23 minute read
Politics
By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
The Presidential candidate of Labour Party LP (LP), Peter Obi yesterday cautioned politicians that God is annoyed with them over how they have turned to entitlement, the grace He gave to them to govern and care for His people.
Advertisement
Speaking during an interactive programme with Human Right Radio in Abuja, Obi declared to
PDP in Zamfara expels 2023 governorship aspirant over anti party activities
By Musa Baba Adamu
Agovernorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, Ibrahim Shehu has been expelled for alleged anti-party activities.
According to the expulsion letter signed by Hon. Aliyu Hassan, the party’s secretary in Mayana Ward, Shehu was expelled due to anti-party activities contrary to Article 58(1) (a,b,c) of the party’s 2017 amended constitution.
The letter stated that the Mayana Ward Working Committee of the party took the decision effective from January 2023.
Ibrahim Shehu was twice responsible for the nullification of the party’s governorship primary election.
Politicians annoy God by turning grace into entitlement, grace period over - Peter Obi
political leaders, including those already serving and aspiring to serve, that the grace period offered to them by God to turn a new leaf is over, and the time for judgement is at hand.
“Nigerian leaders have not shown enough compassion on the people and their plights by neglecting the people they govern. They are annoying God by turning His Grace into entitlement”, he said during the programme.
Further, Obi said that democracy makes the ordinary people poor, noting that the poor and the disadvantaged are the true owners of the country.
The LP presidential candidate, who was a Special Guest at the Human Rights Radio in Abuja called Brekete Radio, said that the ordinary people have a critical role to play in the selection process of who governs the country, a task which he said they can only perform through their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs).
The LP flag bearer said that he is seeking to be hired by the owners of Nigeria, the ordinary downtrodden, because he wants to build a new Nigeria where the populace are secured and productive.
Obi, who took time to explain to the listeners at home and those in the studio why he is aspiring to be hired for the job of Nigeria President, said that applicants’ antecedents should be put into consideration while interviewing and taking decisions to employ them.
The former Governor of Anambra state who took time to explain his past in public and private sectors, said having done it well in the past, he is well equipped to do better, being the most qualified of all the candidates.
On his being labeled a stingy man, Obi said it is not true, pointing out that what is being seen as and talked about his being stingy is his fiscal discipline in the management of public funds, hence those who lose out in the blockage of waste see it as being stingy.
He used various examples to illustrate his frugality to public funds, pointing out that corrupt people fight back when you block them by tagging you stingy.
According to him, saving money is not in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, but said his Presidency will change the sharing mentality of politicians to a saving and production mentality.
On corruption, Obi said that if elected, he will draw the line and face the future as he would not close shop to chase thieves, although he noted that the looters would not be allowed to go free.
He described nepotism as a huge corruption, especially when leaders pick unqualified persons who may be of the same family with him and allocate land and contract papers to them.
Obi however disagreed with the notion that when people assume office as President or Governor, the office changes them, rather he said that money and power expose the true character of a person.
The candidate said that North is the new Nigeria gold and oil, but requires only a person who knows like him and his Vice to unlock it.
He said “The poverty in the country can only be tackled through production and it is only through it that crimes and criminalities can be reduced. Those bandits are factory workers who are doing nothing.”
On his position on Biafra, whether he has plans of restoring it if elected, Obi declared unequivocally that the Biafra war ended 52 years ago and that is the position.
He said “If the President is to be given by whose turn it is, as an Igbo it’s my turn but I am in the race as a Nigerian wishing to be hired based on my track record, competence and capacity.”
R-L: APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Adamawa state APC Governorship Candidate, Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani; president Muhammadu Buhari,and APC Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Kashim Shettima, during Campaign Rally for Presidential Candidate and Adamawa state APC Governorship Candidate at Maidoki Yola,Adamawa state, yesterday
APC special persons’ leader, Bankole seeks inclusion of members in campaigns
By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, People With Disabilities (PWDs), Hon. Tolu Bankole, has charged all political parties to desist from a fetishistic and demeaning deployment of PWDs in the ongoing 2023 General Election campaign.
