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2023: Akpabio Is A Desperate Enemy Of The People – DIG Ekpoudom

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Udom Ekpoudom

By Akinwale Kasali

Udom Ekpoudom, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senatorial Candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District has debunked the rumours making the rounds that he has stepped down for the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill. Akpabio.

Ekpoudom,  a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police said that it was a blatant lie from the pit of hell which is also laughable.

He disclosed that some powerful forces in the APC have been mounting pressure on him to step down for the former Akwa Ibom State Governor, but he remains defiant because if he steps down, he would be chased out of the land.

He vowed that no matter the pressure, he would never succumb because it would be seen as betraying his people.

Speaking on Friday at Ediene, Abak Local Government Area, in  reaction to insinuations that some elders have prevailed on him to step down for Akpabio, he said his Senatorial ambition was not his personal project is the project for the redemption of Abak five communities which have not had any shot at the National Assembly for the past 16-years.

“It is laughable to say that I stepped down for anyone, some people have been appealing to me to step down but I have been saying no, and will continue to say no because it is not my project precisely but the peoples’ project. I don’t want to be chased away from Abak Federal Constituency.

“I don’t want to betray my people, you can even imagine now, for 16 years this part of Akwa Ibom has not produced a Senator, it is only Ikot Ekpene which had produced five senators and somebody wants to come in again, it is not possible. Abak-5 is ready or the whole Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District is ready. I look at those coming to tell me to step down as enemies of the Abak federal constituency.

“Even if they want to offer me the Head of State, I won’t accept it. All I want is to get what belongs to us. If Abak loses now, it would affect the whole Federal constituency and Senatorial District.”

Ekpoudom added that “Akpabio is a desperate politician who has turned deaf ears to the voices of prominent stakeholders including, Don Etiebet who has advised him not to contest”.

He said, “That is how desperate my brother is, he has the right to do whatever he wants to do. If I were him, I wouldn’t go because he has turned himself into the enemy of the Abak people and that’s not the best, Don Etiebet is somebody that we respect in Akwa Ibom, if somebody like that talks to him and he didn’t hear who will talk to him and he will hear.”

Revealing his plans for his constituents, he promised to address the high level of poverty in the district if elected.

“I want to alleviate the poverty and sufferings of my people. My people are so poor, they don’t live as if they are in Nigeria. The people they sent there only went to enrich themselves. Look at my youths, moving like nomadic people, because no work for them. Something must be done,” he added.

“I Am Not Obasanjo, I Will Never Be Obasanjo” – Tinubu

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Tinubu
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has continued to receive jibes from other 2023 Presidential Candidates since his open endorsement of Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, for the office.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu again took a swipe at the former President and disclosed that he would have a smooth relationship with his running mate, Kashim Shettima, if elected into office, unlike the untidy relationship Obasanjo had with Atiku Abubakar, his Vice President.that he won’t fight his Vice President – 1999-2007.

Tinubu said he would run an inclusive Government in which his Vice will be carried along, and avoid a quarrelsome style of leadership between 1999 and 2007 where Obasanjo and Atiku fought in public.

The former Lagos State Governor made this statements during a town hall meeting with the youth in Abuja organized by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State with the theme, “Nigeria 2023: Setting the youth agenda.

“I and Shettima won’t abuse each other in Wuse market like Obasanjo and Atiku. I don’t want to say this but I can’t help it,” Tinubu said.

He promised to serve Nigeria “tirelessly, faithfully and honestly” if he clinches  the office in the February 25 election.

While promising security agencies and personnel that they would be properly trained, compensated and managed, he called on the youths to vote him into office, saying they would not regret it.

He assured the youths that they would play a vital role in steering the wheel of his administration, he vowed to end the incessant shutting down of the Nation’s Universities because of strikes by Academic Staff Union of Universities, saying, “four years will be four years.

“There will be student loans and when you start working and have the capacity to pay you will pay. We will build additional refineries and the social welfare will continue in a more refined way”, he told the crowd.

