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“I Am Not Desperate To Be President –  Peter Obi

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Peter Obi

By Akinwale Kasali

The Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate at the 2023 Presidential Election, Peter Obi has said  he is not desperate to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The former Anambra State Governor made this disclosure following the award bestowed on him as the Leadership Politician of the Year 2023 at the Newspaper’s Annual Conference and Awards event in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Obi, it is a shame for Ukraine, a war-torn country, to donate grains to Nigeria when Niger State alone can feed the whole of Africa.

He said: “Let me thank the Leadership Newspaper for this event and the award. We’ve all heard from the keynote speaker.

“For me, this award, I am grateful to the almighty God. If I have the opportunity, I will give my all to the country.

“I am not desperate to be President. I am desperate to make Nigeria work.”

He added that “young Nigerians should be productively engaged in order to eliminate poverty and crime.

“We have no reasons to be poor. Poverty should never be part of our lives, especially, in the North,” Obi said.

He added that with over 7,442,00 square meters of land, Nigeria can feed Africa.

Obi: “Ukraine has no reason to give us grain. Niger State can feed Nigeria, Africa with over 73, 000 square meters of land.

“The two biggest States in the North-East, Borno with over 70,000 square metres of land and Taraba, are four times the size of Belgium that is exporting food.

“There is so much we can do in the country if we have the right leadership. The more you remove people out of poverty, the more you have less criminals,” Obi said.

It’s False, UAE Visa Restriction Still In Force – Presidency

By
Ayodele Oni
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Emirates

By Ayodele Oni

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa ban on Nigeria still subsists, the Presidency clarified on Tuesday.

Main Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, while reacting to the viral report which stated that UAE has lifted visa ban on Nigerians stated that “UAE has not resumed visa issuance to Nigerians. The document in circulation is not authorized either by the Nigerian Government or the UAE.”

The ban was imposed in October 2022 along with restrictions on citizens from about 20 African nations. Among the affected countries are Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, and others.

Reports surfaced on Tuesday that discussions between President Bola Tinubu and his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, regarding diplomatic issues like flight allocations and travel restrictions, prompted the suspension of the ban.

However, Onanuga, clarified that the ban remains in place, stating that the circulating document is unauthorized by both Nigerian and UAE governments.

Planned Impeachment  Coalition Tells Gov Obaseki To Allow Edo People Decide Fate Of Deputy Governor

By
Ayodele Oni
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Godwin Obaseki abd Philip Shaibu

By Ayodele Oni

Following an alleged planned move by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, to instigate the state House of Assembly to impeach his deputy, Philip Shuaibu, Coalition of Registered Political Parties, (CRPP), in the State has cautioned against the move.

Report has it that aftermath of the governorship primary election which Shuaibu took part, Obaseki has been reaching out to the assembly and some politicians to team up to remove the deputy governor.

But coalition of registered political parties in the state, at a meeting in Benin, resolved that the plan by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki and the state House of Assembly under the leadership of Blessing Agbebaku, to impeach the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu “can ignite a chain reaction which can lead to anarchy.”

The CRPP Chairman, Samson Isibor and Secretary, Barrister John Isidhaome in a statement they signed said: “We implore the governor to jettison the idea of impeachment and work towards the peaceful transition of power to the next governor of Edo State.

“As far as we are concerned, the Deputy Governor has not committed any impeachable offence or breached his oath of office.

“The Edo people have the exclusive right to call for his impeachment if he commits any grievous offence like corruption, misappropriation of public funds etc.

“As far as we are concerned, Comrade Shaibu has not committed any of the above, rather he is fighting to contest for the governorship ticket of his party, which he has every right to participate unhindered.

“Governor Obaseki has no right to continue to intimidate Shaibu. Moreso, he has pushed his favourite son, Asue Ighodalo to get the PDP ticket without following the party’s guideline.

“Comrade Philip Shaibu has large followers in Edo State and should not be taken for granted. Edo State has been on a standstill for the past eight years without any physical development.

“Edo State needs peace to progress. The outgoing governor should be preparing his handover notes to Shaibu or any other candidates that may win the September 2024 gubernatorial election, instead of engineering political upheaval in Edo State.

“He should face the insecurity in Edo State where Fulani herdsmen have taken over almost all our forest kidnapping on daily basis.”

Ondo Guber: PDP NEC Rallies Aspirants, Discusses Zoning, Consensus

By
Ayodele Oni
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PDP Secretariat - Wadata Plaza

By Ayodele Oni

Still in search of strategy to win the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held a meeting with Governorship aspirants and some leaders in Abuja on Tuesday.

Topmost of the meeting were zoning arrangement and consensus candidate to fly the flag of the party.

At the meeting, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said the PDP, has learnt its lessons from the mistakes it made in the handling of the Ondo State Governorship Election in 2020 which led to its loss.

