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2023: Orji Kalu Pulls Out Of Race; Tackles Tinubu, Amaechi Wike, Others Over South-east

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu,  has pulled out of the 2023 Presidential race.

Kalu, also, tackled other aspirants from the South- west and South-south, especially, on the banners of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for throwing their hats into the ring, instead of supporting the South-east, seeing that their Zones had fully occupied the Presidential and Vice Presidential seats before.

In pulling out of the race, Kalu said it is an exercise in futility for any Igbo to dare without the support of other regions. He described it as “a shadow chase for a South Easterner to be President” under such circumstances.

Kalu: “The situation in Nigeria is that without the support of other regions, it would amount to a shadow chase for a South Easterner to be President.

“This is the reason I have been in the frontline of the call that the two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party should zone their Presidential tickets to the South-east as they did for the South-west in 1999.

“In the absence of the zoning, I shall return to the Senate and stay away from the Presidential contest.

“The reality is that the North is more advantageous to win elections in this democratic setting”

In a statement on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Orji who is the Chief Whip of the Senate,   tackled Presidential aspirants from the South-west and  South-south, accusing them of having no respect or feelings for the South-east Region.

He said: “It is embarrassing that these aspirants from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have no single respect and concern for the South East”.

He noted that the ‘’unfairness, inequity and injustice’’ the South-east region is suffering do not touch them.

The aspirants from both the APC and PDP to the office of the President from the South-South and South-west, include Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, Rotimi Amaechi, Udom Emmanuel. Others from the North are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Governors Aminu Tambuwal, Bala Mohammed and Yahaya Bello of Sokoto, Bauchi and Kogi States respectively.

Kalu: “I am even shocked with the number of aspirants coming from the South-west and the South-south. It is embarrassing that these aspirants (APC and PDP) have no single respect and concern for the South East. I had thought they would think about the South East; I thought they would support us.

“The amount of money being spent by these aspirants is alarming and they have forgotten that money alone cannot buy the presidency.

“It has become a joke to an ordinary Nigerian who hears Southern commentators and aspirants rooting for a Southern President on the premise of fairness, equity and justice. How can you talk about these morals when you are not even fair to your own brothers?

“If there is anything like “fairness”, “equity” and “justice”, it should be the entire South pushing for a president of South East extraction. Anything less than that is hypocritical”, unjustifiable and inordinate.

“Some ‘persons’ are even claiming God’s anointed choice in 2023 . Unfortunately, it is not all prayers that God answers; at least not inordinate ones.

“What moral justification does a Southerner who refused to be fair to his brothers have against a Northerner running for president? It will be very insensitive , unreasonable and disrespectful for any Southern man to criticize a presidential aspirant from the North on the ground that the North has done eight years and power should return to the South.

“The South-west  and the  South-south have successfully completed their tenures as President and Vice President. They should have the courage to support their brothers from the South-east. If the next President after President Muhammadu Buhari does not come from the South-east , there would be nothing unfair and unjust if he/she comes from Daura.”

However, not a few people knew, from the onset, that Kanu was not serious in his Presidential aspiration. They point out a couple of obstacles against him including his case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for which he is being prosecuted at a Federal High Court.

Afenifere Leader Urges Southern Political Leaders To Unite For South East Presidency

By
The Source
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Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Anyim Pius Anyim

— As Obi Promises To Turn Nigeria From Sharing To Production Economy

Southern Political leaders have been urged to resist the divisive tendency of  any part of the country and unite for a South-East Presidency in 2023.

The leader of the Pan Yoruba group, Afenifere Pa Ayo Adebanjo sent out the strong message in Abuja while speaking at the Greater Nigeria Conference organized by South-East leaders to sensitize and mobilize support for the region to get the Presidency of Nigeria in 2023.

Pa Adebanjo who was one of the guests at the well attended Conference said that for justice, equity and FairPlay, the next President of Nigeria should come from the South-East.

He called on Presidential aspirants from the other two regions in the South to withdraw for the South-East aspirants and warned them against falling into the trick of being used to create division to sustain infighting.

The leader of the Middle Belt forum, Dr Bitrus Pogus who delivered the keynote address at the conference summed up his speech urging the South-East to insist on their right and to refuse to listen to those who are saying that zoning does not matter because it does.

Seven Presidential aspirants from the two main political parties, the All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP from the South-East were introduced to the conference, namely: Peter Obi, Anyim Pius Anyim, Sam Ohuabunwa and Dr Anakwenze from PDP and Governor Dave Umahi, Dr Chris Ngige and Senator Rochas Okorocha of the ruling APC.