Tinubu said he purposefully surrounded himself with brilliant youths because he believed in a democracy of ideas, teamwork and collaboration.

According to him, he would create a thriving digital economy where those interested in pursuing careers of integrity in ICT would be able to do so.

He said, “If given the opportunity to be your President, I will serve tirelessly, faithfully and honestly. I will incorporate the energy, innovation and determination of youths all across my cabinet.

“I will create a thriving and conducive environment for you to complete your education, start work or start a business, and earn a decent wage. With hard work and focus, you will once again be able to buy a car or a motorbike, buy a house, settle down, start a family and create a better life. I have plans to actualize all these dreams and can confirm that with your support these dreams will become a reality.

“The time is now. I am offering up myself, my skills, my expertise, my passion and my track record to usher us into a better future. In this future hope is renewed, security is restored, opportunities are available, and good success is achievable. My running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima and I are here today with a message for renewed hope. It is anchored on a promise for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

To be standing in the Federal Capital Territory today, the seat of government, and be welcomed by so many young people is truly a dream come true. The work we are doing, the future proofing we are doing – it is for you!

“I believe in bringing together the most competent hands, the brightest minds, and the most passionate persons. This was the strategy I used in Lagos, ignoring gender, age and states of origin, our team built a Lagos that continues to grow along the same trajectory. It is economically sound, globally competitive and world renowned. This is our plan for the whole of Nigeria should we be elected into office in February. So elect us and let us get started.

“As we seek to become a nation of creators and not just consumers your role is key:

“I promise that during my administration we will generate, transmit, and distribute sufficient and affordable electricity to ensure you have the power you need to light up your lives and power your dreams. We will build on the foundation laid by President Buhari’s Presidential Power Initiative among other important interventions working to make the power sector viable and sustainable.

“I promise security agencies and personnel that are properly trained, properly compensated and properly managed. This will ensure that everyone who means well for society will be protected and not harassed, supported and not unduly stopped and searched. The nation will be safe, it will be secure and trust between security agencies and good youthful citizens will be restored.

“I promise a thriving digital economy where those interested in pursuing careers of integrity in ICT will be able to do so. We will also ensure that Nigeria can take greater advantage of relatively recent innovations such as blockchain technology. We will reform government policy to encourage the prudent use of blockchain technology in finance and banking, identity management, revenue collection and the use of crypto assets.

“We shall implement policies that will train and build capacity among Nigeria’s large and youthful population to take greater advantage of the opportunities presented in ICT. I promise to invest in the infrastructure required to boost an already successful entertainment industry. Working with private sector partners we will bridge the existing gaps to build modern media centers and upgrade existing entertainment venues and stadia across the country to world-class standards.

“My administration will reform the education sector by focusing on quality, access, funding, management, effectiveness, and competitiveness. I promise, we will provide good and quality education in tune with 21st Century demands. Our youth are some of the most brilliant people in the world, therefore we will equip you and ensure you are globally competitive and never left behind.

“We promise to give you a fairer deal. We promise to deliver results. We promise that the hope we are renewing will never be dashed.

“You shall become the leading catalysts driving the economic resurgence. You will be empowered for individual and collective success. There will be opportunities across board, and they will be for you. Let us go together!”

Akeredolu Approves N523m For WAEC Fees

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ondo Students

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has approved the payment of 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for students in public schools in the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, explained that a total sum of N523,948,400 was approved by the governor.

The approval is sequel to a memo sent to the governor by the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and signed by the Commissioner, Pastor Femi Agagu. The memo was dated December 29th, 2022.

In approving the memo, Governor Akeredolu instructed that the sum be “paid directly to WAEC to be receipted for”.

According to the memo, a total number of 28,946 students in Public Secondary Schools across the state will benefit from the gesture.

The statement added that the gesture was part of the determination of the Akeredolu led administration to encourage education and ease the financial burden on parents.

“The Akeredolu led administration has continued to prioritize functional education in the state. Aside the reconstruction of public Primary Schools in the State, this administration has been committed to payment of WASSCE fees.