He maintained that this time around, the party was poised to ensure that such mistakes were not repeated noting that all aspirants will be given a level playing field to compete for the party’s ticket.

“We’ve learnt from the last governorship election. Actually, you learn more when you fail than when you succeed. So we learnt bitter lessons.

“For the benefit of everybody, the governorship election in Ondo State is not going to be handed over to anybody. It will be a fight. As PDP, we will fight.

“If, in the past four years ago, we had that division within us that allowed the seat to slip away from us.

“At this time, we are united and we will stay united all the way to the election. So this is a time for us to come together.

“We may actually disagree on a few things, but from our own situation in the Oyo States. Yes, we have disagreement, but we’re solving our problems even as we speak. We’re not solving it outside. We’re solving it right inside the Government House.

“So, if you disagree, it’s normal. But let us win the Government House and then all the areas of disagreement we will keep addressing it. We can only share success; failure is difficult to share.

“So, by God’s grace, we shall be successful in the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election.”

Earlier, National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagun, explained that the meeting was convened as part of the party’s efforts to forge unity among members and stakeholders ahead of the party primary.

“This meeting is part of the fulfillment of the process of the primaries that is before us and we invited you here so that we’ll have an interactive session.

“Three important items are being mentioned by National Organizing Secretary. During this interaction, we’ll discuss the possibilities of how to achieve these three things why we invite you to express and talk freely.

“I want to enjoin all members, when you are asked to say your views, please we should talk with caution the critical thing that is before us which is the primary  and eventually the election coming up.

“We have had series of meetings in Ondo and all the issues raised and there appears to be some level of understanding, I will not say agreement yet, some level of understanding.

“I can say, particularly with respect to issue of zoning appears to have been achieved, that the governorship of governorship candidate of the PDP would come from the south central district of the state.

“And if you look at all the other political parties, everyone that is contesting is from the South senatorial district.

“So, there appears to be state consensus, the consensus of the people of Ondo State that the next governor of Ondo should come from the South senatorial district.”

“On the issue of consensus, yes we still have argument back and forth, But zoning is already achieved.”

Constitutional Review To Address Gender Inequalities In Nigeria – Deputy Speaker Kalu

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Deputy Speaker  of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has lamented the low level of women participation in the political space of Nigeria. He assured that the ongoing Constitution Review exercise will seek to address the perceived gender imbalance.

This is even as he has stressed that emerging facts strongly indicate that President Bola Tinubu is sincerely amenable to any move that will ensure enough accommodation for the womenfolk in the political architecture of the country.

Rt. Hon. Kalu gave the assurance on Monday, March, 4, 2024, in Abuja  while speaking at the ongoing Roundtable on Women  iqnclusion In politics jointly organized by Policy And Legal Advocacy Centre, Yiaga Africa, Nigeria Women Trust Fund and the European Union.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Livinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker, who is, also, the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution review, said that the reservation of seats and adoption of electoral quota for women will greatly assist in encouraging more women participation in politics, as well as scale up the ranking of Nigeria among comity of democratic Nations.

He noted that the ongoing constitution review exercise and the ” body language” of president Tinubu are strong pointers that the inclusion of women in politics will be realized .

“The Giant of Africa ( Nigeria) is the least on the list of women participation in politics in Africa. It is not good at all.

“Does the President know this? The answer is yes. Is he in support of such exclusion? No. Is he willing to take it to the next level? Yes.

“Are there evidences to show that he believes in that ,or is his body language towards that? Yes. Check and you will find out that the First Lady was supported by him to be at the parliament for a very long time .

“Himself, (the President) was, also, at the Parliament. He understands what you are talking about.

“The Vice president was at the parliament. The Chief of Staff was, also, there. The Secretary to Government of the Federation was part of the parliament  and, I am happy that his wife ( SGF wife) is with us at the House of Representatives .

“Why am I making all these references ? I am making them to reassure you that the body language of the current  administration is to the fact that we want more women in politics and a friend of mine supported his wife and the wife is here and she is at the Parliament.

“There is hope that it is going to be better and we are going to leverage this renewed hope that is found in the body language of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria . And I hope that he is going to assent to the bill we will put together at the parliament” Kalu stated.

“The Deputy Speaker, however, highlighted some  measures which could promote more women participation in politics to include, addressing deeply rooted barriers such as discriminatory laws ,and practices – cultural biases, patriarchal attitudes and entrenched gender stereotype and unequal access to resources.

According to the Deputy Speaker, these are formidable challenges that demand collective attention, noting that efforts should be directed at dismantling the obstacles ,with a view to creating the enabling environment for women to thrive in politics.

