Politics

Peter Obi: Coalition backs Obasanjo, Ortom, Edwin Clark, other’s endorsement

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) on Wednesday threw its weight behind the former president Olusegun Obasanjo, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, the South-South leader and elder Statesman Chief Edwin Clark over the endorsement of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi for the February elections.

Recall that Obasanjo, Ortom, Clark and other individuals had in the last few days, declared Peter Obi their preferred presidential candidate for the coming poll.

Reacting, the coalition in a statement issued on Wednesday by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, said the move by the patriotic Nigerians showed that they mean well for the country.

According to the coalition, those kicking against the endorsement are in support of the country’s current economic and security woes.

“Anyone who is against these men of good conscience is just telling Nigerians that he/she is comfortable with the price of fuel selling at N600 per litre, exchange rate of N720 for $1, insecurity and other social vices that have taken over the entire nation.

“We commend the boldness of Governor Samuel Ortom, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Chief Edwin Clark to say the minds of Nigerians who have no means of doing so”, the statement added.

Atiku, Obi, Kwankwanso, Tinubu are my pals, I can’t back one, leave others - Ngige

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has said he will not work for the emergence of any of the presidential candidates, in the February election.

Ngige who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the four frontline presidential candidates are his friends, and that he will not campaign for or against any of them.

The Minister stated this on Wednesday, in his country home in Alor while speaking to journalists.

He urged Nigerians to rather look at the programmes of the candidates and determine which of them was better than the other, and vote right.

When prodded further on which of the candidates he thinks may win the election, Ngige said he would not like to predict, insisting Nigerians should be allowed to choose who they want to be their president.

Giving an account of his personal relationship with each of the frontline presidential candidates, Ngige said: “Malam Kwankwaso, is my friend, I know him too as deputy speaker when he was deputizing Agunwa Anekwe, one of our party’s strong men.

“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Vice President (former) the Federal Republic of Nigeria was the man who was in the helm of affairs when I was ‘kidnapped’- when I was shoved out of office.

“He was standing in for Mr President (Obasanjo), who was in Maputo, and he ordered the Inspector General of Police then, to reinstate me to office.

“I also worked with him in the economic team- National Economic Council as the Vice President. So, I know him, and he is a friend of mine, and we also formed AC together.

“Peter Obi, my brother, my successor and my everything, I know him too and he is a friend. So, how do I campaign against any of them?

“Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my friend again – supportive. During trying times; we formed AC together. I became the known opposition Senator in the Eastern Region under the auspices and platform of the ACN. So, he is not somebody I don’t know.”

2023: Kwankwaso in Delta promised 500 classrooms, massive employment

By Christiana Ekpa

The presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on Wednesday urged the people of Delta State to support and vote for the party in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

Kwankwaso made the call during a remark shortly after he commissioned the campaign office of Hon. Onochie Anthony Ochie in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State.

He said the NNPP is a national party to beat in the whole of Nigeria.

Kwankwaso also called on all NNPP candidates to work towards ensuring the victory of the party at the polls.

Kwakwaso promised to build 500 classrooms in three years, take children off the streets and create massive employment for the people.

Earlier, NNPP House of Representative Candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Hon. Onochie Anthony Ochie welcomed Kwankwaso to Ogwashi-Uku for the commissioning of his campaign office.

PDP to hold mega rally for Atiku in Ekiti South

By Musa Baba Adamu

Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, the director of the Atiku Campaign Council, Ekiti South, Professor Kolapo Olusola has announced January 12th as the day for mother of all rallies in the senatorial district.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti, Professor Kolapo disclosed that a committee to ensure a successful rally has been set up with Wale Ayeni as chairman. Others are Omotoso Asebiomo (Ikere), Arike Ogunkorede (Gbonyin), Sade Akinrinmola (Gbonyin), Adeyinka Adeyemi (EKSW), Ogunlade Kehinde (Ise-Orun), Chief Titilayo Oguntuase (Emure), Segun Akanle (East East) and Tunde Olaiya (IseOrun).

He said that the move was part of efforts to ensure that the PDP candidate emerges as the next president of the country.

The former deputy governor urged members of the committee to ensure that the rally is a successful one and justify the confidence reposed in them.

Shekarau resigns from APC Campaign Council, cites personal reasons

By Christiana Ekpa

Ahead of next month’s general election, a former lawmaker who represented Birnin Gwari/Giwa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Hassan Adamu Shekarau, has resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter dated January 3, 2023 and made available to journàlists in Abuja on Wednesday, the former Kaduna State lawmaker cited personal reasons for leaving the party.

