Politics

Kuje prison break: Buhari reluctant to hold his appointees responsible – Arewa youths

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The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Monday said that President Muhammadu Buhari is reluctant to hold his appointees responsible for the recent Kuje Prison attack by suspected Boko Haram members.

The ACF, in a statement by its Secretary-General, Murtala Aliyu, wants Buhari to rise up to the occasion and ensure that his appointees are held responsible for any deterioration of the security situation under their watch.

DAILY POST reports that scores of terrorists suspected to be Boko Haram members had last week attacked Kuje prison with explosives and other weapons and freed all their members and other criminal elements.

The incident has continued to create reactions from stakeholders who expressed shock at the level of the security crisis in Nigeria.

“We noted that the response of President Muhammadu Buhari to the Kuje Prison tragedy, in particular, was to offer the familiar cocktail of platitudes of sermons, condemnations and yet more sermons,” ACF’s statement partly read.

“In other countries, the Kuje jail attack and similar ones that have happened in parts of Nigeria would’ve led to massive reshuffle, resignations and possibly prosecutions of officials that are negligent, incompetent or plainly untrustworthy.

“Probably because President Buhari is unable or unwilling to hold his appointees responsible for any deterioration of the security situation and some other socioeconomic sectors under their watch, the vast amount of money and other resources being pumped into the security agencies have largely been ineffective.

“We demand that President Buhari braces up without further delay and rises to today’s occasion,” the group said.

Politics

What will happen under Tinubu presidency – Adegboruwa

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Legal practitioner Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa believes a Bola Tinubu presidency will be controlled by the North.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said this in a statement on Tuesday.

Adegboruwa reiterated his rejection of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The lawyer said it was a sign that others don’t matter and shows absence of consideration for unity and plurality.

“Desperation and over-ambition. We just want power at all costs and we don’t care what others think or do.

“We can win the elections without you, especially by other means other than by open ballot,” he said.

Adegboruwa noted that APC’s action was a cruel affirmation of supposed superiority complex.

“It is an indication of a hidden agenda. The spirit of Hope 93 died with MKO and those who betrayed him and his mandate.

“May Boko Haram, terrorists and insurgents, their sponsors and sympathizers not win the 2023 elections,” he noted.

He said the same-religion ticket suggests only one region determines electoral victory and that Tinubu is not acceptable to Northern Muslims.

Adegboruwa accused the APC of acting like Nigeria is not a secular state but rather being ruled to satisfy certain religious tendencies.

“That the APC has absolute control of the electoral system and thus electoral victory may not be determined through free, fair and credible elections.

“That certain political tendencies and interests do not trust others to accommodate them if they are entrusted with power whereas they have been in power and accommodated by others.”

Adegboruwa added that the North has proven that Tinubu has no mind of his own “and will be unable to defend the unity of Nigeria in crucial moments of decision making”.

The statement added the the APC is incompetent to manage a complex nation like Nigeria with diverse interests, different tongues and tribes and consisting of different faiths.

Politics

Accept returnees, A’Ibom deputy gov urges PDP officials

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The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Moses Ekpo, has pleaded with all ward officials of the Peoples Democratic Party across the state not to reject or discriminate against ex-decampees who are returning to the party.

His plea was contained in a statement on Tuesday by his Press Secretary, Ekikere Umoh, titled, “Accommodate All Returnees, Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor Tells PDP.”

According to the statement, Ekpo made the appeal while visiting 11 PDP wards in Abak Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that since the state had become the stronghold of the PDP, party officials must appreciate the need to accommodate persons who were either cajoled or manipulated to leave the party.

The statement read in part, “Don’t ever forget that our symbol is the umbrella, and of what use would be a large umbrella which cannot shelter people from the rains and harsh weather.” 

He explained that the essence of his visit was to “feel the pulse of the party at the grassroots and to sensitise them to the fact that the party primaries were over with the emergence of candidates, and to further urge all members to close ranks and work as a family in order to sustain the party’s success at the forthcoming 2023 polls.”

He further charged the membership of the party at the grassroots to continue to support the party in order to reap the benefits of democracy and good governance, assuring them that it was only by so doing that the grassroots could experience steady development and rural transformation. 

Ekpo also used the occasion to urge the party members to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards while presenting the candidates who would fly the party’s flag for the state and the National Assembly in the 2023 elections.

He, therefore, solicited their support for the candidates during the forthcoming elections. 

Politics

Shettima: Actor Kenneth Okonkwo dumps APC

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Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress over the party’s decision to fly a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2023 election.

The PUNCH reports that the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, announced former Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate despite opposition from some quarters to a same-faith ticket.

The thespian announced his decision in a letter shared on his Instagram page on Monday.

He said his decision became imperative following Tinubu’s choice of Shettima as running mate despite clamour from stakeholders and other Nigerians that a Christain northerner should complement the party’s ticket.

Part of the letter read, “Recall that joined APC because of its Constitutional vow, as true Progressives and Patriots, to eliminate all forms of discrimination and social injustice in Nigeria, thereby building the nation a nation which will guarantee equal opportunity for all and ensure mutual and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

“Those ideals are now alien to the APC, with their unfortunate decision to paint our Muslim brothers in had light, by insinuating that the Muslims in Nigeria will not accept or vote for a Northern Christian as Vice-President to pair with a Southern Muslim.