NANS Cautions EFCC Against Incessant Sting Operations In Students Hostels

By
Ayodele Oni
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EFCC invades FUTA

By Ayodele Oni

The Joint Campus Committee, (JCC) of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ekiti Axis, has flayed incessant raids being carried out at the various hostels of higher institutions in the zone by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

As at the last count, EFCC has visited halls of residence at the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile Ife, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and of recent Federal University, Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE).

The NANS JCC  leadership stated that ” It is deeply troubled by recent reports of raids conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) targeting students at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).”

A statement on Tuesday, signed by Asaolu Femi, Chairman and Olagoke Ayobami, secretary, stated that “This development has sparked widespread concern and condemnation among student bodies across the region.

“NANS Ekiti is staunchly opposed to these raids, viewing them as not only disruptive to academic activities but also as a source of undue fear and anxiety among students.

“Such actions undermine the conducive learning environment that Universities strive to maintain and erode the trust between students and law enforcement agencies.

“As a representative body of students, NANS Ekiti believes in upholding the rights and dignity of every student and demands that investigations be conducted with fairness, transparency, and respect for human rights.

“Furthermore, NANS Ekiti urges the EFCC to reconsider its approach and employ more judicious and respectful methods in its investigative processes.

“While recognizing the importance of combating corruption and financial crimes, the association emphasizes the need for law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and professionalism, particularly when dealing with students who are still in the process of pursuing their education.

“In light of these developments, NANS Ekiti calls upon students to remain calm, vigilant, and informed. It is imperative for students to prioritize their safety and well-being while also standing up for their rights.

“The Association encourages students to familiarize themselves with their legal rights and obligations and to seek support and guidance from relevant authorities and student representatives if needed.

“NANS Ekiti reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the welfare and interests of students and pledges to work tirelessly to ensure that their rights are protected and respected.

“The Association calls for unity and solidarity among students in the face of adversity, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing common challenges.

“In conclusion, NANS Ekiti urges all stakeholders, including the EFCC, university authorities, and students, to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation to address the underlying issues and concerns.

“By fostering a conducive and supportive environment for learning and development, we can collectively strive towards building a brighter future for Nigerian students and society as a whole.”

How A Tricyclist  Who Returned N15m Was Rewarded N250m By Tinubu, Obi, Others

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For Auwalu Salisu, the 23 year-old Kano-based tricycle operator who returned the sum of  N15 million left in his tricycle to its Niger Republic owner in 2023, it was a harvest of scholarship awards on Tuesday, March 5 2024.

At the Leadership Newspapers annual award ceremony held in Abuja  to honour deserving Nigerians, Salisu who was an awardee, received a scholarship  package in excess of N250 million from appreciative Nigerians.

Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party during the 2023 Presidential election, himself an awardee, opened the flood gate of scholarship ,with an announcement of a scholarship to  Salisu at Baze University Abuja up to the Doctorate Degree level.

But not wanting to be outdone by a personality from a rival political camp, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, announced a total of N250 million Scholarship package for Salisu.

According to  Governor Bago, the N250 million scholarship package is to be redeemed by President Bola Tinubu, and his Ministers, the Progressive Governors Forum, and the Niger State Government.

In addition, Governor Bago, announced that one of the roads under reconstruction in Niger State will be named after Salisu in less than no time.

The Source reports that in 2023, Salisu hit the limelight when in  a rare display of honesty and high integrity, he returned the sum of N15m forgotten in his tricycle to  its owner, a  Niger Republic business man intact.

Since then, many appreciative Nigerians have been equally showering on  him rare gestures which  climaxed with the Leadership Newspapers listing him as one of the recipients of its 2024 honours award.

Ekiti Govt Educates Traditional Rulers On Chiefs Law, Annuls Deposition Of Kingmaker

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Government has told Traditional rulers in the state that they have no power to remove chiefs enthroned under the chiefs law by the state government.

Government also warned monarchs in state to stop disrespecting invitation to meetings, as this act amounts to insubordination.

The State Government has therefore nullified the deposition of a kingmaker, Oisajigan of Ejigan Quarters in Efon Alaaye, Efon Local Government Area, Chief Kehinde Oladapo by the Alaaye of Efon and paramount ruler of the kingdom, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.

The government made its position known while presiding over a complaint lodged by Chief Oladapo about his alleged brazen removal from his exalted stool by Alaaye over irreconcilable differences without following due process.

However, in the letter written by Alaaye in support of his action, the monarch accused the Chief of disrespect by dressing in beaded crowns and other royal regalia and abdicated his duties in the palace, which he said were acts of insubordination.

Presiding over the matter, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, pleaded with the monarch to comply with the government’s position and reverse the Chief’s removal in the interest of peace.

Afuye, in a statement by Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, urged the embattled Chief to comply with the government’s directive that no traditional Chief should wear beaded crowns, caps and other traditional insignia exclusively reserved for royalty.