Bankole gave the charge in a statement on Monday in Abuja, where he said “For the umpteenth time, I call for the dignified inclusion of PWDs in political campaigns. No candidate is expected to treat PWDs as miscreants during the campaign. I frown at any campaign model that will derogate or endanger the lives of PWDs. All PWDs must be treated in a dignified manner during campaigns.”
Bankole felicitated all PWDs and Nigerians, wishing them all a New Year filled with renewed hope.
He called on all Nigerians to collect their PVCs at INEC designated electoral offices nationwide to enable them participate fully in the 2023 general elections, urging them to vote APC candidates at all levels.
Bankole wrote: “2023 is a momentous year especially in the life of our country. We must ensure the choice of an acculturate Nigerian with a track record of unparalleled achievements in both private and public sectors.
“We must understand that the progressive ideals of All Progressives Congress (APC) are bigger than any individual. Hence, the need to vote for a candidate who will build on the gains of the incumbent and offer far reaching elixirs to the current challenges in the country.
“Let us embrace reason and truth. We must be unanimous in shunning those bent on stoking the embers of hate using religious and ethnic fault lines. Our chief objective must be competence in the choice of leadership which Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope epitomizes.
“I call on all Persons With Disabilities who have not collected their PVCs; those who applied for transfer or replacement of cards across the country to go and collect their PVCs at their electoral wards in order to achieve our drive for political, educational, economic and social inclusion of PWDs through the ballot.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission has devolved PVC collection to the 8,809 Registration Areas/Wards from Friday 6th to Sunday 15th January 2023. To ensure those that are unable to collect their PVCs at the Local Government Offices of the Commission can do so at the Registration Areas/Electoral Wards.
“Let me appeal to the election umpire that Persons With Disabilities must be treated with consideration due to our peculiarities during this PVCs collection period across the country to minimize the incidences of ill treatment in previous exercises.”
PAGE 16 POLITICS
By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has threw its weight behind the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying there is no going back on the Commission’s resolve to deploy the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portals (IReV) in the February general election.
Briefing journàlists yesterday after an emergency Council meeting at the National Secretariat of IPAC in Abuja, IPAC chairman, Yabagi Yusuf Sani, represented by the National Secretary, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, urged Nigerians to defend the nation’s hard earned democracy from those he described as political hirelings and their sponsors who he said do not want free, fair, credible, transparent, peaceful and inclusive general election.
Citing an alleged grand plots
2023: North paying price of voting based on religion, ethnicity – LP’s Yusuf Datti
By Christiana Ekpa
The Vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Yusuf Datti BabaAhmed has said Northern Nigeria is paying an extremely high price for voting based on religion and ethnicity.
The former lawmaker disclosed this during ‘The Peoples Townhall’ organised by Channels Television and its partners on Sunday. The presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi also made an appearance at the event.
Baba-Ahmed said he and Obi would collectively work towards solving all problems, including insecurity and corruption.
He said, “The day you will hear the sentence “President Peter Obi”, Nigeria has already united. Once Nigerians are united, we will collectively work towards solving all problems – insecurity, failed-failing economy, and unprecedented aggravated corruption.
“We truly deserve the votes of Nigerians because this is one election that is turning out to be about character backed by record, competence and capacity. This is clearly not supposed to be an election about sentiments of religion and ethnicity because right now, Nigeria is paying a very high price; northern Nigeria is paying an extremely high price for voting based on religion and ethnicity.
“We are going to stop the killings and start the healing; stop the stealing, start the keeping; stop the slide of our currency and start the climb of our society.”
IPAC backs INEC, says no retreat, no surrender on deployment of BVAS, IReV
•Accuses agents of seeking to truncate democracy
by “anti- democratic forces” to remove the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu from office on frivolous allegations of false assets declaration few weeks to the general election, IPAC said the Commission’s position on deployment of technology in the conduct of the 2023 general election is in tandem with the stance of IPAC.
While condemning the recent attacks on the commission’s offices in some parts of the country which destroyed sensitive, non-sensitive electoral materials and other property including Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), ballot boxes, among others in Zamfara, Imo, Ebonyi, Ogun, Osun, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, FCT, Ondo, Abia States, IPAC expressed delight that despite these setbacks by those working to truncate the polls, INEC has remained resolute, undaunted and courageous in deploying technology to conduct free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive general election leading to peaceful transfer of power.