The Presidential aspirants each addressed the conference for three minutes with Obi stealing the show with the crowd shouting “this is our best”, “Nigeria needs Obi now”, “He can do for Nigeria what he did for Anambra State”, among others.

Obi told the conference that Nigeria has met all the indexes of a failed state but his mission is to stop the slide. He said he intended  to do it by returning the country from being a sharing economy to a production economy and all so by making sure that the right people are in trusted with piloting the affairs of the country. In his words, “ Right political leadership is a prelude to  right economic reforms. It is about time we got our politics and economic development right to stop the movement to doom we currently undergoing in our dear country.”

Referencing the old days Pa  Adebanjo talked about in his speech, Obi pointing out that it was when Nigeria was producing, but that what the nation does now is sharing what other nations are producing.

Obi remarked that his Presidency will create wealth, empower and develop the youth by creating jobs and making them productive.

Speaking passionately on human resource development, Obi  who regretted the on-going strike among University teachers, said that education under him, as he did in Anambra state, would be  accorded the highest priority.

Following the example of other developing countries, Obi said he had the template of how to pull Nigerians out of poverty.

Governor Umahi said that Nigeria needed an engineer like him to fix the country.

Minister of Health, Dr Chris Ngige said that the country needed  a visionary leader like him.

Earlier the Chairman of the Greater Nigeria group who organized the conference, the former Governor of Enugu state, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, in his welcome address said the conference became necessary because of the need to show case Presidential materials from the South-East who were the best for the job because in them were visionaries, competence and integrity all put together.

The well attended conference held at the international conference Centre, Abuja  was attended by political leaders drawn from across all regions of the country.

Security Alert As DSS Warns Of Possible Bomb Explosions During Salah

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Department of State Security Service, (DSS), has alerted that the period of Salah festivities may witness series of bomb explosions, especially at public places and relaxation joints.

The DSS, in a public notice on Tuesday stated:

“The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby draws public attention to plans by criminal elements to return the country to the pre-2015 era reminiscent of IED attacks on soft and hard targets in parts of the country.”

The notice, signed by the Public Relations Officer of the service, Peter Afunnaya, was dated 26th April, 2022 and titled “Public Alert On Renewed Bomb Explosions.”

It continues “Though there are already reported cases of such incidents in some areas, the Service has uncovered a ploy by suspected criminal gangs to forge an alliance among themselves with a view to launching further attacks on critical infrastructure and other frequented public places like worship and relaxation centres,  especially during and after the holidays and festive celebrations.

“The objective is to achieve some self- serving interests as well as cause fear among the citizenry.

“The Service, however, recalls its earlier warning that some groups and individuals were plotting to stoke violence in the country.

“Following these, patrons, owners and managers of aforementioned public places are advised to be wary of this development and implement basic security measures to deter the threats.

“While the Service is committed to the disruption of this trend and pattern of violent attacks, it will continue to partner with other security agencies to ensure that necessary drills are emplaced in order that public peace and order are not jeopardized.

“To this end, residents are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses and share, with security and law enforcement agencies, useful information on the activities of criminals.

“Meanwhile, the DGSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, fwc wishes all and sundry a hitch free Workers’ Day and Sallah celebrations.”

Veteran Nollywood Artistes Urge APC, PDP, To Zone Presidency To The South East

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Chidi Mokeme

By Akinwale Kasali

Veteran Nollywood Artistes of South East origin have urged the two dominant political parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and opposition Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to zone their Presidential seat to the South-east for equity, fairness and justice.

The Veterans of the make-belief industry lamented that the South-east have been neglected and deprived of getting the nod to the Presidency since the advent of Democracy, saying that for peace to reign and for there to be unity in the country, the marginalization the  South East  have experienced is enough.

Chidi Mokeme, a veteran, and leading voice in the Campaign for a South Easterner to get the nod for the Presidency in 2023 said that the 2023 election is fast approaching and the nation is in comatose and things can’t be done as usual.

He said it is time to stop paying lip service to the idea of One Nigeria, and start to embrace the Federal Character principles as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mokeme  appealed to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, Nigerians and the Political Parties to Zone the 2023 Presidency to the South East Geopolitical Zone for equity, justice and fair play.

He added that after 62 Years of the South East being in the trenches, it is just for the region to get a shot at the Presidency.

