PRESS STATEMENT
SPN CALLS ON THE LABOUR MOVEMENT TO DEFEND DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS AND ALSO MOBILIZE FOR A WORKING PEOPLES POLITICAL ALTERNATIVE
The matter between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and 22 political parties including the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) came up today (Thursday, October 28, 2021) at the Supreme Court in Abuja over the undemocratic deregistration of political parties and has been adjourned to November 15, 2021. The matter was adjourned partly because two political parties filed applications to join the suit. The INEC had gone to the apex court to challenge the judgment of the Court of Appeal which is in favour of the SPN and other deregistered political parties.
It will be recalled that INEC deregistered 23 political parties on some ridiculous and undemocratic grounds despite the fact that the parties had approached the Federal High Court in October 2019 and secured a valid order stopping the deregistration.
INEC relied on an undemocratic clause (Section 225A) smuggled into the 1999 Constitution that states that political parties will be deregistered for not winning a seat in the parliament or executive position either at the local government, state or federal level during a general election or local government elections. This provision is absurd given the monumental monetization, rigging and violence that usually characterize elections and which make it difficult for small parties to win elections. Besides, the essence of politics and elections is not only tied to winning positions, it is to also mobilize citizens around a political program upon which to genuinely build a better society where the needs of the vast majority are guaranteed. It is the self-serving bourgeois ruling elite who reduce politics to desperately winning elections in order to appropriate the collectively owned resources and continue these ruinous and anti-people policies.
Justice Chikere Anwuli of the Federal High Court gave a judgment on Thursday, June 11, 2020, that reaffirmed the power of INEC to deregister thereby validating the undemocratic action of INEC not minding the fact that INEC had earlier desecrated her order against the deregistration of the affected parties. SPN and 21 other political parties challenged INEC deregistration and the judgment at the Appeal Court and Court of Appeal gave a judgement on August 10, 2020, that nullified the deregistration and ordered INEC to re-register and give recognition to the affected political parties. INEC has refused to obey the judgment and order of the Court of Appeal, though has challenged it at the Supreme Court. INEC’s action is not only undemocratic, it is executive recklessness that reflects the character of the bourgeois ruling elite. The affected political parties have been denied the right to participate in elections so far.
What is at stake is clearly the genuine development of the country, something the ruling elite have failed woefully. As a matter of fact, the profit-first capitalist program and philosophy embraced by the successive governments stand in the way of viable and sustainable development of the country.
The real motive for the deregistration is the fact that the self-serving and corrupt bourgeois ruling elite want to dominate the political space (leaving it for only parties like APC and PDP) and deny the working masses of an alternative political party.
The Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) calls on the leadership of the labour movement and pro-masses organisations to defend democratic rights and therefore support the struggle to re-register the SPN and other political parties and allow the working people to form a party of their choice and also to truly elect leaders without rigging and violence. We also call on the leadership of the labour movement to build a pan-Nigerian working masses political party as a vehicle for the working class and the masses, in general, to challenge the self-serving ruling elite and defeat it in order to form and run a government in the interest of the vast majority
SIGNED
Abiodun Bamigboye Chinedu Bosah
Acting National Chairperson National Secretary
STATE OF THE NATION: GOV AKEREDOLU URGES CEASELESS PRAYERS FOR NIGERIA
- Reiterates Commitment To One Nigeria
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi, SAN, has called on religious leaders and all Nigerians to intensify prayers for the country to surmount the current challenges it is facing.
Governor Akeredolu, who said the nation needs healing, noted that some steps must be taken in terms of offerings and prayers to God to continue to save the nation.
The Governor made the call on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the Christ To The World Ministries (CTTWM) in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State branch.
The delegation led by a senior Pastor of CTTWM from the United Kingdom, Pastor Adewale Adebajo, was in the state for a three-day open crusade.
Arakunrin Akeredolu said his administration would continue to support all religious activities aimed at bringing peace, spiritual healings, harmony and socio-economic breakthrough not only to the state but the nation at large.
He said: “We know what we are going through. We don’t need to deceive ourselves. The Nation needs some healings. And some few things have to be done in terms of our offerings to the Almighty God and our prayers so that God will continue to save Nigeria.
“I’m a strong believer in Nigeria and I have always said Nigeria should remain. How it will remain God will do it.”
