Politics

Jonathan’s former aide, Okupe, says PDP will self-destruct, if…

No Comments

Former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, says the main opposition party in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is on the path of implosion and self-destruct if it refuses to zone its presidential ticket to the south.

Okupe, in a series of tweets on Friday, said the party would cease to exist after 2023 if it refuses to heed to the clamour by many Nigerians to zone its presidential ticket.

According to Okupe, the party’s reluctance in declaring its stance on zoning of its presidential ticket is not a good omen, adding that since parties don’t select candidates from the same religion for their presidential and vice-presidential tickets, it would be wrong for a northerner to take over power from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

Perfidy is the word. Dishonesty, injustice and insensitivity are the hallmarks of the current attitude of the PDP towards its own established policy of fairness and its celebrated mantra for equity and justice in the sharing of political offices through zoning between the north and the south of the country,” Okupe wrote.

This zoning policy had guaranteed stability and entrenched sense of belonging and equity within our polity.

“The efficacy of the zoning principle is so self evident that even rival political parties have adopted it as a political tool to ensure fairness and justice among their own membership.

“For the avoidance of doubt, if Muslim/Muslim or Christian/Christian presidential tickets will not work in Nigeria, so will a northern president from any party, following an uninterrupted 8-year rule by the current president, not work in 2023.

But if the PDP, based on any presumptive consideration, chooses the perilous and clearly unjust and inequitable path of throwing the presidential ticket at its primaries open to all zones, then the PDP will finally, through an unforced error, have activated a self-destruct political app and would have commenced an irreversible journey to perdition,” the PDP stalwart said.

Politics

PDP warns APC aspirants against contesting under current ‘illegal CECPC’

No Comments

The fallout of the leadership tussle plaguing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to reverberate across the polity as the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the situation.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, titled ‘Leadership crisis: APC is defunct, not eligible to contest elections – PDP’.

Ologungba also warned political aspirants under the APC from contesting under the ‘illegal CECPC’ who can “only produce invalid candidates just like in the case of Zamfara and Rivers States in the 2019 general elections where the APC had invalid candidates due to defective primaries.”

Our Party, therefore, urges aspirants intending to contest in the 2023 general elections under the APC as well as their supporters to read the handwriting on the wall and not waste their resources, time and energy in the APC.”

The main opposition, which described the APC as legally defunct, argued that the unilateral dismissal and replacement of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, with his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Bello, by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), as Chairman of the CECPC confirms that the CECPC is an illegal creation lacking statutory powers, authority and legitimacy of party leadership.

“With the absence of a National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, a Board of Trustees or legitimate structures in the States, the APC is plagued by confusion and fierce infighting by its various warlords with two National Chairmen, multiple factions in the states and a national secretariat now taken over by security agencies.

Moreover, by virtue of Section 183 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which bars a sitting governor from holding ‘any other executive office in any capacity whatsoever’ while serving as a State Governor, the APC’s CECPC whether headed by Governor Buni or Governor Bello remains constitutionally invalid.”

On Monday, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly replaced the chairman of its Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) Mai Mala Buni

This is as the governor of Niger State, Sani Bello met with the leadership of the party at its Abuja secretariat and went on to swear in 36 New states chairmen of the party.

However, Buni described it as fake news, reports that President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered his removal as the party’s helmsman.

Politics

PDP postpones Lagos congress to February 27

No Comments

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its state congress in Lagos to February 27.

The exercise was initially fixed for Wednesday.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said postponement of the exercise followed the approval of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

He said: “All aspirants, critical stakeholders, and members of the party in Lagos State are advised to take note.”

Politics

Youth group warns Makinde against imposing candidates for 2023 election

No Comments

A group of youths in the Oyo state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has warned Governor Seyi Makinde and party leaders in the state against imposition of candidates for the election into the state’s House of Assembly.

The group, Democratic Advancement Forum expressed worry at how state governors handpick party candidates for the elections into houses of assembly rather than allowing them emerge as candidates on merit.

