Politics

Tinubu ‘angered & troubled’ over insecurity, urges Nigerians to support security forces

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The national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his anger over the insecurity ravaging the Nigeria.

Tinubu, who had earlier this week opined that the ruling party has bright chances of ruling the country beyong 2023, said he was troubled by the acts of terror happening in many parts of the country.

In a series of tweet on Thursday, the former Senator and Lagos Governor also called on fellow citizens to stand with the military and other security agencies, who are doing their best to contain the situation.

“Like all decent Nigerians, I am angered and troubled by the terror and cruelty being visited upon the people of Borno, Yobe, Benue, Niger, Imo and other parts of the nation,” he tweeted.

These attacks have caused many to disparage our military and security forces. This we must not do. Valiant men and women serve in our security forces, risking their lives to protect us. We stand with them.

“Government also must continue to encourage the security forces to do their utmost to subdue this threat. The lives of innocent Nigerians and the future progress of the nation may lie in the balance.

“As a people, we must never surrender to the fearful temptation to blame one another. Regardless of region or religion, we must unite against a common foe. Discord will only invite defeat.

“The enemy’s attacks seem to focus on our schools, religious institutions and security forces. They seek to extinguish the light of knowledge and hope by shrouding us in the darkness of fear and brutal ordeal.

We must not tremble. They will be vanquished. In the end, tolerance, justice and compassion shall win the day.”

Politics

PDP Asks Buhari To Declare State Of Emergency On Security

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The Peoples Democratic Party has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on security over the growing spate of attacks and kidnappings across the country.

In a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the party on Thursday in Abuja, PDP’s spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, backed the call by the House of Representatives for the President to urgently fix the worsening insecurity.

“NEC urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately declare a national state of emergency on security,” the statement partly read.

“NEC also urged President Buhari to, without delay, convoke a national conference on Security so as to galvanize ideas and options to tackle insecurity in our country.

“NEC lamented the heightened insecurity pervading all parts of our nation due primarily to the misrule of President Muhammed Buhari and All Progressives Congress as well as their failure to decisively tackle the menace of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, bloodletting and acts of violence in our country.

“NEC further commended the efforts of governors, senators, House of Representatives members and other officials elected on the platform of the PDP in forcefully seeking solutions to the spate of insecurity in our country.”

Nigeria has been experiencing a series of security threats ranging from terrorism, banditry, militancy, cultism among others in several parts of the country.

The country has been battling terrorism for more than a decade which has killed 36,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands in the northeast.

The Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) split from the jihadist group Boko Haram in 2016 and has since become a dominant threat in Nigeria, attacking troops and bases while killing and kidnapping passengers at bogus checkpoints.

On March 1, jihadist fighters burnt down a United Nations humanitarian compound in the town of Dikwa after dislodging troops, killing six civilians.

Nigeria’s jihadist violence has spread to neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the insurgents.

Politics

Governor Abiodun hints on becoming a pastor after his tenure

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Governor of Ogun state, Dapo Abiodun on Wednesday, hinted at what he plans to do after his tenure.

According to The Sun Newspaper, Abiodun told the audience at the 108th Nigeria Baptist Convention that he might end up as a pastor after serving eight years in office as governor.

While speaking at the convention that held at the Baptist International Conference Centre, Lufuwape Town, the governor expressed his love for the word of God.

Abiodun said that although he would not ascribe to himself the authority of the clergy, he, however, loves reading, studying and sharing the Bible.

He went on to urge Nigerians, and the world, to take action with the fear of God in their hearts.

“We all need to treat our fellow human beings with love and even take care of our environment. If we do, we will live a more peaceful and prosperous life. We continue to pray for God’s blessing upon our land so that our people will live in constant abundance of every good thing.

More importantly, we must reject violence and pursue peace with one another. We need to walk in love and understanding. This is what our heavenly Father expects from us.

We, therefore, look forward to the continued reign of peace in our land and the constant strengthening of the body of Christ,” the governor stated.

