June 12 Declaration: An Act of Approbriation or Desperation?

Barely two weeks after the conventional commemoration of the nation's Democracy Day on the 29th of May, the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari announced another historic day as Democracy Day. This has however generated a whole lots of commendations as well as knocks on Mr. President. This is not disconnected from the fact that not many saw the announcement coming. As the road to the future always starts from the past, it is pertinent we acquaint ourselves very succinctly with the rationale behind this celestial decision.

After the successful coup led by Gen. Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida which overthrew the military government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (as he then was), the government of the day took it upon itself to ensure the transfer of power back to a civilian government. This culminated into the 1993 general elections. The military government made for two-party system. With *Chief MKO Abiola* being the flag bearer of the *Social Democratic Party (SDP)* and *Alhaji Bashir Tofa* being that of the defunct *National Republican Convention (NRC)*,  the presidential election was conducted on the 12th of June, 1993 by the then National Electoral Commission (NEC) under the chairmanship of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu. Some declassified information had it that the then military government believed that Tofa would win the election and that it would be easier to handle Tofa if the election had to be annulled. However, the election which saw Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as the acclaimed winner with an unreported total votes of *8,341,309 (58.36%)* was eventually annulled by IBB. Irrespective of this, in a bid to protect and deliver this mandate given to him, history had it that Chief MKO Abiola kept on parading himself as the acclaimed President without a formal and official announcement of the election result which eventually led to his incarceration. History also has it that the subsequent government of *Sani Abacha* promised to acquit MKO Abiola provided the latter let go of his mandate, but Abiola declined. It was however while at the prison that MKO had his last breath. Since then, many Nigerian, particularly from the South West has had the notion that June 12 should be celebrated as Democracy Day. The spirit of nationalism shared reflected also in the way some Nigerians named their children after "Abiola". *Alhassan Ado-Dogura* (Chief Whip, NA) even went ahead to name her daughter after Abiola's wife, "Kudirat". After 25 years of this agitation, on the *6th of June 2018* specifically, President Buhari officially endorse and declared June 12 as the nation's Democracy Day.

Several groups, both regional and national, including the Nigerian Senate has praised Mr. President on this development, as this day (June 12) is even more significant as far as Nigeria's democracy is concern. In the words of *Senator Ahmad Lawan* (the Majority Leader), _" There is not history that could link May 29 to the actual democratic evolution of Nigeria that is greater than June 12"_.
This declaration on the other hand has been greeted with several knocks.  Notable among this criticisms is that of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, *Alfa Belgore* who questioned the legality and constitutionality of the declaration. *Dino Melaye* though admitted that Buhari's intention is right, he is of the opinion that his action is illegal. Citing _*Chapter 43(2) of the National Honours Act 1963*, he said, _"I am a democrat, I believe very sincerely that Chief MKO Abiola deserves even more than the president has pronounced because he was a true patriot, philanthropist and should be so decorated. But, we are governed in the country by the constitution and extant laws. No matter how beautiful a situation is, the law of the land remains the law of the the land. We should not be emotional about this. The law remains the law"_.

The declaration nonetheless is not without certain implications. The declaration, coming just about 9 months to another general election has been conceived by many, even in the South West as a mere political cake to please the Yorubas. *Ayo Adebanjo*, a leader of the Afenifere said, "Buhari shouldn't think Yorubas are fools". The question now is, if Mr. President really had the intention of this declaration in mind, why must he have to wait till few months to another general election, in which he himself is seeking re-election? Another implication is that of the declaration going against the *National Honours Act 1963* which frowns at national awards given to dead persons, save soldiers or other servicemen for their bravery. It should be noted that Buhari is to confer on Abiola, the highest title in the land, _Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)_, with his acclaimed Vice-President, *Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe* and *Gani Fawehinmi* _Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON)._ The last but not the least is the alteration of the *Public Holidays Act* which provides for May 29th as the country's Democracy Day.

Conclusively, I am of the opinion that efforts should be geared by our leaders to ensure the fortification of our hard-earned democracy for the betterment of the citizens and not as a mere machinery. *Richard Brookhiser* once said, _*"The most important form of honesty, especially in a leader, is discerning the great course of action and forthrightly pursuing it"*_. Much more than declaring June 12 as the nation's Democracy Day, our public and private institutions, parastals and agencies should be more strengthened, free from all unhealthy rivalry and political masturbations, in order to ensure their efficiency. Government at all levels should seek first the comfortability of the citizenry, and all other things can be added.
 