IPAC which said the recent campaign of violence against INEC facilities is unprecedented, attracting huge costs in replacing them, therefore called on the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and decisively deal with them to ensure a free, fair and credible elections in February.
“Accordingly, the entire political Chairmen under the umbrella of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) reaffirms its confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission led by Professor Mahmood Yakubu to conduct the 2023 general election.
“IPAC is satisfied with the preparations, arrangements and measures taken so far by the commission to conduct free, fair, credible and transparent, inclusive, peaceful and generally acceptable elections, particularly its decision to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), an electronic device designed to read permanent voter cards and authenticate voters using the voters’ fingerprints.
“BVAS is intended to achieve two objectives. First, is the verification of the authenticity of the PVCs, the fingerprints and faces of voters during accreditation. Secondly, it replaced the Z-pad for uploading the polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portals (IReV) in real-time on election day. BVAS also acts as the INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVE) during voter registration.
“Its usage has also eliminated the use of incident forms during accreditation on election day. It is an effective system that prevents electoral malpractices. It is this improved technology in the conduct of elections that triggered attacks on INEC facilities and grand plots to remove its chairman few weeks to the Presidential and National Assembly elections slated for 25th February 2023, by those who benefited from grossly flawed elections and want to maintain the status quo that impeded the nation’s democracy and impoverished the populace”, IPAC said.
Also Speaking at the event, former two term chairman of IPAC, Muhammad Lawal Nalado, said all the registered political parties met with the INEC leadership where they all agreed that BIVAS and IReV should be deployed in the 2023 elections.
Nalado, who is also the National chairman of Accord (A), therefore wondered why some political actors have suddenly begun to kick against the technology, adding that the current leadership of INEC has been the most innovative so far. He expressed confidence that the use of BIVAS has increased the confidence of Nigerians in elections, hence the large number of people who came out to register.
“That is why you can see that the number of people coming out to register for this election are more in number than any other time. Because it has been certified that Nigeria election has been improved tremendously”, he said.
Nalado further argued that from the records, after every offseason elections, INEC continued to introduce innovations to improve in subsequent elections, adding that if Nigeria must develop, citizens must be allowed to freely choose those to represent their interest in the country.
Accord National Legal Adviser, Mgbudem asks DSS to make INEC security priority
By Musa Baba Adamu
The National Legal Adviser on Accord (A) party, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem has charged the Department of State Service (DSS) to make the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a priority while executing its security activities and strategy, especially given the sustained attacks on the Commission’s facilities ahead of the February general election.
Speaking to journàlists in Abuja, Mgbudem, who said the interest of Nigerians today is how to ensure that the next month election is credible and free of violence, added that security agencies should work in synergy and share information among themselves, with a view to nipping any planned attacks on INEC offices in the bud.
“I’m calling on the security agencies to act because we know that the DSS gather intelligence and we know what is happening in the country, so, that is why we are calling on them (security agencies) to collaborate, they should synergise with each others so that these attacks on the INEC facilities will be nip in the bud.
“It is not a question of asking do we know who they are, but the most important thing is that at the end of the day, we have a very free, fair and credible election, and that is why we are standing firm with INEC and we are calling on the Federal Government to do the needful, because sincerely speaking, if they up their game, they would have been able to arrest the people that are perpetrating this evil”, he said.
Mgbudem, who expressed concern over the recent developments, with regards to attack on INEC offices, said it is like a cancer that is eating deep into the fabrics of the society, hence the need to rise up, including the Media.
“It is the duty of the media to help us to investigate and expose these people that are carrying out these evil act against our democracy. It is not all about Accord or IPAC, it is not all about INEC, it is about our country and our democracy, because no matter what we do, we have to make sure that we have an institution that is so strong”, according to him.
Speaking further on the use of digital technology and other innovation in the election, Mgbudem, who is also the Deputy National chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said the use of BIVAS and IReV in elections have come to stay, adding that it may be to frustrate the use of these technology in the February election that INEC leadership and its facilities have been inundated with series of coordinated attacks.