Bob Manuel Udokwu, another Veteran Nollywood actor said there is need to restore confidence in our nation, that everybody needs to be carried along so that we can make Nigeria great again.

He added that it is only fair and reasonable for the South East to get the Presidential ticket after the marginalization the region has suffered over the years. He urged the APC and PDP to zone their Presidency to the South East.

Speaking further, Udokwu said that in 1999, the two dominant parties then, PDP and the Alliance For Democracy zoned their Presidency to the South West, so it can be done again in the interest of peace, unity, justice and national cohesion.

On his part, another Veteran in the industry, Zack Orji, said equity and justice constitute a condition for  peace, unity and national cohesion in any country no matter the country.

Orji added that for peace and justice to reign in the country, it is only fair for the South East to get the nod for Presidency

In the same vein, Patience Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G by her fans and Teco Benson, a film-maker and actor said that they appeal to Nigerians and the Political class to Zone the 2023 Presidency to the South East for equity, justice and fair play.

The call by the Veteran Nollywood artistes has been at the front burner, with the South-east region political class clamoring for the top seat.

Former Enugu State First Lady, Clara Chime Remarries

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Clara Chime - Ex-First Lady of Enugu

By Akinwale Kasali

For close to a decade, she has been off the news radar, since she got separated from the former Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime.

Ex-First Lady of Enugu State, Clara Chime has been in Siberia, has she was forced to hide away from the News after the unfortunate separation from the former Governor.

For the records, it was the former Governors second divorce. And Clara’s first.

Fortunes have now smiled on Clara again. She is set to tie the nuptial knot with a wealthy Kaduna based businessman, allegedly, introduced to her by a daughter of former President Musa Yar’adua. Allegation is that she was also introduced to her former husband, Chime, by the Yar’aduas. She and one of the Yar’adua daughters were school mates.

Clara, who  grew up in Katsina, mixes freely with the Northerners. She speaks Hausa fluently.

The traditional engagement ceremony will hold, privately, in Amuda, Isuochi, Umunneochi LGA, in Abia State on Friday April 29, 2022 while the formal wedding will take place in a Catholic Church in Kaduna.

Her union with Sullivan Chime, which produced a son, was fraught with threats to life, sexual abandonment and depression.

It would be recalled that the former Governor and his ex- Wife washed their dirty linen in public glare, especially, over the custody of their only child, a boy.

She informed the Court then that she was ready to divorce her husband and prayed that the custody of their son be given to her, with child maintenance fee of N500,000 monthly.

Clara told the court that her son was not properly cared for and she is only allowed to see him five hours a month under heavy security.

Clara  also informed the court that she met her husband while he was Enugu State Governor.

”I bought two vehicles, a Lexus 570 SUV and a BMW S6 for myself while married to the former Governor.

”I did not use his money to buy those vehicles from the allowances I received as the wife of the Governor,” she had said.

The former Governor’s wife also informed that she bought her landed property from the Enugu State Housing Corporation, adding that she paid for it after leaving office.

2023: Tambuwal Seeks Buhari’s ‘Endorsement’ After Consensus Fallout

By
James Orji
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By James Orji

Sokoto state governor Aminu Tambuwal has met with President Muhammadu Buhari to intimate him of his plans to contest next year’s presidential election, sources in the Presidency informed the magazine on Tuesday. The fomer Speaker of the House of Representatives is the latest among presidential hopefuls who have consulted with the president on their presidential aspirations.

The Sokoto governor is however of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP while the president rules under the All Progressives Congress,  APC banner.
Apart from Tambuwal, other politicians who have revealed their presidential interests to Buhari include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the ruling APC, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi.
The president has yet to name his prefered candidate for the presidency but various aspirant have been trying to seek his endorsement, with the belief that his support can assist them in securing the presidency, close poltics sources told the magazine.
The Sokoto helmsman who met the president behind closed door at the presidential villa is contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and his party has fixed May 31 for its presidential primary.
The meeting also came after Tambuwal dissociated himself from report that he was part of the decision by some Northern leaders to chose Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State and former Senate President Bukola Saraki as their consensus candidate.
In a communique signed by a former Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, some Northern leaders said Saraki and Mohammed were chosen after serious consultations with all the aspirants from the zone.. But, Tambuwal later described the report that he was part of the arrangement as “to be candid and forthright, not correct. ”

In a statement by his campaign organisation, Tambuwal said he was not part of meeting purpotedly held in Minna, Niger State.
According to the statement: “The attention of Tambuwal Campaign Organization (TCO) has been drawn to a news item that former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Governor Bala Muhammad of Bauchi State have emerged as consensus candidates from amongst the four of us announced at a meeting in Minna, Niger state.
“This is, to be candid and forthright, not correct. The correct situation is that the team met on Wednesday 20th April, 2022, at Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja and had a review meeting; and, unaniimously agreed that the consensus arrangement was not working.