“If Muslims could vote voluntarily for Southern Christian Presidents, it is then a fallacy to insinuate that they cannot accept a Northern Christian Vice-President. This will permanently destroy the political viability of Northern Christians in Nigeria, if allowed to stand.

“Being the convener of the Campaign for Equity and Justice in Nigeria, and as a former member of APC Presidential Campaign Council, which resisted same religion presidential ticket in the past, I can no longer continue to lend my name to these abnormalities in the interest of our peaceful co-existence, integration and progress of our beloved country.”

Politics, World News

ISWAP Terrorists Planning To Attack Christians, Targets In Nigerian Capital, Abuja, Released Kuje Jihadists To Pursue Goal—Civil Defence, NSCDC

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It also said that the Islamic terrorists had declared war against Christians in Nigeria, saying that was why they attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre and released some of their fighters to sustain the attack.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has raised the alarm over planned attacks by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on selected targets in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
It also said that the Islamic terrorists had declared war against Christians in Nigeria, saying that was why they attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre and released some of their fighters to sustain the attack.


NSCDC disclosed this in letter with Ref: No; NSCDC/CMDT/FCT/INT/VOL.X/188 addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration and was by FCT Commandant, Peter Maigari.
 
The letter obtained by Leadership which SaharaReporters sighted on Sunday, was dated July 8, 2022, and titled: “Security Alert: Renewed Threat Of Attack By ISWAP Terrorist On Targets within The FCT”.
The letter reads, “Certified intelligence reveals that members of the decimated terrorist group Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have concluded plans to launch more coordinated and spontaneous attacks on selected targets within the federal Capital Territory (FCT) and had declared war against Christians in Nigeria.
“Intelligence abounds that ISWAP terrorist group has claimed responsibilities of the Tuesday 5th of July, 2022 attack on Kuje medium security custodial centre, releasing their adherent members.


“The foregoing is to enable them hibernate in targeted communities (FCT) and re-strategize for further terrorist activities, especially on soft targets to keep the agenda of the group alive to the public.
 
“Comment: Taking into consideration the recent terrorist attack on Kuje medium security custodial centre for good two hours without any security resistance indicated their readiness to carry out more coordinated attacks in selected cities/towns, security formations, schools, and worship centres in FCT, hence the released of their members for more formidable squad to achieved their dastardly act.

“Recommendation: Against this backdrop, it is advised that counter measures be emplaced, and
there is need to review existing security measures around such targets and other sensitive facilities with security formations, in FCT to frustrate the planned attack.
“This report is submitted for your information and necessary action sir.”


Last Tuesday, ISWAP terrorists attacked Mike Correctional Centre, freeing hundreds of inmates, including Jihadists held at the prison facility. 

Politics

APC exploits PDP crisis, Atiku’s absence, woos Wike

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As preparations for the 2023 general elections hot up, the ruling All Progressives Congress is making frantic moves to win more influential politicians into its fold. Three governors on the platform of the party on Friday visited the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, to woo him to join the party.

Wike is said to be dissatisfied with the outcome of the presidential primary of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, which produced Atiku Abubakar as the candidate, while he emerged as the first runner-up. The governor is also said to be aggrieved by the choice of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as Atiku’s running mate despite the recommendations of a committee that favoured him.

The aftermath of the primary led to a deep crack in the party with some members, believed to be loyal to Wike, calling for the resignation of the national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu and substitution of Okowa’s name with Wike as the running mate.

The absence of Atiku, who has been on vacation abroad, is also said to be exacerbating the crisis, as many believe he should have met Wike in person and play a critical role in uniting the party before the crisis escalates.

The APC is therefore believed to be taking advantage of the festering crisis in the opposition party and Atiku’s absence to woo the governor, who is seen by many as influential and a mobiliser.

On Friday, three APC governors: Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum; Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; and a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, who is a PDP member, visited Wike in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

As soon as they alighted from their vehicle, they exchanged banters, hugs and handshakes with Wike. However, a top government official in the state who did not want his name mentioned noted that as soon as they arrived, they went into a closed-door meeting with Wike and that the meeting lasted for about an hour and thirty minutes.

Though it could not be ascertained what their discussion was about, it is believed that the visit was about the 2023 elections and attempt by the ruling party to woo the governor to join the APC.

When asked by reporters what their visit was about, Fayemi reportedly said “it was a Sallah visit”.

While trading banters before the meeting, Fayemi who was the first to speak while in a handshake with Wike said, “Why did you come here with a camera?” Wike replied, “Am I hiding?”

Then, Akeredolu while shaking the governor, said, “Wike, Wike,” which elicited another response from him, saying, “They said I went to London. Which day did I go to London? Is this place (his residence) London?” But Fayemi interjected, “London via Turkey.”

Teasing their host, Akeredolu kept hailing Wike and told him that the cap he (Wike) wore was now in vogue but Wike replied, saying “I don’t want to wear it”, as they all burst into laughter and walked towards the governor’s residence.

They continued their banter as they walked towards Wike’s residence.

‘Come join us’

Meanwhile, a source at the meeting, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the APC governors told Wike to join them in their quest to win the 2023 presidential election.

The source said, “The plan is to woo him to our side since his party seems to be ignoring him. We asked him to work with us.”

Asked what Wike’s response was, the source said “Well, you don’t expect him to jump at the offer. This is because his party already had a candidate for all the elective positions, especially in his state. But we want him to work with our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. But he gave us no commitment.”