In a release signed by the group leader, Adebayo Komolafe, they said that some candidates were not popular in their constituencies as they did not secure their mandates by merit, but by lobbying.

The group argued that such representatives do not represent the interests of their people and they have nothing to show as tangible achievement in the last three years.

The release reads in part: “We are concerned about the growth of our dear state and we believe that having the right people in place will hasten the development and compliments the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde who is striving hard to make oyo a better state.

“It is sad that some of the lawmakers cannot walk freely in their constituency nor hold town hall meetings with their people because they have nothing to show for the years they have spent at the assembly and it won’t do the party any good to impose such a person on the basis of an automatic ticket.”

While calling for a level playing ground, the group maintained that any attempt to manipulate the party’s integrity will jeopardize its chances in retaining power beyond 2023.

Politics

Sen Lau replaces Bwacha as new Deputy Minority Leader in Senate

No Comments

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced Sen. Shuaibu Lau (PDP-Taraba) as the new Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate.

This was contained in a letter read by the Senate President Ahmad Lawan during the plenary on Tuesday, signed by the PDP National Chairman, Mr Iyorcha Ayu.

According to the PDP Chairman, Lau will be the replacement for Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha who has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Following the defection of Sen.Emmanuel Bwacha to the ruling APC, the PDP Senate caucus has nominated as his replacement, Sen. Shuaibu Lau.

“Lau is from Taraba in the North-East geo-political zone of the country, where the position has been zoned.

The PDP Senate caucus has duly informed the National Headquarters of the party, in view of which we so communicate to you. We believe that Lau will be an asset to the leadership of the Senate.

“Thank you and accept the assurances of our highest regards,” he said.

The defection of Bwacha to the APC brings the number of APC Senators to 70, while the PDP has 38 and Young Progressives Party (YPP) has only one.

The Senator said that his decision to leave the opposition party was conveyed sequel to a point of order raised during plenary.

“In view of my desire for equal competition, and about my desire to enjoy the full operations of my fundamental human rights, Mr President.

“I want to announce this day, that as King Solomon said, there’s a time for everything; now is a time for me to leave the PDP.

Mr President, I say I have the opportunity to breathe freely because of deliberate isolation and huge division and factionalisation in the party in my state.

“Mr President, I had to leave because I seek to breathe better. This day, I announce henceforth my exit from the PDP, and to join the governing party because of the visible presence of the party in my Senatorial District,” he said.

Politics

The presidential candidate PDP desires in 2023 – Wike

No Comments

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, said on Saturday the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would give its 2023 presidential ticket to any individual with the desire to serve Nigerians.

Wike, who stated this at a reception organised in his honour by the Kalabari people in the state, added that some desperate politicians are already scheming for a candidate who would only work to meet the interest of a few in the country.

He said the Southern part of the country would make public its stand on the 2023 election soon.

The governor said: “The day the South will speak, Nigeria will shake.

“We believe in the unity of this country, but nobody can threaten us. Nobody should threaten us. We believe in the unity of Nigeria and unity of Nigeria must continue.”

“No amount of gang-up can make PDP give somebody who will want to run an election for the interest of some big men, and not for all Nigerians.

“Anybody who wants to be a candidate of PDP must be a candidate for the interest of Nigerians.”

Politics

PDP accuses Gov Akeredolu of financial recklessness

No Comments

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State on Sunday accused Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of financial recklessness.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Kennedy Peretei, the party alleged that the governor had been using his wife and children to siphon funds from the state’s coffers.

The PDP stressed that the grandeur and opulence in which Akeredolu and his family had been living was a sharp contrast to the appalling standard of living in the state.

The statement read: “Every passing day in Ondo State, one is confronted with the reality that there is a very slim possibility of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, and his All Progressives Congress completely serving out his remaining tenure.

This speculation is fueled by the financial recklessness, brazen lack of respect for rules by Akeredolu’s wife, Betty, his son, Babajide, and lately his daughter, Teniola, and her husband Michael Olatunde.”

