Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has urged Nigerians to be optimistic about the future of the country, despite the challenges currently being faced by citizens.
Dr. Jonathan who stated this in his goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 61st Independence anniversary stressed that the nation holds abundant promises for the citizens, adding that Nigeria has what it takes to overcome today’s threats and trials.
Jonathan encouraged the nation’s leaders and the citizens to rededicate ourselves to the virtues of equity, justice and tolerance and strive to give their best for the good of the nation.
He further described it as a day of freedom which provides an opportunity “to reflect on our progress, celebrate our humble attainments and ponder over those dreams that are yet to be fulfilled.”
In the message, the former President wrote:
“I join all citizens to celebrate the 61st Independence Anniversary of our great nation, Nigeria.
“As we mark this day of freedom, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on our progress, celebrate our humble attainments and ponder over those dreams that are yet to be fulfilled.
“We may have hiccups along the way and challenging times that might be stretching our resolve and determination to forge ahead. But we should not relent nor succumb to fear, discouraging trials and threats of today. We will never lose hope in our country and in our indomitable spirit and capacity to overcome difficult times, seize the moment and conquer.
The Youths Empowerment Strategy and Solution Project (YESS) of the Nekede Empowerment Development Association(NEDA),has ended with a call on Autonomous Communities in Imo State to set up youth empowerment bodies in their communities.
The President-General of Old Nekede Autonomous Community and Chairman of the Seminar, Chief Kennedy Zanders made the call at the Nekede Empowerment Development Association (NEDA) 2021 Youths Seminar held at the Zander Foundation Hall Nekede,Owerri West LGA,Imo State.
The President General noted that organizations like NEDA and similar bodies, when established at various community levels ,can approach funding institutions to assess youths empowerment funds powered by governments at various levels. He stressed that it would be easier for these communities to properly disburse the funds since they know the people who really need the funds,besides he said it would also be convenient for the funding Institution to monitor because they were dealing with communities.
He encouraged funding institutions to bring down all the funding via the communities for a better result.
Chief Zanders a media mogul and Chief Executive officer of Zandars TV and FM Radio pointed out that the crises in the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association,Imo State (INPA) and the Nigerian Union of Jounalist (NUJ) in Imo State would soon be a thing of the past as he was already looking into the issues with a view to resolving them.
Speaking, also, the President of NEDA Engr. Osundu Opara revealed that the various empowerment programmes of NEDA which would benefit the youths of the three autonomous Communities in Nekede, will soon to be unvailed. Engr. Osundu Opara explained that at the moment the Association has planned to engage the youths in all kinds of youth programmes,which he said represented the NEDA vision and mission statement.
He further emphasised as its cardinal objective to empower these youths and ride on youth developmental Programmes in order to improve the youths of the concerned communities. He added that the packages are targeted at Youths in the age brackets of 16-45 years and would cover areas such as offerings scholarships to indigent youths aspiring to further their education, fueling entrepreneurship as well as support youth in wealth creation. Sir Opara also the Chairman of 5Cees Global Services Nigeria Limited Owerri,Imo State operators of 5Cees TV online,in Imo State, encouraged youths of area to cue into NEDA in order to benefit from its numerous programme.Recall that the Federal Government set up a 75b naira Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) in 2020 as an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development (FMYSD) , funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Similarly the Imo State government floated a 4b naira youth empowerment programme which the opposition party in the State, the PDP has described as a hoax.
Highpoints of the event included raffle draws and a drama to lighten up the day on indecent dressing and rape as its consequence.
Dr Chike Akunyili was killed on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. I have a prayer for those who murdered him, and their sponsors.
May they never die. May they roam the streets of Anambra State and the rest of the South-east forever. May they have no place to call home. May violence and brutality follow them all their lives. And may they have nobody to mourn them at the end of their miserable lives.
The news of Dr Akunyili’s brutal end stunned Nigerians. I was frozen. And dazed. For minutes on end, I read and re-read the story. Hardly taking it in. Hardly understanding it. Thinking I was having a nightmare.