Their visit came a few weeks after Governor Dave Umahi, also of the APC, visited the governor and held a closed-door meeting with him. The details of the meeting were not known but it is believed it’s also about the 2023 elections. Umahi and Wike had previously had open disagreements prior to the party primaries.

Apart from Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party who also visited the governor, some PDP leaders, including Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the Senate Minority Leader, Phillip Aduda; his deputy, Shuaibu Lau; and deputy Minority Whip, Danjuma La’ah, had paid similar visits to Wike recently. The visits also included closed-door meetings.

There has been widespread speculation that Wike may be contemplating dumping the PDP, but the governor who had always said he remained in the PDP, had yet to make any statement to that effect.

Governor Samuel Ortom had in a recent interview expressed displeasure over the way the party handled the aftermath of the primary, especially as it concerned Wike. Fayose, who contested the presidential primary, said about a week ago that it was either southern presidency or nothing.

PDP kicks

Meanwhile, the PDP has said it is not threatened by the visit of the APC governors to Wike. It also said the visit was expected since the 36 governors would have common issues to deliberate upon.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, told one of our correspondents in an interview that the visit by the three APC governors was normal.

He added, “The (APC) governors are free to visit any of their colleagues. Wike, who is our performing governor, couldn’t have rejected the offer by his colleagues to visit him. Also, the visit is not meant to threaten us. We are not threatened at all because the APC were probably in Rivers State to learn from Wike.

“Let me also add that the governors have a club known as the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and its members are free to socialise and visit one another. There is nothing wrong with that. It is good for governance because beyond politics, the governors need to come together for the good of the country.”

Asked when Atiku would return to the country, Ologunagba said, “Anytime from now.”

However, sources within the party said its leadership was worried about Atiku’s trips.

Atiku was said to have travelled to the United States some days ago, from where he moved to Dubai. However, a source close to him told one of our correspondents that the former vice president is now in France.

Rivers APC speaks

The spokesperson for the APC in Rivers State, Chris Finebone, has said he wouldn’t be the one to decide whether or not Wike would be welcomed to the APC if he decides to defect.

He said in an interview with one of our correspondents, “I won’t be the one to decide whether the door will be open or closed but if you ask me for my personal opinion, Wike will not go to the APC.

“Wike may work out something with those who are visiting him and might not necessarily go to the APC. There are a thousand and-one things he can arrange with those visiting him without pronouncing his movement to APC; that is my personal view.

“I think it is taking speculations too far that those three governors came with an ex-governor Fayose, it may be a sign of working together but it may also not mean out rightly decamping to join the party.”

Ex-VP in France

Meanwhile, Atiku is said to be in France after his trips to the United States and Dubai. A top source in the party told one of our correspondents that the former vice-president was on vacation, adding that he needed to rest given that once he returned he would be busy with campaigns that would last till the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

When reminded that Atiku’s absence was not good for the party, the source said, “Atiku Abubakar is on vacation. The man is taking a break. This race will be a marathon by the time he gets back, so he deserves the vacation now.

“Genuine stakeholders, members of the party and leaders recognise that everything needs to be done to resolve all the issues and the reconciliation process has started and is ongoing. It’s not only about Atiku Abubakar; the party has taken ownership of it. He’s the candidate of the party and the party is trying to find a solution to these issues, and I think people should give them the opportunity.”

When asked if Atiku’s camp had fears about the APC governors to Wike, the source said, “People need to have some respect for Governor Nyesom Wike. He is a governor and those who visited him are also governors, and they have a right to interact and if they do, why should people interpret it wrongly. That amounts to a disservice and they are not being fair to him.

“In all of these, we must take cognisance of what Governor Wike has said; that PDP is in his DNA and that whatever was the outcome of that primary, he would work for the PDP in 2023. That was his last say on that matter and I think we should respect that.

Tinubu returns

The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, returned to the country on Friday, 11 days after he travelled to France.

Tinubu’s Spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, confirmed this in an interview with one of our correspondents on Friday.

Also, Tinubu, via his official Twitter handle, Friday evening, shared a tweet, “Heading home,” with a link to his Instagram page showing him inside an aircraft.

Tinubu had travelled to France on June 27 for “important meetings.”

Tinubu departed Nigeria shortly after he held a closed-door meeting with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on June 27.

While announcing his trip to France via a statement, Rahman said, “He is off to Paris, France to hold some important meetings. The APC standard-bearer is expected back in the country shortly.”

Some of his supporters expressed hope that the matter of his running mate would now be settled in a matter of days.

Although his media team averred that the candidate travelled to the French country ‘to hold important meetings,’ his critics believed that it was a mission to perfect his plans ahead of the 2023 general elections while some believed he travelled for medical attention.

Ayu back home

On Friday, Ayu also returned to the country from the United Kingdom after a brief vacation. He arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Ayu travelled to the UK on June 21 for a brief vacation after the party’s primaries and nomination processes.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Communication and Strategy to the Chairman, Simon Imobo-Tswam, stated that before the vacation, Ayu the Deputy National Chairman (North), Ambassador Umar Damagum, to act for him.

Politics

BREAKING: Peter Obi unveils running mate 

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The Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has unveiled his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed.

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the founder of Baze University, Abuja, was announced as the LP vice-presidential candidate in Abuja on Friday.

The 46-year-old was a former lawmaker who represented Kaduna North  Senatorial district.

Baba-Ahmed’s announcement was coming barely 24 hours after the Director-General, Peter Obi Campaign Organisation, Doyin Okupe, announced his withdrawal as the vice-presidential candidate of the party.

