*Tells new CP to Rivers to stay clear of politics
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has urged personnel of the various security agencies to stop taking sides with politicians who use all tactics including religion to frustrate efforts at protecting life and property.
Governor Wike insisted that Nigerian politicians must also stop the politics of religion so that they do not burn the country down in the wake of campaigns towards the 2023 general elections.
Governor Wike spoke when he hosted the new Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Okon Effiong, who led a team of senior police officers on a courtesy visit to him at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.
“We believe we owe this country and we must also stop this politics of religion, so that we don’t instigate crisis and violence. You must go and tell the people what you can do, what we can offer.”
The governor emphasised that his administration has remained committed to the protection of life and property of all residents in the State.
This is because of its belief that the people for which any development projects are provided must feel safe and alive to use them.
Governor Wike noted that any government that is unable to do so has failed in its responsibility and has no business being in governance.
“For me, there cannot be any good governance without the protection of life and property. Nobody can talk about good governance when there is insecurity everywhere. If you cannot protect your citizens, you have no need to talk about governance.
“Because if you’re doing roads, people must be alive to use the road. If you’re building good school, people must be alive to go to school. So, it is key that you owe your citizens protection of their lives and property. And so, for us as a government, that is the sole aim of being in government.”
He assured that since the security agencies are the institutions saddled with such duties, his administration has always and will continue to provide requisite support to them so that they can discharge their security operations effectively.
Governor Wike expressed the hope that the new Commissioner of Police will bring his vast experience in operations and crime fighting to bear in Rivers State.
He urged him not to be intimidated against doing what is right, take the fight against crime and criminality to the den of criminals in order to dislodge them.
Governor Wike acknowledged the untiring efforts of the Inspector General of Police, Akali Baba in insisting on professionalism among his officers and making sure they remain committed to crime fighting.
The Rivers State governor praised the immediate past Commissioner of Police, Mr. Friday Ebuka, for staying true to his professional calling. According to him, instead of being use to destabilise the peace in Rivers State, he contributed his quota to consolidating on the efforts of crime fighting.
Governor Wike informed, the State government will build a befitting police station along Ada George Road in Port Harcourt.
The governor recalled how heads of security agencies in the State, particularly of the army, became involved in the election process in 2019, but were resisted by Rivers people.
Governor Wike told the new Commissioner of Police not to tread that path, but to ensure that the campaigns are peaceful, and the elections conducted in an atmosphere devoid of intimidation of the electorate.
The governor said if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refused to be influenced, the police stay away from interfering in the electoral process and the judiciary insist that the rules are complied with, the vote of the peoples will count.
“You have a role to make sure the people’s vote count, that the right person emerges. And when the right person emerges, you’ll see passion, and commitment in their work. The difference will be clear.”
In his speech, Mr Okon Effiong, the 43rd Commissioner of Police to Rivers State said, he will operate a policy of zero tolerance to crime and criminality.
“We have arrested in the past four days more than 12 armed robbers and kidnappers. In the past four days we have rescued more than 12 kidnap victims. In the past four days we have recovered more than 6 vehicles.
“In the past four days we have recovered arms and ammunition. The law will take its course. We want to stress that we have zero tolerance for crime and criminality.”
He thanked governor Wike for his numerous logistics and other forms of support to the command that has enabled its officers to perform optimally.
‘I couldn’t bring myself to vote for Buhari’, Wole Soyinka shares on #WithChude
Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka sits with Chude Jideonwo, host of #WithChude, to discuss surviving cancer, his position on gay rights in America, the Nigerian political landscape, and his journey through life.
Sharing his thoughts on the current ambience of gay and transgender rights in America, he said, “Only those who understand the full makeup of human beings should even attempt to pronounce negatively on the sexual orientation of anybody. Anybody who has absolutely pursued the whole science of hormones, the psychology involved in choice in human attraction. I will listen to only that person who wants to speak negatively about sexual orientation.”
“I believe that consenting adults should be left alone to do what they want as long as what they do and how they do it does not impinge on the rights of the rest of society and does not attempt to present their orientation as what should be the orientation of the rest of the world. Some of them go that far, and that is where they get into trouble with me,” he added.
Sharing Ake, the book about his childhood, he said, “Ake was one of the most difficult books that I have ever written, and at the same time I contradict myself by saying that it flowed very easily. It is difficult for the simple reason that I had to wait. I didn’t attempt to force it; I didn’t attempt to recollect anything. I had to wait because I tried a couple of times, I could not reenter the mind of a child. I just said let me leave it alone.”