However, the state government in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, dismissed the allegation.

He said: “A responsible government does not descend into the arena of perfidy and frivolities triggered by idleness to trade words.

“This is not the first time the opposition party will cry in this mindless manner. Of course, you don’t expect a child not to cry when flogged.

“The PDP must be seen to be saying something at least. We can only sympathise with them even though we won’t share in their self-inflicted pains.”

Politics

PDP will salvage Nigeria in 2023 – Obaseki

No Comments

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, said on Wednesday the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would salvage the country in 2023.

Obaseki stated this when he received members of Atiku Support Group led by Chairman of Daar Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, at the Government House in Benin.

He said the PDP would not allow Nigeria to remain in the wilderness.

The governor said: “If Nigeria is going to be salvaged, PDP has to step into the throne to salvage this country politically. The stakes are too high; we cannot allow Nigeria to continue the way it is going.

“Our great party must come to the rescue and take over the reins of power in this country. What we see ahead is not pleasant at all. I just pray that God Almighty sees us through next year, financially, so that we can even have presidential elections.

I don’t just see how we can continue to be deceiving ourselves. We try to prevent the country from growing by limiting and restricting imports, coming with all forms of phantom excuses to limit people from buying and importing what they cannot produce and need to live.

“On the other hand, they are restricting foreign exchange availability. They are just throwing millions of Nigerians into poverty.

My commitment today is to our great party, the PDP. I accept the responsibility of leading our e-registration process. We have done a very successful pilot in Edo, which I am hoping that the new committee will adopt so that we can roll out and build membership across the country. The soul of our democracy is making sure that we build our party like institutions.

“Atiku Abubakar is a Nigerian that is committed to this country; his achievements are visible. So, he is eminently qualified to contest the position of President of Nigeria and as you know, at the end of the day, power ultimately comes from God.”

In his remark, Dokpesi commended the governor for his efforts at developing the state.

He said: “The way and manner that people are suffering across the country is not acceptable. We have never been so divided as a nation; everybody now refers to us as the poverty capital of the world. All the indices clearly show that we are a failed state.

“Even in Abuja, we are afraid of the possibility of invasion by Boko Haram, bandits, and unknown gunmen. The All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, without mincing words, has failed totally in fulfilling the promises they made in 2015.”

Politics

PDP elects wards executives in Zamfara

No Comments

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, conducted its congresses to elect party executives across the 147 wards in Zamfara State.

The Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in the state, Col. Bala Mande (retd), disclosed this to journalists at the end of the exercise in five wards in Gusau, the state capital.

The congresses for the Sabon Gari, Mayana, Madawaki, Tudun Wada, and Galadima wards took place at the GAPP Ginnery in Gusau.

He noted that the delay in the conduct of the congresses was due to the security situation in the state.

Mande, who was former Chief of Staff to Governor Bello Matawalle, said the congresses took place simultaneously across the 147 wards in the state.

He said 18 executives are expected to emerge from each ward and would run the affairs of the party for the next four years.

The chairman said: “Our congresses were open as you witnessed how supporters queued behind the candidate of their choices and who secured the highest votes was declared the winner.

“The process allowed members of the party at the ward level to elect officers of their choice that will steer the ship of the party for the next four years.”

Politics

APC warns PDP against politicising killings of Imo monarchs

No Comments

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Imo State Chapter, on Tuesday, warned the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against politicising the killings of Imo monarchs as the 2023 elections draws near.

The party stated this in a statement issued by the Imo State Publicity Secretary of APC, Cajetan Duke, in Owerri.

This was in response to a comment credited to the South East Consensus candidate for the National Secretary position of the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who boasted the PDP, will stop killings in Imo, in allusion to the murders of the monarchs.

Ripples Nigeria had reported that the monarchs were attacked last week by unknown gunmen during a meeting at Njaba Local Government headquarters in Imo state.

Two monarchs died instantly while others sustained gunshot injuries.

