October 1, 2023
Press Statement
…Says Independence Speech Exposes Unpreparedness
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) asserts that the 63rd Independence Day Address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is empty, bereft of ideas and merely aspirational in the wrong direction especially in the face of the harrowing and life-discounting experiences being encountered by Nigerians under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations.
President Tinubu’s admission in his speech that his administration is responsible for the current excruciating hardship in the country validates PDP’s position that the Tinubu-led government lacks the competence, capacity, required skills and humaneness to effectively run the affairs of the nation.
The PDP insists that Nigerians do not need to pass through agonizing hardship as being excused by President Tinubu if the nation is run by a government that has the required vision and skills to harness and manage our economic potentials, national comparative advantage and expanded value chain that abound in our vast but dormant productive sector.
The expectation of Nigerians on a day like this was for a Presidential speech that will provide concrete solution to critical challenges of the nation including security as well as the crisis in the electricity and petroleum sectors.
Indeed, any serious government with requisite capacity and vision will set a Marshall Plan on every critical sector which have capacity to galvanize and stimulate the economy through job creation.
Our Party holds that the manifest non-preparedness and hasty implementation of ill-planned policies by the current APC administration triggered a catastrophic economic failure with unprecedented crippling effect on the productive sector and agonizing hardship on Nigerians.
The ill-planned policies led to the closure and mass exodus of many multinational companies from our country, disabled millions of Small and Medium Enterprises and resulted to massive loss of jobs across the country.
It is troubling that President Tinubu’s speech also had no clear-cut measures to revamp the critical sectors of manufacturing, agriculture, food production, transportation, healthcare, education and other pivotal sectors of life in the country.
The President’s speech articulated no solutions to the fall of the Naira from N187 to the US Dollar under the PDP to over N1000 under his watch; no answers to the alarming over 40% unemployment rate and the fact that Nigerians are now daily fleeing the country in droves.
Furthermore, it is heartrending that the President’s speech had no words on the mindless killings, maiming, abductions and mass burial of citizens in various parts of the country under his watch. He had no reassuring words on the abduction of students in Zamfara State as well as other victims of such dastardly acts across the country.
On the much-touted welfare package, the PDP asserts that there is nothing to cheer over such spiteful tokenism where, amidst unbearable costs, President Tinubu announced a miserable N25,000 per month for six months for average low-grade workers, while still being aspirational on his promise of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.
It is also certain, from antecedents, that the promised cash transfer programs to an additional 15 million vulnerable households, would be another conduit pipe to divert public fund to corrupt APC leaders.
Our Party invites Nigerians to note that President Tinubu’s speech has left no one in doubt that the APC administration has no plans, capacity and competence to handle the crucial and urgent task of governance; which is clearly beyond its managerial faculty.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
October 2, 2023
Press Statement
Nasarawa Guber: PDP Congratulates Ombugadu, Savours Victory at Election Tribunal
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates its candidate in the March 18 Governorship Election in Nasarawa State, David Ombugadu, on his victory at the Election Petition Tribunal which today upheld the Will of the people and declared him winner of the election.
The unfaultable verdict of the Tribunal is victory for Democracy and the triumph of the Will of the people of Nasarawa State in their quest to liberate their State from the stranglehold of corrupt, oppressive and manipulative forces.
The spontaneous jubilation across Nasarawa State and other States of the federation shows that the judgment of the Tribunal is in line with aspiration and choice of majority of the people of Nasarawa State in their resolve to return Nasarawa State to the path of peace and economic development on the platform of the PDP.
Our Party commends the Nasarawa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal for its courage in upholding the Will of the people and showing that indeed, the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man.
This Tribunal judgment points to the fact that the outcome of a proper application of the laws, rules and facts by the judiciary, as witnessed in this case, will always confirm and validate the will of the people.
Our Party salutes the resoluteness, courage and dexterity of the good people of Nasarawa State in insisting that their Will as expressed at that election be upheld.
The PDP charges the people of Nasarawa State to remain united, peaceful and at alert as a new dawn breaks in their State.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESS STATEMENT
Independence Day: Governor Akeredolu Calls For Concerted Efforts In Rebuilding Nigeria
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has called on all Nigerians to unite with the country’s leadership in the task of rebuilding the nation towards peace, progress, and development.
Governor Akeredolu stressed that now is the time for Nigerians to demonstrate their dedication to national development and nation-building.
While describing the nation’s diversity as a strength, the Governor indicated that the country must purposefully leverage this diversity for growth and development.
Governor Akeredolu expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome the current socio-economic difficulties to emerge more prosperous and stronger.
He pointed out that the challenges stemming from the removal of the fuel subsidy should not erode the nation’s collective trust. Instead, he said these obstacles should reinforce the people’s belief in Nigeria’s promising future.
Governor Akeredolu emphasised the importance of consciously upholding the principles of national unity and nation-building as a pathway to peace and prosperity.
On the 63rd Independence Anniversary, the Governor advocated unity and hope throughout the nation.
“Despite today’s challenges, our hope and trust must remain unshaken. Our journey towards a prosperous and secure future has just begun. We must continually interrogate every issue that hinders the development and greatness of our beloved nation.
“We will persist in our efforts to foster true federalism. We must be dedicated to addressing the root causes of our national issues. The welfare of our people should accelerate our resolve for development.” He said.