He added, “In fact, it eventually took life, because what I wanted to write was the biography of my uncle, I.O. Ransome Kuti, Fela’s father, from whom I had learnt a lot. I even told him that when I came home, I was going to write a biography on him. And then by the time I came home, he died on me. After he died, I realized, through him, that I wanted to recapture the entire ambience of that period and what it was like for a child. After some years, I decided to write Ake. And it took quite a while to enter the mind of a child, to try to capture that sense of wonder I recollected and also try to find a language for it”.
Reacting to the speculation that he supported Buhari in the elections in 2015, he said, “In this country, many people need to find a guilty party for a problem of which they are part. I read that somewhere, somebody said that I should apologise to the nation for backing Buhari. I never, at any time, called on people to vote for Buhari.”
He added, “On voting day, I refused to vote on that day because I could not bring myself to vote for Buhari. However, in the end, the people chose him, and when he was there, I said, give him a chance, he has met the nation at just slightly below ground zero. I called him and said to him that I believed that he is a born-again democrat. In the previous efforts he made, electioneering and all sorts. I believe he has learnt sufficient lesson to be called a born-again democrat. So, in an interview with BBC, when the lady was trying to ask me a question, I said, ‘leave him alone, he is a born-again democrat. Give him a chance’. And she asked, ‘what happens if he disappoints’. I said, ‘then, we go back to the barricades’. That section is never quoted because people do not want to go back to the barricade. They feel this is what they are supposed to do.”
On surviving cancer, he said, “one of my sons who happened to be a doctor will look at me and say, ‘you’ve disobeyed all the rules we learnt in medical school, how come? Everything people said we should teach against, you do. You don’t obey the rules’ and I said, ‘for me, I just listen to my body, if I feel something is wrong, whatever, I was doing recently which I can relate with, I stop it. I believe that one always has a choice about what one does, and one should anyway. If I am compelled to eat, I will like to have a choice about what I eat”.
UNCHECKED MARGINALISATION FUELS INSECURITY -WIKE
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has noted that peace and security will remain elusive across Nigeria if the majority tribes, and those who think they have dominance over others continue to marginalise them.
Governor Wike asserted that for there to be an enduring future for Nigeria, all Nigerians must see themselves as equal stakeholders in the project called Nigeria.
He spoke on Tuesday at Government House in Port Harcourt when the management of New Telegraph Newspaper, led by the Managing Director and Editor- in-Chief, Mr. Ayodele Aminu presented its letter nominating him as the Political Icon of the Year, 2022.
“The problem in this country today is not only as a result of the banditry or kidnapping, no. Part of the issue that has to do with security is the issue of marginalisation.
“And I continue to tell our people or those who believe that they are dominant, you need peace for you to preside over those who you think do not have the number. You need peace. If there is no peace, it will be difficult.”
Governor Wike took a retrospect of how things stand in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and said it is evidence of marginalisation of a section of the country.
He observed that because the zoning principle has been jettisoned in the PDP, coupled with the lack of seriousness to allow for inclusivity, convincing Nigerians to believe that the party can rescue the country is becoming a more difficult task.
The governor insisted that blackmail cannot diminish the demand for the national chairmanship position to be relinquished to the South. According to him, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the national chairman of PDP, had promised to resign his position should the presidential candidate of the party emerge from the north.
“He made that commitment because he knows that it will not be equitable, there will be no fairness and justice if the presidential candidate comes from the same zone with him. And people are trivialising the issue. Why do you trivialise the issue?”
Speaking further, the Rivers State governor reaffirmed that his allies are resolved to continue the demand for the return of the national chairmanship position to the South.
Governor Wike maintained that Dr. Ayu is corrupt, because he has not been able to account for the N11B realised from the party’s primary, and N100 million he got from a governor.
“If you like abuse us the way you want to abuse us, but we will stand by what we have said. If you say you will not relinquish that position to the South, no problems. Go ahead, but you can’t force us to do what we think is not right, we will not do it. So, this kind of man cannot, in all honesty, take this party to any victory. He cannot.”
Governor Wike berated Mr Dele Momodu, former presidential aspirant of the PDP for trivialising the issues affecting the party and seeking cheap recognition.
“All these professional praise singers and beggars who have nothing to offer, just to rally round the presidential candidate, looking for what they will eat, are beginning to abuse people. Those who even contested the primary without one vote are those who are talking. A presidential aspirant becoming a spokesperson to a presidential candidate.”
Governor Wike alleged that Dele Momodu is also an unstable character whose words cannot be taken seriously.
The governor also blamed the media as being part of the problem of Nigeria because they have lost the courage to speak truth to power and hold leaders accountable.