However, APC in its statement by Duke responded, “It’s most unfortunate a former senator who represented Imo East (otherwise known as Owerri zone) in the national assembly has opened a 2023 political campaign using a very critical and sensitive issue like the insecurity and loss of lives of our innocent citizens particularly that of our revered traditional rulers in Njaba LGA.

Samdaddy, had, in a trending message signed by his media aide, Ikenna Onuohia, noted that the PDP would solve the security challenges when it takes over the leadership of the country in 2003. While we do not intend to remind the Ikeduru born politician that it was under the PDP led administration that all the current central fugal forces bearing their fangs first reared their ugly heads, it is an incontrovertible truth that insecurity in Nigeria is a creation of PDP, which is being squarely dealt with by the APC administration.

“The records are there and the facts still reveal that the same PDP Samdaddy is invoking for remedy, was in power when all the triangular demons of Boko Haram, banditry and kidnappers regrettably turned Nigeria into a theatre of criminals and criminality.

Our party consider the attempt by Senator Anyanwu and his cohorts to turn the unfortunate incident in Njaba LGA into a campaign instrument as grossly insensitive and disrespectful to the sensibilities of the families of the victims. We can’t lose our sense of humanity in the name of politics.

“This is regrettable that an incident that calls, for sobriety and solemnity could be amplified into a campaign tool, which is capable of compromising the fragile security situation in the state.”

Politics

October 31 date for national convention sacrosanct – PDP

No Comments

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Monday said the October 30 and October 31 dates for its national convention remained sacrosanct.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, who disclosed this to journalists at a media briefing in Abuja, said arraignments for the convention were ongoing.

He also dismissed reports of misunderstanding between the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the convention committees, saying there was no issue as far as the convention was concerned.

The spokesman said: “As far as the party is concerned, the date for the convention remains October 30 to October 31.

“As we speak, we read reports in so many media space that there are issues.

The reports say that only three governors are working, that national convention committees are not meeting and the National Working Committee (NWC) members are not in their offices.

“That is totally and absolutely incorrect, and some of your colleagues went upstairs into the NWC Hall, to meet with members of the NWC, who are taking their respective seats and are deliberating on the success of the forthcoming national convention.

“So, I want to bring to the attention of my dear colleagues that the national convention organizing committee’s leadership is in town.

“These are the Chairman, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; the Deputy Chairman, Governor Diri Duoye of Bayelsa State; as well as Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State who is the Secretary of the committee.

The three of them are in Abuja to oversee the convention process, while all the respective subcommittees are working.

“I am briefing you now because I am the Secretary of the publicity subcommittee.

“So, all the committees are working. We have about 15 sub-committees for the purpose of the convention, and they are all working.

The leadership of the convention committee as well was in town, and working as well.”

He reassured that the venues for the convention and the accreditation of delegates had been secured.

Ologbondiyan added: “So, in truth, the convention plans are on the way, and there are no issues as far as the national convention is concerned as we speak.

On court case instituted against the party over the convention in Kaduna State, he said there was no judgment in that regard, and the PDP could not work on speculation.

“We do not have a judgment before the party. You cannot be talking about court issues, it is only when there is a judgment before the court that we will begin to talk about court issues, as far as the party’s concerned.

“All the plans have been set out for the national convention,” he concluded.

The PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, on Friday, threatened to halt the convention.

In a letter addressed to the party by his lawyers, Secondus insisted that the appeal he filed against his suspension was still pending in court.

He warned the party against going ahead with the convention.

Politics

PDP clears 27, disqualifies three for national convention

No Comments

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Screening Committee has cleared 27 aspirants vying for elective positions in the party’s national convention slated for October 30.

The Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who announced this at the official launch of the PDP National Convention Logo and Promotional Materials at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, said three aspirants were disqualified from vying for positions in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

He listed the listed aspirants as Prof. Wale Oladipo, Okey Muo-Aroh, and Dr. Eddy Olafeso.

While Oladipo was vying for the position of Deputy National Chairman, South, Muo-Aroh, and Olafeso were eyeing the positions of National Secretary, and National Publicity Secretary respectively.