Governor Akeredolu stressed that the task of rebuilding the nation requires the contribution of every citizen.
He reiterated absolute confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and assured Nigerians of the country’s progress under Tinubu’s administration.
The Governor appealed to all Nigerians, regardless of tribal affiliations, to unite in the task of rebuilding Nigeria. He affirmed that it is through these collective efforts that the nation can realise its maximum potential.
“As we celebrate Independence Day, I congratulate all Nigerians. I urge us to remain steadfast in our faith in a better and prosperous Nigeria.”
The Governor called on every citizen to contribute to the nation’s development while fostering peace, unity, and progress in all endeavors.
Governor Akeredolu assured that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, and with the proactive participation of the Nigerian people, the nation will overcome its challenges and emerge as a beacon of hope and prosperity.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 1, 2023.
63rd Independence: Building Strong Institutions Will Strengthen Our Democracy, Says Omo-Agege
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called on Nigerians to work assiduously for the strengthening of institutions of governance to make democracy more responsive to the yearnings of the people.
In an Independence goodwill message to Nigerians, Senator Omo-Agege who is also the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State said all levels of government – federal, states and local governments – should be involved in the task so that all institutions in our democratic dispensation fulfill their constitutional tasks and responsibilities.
Mr. Sunny Areh, Media Adviser to the former Deputy Senate President, in a press release quoted him as saying that with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man who he said believes in constitutional democracy as President, Nigerians should join hands with him to build strong institutions.
“I believe Nigeria is lucky at this time to have President Bola Tinubu leading the charge. He has a sterling record in strengthening the institutions of government, of upholding the various arms’ independence and of making democracy work for the people from his time as governor. In the challenging times we are in, the best recipe for restoring Nigeria is to ensure that all institutions stand firmly as envisaged in the constitution. This should be the case in states and local government areas, not just the federal government”, he said.
Omo-Agege stated that there is no alternative route to securing and strengthening democratic rule than through strong institutions, especially at state and local government levels.
As the country tinkers with the imperative of devolving more powers to states, he said the three arms outside the federal level must correspondingly be strengthened and their independence upheld vigorously.
“When institutions at the levels of government closer to the people are strong, then actual power will devolve to the people and our democracy will be the better for it”, Omo-Agege said.
After over 24 years of unbroken democratic rule and 63 years of Independence, he said “Nigeria is ripe enough to be counted not just as a bastion of democratic rule but a defender of democracy”.
He congratulated President Tinubu, the National Assembly and Nigerians generally, noting the prevailing economic challenges are global and only a concerted approach and collaboration with other democratic governments elsewhere will hasten the country’s return to sustainable development.
He wished Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.
Signed
Sunny Areh
Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES HOUSE SPEAKER, RT. HON. TAJUDEEN ABBAS, AT 58
President Bola Tinubu warmly felicitates with the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as the reputable public servant attains his new age of 58 on Nigeria’s Independence Day.
The President shares in the joy of Nigerians and well-wishers from around the world as they celebrate the humble Prince of Zazzau Emirate on his special day, particularly in view of his landmark contributions to the nation’s House of Representatives as the legislator who sponsored the highest number of bills in the 8th Assembly between 2015 and 2019, before sponsoring a record-breaking 74 bills, out of which 21 were signed into law, in the 9th Assembly between 2019 and 2023.
The President notes that the Iyan Zazzau had equally served in numerous Committees in the House, such as Commerce, Finance, Special Duties, Defence, Public Procurement, amongst others, before emerging as the House Speaker through an election which recorded the greatest winning coalition vote in Nigerian Speakership election history with an overwhelming majority of 353 votes out of 359 votes cast.
President Tinubu prays that God Almighty will continue to grant the respected academician greater wisdom and strength as the Speaker successfully sustains the worthy legacy of stable and productive leadership in the House of Representatives from the hallowed seat in determined pursuit of the actualization of the Renewed Hope agenda of the governing All Progressives’ Congress-led administration of the President.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 1, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU FELICITATES WITH GENERAL IPOOLA ALANI AKINRINADE AS HE TURNS 84
President Bola Tinubu congratulates the former Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Staff, General Ipoola Alani Akinrinade (rtd), on the occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary on October 3, 2023.
The President offers his heartfelt tribute to the highly esteemed elder statesman for his remarkable and enduring contributions to the advancement of Nigeria, both during his military service and as a civic leader following his retirement from active duty.
Recalling General Akinrinade’s excellent service to the nation during his time serving as an Honourable Minister in the Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources, Industries, and Transport, the President emphasizes that the General’s relentless dedication to the public good is a most worthy example for future generations of Nigerians to emulate.
“His selfless service to our country has greatly contributed to national development,” the President affirmed.
Beyond his official contributions, the President fondly remembers General Akinrinade’s substantial participation in the affairs of NADECO during the tenure of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, and applauds the elder statesman’s bold and courageous efforts during those turbulent times in the nation’s history.
President Tinubu expresses the fervent hope that Pa Akinrinade’s stellar qualities of integrity, self-discipline and excellence as both a public officer and as a gentleman will continue to inspire servicemen and all citizens alike.
The President prays that God Almighty will grant the revered statesman sustained health and fulfillment in the years ahead.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 2, 2023