Okupe who announced his withdrawal via his verified Twitter handle @doyinokupe noted that his party would announce the new running mate to the presidential candidate.

“This afternoon I submitted my withdrawal letter from the position of the Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party to INEC. A replacement will be announced by d national chairman of d party shortly. I feel greatly blessed to have been part of the foundation of success 4 the LP,” Okupe tweeted.

The PUNCH reports that like the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Labour party had named Okupe as the interim vice presidential candidate of the LP in order to beat the deadline by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Details later…

Politics

Oyetola releases N1.6bn for pension payment

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Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State has released the sum of N1.6 billion for the payment of pension to retirees in the State.

The money, according to a statement credited to the office of the Head of Service, is for the payment of pension from the month of June 2022, to retired workers under the old Pension Scheme, retired Primary School teachers and Local Government staff on Contributory Pensions Scheme, and retired civil servants in Ministries and Agencies of government.

N516,186,000 is meant for the payment of pension bonds to retired Primary School teachers and Local Government staff on Contributory Pensions Scheme, and a sum of N300 million to retired civil servants in Ministries and Agencies of Government.

The State government spends N752 million as monthly pension to all retired workers under the old Pensions Scheme.

The payment according to the statements would start on Thursday July, 14.

“The list of beneficiaries are posted on the Notice Boards of the Local Government Pensions Bureau, Civil Service Bureau Office of the Head of Service, and the Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation.

“All workers of the State, both serving and retired, are assured by Governor Gboyega Oyetola of continuous priority of their welfare in the scheme of things in the State”, the statement read.

Politics

Terrorist attacks: We’ll hold Buhari accountable, I’m pained – Ndume

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Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South Senatorial District has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to start taking responsibilities and act like Commander-in-Chief over the terrorist attacks happening on a daily basis in almost every part of the country.

According to him, it is the responsibility of the President to address Nigerians and not his advisers releasing statements after every attack.

Featuring on Channels Television on Thursday evening, Ndume said he was totally disappointed with the response coming from political leaders who should be ordinarily responsible for the lives and well-being of Nigerians.

Ndume said he feels pained to be called a Senator because most of them were almost helpless in the current situation and were like mere observers.

Asked whose responsibility it is to brief Nigerians after such fatal attacks on citizens, Ndume said, “the service chiefs are there, the NSA is there and the President is there.

“This is not a State matter but if it was in the State, the State Governors should be doing that. You see it happening everywhere. You see it happening everywhere.

“Honestly, we’re in trouble. Don’t take these things lightly. I’m worried…we should be talking about how to address this matter and what citizens need to do…I’m really disappointed with the response of so many leaders.

“And it’s our responsibility. The responsibility of the government is security and welfare of its citizens and then you have leaders responding as if it is a casual thing and not their responsibility.

“It is our responsibility. I feel pained to be called a Senator and almost like helpless- most of us are like that- sitting down as observers.”

On how he’ll fix the current security situations, Ndume added, “I’ll call the security Chiefs to brief me properly, then I’ll brief the nation on what is going on, sharing with them what needs to be shared without compromising the security situation.

“The President or whoever is in charge is supposed to sit some people down and get results, not just making statements. I’ve said it before, when it comes to issues like this, it is the President who is supposed to be addressing Nigerians, not some advisers.

“The President should be taking responsibility. He is the President! You see, religiously, by the time you ask people to elect you as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, anything that happens to any Nigerian, we’ll hold you accountable for it “

Politics

Tinubu, Atiku, Obi: Rough is the road ahead

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Tuesday, a band of terrorists laid an ambush for President Muhammadu Buhari on his way to Daura for holiday. The President’s advanced convoy was corralled. Before the smokes from that gunbattle simmered, another terrorist attack was reported Wednesday morning. Hoodlums raided a huge prison hold in Kuje, freeing hundreds of criminals serving time. The mean men had a field day reuniting with their killer-partners slammed in the calaboose. That is the terrorised life Nigerians live today. When bandits strike on a nation’s presidential convoy anywhere around the world; it’s proof that terrorists hold sway in the country. With all of Buhari’s mouthing about keeping Nigerians safe, and his rambling rhetoric and empty threats hauled at those making Nigeria unlivable, it is certain that this retired Army General has lost grip of Nigeria’s security. Horror stories of terrorism have engulfed our nation. Nigerians are living in misery without food, money, and hopes for tomorrow. Many think the country can implode any minute. God forbid.

Political permutations about who becomes the next carrier of Nigeria’s nagging migraine headaches are running feverishly rackety. Who will that be? I leave the brawls and battles to the frenetic adherents of major candidates who have already turned the social media space into an Armageddon of brutal brabble and quibbles. Except God pulls a shocking one from His breath of the miraculous, one of these men-Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abubakar Atiku, or Peter Obi, will become President. I begin with the ruling party’s standard bearer.