Fintiri, who is also the Chairman of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee, said the three aspirants were disqualified for taking the party to court in a bid to stop the convention.

The trio, according to him, failed to exhaust the internal conflicts resolution mechanism as provided for in the PDP Constitution

Politics

Okowa predicts PDP victory in Anambra election

No Comments

The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, predicted the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.

Okowa stated this when Ozigbo and some defectors from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra led by the party’s Youth Leader, Magnus Eziokwu, visited him in Asaba, the state capital.

He expressed the hope that what happened in Edo would be replicated in Anambra, adding that PDP stood a chance to win the election going by the preparations so far made by the party.

Okowa, who is the Deputy Chairman of PDP’s National Campaign Council for the Anambra election, described Ozigbo as ”humble and dynamic,” adding that he was the best of all the candidates in the election.

He urged the people of Anambra to vote massively for the PDP to turn things around in the state.

The governor said: “I welcome you and your entourage to Delta and to my office and I feel very happy within me because I can see that we have decided to tow the path of unity.

“When we are united, I am convinced we will come out victorious in the November 6 governorship election.

“I want to congratulate you ahead of time because I know that you are doing well.

There is no doubt that Anambra has always been a PDP state but unfortunately in the past 16 years, we have lost out in the politics of Anambra solely because of infighting.

“But from what I am hearing and what I can see now, I feel very encouraged that there is a new spirit now in the PDP in Anambra.”

He expressed happiness at the spirit of reconciliation and better commitment to the campaign and called for a more vigorous house-to-house rally ahead of the poll.

Okowa added: “The real politics is not the gathering of people on the field but the door-to-door campaign which is set out to convince people.

“I think that people have seen the other side of the coin at the moment they are waiting for the PDP and it is for us to rediscover ourselves or to decide to give away this chance but I am convinced that you will not allow that to happen.

We had an opportunity in Edo State and we took it and I believe it is a similar opportunity we have in Anambra and we may not have a better chance than now so we must take it back.”

Politics

Zoning of PDP chairman position to North unchanged – Fintiri

No Comments

The Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, said on Saturday the zoning of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairmanship position to the North cannot be changed.

Fintiri, who is the Chairman of the party’s National Convention Organizing Committee, disclosed this to journalists at the committee’s meeting with the electoral sub-committee in Abuja.

He said the zoning of the chairmanship position to the North has been approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

He added that the October 30 to 31 dates for the PDP national convention remained sacrosanct.

The governor said: “The highest decision organ of the party has taken a decision on zoning, which is the NEC. And I think that decision is final. It is binding on all of us members and will abide by it. That is what we are working on.”

Politics

Buhari’s address confirms our position on his govt – PDP

No Comments

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday described President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as the worst in Nigeria’s history.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said the President’s independence anniversary address confirmed its position that the government was confused and incapable of moving the country forward.

President Buhari had in his address to Nigerians admitted that the last 18 months had been the most difficult period in the history of the country.

He said: “The past 18 months have been some of the most difficult periods in the history of Nigeria. Since the civil war, I doubt whether we have seen a period of more heightened challenges than what we have witnessed in this period.”

The party noted that Buhari’s admittance in his speech that Nigerians have faced difficulties that are similar to the civil war situation gave credence to the horrible situation in the country.

The statement read: “This grave assertion brings to mind the ugly images of the civil war; the killings, lawlessness, violence, human rights violations, poverty, hunger, starvation and other horrible situations as also being currently witnessed today under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.

From Mr. President’s admission, it is clear that he has nobody but himself to blame for the sorry situation in Nigeria under his watch.

It is, therefore, a pathetic antithesis for Mr. President to attempt to exonerate himself by claiming that no government, since 1999, has done what his administration has done in six years; a claim that portrays a desperation to parry blame for the consequences of the misrule of his administration.

“What is obtained in the public space is that no government has since 1999 brought our nation to her knees on every facet of life like the Buhari administration.