On the plan to bring their businesses to the state, Governor Akeredolu lauded the Senior pastor, describing the offer as a welcome development in view of the job opportunities and socio-economic development it would bring to the state and the people.
Akeredolu, who disclosed that his administration would continue to support any venture that would improve the wellbeing of the people of the state, especially civil servants, assured them of adequate security of their lives and businesses
“We have in Ondo state a one-stop-shop where we make ease of doing business a reality. Ondo state is said to be leading in ease of doing business. So, we have adopted a one-stop-shop and that is why we have Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA).
“We don’t have enough housing facilities here and I’m sure every civil servant wants to own a house before they leave civil service,” the Governor added.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Pastor Adebajo, explained that aside from the crusade to bless the land and heal the sick, he is set to partner with the state government to establish his businesses in the state to give the people financial support and better their lots.
He noted that the crusade would bring all round miracles and boost the economic status of the state and the people.
“What we have been able to do in other state is to partner with government, we build houses for civil servants and low income earners. We give loans to boost businesses and we have been doing it in Lagos, Ibadan and the time has come for the people of Ondo State.
“We have been going to other places like Ghana, Onitsha to preach and minister God’s words to the people and this is the time for Ondo state. By the grace of God we believe that our coming will transform Ondo State for good,” the senior Pastor added.
Also, the state CAN Chairman, Rev. Ayo Oladapo, lauded Governor Akeredolu for his unalloyed support for CAN activities in the state, just as he appreciated the Governor’s passion about the development of the state.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
October 28, 2021.
PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS, I WILL LEAVE ON 29 MAY, 2023, WARNS TENURE EXTENSION CAMPAIGNERS TO DESIST
“I swore by the Holy Qur’an that I will serve in accordance with the constitution and leave when my time is up. No “Tazarce’’ (tenure extension). I don’t want anybody to start talking about and campaigning for unconstitutional extension. I will not accept that.”
So declared President Muhammadu Buhari at a meeting in Makkah with a select group of Nigerians resident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he just ended a visit.
President Buhari also tacitly expressed support to efforts to increase the role of technology in the nation’s elections, arguing that the introduction of the card reader and electronic register was God’s answer to his prayers, having been cheated of his victory in three previous elections.
“After the third so-called defeat, I said, ‘God Dey’. My opponents laughed at me but God answered my prayers by bringing in technology. At that point, nobody can steal their votes or buy them,” the President added.
President Buhari, who ended his visit to the Kingdom with the Friday Prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah said he will continue to abide by the constitution in all its ramifications and he will at all times supervise and deal with his ministers on same basis.
He gave assurances at the meeting that in the balance of “eighteen months or so of my time left, whatever I can do to improve the life of Nigerians, I will do it for the country.”
The President commended diaspora Nigerians in the Kingdom for representing the country well and projecting its good image.
He also used the opportunity to urge citizens at home to be fair to his administration at all times, asking the critics to compare the security situations in the North East and South South in 2015 and how things have improved as at now.
“My problem is the North West where people are killing and stealing from one another. I had to be very hard on them and I will continue to be very hard until we put them in line and bring back order,” he said.
President Buhari urged Nigerians living in the country to respect the laws, remain law-abiding and do nothing to derogate from the many years of friendly and mutually beneficial relationships between the two countries.
A leader of the community, Dr. Abdulkadir Maikudi, who spoke on behalf of the group requested the President to assist the privately-run Nigerian International School in the Kingdom by equipping it to provide science and technical education.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yahaya Lawal and the Consul-General in Jeddah, Ambassador Abdulkarim Mansur attested to the good conduct of the nearly 1.5 million Nigerians there.
According to them, “Nigerian professionals are doing well and projecting a good image of our country.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 29, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH CHIEF ADEBUTU KESSINGTON AT 86
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with consummate entrepreneur and trail-blazing investor, Chief Adebutu Kessington, as he celebrates his 86th birthday.
The President salutes the renowned philanthropist, selfless leader and founder of Kessington Adebukola Adebutu Foundation for his services to God and humanity in various capacities, making it his core value to bring succour to the helpless in the society.
The President commends the driving force behind Baba Ijebu for continually providing wise counsels and investing in human capital development for Nigerians of all shades to express themselves towards fulfilling their potentials.