“The team further agreed that Senator Saraki should come up with a draft statement on how to communicate this decision to the Nigerian public. This was the last time that members of the team sat and mutually agreed on anything. The proposed meeting to review and vet the statement scheduled for 10 pm of the same day was aborted unilaterally by Senator Saraki via a WhatsApp message.”

Mass Burial For Victims Of Inferno At Imo Illegal Refinery

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) has said that over 100 bodies of those that died in last Friday inferno at an illegal crude oil refinery in Imo state are now awaiting mass burial.

The unfortunate incident occured in a forest at Abaezi in Ohaji Egbema local government area of the state.

President Mohamadu Buhari, and two former Governors of the State, Senator Rochas Okorocha and the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha are among those that had symphartized with government and people of the State. And so has the United Nations.

Head of Operations of NEMA in Imo state, Mr. Ifeanyi Nnaji disclosed in Owerri that the bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

He said the State Government would carry out the burial for the victims since the bodies had already started decomposing.

The NEMA official described the illegal refining site as a large market involving people from all parts of the country hence identifying the victims was very difficult.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Declan Emelumba, said staff of the Ministry of Health and that of Petroleum were collaborating to ensure the mass burial was carried out before the end of Tuesday.

2023: Yoruba Leader Dumps Jonathan For Igbo Presidency

By
James Orji
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By James Orji

President Goodluck Jonathan has lost one of his staunch ally, Afenifere leader Ayo Adebanjo over his rumoured 2023 presidential bid. The former President , last week lend credence to suggestions that he was headed for the APC to actualize his presidential ambition, after he told some supporters in his Abuja office that he’s still ‘consulting’ on whether to throw his hat into the presidential ring next year.

“Yes you are calling me to come and declare for the next election, I cannot tell I’m declaring. The political process is ongoing just watch out. The key role you must play is that Nigeria must get somebody that will carry young people along,” the former President said while addressing his supportes undr he aegis of Youth Compatriots of Nigeria.

Adebanjo backed Jonathan throughout his five years presidency and supported him when the former contested against the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

The elder Statesman is however one of the prominent Nigerians clamouring for power to be zoned to the south east to promote equity as the region has not produced the president since the return to democracy in 2019.
The Yoruba leader spoke on Monday in Abuja, the nation’s capital at the Greater Nigeria Conference, organized by leaders and friends of the South East geo-political zone, with the theme, “Together we can.”

The Afenifere leader warned the former president not to allow himself to be used by some vested interests in APC who only want to rubbish him
“The unfortunate thing is that President Goodluck Jonathan allowed himself to be disgraced by mentioning the fact that, ‘I’m considering whether to be President’; for what? Who are you consulting?” Adebanjo said.

The meeting was organised for the actualization of Igbo presidency and attended by various socio-political organisations, includinb Afenifere, Pan-Niger Delta Forum and Middle Belt Forum.

On Monday, a political group Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria, CNPD warned the APC to either chose the former President as it’s candidate or be prepared to lose the presidency next year.

“Going critically through the list of presidential aspirants from the two major political parties, we are convinced that all other candidates are regional champions.…therefore, it is imperative that Dr Adamu will use the best man for the job to win this election bearing in mind that anything short of a GEJ ticket will cost APC the presidency in 2023,” CNPD said.

The former President is a member of the PDP but has recently kept a long distance from the party fuelling suggestion that he may have dumped the opposition party in the preparation to defect to the APC to actualize his return to the presidency.

A former Governor of Jigawa state and PDP chieftain recently disclosed that Jonathan has systematically dumped the PDP.
Close associates of the former leader told the magazine that Jonathan has no plan to contest for the president again despite pressure being piled on him by some stalwarts in the APC.

If he eventually declares his run for the president next year under the ruling APC, Jonathan will join other presidential hopefuls such as Vice president Yemi Osinbajo, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Labour and Productivity Chris Ngige, former governor Rochas Okorocha, and others who have so far declared their intensions to contest the highest office in the country.

