Politics

Peter Obi will no longer attend debates where surrogates of leading presidential candidates represent them – Okupe

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Director General of the Obi-Datti Campaign Organisation, Doyin Okupe has said that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, will no longer attend debates where ”surrogates of leading presidential candidates represent them.”

This is coming after the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, failed to show up for the presidential town hall meeting organized by Arise TV.

Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party was also represented at the event by his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, November 7, Okupe said Obi will no longer debate with surrogates of running mates and will back out of any debate even at the last minute should other presidential candidates fail to show up.

Politics

Politicians are likely to use thugs for campaign –DSS

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The Department of State Services ( DSS) has alerted Nigerians that politicians are likely going to use thugs during the campaign for the 2023 elections.

This was disclosed by DSS Director in Kaduna, Mr Abdul Enachie, during a presentation of a report of security situation for 2nd and 3rd Quarter in the state.

Daily Trust reported that Enachie said there is need for government to take the situation seriously by taking steps to sensitize the youths against allowing themselves to be used as thugs in the state and other part of the country.

Also outlining the need for residents to pass information to security agencies, the DSS Director also urged the military to sustains their operations against the terrorists in areas like Birnin Gwari and other flashpoints.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to complete the Kaduna-Abuja highway and Birnin Gwari highway as this would help improve the security situation on the roads.

Politics

Consider your future before voting – Clergyman, William Kumuyi advises Nigerians

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Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has advised Nigerians to consider their future and vote for credible candidates.

The cleric gave the advice when he spoke to newsmen in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“Our future is in our hands, that is why we have democracy and that is why we were given a choice to know our candidates, both at the local government and state levels as well as the federation level.

And since we want the best and we have been dreaming and expecting that we have the very best for our country, it’s to our advantage if we talk to ourselves and be at peace, so that we can have a peaceful and fair election.”he said

Politics

Governor Ortom and Benue elders ‘withdraw support’ for Atiku over comment on killings by suspected herdsmen in the state

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Governor Samuel Ortom and a group of elder statesmen in Benue, Minda Leaders of Thoughts, have supposedly withdrawn their support for Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar over alleged hate speech and profiling of Benue people.

This came after Atiku sent a message of sympathy to Gbeji community in Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State, after attacks that left about 39 people, including two policemen, dead and many hospitalized.

He said in the message;

“I’m saddened by the sustained clashes between farmers and herders that led to the loss of lives, including those of police officers in Gbeji community, Ukum LGA of Benue State.

“When our people are well integrated into communities where they live, work, pay taxes and raise their children, they’d be obligated to reciprocate the love and acceptance.

My deepest condolences to the families that may have lost a loved one and to the people and government of Benue State.”

However leaders of Gbeji community, accused the presidential candidate of being insenstive by claiming it was just a farmers and herders’ clash.

They stated that what happened in Gbeji last Wednesday, 19th October, 2022, was an unprovoked attack by armed Fulani militia.

The statement read;

“We members of the Gbeji community are disappointed with the statement by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that there was farmers and herders’ clash in Gbeji which claimed lives including those of policemen.

“What happened in Gbeji last Wednesday, 19th October, 2022, was an unprovoked attack by armed Fulani militia, on the people around 6am.

“For Alhaji Atiku to talk about integration does not arise in Gbeji as the attackers do not live among us. After the unprovoked attack many people visit us including Senator Gabriel Suswam and other members of the National and State Assemblies who also visited the mortuary and saw some of the bodies of those killed.

“That Alhaji Atiku who is supposed to be the big shelter of the Tiv people, the Zege Mule u Tiv, does not believe people have been killed in spite of media reports and eyewitness accounts is the height of insensitivity.

“Alhaji Atiku should have taken time to visit us, or send assistance to alleviate our humanitarian problems is the least that we expected at this time. As at today the death toll has risen to 39 with many still missing while others are in various hospitals.

“If anyone cannot help us in our time of distress he should not mock us. We therefore, reject Alhaji Atiku’s statement which we regard as mockery.”

Also reacting to the statement, Ortom accused Atiku of dishonoring him as Governor and working against the interest of Benue residents.

Asides from alleging that the presidential candidate sidelined him while selecting his presidential campaign team, the Governor also accused Atiku of working with Miyetti Allah.

Ortom said;

“It was not correct for a presidential candidate who is seeking to rule the people to say that kind of thing.

“It was very wrong. And it would appear that he doesn’t even reference me and consider me to be a Governor of my state.