“The Ekiti State Chiefs Law is very clear and unambiguous, if you want to remove any traditional ruler or Chief, the government that appointed him must be aware. Nobody can remove any traditional Chief without the government knowing about it.

“On this basis, we reject the action and plead with Kabiyesi Alaaye to reverse it and reabsorb the Chief back to his cabinet in the interest of peace.

“The Chief has even displayed enough penitence by sending emissaries to Alaaye to plead on his behalf.

“Nobody can just depose a king or Chief without consulting the government. It is the government that can ratify this. Again, Governor Biodun Oyebanji wants peace in all the towns in Ekiti.”

Warning traditional Chiefs against adorning themselves with beaded crowns and other royal fabrics, the Deputy Governor reminded that the government has not granted the autonomy requested by Ejigan Quarters and urged that they should continue to be under the full control of Alaaye pending the time the request will be approved.

Lending credence to the position canvassed by the deputy governor, the commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Ojo Atibioke, said request for autonomy by Ejigan Quarters of Efon Alaaye doesn’t connote that the Chief should be unruly to the paramount ruler .

Atibioke appealed to Alaaye to pardon the Chief as part of the fence-mending measures, adding that government must also be notified before disciplinary action in form of deposition can be taken against any traditional Chief.

“Before any deposition can take place, they ought to set up a committee to try the Chief and notify the government before he could be deposed. He is not just a chief, but a kingmaker. On this basis, the government reject the deposition”.

Speaking about Oba Aladejare’s absence at the parley, the Commissioner, expressed disenchantment with the ways some traditional rulers willfully turned down government’s summons for a peace initiative on chieftaincy matters, describing such conduct as a show of disrespect to the state government.

“When we invited any town or monarch for a peace meeting, it is the government that does that. We want our monarchs to understand this. We didn’t like the idea of monarchs turning down government’s summons, this must stop. We won’t tolerate it any longer”.

In his defence, the Asao of Efon Alaaye, Chief Adewale Dada, who represented Oba Aladejare, said the deposition slammed on the Chief was based on his unruly behaviour to the monarch and not out of victimisation.

The monarch promised to mend fences with the Chief as long as he displays readiness to respect tradition and be alive to his responsibilities in the town.

Breaking: UAE Lifts Visa Ban On Nigerians, Resumes Services In Nigeria

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Emirates

By Akinwale Kasali

After several months of a ban on the issuance of Visa to Nigerians, the United Arab Emirate, UAE, Government has finally lifted its ban.

The UAE and the Federal Government of Nigeria have announced the resumption of visa services for Nigerian citizens wishing to visit the UAE, beginning from 4th March, 2024.

The lifting of the ban is coming after President Bola Tinubu and His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, met on the ban.

The meeting prompted the UAE Government to rescind its action and thus lifted the ban.

This marks a significant step forward in the bilateral cooperation between both countries.

A statement signed by the Foreign Affairs Minister and Ambassador of both countries stated: “Starting 4th March 2024, all Nigerian applicants for UAE visas are required to first obtain a Document Verification Number by visiting the dedicated online Document Verification Hub platform http://documentverificationhub.com”.

“After obtaining the Document Verification Number, applicants can proceed with their visa applications through designated travel agents, after which the process will be completed at the Embassy of the UAE in Abuja or Lagos.”

Hunger: Obi Reacts To Ukraine’s Food Donation To Nigeria

By
James Orji
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0
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the last general election, says Nigerian has no reason to be poor.
According to him, the country has enough arable lands to cultivate to feed her people.
The LP presidential candidate made this remark while reacting to his award as Politician of the Year by the Leadership Newspaper.
The politician spoke amidst recent donation of 25,000 tonnes of wheat to Nigeria by the government of Ukraine.
The donation comes on the heels of the hardship facing Nigerians, many of who has taken to the street in protest demanding that immediate action be taken by the government to end the situation.
Recently also, many angry and hungry Nigerians have been looting government and private facilities in search of food to eat.
Obi however said there is enough land in the country and continent of Africa to grow food to feed the population, saying it is an embarrassment for a country like Nigeria with sich enormous land resources  to depend on donations for survival.
What the country needs at the moment, he said, is the right leadership that can move things in the right direction.
Obi said, “We have no reasons to be poor. Poverty should never be part of our lives especially in the North.
“Ukraine has no reason to give us grain. Niger State can feed Nigeria, Africa with over 73, 000 square meters of land.
“The two biggest states in the North-East, Borno with over 70,000 square metres of land and Taraba, are four times the size of Belgium that is exporting food. There is so much we can do in the country if we have the right leadership.
“The more you remove people out of poverty, the more you have less criminals.”
Checks reveal that Nigeria has over 7,442,00 square meters of land, which Obi said is enough to feed the contineñt.
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