The labor of our heroes past shall never be in vain. God bless Nigeria!

 

Adesanya Abiodun Samuel is a student of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University

2023 Elections: Uneasy Lies the Head that Wears the Crown

 

With the 2023 election looming, many candidates have already made their ambition to run for various political post known to the public, and with time their manifestos will start rolling in. Different manifestos will be read to the attentive ears of the masses at strategic locations chosen for campaigning. At the end, the best man wins and is sworn in to his/her office after every ‘rite’ has been performed, with he/she resuming duties almost immediately.

                     The joy of being a leader is indescribable but what about the burden that comes with it? 

    The expectation to always outperform the former administration is always high as the present administration is expected to defy all odds but at the end of the designated term, the hype of the current government turns into a flop. This then leads to the question – How cumbersome or burdensome is the role of a leader?

   Having the prospect of becoming a leader would turn out to become a thing of regret if one does not envision how/she wishes to lead his/ her intended followers. Having the mantle of leadership is always an arduous task as the supposed leader is always deep in thoughts about how to make the society better and make progress.

Being a leader is not a decision you can just wake up one day and make. The situation of Nigeria’s leadership is extremely pitiable as different candidates have aspired out of the blues to becoming the leader of different posts without having pure intentions or a clear vision of how they intend to rule their country. Even leadership at the grassroots is not a joking matter. Some past leaders have died as a result of being a leader, others have been victims of heart attack and hypertension due to the problems faced with while in office. Perhaps, this might be a reason why leaders are celebrated for fulfilling a specific amount of days in office.

    Having the notion of becoming a leader is an abyss that no one should just plunge into. A candid advice for those who are aspiring to become leaders if various political posts us to think twice and be solidly positioned in order not to be shaken when they finally get their desired post. Remember, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

Just In: Wike Seals Off Atiku Campaign Office

Governor Nyesom Wike has closed the Rivers State Atiku/Okowa campaign headquarters as part of his new offensive against the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign.The office, which is in Port Harcourt’s GRA axis, was shut down for causing loud political activities in residential neighborhoods without the state government’s consent.

Based on Executive Orders 21 and 22, Mr. Wike closed off the campaign office.

The Rivers branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council had submitted a written request for permission to conduct political activities on the property.

Before the venue was sealed on Friday, the application had gone unanswered for months.

The seal on the office was deemed anti-democratic and a breach of free speech by the state’s PCC’s media team.

“The public is hereby informed that the sealed premises had no bill board or poster, since the approval had not been given, yet it was sealed off, a sign that the delay in the approval is premeditated and computed to cause this sort of unlawfulness.

“We condemn this act because it rubs off on our fundamental right to free expression of interest. Furthermore, this egregious move by the Rivers State Government, seen in the prism of politics, tends to militarise our democracy and renders our dear state politically recessive when juxtaposed with other states in the country,” the media team said in a statement.

It also advised the state’s party leaders to file a lawsuit in accordance with the constitution’s requirements.

“We urge our dear leaders in the state to challenge this illegality in a court of competent jurisdiction so that friction can disappear from our political space.

“The right to campaign for preferred candidate is enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grand norm from which every other law derives its power.

“Thus, every clash between the Constitution and any other made law should be resolved in favour of the Constitution. The Rivers State Government, we dare say, is subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended).

“It is our duty to remind Gov. Wike and his co-travelers that they, like everyone else, are subject to the Laws of Nigeria.

“Meanwhile we charge the Rivers State PDP PCC, our dear leaders, to see to it that this unlawful disruption of campaign activities does not rattle their cage. They must continue to function as they always had prior to the existence of the Secretariat.

“Tyranny will expire in our state. If the Nazi Regime could die in Germany, then this facsimile of such will die even much faster to the glory of God and liberty of Rivers State,” 

it added.

