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Muslim-Muslim Ticket: Crisis Rocks APC As Aggrieved APC Christians Move To Dump Ticket

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has continued to generate controversy that has metamorphosed into a lingering crisis. Northern Christian leaders in the APC and some Northern Muslim Political leaders, on Sunday, said that Voting along Religious lines in the 2023 general election may trigger negative consequences among Nigerians and threaten national development.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who are Northern Christian Leaders, had stated their displeasure over the same Faith ticket of the Party, stating that the APC has failed to focus on issues that unite Nigerians as a people but encouraging attacks on sensitive religious issues in the name of politics.

In a resolution  jointly signed by Dogara and a former deputy governor of Sokoto State and ex-Minister of Water Resources during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mukhari Shagari, after a consultative meeting held in Abuja over the weekend, they stated their position on the issue.

Also in attendance was the former Governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna; a former Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfattah Ahmed; ex-Minister of Sports, Damishi Sango; Senator Idris Ahmed Umar; and two former Deputy Governors of Kogi State, Yomi Awoniyi and Simon Achuba.

The communiqué partly reads, “The APC Northern Christian leaders have, in line with their communiqué issued on July 29, 2022, met with some Muslim brothers and sisters across the 19 northern states and the FCT and resolved as follows:

“That we have agreed to work together to foster unity, peace, and national cohesion.

“To work together and jointly adopt a pan-Nigerian political platform that will engender unity, inclusiveness, and a sense of belonging among the Nigerian citizenry.

“Conscious of the multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural configuration of Nigeria, we believe that a same-faith ticket and voting along religious lines may trigger dangerous dimensions of negative consequences among our disparate peoples in ways that will hamper nation-building.

“Consequently, we have agreed to channel our energies on matters that unite us more as a people instead of encouraging attacks on sensitive issues bothering religion in the name of politics.

“Given the above, we have agreed to set up a committee with the mandate to fashion out strategies for advancing the objectives outlined in this resolution.”

Why Dogara Is Aggrieved – Tinubu/Shetima Campaign Council

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Tinubu/Shetima Presidential Campaign Committee, (PCC), has taken a swipe at former Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara. It said his failed Presidential ambition has made him to embark on a campaign of calumny against the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, (APC).

PCC Director Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, pointed out that Dogara’s  hate speeches are aimed at

whipping up emotions so as to  set the country ablaze.

Onanuga in the statement states that “Former Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara has apparently lost his mind since he could not realise his self-imposed ambition to be on the Presidential ticket of All Progressives Congress.

“On account of this, he has certainly become a reprobate and demagogue, delivering hate speeches and whipping up emotions, with the aim of setting our country ablaze.

“The Tinubu-Shettima Presidential  Campaign Council is, therefore, not surprised by media reports about a meeting of some so-called Northern Christian leaders, who claimed to be members of our All Progressives Congress that was championed by Dogara and his ilks. The claim was totally fraudulent.

“Yakubu Dogara, the peripatetic and politically unstable politician who organized the meeting left our party officially and unceremoniously weeks ago. And those who attended the meeting were representing themselves, their selfish agenda, not Northern Christians.

“Before then, the former Speaker  had spearheaded a campaign of vitriol and hate against our party, using religion as camouflage, after he lost the  Vice-presidential candidacy to a better, qualified Senator Kashim Shettima.

“A careful reading of the people who attended the unholy  meeting he called also showed that they were all PDP members, masquerading as APC members.

“Among the politicians at the  unholy consultative meeting were Mukhar Shagari, Boni Haruna, Abdulfattah Ahmed;  Damishi Sango; Senator Idris Ahmed Umar; and two former deputy governors of Kogi State, Yomi Awoniyi and Simon Achuba. They are all PDP members working for the Presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar.

“We were not surprised by the resolutions adopted. Our surprise was that the Media failed to read through their smokescreen.

“The APC PCC wondered how the assembly of strange bedfellows hoped to foster unity and cohesion in our country, when their candidate represents the antithesis of the goal, having emerged the greatest divider of our polity, between the North and South.

“All Nigerians are aware that Atiku’s emergence as the PDP Presidential candidate grossly violated a power rotation code between the North and the South.

“His insistence on snatching and retaining what rightly belongs to another political region has triggered a crisis within his party, making him run from Port Harcourt to London to mend fences.