“I am not in his campaign team. The people they appointed there, no consent from me. So I’ll remain on my own. But I’m waiting; when the election comes, we shall vote the election according to the election.”

Politics

Nigeria will break up if APC wins 2023 presidential election – Obaseki

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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has said that Nigeria will break up if the All Progressive Congress (APC) wins the 2023 presidential election.

Obaseki who spoke during the swearing-in of members of the Edo state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council management committee on Monday, October 25, said that ‘nobody has done the kind of damage the APC administration has done to this country.’

He said;

“I believe that this will be an easy election for us if we campaign right. Our heads should be examined as citizens of Nigeria if we even contemplate voting for a government like APC. God forbid APC comes into power; this country will break up; this country will fail. It has already failed.

“Nobody has done the kind of damage the APC administration has done to this country. I don’t know how we’ll recover. They have destroyed the basis of this country.

“By the grace of God, our candidate will win. We’ll bring back Nigeria; we’ll unify this country. We’ll reduce the differences we have and we’ll begin to build our country to what God says it should be.”

Politics

Political parties can’t substitute candidates again – INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that political parties can no longer substitute the candidates whose names have been published on its final list.

The commission which disclosed that the window for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates has closed, added that only dead candidates and those whose nominations are voided by the courts can be substituted.

The Nation reported that INEC also revealed that only the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) had approached it to replace Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party PDP.

Shekaru was nominated as NNPP’s senatorial candidate for Kano Central before he dumped the party, forcing the NNPP to approach INEC for substitution. INEC rejected NNPP’s request because it was made after the window for substitution had elapsed.

Confirming the development, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye said;

“The period for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates has elapsed and the Commission has published the final list of candidates standing nominated for national and state elections.

“At this point in time, a candidate can only get on the list if the duly and validly nominated candidate dies. Any form of withdrawal on grounds of voluntary withdrawal or incapacitation can no longer take place.

“Yes, the Commission is aware of some pending litigations. At the end of the day, the Commission will comply with valid court orders based on constitutional dictates. We urge political parties to focus on their campaigns and rallies as the next big thing in the electoral process.

“The Commission is now focused on making the Permanent Voters Cards available for collection by legally registered persons.

The Commission is also focussed at making sure that voters are equitably distributed to the various polling units.“The Commission will not be distracted with belated requests for withdrawals and substitution of candidates.

All the registered political parties have a copy of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released on the February 26, 2022 and the schedule and timelines are clearly delineated.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Tinubu returns from UK, prepares for campaigns

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There was jubilation in the camp of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Thursday when he returned to the country.

While he was aware, reports were suggesting that Tinubu was ill and could be receiving medical attention in London.

The situation forced the candidate and his handlers to release a series of photographs and videos to dispel the rumour of his ill health.

Elated party chiefs and loyalists were at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday to receive Tinubu.

They were led by his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima; and a former APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, among others.

It was learnt that Tinubu will immediately engage in a series of political consultations.

The former Lagos State governor is expected to host members of his Presidential Campaign Council, Progressive Governors Forum and the National Working Committee of the APC in separate meetings to discuss the contentious campaign list.

A former Minister of Communications and Director General of the Asiwaju Tinubu-Shettima Coalition for Good Governance, Adebayo Shittu, told The PUNCH that the wild jubilation that greeted Tinubu’s arrival was enough to make some people cover their faces in shame.

“They probably thought he won’t return to the country. I told you earlier he is coming today, didn’t I?

“Let us even assume he went for medical treatment abroad, should that be an issue? His fitness video and the eventual return have put an end to all their speculations,” he said.

The Director of Media and Publicity for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier told The PUNCH that the previous October 10 selected as the date for the launch of the campaign was no longer feasible.

He said,

“Oct 10 date is not certain for the launch of our campaign. It was the date we chose before. It is tentative and not cast in stone.”

When asked about his itinerary, Onanuga said though Tinubu would be busy after his return from London, he is not aware of any nocturnal meeting his principal might be having last night.

Another member of the PCC media team, Biodun Ajiboye, told our correspondent that he didn’t understand what the euphoria and fixation that greeted the candidate’s arrival were about. “Are they expecting Asiwaju won’t return before?” he asked.

He however acknowledged that being the workaholic that he is, Tinubu would hit the ground running.“He is going to start his usual busy schedule from this night.