Politics

God is angry with Buhari, asked me to withdraw support for him – Father Mbaka

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Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Rev. Fr Ejike Mbaka, has alleged that God is not happy with President Muhammadu Buhari because of the insecurity and killings in the country.

Mbaka said it is wrong for Buhari to “maintain grave silence” despite the widespread killings in the country.

The cleric also asked the president to resign or be impeached.

He said; “I know people will say, Mbaka did you not pray for Buhari, did Samuel not anoint Saul? What are you talking about? Am I the creator of Buhari? God created him, Nigerians trusted him because he has done well sometime ago but now how can people just be dying?”

God will ask Nigerians: Nigerians why are you crying? We are crying because our leaders have failed us woefully. If it is in a civilized country, by now, President Buhari will resign. Quote me anywhere and let the whole world hear it. By now, with what is happening, President Buhari should honourably resign.

“We are crying because we don’t have a shepherd. All those that will fight what I’m saying now will eventually suffer the rot. If you can’t do it, either you resign or you be changed. A good coach cannot watch his team defeated when he has players sitting watching on the bench. Either Buhari resigns by himself or he will be impeached.

This statement is too mysterious and supernatural. I know that people will begin to fight it. The chief security officer consulting on lives in the country will be sitting down not making any comment. Gunmen are attacking everybody. Why are you crying Nigerian youths? As I said, overseas has become a dumping ground for our ingenious youths. Young doctors, lawyers, running away from Nigeria? Countries we are better than.

“What is the matter? Nigerians are crying, why? Because there is no security in this country. House of Reps and the Senate should impeach the President if he doesn’t want to resign.

If the members of these two houses do not want to impeach him and they want to begin to fight Fr Mbaka, something worse than what they ever imagined will happen to the members of the Senate and members of the house of Rep. Disaster is coming! Until the government of this country find something useful for our youths, they are going to face disaster, a time is coming when, if you are asked to be a governor, senator, house of a representative member, you will begin to run because I’m trying to tell you that we cannot continue like this.

The leaders have made the youth suffer, it is time for the civilians to make the leaders suffer. Enough of this rubbish, most of the reasons why you come here for prayers are not prayer projects, these are things government should supply. To feed, pay for house rent, even to import products from abroad, taxation has doubled, the international community cannot come to Nigeria to invest anymore. Are we living or dying?

“God is asking what is the matter, I am telling God now, let him change our leaders for us…“God is angry with our leaders, from Buhari to the last. God’s anger is upon you, you have failed God.

“Remember there was a time God asked me to support you people (Buhari regime), now God asked me to withdraw and prophesy against you.

I repeat, is it not shameful that the President of a country will be sick and there is no hospital to treat him, and he will fly out? So if other Nigerians are sick, will they fly away?”

Politics

Fear grips Imo residents as military helicopters hover in Owerri

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There is palpable tension in Imo State as the military have laid serious siege at all nooks and crannies of the state capital, Owerri, scaring residents with firearms.

DAILY POST learnt that two military helicopters have kept hovering around the city since three days, mounting surveillance to ensure that they were not taken unawares by the ‘unknown gunmen’.

The development may have come as a result of the recent attack on governor Hope Uzodinma’s house in Omuma.

Recall that the state in a couple of days has witnessed unprecedented attacks from unknown gunmen which led to several loss of lives and property.

The situation seemed to have heightened since after the killing of the Eastern Security Network Commander in the Southeast region, Ikonso on Saturday.

The hoodlums, on Sunday night encountered the state Commissioner for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship, Iyke Ume, shooting him twice on the shoulder and three other drivers around Orji divisional headquarters.

It was also reported on DAILY POST that a first year student of Imo State University, identified as Nwaneri was shot dead alongside one other while she drove across the Government House roundabout, Owerri.

The worst hit was the killing of five police officers at Okigwe-South Police Area Command Headquarters in Orieagu, Ehime-mbano LGA of Imo state.

Motorists and commuters alike operating in the state capital, now live in fear of the unknown.

Some have relocated to their villages for fear of being hit by stray bullets.