“This gesture will surely bring a great relief to Parents and Guardians across the state. Governor Akeredolu has unwavering belief that education is the key to a secured future.

“Again, this is a promise kept. It is in line with the REDEEMED Agenda of the Akeredolu led administration under which we have Educational Advancement and Human Development.”

2023: CSOs Allege Disenfranchisement Of Electorates By INEC Over Missing PVCs

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Independent National Electoral Commission

By Akinwale Kasali

Electoral Umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has come under strong criticism from Coalitions of Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, who are alleging that INEC Voters Education was inadequate.

It also stressed that there are several reports of missing Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs and difficulties in locating them.

A Coalition of Human Rights Group raised alarm and expressed fear over the missing PVCs with less than 50 days to the 2023 General Elections.

The Coalition of CSOs expressed their reservations about this development at a Press conference held by the Focal Person of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Groups, Maximilian Tashilani; Convener of Coalition of Civil Society For Good Governance, Okpanachi Jacob, and chairman of Arewa Transformational Leaders, Yusuf Ibrahim.

The Group said it is perturbed by this development that indicates that many electorates will be disenfranchised following the statement by the Commission’s Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, that no PVC, No Voting.

Tashilani, who spoke on behalf of the Group said that for the Commission to ensure free and fair elections, it has to ensure that there is voter- education, which is non-existent in some other places, leaving the  vulnerable to manipulation by some unscrupulous politicians who tend to take advantage of the situation.

The CSOs also warned the Judiciary against the reckless granting of court orders, injunctions and judgments.

Tashilani said it had become imperative to pause and “take stock of where we are coming from, and where we intend to go as a nation.”

According to him, the 2023 general election was more than a deciding moment for the country, adding that all well-meaning Nigerians must come together to uphold the unity, sanctity and integrity of the nation by ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

He said, “From all indications, President Muhammadu Buhari is not only desirous of bequeathing the legacy of a free and fair election, he is also poised to ensure that all institutions responsible for delivering credible elections are truly independent.

“However, as a body, we will not shy away from our responsibility of drawing the nation’s attention to some acts that are capable of derailing the efforts made by Nigerians to ensure the elections are credible and hitch-free.

“Adequate voter education is the solution for delivering free, fair and credible elections. Moreover, such education equips voters with knowing their rights and responsibilities. However, our investigation has shown that such education embarked upon by INEC is inadequate.

“They are even non-existent in some other places, leaving the voters vulnerable and at the mercy of unscrupulous politicians who tend to take advantage of the situation.

“The difficulties voters undergo to collect their PVCS is unbearable. Aside the difficulties of locating ones PVC, they are also reports of missing PVCs.

“Despite the difficulties INEC faces in discharging their responsibilities, we urge them to intensify more efforts to ensure they deliver to the people a free and fair election by February, 2023.”

He told the Judiciary to know that it would be in the eyes of the storm as preparation for the election gathers steam.

“As we approach the 2023 general election, the Judiciary will definitely be in the eyes of the storm. As Nigerians are enthusiastic about the coming election which is less than 50 days, a lot of Nigerians have expressed fears on the manipulation of the Judiciary and the Judicial system to makes nonsense of the gains already made to sanitize the polity,

“Examples abound where Judges give contrary court orders, injunctions and judgments that do not have precedence in judicial jurisprudence. We have seen where courts makes nonsense of peoples mandate by declaring and installing people who were never voted for in an election, citing spurious reasons.

“We have also seen courts grant bail after conviction, even when the convict has not yet filled for an appeal. We call on all government institutions and agencies to live up to their expectations and perform their constitutional roles as required by law without fear or favour,” Tashilaniq added.

Intervene On Matters Affecting Imo, Uzodinma Charges Elders Council

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has appealed to members of the Imo Elders Council to wade into the matters affecting the progress and development of the State, particularly, on insecurity.

He did on Friday when he met with the leadership of Imo Elders Council at the New  Executive Council Chambers Owerri.