APC remaining in power at the centre in this election cycle may be a tall order. How does Tinubu pull it off without distancing himself from Buhari and his tales of woes? How does he disabuse the minds of Nigerians who believe that he is wealth-amassing, money-mongering, and uncannily-controlling of human beings in states his appointed men reign as governors? How does Jagaban shake off the health debate that his limbs are too weak, his heart too fluttering, and his grips are unsteady even when drinking a pint-size bottled water? These are concerns for Nigerians. As of today, however, Tinubu is the front-runner in this marathon dash for power. He has the money, the men, the mind, and strategies to get what he wants. Don’t joke with a man who believes that he is ordained by God to strap on the presidential crown this time.  Tinubu told Nigerians that this is his time and turn. “E gbe kinni yi wa; EMI LO KAN”. Unfortunately, in a democracy, victory is not turn-by-turn. It is an all-out, tough-and-rough fight convincing people you are their help in times of trouble. Who dares say Tinubu has not paid his dues in political fight arenas? He has fought many power bases, over many issues, and over many decades on Nigeria’s tough political terrain. Tinubu can fight. The battle line is now drawn between him and human machineries set in dark places trying to ensure that he does not become President.  But in this cycle, Tinubu is one of the favorites to become President. But how does he pull it off with his party’s dismal and terrible rule where Nigerians aren’t safe in their own home and Nigerians dying of hunger?

I also don’t know how PDP can return to the centre with its horrible testimonies that have not faded in Nigerians memories. Many believe that the foundation of the agony Nigerians suffer today was laid by the corrupt hands of PDP men and women. In 2013, Nigeria’s external reserves dipped from $47 billion to $29 billion in 2015 straight through the conduits of corruption. Savings depleted from $21 billion in 2010 to $2 billion in 2015. PDP’s Federal Government borrowed $2 billion to pay salaries in that season of Nigeria’s life.  In May 2011, Nigeria’s debt was N2.5trn and oil price was $110 per barrel; and by May 2015 debt had risen to N12trn even with more revenue. Under the PDP watch, the American Government found out that about $9bn was stolen by fifty people. Abubakar Atiku, the party’s chaperon in next year’s election has a baggage load of malfeasances and infractions that I don’t have the writing privilege to rerun in a thirteen-hundred-word treatise. Like Tinubu, the Waziri of Adamawa is one of the favourites to win next year’s election. But how does he pull it off?

Peter Obi once sat in Anambra State  Governor’s office. He too wants to be President. Surprisingly to many, Obi’s profile is rising in charms and chimes. His followership is increasing. New converts drawn to his gospel are swelling in size. His tub-thumpers are from everywhere. They are Yorubas, Igbos, and all. And they are young. Obi is making forays into unexpected cohorts. A lot of adherents of VP Yemi Osinbajo who lost in the APC primaries seem to have found a home in Obi’s tent. He is younger than all the major candidates. He talks populist economic sense. What he talks about appeals to ordinary Nigerians. He, too, is a favourite in this run. But if Obi will shock the system, he needs to rejigger in a few areas.

One, he must not listen to those who tell him he doesn’t need a structure. He does.  Structure is a requisite process to success in business and life. It is like a drawn plan before you build a house. Obi will need a structure made of steel to war against an Atiku or Tinubu. Both men can boast of octopuses of long-standing structures.

Two, Obi must also quit hyperboles. He is preaching to a hungry and angry choir of Nigerians. Just like Tinubu and Atiku, Obi is an accomplished fella. He doesn’t need to exaggerate his testaments.

Three, Obi should also find a way not to allow his loyalists brand his run an Igbo project, but a Nigerian business. He has to win in other regions to become President. Between now and February 2023, he’s got to convince a lot more educated young and middle-aged Nigerians. He must make inroads into Gombe, Sokoto, Kano, Kogi, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Jigawa, and at least two-thirds of the Northern voting space. He must figure out how to do this in seven months.

Four, Obi should educate his supporters that verbal abuses and diatribes on opposing voices don’t make good friends. They turn people off. You may hear some of those vile voices after reading this article. There are very many people who are open to listening to Obi. Millions of Nigerians are sick-and-tired of status quo politics and politicians. Millions don’t care where their pPesident comes from or what God he worships. Irate and rabid supporters many times shut the valves of support and friendship. It may be a long shot, but Obi has a chance. I’m watching how he will pull it off.

We all know that nothing else is presently in Nigerian politicians’ fervid focus but 2023. Nine months away, the regime of the President, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will end. Candidates are butting heads to succeed him. A roiling jostle for the control of Aso-Rock is ongoing. The unrelenting hankering for power among political groupies is loud. Movements have morphed into coalition of political assemblages. Talks to seize power and control of the central government continue behind closed doors as Nigeria treads a rough road ahead into the future. Who wins? Prognosticators may not be accurate. Political prophets will lie as usual. Consult your Ouija board. Consult your oracle. Let them speak in their tenebrific voices. What becomes of Nigeria is uncertain. Are you already dreaming that your man will be sworn-in as President? Quit dreaming! The road ahead will be rough. Who becomes President no one knows except God in heaven who alone rules in the affairs of men and nations.

Politics

Sack Aregbesola now over repeated jailbreaks, HURIWA urges Buhari

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Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, has said the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, must be sacked with immediate effect over his failure to put an end to the incessant attacks on prisons in the country.

HURIWA’s position was contained in a statement on Thursday signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, where it condemned the jailbreaks under Aregbesola’s watch.

The group stated that, in the last five years, there have been over 15 jailbreaks under the former Osun State governor while over 3,000 inmates have escaped from custody.

The PUNCH had reported that terrorists attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre on Tuesday night, heavily armed with explosives, which led to the loss of lives.

During the attack, the terrorists reportedly freed over 600 inmates, including 64 suspected Boko Haram members who were held in custody.