“It is appalling that in his speech, President Buhari had no concrete assurance on how to revamp our economy and how to end acts of terrorism in our country. Instead, the speech, as usual, dwelt on empty claims that have no bearing on the actual situation in the country.

Such disposition further exposes the insensitivity of the APC towards the plight of millions of Nigerians and confirms that our nation will end in ruins if the APC is allowed to stay in power any moment beyond May 29, 2023.”

Politics

‘PDP will produce Buhari’s successor in 2023,’ says Edo deputy gov, Shaibu

No Comments

The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, on Saturday, expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would produce President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor in 2023.

Shaibu, who stated this during his speech at the ongoing ward congress in Oyo State, added that all the PDP required to win the 2023 election was to put its house in order and step up operations ahead of the exercise.

He said: “We will be able to take over the Federal Government. All PDP states’ policies currently yielding positive results will add up to making Nigeria great again.

“We are fulfilling that obligation to make sure that the congress in the 351 wards across the state is peaceful and credible.

“I had discussions with some other members of the party and they have accepted to put their grievances aside and work for the common good.

“Majority of the people are in support of the peaceful reconciliation process and the discussions that are still ongoing.”

Politics

Zoning will determine PDP’s fate in 2023 – Ortom

No Comments

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, said on Friday zoning would determine the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fate in the 2023 general elections.

The governor, who disclosed this to journalists in Makurdi shortly after his arrival from Abuja, said the PDP has no choice but to win the 2023 elections following the abysmal performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last six years.

He added that the PDP leadership had apologized to Nigerians for the past mistakes which led to the party’s defeat in the 2015 election.

The governor expressed the hope that Nigerians would give the PDP a second chance in 2023.

Ortom said: “Zoning is very critical; do the right zoning, win elections; do the wrong zoning and you will lose elections.

“The ultimate is for us to win the 2023 elections because of the abysmal performance of the APC government in Nigeria and I’m very confident that, working with my colleagues, we will be able to bring out all that will add value to the party and organise credible, free, fair, and transparent primaries that will ensure that the right people are put in place, ensure that the right peg in the right hole is in place in our party. And that’s what Nigerians are looking unto.

“The PDP as the name implies is about the people. It’s about democratisation and that’s what some of us are selling because of the mistakes that were done in 2015 election that led to the PDP losing out.

“And I think that sometimes ago, the leadership of the party apologized to Nigerians that they made a mistake and for those of us who are Muslims and Christians, we appreciate that when someone apologizes, we should be willing to accept the apology and give him a second chance.

“I believe that Nigerians have given the PDP a second chance; I was a victim in 2015. But now I’m back and believe other people are back and by the grace of God, we will make it this time.

“Nigerians are tired of the lies and hypocrisy of the APC-led government. There is nothing that they did not say prior to the election, but after they won election, there is no more freedom.”

Politics

Amaechi’s confession, indictment on Buhari govt —PDP

No Comments

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slammed the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, accusing it of shielding corrupt officials.

This response by the opposition came in the wake of a comment credited to Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, who said anyone stealing public funds under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is doing so “quietly”.

In its statement, the PDP spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan stated that Amaechi’s statement was an indictment on the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration famed for its anti-corruption stance.

The PDP said, “The confession by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, that stealing is going on quietly under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) vindicates its stand that the APC is a haven of thieves and treasury looters,” the statement reads.

The party asserts that the confession also further confirms that the Buhari-led APC administration has been providing official cover for corrupt officials, who have turned government agencies to cash cows and Automated Teller Machines (ATM) for themselves, their cronies, family members, and mistresses.

“The situation as presented by Amaechi shows that ‘quiet stealing’ is a policy of the APC administration. This explains why the administration is heavy on propaganda and has failed to prosecute its officials and APC leaders openly indicted for corruption, but only resort to “easing out” such thieves with a pat on the wrist.”

Politics

Buhari’s govt, not Ortom spreading hatred in Nigeria – PDP

No Comments

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Thursday the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, is not guilty of stirring hatred among Nigerians contrary to claim by the Presidency.