He said “This election and use of BIVAS and IReV has come to stay. As you can see, there is an apparent systematic and a coordinated attack on on INEC facilities and as a Council, we have unequivocally condemned those attacks and we are calling on the security agents to give INEC priority in protection of their facilities, INEC must be their priority in their activities.
“Whatever information they have, they should share, so that INEC facilities will be protected, otherwise, what we are talking about today about free, fair, credible, transparent and all inclusive election will be a mirage. So, I’m using this medium to call on them, especially as agents of the Federal Government, to make sure that Nigeria is safe and secured both now, during and after the elections.
“What is Paramount to us is to make sure that we get the February general election right. There are a lot of people that are working against the principles of free, fair and credible election ahead of February, but we are supporting INEC. We are passing a vote of confidence in INEC for what they have already done and we are letting the world know that we are with them because it is our aim, aspiration and desire to make sure that this forthcoming general election is credible, transparent, free, fair and all inclusive.”
Tinubu will be special envoy, Obi trade minister if I become president – Imumolen
By Musa Baba Adamu
Accord Party (A) presidential candidate, Prof. Christopher Imumolen said he would adopt the principle of inclusivity in selecting his cabinet if he becomes Nigeria’s president.
He said the task of rebuilding the country, battered by years of poor leadership and corruption, needed the input of all citizens, including presidential flagbearers, Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi.
Imumolen noted that to build an economically sound country where every Nigerian would be proud, he would solicit the help of the best brains in different fields to contribute their quota.
“The task of rebuilding our country is an onerous one. It is not going to be a one-man show. Every one who has the idea, capacity to add value to governance, no matter their background or party affiliations, shall be called upon to do so,” he said.
“For his adeptness and aptitude as a businessman of no mean standing, I will appoint Peter Obi as my minister of trade and commerce, while Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will serve as an adviser, most probably on the political front for obvious reasons.
“You will agree with me that these men will most be suitable in the roles I have earlier mentioned because of their track records in both their private and public lives.
“The move is meant to demonstrate that we are all partners in progress in our desire to see our country regain it’s lost glory, as well as deliver to it’s millions of citizens the true dividends of democracy.
“The move is also meant to send the message that appointments will only be given to those who merit it in the kind of reformist government we are planning to run.
“The concept of square pegs in square holes shall be the guiding principles of our government under the umbrella of Accord, the party that preaches oneness and togetherness,” Imumolen added.
PEOPLES DAILY, TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023 PAGE 17 POLITICS
From Umar Dakano, Yola
All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday in Yola, Adamawa State, called on the people of the state to vote the first female governor in the country. A statement by Tinubu Media Office signed by Tunde Rahman said yesterday. .
Tinubu, according to the statement, was canvassing support for the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Senator Ayisatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, saying she has all it takes to become governor. “She is brilliant, driven and results oriented. He will perform better for the state,” he said at the well-attended rally at the Maidoki Ground in Yola. Speaking about President Muhammadu Buhari who was present at the rally, Asiwaju Tinubu hailed him for laying a solid foundation for the country, which he would build on if elected.
“Your contributions are positive and enduring. As I have said before, when the history of this period is objectively written, it will treat you very kindly. It will treat you as a true patriot and hero. Thank you for providing the solid and strong foundation. Now, it will be up to the rest of us to carry on and build Nigeria into the finest national edifice we can envision,” he said. The APC candidate also thanked the president for attending the rally, saying he was deeply moved and honoured by his presence. “That you are here and that you have been gracious enough to be our campaign chairman shows your dedication and loyalty as a party member. More importantly, your presence underscores your commitment to progressive, democratic good governance and your belief that our party represents the best hope to lead the nation to the peace, prosperity and development it deserves,” he added.
Reiterating his agenda for the people of the North-east where he picked his running mate and Adamawa State, Tinubu said he envisioned a North-east that is safe and secure, that is thriving and flourishing.