Ondomind 

Fuel Subsidy will be remove, No Matter How Long You Protest, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said his government will remove fuel subsidy if he is elected president in 2023.Tinubu stated this while speaking at a business luncheon with business owners titled "Business Forward" on Thursday in Lagos.

The former Lagos governor said no matter how long people protest, he will remove fuel subsidy.

In a statement issued by his Media Office and signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, the APC presidential candidate said Nigeria would no longer subsidise fuel consumption in neighbouring countries.

He said, “How can we be subsidising fuel consumption of Cameroon, of Niger, of Benin Republic. No matter how long you protest, we are going to remove subsidy,” he said.

He, however, said his government will allow the private sector to thrive and be open to collaborating with players in the sector.

“My government will collaborate with the private sector to bring about massive infrastructure renewal that enhances economic opportunities, lower business costs and overheads while producing jobs that spur further growth and development through increased consumer demand. This is the virtuous economic cycle we seek to create,” he said.

He also promised to improve security in the country, saying several measures will be implemented if he is elected as president including increasing the number of military and non-military personnel.

“I am committed to securing Nigerians from violence and the fear of such violence. Terror, kidnapping and banditry have no place in the society I envision. Upon entering office, we will move to implement several measures,” he said.

Ondomind

Bullion Van Politicians after CBN –Atiku

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has said that ambitious politicians that run activities with bullion vans are the ones after the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.Recall that the media space has been awashed by report on how plans has been hatched to frame Emefiele on allegation of financial terrorism.

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization has said that it has carefully reviewed the onslaught on the CBN Governor and called for restrain, given the sensitivity of his position to the nation’s economy.

 “This is especially on the backdrop of apprehensions that inordinately ambitious politicians that run activities with bullion vans and raw cash are out to destroy the nation’s financial institutions, particularly, the CBN, for their selfish political interests,” the campaign said.

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization, in a statement by its spokesperson, Ologbondiyan said, “it is instructive to caution that the stability of the CBN as Nigeria’s apex financial institution is critical to the economic and social health of our nation and must not fall prey to corrupt politicians who are out to annex and control our national patrimony as well as resources for their personal ambitions.

“Nigerians know the politicians who are desperate for political office as their ‘turn,’ who see our nation and her citizens as an estate for sale, and who believe that their vacuity, many gaffes, manifest incompetence, incapacity for leadership and allegations of smelly past can be perfumed through the dispensing of corruptly acquired cash.

“It is therefore important that those who are after the CBN and her Governor should be careful not to discredit the institution in the process as the consequential effect of such will be disastrous on our already ailing economy.

“Our Campaign counsels such politicians to rather market their programmes to Nigerians

Ondomind 

Community Launches Campaign Against APC Lawmakers, Other Elected Officials Over Failed Promises

Among the politicians targeted by the campaign is the House of Representatives member, Hajiya Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who represents Damaturu/Gujba/Gulani/Tarmuwa Federal Constituency on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).Also, Senator Ibrahim Geidam, who represents Yobe East Senatorial District on the platform of the APC and Mustapha Gwarime, a member of the Yobe State House of Assembly member, were accused of failing their people.

Some leaders of the coalition told SaharaReporters that there is no need to re-elect politicians, some of whom have spent over a decade in office without making any meaningful impact in their constituencies.

He insisted that politicians who have not discharged their duty, and fulfilled the promises they took, will no longer be voted again.

The coalition however noted that the campaign cuts across all the political parties and their candidates contesting for any position in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

They lamented that the House of Representatives’ member, Abba Ibrahim had spent 16 years in her office but no one from her constituency “can point out a project of N10 million she executed in the whole of Buni Yadi community.”

Similarly, the community said that in his three years in office since he was elected in 2019, Senator Geidam “only contributed in the health sector where he brought some medicine to the community which is the only project he did to the community and never forward any problem of the community to the Senate.”

For the State House of Assembly member, Gwarime, the community said “he has never executed a project of even N5 million and never forwarded a problem of the Buni Yadi to the state assembly.” 

Asked what motivated them to form the group, the chairman of the coalition, who simply identified himself as Alhaji Gambo, said the group was formed to develop the community in terms of social, political and economic development.

Stressing that the group was registered in 2021 with its constitution and objectives, Gambo noted that “the campaign is to launch an orientation on people of the community to vote out any of the candidates who haven't done anything to the development of the community.”

