations in supporting him as the candidate of the APC.
The President said Tinubu’s greatest strength was in his effective governance of Lagos, the country’s former Capital, a business hub and home to diverse individuals from all over Nigeria for two terms; his commitment to democracy; as well as his role at the center as a Senator.
He said his message to Nigerians is that they should trust Tinubu with power to succeed him because the APC candidate, supported by Kashim Shettima, the running mate will build on the successes of his administration.
In his response, His Eminence, Sultan Abubakar III, declared that being an apolitical father of all and custodian of culture, he would continue to receive everyone that sought the blessing of the throne, telling President Buhari that many had come before him for the same purpose while many more would still come.
“We will continue to pray for our nation. We cannot be tired of praying and will continue to advocate for peaceful and free elections in our fatherland,” the Sultan further said.
He assured President Buhari that the Caliphate was behind him as he sought to ensure free and fair elections, noting that the President’s commitment to be present at the next signing of the Peace Accord by the political parties underscored his administration’s desire to bequeath to the nation a credible electoral process.
Speaking before an unprecedented crowd at the Giginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto, the venue of the party’s Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign rally, President Buhari said that as the party’s Presidential candidate who had been nominated by the party in a free, fair and democratic primary, it was incumbent on all members to work towards the success of the party in the forthcoming elections across the state and at all levels.
He remarked that Senator Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima were men who understand the problems of Nigeria, having been in politics as two-time Governors in their respective states and would proffer solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria.
Also present at the rally were the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the party leader who got a great deal of attention at the rally, as well as other party stalwarts.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 9, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES WORK PLAN FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Ø ENERGY TRANSITION PLAN AND OFFICE NOW SUBSUMED INTO CLIMATE COUNCIL
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja approved a work plan for the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).
The President conveyed his approval at the inaugural meeting of the Council chaired by him, with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as Vice Chairman and the Director-General of NCCC, Dr Salisu Dahiru, as Secretary, among other members.
The President also approved the deployment of staff from key Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to the Council to ensure its effective take-off.
Responding to a number of requests by the Director-General of the Council, on ensuring a smooth take-off and operationalization of the Council, President Buhari approved the proposed Institutional Arrangement, (Organogram) for the Council, as presented.
He also okayed the operationalization of the office space to provide a conducive working environment for the Council and development of Open Market Carbon Trading Framework and Infrastructure (Phase I) in collaboration with M/S Rosehill Group Limited.
At the meeting, the President approved that the Energy Transition Plan and Office be subsumed into the NCCC to ensure continuity and sustainability of the initiative in accordance with the Climate Change Act 2021.
The President also endorsed the Council as the Designated National Authority for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the DG, NCCC as the UNFCCC National Focal Point, in line with the Climate Change Act 2021.
Commending the management for their dedication to duty, the President urged the team to work diligently toward finalising the National Climate Action Plan.
He noted that the Plan would provide the sustainable framework for all climate related activities in Nigeria and also provide surest tool for engagement with the global community.
The President recalled that he had assented to the Bill setting up the National Council on Climate Change, which was followed by the appointment of the Director-General and subsequent inauguration of the Council on the 28th September, 2022.
‘‘Today with this inaugural meeting, and in line with the objectives of the Act, also in tandem with my commitments both in Glasgow COP-26 in 2021 and Sharm el Sheikh COP-27 in 2022, we are stepping up commitments by considering the consolidated memorandum presented by the Director-General.
‘‘Accordingly, I have examined the requests by the Director-General and have agreed to the general terms of the intent of the memorandum on the need to operationalize the Council.
‘‘You will recall that during the inauguration of the Council in September, 2022, I gave directives for the amendment of the Act establishing the National Council on Climate Change, to include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Federal Ministry of Science & Technology and Innovation as members of Council, also to reduce the number of offices across 36 States of the Federation to avoid bureaucracy, and ensure a smooth and faster process in achieving the purpose of the Organization.
‘‘I also noted that the Act takes out the State Commissioners of Environment as members of Council or their representatives. There is no transitional provision capturing the work of the Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Energy Transition.
‘‘Furthermore, there is provision for the establishment of an Executive Management Structure at the Secretariat to support the Director-General in running the Council Secretariat etc.
‘‘I however note the update earlier presented by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation on the amendment efforts and hereby direct the Attorney General to liaise with the Honourable Minister of Environment to proceed on the amendment processes and report back to Council,’’ he said.
The Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, said with the unflinching support of the President, Nigeria is set to take the lead on climate change issues, biodiversity, wild life conservation and energy transition plan implementation in Africa in line with her commitments under the UNFCCC.
He thanked the President for his strong leadership of the Pan Africa Agency of the Great Green Wall (PAGGW), the Sahel and Sahara Initiative , Climate Commission of the Sahel Region and the Lake Chad Basin Development Authority.
Dahiru, the Director-General of the Council, while presenting the first memorandum of the agency that is leading Nigeria’s response to Climate Change apprised members on the need to operationalize the body.
According to him, since the inauguration of the 23–member Council by the President, the Secretariat has developed a draft Institutional Arrangement (Organogram) for the Council; proposed vision and mission of the Council; inclusion of the Council in the 2023 National Budget and harmonised Nigeria’s response to climate change for COP27.
Among other actions, Dahiru said they have held discussions with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria Ltd (INFRACORP), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and other relevant partners to ensure success.
‘‘The Council has developed a proposed institutional organogram that has the Director General as the Head/CEO of the Secretariat, and reports to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, being the Chairman of the Council, and 6 (six) Directorates and different Divisions for an effective implementation of its mandates,’’ he said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 10, 2023
PRESS STATEMENT
NOT JUST A SLIP OF TONGUE, PDP HAS REALLY BROUGHT SHAME TO NIGERIA
The unravelling of the depraved Peoples Democratic Party reached extreme absurdity yesterday when its National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu while campaigning in Kano, declared that the party brought shame to Nigeria. Ayu’s verdict on his own party should not be seen as a mere slip of tongue.