He wondered why the media was bold to speak against former president Goodluck Jonathan and have now lost sincerity of purpose to hold people in position, and those jostling for public offices accountable of what they say and do.
In his speech, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr. Ayodele Aminu said they had in 2017 awarded governor Wike the award as the governor of the year in infrastructure because of his contributions in Rivers and leadership in the PDP.
According to him, they have continued to follow his track records of performance, healthy politicking that has given true meaning to democratic governance in the country.
Mr. Aminu said they are delighted to have him as the winner of the award as the Political Icon of the Year 2022 because it fits no one else but him.
2023 ELECTION: ABIYE CAN’T SPEAK FOR RIVERS – WIKE
*Inaugurates Constituency, Ward Liaison Officers.
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says Dr. Abiye Precious Sekibo, former Minister of Transport, does not fill such leadership position to speak on behalf of the State.
Governor Wike said Dr. Sekibo is a self-seeking politician who has been unable to attract democratic dividend, of whatever kind, to the State while he served as minister and also to his home town, Okrika.
The governor spoke during the inauguration 319 Ward and 32 Constituency Liaison Officers in Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.
His word, “I watched a video when one Dr. Abiye Sekibo, while he was addressing people in his house yesterday (Sunday), said he is the director of Atiku’s Supporters in Rivers. I have no problem about that. But he does not have that capacity to speak on behalf of Rivers State.
“In that video, he said that River State has been having close relationship with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and that Rivers State has always benefitted from Atiku Abubakar. I want to correct one impression, Dr. Abiye Sekibo has a personal relationship with Alhaji Atiku, not Rivers State.
“Dr. Abiye Sekibo was Minister of Transport when Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was the Vice president of Nigeria. Can you people mention one project in Okrika, in Ogu/Bolo, I don’t even want to talk about Rivers State, that he brought?”
The Rivers State governor said leadership is not about personal aggrandisement, but serving the people, protecting their interest, while building up others as competent successors.
Governor Wike stated that people like Dr. Sekibo number among those who are never satisfied with the fortunes they have enjoyed in life, otherwise, he should have been silent in the public sphere for his failure in leadership.
“I was a Minister, junior Minister in that matter. But I am proud to say anywhere I go to in this State (Rivers), I brought dividend of democracy to Rivers State.
“As a junior Minister, I brought the Oil and Gas Polytechnic to Rivers State that is sited in Bonny. There was no Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt since the creation of that institution, but I brought it.
“As a Minister, I made sure Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic and the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, even if they are State’s institutions, I made sure they got grant of N500M each.”
Governor Wike also mentioned his several educational interventions at the primary secondary school levels, which depict what true leadership should be.
The governor stressed that Dr. Abiye Sekibo as Secretary to the Rivers State government did not also execute any project of note in Okrika. While he, as Chief of Staff, delivered several road projects in Rumuepirikom.
Governor Wike also listed s number of projects his administration awarded that are handled by Dr. Sekibo, which today, in Sekibo’s estimation has become something wrong.
The governor explained that the N2.1 billion Okrika sand-filling project and 2 Billion Okochiri internal road, for which the sum of N1. 3 billion and N1.6 Billion have been paid respectively, were awarded to Dr Sekibo. Including the N1.4 Billion contract for the Okujaku Street, Danjuma Drive in Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt.
He urged the Constituency and Ward Liaison Officers to do their work in getting reports on the feelings and expectations of the people about his administration’s performance.
The governor noted that it is not too late to make amends should there be such need to do so in response to the aspirations of Rivers people.
“Your business, those of you who are liaison officers, is to co-ordinate the Special Assistants who will give you feedback of what the people at the unit levels are talking about us; where they want us to go; are we doing well politically, are we doing well in the economy?
“What are the things they expect that we should be doing that we are not doing so that we can make amends. It is not too late to make amends.”
Governor Wike declared that PDP governorship candidate, all the House of Representatives, Senate and State House of Assembly will win in the 2023 general elections. He however, disclosed that the State is yet to determine what to do concerning the presidential election.
“PDP will win our State. I am not hiding it as far as the governorship, House of Reps, Senate and State Assembly is concerned. The other one we have not decided, until the right thing is done.”
03 November 2022
Adebola Williams commemorates International Day of the Girl Child; amplifies gender advocacy efforts in Nigeria, Morocco, Rwanda, Botswana, and Liberia
In commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child, media entrepreneur, author and Chairman of the AW Network, Adebola Williams stepped up efforts at advancing the course of women and the girl child in Africa by embarking on a series of female gender-focused activities throughout the month of October.