Naturally, as the presidential candidate of Africa’s largest political party, he should be busy. What do you think? “He has missed a few days of work that he is eager to recover. So I don’t think it is anything to worry about,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has promised that Tinubu will tackle the challenges faced by youths, women and other vulnerable people in society.

The governor stated this on Thursday during an event organised by the Asiwaju Grassroots Talk in Oregun, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said his endorsement of the AGT advocacy project stemmed from the proven ability of the group to influence and mobilise real voters, noting that AGT had a strong presence across communities in the state.

He said,

“We are ready to take the gospel out to the electorate and canvass for their support for the Tinubu presidency. Asiwaju has verifiable track records in good governance and service delivery, which canvassers can use to engage and win the support of potential voters.

“We must talk about the transformative leadership, progressive ideals, and vision possessed by Asiwaju to take this country to another level of meaningful development.

“Tinubu is coming to bring hope, bring about change that will translate to real prosperity.” He is coming to address the challenges facing the youth, women, and the vulnerable in our country.

“His programmes will touch the lives of traders, artisans, and those in search of legitimate means of livelihood.

It is because of our strong belief in Asiwaju’s leadership that we are all coming together to endorse this grassroots movement to ensure Lagos is delivered for APC.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Mr Macaroni has responded to the diatribe launched against some non-indigenes of Lagos state ahead of the 2023 general election

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Actor and comedian Mr Macaroni has responded to the diatribe launched against some non-indigenes of Lagos state ahead of the 2023 general election.

In a tweet he shared, the comedian revealed that while his state of origin in Ogun state, he was born in Lagos and also lived all his life in the South-West state.

Mr Macaroni went on to ask those telling non-indigenes to leave or not to campaign in the state, if they are originally from Lagos.

He tweeted;

My state of Origin is Ogun. I was born and bred in Lagos. I have lived all my life in Lagos. Why are u suddenly asking me to go back to Ogun state? How many of you asking us to leave Lagos are even originally from Lagos? Election will come and go, But the people will remain!

Lifestyle, Politics

”This election is not about who is healthy and who is not. We just want who is not a thief” – Gospel artiste Frank Edwards writes

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Gospel artiste, Frank Edwards has said that the 2023 elections will not be about who is healthy and who is not but will just be geared towards electing anyone who is not a thief.

In a tweet shared on his handle, Frank said anyone can procure good medical attention.

His tweet reads;

”This election is not about who is healthy and who is not, anyone can get good medical attention, not about tribe, not about who’s turn it is !! WE JUST WANT WHO IS NOT A THIEF !! WE ARE IN A CRITICAL CONDITION.”

In another tweet, he stated that Nigerians will not go to the polls to elect a person who they were influenced to vote for by any influencer.

According to him, Nigerians will be influenced to vote for their preferred candidates based on the sufferings they have endured.

”The Good thing is Nigerians eyes are open now… these are not the days when 1 influencer can make people vote for just anyone. People are now influenced by their sufferings”

Politics

Vote competence and not religion – PFN tells Nigerians

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President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke has asked Nigerians to consider political candidates in the 2023 general election based on competence and not religion or ethnicity.

Oke who warned Nigerians against selling their future to money-bag politicians, stated that every voter should identify one of the 18 candidates in the presidential race that can take Nigeria to the promised land. Speaking on Sunday October 2, the PFN President said;

“If a Muslim can solve Nigeria’s problem, I will vote for him so far he will treat Muslims and Christians as equal stakeholders in Nigeria, and he will not favor one religion above another.

“For me, if a Hausa man emerges, okay, if it is Fulani man, good, If it is Igbo, Kanuri, Edo, Ibibio, or Yoruba man, okay, provided he stands for justice, equity, fairness, and one Nigeria. He must also be a man that can deal with the problem of Nigeria decisively.

“Vote for whoever has the capacity to turn around Nigeria, use your votes to change the fortune of the nation to give Nigerians the nation we want

“Let’s decide and go beyond religion sentiment, ethnicity, and party so that Nigeria can get to its destination.“Nigeria shall be beautiful and great, let us all cooperate with God so that we can get to the promised land..”

Politics

Atiku meets with Wike, promises to support him for president in 2027

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PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, had a closed-door meeting in Abuja last night, to resolve their differences.

The Nation reports that at the meeting, Atiku pledged to support Wike’s presidential bid in 2027 if Wike agrees to sheathe his sword and support him (Atiku) in the 2023 election.