The coalition chairman listed the major challenges the community has been facing without the intervention of their elected representatives to include “annual clashes between headers and farmers for almost five years now.

“Community people are suffering in terms of having portable drinking water as the people buy 240 litres (one truck) of water between the sum of N500 and N700 if there is no light and the government did not do anything to solve the problem for the community.

“The community lacks employment by the government as they promised during their campaign. Lack of enough competent and qualified teachers in our primary school. The governor solicited educational appeal funds to the state, and up till now, we have not seen any of its effects.

“There are not enough professional workers in our hospitals, which include doctors and nurses,” Gambo said.

Also speaking, a female member of the coalition, Talatun Sambo, told SaharaReporters that female members of the coalition “will go sensitising other women to the objective of the association and not to vote for a candidate who hasn't done anything to the development of the community.”

Another female member of the coalition, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they will mobilise community women “not to vote for our house of representatives member, (Hajiya Khadija Bukar Abba) because she spent almost 16 years on the seat and no one can point any N5 million project she did in the community.”

Ondomind 

Photos: Tinubu Addresses Workers In Abuja as Nigerian Labour Congress Leadership ‘Secretly’ Withdraws Support For Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu, on Monday, says his government would be fair and just to the Nigerian workers if elected into power.Tinubu disclosed this while addressing workers at the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja.

A top official of the NLC told SaharaReporters that Tinubu’s invitation was part of the plans to withdraw the earlier support given to Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

“NLC appears to have broken ranks with Peter Obi of LP, and Tinubu was invited today to address workers at our headquarters,” the source said.

NLC had in June openly declared its support for Obi in the 2023 elections.According to Ayuba Wabba, the workers union president, Obi is one among the finest Nigerians and the first presidential candidate of the LP to be recognised by the labour centre.

Wabba said the NLC was solidly behind the LP and would fully mobilise to ensure the victory of the party at the 2023 polls.

He said the workers’ unions had realised that strikes and protests alone could not change the narratives in Nigeria, especially as regards workers’ welfare.

Ayuba added that labour must venture fully into politics “and work hard to support candidates whose mantra will make life better for their members and Nigerians at large”.

Meanwhile, in September the African Action Congress (AAC) party had advised the NLC to withdraw their support for Obi.

The AAC had said, “It is more than clear to all now where Mr Peter Obi and the new Labour Party (LP) stands on the removal of fuel subsidies and the privatisation of the commanding heights of the economy.”“Live on CNN on Saturday, Mr Peter Obi stated clearly that all subsidies should be removed and the private sector should start refining fuel.

“This is a contradiction to the NLC charter of demands and the congress position since the January uprising against fuel subsidy removal in the year 2012. NLC and TUC must note that millions of Nigerians rose up against the Jonathan regime over fuel subsidy removal, with the fear of the hike in petrol and cost of living.

“As of today, the subsidy removal protests have been justified. With the Buhari government’s off-and-on removal of subsidies as well as payment of fake subsidies, petrol price has risen ridiculously to N250 today.

“Gasoline is N800, while Kerosene and diesel sell for the same N800. Airlines are beginning to pack their loads as business is being stiffened as Aviation Fuel now cost about N1000 per litre.

“We call on President Ayuba Wabba and Festus Osifo to withdraw their support for Peter Obi as he has only hijacked the Labour Party from it’s moving towards pro-workerist ideas.“We also call on the NEC of NLC and TUC to rise and take a clear stand against this usurper of the sweat and blood of our heroes and matyrs as the labour movement.

“How can Labour centres be supporting an enemy of workers who oversaw 13 months of Doctors Strike, 2 years of workers strike and refused to pay 11 months pensions as Anambra governor?

“The same Peter Obi has commercialized the Labour Party to the extent that no incorruptible comrade can contest in the party as tickets are sold off in tens and hundreds of millions.”

Ondomind

Show Your Family Members, Tell Us Your Real Name – Atiku Camp dares Tinubu

The PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has described the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as a wicked man who is fleeing when no one is pursuing him.

The Atiku camp in a statement on Sunday alleged that Tinubu has too many skeletons in his cupboard to be allowed to become the next President of Nigeria.