Starting from Nigeria, Williams organised a private screening of the blockbuster movie, Woman King, hosting the Consul General of France, Laurence Monmayrant with girls from ten selected schools across Lagos. Starring African-American actress, Viola Davies, the historical epic film highlights the gallantry and exploits of inspired and empowered African women.
“The world always tells women who they can be; the world always wants to control women. It is therefore important that we have stories and symbols that show what you can become,” Williams said while speaking to the girls at the screening.
The media entrepreneur also gifted the girls copies of his riveting book African Power Girls courtesy Schlumberger, Platform Capital and Knorr Nigeria. The book was authored by Williams to inspire and empower a new generation of young girls. “The reason why I wrote this book and the reason why I have shown you this film today is because I want you all to know that there is something great in you, and if you can express it, you will be a true African Power Girl”.
Taking further the message, Williams spoke at the 2022 African Philanthropy Forum Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. Leading the charge at the Forum, Williams listed ways men can help close the gender gap while further highlighting the power of storytelling. “I am used to [seeing] a world where people tell women what they can be and cannot be. People tell women what they should and cannot do. And I realised that it comes from a place of lack of knowledge, we must do more to tell the glory tales of women. What society glorifies multiplies. We must amplify these stories that litter our history and daily existence to correct these anomalies in perception of women,” he said.
Stating the role men have to play in advancing the cause of women and girls around the world, he mentioned that they need to be bold with their support for women, give women credit for their work, model the balanced world they want to see at home for their children (boys and girls) and demand for women inclusion whenever they see odd setups from boards to councils and posters for events and meetings.
In another session with students of the African Leadership University, Kigali Campus, he highlighted several ways young women can build the equitable world they wish to see. He went further to underscore the need to navigate stereotypes and ceilings through robust, knowledge-driven conversations.
At a separate engagement in Casablanca, Morocco, Williams engaged fellow Choiseul Laureates at the Choiseul Africa Business Forum on closing the gender gap in all their areas of influence. He also secured partnerships to further amplify the poignant message contained in his book.
According to him, there are plans in the pipeline to produce animations, movies and other forms of storytelling that will radically push the message of equality and woman-power. He hinted that strategic partnerships are being finalised to have these modes of storytelling translated into other major languages including French and Swahili to achieve wider continental spread.
Pushing forward with efforts to advance opportunities for women and girls, Williams ensures the African Power Girls book travels around the continent. In his outreach in Liberia where the UN Women Country Head, Comfort Lamptey joined the country’s Vice President, Jewel Taylor and First Lady, Clar Weah to lead and engage young girls in reading the book. In Botswana, he commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child in an outreach led by Botswana former minister and UN High Level Climate Change champion, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo.
Adebola Williams believes that centering women across the world – especially on the African continent where there is widespread discrimination, oppression, and abuse – will go a long way in accelerating global growth and development. It is based on this premise that he has chosen to dedicate considerable efforts to sensitize people on the imperatives of raising the next generation of #AfricanPowerGirls using the power of storytelling.
PRESS RELEASE
LAGOS APC REMAINS UNBEATABLE, TINUBU BOASTS AS HE REUNITES WITH POLITICAL BASE
…Says party has become stronger than he left it
…Ganduje, Shettima join Sanwo-Olu’s consultative meeting Arewa community in Alaba Rago
All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, returned to his political base for the first time after winning the party’s presidential ticket in fiercely contested primaries.
Tinubu was at Lagos APC secretariat on Acme Road in Ogba on Wednesday for the party’s caucus meeting, shelving other engagements to reunite with his political family.
Activities in the area were brought to a halt, as Lagos APC leaders, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) members and thousands of party faithful received the presidential candidate.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led all members of the State Executive Council to the meeting presided over by the Lagos APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.
Tinubu told the gathering that he returned to his political base to meet the Lagos APC family stronger than he left it. He said those entrusted with the administration of the party affairs after he weaned himself off the supervisory duty had not made him regret his decision to pursue his presidential ambition.
Tinubu passed a vote of confidence on Sanwo-Olu and other party leaders for nurturing the APC political machinery in the State, stressing that the party remained unbeatable in Lagos.
He said: “I left Lagos for Abuja, leaving the party members with Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, leaders of the Governor’s Advisory Council and other party leaders. They are the ones who released me to go to Abuja to contest. I left with many doubts and I was uncertain about what would be the fate of the party. I was constantly in touch with the Governor and his deputy.
“Sometimes, I would call the party chairman and ask them if we were doing the right thing in Lagos. The reports they always gave me gave me more courage and confidence to move on with my engagement in Abuja. I thank all of our leaders for keeping the party stronger. I handed over to you an undefeated platform in Lagos. The manner with which the party affairs have been conducted shows these people have fairly managed the home base.”