The duo and their supporters have been locked in a face-off since June when the former vice president overlooked Wike and picked Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.

Previous efforts to reconcile them had failed to yield any positive result. Atiku even appeared to have decided to ignore Wike, and proceeded with his campaign while the Rivers State Governor and his supporters threatened to have nothing to do with the Atiku presidential campaign.

Five of the 11 state governors elected on the platform of PDP are in Wike’s camp, leading to a major crack in the party.

In a fresh effort to resolve their differences, Atiku met with Wike last night where he prevailed on Wike’s camp to join the campaign train of PDP.

Sources close to the meeting said the PDP presidential candidate offered to back Wike for the presidency in 2027. Wike was non-committal to Atiku because of past breaches of commitment, it was gathered.

The governor reportedly said he would consult his group and revert to Atiku. Sources at the meeting also stated that Wike was not excited about the 2027 prospect in view of a similar promise made by Atiku to the Igbo during a meeting with PDP stakeholders in Enugu earlier this week.

A source, who was privy to what transpired, told the publication;

“Again, Atiku extended the olive branch to Wike. He pleaded with the governor to look at the bigger picture of winning the 2023 poll.He asked Wike to prevail on his group to join the PDP campaign train.

Atiku promised to be fair to all PDP members despite the differences of the past few weeks which were caused by the outcome of the party’s presidential primaries.”

Another highly-placed source said Atiku offered to support Wike in 2027 if he gives necessary support to him in the ongoing campaign.

“Wike was not forthcoming and he avoided an outright commitment to Atiku’s request to be part of the PDP campaign team. He told Atiku that he would go and consult with his team and get back to him. So, he has kept Atiku in suspense again. We don’t know what the governor and his strategists will say.”

A source in Wike’s camp said “The governor wasn’t excited about the 2027 poll prospect because he made the Igbo a similar offer in Enugu a few days ago.

The major challenge which Wike felt Atiku did not address was trust deficit. Our camp is of the opinion that Atiku doesn’t walk the talk on any agreement or issue because of pressure here and there.

This crisis would not have reached this level if Atiku had kept faith with London talks and unwritten agreement with Wike. Our group will soon meet on the latest overtures from Atiku.”

Politics

PDP NWC members return N122.4m to the party, claim it was paid into their accounts without their knowledge

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Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party’s National Working Committee have returned about N122.4 million which they claimed was paid into their accounts without their knowledge, to the party.

The money was said to be part of the over N10 billion realised by the party from nomination fees paid by aspirants.

Channels Television reported that the NWC members who returned the money are the National Vice Chairman (South-West) Olasoji Adagunodo, the Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja; National Vice Chairman (South), Chief Dan Orbih and National Women Leader, Prof. Stella Affah-Attoe. While Adagunodo, Orbih and Effah-Attoe got N28.8 million each, Arapaja was paid N36 million. See their letters below;

Lifestyle

Peter Obi vows to end national grid collapse

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has said that national grid collapse will be a thing of history under his watch if elected as President in 2023.

The former governor of Anambra State said this in reaction to news of yet another collapse of the national grid, which he described as disturbing.

Proffering solution, Obi stated that his team has a strategic plan to progressively scale up power generation and the liberalisation of the transmission infrastructure in the country, to ensure that Nigerians enjoy adequate and stable power supply from 2023 onwards.

He tweeted on Wednesday, “The report of yet another national grid collapse is very disturbing to me, and is a reminder of the long rescue and recovery journey ahead of us.

Effective power generation, transmission and distribution remain a national security issue.

“This also places power on the front burner of campaign and policy. Painfully, this latest episode is the 7th national grid collapse in 2022.

As part of the Obi-Datti policy plan, we have put together a strategic plan to progressively scale up power generation, and the liberalisation of the transmission infrastructure in the country, to ensure that Nigerians enjoy adequate and stable power supply from 2023 onwards.

Power is critical to the development and sustainability of all sectors of the national economy

“For us, power remains a top priority. Under my watch, national grid collapse will become a matter of history and a reference point for erstwhile administrations. -PO.”

Politics

Moment Peter Obi Arrived Ooni Of Ife Palace

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, on Tuesday in Ile Ife, Osun State. Obi was cheered as he entered the palace with the Ooni in the video.

Obi has been meeting with political figures and monarchs across Nigeria ahead of next year’s election.

Politics

Tinubu condoles with Wase over brother’s death

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The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has sent his condolence to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, over the deathof his elder brother and Emir of Bashar, Alhaji Adamu Idris.