“We want to assure Dogara and his co-travellers fanning hate campaign against our Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his running mate, that they will fail spectacularly at the polls.

“From  the engagements our leaders have had with men of all faiths, bigotry will not win next February election.

“What will prevail are the track records of our candidates and the solution-driven and all-inclusive progressive programmes the candidates offer Nigerians.

“Asiwaju Tinubu and Senator Shettima are going into this campaign with clear objectives to engage Nigerians across the socio-economic brackets on policy actions that will make their lives better.

“Our candidates will not exploit our country’s fault lines to win election and sell religion as Kool Aid.”

Ekiti: As The Baton Changes Hand

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

On Sunday, 16th October, 2022, Dr Kayode Fayemi’s tenure will end after serving as two term Governor of the Fountain of Knowledge State – Ekiti.

Fayemi’s two terms, no doubt, witnessed development and transformation of the hilly state in all spheres. His oust during the first term 2013 to 2016 by stomach infrastructure author and People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) candidate, Ayo Fayose, that came too to serve his second term, actually taught Fayemi lesson about the direction which politics of Ekiti should tend.

No doubt, Dr Fayemi, who resigned from the federal cabinet to take shot again at Ekiti governorship, immediately hit the ground with the support of his wife, Erelu Bisi, who herself is a master stroke in the politics of Ekiti.

As he bows out, and hands over to his annoited candidate, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Dr Fayemi is satisfied that he has contributed his quota to the growth of Ekiti with his name written on sand of time.

Oyebanji, who is receiving the baton is not a stranger in the affairs of the State. He is a home grown politician that has been part of what is today called Ekiti. He was part of the committee which worked for the creation of the State. He served the committee as secretary.

His foray into public service started in Ekiti when he took up appointment with the state owned university. He has served as a commissioner and lately secretary to the state government from where he is receiving the annoiting to govern the state.

October 16th change of baton in Ekiti is unique in the sense that this is the first time a Governor will hand over to same man from same party since the creation of the state.

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) and All Progressive Congress, (APC) have been exchanging the baton since the creation of the state. Fayose attempted to enthrone his deputy but failed. Now that Fayemi has succeeded in bequeathing the state to his political kinsman, the people of the state are waiting to see the gains.

No doubt, outgoing Governor Fayemi has tried his best, but more still need to be done virtually in all spheres. Oyebanji will be inheriting backlog of unpaid workers and retirees entitlements, including salary, pension and gratuity.

Some of these entitlements are as old as the state as successive administration ensure that they are pushed to their successors.

At present, the state is about to be cut off from the rest of the country as virtually all roads linking it to other parts are in deplorable conditions. Even township roads within the state capital are nothing to write home about.

The revenue base of the state is still at the lowest ebb, which classifies the state as one of the economically poorest in the country. Outgoing administration tried to raise this through introduction of various forms of taxation, but the people, who are at the receiving end cried out.

Already, the state Internal Revenue department has been contracted out to private body to manage all in an effort to boost revenue to enable government have access to more fund for development projects.

People expect the local government administration under the new regime to be more active and responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of rural dwellers. The stance of Dr Fayemi, as regards local government as the third tier of government really affect their operations during his tenure.

Rather than allowing local councils spend their money, the state, under the outgoing administration took it upon itself to award contract on their behalf when it deemed it fit.

Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti chapter has been on strike, even before the nationwide one started, due to non payment of salaries and termination of appointment of some of its members.

As a former staff of the university, the incoming Governor is expected to do the needful, which is upward review of subvention to the institution. Others establishments in this category are equally waiting for the magic wand of the incoming Governor.

There are ongoing projects which the people want their early completion. Some communities in the state are currently being ravaged by flood, while towns are waiting for early resolution of obaship tussle. The hopes on the incoming Governor by the people are just enormous.

A social media commentator has this advice to give the incoming administration : “Whoever mounts ekiti legally contentious saddle must watch his words on the rostrum .

“He should drastically mellow down on projects for at least a year. This will enable him clear unnecessary debts Fayemi plunged Ekiti. Salary arrears, pension arrears 2016 leave bonus of a section of primary school teachers , union deductions , cooperative deductions , marginally accumulated gratuity.

“Within 100 days, local government murdered by Fayemi must be given a lifeline . Era of junketing around in private jets, choppers, while crying Paucity of funds must stop.”