While he thanked members of the APC in Kaduna State who have supported him in times past, it could not be confirmed whether he would join the Peoples Democratic Party.

Part of the letter read: “This is to convey to you my decision to resign as a member of the All Progressives Congress with effect from 3rd January, 2023.”

Recall that Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is serving his second tenure which will end on May 29, 2023, while his closest ally and Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial district, Uba Sani is the APC governorship candidate.

I’ll win 2023 presidential election – Tinubu

The APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday in Kano State, expressed optimism that his party would capture Kano State and Nigeria as a whole, come 2023 elections.

Tinubu, who was accorded a rousing reception by the people of the state, was in Kano for the flagoff of the Northwest presidential campaign rally.

He thanked the people of the state for their overwhelming turn out, support and cooperation.

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje appealed to the party supporters to vote for APC from top to bottom in the forthcoming general elections.

He assured the APC presidential candidate that the Kano people’s votes were for APC, saying the people have seen dividends of democracy provided by the APC administration.

The governor said the party acknowledged and was motivated by the mammoth crowd that received the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Kano.

“The success of the rally is a clear statement and demonstration of the preference of Kano people as regards the choices before them.

“The support for Gawun/ Garo is a vote of confidence for our governorship candidate and his deputy,” NAN quoted me as saying.

Ganduje said that Tinubu had the character, capacity and competence to provide leadership that everyone would be proud of in the country. (NAN)

POLITICS

2023 polls: Peter Obi biggest reason Tinubu will emerge victorious – Keyamo

By Musa Baba Adamu

The spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council, Festus Keyamo has said Peter Obi, Labour Party’s flag bearer is the biggest reason his party’s candidate Ahmed Bola Tinubu will win the forthcoming presidential election.

Keyamo made this disclosure on Wednesday in an interview programme on a television station.

While reacting to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and ex-commissioner Edwin Clark’s endorsement of Peter Obi, Keyamo said similar action occurred in the 2019 elections, but all resulted in nothing.

“When we say that Peter Obi is the greatest weapon Asiwaju Tinubu has, people do not understand what we are saying. I can say it openly now because it is too late to pull out; Peter Obi is the biggest reason why Ahmed Bola Tinubu would win the 2023 election. On a lighter note, on the day of swearing in of Tinubu as President, I will beg that Peter Obi is given the front seat; he will sit near Tinubu as his best friend”, he said.

2023: NNPP tackles FG over increase

in University registration fees

By Christiana Ekpa

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has tackled the All Progressive Congress (APC) administration over the recently revised registration fees for undergraduate students by universities.

NNPP gubernatorial candidate in Jigawa State, Malam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim stated this yesterday after presenting flags to the candidates of the Jigawa North West Senatorial zone at Gumel.

He said the APC administration had made life miserable for Nigerian citizens by creating unnecessary poverty through its impoverished policies and programs.

According to him” Universities have increased their registration fees, making it difficult for the poor families to send their children to universities or complete their studies”

“For a student who wants to study science courses must pay about N200,000 or above as registration fees in some of the Universities”

“For years Federal Government has failed overtime to invest fully in the sustenance of tertiary education thereby shifting the burden to parents”

“Therefore it is unfair for the Federal Government to shift the burden on parents with the poor minimum wage and other unnecessary hardship”

Ringim explained that voting for the PDP or APC is like jumping from frying pan to fire.

He said Nigerians should think about the difficulties they have gone through during the PDP and APC administrations and make the right decision in the general elections.

He also urged Nigerians to consider voting for competency and not allow politicians to change their minds with money.

“Look at all the candidates in the NNPP and other parties, vote for us if we a competent and don’t vote for us if we a not, “Ringim stated.

L-R: 2nd Deputy President, Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), Prof. Suleiman Aruwa; President, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub and member Board of Trustees, Fatima Muhammadu Buhari, during a press conference and unveiling of its Institute as Chartered by Statute and the tasks ahead in combating corruption in Nigeria in Abuja yesterday.

Obasanjo correcting past mistakes – LP National Vice Chairman, Reuben

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Labour Party (LP) has said former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of Peter Obi is a move by Obasanjo to correct past mistakes as president.

The South-South National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, Felix Reuben made the observation in an interview on Wednesday.

Reuben also faulted those criticizing Obi for associating with former leaders of the country who they have accused of running the country aground.

He noted that Obi’s association with Obasanjo will enable him to learn some lessons to equip him for the job ahead.

He said: “Today I want to say that Obasanjo is correcting any mistake he had made. He has seen that when he was president there were certain things he couldn’t do.