It was further alleged that the many secrets are why Tinubu and his handlers have refused to participate in public debates so his secrets won’t be exposed.

According to the Special Assistant to Atiku Abubakar on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu who signed the statement, Asiwaju Tinubu was not recognized in 2007 by one of the known eldest members of the Tinubu extended family, Abdulrafiu Babatunde Tinubu who at that time was the head of the civil service of Lagos State.

“This perhaps explains why the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has refused to open himself up for scrutiny but continues to evade debates, non-partisan town hall meetings and live interviews.

“Tinubu’s entire life and persona is based on falsehood and thus he cannot address these questions hence his decision to continue to run all over the place. But these controversies did not begin today.

Ondomind

DSS Summons Ishaq Akintola Over Allegations Against Seyi Makinde, MURIC Says Akintola Has Poor Health

The Department of State Security Service (DSS) has summoned the Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola.Akintola was summoned a few days after he accused Governor Seyi Makinde, of “aiding and abetting Oyo State school authorities, who are in the habit of forcing Muslim students and Muslim teachers to sing Christmas carol.”

He had alleged that “Under Seyi Makinde’s watch, Muslim students were herded like sheep to attend the crusade of a German Christian crusader, Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, in November 2021. Oyo State public schools were used for the crusade during school hours.

Again, under Makinde’s watch, Muslim applicants attending a screening exercise for appointment were made to answer questions on the Bible in August 2020. Under Makinde’s watch, Muslim teachers were forced to attend a screening exercise on Salah day in July 2022. Yet these are schools using public funds and Muslims are the majority among tax-payers in the state.

“Makinde has a plethora of anti-Muslim actions for which he has never apologized. We have no doubt that he will continue to condone the persecution of Muslim students and Muslim teachers until he is kicked out of office. We, therefore, remind Oyo State Muslims to take their destiny into their own hands by using their voting power to send away their traducer.”

However, DSS has now told Akintola to report to their office in Oyo within one week.

The message MURIC reads, "We are particularly disturbed by the insistence of the officers of Oyo State D.S.S Office that Professor Ishaq Akintola, the director of MURIC, must report to their office in Ibadan, Oyo State, for questioning despite Professor Akintola's poor health which he explained to the DSS. Although the caller agreed that our director could report in their office within one week, we still find this disturbing because they refused to tell him his offence."

Ondo: ODIEC announces date for local government election

The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC has announced December 16, 2023 as the date for the conduct of local government elections in the state.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof Yomi Dinakin, who disclosed this at a briefing in Akure, said the release of the time table was in line with Section 28 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Dinakin said conduct of party primaries by political parties would be between April 10th to June 10th, 2023 while campaigns would begin on July 17th and and ends midnight of December 14th 2023.

He said the body would meet with stakeholders for release of the election guidelines.

“ODIEC will continue to ensure that local government elections are conducted in credible and acceptable manner.

The ODIEC Commissioner in Charge of Training and Legal, Prof Tajudeen Ibrahim said training of Adhoc staff would hold between November 23 to December 1st, 2023.

Ondomind

11,350 PDP members defect to APC

Another 11,350 members of the Katsina State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Katsina.This is coming barely one week after the state governor, Aminu Bello Masari received over 1,760 PDP card-carrying members from Danja LGA into the Katsina APC.

The gale of defection threatening the chances of the main opposition party in the state may not be unconnected with the unresolved leadership tussle between the Lado and Majigiri faction of the Katsina PDP.

Mashi LGA is the home of the embattled PDP State Chairman, Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, a loyalist of the former state governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

The decampees led by Abu Dabo Mashi were received by the Katsina APC Chairman, Alhaji Sani Daura.

Addressing the decampees and other supporters who turned out en masse to receive the Dikko-Jobe governorship campaign team, Dr Dikko Umar Radda reiterated his commitment to treat all members of the party fairly.

Dikko also assured that if he becomes the next governor of the state, he would bring rapid development to the state by prioritizing security, education, healthcare, agriculture, the economy and jobs creation for both women and youths.

He noted that his campaign team currently touring the Daura axis is embarking on ward to ward tour in the area in order not to leave any stone unturned in its bid to serve the state diligently and to the best of his ability if elected in 2023.