It is unbelievable, but that has become our lives in the South-east. A loooooong nightmare. We have seen what we thought was not possible to see in our life time. Or imagine. Life has become short and brutish. Young men suddenly pop out, guns in hand, and without any provocation, or human feelings, start shooting at people, their own people, possibly their own blood.
People have become shock absorbers. Beheaded bodies are flaunted. Cut off heads of human beings are displayed like trophies. In one of the most eerie, blood- cuddling viral videos ever seen, young men were seen, allegedly, in Anambra, playing football with a human head.
Businesses have been destroyed. Properties have been destroyed. Homes have been set ablaze. South-easterners, literally, have no place to call home anymore. They are afraid of home. They live in fear. Nightmare has become the new normal.
In Dr Akunyili’s case, I prayed the nightmare would end. But as has become the new normal, it was a reality. He was killed.
As I watched the video where he lay on the road, struggling, courageously trying to get up, his face shattered, everything in me literally died. And I cursed whoever recorded that scene and posted it. That was inhuman. The video would forever haunt his family. And friends.
But again, that is our new normal. Akunyili was looking for help. He did not get it. Instead, people, those who could have helped, and/or restored his dignity a little, were focussed on taking photographs of him, making videos, posting same, and running commentaries.
Everybody has become a journalist, a reporter. A photographer. A videographer. No video is too gory, too chilling, too eerie to post.
In the South-east, we are living the lives of the degraded Al Queda, ISWAP, ISIS, Boko Haram and the lot. They are the groups which show blood-cuddling videos of people being beheaded. What have we become? Or, what has become of us?
Dr Chike Akunyili
I am proudly Igbo. Will always be. But, South-east people should be ashamed of themselves. A hard working, independent, dogged, intelligent people, but see what we have reduced ourselves to. See what we have reduced our once peaceful zone to. We used to brag, boast about, dream of, and blossom in the thoughts of going home during Easter, New Yam Festivals, Christmas and New Year. We looked forward to it. Those are periods our kindred and community spirit are at their peak. We embark on community projects. We watch our masquerades. We go visiting. We eat and wine. Just enjoying ourselves.
No longer.
Nobody wants to go home. We are frozen with fear in our own zone. Our people prefer other regions to coming home. They are afraid of today, and afraid of tomorrow. They see no future in the Zone. The future they see is bleak.
As tragic as the Nigerian Civil War was, it made the Igbo look homeward. The abandoned property issue taught them a bitter lesson.
They lost their property. Not their dignity. It taught them how to build solid houses at home. Now, they are abandoning their homes again, and running off. And worse, losing their dignity.
And we live in self denial.
The Igbo blame everybody, but themselves, for their fate. They say they are persecuted and marginalized and hated in Nigeria. And yet, they treat themselves worse than Nigeria is treating them.
Tell me, is there any other place in Southern Nigeria where what is happening in Igboland is happening? Are beheadings going on anywhere else in Southern Nigeria except in Igboland? Are they laying ambush for their people and killing them so heartlessly, and without reasons or any provocation?
What is happening in parts of the North is not quite the same. There, they are dealing with terrorists. Are the Igbo also dealing with terrorists?
Check the number of high profile killings, and not so high profile killings, in the South-east. The other day, it was a retired High Court Judge who was dragged out of his car in Enugu, and shot dead in broad day light. The other day, it was the DG of a Federal Government Agency, located in Enugu, that was killed along with his Police Orderly and driver along the road, in broad day light. I understand the problems were the vehicle had an FG number plate, and he had a Policeman in front of his car. If a Fulani man is appointed as his replacement, the Igbo will shout marginalization. But their brother was killed in their territory, along with his driver and Police Orderly both of whom were Igbo.
The other day, it was a brilliant Anglican Cleric who was butchered in Imo because he, allegedly, dared protect students taking their external examination from being chased away by hoodlums.. And there are scores more. Which people survive like this?
We blame unknown gunmen each time. Unknown gunmen? When did this era start? Who are they? Who imported them? Where are they from? Who gives them the room to come in? Who waters the ground for them by words and deeds?