Another one, Odunayo Ehinafe writes “It’s pertinent we all know and realize that our state needs to be fully revived as the incoming governor promised us during the electioneering period, and this why I would mention few of the things that needs urgent attention in our dear State.

“Teaching hospital: Lately the state teaching hospital has been lagging  back on what they’re  known for, as people prefer to go to other private hospitals than going to the teaching hospital because of getting low medical care and attention.

“The teaching hospital should be provided with more adequate healthcare facilities and have more effective people employed and their activities should be well looked into and make sure there’s an improvement that’ll really help alot and the Governor should make it by surprise visit sometimes.

“Lastly, I would advice the incoming governor to please see to the pensioners unpaid salaries and workers backlogs of Salary, salary arrears, leave bonuses and also make it a necessity for him to always inspect all the projects he’d approve for effective delivery.”

Tompolo’s Men Bursts More Oil Theft Points

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

Barely a week after an illegal 4-kilometre crude oil pipeline was discovered in Delta state, 58 illegal oil theft points have been bursted.

This was disclosed by ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo.

The discoveries come on the back of a N48 billion pipeline protection contract awarded to Tomopo by the federal government in August, to protect the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC oil assets in the Niger Delta.

Last week Tompolo accused top Nigerian security chiefs of involvement in the oil theft that analysts say cost the country over $70 millions daily.

According to  a press released signed by the repentant militant on Sunday, he said close to 60 oil theft points have been discovered in Delta and Bayelsa states, stressing that the battle against crude oil banditry will be won with the cooperation of all the stakeholders in the region.

The statement said, “You know, we are doing this work together with security agencies. We are only providing intelligence for the security people to assist to do the work. So, everybody – both NNPC and others– we are working together in a very good spirit now.

“The major problem is that the aquatic life of the area is gone. We are doing everything within our powers together with the traditional rulers and everyone to see that – with the help of the Nigerian Navy, Army DSS, and everybody – we reduce this to the barest minimum so that our people can survive after this time.”

Recall that Senate President Ahmad Lawan said last Friday during the presentation of the 2023 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, that crude oil theft posed an existential threat to the country’s economic survival.

Over 700 thousands barrels of crude oil are stolen daily through illegal oil pipelines across the Niger Delta. Community leaders in the oil producing region and security agents have been fingered in the theft.

With the rate at which the federal government has stepped up the fight against oil thieves, not a few insist that the problem will soon be a thing of the past.

2023: Northern Christian Leaders Gives APC Yellow Card

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

Northern Christian APC Leaders have decided to work against their party in the 2023 election over it’s decision to field a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

The group led by former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal met in Abuja at the weekend where they decided not to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kassim Shettima, APC presidential candidate and his vice. The two politicians are Muslims.

Others who attended the meeting include former Minister of Water Resources, Muktar Shehu Shagari, a former Governor of Adamawa state, Boni Haruna, a former Governor of Kwara state, Abdufattah Ahmed, a former Deputy Governor of Kogi state, Yomi Awoniyi, amongst others.

The duo of Dogara and Lawal have condemned the same faith ticket on the basis that the decision will further polarise the country, and push christians to the bottom of politics in the country.

The group has yet to name the party it will support for next year’s presidential election. It said it will decide on the matter soon, working together with “our Muslim brother” and other stakeholders in the north.

The group said in a communique, “That we have agreed to work together to foster unity, peace, and national cohesion.

“To work together and jointly adopt a pan-Nigerian political platform that will engender unity, inclusiveness, and a sense of belonging among the Nigerian citizenry.

“Conscious of the multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural configuration of Nigeria, we believe that a same-faith ticket and voting along religious lines may trigger dangerous dimensions of negative consequences among our disparate peoples in ways that will hamper nation-building.

“Consequently, we have agreed to channel our energies on matters that unite us more as a people instead of encouraging attacks on sensitive issues bothering religion in the name of politics.

“Given the above, we have agreed to set up a committee with the mandate to fashion out strategies for advancing the objectives outlined in this resolution.”

Meanwhile, the magazine learned that the People’s Democratic Party, PDP is seriously wooing the group with a view to enlisting their support for the make or mar presidential election.

Jonathan Mourns Former PDP Chairman, Ogbulafor

By
The Source
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0
Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sadness over the death of Chief  Vincent Eze Ogbulafor, former chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Dr. Jonathan who stated this in a condolence message to his family, Government and people of Abia State described late Ogbulafor as a patriot who contributed considerably towards deepening the roots of Nigeria’s democracy.