The governor had in an interview with Channels Television declared as unconstitutional President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to approve the review of 368 grazing reserves in 25 states in the country.

He also promised to drag the President to court if he pressed ahead with the planned review of the grazing reserves.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, in a statement issued on Wednesday night, criticized the governor for making divisive remarks about a particular ethnic group in the country.

The statement read: “The PDP recalls how the Buhari Presidency has been planting seeds of discord in the country with hate language, divisive tendencies and unconcealed nepotism, to the extent that our nation has become widely divided along all fault lines.

“Nigerians have not forgotten how President Buhari, ahead of the 2011 general elections declared that ‘if what happened in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog, and the baboon would all be soaked in blood.’

“Moreover, Nigerians can recall how Mr. President tagged those whom he believed did not vote for him; how he described citizens as ‘dot in a circle,’ as well as the hate language that attracted sanctions by Twitter.

It is rather alarming that instead of taking steps to address the killings in Benue State as well as the worsening insecurity, carnages, banditry, terrorism and imminent humanitarian crisis in the country, the Buhari Presidency is thinking of Rwandan Genocide while exposing its deep-seated detestation for Governor Ortom.

Governor Ortom is a highly principled and forthright leader, who is loved not only in Benue, but also across the nation. The PDP urges Nigerians to hold the Buhari Presidency responsible should any harm come to him or his family members.

“As a party, the PDP demands that the Buhari Presidency should come clean on its handling of insecurity in the country. This is particularly

“It is against the backdrop of its manifest failure to battle and rout out terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and marauders that have taken over our highways, forests, pillaging communities and killing Nigerians on daily basis.

“Under President Buhari’s lethargic regime, bandits and terrorists have become so emboldened that they now attack military formations, including the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) where they killed and kidnapped officers for ransom.

The PDP calls on President Buhari to rein in his aides, wake up from his slumber and decisively address the worsening insecurity in the country under his watch.”

Politics

Attack on NDA proves Buhari’s ineptitude —PDP

No Comments

The brazen attack on Nigeria’s premier military training institution, the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, has proven the further failure and ineptitude of the administration of President Muhammed Buhari, according to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While reacting to the invasion of the Afaka Barracks of the NDA by gunmen suspected to be bandits on Tuesday morning, the opposition party also referenced the fact that some state governors have been sending vehicles to troubled states in the country to evacuate their citizens in the past few days, saying it was also proof that Nigerians have lost confidence in the Buhari government.

The statement titled, “Terrorism: Nigerians Have Lost Hope in Buhari, APC,” and signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, expressed sadness that the insecurity situation has so deteriorated under the regime that suspected bandits now have the temerity to attack military formations.

Part of the statement made available to Ripples Nigeria on Wednesday morning reads:

“Bandits and terrorists are now freely ravaging our communities in Kano, Kaduna, Kogi, Benue, Zamfara, Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Imo and other states of the federation, including Mr. President’s home state, Katsina, where the governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has now asked victims of terror attacks to defend themselves.

The decision by some state governments to evacuate their citizens from violence and terror ridden states, including Plateau State, further confirms that Nigerians have lost faith in the capacity of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress administration to secure the nation.

“It is distressing that having lost hope in the capacity and commitment of the President Buhari-led APC administration to protect their citizens, state governments are now sending vehicles to the University of Jos, Plateau state, to evacuate their citizens.

“This shows their complete loss of confidence in the APC administration and the empty promises by the Buhari Presidency.

“It is even more disheartening that while our nation is under turmoil and while hundreds of helpless Nigerians, including innocent students, are languishing in kidnappers’ den, President Buhari and APC leaders are more interested in their lavish funfair with state owned resources and facilities.

The PDP further noted that violence and acts of terrorism had escalated across the country due to the incompetence and compromises of the Buhari regime as well as its refusal to heed wise counsel from well-meaning Nigerians, including the PDP on how to secure and stabilize the nation.

Close Menu

Privacy Policy