Usually, in some quarters, accusing fingers are pointed at the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and its affiliate, the Eastern Security Network, ESN. But the leadership of IPOB/ESN is, also, usually quick to distance itself from the atrocities. They say they are a non-violent group. They say their job is cut out for them – to protect the Igbo and their interests. They say they are focused on achieving freedom for Biafra land. They say they are in the forests chasing Fulani Herdsmen who are destroying farmlands and defiling our girls and women. They insist those that are killing our people and destroying everything “destroyable” are not Igbo. Who are they? Why are our people not arresting them?
The Igbo are warriors and fearless and courageous. So, why are they allowing “strangers” to invade Igboland, wreak blood and tears and sorrow on their people – all the time – and go free, just like that? If they cannot arrest them, what is the use of ESN and Ebubeagu? Are these strangers those killing politicians and telling us there will be no elections?
Why are these happening in Igboland? If the Igbo don’t arrest the situation, who will do that for them? People are laughing and having a good time watching the Igbo destroy Igboland by words and deed.
I knew both Dr Chike Akunyili and his beloved wife, Professor Dora Akunyili, closely. I consciously gave Dr Akunyili space after Professor Akunyili’s death because each time I saw him, I dissolved into tears, just remembering his wife.
Dr Akunyili’s death tugs at my heartstrings. That I am devasted is obvious. That I am diminished as a human being by the manner of his death is putting it mildly.
A great surgeon, he lived his life saving lives. Yet, when it was his turn to be saved, nobody cared. Nobody cared for his dignity. Instead, they were busy videoing him as he lay in pains. So, one is forced to ask: what is the worth of doing good? What is the worth of caring for people? How much are kindness and compassion worth? Where has sympathy gone to?
Dr. Akunyili, wife and children.
Dr Akunyili had his own distinct identity. He was a Medical Doctor, a great Surgeon, worked in the best hospital in the South-east, had his own private hospital, yet, we all knew him as Professor Dora Akunyili’s husband. He did not mind it. He loved it. He was not one of those men whose wives’ high profile intimidated. His wife was his joy. Her numerous successes were his pride.
He flaunted and glowed in them. It is an uncanny coincidence that his last duty on mother-earth was a duty to, and for his wife.
I shared a number of beautiful, and hilarious moments with them. As I write this, I remember a couple of those moments. As high profile, and high flying as Professor Akunyili was, she was a jelly, a baby before her husband. On more than one occasion, I had met her kneeling down and begging him to allow her attend a meeting. Ever protective of his wife, if Dr Akunyili suspected the meeting was going to be controversial, and knowing his wife’s blunt nature, he would put his feet down and stop her from attending. “I know you my wife. Call them and make excuses for your absence. She obeyed.
At the wedding of their daughter, Ijeoma, in Cote d’Ivoire, Dora had dressed up with the assistance of one celebrity lady for one of the functions. We were together. We felt she looked cute. But when Chike entered the room, he thought otherwise. He casually asked her to change the dress. “My wife is prettier than this”, he insisted. Without a word, Dora looked for something else to wear.
Like in most of these high profile murder cases, everybody is distancing themselves from Dr Akunyili’s brutal murder. Accusations and counter accusations are coming down like claps of thunder.
I don’t believe Dr Akunyili was ambushed. I believe he was in the right place at the wrong time. He became a target because of the brand of vehicle he was using, and especially, because he had his Police Orderly in front of the car. In Igboland, that has become a taboo. It is not the best of place to have a Police Orderly, or a good car. You become a suspect – either being a politician or a Government man. Dr Akunyili was neither.
For the records, he and his Police Orderly and driver were not the only fatalities. There were others. The questions are: Which group was on a killing spree at that point in time? Which group did not want to see any congregation anywhere? Which group has been attacking Politicians and just about everybody?
Dr Akunyili’s younger brother, Cyril, had pointedly accused IPOB of killing his brother. On a second thought, he said he was no longer sure of the group that killed him.
IPOB, in a strongly-worded reaction, denied complicity. It put the blame literally on Government and the “Fulani.” And alleged that those who killed Dr Akunyili were same people who poisoned his wife.