The late Emir died on Sunday aged 96.Tinubu expressed this on Monday in a statement by his media office and signed by Mr Tunde Rahman.

The statement read, “The All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has sent messages of sympathy and condolence to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, over the passing of his elder brother and Emir of Bashar, Alhaji Adamu Idris.

“While praying for the repose of the soul of the late traditional ruler, the APC presidential standard-bearer also prayed that Almighty Allah comfort the deputy speaker and the family left behind by the deceased.”

Politics

APC chieftains abducted as bandits attack Kaduna governorship candidate’s entourage

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Some chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State have been reportedly abducted in an attack along Kaduna-Kachia highway in Kaduna State.

According to Daily Trust, the attack happened on Thursday, September 22, at Tashar Icce, which is some meters from Kujama community in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.

The team was on its way back from Kafanchan after a political meeting with Christian leaders in Southern Senatorial District.

On the entourage were; the DG Campaign Uba Sani Campaign Organization, Prof Sani Bello, Mainan Zazau, Director of Organization , Engr Namadi, Special Adviser to the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, Engr Jamilu, Personal Assistant to Senator Uba Sani, other aides and security operatives.

A politician who escaped the attack, described the incident as terrible, saying about five vehicles were affected.

He said the bandits opened fire sporadically. He also said some of thee people in the entourage sustained gun injuries while two persons were abducted.

It was gathered the governorship candidate, Senator Uba Sani, was not part of the team that was attacked as he had travelled to Abuja from Kafanchan.

His Campaign DG, Sani Maina, Ahmed Maiyaki, a Chieftain of the party, and a few others escaped unhurt.

Among those abducted are the APC House of Assembly candidate in Kajuru simply identified as Mr Madaki and the Vice chairman of APC in Kajuru Local Government Area, Ruben Waziri. Ben Maigari, a relative of the Vice Chairman, confirmed the incident and said they were yet to be contacted by the bandits.

“They were attacked; the bandits blocked the road and opened fire on the entourage and other moving vehicles.

My brother, Ruben, was abducted alongside Madaki because they were in the same vehicle,” he said.

The publication also gathered that two other buses were attacked around the same time, with two people feared killed while others were taken into the forest.

T

Politics

Presidency is not a regional issue. Igbos should wait till next time – Orji Uzor Kalu

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Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu has said that Igbos should sit out the 2023 presidential election and wait for another election cycle.

Briefing reporters at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Tuesday September 20, Kalu said the presidency is not a regional issue and can only be won with the support of other geo-political zones.

He said;

“Presidency is not a regional issue. I asked the political parties to zone the presidency to the South East. When they didn’t do that, and since presidency is not a regional issue, I had to withdraw.

“I have no problem with Igbo man being president. But we have to do it with other Nigerians. If we don’t do it with other Nigerians, it is not going to work, no matter how popular you are.

It’s president of Nigeria, not president of Igboland.“I’m an Igbo man to the core. I’m also a Nigerian to the core. If anyone from the Southeast would have been nominated for presidency, I would have been the one. So, it’s a party business.

I have no grudges against anybody who is running.“So, it is not personal. It is political and party. This thing is about party winning elections.

I have chosen to be in APC. Why will I vote against Tinubu? It’s madness, and I’m not going to do it. Elections go along party line, not along tribal line.

“For me, we will wait for another time and see how all Nigerians will agree to zone the presidency to the Igboland.

But for now, our presidential candidate is Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tinubu is a strategic leader, he will make his presidency beneficial to the Igbo.

The Igbo will be the biggest beneficiaries of Tinubu’s presidency.”

Politics

The President Nigeria needs in 2023 – Bishop Kukah

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The Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Kukah, has given an insight into the type of leaders, particularly the person that should be elected by Nigerians as the next Nigeria president.

He said it was important for Nigerians to move away from voting based on ethnic, religious, or political sentiments and vote for someone who is capable of tackling the perennial challenges facing the country.

Kukah, who gave the insight during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, maintained that though the frontline candidates are individually qualified to lead the country, it was important for Nigerians to see through them and choose wisely.

The cleric said the era of rhetorics must be put behind Nigerians and that the electorates must sieve and interrogate the presidential candidates on their ideology, plans and governance style before making their choice.

“The people must interrogate their (presidential candidates) ability and capacity to govern by sheer brain and not bribe. The point is that even the whole idea of leadership is often exaggerated because we are confusing political officeholders with leaders.