The bandits had a field day on Wednesday evening patrolling the city of Owerri, shooting sporadically in the air as pedestrians and residents took to their heels for safety.

Further reports said that one trader was shot dead in Ogwa in Mbaitoli council area of the state while a handful were injured.

Politics

INEC fixes date for 2023 elections

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday announced the date for the 2023 general elections in the country.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who addressed participants at a one-day public hearing on the National Electoral Offences Commission (Establishment) Bill 2021 organized by the Senate Committee on INEC, said the country’s general elections would begin on February 18, 2023.

However, the INEC chief was silent on which election would take place on that date.

He said the 2023 general elections would take place exactly 660 days from Wednesday.

He said: “By the principle established by the Commission, the 2023 general election will hold on Saturday, February 18, 2023, which is exactly one year, nine months, two weeks and six days or 660 days from today (Wednesday).

We hope to release the timetable and schedule of activities for the general election immediately after the Anambra governorship election scheduled to hold on November 6, 2021.

“In order to do so, there should be clarity and certainty about the electoral legal framework to govern the election. We are confident that the National Assembly will do the needful in earnest.”

The INEC chief described the prosecution of election offenders as the most challenging duty undertaken by the commission since its establishment.

Yakubu added: “For instance, since the 2015 general election, 125 cases of electoral offences were filed in various courts out of which 60 convictions have been secured so far, including the most recent one in Akwa Ibom State.

“The commission would like to see more successful in the prosecution of offenders, not just of ballot box snatchers and falsifiers of election results but most importantly their sponsors.”

Politics

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the N500 million safe school initiative fund earmarked for rebuilding Government Secondary School Chibok, Borno state.

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The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the N500 million safe school initiative fund earmarked for rebuilding Government Secondary School Chibok, Borno state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the resolution was sequel to a unanimous adoption of a motion by Rep. Satomi Ahmed, at plenary.

Moving the motion, Ahmed recalled that 230 girls from the school were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists who also vandalised the school in 2014.

The lawmaker recalled that the terrorist act attracted national and international condemnation and led to the formation of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement by a coalition of Civil Society and Human Rights organisations.

Politics

Nigerian lawmaker constructs ‘10 deep wells’ as constituency projects (Photos)

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A House of Representatives member, Umar Muda Lawal, has commenced the construction of ’10 deep wells’ in some towns and villages in his constituency.

The lawmaker representing Toro Federal Constituency of Bauchi state in the green chamber, made the announcement via his Twitter account.

Lawal noted that he embarked on the project based on the popular demand of his people.

He shared photos of the ongoing well project and wrote;

This time we are going outside the box to construct 10 Deep wells in 10 rural towns and villages of Toro LGA. Because traditional wells are often more reliable and last longer than any modern small-scale water supply system.

Most wells today are centuries old and still working.”

“For someone that has to go as far as 10 kilometres to fetch water, a single well close could mean the world. You may not appreciate it but we can’t stand and watch our people suffer. We are looking for ways to ameliorate their situation as we figure out a lasting solution.”

Politics, World News

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is currently presiding over the 43rd virtual Federal Executive Council, meeting at the First Lady Conference Room, Presidential Villa Abuja.

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PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is currently presiding over the 43rd virtual Federal Executive Council, meeting at the First Lady Conference Room, Presidential Villa Abuja.

Physically present at the virtual meeting are Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha and Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

Seven Ministers, who are also physically present at the meeting. are the Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama.

Others attending physically are the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mohammed Bello, Minister of State Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, and Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouk.

Politics, World News

Nigeria cannot afford another civil war -Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says Nigeria cannot afford another civil war because it will not augur well for the country.

Osinbajo said this at an interactive forum of All Progressives Congress Anambra governorship aspirants organised by the state chapter of APC Patriots in Abuja.

“The thing about the kind of conflict in this part of the world, developing countries, is that it is usually a war without end.

“Everyone who thinks he has some monies stored up somewhere will eventually run out of money.

“Everyone who thinks he can go and hide somewhere, won`t even find a place to hide, in the end, everyone will suffer.