The former President noted that Ogbulafor who served as chairman and secretary of the PDP was a leader who was “committed to contributing his own quota towards the development of our nation.”

“Chief Ogbulafor will be remembered for his dedication to the good causes he believed in and for his commitment and contributions to the growth of the nation’s democracy.”

Dr. Jonathan also prayed God to comfort members of late Ogbulafor’s family and grant his soul eternal rest.

Prince Ogbulafor died in Canada on 6th October, 2022, aged 73 years.

“Mamu Lied, Terrorist Commander Never Wanted To Marry Me” – 21 Year-Old Christian-Girl Kaduna Train Abduction Victim

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0

By Adesina Soyooye

Three people have put a lie to the alarm raised by Alhaji Tukur Mamu, the self-appointed negotiator for unfortunate victims of the Abuja-Kaduna bound Train to the effect that a terrorist Commander had finalized plans to marry one of the victims, a Christian girl named Azurfa Lois John.

Those who put a lie to Mamu’s alarm are the victim, Miss John, the terrorist Commander, and Professor  Usman Yusuf, the Secretary to the seven-man team put together by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor, to secure the release of the hostages.

Recall that on August 20, Mamu raised an alarm informing the Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, that the young lady was about to be married off to a Terrorist Commander who had fallen in love with her, and sworn not to release her. Mamu urged them to hurry and get the lady released else she would suffer the fate of Leah Sharibu.

Leah is the Christian student abducted along with her colleagues from their school hostel. But while the others were released, Leah was kept back because she, allegedly, refused to denounce her Christian faith. She has since been married to one of the Terrorist Commanders and has, allegedly, given birth to two babies.

Said Mamu on Miss John: “This is to alert the Federal Government and, especially, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, that I can confirm, through credible information at my disposal that if urgent action is not taken immediately to secure the release of the youngest victim of the Train attack, a 21-year old Azurfa Lois John, tye abductors as they have done in the case of Leah Sharibu, are planning to marry her any moment from now.”

But the alarm has turned out to be false. Considering what has been exposed now of Mamu’s relationship with the terrorists, he, most likely, raised the alarm to stampede both the FG and CAN, into paying the sum of N100m, the sum allegedly paid on behalf of each released victim, to secure Miss John’s freedom.

In an interview with the Voice of America, Hausa Service on Sunday, Professor Usman said the Terrorist Commander told his team, during negotiations to set the captives free, that he had neither approached Miss John, nor expressed any interest in her.

Usman, also, quoted Miss John as telling the team that the Terrorist Commander never came near her, or approached her in anyway.

Mamu, the Publisher of the Kaduna-based Desert Herald, and Media Consultant to controversial Islamic Scholar, Sheik Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, for months, acted as the negotiator between the families of the victims and the terrorists who were being released in batches, allegedly after a payment of N100m each.

However, a few weeks ago, Mamu was exposed as an alleged big scam, a terrorist enabler, who had been working with terrorists.

He was arrested at the  Cairo International Airport, Egypt, by the INTERPOL, on his way, with his two wives, to Saudi Arabia, ostensibly, for the lesser Hajj, on the prompting of Nigeria’s Security Agencies. He was immediately put on the next available flight back to NIgeria.

Mamu arrived into the waiting hands of the Operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, who took him into custody.

With a search warrant, the DSS searched both his house and office, and discovered not a few things which exposed Mamu as an alleged Terrorist enabler.

The DSS, has since revealed that his aborted  trip to Saudi Arabia was to meet a number of Terrorist Commanders.

Still in the custody of the DSS, Mamu has been exposed both by the Service and Professor Usman as the main obstacle to the release of the victims. He was, also, allegedly, the receiver of the ransom monies which he allegedly took to the terrorists, with his commission intact.

According to Usman in an earlier statement, Mamu was the one who pushed the terrorists into taking ransom money.

PDP Grief-Stricken, Mourns Former National Chairman, Vincent Ogbulafor

By
The Source
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0
Vincent Ogbulafor

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says its late former National Chairman, played key roles in laying a solid foundation for effective Party management and administration as well as development and implementation of its policy guidelines and key accounts.

In a Press Release signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, to mourn Ogbulafor, the PDP said the late former Chairman who was, first, its National Secretary, and Minister of Special Duties, was a detribalized Nigerian.