HURIWA also urged the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to quit asking rhetorical questions on how the intelligence system of the country failed to detect Tuesday’s attack at Kuje prison in Abuja on social media.

The group demanded the President immediately set up a judicial panel of inquiry on prison attacks in the country and ensure that such assaults on the entire security apparatus of Nigeria do not recur.

The statement reads in part, “The spate of jailbreaks under President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, is alarming and condemnable. Even under then-President Goodluck Jonathan, who had no military experience or background, jailbreaks weren’t as rampant as what Nigerians see these days.

“The frequent and recurring jailbreaks show the inefficiency of all those President Buhari appointed into office and his unwillingness to sack them show also that the President tacitly want the situation to continue to fester.

“HURIWA demands the sacking of the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and his Defence counterpart, Bashir Magashi; for perpetual incompetence. We also call for a broad-based judicial panel of inquiry on prison breaks in Nigeria to be constituted.”

Politics, World News

Why insecurity continues to fester in Nigeria – Atiku

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The Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday, shed light on the lingering insecurity issues bedeviling the country.

He said the festering insecurity challenges, particularly incessant attacks on helpless Nigerians were the resultant effect of the Federal Government’s inability to enthrone a regime of law and order.

Atiku’s position was coming on the heels of the terrorist attack on the Kuje custodial center in Abuja. The PUNCH reports that the terrorists attacked the center and freed inmates including 64 of their members held in the custody on Tuesday night.

But reacting to the attack in a series of tweets on his Twitter handle on Wednesday, the former Vice President noted the missing regime of law and order in the country was emboldening the terrorists.

He wrote, “I am concerned and saddened by reports of the attack on Kuje Prison by suspected terrorists. My concern arises not only from the prospects of the escape of detained terrorists and hardened criminals but of its implications for the security of lives and property to residents of Abuja and its environs.

“I wish to restate what I said to @THISDAYLIVE on Monday that our inability to enthrone a regime of law & order in which the arrest and prosecution of criminals will be made a priority as a deterrent to copycats is the reason why insecurity continues to fester in our country.-AA.”

Politics, World News

Tight security in Plateau prison after Kuje attack

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Following the attacks by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members at Kuje Correctional Centre, which led to the escape of over 600 inmates, Tuesday night, there is tight security in and around the Correctional Centre in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Wednesday.

The road leading to the correctional centre situated opposite the Police Command Headquarters was barricaded with an iron bar when our correspondent visited the facility, Wednesday afternoon. 

It was observed that vehicles plying the road were only allowed to pass after a thorough search by security operatives manning the checkpoint.

Some armed operatives from the Department of the State Security Service and other security agents were seen patrolling the premises of the prison whose roofs were yet to be replaced after they were removed some months ago for repairs.

Efforts to get across to the spokesman for the Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service were unsuccessful.

However, a senior official of the service, who spoke to The PUNCH in Jos on Wednesday on condition of anonymity, said they were not taking the security breach at the Kuje for granted.

The source said, “What do you expect us to do if not to step up security in this place?

You know that the attack on Kuje prison is a daring one by those who perpetrated it. Nigerians are talking about it and we are not taking it for granted because we don’t want what happened in Kuje to happen here again at the Jos Correctional Centre. 

“I’m sure other prison facilities across the country may have taken extra measures to safeguard their facilities too. Moreover, you are aware that a similar attack happened here at the Jos Correctional Centre recently in November last year where over 200 inmates also escaped while others died during the attack by gunmen.

“I know that after the attack, a search team was put in place to recapture the fleeing inmates but I’m not sure if all of them have been recaptured up till now. So, if you see an unusual security presence around Jos Correctional Centre, especially given the security challenge we are facing at the moment, you can understand why we are doing what we are doing.”

The Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, also said that the command was leaving no stone unturned to ensure adequate security in the state.

“The Commissioner of Police does that (deployment of personnel) every time to protect the headquarters and other facilities from coming under attack. If you see additional deployment of police personnel to the command headquarters or elsewhere, maybe the attack on Kuje prison is just a pointer to what we have been doing because it is a normal routine for the CP to ensure the security of lives and property in the state,” The PPRO added.

Politics

I prefer younger running mate – Peter Obi

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The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Wednesday, opened up on his choice of running mate, saying he preferred a younger person as vice-presidential candidate.

The former Anambra State governor stated this while featuring on Arise TV Morning Show.

He added that he prefers a younger person who has something to offer to complement his ticket rather than recycling old hands who had been in the government before now.

When asked to clarify social media rumours that he had picked the Director of Publicity and Advocacy of Northern Elders Forum, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, as his vice-presidential candidate, Obi noted that though consultations are ongoing, he was yet to pick a running mate.

He said, “We’re talking to a quite number of people and Hakeem Baba-Ahmed is a capable hand. But I wish I can work with somebody who is more younger.

“I prefer younger people who have a lot to offer rather than recycling old hands. I want a competent person and I am building a formidable team.

“I want people who can look me in the eye and disagree with me during cabinet meetings. People who have their own minds and ideas.

On when he will release his manifesto, he said rather than a manifesto, he had practiced all that he is preaching and the records are there for Nigerians to verify.

“How can I hire professors to write or draft policy documents for me that I don’t even believe in?

“I have replicated all that I am promising Nigerians before. It would be the same thing. What I did in Anambra and what I achieved is what we will replicate on a larger scale. We want Nigeria to become the engine of production,” the presidential candidate said.