Governor Uzodimma charged the leadership and entire membership to speak to the political detractors and the opposition to interrogate their consciences over what they are doing and how it will help Imo State to either grow and develop or retard.

Welcoming the elders  led by their Chairman, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Governor expressed happiness seeing them again this new year and assured them of his continued readiness to cooperate with them always.

He told them that the Executive Bill on the establishment of the body had long being signed into law, informing them that his administration is appreciative of their activities.

Governor Uzodimma said that his government is open to dialogue and discussions with whoever that claims to be aggrieved “as long as the person or group comes up with what will move the State forward to the benefit of Imo people.”

The Governor, therefore, reminded them that it is their responsibility to intervene, “because time is running out and this administration is exhausting her patience.”

He assured of the readiness of his government to restore order, repair dilapidated infrastructure and ensure peace and security of lives and property “as the sole responsibility of any government.”

Governor Uzodimma who thanked God for His mercies and blessings to Imo State, noted that “in spite of the lean finances, Government has been able to meet her daily demands and even contended with the excruciating challenges of the moment.”

He however bemoaned the situation where none of the seven oil companies operating in Imo State pays taxes to the State government. “Regrettably, taxation is only shouldered by the common populace,” he said, adding that having met with them severally without positive response he may be pushed to the wall to apply force to recover what belongs to Imo people, in terms of tax payment.

He reminded the Elders Council that they have a job to do in asking the people to do the right things and commended them for setting up various committees,  especially the Reconciliation committee, and challenged the committee to work hard and come out with results that will make Imo better.

Earlier in his address, Eze Ilomuanya said they came to convey their immense gratitude and thanks to the Governor for standing by the Council since its inauguration on December 21, 2021, and for fulfilling every promise made to them since their inauguration.

He listed the achievements of the Council to  include the setting up of three Standing Committees namely Security Committee, Strategy Committee, Peace and Reconciliation Committee, as well as an Ad-hoc Committee on Code of Conduct.

Ilomuanya promised that the Council shall strive to reciprocate the Governor’s goodwill and benevolence to them by being alive to their responsibilities to both the government and people of Imo State.

Present at the visit were the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, some members of the State Expanded Executive Council and the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University Prof U. U. Chukwumaeze.

Obi: Why Collection Of PVC Is Critical; More Prominent Nigerians Autograph His Candidacy

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has given insight into why the collection of the, Permanent Voters Cards, PVC and voting in the forth coming elections on February 25, 2023 is critical to Nigeria and Nigerians.

In a special broadcast he made via the social media, on Thursday, Obi said every Nigerian youths and elders alike must endeavor to collect their PVC because without  it what the youths and many other concerned persons are desiring for Nigeria this year may not be realizable.

According to Obi, PVC must be collected because it’s only with it in our hands, that the process of  taking back Nigeria and rebuilding it can be said to have begun.

“This is a critical and existential election for Nigeria and all of us must endeavor to vote and we can only vote if we have our PVC.

The LP flag bearer, one of the frontline candidates in the February 25, 2023 poll reminded Nigerians that the collection of the PVC ends On Sunday January 2023.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC had opened the collection of PVCs at ward level today Friday January 6, 2023 to end on 15, January 2023 after which the collection continues at the INEC offices at local Government levels until January 22, 2023.

Meanwhile the Labour Party Candidate continues to receive the support and positive rating of prominent Nigerians.

After the three revered elder statesmen, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and first Republic Minister of Information and the leader of the South South people Edwin K. Clark and the leader of the umbrella Yoruba Group, the Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, endorsed him, another foremost jurist and Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) has said that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP),  Obi is the most qualified person to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari. The highly revered Northern Muslim Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi had also held similar view.

According to Babalola, the only people opposed to Obi are those who participated in plunging the country into the state of underdevelopment it is at present.

“Unless you are part of the old system that has brought us to where we are, there is no way you will oppose a young man like Mr Peter Obi, an untainted, young, educated man with ideas from being the president of Nigeria,” he said

Babalola, who will mark 60 years of his call to Bar as a lawyer this year said he and Obi share a common passion in their love for quality education.