As the Chairman of the PDP, he was famous for saying that the Party would be in power for 60 years. He predicted too soon. The All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2015, termjnated its 16 year-rule. He became the Chairman of the Party in 2008, and was succeeded by Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo.

Ogbulafor, 73, whose late father was a Traditional Ruler, hailed from Olokoro, Umuahia, Abia State.

He died on October 6,2022.

Following the full text by the PDP.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grief-stricken over the death of one of our founding members, former National Chairman, former National Secretary of our great Party and former Minister of State, Special Duties, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor.

“Prince Ogbulafor was an exceptionally patriotic leader, a detribalized Nigerian and quintessential democrat who dedicated his skills, resources and energies in selfless service towards the unity, stability, democratic advancement and economic development of our nation.

“As the National Secretary of the PDP, Prince Ogbulafor played key roles alongside others leaders of our Party in laying a solid foundation for effective Party management and administration as well as development and implementation of our robust policy guidelines that led to key accomplishments of successive PDP administrations in the country.

“As PDP National Chairman as well as Minister of Special Duties, he displayed a unique leadership capacity in leading the PDP to effectively deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

“The PDP mourns over this great national tragedy especially coming at this point in our national life when our Party and indeed the nation need his wealth of experience the most.

“The PDP commiserates with the Ogbulafor Family, the Government and people of Abia State, the PDP in Abia State as well as the people of Olokoro, Umuahia South of Abia State and pray to God to grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

PDP Kicks Off Presidential Campaign In Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, A Divided House

By
The Source
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0
PDP Secretariat - Wadata Plaza

By Gideon Njoku

While still desperately trying to reconcile all members of its Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will kick off its Presidential Campaign on Monday, October 10, 2022.

Instead of kicking it off in Abuja, the Party has chosen Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria, as a start-off point.

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, the host, is the Chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council.

Even though Uyo is already bubbling with activities, and PDP member fired up, there is a tinge of apprehension. The PDP is kicking-off the Campaign a divided house.

The Party has been divided since the outcome of its Presidential Primary where Candidate Atiku emerged, and the subsequent choice of Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate.

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who placed a respectable second, much to his disappointment, and further disappointment after he lost the Vice Presidential slot to Okowa, has been implacable, sulking and throwing tantrums.

Wike has, successfully, carved out a faction in the Party known as Camp Wike, and has four Governors and some Party chieftains as members. The Governors in Wike’s Camp are: Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Seyi Makinde of Benue, Abia, Enugu and Oyo States respectively.

This group has kept away from all the activities of the Party, unless the National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who they hold responsible for Wike’s loss, resigns from office. As a cover, they say Ayu had promised to step down if a Northerner emerged as the candidate. But since Atiku’s emergence, Ayu has refused to step down. He has the support of Atiku, the Party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, and majority of Party members.

It is, therefore, not known if the Wike Camp will be in Uyo or not. If its members, led by Wike, do not show up, it would take some shine off  the ocassion, but it will also be a minus for those in Wike’s Camp, seeking elective offices.

Makinde is seeking a second term as Governor. If not well handled, the crisis could cost him that. Governors Ortom, Ikpeazu and Ugwuanyi are also seeking to go to the Senate. Depending on how they tell their States to vote, it could affect their chances. The electorate is not sophisticated enough to vote another party for President, and same day, same time, vote another for National Assembly.

However, the PDP is all set to kick-start, with or without them. The Party is flaunting its achievements for the 16 years it was in power, and highlighting what it calls the monumental and embarrassing all-round failure of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Following is the text of an Interactive session with the Media, by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, where he gave details of the kick-off of the Presidential Campaign against February 2023.

Text of a Press Interactive Session by the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Debo Ologunagba, on Saturday October 8, 2022

The PDP formally informs Nigerians that our Party, the PDP will officially flag off its 2023 Presidential Election Campaign on Monday, October 10, 2022 in Uyo Akwa-Ibom State Capital.

Our Party is fully prepared for an issue-based campaign and our Presidential Candidate, H E. Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, H.E. Ifeanyi Okowa are fully “Articulated” for the campaign.

The PDP will take our campaign to all the States, Local Government Areas, Wards and Polling Units across the country under the Unified Campaign Structure as approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our Party.