On the campaign of calumny on social media, Obi alleged that his opponents had paid some people online to malign his campaign team by infiltrating his core supporters and releasing falsehoods online.

The former Peoples Democratic Party chieftain noted that despite the campaigns of calumny online and rumours that northerners won’t vote for him during the 2023 election, he believed that Nigerians and people from the north will vote for him based on competent.

“I am contesting to be Nigeria’s president to solve the country’s problem and not because I am from a part or region of the country.

“We need to do things that will bring people hope. Nigerians must be proud of this country and that is what I planned to do,” he added.

Politics

Nigeria in coma, needs me as saviour – Obi

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has said that Nigeria is currently in a comatose state and needs a specialist like him to save its life.

Obi was speaking on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’, where he addressed questions surrounding the seeming deadlock between his party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

The PUNCH had reported earlier how the presidential candidate of the NNPP, Rabiu Kwakwanso, had stated that he would not bend backward to accept the vice-presidential ticket as both parties continued to seek common ground to berth protracted talks over a possible alliance.

It was also reported that a chieftain of the NNPP, Buba Galadima had buttressed earlier comments by the party’s flagbearer that the NNPP would not play second fiddle in the ticket on the grounds that the South-East did not have the political strength Kwakwanso would bring to the ticket.

Reacting to comments by the NNPP, Obi said 100 million Nigerians were in poverty today because of the mentality exhibited by his senior comrades.

He further described Nigeria as a patient in coma, which would imminently die without urgent intervention of an expert like himself

He said, “We choose to vote for incompetence based on a primitive consideration of ethnicity and religion. Tell me, today, you can’t travel from Abuja to Kaduna by air, by road, or by train. Is it because somebody from the South-East is in charge? You can’t travel from Abuja to Minna by road, is it because somebody from the South-East is in charge? Yesterday, we had an attack on the presidential convoy in Katsina, is it because a person from South-East is in charge? Show me where you can buy food cheaper.” You have not talked about electricity, or people are prospering in the North because northerners are in power? In the South-West because they are in power or in the South-East.”

Appealing to Nigerians to jettison politics of religion and ethnicity, obi said it was high time Nigerians chose their leaders on the basis of merit and competence.

He added, “What we have chosen to do in this country is that we consistently hire vehicle drivers to fly the Nigerian airplane, instead of qualified pilots. My commitment is, let us campaign and deal with issues on the problems with the country. There are a lots of problems besieging this country.

If you don’t know today, this country will soon default in their debt servicing. This is what should be preoccupying us now. Universities have shut down and we are talking about who we’ll vote for. Let’s deal with the issues. This election will not be based on ‘my turn’. It will not be based on ethnicity. It will not be based on religion. It will be based on a Nigerian agenda to save this Nigeria. Nigeria is in coma, and it needs a specialist, and that is what I’m offering to save its life or it will die. I’m appealing to people to vote to save Nigeria, and to save Nigeria is to hire the best.”

Yesterday, the Director-General of the Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr Doyin Okupe, had announced that the planned alliance between the Labour Party and the New Nigerian People’s Party for the 2023 general election is “dead.”

Politics

2023: You’re not presidential material – Ohanaeze attacks Kwankwaso over Peter Obi

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The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has said former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso is not a presidential material.

Ohanaeze’s National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia was reacting to a remark by the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.

Kwankwaso had said the Southeast was politically immature to produce Nigeria’s President in 2023.

He said the presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi would have to be his running mate and not the other way around.

Condemning Kwankwaso’s comment, Ogbonnia said the NNPP presidential candidate lacked the competence to assess the Igbos.

He insisted that the Igbos were long prepared to produce Nigeria’s presidency.

In a statement, Ogbonnia stressed that anybody that had done well in business, and lived in other parts of the country, can rule Nigeria.

The scribe of the organization maintained that an Igbo president would perform better because they understand the country.

According to him, Nigerians should not doubt the competence of the Igbo nation to rule Nigeria if given the opportunity.

He said: “Kwankwaso’s description is unfortunate. He does not know Igbo and lacks the capacity to assess its people. Such a comment is not expected of a presidential candidate.

“As far as I know, Igbo have been the pillar that has helped this country to survive so far. He should know that any person who can do well in business and live in any part of the country can succeed as president.

“Kwankwaso cannot be said to be the best material the country can have when issues of the presidency are discussed. Except for our parochial nature and the kind of politics we have in Nigeria, I do not think that our competence should be in doubt at any time.”

Politics

2023: What Bola Tinubu is going through currently over running mate – Gov Akeredolu

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Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has revealed what the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently going through in his quest for a substantive running mate for the 2023 presidential election.

The Governor pointed out that there are so many factors being considered in picking Tinubu’s running mate, thereby making it somewhat difficult for the former Lagos State Governor.

Not mentioning the issue of religion which has formed much of the public debate among Nigerians, Governor Akeredolu centred his argument on zone, loyalty and the area with the highest votes, as he listed the factors that have left the APC flagbearer racking his brain.

Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday evening, the Governor explained that, “The circumstance Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu has found himself now, that’s a major of what I’ll call ground-wetting. For instance, he’ll not pick from the South. So he’s left to make a choice from the North.

“Because he’s from the South he won’t pick from South-East or South-South, because he’s from the South-West he has to pick from the North.

“And when you look at the North, a lot of factors will have to come into play. Some will say ‘pick from North West’ But North West, that’s where the President now comes from.