“Even if you don’t suffer, parents, children, young and old people, and relations will suffer. We cannot afford another civil war in this country, we can`t afford it,” he said.

Osinbajo said the political elite must rise up to the challenge by speaking the truth and taking action to address the situation in the country.

Politics

Nigerians love APC, can rule beyond 2023 – Tinubu

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National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says the the party is loved by Nigerians and has bright chances of ruling the country beyond 2023.

Tinubu stated this when speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He also reassured Nigerians that President Buhari respects the Nigerian Constitution and would vacate office at the expiration of his tenure on May 29, 2023.

He said: “The chances are as bright as a midnight star and we will continue to work for a better Nigeria.

We cannot interject politics and assumption in everything, we have a nation to build.

“We have a baton to pass. You can depend on Buhari that he will not spend one hour beyond his tenure. He will comply with the constitution.”

The APC chieftain also charged all well-meaning citizens to remain united in the wake of current security challenges confronting some parts of the country.

Tinubu said all Nigerians must put aside their religious, political, or ethnic differences and cooperate with security agents to surmount the problem.

He said: “Yes, every nation will go through these curves and difficult times but how we communicate it to the people and what are the areas to make it easier for the people to bear, those are ideas we have to be able to exchange with the leadership of the country.

“It calls for coming together to reduce banditry, move for unity and be able to bring a better Nigeria to the people because the welfare of our people is extremely important.

“This also calls for cooperation and understanding, effective security and effective giving of information.

There is no president who will want to see his country in chaos nor is there anyone who will want to see his citizens exposed to banditry and danger.

No president or a leader that will want to see his nation fractured in tribalism or religious differences and others.

“The current challenges call for serious management, evaluation, and dialogue once in a while”.

Politics, World News

No President Will Intentionally Want His Citizens Exposed To Banditry And Danger.

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NATIONAL leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said that there is no President that will intentionally want his citizens exposed to banditry and danger.

The APC leader and former governor of Lagos State stated this while fielding questions from journalists after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Monday night at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He appealed to Nigerians to cooperate and show understanding with the government in the midst of the challenges for the unity of the country.

The APC national leader, who was accompanied by the party’s pioneer interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, debunked the insinuations in some quarters that he has a frosty relationship with the President.

Politics, World News

Policing Nigeria is very difficult because it is a big country.-Vp, Yemi Osinbajo.

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VICE President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday evening said that policing Nigeria is very difficult because it is a big country.

The Vice President, who also said there was the need to reorganize the security architecture, assured that Nigeria will soon overcome the current myriad of security challenges facing it.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this when he received the Yakanaje Uke in Nasarawa State, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi Hassan, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He promised that the present challenges in the country will prepare Nigeria for a greater and prosperous future.

Politics, World News

Gunmen raze Federal High court Abakaliki.

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The Federal High Court complex in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital in Nigeria, has been attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

The assailants stormed the court complex in the early hours of Tuesday April 27, shooting sporadically before setting the library and security sections of the building on fire. The building is located along the Enugu/Abakaliki Highway opposite the state People’s Democratic Party (PDP) State office.

No death was recorded but two of the three security guards on duty were said to have sustained minor injuries.

The South-East has been experiencing violent attacks by gunmen in recent times.

Politics

Buhari will soon deal with criminals, sponsors —APC

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The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has said criminals and their sponsors who are causing insecurity in the country will soon be dealt with by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Secretary of the APC Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee, John Akpanudeodehe, in a statement on the state of insecurity in the country on Monday in Abuja, said the APC will not play politics with the lives of Nigerians in the face of the current security challenges.

In the statement titled, ‘We must unite against insecurity,’ the APC said Buhari is resolved more than ever before to bring perpetrators of violence to book.

“The issue of insecurity in the country has found expression in terrorist and criminal activities of Boko Haram, bandits, kidnappers, rustlers and recently the highly condemnable attacks on security formations in some states,” the statement reads.

“These are current realities and the APC will not play politics with matters of life and our collective wellbeing as a nation.