“We have a common ground, and that common ground is that he will give education a rightful place in his administration. Unlike all of you, I never had a conventional education, I never went to secondary school, or university but due to determination and courage I endured. I studied privately through correspondence and obtained my A Level by correspondence, passed the entrance into university by correspondence.

“But for education I would not be where I am today and that is why by the grace of God after a successful practice, I am what I am today. I will celebrate 60 years of my call to Bar this year and by the grace of god, peter obi will be there. He is the most qualified to lead this country”.

INEC Constitutes Committee To Oversee Election Results

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

As part of its preparations, the commission has announced the setting up of a national situation room and collation centre for the election.

Announcing this in a statement,  Festus Okoye, National Commissioner  and Chairman

Information and Voter Education Committee stated that “The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Thursday, 5th January 2023 and deliberated on several issues, including the venue for the National Situation Room and Collation Centre for the 2023 General Election.

“As general elections approach, the Commission establishes a National Situation Room and Collation Centre where the  results of Presidential elections are collated.

“Once again, the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja will serve as the venue for this important exercise.

“Accordingly, the Commission has established two committees for this purpose. First is the Collation Secretariat, where Presidential results from the States will be collated.

“This will be headed by the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in exercising his constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the Presidential election. In addition, a few technical staff will assist him.

“The second is the Situation Room and Collation Centre Committee, which shall be responsible for the preparation of the venue, seating arrangement, utilities and services, security, the accreditation of party agents, as well as the national and international observers, media, etc. The Committee has the following membership:

  1. Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, National Commissioner – Chairperson
  2. Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, National Commissioner – Member
  3. Barr. Festus Okoye, National Commissioner – Member
  4. Director, Electoral Operations – Member
  5. Director, ICT – Member
  6. Director, Planning and Monitoring – Member
  7. Director, Security – Member
  8. Director, Election & Party Monitoring – Member
  9. Director, International Cooperation & Protocol – Member
  10. Director, Research – Member
  11. Director, Health Services – Member
  12. Director, Estate, Works and Transport – Member
  13. Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman – Member
  14. Special Adviser to the Chairman – Member
  15. Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman – Member
  16. Director, Commission Secretariat – Member/Secretary

“The Situation Room and Collation Centre Committee was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who charged it to commence work in earnest and to discharge its responsibilities diligently.”

INEC: We Were Reported Out Of Context, Says DSS

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Peter Afunaya - DSS Spokesperson

By Uche Mbah

The Department of State Services, DSS, has denied dragging the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, to Court over alleged non-declaration of assets.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, Thursday, the Commission frowned at a print media publication (not The Source) which reported that the Court stopped the DSS from arresting and investigating the INEC Chairman.

Afunanya said it was reported out of context.

“The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to a 5th January, 2023 online publication  which reported that ‘Court Stops DSS from Arresting INEC Chairman’.

“The Service has discovered that the newspaper skewed what transpired in the court and reported it out of context. It is against this backdrop that the Service pointed out its disapproval to the editorial authorities of the Newspaper. The outfit, which though, argued that what was reported in its online version was different from the hard copy, promised to address the concerns raised but did not.

“This statement, however, becomes important to guide public understanding and perception, especially that the said report is misleading. It falsely left an impression that the Service went to court against the INEC Chairman.

“Nonetheless, the Service is aware of the antics of some mischievous elements who are desirous of fomenting crisis in the country, including creating unnecessary controversies around the forthcoming general elections.

“One of their strategies is to subvert the efforts of the Service in ensuring peaceful coexistence and harmony. Another is a determination to overheat the polity and subtly exploit the judiciary to distract or even undermine not only the service but other security and law enforcement agencies from undertaking their constitutional roles.

“The DSS, therefore, warns these individuals and groups to desist from their devious plans. It also advises all critical stakeholders to be vigilant and resist attempts to use them to thwart the law.