Ondomind

Ajipe Loses at Appeal Court over APC primary outcome, fine 500k

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State has granted victory to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo North Senatorial District for the 2023 elections, Pastor Jide Ipinsagba in the suit filed against him by one of the party's aspirants, Chief Alex Ajipe.

It will be recalled that Ajipe had faulted the primary election that produced Ipinsagba as the party's senatorial candidate for Ondo North on the basis of delegates’ legitimacy.

Delivering judgment on the matter on Tuesday, the appellate court, presided over by Justice A.O. Lokulo-Sodipe, struck out the case on technical grounds.

The panel members, Justice C. I. Jombo Ofo, Justice Y.A. Bashir and Justice A.O. Lokulo-Sodipe also fined the appellant the sum of N500,000 for wasting the court's time.

Speaking after the judgment, Pastor Ipinsagba expressed joy over outcome of the court case, which vindicated his candidacy, adding that it is a victory for the APC and the people of Ondo North Senatorial District, who look-up to him to offer them quality representation in 2023.

He urged his opponents at the primary and their supporters, who may still be aggrieved by his victory, to sheath their swords and join hands with him for the APC to go into the 2023 elections, as a united and formidable front.

Ondomind

Gunmen kill APC party supporters for Defying purported sit-at-home order

Some supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been killed by gunmen for defying a kangaroo sit-at-home order in Anambra State.

This was seen in a video clip obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday morning, showing some lifeless bodies in the pool of their blood which the gunmen identified as those working for the APC government.

“Thunder fire APC. This government is our government. Anybody working with Nigerian government will die,” one of the gunmen said in the video.

Ondomind

Only Peter Obi Worries Us, Atiku Cannot Win – APC’s Osita Okechukwu

Ahead of the forthcoming presidential election, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Osita Okechukwu, has said his party is only worried about Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate and not about Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).Okechukwu also said Bola Tinubu, APC’s presidential candidate, has come a long way and knows the country very well to win the 2023 presidential election, among other candidates.

The Director General of the Voice of Nigeria disclosed this on Monday morning while featuring on the Arise Television Morning Show programme.

He said Atiku had lost his base and that he could not harvest Buhari’s 12 million votes.

“As per Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, what nobody can deny is that he knows the onion. He knows the gravitas, he knows the country, and he has come a long way. And we are not bothered about PDP; for instance, Atiku has lost his base.

"We are more bothered about Peter Obi and others. Kwankwaso, we know he is qualified and highly capable, but he is riding against the zoning convention. And so, if you tell us about Peter Obi, then we can say, ok, that is where we are worried, but not about Atiku, who has lost his base.

“Atiku cannot win; I challenge those who are saying so. He cannot harvest Buhari’s 12 million votes; he cannot. He does not have Buhari’s vote bank,” he said.

Ondomind

Chattam House presentation: Musa Adeola commends Tinubu, says his Government will correct Inadequacies in Governance, assure victory for the party comes 2023

The Ondo State Cordinator for patriots of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr Musa Adeola has commended the APC presidential candidate, Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on is presentation at the London chattam House last week. Engr. Musa Adeola in an interview with our heritage reporter on an online tv programme tagged just politics, anchored by Nifemi Gideon, discharge commendations on Bola Ahmed Tinubu and assures Nigerians that many wrongs in governance will be rewritten if Tinubu becomes the president of Nigeria in 2023

Below are the excerpt form the interview.

Chattam House presentation - how would you describe Bola Ahmed Tinubu delegations of duties to other people.

The chattam House presentation was fantastic, it is a way of signalling that one cannot do it alone as president, there is need to bring together best brains and delegate them for duties , that's exactly what Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu displayed on that presentation day and this is the best way for us as a Nation.

We must commend people like this, who really know how to Source for better material and human resources needed to get the work done.

As claimed by the Presidential candidate of the PDP Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, FG developed Lagos not Tinubu, what are your take on this?

It's only a claim and it all necessary in a political season we are presently, then, we must go back to the memory lane to note the fact that Lagos was one of the dirtiest state before 1999.