I Will Betray Nigerians If I Don’t Join Presidential Race – Osinbajo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Yemi Osinbajo and Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential hopeful, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, has explained that he joined the presidential race to enable Nigerians benefit immensely from his experience.

He said in Akure, Ondo State during a visit to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu that he has garnered experience as Vice President and occassionally as Acting President and that Nigeria needs such to develop.

Prof Osinbajo’s foray into the Presidential race has been described by some people, especially loyalists of his perceived godfather, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as a betrayal.

Tinubu was first to meet President Mohamadu Buhari to intimate him about his intention to contest for the Presidency during next year’s election.

Both Tinubu and Osinbajo are from the South-west geo- political zone of the country.

Osinbajo noted that the opportunity has come for him to serve, stressing that it would amount to betrayal of the country if he refused to vie for the position of the President in the interest of the poeple.

Prof. Osinbajo lauded the giant strides recorded by Governor Akeredolu in the Sunshine State, adding that he was impressed with the Governor’s laudable achievements in all sectors.

Governor Akeredolu, who had earlier received the Vice President at the Akure Airport and led him to his office, Alagbaka, Akure.

The Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, joined the Governor to receive the Vice President at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s office.

Welcoming the Vice President, Governor Akeredolu said only God gives position, while praying that God gives the country the best in 2023.

Jonathan’s Candidature Will Win 2023 Presidential Election For APC – Group

By
Ayodele Oni
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Citizens Network for Peace Meeting in Abuja

By Ayodele Oni

As the next political move of former President Goodluck Jonathan continues to generate reactions, a pressure group, Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPD), has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt the former President, as the party’s candidate for the 2023 presidential election.

The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Ralph Okorie, who made the call in Abuja, at a news conference, urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to key into the Jonathan project.

“There is a need for experience and continuity. The two enjoy the most cordial relationship that had ever existed between an incumbent and his immediate predecessor.”

Okorie pointed out that the call for Buhari to endorse Jonathan was to ensure that candidates without a clear cut vision do not emerge as the party’s flag-bearer in the 2023 presidential election.

According to him, allowing candidates without a clear cut vision to get into the Presidential Villa in 2023, would not only be suicidal, but would be like aiding and supporting incompetence over competence.

“The persistent calls from different parts of the country for Jonathan to contest the 2023 presidential election indicates that Nigerians have genuinely and passionately joined the support for Jonathan.

“We acknowledge that the ripple effects of good governance are multi-generational, hence, the CNPD for Jonathan call on all Nigerians to support this agenda.

“We strongly believe that this administration is working round the clock to address the two major problems of insecurity and economy bedevilling this country.

“It will be counter-productive to bring an amateur to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari at this material time.

“As vanguards for Nigeria’s development, peace and unity, we want to reiterate that, our beloved country cannot afford to have a regional champion as a flagbearer.

“It is imperative that Dr Abdullahi Adamu as the National Chairman of APC will use the best man for the job to win this election bearing in mind that anything short of a Jonathan ticket will cost APC the presidency in 2023.”

He noted further that  achievements of Jonathan stood him out among all the aspirants that have so far indicated interest in the presidential contest, describing him as one of the most outstanding presidents the country had produced.

“For instance, within two weeks, Jonathan grounded the activities of Boko Haram insurgency and gave Nigeria a credible election adjudged by domestic and international observers as free and fair.

“Nigeria’s economic trajectory under his presidency was globally recognised as his national economic prowess earned the country the status of the largest economy in Africa.

“Today, some of the talented people who worked under his government are championing global economic transformations.

“Nigerians have not forgotten the glorious days of GEJ with Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala as the minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga, Akinwumi Adesina, Mohammed Pateh, to mention but a few.

“We are still yearning for the immense contribution of Akinwumi Adesina who was the brain behind Jonathan’s agricultural transformation agenda that saw the increase in agriculture produce, value chain and foreign exchange earnings from the sector.

“In terms of foreign policy, Nigeria under Jonathan saw huge foreign direct investment, FDI, and infrastructure developments due to his economic liberalist and friendly dispositions.”

The CNPD coordinator also said that the Nigeria diasporic policy enhanced over 24 billion dollars in remittances under Jonathan which made Nigeria and Nigerians the pride of Africa and the world.

He added that Jonathan’s return to power would not only enhance the economic, foreign policy and security situation, but would provide a favourable environment for national engagement and dialogue.

Okorie, however, called on Jonathan to listen to the numerous calls and observe the political mood across Nigeria as he would give impetus to APC’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.

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