Again, for the records, Professor Akunyili was not poisoned to death. She died of a misdiagnosed cancer. It was misdiagnosed outside Nigeria, long before she became the DG of NAFDAC. By the time it was properly diagnosed, it was late. Even then, a great fighter, she beat the dateline given to her to pass on by more than one year.
It is heart-warming that all the alleged “suspects” have sworn to go after the killers – Security Agencies, IPOB, the lot. They should. That is the spirit. That is the only way they can regain our trust, if ever.. Nigerians cannot wait to know the real killers. Perhaps, this would, at the end, give the South-east a breathing space. Let us shame the devils.
Dr Chike and Professor Dora Akunyili will be happy to be together again, wherever. But they could not have planned it that Dr Akunyili would pass on in this brutal manner, and leave their children multiply broken-hearted. It’s such a shame. Such a big shame.
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC will soon deploy the 5G network across the country.
This was made known by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami who says the National Spectrum Management Council, NSMC has agreed to make spectrum available to NCC.
According to him, it has become necessary to deploy a 5G network in Nigeria because of the possibility of increased internet access in both urban and rural areas.
‘‘AT the National Spectrum Management Council, we have discussed the issue extensively and decided t release spectrum that is available for 5G deployment. The Council will release the spectrum to NCC that will administer them to Nigerians on behalf of the federal government and make sure it reaches all the operators so that we will be able to have 5G services”, he said.
‘‘This will increase broadband penetration and also the speed because 5G is at least 20 times faster than 4G when it is available. This will be useful for our education, health, security management and governance, and many more.
‘‘We must ensure that 5G is not used against the nation and its unity. Let us use it for the good of our country and the benefit of all. There is a lot to be done in terms of broadband penetration because as it is today, in rural communities, only 10 percent have access to fixed broadband infrastructure globally.’’
‘‘In addition, we have been addressing the issues which help to increase the cost of broadband in the country. For example, before now, the charges for Right of Way, RoW was 6000 per linear meter but now, it has dropped by more than 98 percent, while some states even charge as low as 145 per linear meter” he concluded.
Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has reiterated the need for the nation to think in the direction of true federalism, saying it was necessary and would be the solution to the county’s many challenges.
Obasa re-emphasized this at the 13th annual Hijrah Lecture 1443 A.H (2021) organised by the House with the topic: The Role Of The Youths In The Emerging Socio-Economic And Political Realities.
Obasa said it is obvious that citizens and leaders in the country intensify efforts to salvage the economy, especially as it relates to the increasing poverty rate. He also harped on the need to make the country secure and peaceful as well as handle the dwindling fortunes of the Nigerian currency against the dollar.
He stressed that the theme for the event was apt and germane at this critical time in the country’s journey to sustaining democratic rule, urging the Federal Government to see the current situation as an opportunity to address the issue of the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) in favour of the States.
He said if Nigeria was to make progress, the country should follow the steps of the United States of America and China which relies on the provinces.
“The topic of this event is very important. What is the situation of our country? What is the situation with the youth? How do we live our lives? What is the health and educational situation of the country?
“We talk about youth unemployment, but what is the state of education and qualifications?
“The topic is important, especially with the argument that the economy has become seriously challenged.
“The standard of living and the rate of poverty are biting. Months ago, the dollar rate was still welcoming at a little above N300 but today, it is more than N500.
“This current situation of the country is an opportunity for the federal government to address the issue of VAT.
“China today relies on the provinces of the country. USA practises true federalism. If we are practising federalism, we should be consistent. We should operate in a way that Osun State would explore its resources and Zamfara would do same,” Obasa said while expressing hope in the future of the nation as it marks it 61st Independence Day Celebration.
Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, has finally announced a 23-Man team that will trade tackles with the Les Fauves Football Team of the Central African Republic in a double header for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The Franco-German tactician has named team Captain, Ahmed Musa, his deputy, William Troost Ekong, alongside Napoli of Italy Football Club gangling striker, Victor Osimhen with 20 other players to tackle their African opponent.
According to the official statement by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, 21-year-old Calvin Bassey who plays for Scottish giants, Rangers, as a left-back/centre-back was handed his maiden Nigeria call-up.
The invited players are:
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands).
Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF, Sweden); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Kalu (FC Bordeaux, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia).
The Nigeria National team sit on top their Group log having recorded an 100 percent record in their two outings against Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria and the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde at the Mindelo National Stadium in Praia, Cape Verde.
Nigeria will play Central African Republic on October 7th in Lagos at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and later travel to Douala in Cameroon to face Central African Republic in Four days time.
Cameroon has been the home of the Nigeria opponent due to unrest in their country.
Wins from the double header will automatically qualify the Super Eagles for the final phase of the African World Cup qualification series depending on the outcome of the double header between Cape Verde and Liberia.
The wins will push the Nigeria National team to 12 points, having defeated Liberia 2-0 and Cape Verde 2-1 with Liberia having just Three Points with Cape Verde and Central African Republic having one points apiece.
COMMUNIQUE AT THE END OF THE PDP ZONING COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD IN ENUGU AND ABUJA, ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2021.
At the end of the deliberations of the PDP National Zoning Committee , it was resolved as follows:
The National Zoning Committee of the PDP was given the mandate to zone National offices to be contested by all PDP Members of the Party at the PDP National Convention of the Party scheduled for October 30, 2021 by the National Executive Committee of the Party.
That the mandate of the Committee does not include Zoning of the offices of the President, Vice President and other Executive and Legislative offices of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And the decision of the Committee to zone the Party offices does not in any way affect the executive and legislative offices in Nigeria.
That zoning of offices on PDP has traditionally been between the North and South of Nigeria.
3.The decision of the PDP Zoning Committee is in line with the Constitution of the Party on Zoning and rotation of Party and national offices in the interest of justice, equity and fairness. Consequently, the current offices being held by officers in the Southern Zones of the country, namely, South West, South East and South South zones , should swap places with the offices currently in the northern zones of Nigeria, namely, North West, North East and North Central zones.
We want to thank the Party, especially the National Executive Committee that set up this Committee on September 9, 2021 for finding us worthy to serve the Party in the capacity as Zoning Committee members.
5 We shall pass on our recommendations to the National Executive Committee of the Party through the National Working Committee of the Party.
House of Representatives, Thursday, backed the Senate position that urged President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits terrorists.
Senate, Wednesday, passed a resolution urging the Presidency to declare Banditry acts of terrorism based on their modus operandi and the damage they have caused to the Nation.
The motion was moved by the Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, moved as a motion of urgent public importance.
The motion was titled “Declaration of Bandits and their Sponsors as Terrorists”.
“The Senate on Wednesday, 29th September 2021, adopted a motion asking President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits ravaging the Northern part of the country terrorists and wage a total war on them. They also asked that the President declare all known leaders of bandits wanted and arrest them wherever they are found for speedy prosecution. Such declaration to be done through a Proscription Order can be done under section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended)”, he said.
“I will like to echo the same sentiment and ask Honourable colleagues to join the Senate in urging Mr. President to declare bandits and their sponsors as terrorists. This will underline the determination of the Government to combat the wave of criminality and murders conducted by bandits all over the country.
“The declaration of bandits as terrorists can be done through a prescription order. That will serve as an added impetus for our brave security personnel to redouble their efforts at dealing with this menace. Such declaration when given the force of law will renew the vigor and resolve of our gallant security personnel in dealing with the menace of banditry as the mode of operations and rules of engagement will be scaled up accordingly.
“Such an Order will officially bring the activities of bandits and their sponsors within the purview of the Terrorism Prevention Act and any persons associated with such groups can then be legally prosecuted and sentenced to penalties specified in the Act.
“Declaration of all Bandits as Terrorist may also encourage other countries to do same and help create a global consensus around dealing with transnational factors that feeds the domestic activities of such proscribed organizations and individuals.
“As previously observed in this House, no one action can be a silver bullet to solving our insecurity in Nigeria. But a collection of many effective actions and strategies can bring safety. It is in this spirit that I speak today.
“Insecurity in Nigeria requires an all-of-government approach. Hence, I also urge the President to implement the recommendations of the National Security Summit, which took place in June this year and was officially delivered to Mr. President in July.