As the multi-titled Chief celebrates another birthday, President Buhari joins family, friends and associates in thanking God for where He has brought him, praying that the Giver of life will bless him with more in good health to continue to mentor Nigerians within and outside his community.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 29, 2021
WE ARE CONTRIBUTING OUR QUOTA TO LEGAL EDUCATION IN NIGERIA – WIKE
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says the Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt will stand out as an eloquent contribution of the State towards the growth of legal education in the country.
That is why, he said, the best facilities and attention are being given to the ongoing structural work in order to match the furnishing aspect later, so that it will be the envy among other Law School campuses.
Governor Wike made the assertion shortly after inspecting the progress of work on the main campus and the staff quarters of the school on Friday.
The Rivers State Governor had in his company the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige and the Director General of Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma.
Governor Wike stated that every responsible government will attract the institutions to be sited within its jurisdiction and to secure the desirable benefits.
The governor also said that the economy of the state will enjoy a boost because of the establishment of the Law School in Port Harcourt.
“It is our own contribution to the growth of the legal education. And as a lawyer, and Governor, it will not be fair that I fail in such regards, contributing to the growth of legal education.
“So, as part of our own contribution and the training of our lawyers, this is to see that the best of the quality is given to them by providing the best of the facilities that they require.”
Governor Wike explained that the intermittent inspection visit he undertakes with the chairman of the Council of Legal Education and the DG of the Nigerian Law School is to ensure that what his administration promised is what is been provided.
According to him, but for the intense rainfall that have been experienced, construction work at the site of the project would have been concluded.
Governor Wike however, assured that work on the main campus of the Law School and the staff quarters will be completed within the agreed schedule.
“But now that the rains are subsiding, I believe by December, anybody who comes here will see a different thing.
“They (workmen) have started roofing in the main campus, I believe that anybody who goes there will see that the environment has changed dramatically. So, one is quite impressed.”
On his part, the chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), said having tour round the project site of the campus in Rumueme and the staff quarters located beside Hotel Presidential, they are impressed with the quality of work seen.
He noted that the Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School is being constructed by the Rivers State Government at no expense to the Federal Government and the Council of Legal Education.
According to him, this is not the only project that Governor Wike is doing for the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School, because similar gesture is extended to the Yenagoa Campus of the Law School.
“And we cannot thank His Excellency enough for the attention he has given to this project in fulfilling his promise to the Council of Legal Education, Nigerian Law School and the legal profession that he will deliver this project in less than eight months of commencement of work.
“And we are happy that he is fulfilling that promise and work is going on in earnest. We shall pass the information to Council and other stakeholders and the Attorney General of the Federation that work is going on as scheduled.
“We shall be getting prepared for the commissioning at the appointed date and also start preparation for students that will be posted here in the next academic session been the end of 2021.”
Also speaking, the Director General of Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN) described as fantastic, the progress of work that has been accomplished on the project sites in comparison to what was on the last time he visited.
“We are going to go back to our major stakeholders, the Council, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation as well as other stakeholders in the legal profession. We thank His Excellency for this wonderful job as well as the speed at which he is taking this job.”
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant (Media) Rivers State Governor
October 29, 2021
GOV WIKE WILL NOT LEAVE BEHIND ABANDONED PROJECTS, DEBTS ~SSG
The Secretary to Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo says Governor Nyesom Wike will not abandon any project in fulfilment of the NEW Rivers Vision development blueprint for the state.
The SSG anchored his submission on the experience, competence and courage of Governor Wike in implementing the principles of good governance and determination to leave behind a worthy legacy for future generations.
He made this assertion when members of the Ikwerre (Iwhuruohna) Journalistic Forum visited him in his office to appreciate public officials who are working and supporting the success story of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Dr Danagogo further assured them that no debt will also be left behind by the Wike’s dministration for the next government.
According to him, “the Governor Wike I know will not leave behind abandoned projects, and he will not leave debts. He is doing a lot of projects but all will be finished before the end of his tenure. This is because he is experienced in governance, and he has the capacity and courage to do what is right. All projects are cash-backed and targeted to be completed.
“The Trans-Kalabari Road for instance has 5 segments. The Governor has awarded the first segment with 14 billion set aside for completion of the segment. As such, the contractor does not have any excuses than to deliver the project at the set time.
“This strategy was successfully implemented in the Sakpenwa Bori – kono Road. The next phase of the road, the Bori – kono section, is also now under construction. Anyone projecting the failure of the Trans-Kalabari Road is an enemy of our progress.