“While assuring Nigerians and the international community of the service’s commitment to the maintenance of law and order, including an accomplishment of a free and fair 2023 election as already pledged by Mr President and Commander-in-Chief, the service urges all and sundry to join in the pursuit of national stability and unity,” Afunanya said.

Recall that an Abuja  High Court Wednesday quashed the allegations of false assets declaration against Yakubu and stopped security agencies from investigating him.

Canadian Minister, Madu Lauds Uzodimma Over Road Infrastructure Projects In Imo

By
The Source
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Kaycee Madu and Hope Uzodimma

Canadian Deputy Premier of Alberta and Minister of Skilled Trades and Profession, Hon. Kaycee Madu, has lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma over his numerous people-oriented programmes such as road projects that impact positively on the lives of the ordinary citizens.

Madu spoke on Thursday at his village in Umuevu Okirika Nweke in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, during the burial of his father, Sir George  Amajuoyi Madu who died at the age of 90.

The burial Service was held at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church Parish, Umuevu Okirika Nweke.

“We appreciate the great work Governor Hope Uzodimma is doing in Imo State. We will continue to stand with him for the greater good of Imo people. The newly constructed road he has done for my community, here in Okirika, Ahiazu Mbaise is an enduring testament of his love for the Mbaise Nation. We thank him.”

Madu, an Attorney and Politician has been  Member, Legislative Assembly of Alberta in Canada since 2019 and was appointed Minister in October 2022.

Governor Uzodimma, who was represented at the burial programme by his Deputy, Prof Placid Njoku, had conveyed his heartfelt condolences on his behalf and that of his family and the good people of Imo State to the Madu family.

He said the late Sir Madu led a great and remarkable life of impact to his community and the society at large and urged the family not to depart from the good works the deceased left behind.

Prof Njoku congratulated Hon Madu for being a good ambassador of Imo State,  Nigeria, the African continent and black race to the Canadian community and government, and urged his kits and kin to emulate him.

Apart from Prof Njoku, other top government officials from Imo State who graced the burial were the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Tony Mgbeahuruike and the Sole Administrator of Ahiazu Mbaise, Chief Tony Anakani.

Obasanjo Unfit To Recommend A Presidential Candidate To Nigerians -Tinubu

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Four months after he led a high profile delegation of the All Progressives Congress, APC  to Abeokuta to seek the support of former President  Olusegun Obasanjo for his Presidential ambition, Bola Tinubu, Presidential Candidate of the Party has dismissed Obasanjo as unfit to recommend a President to Nigerians.

Tinubu, who had been very expectant of Obasanjo’s endorsement of him, was shocked when in an open letter to Nigerians, and especially, the Youths, Obasanjo endorsed the Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, as his choice Candidate. The former President went on to ask Nigerians to vote for Obi, and charged the Youths to take back their Country.

But Tinubu, just like the APC Presidential Campaign Council, has slammed Obasanjo as a failure, and his endorsement of Obi as nothing because of what he said were Obasanjo’s failures when he was in the saddle as a democratically elected President.

Tinubu said these on Thursday at the APC Presidential Campaign rally held at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Ugbowo Campus, Benin.

The former Lagos State Governor said Obasanjo failed to develop the country when he had the opportunity, but was rather fighting his then Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, while accusing each other of spending the country’s money for their personal comfort.

Tinubu noted that after spending $16billion on electricity, Obasanjo and the PDP Government could not deliver electricity for Nigerians to make even popcorn.

Tinubu recalled how he brought Enron Power to generate electricity and solve the power problem in the commercial nerve centre of the country but the project was frustrated by the Obasanjo-led PDP Government.

“I brought Enron to solve electricity problem and help Lagos economy but Obasanjo and PDP frustrated it. They punished me and Lagos people and even began deducting our money.

“I created Local Governments in Lagos to accelerate development and create employment for our people but Obasanjo siezed our allocation and punished us for that. That was wickedness and such a man said he endorsed a man for you to vote as President. Can you follow such a man? Can Obasanjo recommend a leader for anyone in Nigeria? A man who does not know the way cannot show the way.”