As a progressive party in government, we are fully focused on identifying and bringing to book the perpetrators and sponsors of this hydra-headed insecurity monster and consolidating on our visible development strides.

“Only in safety can we enjoy the current infrastructure revolution that has witnessed the rehabilitation, construction and reconstruction of over 13,000 kilometers of critical federal roads, construction of thousands of affordable and acceptable housing and of course, the ongoing national railway projects gainfully connecting cities and towns across the country.

The party equally condemns the wanton attacks on police personnel and formations in Abia, Imo, Ebonyi and Anambra States as well as Rivers State.

“We stand with the Nigeria Police Force and families of the victims in this difficult time as we mourn the deaths of innocent and dedicated security personnel simply carrying out their duty of protecting life and property.

“In Imo State, the attack on the Governor’s residence is an attack on democracy and constituted authority serving the interest of the good people of Imo.”

Politics

Anambra govt denounces gory pictures depicting Awkuzu killings

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The Anambra State government has denounced photographs making the rounds on social media claiming to be from an attack on the people of Awkuzu in Oyi local government area of the state.

The clash which occurred in the early hours of Monday, affected some communities in Igbariam, Aguleri, Umueri, Nteje, Awkuzu and Umunya while nine people reportedly lost their lives in the crisis.

Reacting to the clash, the state government promptly imposed a curfew on the six communities in a bid to stem the violence from spreading to other areas.

However, there have been pictures circulating on different media platforms claiming to be from the clash but the state has come out to disclaim them.

In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Don Adinuba, on Tuesday, the state cautioned purveyors of the fake pictures to desist from spreading them as they will be made to face the full weight of the law.

The statement reads:

“Following the clash in the early morning of Monday, April 26, between some people in Uzo Nkwo, Awkuzu, in Oyi Local Government Area, and some non-indigenes, some people were killed and some others maimed.

Both sides recorded casualties while security agents quickly moved to the scene and took control of the situation.

However, rather than give a reliable picture of what transpired, some external forces have been posting on social media lurid pictures of what took place outside Anambra State long ago and claim that they are pictures of the incident at Awkuzu.

“The misleading pictures and accounts are so contradictory that while some claim that the dead were indigenes, others claim they were non-indigenes. Each side has been desperate to incite the public against the other.

“The Anambra State Government is deeply concerned that some mischievous people would go to the extent of producing pictures of heinous killings elsewhere and claim that the murders took place in our dear state.

If any of the pictures being circulated on a section of the social media were true, those behind them would have produced and circulated videos of the dastardly killings.

“They would not have stopped at circulating mere still pictures in this era of instantaneous communication and citizen journalism.

“Those behind these false pictures and misleading narratives of the unfortunate incident at Awkuzu have an ulterior motive: to stoke a fire in a state which, for the past seven years, has been acknowledged by all to be the safest and most peaceful in the whole country.

“It is a shame that nothing is beyond some vicious elements in this election year in Anambra State.

The State Government has already taken some measures to fish out those who perpetrated the dastardly killings of fellow citizens in Awkuzu and those who have produced pictures from all manner of places with the sole of aim of portraying our people as barbarians and raising tension in the polity.

“Indeed, far from succeeding, the culprits, who are reportedly from outside the state, will be identified, arrested, tried, sentenced and made to feel the full weight of the law.

“Anybody who sheds the blood of innocent souls in Anambra State will account for it both in this world and in the world to come.

“Anambra State will, in spite of all odds, remain the Light of the Nation.”

Politics, World News

Imo state commissioner shot by gunmen.

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Imo State Commissioner for Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition, Iyke Ume was shot on Sunday April 25 by unknown gunmen in Orji area of Owerri, Imo state’s capital.
Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Inter-party Affairs, Dominic Uzowuru told newsmen that he was in the company of the commissioner who was driving home in an unmarked security vehicle when they were attacked by the gunmen.