But when Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged as Governor there was obvious change, he came up with different Agencies for traffic control, environmental agency and through this, many people was engaged,turned away from thuggery to employed persons and it's also pave way for better and cleaned Lagos free off hooliganism and thuggery.

He was the one who laid the groundwork for the better Lagos we are seeing at the moment, he is a good planner and excecutor, the best which Nigeria as a Nation needs at the moment.

How would you describe Bola Ahmed Tinubu in relation to his age,health status and particularly physical fitness to carry out and function effectively as a president

Age is not a factor here, and in most cases age does not really determine physical fitness of someone, look at the Lagos legislator who died at the plateau State APC rally, how do we classify that incident, do we say he is not fit? or too old? Capital NO.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is physically fit to govern Nigeria, look at his engagement in recent time, moving from one state to another, international engagement with diaspora and many groups outside Nigeria and we are saying he is not fit? Then how do we measure physical fitness?.

Ordinarily it quite unfortunate that we only play politics with many things including someone's life, how would you be thinking that someone will die? For instance, many believe back then that Buhari Will die, look at it today many of those people are gone and Buhari is still alive, only God Almighty owns life, we cannot determine it, therefore Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is more than fit to govern Nigeria.

Democracy is a game of number, we can accept the fact that Northern part of the country have the highest number of register voters, how would you describe this relating to the chance of Bola Ahmed Tinubu wining the election especially when we have a northerner candidate too.

Firstly, we must note that it was the North that made him flag bearer of APC, they came and vote with unity in the party primary, they resolved within themselves that they are making him the president and they did, nothing to share in Zero, the likes of El-Rufai,Ganduje,Lalong and hosts of others cannot sabotage Tinubu for a zero option, because Atiku will retire all of them, and they are still young, they are all available for this project.

Another thing we should note is that, as of today, the Buhari factor is still a household name and a very big factor in the northern states and he is hundred percent in support of Tinubu.

Atiku contested against Buhari in 2019 while Tinubu was available both in 2015 and 2019 to put in all necessary mechanism for his victory, in 2015 I produced more than fifty thousand posters which was sent to every part of the country as my support, I still have some in my Achieve, I gave more than ten thousand copies to the current APC national vice President for South West, Dr kekemeke, he was marvelled.

Inflation here and there, would you accept this as an embroglo that can actually affect APC chances ahead of 2023?

You see, I have continued to mentioned that there is need for more responsibilities for the state, we cannot continue putting all blames to the doorstep of presidency.

Of recent, we heard about the billions given to governor's form the oil producing States, How are this funds used, it's only federal government that have agency on poverty alleviation, no any state in Nigeria have means of alleviating poverty.

More also, what are the functions of local government,in the past local government have tractor which people can hire to plough hectares of land and then we use to have food products in markets in excess, but this day we are best putting blames on the federal government, I said earlier, federal government cannot do it alone, we have to reduce the burdens and more responsibilities should go to states and local government so that they can function optimally.

There is need to redevelop the local government administration in Nigeria, in fact most of the local government chiarman resides out of Thier council areas, they mostly found in the state capital when they ought to stay and live within their areas to really detest the people needs.

The issue of security is another factor, because people can no longer go to Farm again as a result of insecurity, all this thing's are playing negative roles on inflation we are facing today as a Nation, we must tackle issues holistically and stop putting all blames on the federal government.

Fuel queue and problem in recent time is indicating a red flag against your party chances as claimed by many Nigerians, how would you react to this

The truth of the matter is that we need to be sincere, the issue of fuel subsidy should be a thing of the past,take for instance Dangote is building a Refinery who is going to subsidise it? Let Nigerians all agree to forget subsidy.

If you remove subsidy put more money in health development, infrastructure, education we are good to go, during Dr Goodluck Jonathan era some vehicles was given to State at a subsidise rate, and then in Ondo State we used the vehicles for students shuttle, it's brilliant idea , this are the types of things subsidy should be channeled on.

Many of the government owned service should be privatised and this will aid effective management and be more productive.

How would you convenience Nigerians that the APC led government of BAT will be quite different from that of PMB in the areas of job creation, economy recovery and development, security and etcetera?

Sincerely president Buhari has done well, I don't have any regret voting Buhari bother in 2015 and 2019, is it from the area of tackling corruption or infrastructural development in the past almost eight years?