“All hands have to be on deck to be able to win this battle against insecurity in all its manifestations.”
There was no opposition to the motion.The motion was later adopted through a voice vote.
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has identified some hidden high revenue potentials among the people of Yoruba race, urging the people to tap into them.
The Minister who spoke in Akure, Ondo state, on Thursday, while receiving an Award from the State Government, pointed out that high premium was being placed on Yoruba culture outside the shore of the country.
According to him, if the various cultural heritage and tourist centres in Yoruba land are well developed, they will be of tremendous economic benefits to the country.
To this end, Aregbesola made case for cultural re-enactment, just as he urged the people to change their orientation and belief about cultural values and beliefs.
The former Osun State Governor called on Nigerians to add knowledge with God’s blessings in order to develop the cultural values embedded in the country.
The Minister hailed Governor Akeredolu for his belief in Yoruba culture which culminated in the adoption of the Yoruba anthem as the state’s anthem.
Describing Akeredolu as a liberal person, Aregbesola said Ondo Governor has shown him love and enthusiasm, adding that the Governor is not antagonistic in any way.
“Governor Akeredolu is a liberal and understanding politician who believes in Yoruba nation. This is evident in the adoption of Yoruba anthem as the official anthem of the state. The Governor is a good am ambassador of the Yoruba race.”
While presenting the award of excellence, the State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Gbenga Ale commended the Minister’s efforts at promoting the culture of the Yoruba race, especially when he served as the Governor of Osun State between 2010 and 2018.
He said the belief of Aregbesola in cultural reinasence and his efforts at promoting the culture of the Yoruba race made him eminently qualified for the award.
Governor Akeredolu, who is the Chairman, South West Governors Forum, said the award presented to Aregbesola was premised on the elevation of the Yoruba anthem by the Aregbesola’s administration in Osun State, promotion of the Omoluabi ethos and equal recognition of the three major religions in the state during his administration as Governor of Osun State.
He charged the Minister not to relent in his efforts at promoting the Yoruba cultural values, just as he assured that Ondo State will ensure that the Yoruba culture is not relegated to the background.
The decision of Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), to zone the Party’s Chairmanship to the North may have jeopardized the Presidential dream of some members that are eyeing 2023 to realize their ambition.
The biggest casualty of this decision is former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who had attempted thrice to clintch the position of the number one position.
Atiku, who served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo had once decamped to the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) but was defeated in the Primary which incumbent President Mohamadu Buhari won.
The former Vice President won the PDP ticket at the convention which was held in Port Harcourt in 2019, but was defeated in the general election by incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.
His legal escapades to reclaim the mandate ended at the Supreme Court, which affirmed the victory of the APC candidate.
With the latest decision to zone the National Chairmanship to the North, there are indications that the dream of Atiku to rule the country may have been finally laid to rest.
PDP Governors at their meeting in Abuja on Wednesday voted for the zoning of the party Chairmanship to the North. The meeting voted 9-3 in favour of the North.
Three Northern Governors — Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa) and Darius Ishaku (Taraba) — voted for the Chairmanship to be zoned to the south.
Mohammed had announced his intention to run for President in 2023.
Only one northern governor, Samuel Ortom (Benue), voted for the Chairmanship to be in the North.
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Governor of Sokoto state (north) and Chairman of the PDP Governors forum, did not vote as he presided over the meeting.
He too is believed to be eyeing the Presidential ticket, having ran unsuccessfully in the party primary in 2019.
The other PDP Governors who voted in favour of Northern Chairmanship are: Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).
Apart from Atiku, the likes of the former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Sokoto State Governor Tambuwal that contested for the position in 2018, may be jolted by the Governors decision.
Only few days ago, Northern Governors’ Forum had insisted on jettisioning any form of zoning of the President to any part of the country, which they described as unconstitutional.
This position has received criticisms from various parts of the country with different socio political groups and party Chieftains describing the stand of the Governors from the North as selfish.
The decision of the PDP Governors on the zoning is expected to be transmitted to another Committee on zoning at the National convention, scheduled to take place on October 30 and 31 in Abuja. The National Convention of the party is slated for October 30 and 31 in Abuja.