Uzowuru said they were returning from a service of songs in the area when the gunmen double-crossed their vehicle, shooting the commissioner in the leg and arm.
He said;

“I was not shot. The commissioner was shot. My handset and that of the commissioner were snatched.
“The commissioner was dropping me off, when the robbers struck.
“I am fine and the commissioner is responding to treatment to the glory of God.”

Imo police spokesperson, Orlando Ikeokwu also confirmed the attack and further disclosed that the victims were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, by the police.

Politics

The National Broadcasting Commission on Monday ordered the stoppage of Politics Today on Channels Television.

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The National Broadcasting Commission on Monday ordered the stoppage of Politics Today on Channels Television.

The commission said it took the decision following the interview the station had with the spokesperson of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Emma Powerful.

The acting Director-General of NCC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, said this in a letter to the Managing Director of Channels TV titled, ‘Inciting comments by proscribes group: Politics Today.’

According to him, the IPOB leader made several secessionist and inciting declarations on air without caution or reprimand by Channels TV.

Idachaba said, “He also made derogatory, false or misleading statements about the Nigerian Army. This is reprehensible; especially that IPOB remains a proscribed organisation as pronounced by the courts of the land. This much Channels TV ought to know and respect.”

The NBC DG referred to Section 5.4.3 which provided that, ‘In reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality.’

Politics

Orji Kalu undecided on 2023 presidential ambition

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The Senate’s Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, is still undecided on his aim to contest for the presidency in the upcoming 2023 elections.

Kalu has repeatedly intimated his interest in leading the country, which he stated in a 2020 interview.

The former Abia State governor had boasted that he has the wherewithal to handle the task.

“Yes, if you give me the presidency, why not, I will take. I am capable of doing the job,” he said.

“The problem is who is capable of doing the job. For now, I am focusing on my constituency; there is a lot of jobs to be done.

If you give me the opportunity, I will like to go back to the Senate for a second term, but if the people of Nigeria want me to be president, they will show the hand. I can do the job. I can build a 20th-century economy for our people.”

Stating his positiin durin an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Kalu demurred, “I am not having that kind of ambition but if I am given, why not? I can take it.”

Reports had also been rife on some prophetic predictions regarding the emergence of the lawmaker as the next president of Nigeria.

In response to this, Kalu said, “I am a Catholic. In the Catholic church, we don’t see visions. Well, if visions are being seen, and people say this and that if it is the will of God that I will become president, why not? I am very capable mentally and otherwise to do whatever Nigerian people want me to do but not through prophecy.”

Politics, World News

Buhari, US Secretary of State to meet on security, economy, others on Tuesday

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The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.

The US Secretary of State’s spokesman, Ned Price, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the discussion between the two leaders would centred on strengthening of democratic governance, security and promoting economic ties and diversification.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, will be at the meeting where bilateral relationship between the two countries would also be discussed.

The trip will be the Secretary of State’s first virtual trip to Africa since US President, Joe Biden, assumed office on January 20.

The statement read: “Secretary Blinken will begin his virtual travel to Africa meeting with Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) alumni. In a ‘Ten Questions with Tony’ event, YALI alumni will have an opportunity to engage with the Secretary on a range of topics, including the role of youth in the future of Africa, economic development, democracy and good governance, climate change, and health.

Through YALI, the United States works with public, private sector, and civil society partners across the continent to develop initiatives and economic opportunities to support the creativity, innovativeness, and energy of Africa’s youth.

“Secretary Blinken will then travel virtually to Nigeria, where he will underscore our shared goals of strengthening democratic governance, building lasting security, and promoting economic ties and diversification.

People-to-people connections, underpinned by the dynamic Nigerian diaspora in the United States, amplify and strengthen our relationship. During his visit, Secretary Blinken will meet with President Buhari and Foreign Minister (Geoffrey Onyeama) to reiterate the value of our bilateral relationship and discuss issues of shared importance.

“Secretary Blinken will also participate in a health partnership event to underscore our collaboration to combat the pandemic as well as long-term US investments in combating infectious diseases. He will meet with a beneficiary of a PEPFAR program and a Nigerian health care worker.”

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