Look at the railways development, look at the second Niger Bridge, the N-power scheme and all other, the present administration performed well compare to the sixteenth years of zero developmental records under PDP.

Despite the shortage and the drastic fall in the price of oil, the COVID and all other negative imposition by climate change, the government was still able to tackle many infrastructural deficits.

Sincerely Buhari has done well, Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is only coming to build on Buhari legacies only the some corrections will made in some certain areas of governance based of his experiences and disposition on governance and economic development.

I would advise Nigerians to believe in there renewed hope vision of Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to give maximum support come 2023

Musa Adeola concluded.

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Ekiti, Anambra, and Osun states our testimony ahead 2023 election - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to unite and cooperate with one another as a prerequisite for victory in the coming elections.Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement disclosed that Buhari gave the charge when he received Dr Dikko Radda, the governorship candidate of the APC and his running mate, Faruk Lawal Jobe, at his residence in Daura, Katsina State, on Friday.

Buhari said party leaders need “to sit together,” to avoid divisions and ensure unity in order to avoid defeat in elections.

He said he received frequent reports on the ongoing campaigns in Katsina State and felt happy that so much hard work was being put into the exercise.

The president reiterated his determination to allow the reign of free, fair and credible elections in the country, adding that the outcomes in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states were testimonies of that resolution on his part.

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Makeup Your Minds And Vote For Me, Tinubu Tells Undecided Nigerians

Bola Tinubu has asked undecided Nigerians back his presidential bid to lead, maintaining he is the best candidate for the nation.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate said this in an exclusive interview in Channels Television’s London Studio.

“I want to hurry them and appeal to them to get their PVC ready and vote for me. I am not campaigning for any other person but for myself and my party,” the former Lagos State governor said.”That is what I what. If you have not made up your mind, please, do so!”

He also noted that Nigeria has to “work hard” and be consistent with its foreign policy to better the country’s image on the global scene.

According to him, Nigerians “should be the pride of the nation” wherever they are

“The education system is to change. We would overhaul it and tinker with some areas with the philosophy that no one would be left behind,” Tinubu said.

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South West has a lot to benefit in Tinubu's presidency

A chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) and the National Director, Media and Publicity, Asiwaju Project Beyond 2023 Adeboye Adebayo have said Yoruba race has a lot to benefit if the APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is elected. He said the Yoruba nation should look at how they started in the nation's politics, where they are and where they are going to and vote for their kinsmen ahead other contestants.

Speaking in Ibadan at a briefing Adebayo, who is a member of Public Affairs Directorate, APC, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, maintained that the advantage and opportunity Yoruba have in Tinubu must not pass them.

He said they should see Tinubu's presidential ambition as their personal project which must come to reality.

He described the APC candidate as a patriotic Nigerian using his intellectual and financial capacity for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.

"He is a team leader, one of the major trait of a good leader is to identify talents, Nigeria needs competent hands like Tinubu who is a talent Hunter, he deserve to be the president so that Nigeria can have good governance they are seeking for.

"His pedigree and antecedent distinguish him from other candidates, his connection and wealth of experience can not be over emphasised in Nigeria and abroad," he said.

He urged Nigerians to set aside religion or ethnicity and vote for the right person like Tinubu, adding that people should vote for good governance, stability, democracy and renewed hope.

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Nigerian Military Under Pressure To Compromise 2023 Elections – Defence Chief, Irabor

The Nigerian military on Thursday admitted that it is under pressure to compromise the 2023 general elections, while promising that Nigerians can rest assured that the military would remain neutral.The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, disclosed this to journalists at the 61st session of the State House Ministerial Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

According to him, military personnel face pressure through inducements, but the armed forces would remain apolitical as it is taking the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to maintain neutrality.

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Thugs Attack Home Of PDP Chairman

Thugs numbering about 20 on Thursday morning attacked the residence of the chaiman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council in Rivers State, Senator Lee Maeba.Maeba and several other prominent PDP leaders in the State are supporters of the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

LEADERSHIP gathered that although the thugs could not gain access into the main residence of the former federal lawmaker, his older brother was, however, injured during the attack.Also, no fewer than four vehicles, including a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) were vandalised during the attack.

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