On one of his opponents, Atiku Abubakar, the former Governor of Lagos said the PDP Presidential Candidate is not qualified to be President of Nigeria having indicted himself on his record as a civil servant.

“Atiku and Obasanjo accused themselves of using Nigeria’s money to buy cars for their comfort. Atiku was a Custom Officer who said he made money selling cars, that is smugling. He didn’t even know that a Civil Servant can not do any other business apart from agriculture. That is enough to disqualify him, and he is not fit to be President.”

On his plan for the economy and Edo people, Tinubu said it is time to eliminate darkness and make the economy of the country productive through massive industrialisation, promising to make Edo State a hub of industrial activities and an energy state.

At the rally, Tinubu told the people that prosperity and happiness have come. He applauded the return of Benin artefacts by some Western nations but urged the countries to pay some money to Edo State having made huge money from the returned artefacts through tourism and exhibitions.

“Edo people, prosperity has come, happiness has come, hope is back in your homes, knowledge is back in your community. I am happy about the returned artefacts. They are bringing our artefacts. I support the Oba of Benin who said our heritage must come back but I disagree with the Europeans. They have used our artefacts for exhibitions and tourism for decades in their museums to make money. They should not just send them back without money. When I become President I will ask them to pay us restitution. I will contribute to the building of the Museum in Benin.”

On his competence and readiness for the job, Tinubu told the crowd that his administration would focus on job creation through small scale industries, build a credible credit system for capital formation, bring multi billion-Dollar investments to Edo State and end estimated electricity billing.

“I will turn Edo State to energy State. I will convert Yahoo boys and make them useful by converting their talents and intellects to produce chips for industries. We can defeat poverty, ignorance and homelessness. We have the knowledge, we have the brain to do it. Trust me. I am an expert in finding the way where there is no way. I found a way to tame the Atlantic and turn it to money- making machine.”

Tinubu also spoke on his motivation to make life better for the poor and why opportunities must be created for young people to move up on socio-economic ladder.

“I believe the children of boli and groundnut sellers should become doctors, engineers, nurses etc. That was why I started the payment of WAEC fees for their children as Governor in Lagos. If you want to become rich, elect me. If you say I should go and retire, it means you want to retire diamond and gold. Edo people, I am telling you like I say everywhere in Nigeria, elect me.”

In his address at the rally, former governor of Edo State and Deputy Director- General of the Tinubu-Shettima Campaign, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said come February 25, Edo people would use their PVC to appreciate Tinubu as a father of multi-party democracy in Nigeria.

“If you want to understand why Obasanjo failed to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, it was the resistance of Asíwájú and others.

“Obasanjo also wanted to take over Lagos. Asíwájú said you can’t do it. If you are a Military General, I am a general of politics. He fought him to a standstill,” Oshiomhole said.

He charged the crowd to mobilize their relatives and friends back home to vote for the APC candidate.

Oshiomhole also threw jibes at Presidential candidates of Labour Party, Peter Obi, and that of PDP, Atiku Abubakar, asking Edo people to reject them.

“Peter Obi is a joke,” he said, adding that Obi could not address the erosion problem in his state of Anambra.

Oshiomhole said Atiku cannot unite this country. “Someone who cannot unite his house, how can he unite Nigeria?”

Edo State APC Chairman, Col David Imuse (rtd), said Edo had always been with Asiwaju Tinubu and would always be there for him to ensure victory in the February 25 election.

“There is no political party that has a candidate that is as qualified as our candidate, in terms of experience, in terms of pedigree and performance.”

Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, APC National Woman Leader  Beta Edu, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Olanisakin, Senator Andy Uba, among others, attended the rally.

For the records, in 2015, Tinubu, also, led a delegation of the APC, including then Candidate General Muhammadu Buhari,  to the Abeokuta home of Obasanjo. They went to seek his blessings and support which he freely gave them. He campaigned for Buhari and was one of those who contributed very much to his victory in 2015.

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