Our Campaign will be people-driven and focused on PDP and H.E. Atiku Abubakar’s mission to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from the abysmal misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

From our consultations across the six geo-political zones of the country, it is clear that Nigerians across board, irrespective of religion, ethnicity and even political affiliations accept the PDP Presidential Candidate, H.E. Atiku Abubakar as the best Candidate with the practical experience, capacity, broad-mindedness and willpower to Unite our nation, Revamp our national economy, and guarantee security of lives and property in our country.

Why Nigerians Want H.E. Atiku Abubakar

H.E. Atiku Abubakar as Vice President to President Olusegun Obasanjo was the Chairman of the National Economic Council.

During that periodOur nation achieved unprecedented national productivity

*Secured $30bn overall debt relief from the Paris and London Clubs

*Nigeria’s economy was revamped to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world with stable exchange rate.

*Foreign reserves rose from $2bn in 1999 to $43bn in 2007

*Power generation rose from average daily generation capacity of 1,800mw in 1999 to 4,000 mw in 2007.

*Our country witnessed the liberalization of the telecommunication industry and the advent of GSM and Internet facilities in Nigeria

*Our country also witnessed a boost in private Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria

*More Nigerians opened investments in sectors hitherto controlled by foreigners including in the downstream and upstream petroleum sectors.

*Owing to the conducive economic environment, there was increase in Foreign Direct Investment and more Nigerians in the Diaspora returned to establish businesses in the country

*Expanded and consolidated the Nigerian banking industry to make it operate and participate effectively in global banking businesses.

*Nigeria achieved one of the most profitable Stock Markets in the world with an average Return on Investment of over 31%

*Our nation also achieved a consolidated Pension System both in the private and public sectors.  (The APC has been seeking to siphon money from that Fund).

*Under Atiku Abubakar as coordinator of the economy, Nigeria achieved economic rebound after military rule. Today Nigeria and Nigerians need Atiku Abubakar to achieve a rebound after the misrule of the APC.

The “Illegal Acquisition” Of Obajana Cement Company By Dangote Industries Plc

By
The Source
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0
Dangote Cement Factory

By Augustine Maduka

From available records, Obajana Cement Company Plc was fully owned by Kogi State Government before Dangote Industries Plc indicated interest to partner with it.

In other words, Obajana Cement was incorporated by the Kogi State Government. Kogi State acquired mining license over Obajana limestone, and also obtained Certificate of Occupancy for the areas needed for the company. These three elements – incorporation, mining license and CofO were very heavy in terms of value of Obajana Cement Company.

Unfortunately, and sadly too, the reason people of Kogi State, and indeed people of the world are finding it difficult to believe that Dangote validly acquired Obajana was the fact that no evidence exists, so far, on the part of Dangote, to demonstrate what was paid, or the consideration in exchange for those three “very heavy values” brought by Kogi State.

In the absence of such evidence, Dangote does not have the legal right to claim to have acquired Obajana Cement Company without any evidence of consideration, or value, that passed to Kogi State in exchange for the purported acquisition.

No doubt, the issue of what value, or consideration Dangote gave in the purported acquisition of Obajana Cement 100% has been notoriously raised in this whole story of acquisition.

Both parties in this imbroglio – Kogi state Government and Dangote – agreed that for a valid transfer or acquisition, value or consideration must pass. It is a settled position of the Nigerian law that consideration is an essential and fundamental element of a valid contact. If absent in a contract, that contract is a nullity.

Dangote claimed to have paid consideration for the acquisition, while Kogi State Government denied it, as no evidence exists in support of Dangote’s claim.

The report of the Commission of Inquiry set up by Kogi State some years ago revealed no consideration was paid by Dangote.

An opportunity given to Dangote at that time to show evidence did not yield result as Dangote failed in that regards.

Similarly, the recent Kogi State House of Assembly’s Public Hearing on same issue turned out the same result.

All these fortified the general position, and conclusion that Dangote unlawfully acquired Obajana Cement Company, and as such be returned to Kogi state.

Notwithstanding the fact that Dangote might have brought some additional investment or expansion to Obajana Cement, if such was on a faulty foundation, it collapses, and goes to no issue in establishing 100% ownership for Dangote.

However, in view of the apparent messy situation for Dangote, and the embarrassment any delay in resolving this imbroglio would cause her as a business concern, it is advised that genuine amicable resolution should be explored, wherein an equitable formula on compensation or appeasement to Kogi state is worked out.

Any attempt by Dangote to further delay the resolution of this problem would be highly regretted by Dangote.

Maduka writes from Washington DC, United States

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