“Will they have a second bite whether as vice or anything? Some will argue ‘why not pick from the North East?’ That’s a factor to be considered.

“Others can argue, ‘why not pick from North Central?’ So, another factor to be considered is ‘okay, where do you get votes?’

“So many factors, but under these circumstances, I think he is probably left with North Central and North East probably because so many factors can come into play.

“So, in determining who you pick at the end of the day, you have to look at loyalty. Will this person be loyal or will he be there to undermine you? Those are issues you’ll have to consider very seriously.”

Politics

Pick Tinubu’s running mate from North-Central, coalition urges APC

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A coalition of stakeholders from the North-East region in the ruling All Progressives Congress have asked the party to pick the running mate of the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, from the North Central.

The stakeholders said this would not only enable the party to win the 2023 presidential election but help bring to the fore the party’s respect for fairness, equity and justice.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting in Abuja on Sunday, the National Coordinator of North East APC Stakeholders Coalition, Abba Suleiman, described the demand by its counterparts from the North West to be considered for the vice presidential candidate position as a “gross display of insensitivity to the relevance of other regions in the scheme of things in the party”.

He said, “The North West Region had been within the corridor of power in the last seven years of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, and for such demand to be made indeed speak volume of gross insensitivity.

“It is the considered view of stakeholders in the North East that it would only be fair and just if the vice-presidential slot goes to the North Central, given the numerous contributions of the region to the growth and development of the party.

“The stakeholders must come to terms with the fact that the North Central region hasn’t had a shot at the highest level of governance since the return of democracy in 1999. This time has presented that unique opportunity that must be utilized in the party’s best interest.

“The North-West APC Stakeholders must also realize that the overarching objective of the party is to secure a landslide victory at the polls, and if that is indeed the case, would it make any sense if a region that has been represented adequately in the last ten years, would also demand the vice-presidential slot”.

“Unless the stakeholders of our great party in the North West want us to believe that the North Central is not deserving of producing the vice-presidential candidate hence the demand for the vice-presidential slot.

“The stakeholders of the APC in the North East wish to use this medium to call on the leadership of our great party to ensure justice and fairness by providing that the vice presidential slot is given to the North Central.”

Politics

Courts are imposing politicians on Nigerians – Falana claims

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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), on Thursday warned the courts to “stop imposing politicians on Nigerians”.

According to Falana, “the involvement of the courts in the electoral process has not been favourable to the country’s democracy.”

He made the call while speaking on “The Role of the Courts in the Electoral Process and the Time Bomb of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022”.

It was delivered at the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ondo Branch.

According to Falana, the courts are involved in appointment of party officers and fixing of national conventions of political parties.

“The courts have been involved in the appointment of party officers and the endorsement of candidates sponsored by political parties to contest elections.

“Even the meetings of the organs and national conventions of political parties are fixed by the courts. Cases arising from the management of political parties are filed in the high court of the FCT or at the federal high court, outside the venue of the dispute.

“The winners of primaries and general elections are no longer determined by the electorate, but by the election petition tribunals and courts,” Falana was quoted as saying via a statement issued by his aide, Tayo Soyemi.

Politics

2023: Sowore picks running mate, vows to defeat Kwankwaso, Atiku, Obi in Kano

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Mr Sowore says his running mate does not have any certificate problem like some presidential hopefuls in the country.

The Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Friday, said his party currently stands a better chance at victory in Kano State compared to other contenders in the 2023 general elections.

He disclosed this in Abuja during the official announcement of Haruna Magashi as his running mate in the coming election.

Mr Sowore, flanked by some members of the AAC, said both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition, PDP, will gallantly lose to his party given the performance of the former and the internal crisis in the latter.

“We hope to defeat APC (All Progressives Congress) over there (Kano) because the governor has messed up; we know that we will defeat PDP (Peoples Democratic Party), that’s the party that’s imploding as we speak,” the Sahara Reporters publisher boasted in an almost three minutes video shared across his social media account.

Despite the recent acceptance enjoyed by Rabiu Kwankwaso’s New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano, both the ruling APC and PDP still command the largest percentage of supporters in the state.

Not ruling the former Kano governor out of his major contenders in the state, Mr Sowore said the influence of his running mate, Mr Magashi, is enough to deliver Kano for AAC while Peter Obi’s Labour Party (LP) stands no chance at all in the state.

“We don’t need to talk about the Labour Party in Kano because the party doesn’t exist.

“We believe that we will defeat Alhaji Kwankwaso and his party, the NNPP (New Nigeria Peoples Party) in Kano because we have got someone who is from there,” the AAC presidential candidate boasted.

With veiled reference to the alleged missing credentials of the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu and his placeholder running mate, Kabir Masari, Mr Sowore assured that the documents of his running mate were duly submitted to INEC.

The Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Friday, said his party currently stands a better chance at victory in Kano State compared to other contenders in the 2023 general elections.

While the primary and secondary certificates of Mr Tinubu were not accounted for in the personal credentials published last week by the INEC for scrutiny, similar controversies have continued to trail that of his running mate.

Mr Masari, in a court affidavit attached to his personal credentials published, claimed to have misplaced his Grade II certificate from Katsina Teachers College, his primary school certificate among other vital documents years back.

Mr Sowore vouched for his running mate, saying Nigerians would not have to worry because “our Vice-president candidate has his certificates intact.”

“His certificates have not been eaten by goats or snakes and they are not missing. We will make it public as soon as possible,” he mockingly said.

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