It was truly an articulation of the inner mind of the former academic and senate president, a self-admission of the egregious failing of the party when it was in charge of our country for 16 years.
Ayu’s viral statement that “PDP has brought us shame and we will not retain them in power”, concurs with the general verdict that the party failed the country and its people and should never be given a chance to return to power.
One of the recent reminders of the failure of the umbrella party was the Ajaokuta Steel Complex. The party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar as head of the Obasanjo era privatisation programme, granted Global Steel a concession in 2004 to take over the company.
Another PDP government cancelled the concession when it found out that it was a mess. Global Steel took Nigerian government to court and demanded $7 billion compensation, even though it failed to fulfil the terms of the concession by making Ajaokuta a reality.
The case lingered for 12 years until the APC administration of President Muhammadu Buhari stepped in. Global Steel agreed to end its legal battle and walk away with $496 million of Nigeria’s money.
As the Minister of Information revealed recently, the Buhari government, which has been clearing many messes left by the successive PDP administration, made a bulk payment of $250 million and agreed to pay the balance in five instalments. Till date, Buhari has paid a total of $446 million out of the $496 million. The Buhari government will make the last payment of $50 million next month and Ajaokuta will revert fully to the country and allow the implementation of government’s plan, including Russian intervention, to make the company operational.
Without showing any remorse and shame, Atiku Abubakar recently went to Kogi state, the home of the unfortunate Steel company to make another empty promise of reviving the company.
Atiku probably wanted to cash in on the short memory of our people as his party has been going about with the conman campaign of recovering Nigeria, when it created, in the first place, the monumental damage that APC government has been struggling to fix for almost eight years.
While in charge of Nigeria, the PDP also left our national infrastructure, roads, rail, airports derelict. Notably, Atiku and his boss, Obasanjo failed to deliver on vital road networks, including roads to their towns. The APC government of President Buhari has now done the road to Atiku’s town in Jada, Adamawa State.
Worst of all and most callously, the PDP shared the $2.1 billion meant to procure arms to fight Boko Haram insurgency, making our soldiers vulnerable to the superior weaponry of the enemies of the state and allowing insecurity to fester.
In its degenerated state, the PDP in the last few days has been making outlandish claims and raising false alarms to just grab the headlines because the party and its perennial presidential candidate have nothing tangible to tell Nigerians because of their sordid past. If PDP campaign spokesmen are not making false claims of Billions being stashed away by our presidential candidate, their sleepwalking Director-General, Aminu Tambuwal who has no record of any achievement in Sokoto State, where he has been Governor for almost eight years, will construct imaginary plan by APC to hack INEC server and BVAS.
Nigerians, we believe, know the true hackers. Atiku’s PDP did so in 2019 and may well be planning to do so this month. PDP has become a danger to itself and a big threat to our country that must be finally exterminated from our body politic by Nigerians through their votes against the party that set our country back.
In our view, Iyorchia Ayu did not suffer slip of the tongue. He was only reflecting an inner guilt about the grave damage his party inflicted on our country for 16 years.
In the coming elections, Nigerians should never make the error of allowing this discredited party smell the scent of power. Iyorchia’s PDP has not learnt any lesson and has not changed its behaviour. The Nigerian voters should simply consign it to the dustbin of history, while keeping faith with the APC, which offers Renewed Hope.
Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media & Publicity
APC Presidential Campaign Council
February 10, 2023
Press Release
Bro Obuah Applauds SIM VANGUARD For Donating Campaign Materials For PDP Gov’ship Campaign
The Director General of Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Campaign Council, Bro Felix Obuah has lauded the Chairman of Board of Trustees of SIM VANGUARD, Comrade Marvin Yobana for donating various campaign materials to the campaign council to further facilitate the campaign of the State PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Bro. Obuah made the commendation on Thursday, February 9, 2023 when, he received the campaign items which include branded seminar bags, exercise books, campaign flyers and reflective vests bearing the PDP Logo and photographs of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
The Director General of the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Bro Obuah who was full of praises for Comrade Yobana’s insightful thought and open mindedness assured that the campaign items will be judiciously distributed to the PDP supporters across the State.
He called on other admirers and supporters of the PDP and the governorship candidate, Sir Fubara in particular to emulate the kind gestures of Comrade Marvin Yobana.
Bro Obuah also lauded the foresight of the BoT Chairman of the SIM VANGUARD, Comrade Yobana, describing his appreciation of Sir Siminalayi Fubara as well placed because he (Fubara) is destined to be governor come 2023.
“Rivers people will indeed be happier under the administration of Sir Sim Fubara based on his commitment to team work and compassion for the masses. Besides, he is a very humble and honest gentleman,” Bro Obuah noted.
Earlier, while making the donations, the BoT Chairman of SIM VANGUARD, Comrade Marvin Yobana said he was motivated to contribute to Sir Sim’s Campaign efforts because of his conviction of Fubara’s capacity to replicate the political sagacity and leadership excellence of the state governor, Chief Barr Nyesom Wike.
According to him, Gov Wike has set the pace by establishing the right path of good and inclusive governance for the incoming political office holders in the State to follow.
Comrade Yobana who had earlier donated three vehicles to the Ogoni SIM VANGUARD also promised to donate more vehicles for ease of movement as the governorship campaign progresses.
Jerry Needam
Secretary,
Directorate of Publicity & Communication
Rivers State PDP Campaign Council
Friday, February 10, 2023