“He has seen that Peter Obi can do better than he did and the best thing for him to do as a statesman is to endorse and work for this man.”

The Labour Party leader called on every other leader including governors to join in endorsing Obi for the future of the country.

Reject politician who discriminate, tamper with your rights – Group tells Muslims

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars (CYMS) in Nigeria have advised Islam adherents to reject candidates who will deny their fundamental human rights during the general elections.

The group tasked Muslims to reject candidates who will discriminate against them during the 2023 general elections.

The scholars made the call on Wednesday while addressing newsmen at the premises of Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja Oba area of Ibadan.

Secretary General, CYMS, Professor Abideen Olaiya, who addressed journalists on behalf of President-General, Shaykh Abdur-Rasheed Mayaleke, said the group aligns with the position of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria that Muslims should vote for candidates that can guarantee their fundamental human rights without discrimination.

Olaiya condemned the purported invitation of the Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Professor Ishaq Lakin Akintola, by someone claiming to be calling from the Ibadan office of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS) over a press statement criticising the government of Oyo State over infringement on the rights of Muslim students.

The group advised the DSS to be professional in its dealings and understand that religious matters are very sensitive and volatile.

It cautioned the organisation not to be used to test the strength of Muslims in the South-West.

It added that injustice against the MURIC director would be considered an attack on Muslims in Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

The group maintained that the security outfit should also remember its purposes of creation and not dabble in matters that could attract hatred to the security outfit.

The group said, “It is unfortunate that religious leaders that should be busy propagating righteousness are now being drawn full-blown into murky waters of partisan politics.

“We hereby align with the position of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria that all Muslims should go out and vote for candidates that can guarantee their fundamental human rights without discrimination and for the good governance of the country.

“Our attention was drawn to the purported invitation of the Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Professor Ishaq Lakin Akintola, on Friday, December 16, 2022, by someone claiming to be calling from the Ibadan office of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS) over a press statement criticising the government of Oyo State over infringement on the rights of Muslims, especially Muslim Students.

“We also appeal to the DSS to be professional and understand that religious matters are very sensitive and volatile. The DSS should not be used to test the strength of Muslims in the South-West as an injustice against the MURIC director would be considered an attack on Muslims in Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. The security outfit should also remember its purposes of creation and not dabble into matters that could attract hatred to the security outfit.

“We also call on well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on DSS and the state government so that no harm must touch Prof Akintola and Muslims won’t fold their hands to allow injustice”.

Lagos AP guber candidate tasks residents on credible leaders

Pastor Peter Obayuwana, Lagos State Accord Party (AP) Governorship Candidate, has advised residents of the state not to make 2023 a year of mere wishes, but year of decisive action by electing credible leaders.

Obayuwana said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that 2023 should be made a turning point for the state by electing leaders that would address challenges facing the people.

“We all need water, electricity, food, shelter, good transportation system, security and a government that cares about the needs of the people.

“Borrowing the wise and honest words of President Muhammadu Buhari, I believe that the leadership of Lagos had tried its best.

“It is for us the good people of Lagos to decide whether this best deserves another four-year mandate in a state where there is rising insecurity, corruption and many other problems challenging the growth of the economy.

“Globally, there is economic incoherence. Even world powers are affected,” he said.

He added: “Sadly, economic downturn cannot be arrested like we did (near excellently) with COVID-19 and Ebola where a lot of funds were spent to provide the needed structure and prevent further spread of the diseases.

“An economic downturn requires strategy and sincerity of purpose, openness and a leadership that gives hope to its people.’’

He said that 2023 should not be a year for populist views, but one for introspection for both candidates and the electorate.

“As a candidate you should ask yourself what have you done? What will you do?

“As a citizen, for whom will you vote? It is a year for you to ask yourself tough questions devoid of sentiments.

“Make this year 2023 your leap year. Not according to the Gregorian calendar but the transformation agenda.

“Take a leap of faith. Vote for an unusual candidate,’’ he said.

Obayuwana promised to address the needs of Lagos residents and transform the economy of the state, offer a leadership that restore the excellence Lagos known for, when elected the state governor.

He said that when voted he would use his expertise, quality team and experience to transform the state.

“Like you, I am a Nigerian, a Lagosian and I am badly affected by the incessant price hikes, rising, yet subtle insecurity within our cosmopolitan city of Lagos.

“I understand the needs of the people and can identify with your pains,” he said. (NAN)

Ex-Minister loses traditional title for disrespecting Bauchi Gov, as daughter quits cabinet

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Bauchi Emirate Council has approved the immediate removal of the former Minister of Special Duties, Muhammadu Bello Kirfi as its member for disloyalty and disrespecting the state governor, Bala Mohammed.