“I envision productive farmlands that produce food abundant enough to feed the state and help feed the rest of the nation and even export to a world in need of our dynamic contribution to humanity. I envision both manufacturing hubs as well as agricultural hubs that will allow you to produce finished products that will expand the local economy, create jobs and increase the
Tinubu Urges Adamawa to Vote First Female Governor
standard of living for all of you. “I see adequate fresh produce storage facilities, farm-to-market roads and access routes. I also envision the establishment of commodity exchange boards and credit facilities that will provide the hardworking farmer a guaranteed income for his crops and also allow farmers affordable loans to invest in and improve the productive yield of their lands. I can envision these good things my people because i have the expertise and commitment to see them become reality,” he said.
Pointing out that he achieved similar feats when he was governor of Lagos State, he said: “With your help, I will do so again on a larger scale. I have already done the research and have fashioned wise plans. What I promise is real and achievable.”
Asking the people of the state to vote for him come February 25, 2023, Tinubu said: “Give me and Shettima the mandate to achieve this. And we will give you the economy, jobs, and incomes you seek. The power is in your hands, vote for m; empower me so that I may empower you! Taking a swipe again at the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar, he said: “I hear that a former VP who comes from Adamawa wants to return to Aso Villa again. You have to decide whether you owe him your vote simply because he is from here or do you owe yourself a better nation and future?
“If you believe a better tomorrow is possible, then you cannot support Vice President Privatize Everything. If you give him the nation, he will sell all he can and leave you with nothing.”
The party’s National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Director-General of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign and Governor of Plateau State, Hon. Simon Lalong, both canvassed support for the election of Asíwájú Tinubu as president and Senator Ahmed Binani as Adamawa governor.
Senator Ahmed who spoke largely in Hausa promised a new lease of life for the people of Adamawa, saying salaries of civil servants and pensions would be paid regularly. The rally was attended by APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Shettima, Governors Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) and Nasir el-Rufai, former Adamawa State governor Admiral Murtala Nyako, former Sokoto State governor Aliyu Wamakko, former Gombe governor Danjuma Goje, former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, and former Zamfara State governor Sani Yerima. Also in attendance were APC National Woman Leader Betta Edu, Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen, Minister of Sports and Youth Development Sunday Dare, former Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and women rights activist Hajiya Najaatu Mohammed among others.
I will retire Atiku, Tinubu from politics - Peter Obi
By Christiana Ekpa •Says Nigerians don’t want looters as leaders
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has vowed to retire the presidential candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubarkar and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu if elected president in the February 25 election.
Peter Obi also said that Nigerians will not want to elect persons who are known to have looted the treasury of the nation in the past.
Speaking at the campaign rally in Asaba, Delta State on Monday, Obi also vowed to revitalize the Warri refinery which has been in disrepair, and also ensure the completion of the East West road that has remained uncompleted in the last 24 years.
He said, “We will make Warri Port to work again. We will complete the east west road. They have been building the road for 24 years but we will complete it.
“If you put my age and Datti age and divide it into two, we are in our fifties. The other people if you put their own they are in their seventies. You know that there is a retirement age. PDP chairman is 70 years, APC chairman is 70 years. Labour Party chairman is 52 years old. So it is our turn. We will retire them, we will pay them compensation.
“Our government will be one for youth and women. That is why I told you our average age, not this other people we don’t know their age, we don’t know where they were born, we don’t know which school they attended.
“I know you heard when they said Peter is stingy. I agree, Nigeria don’t want people who will steal their money again. We want to use our money for our people.
Also speaking, the vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba Ahmed said that both PDP and APC leaders have failed and has nothing to offer Nigerians.
“Do you know how to know who this losers are, they have made promises for 24 years, the other half made promises for 16 years, the other made promises for 8 years, and they all failed. How do you know a loser, with all they have had, they cannot face Peter Obi and myself and talk about security, they will hide behind and talk about structure. The structure that they used to destroy Nigeria and keep us where we are today.”
The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure also applauded the rare qualities of Peter Obi even as he said that he would have supported the candidate were he not to be in Labour Party.
He said, “There is no gainsaying the fact that the country is in comatose , is in trouble and nothing is working in the country. This is the only opportunity we have to change the narrative of this country.