“It is only in Nigeria that there is so much focus on the centre. Society can only grow when we extend the frontiers of knowledge and opportunities.

“Critical to all of these, we are looking for a president that has the understanding of the complexity of what is wrong with Nigeria. It is not just about people just aspiring without an understanding of the issues.

“My argument is that anybody who aspires to rule Nigeria and we have the opportunity to, we (Nigerians) must redesign the template of confrontation and you (presidential candidate) must be able to confront Nigerians and answer their questions.

“I am not and won’t be surprised if the candidates are moving up and down and convincing us by taking minimalist positions and telling us these and that are what they are going to do.

“I won’t also be surprised if the next president of Nigeria tells us he would tackle insecurity, increase power generation, and what have you.“The critical question is that aspiring leaders must be subjected to a litmus test by the people.

The people must ask questions like since you (presidential candidate) said you want to deal with insecurity, can we get a sense of how you want to do it and achieve success? Can you show us from your background how you will be able to do this?

“Fortunately for us, the frontline candidates have a track record and those track records must be what we must use to project the nature of the choice we have to make,” the cleric who recently celebrated his 70th birthday said.

He said it was important for the political actors, particularly the presidential candidates to listen to the young people, understand their frustrations, and align their agenda toward assuaging their grievances.

“The passion that drove people in 2015 has dissipated. The people have understood they were lied to and we have all seen the consequences of religious manipulations.

“The young people have become aware of this and they are asking the right questions. I encourage the politicians to go to the nooks and crannies of Nigerians to sell their convictions.

“The energy in this coming election is tremendous and I am excited about the energy of the young people and their attention to the country’s election,” he said.

He added, “I believe that Nigerians are energised and they have a choice to make. But we must ensure we see through the candidates and choose right to get the desired outcome.”

Politics

Fulfil promise of credible elections, Governor Wike tells INEC

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Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said if the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), does not renege on his pledge not to interfere with the conduct of the 2023 general elections, the All Progressives Congress will be doomed.

The governor, however, said Buhari’s resolve means he is serious about leaving an enduring legacy of conducting free and fair elections.

Wike made the assertion at the commencement of the construction work of Igwuruta internal roads in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state that was performed by the governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, on Wednesday.

He said:

“I thank Mr President that he wants to leave a legacy of conducting a free and fair election.”

He expressed doubt concerning the public promise made by the Independent National Electoral Commission to deliver better elections to Nigerians.

“My problem is INEC, whether they will do what they said they will do. They are making promises now. I don’t know whether they will keep to them.

“If INEC will keep to the promises that Nigeria will get a better election, I will be so happy. Everybody will see with their eyes, Abuja does not vote. It is the people here that will vote,” he said.

The governor described as unfortunate the inability of some former military generals to use their contacts with the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States of America to solve the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.

He maintained that such generals should have been more concerned about the insecurity situation in the country, and resolve to use their CIA contacts to restore peace across the country, instead of threatening him and his friends to succumb to their biddings.

Wike also took a swipe at an unnamed leader from the South-South who is seeking personal gains instead of that of the region.

He said:

“What will they tell their children? People who will like to eat their own share, eat their children’s share and eat their grandchildren’s share.

“When somebody at the age of 70 something is lobbying to be Chief of Staff, what will his own children lobby for?”

Politics

“I don’t like movies like that again. I will not return to Nollywood” Tonto Dikeh reveals plans after 2023 election

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Tonto Dikeh has disclosed that she would not be returning to Nollywood after the governorship election in Rivers State.

The actress, who was announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, made this disclosure during an interview with BBC News Pidgin.

She added that even if her party loses the governorship election in Rivers State, she will not return to acting.

When asked if she has completely retired from acting, the mother of one said: “I don’t like movies like that again and it’s been a long time since I acted on screen, you know.

“I’ve acted in about two films in 10 years, I appreciate that my path started from Nollywood, it is something that I respect, but it’s not something that has been in my life.

“So even after the election, it’s not something I’ll return to, but I’ll love to contribute to the industry when I get into power.”

She went ahead to commend her colleagues, Funke Akindele and Banky W for getting involved in politics.

She said: “It is not easy for Funke and Banky W at their level to put themselves out there to effect change because criticisms and so many things are involved.

“I believe in Funke, I believe in Banky. With them, I can hold onto something and say I believe that they have a vision for the people.”

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