The council in a letter signed by its Secretary, Shehu Mudi Muhammad on Tuesday, also stripped the former minister of the traditional title of Wazirin Bauchi.

Shehu said, “I’m directed to refer to a letter received from the Ministry of Local Government Affairs of reference No: MLG/ LG/S/72/T dated December 30th 2022. The content of the said letter indicated your disloyalty and disrespect to the government and the Executive Governor of the State. It therefore directed removal with immediate effect (sic).”

“In view of the above, you are hereby removed from office as Wazirin Bauchi and as a Council Member of Bauchi Emirate.”

Recall that Muhammadu was earlier suspended as the Wazirin Bauchi in 2017 by the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, and reinstated on the 5th of August 2022 by Governor Mohammed, who presented the reinstatement letter at Kirfi’s residence in Bauchi.

Kirfi was the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs under President Shehu Shagari and also the Minister of Special Duties during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

Meanwhile, his daughter, who is Commissioner of Cooperatives and SMEs Development in Bauchi State, Sa’adatu Bello Kirfi has left the position.

She resigned 24 hours after her father, Muhammadu Bello Kirfi was removed as the Wazirin Bauchi.

The Bauchi Emirate Council dethroned Alhaji Kirfi for allegedly disrespecting Governor Bala Mohammed.

Hajiya Kirfi announced her exit in a January 4 letter to the Governor through the Secretary to the State Government.

The ex-commissioner said her resignation as a member of Bauchi State Executive Council was immediate.

“I wish to thank His Excellency the Executive Governor for allowing me to serve my state under your administration,” she wrote.

Senior Special Assistant to Mohammed on Local Government Affairs, Harsanu Yunusa Guyaba has also resigned his appointment.

In a letter to the former Wazirin on January 3, the Emirate said a memo was received from the Ministry of Local Government Affairs with reference no: MLG/ LG/S/72/T.

The communication indicated his “disloyalty and disrespect to the governor and the government,” and directed his “removal with immediate effect.”

“You are hereby removed from office as Wazirin Bauchi and also as a Council Member of Bauchi Emirate,” the letter signed by Alhaji Shehu Muhammad reads.

Kirfi was Minister of State Foreign Affairs under President Shehu Shagari, and Minister of Special Duties during the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman House Committee on Finance, Hon James Falake, President of the Senate Dr Ahmad Lawan and Speaker Rt Hon Femi Gbajabialmila during the Signing of 2023 budget into Law at the State House, yesterday in Abuja. PHOTO; State House

Tinubu’s presidential campaign council dismisses Peter Obi’s chances in 2023

By Musa Baba Adamu

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has dismissed the chances of the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi in 2023.

The council reacted on Wednesday over former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Edwin Clark’s endorsements of Obi as their preferred presidential candidate.

Speaking with journalists in Calabar, capital of Cross River State, the South-South Coordinator of the Public Affairs Directorate, Cletus Obun said it would be the miracle of the century for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate to win the February 25, 2023 polls.

He described those endorsing Obi as political undertakers and an exercise in futility.

He maintained that the various endorsements will not translate to Obi’s victory, adding that he does not have the political clout and war chest to win such a high-profile contest.

Obun, a former Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria( ACN) in Cross River State, further described Obi as a candidate for the future.

“The so-called popularity and endorsements cannot guarantee victory for Peter Obi.

“We are overreacting to Obasanjo’s endorsement of Obi. The former President has run his full circle and what you are seeing now is a once-upon-a-time patriot who is now on the decline and he thought he can re-invent himself. ”Don’t forget that he did this in 2019. He said worse things and gave the impression that Nigeria was on the precipice. To him, Nigeria will collapse. ”Today he wants to enthrone a puppet with himself as the master puppet. He said Obi will have someone to draw his ear. This is a metaphor for a puppet. ”Obj is a bad example of what a democrat should be. Everything about democracy he tries to subvert. He has anti-democratic tendencies.”

According to him, Obasanjo and Edwin Clark are men who have exhausted their stay on earth.

“And so, the only way to catch headlines is to endorse someone who cannot win an election. ”Chief Clarke in a clannish move endorsed GEJ in 2015, OBJ in 2019 endorsed Atiku. They both lost as they will surely do on February 25, 2023. These men are political undertakers.

“Their role now is to pray for the best leader for our country. Their frail jump into the extreme partisan participation is a fatal plunge into political irrelevance.”