“Following the kidnap of one of the expatriates working with the contracting firm of the Trans-Kalabari Road, the Deputy Governor met with political and traditional stakeholders of Kalabari extraction to ensure all community members work towards the release of the worker. We thank God for the release of the worker.”
The SSG urged the journalists to stay united and work beyond the borders of ethnic segregation to enjoy a truly prosperous State, while stating that, nepotism or tribalism are veritable ways to prevent the progress that River’s people will enjoy.
“I believe in the unity of humanity and all ethnic nationalities. Once God has placed you in a position, irrespective of your ethnic nationality, you must understand the reason why God placed you there and you have to make the best out of that together. The day we begin to draw our lines across tribe, we begin to retrogress as a people.
“One of the reasons why the United States of America is great today is that America harnesses the best from everywhere to make their country great. What you have done today tells me you are a people who have gone beyond primordial sentiments. That is the way we should go in Rivers State. Brotherhood and friendship is the only thing that will help us, he noted”.
The President, Ikwerre Journalists Forum, Elder Mike
Iwezor, said the visit was embarked upon to encourage those who are supporting Governor Wike in recording the tremendous successes the NEW administration has achieved for Rivers people.
“We wish to inform you that in our honest judgment as journalists, you are such a person. Given the above, we are here to say a very big thank you for all you have done and still doing in support of the progressive sail the administration of our brother is having and that we recognize the crucial, supportive role you have brought to bear since you were appointed”, he said.
Juliana masi
Press Officer
Office of the secretary to the State Government
PDP ready to rescue Nigeria – Okowa
The Chairman of Accreditation Sub-Committee of Saturday’s National Convention of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday said the planning and outcome of the convention would prove that the party was ready to rescue Nigeria from prevailing challenges.
Okowa, who is the Governor of Delta, made this known in his remarks at a meeting of the Committee held at the party’s National Secretariat, Abuja.
He said that PDP was ready to take over leadership at the centre in 2023, emphasizing that the convention would strengthen unity and democracy not only in the party but in the country.
The committee chairman disclosed that the party had reached consensus on most of the elective positions at the conventionn, adding that only two positions were still open for contest.
He, however, expressed hope that consensus would also apply on the remaining position going by the efforts being made by the leadership of the party.
The Delta Governor urged members of the committee to uphold transparency, objectivity and fairness in the handling of their responsibilities, saying that the assignment of the committee was the “soul of the convention”.
He said that only those accredited by the committee would be allowed to vote at the convention, stressing that over-crowding would not be entertained at the venue.
Okowa restated that the convention would send a signal to the party in power that its time was up, and sued for the support of PDP members in the task of rebuilding the party for greater success.
“I welcome all of you to this meeting and it is my hope that we do our work as diligently as we can so that at the end of the day the PDP will be proud of our work as Accreditation Sub-Committee.
“Processes must have to be put in place to ensure that only those who were duly accredited will be in a position to vote at the convention.
“People look up to us and they expect that at the end of the day we would have done what is supposed to be done and done rightly also.
“If there is trust in the convention, that trust must start from the process of accreditation and we must do the best that we can for this country.
“We are not expecting to have a contentious convention because we are doing the best that we can within the leadership of the party in trying to ensure that we limit the level of contest at the convention.
“The PDP believes in building consensus, so we are still talking with the contestants and within the party leadership to see how we can reduce the contest and I believe that we will be able to agree as much as possible,” he stated.
The governor further remarked that where the party failed to build consensus in some positions as was expected, there would be a contest in the various positions.
“As at this morning, it’s only two of the positions that we have not been able to build consensus on at the moment.
“Every other position we have been able to build consensus. So, we are looking forward to a very peaceful convention that we believe will be able to strengthen our party and send the right message to Nigerians that as a party we are truly prepared to rescue this nation.
“As a party we must use this convention to prove to show to Nigerians that we are truly prepared to take over governance for the good of our nation and our people. So let’s have that in our heart as we do the work rightly.
“It is our prayer that every position will not be contested for so that we just walk in and cast the yes votes.
“But even if we are going to contest for one or two votes we still have to ensure that things are done in such a manner that it is transparent and the whole world will see that we are a democratic party and we are prepared to do the right thing to send the right communication to Nigerians that we are truly prepared for the future,” he added.