Tinubu recalled that his journey to secure the party’s presidential nomination in Abuja was littered with uncertainties, but said the support raised from Lagos APC leadership boosted his confidence to move on and win the primaries.
The party’s National Leader said he was in the presidential race to win, but said his fate was in the hands of the party members who, he said, must work hard to get votes for the party at the polls.
Tinubu urged party supporters to move out to the communities in their numbers and canvass voters. The work, he said, must start with the 57 local council chairmen, charging them to reach out to aggrieved members of the party at the grassroots in order to deliver more votes for APC at the general elections.
He said: “Our Local Government chairmen must do better than any other person in delivering votes for our party. You met this party already built with structures across the communities. There may be little cracks here and there, you know what to do. Manage your anger. There is no politics without anger and pain. But with the pain comes the joy of victory.
“We are giving you an assignment to go back and recruit others. We must forget about the opposition, let’s put out effort on the voters. This is the time to reach out to aggrieved members and invite them back to the party fold. This is not the time to be angry and spill the beans. We must work together to achieve the bigger goal before us.”
Sanwo-Olu said APC in Lagos was facing the most critical election, noting that winning the presidency would be the biggest political prize to win.
The Governor told the party supporters not to rest on their oars, asking them to work for the party’s victory across boards.
He said: “Asiwaju has done several things for all of us in one form or the other. He has come to this same place to support several of us as governors, senators, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly members. He has done the assignments effortlessly in the past 23 years without asking for anything.
“God has now given us the unique opportunity today for us for the first time to also raise his hands up as our donation of the best in class to the entire country. I urge all of us to work for the victory of Asiwaju at polling unit by polling unit, ward by ward, and local government by local government.”
Earlier in the day, Sanwo-Olu attended a political consultative meeting with the Arewa community in Alaba Rago, a predominantly Hausa-Fulani neighbourhood in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The Governor was in the company of the APC Vice Presidential candidate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, and Kano State Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje to the forum where he met with the leadership of various Hausa traders in the area.
Also in Sanwo-Olu’s entourage were the Director of Administration of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure, Arc Kabiru Abdullahi, chairman of Arewa people in Lagos, Alhaji Yusuf Badaru, Galadima of Lagos, Alhaji Aliyu Banbado, Baba Oja of Alaba, Alhaji Ibrahim Malami, and a businessman, Alhaji Nasiru Aliko Koiki.
The consultation turned out to be a political rally, as youths in the area displayed various banners in support of Tinubu’s presidential ambition and Sanwo-Olu’s re-election.
The Lagos Governor said the consultation was part of his political discussions with non-indigene groups residing in the State, thanking the Hausa-Fulani community for supporting the efforts of his administration to scale up infrastructure and amenities in the LCDA.
Sanwo-Olu told the gathering that the Arewa community’s continued cooperation and support remained vital to keep APC on the winning track in Lagos and ensure the party’s candidates across board were successful in the general elections.
He said: “I’m happy to join you today in furtherance of our consultation on the future of our State. I thank you for the peace and tranquility enjoyed among all non-indigene groups in this part of Lagos. We can only achieve our development goals when we stay united and work together. Iba LCDA has not been left out in our development programme.
“You have seen the good work we are doing in Iba and the infrastructure projects we are delivering in this area. We will be completing the Lagos-Badagry highway soon. The stretch towards Okokomaiko is the final work, which will be completed by the end of the year. The General Hospital we are currently building in Iba will also be completed. We will move inside Ojo and take up Kemberi-Afromedia Road.”
Ganduje, who spoke in Hausa, said he offered to meet with the Lagos Arewa community because of the need to speak with one voice with respect to electing Tinubu as president and continuation of Sanwo-Olu’s mandate, as well as all APC candidates from the State.
Tinubu, the Kano helmsman said, embodied all qualities of a thoroughbred and detribalised Nigerian, saying the APC presidential standard bearer accorded utmost respect to all tribes, cultures and faiths.
Ganduje said the decision of the North to back Tinubu for president had already been sealed. What remains, he said, is for Lagos to produce votes that will supersede the voting strength for the APC.
He said: “We are here today with good tidings and we have brought you good news. As far as the Northern part of this country is concerned, the issue of Tinubu presidency is already completed. We are waiting for you Lagosians to come out and support this with your votes. In Kano, Asiwaju will get more votes than any state will give him. We challenge you Lagosians to promise us that you will defeat Kano in the choice of Tinubu.”
Shettima said 2023 would be a payback time for Tinubu in the North, given that the APC presidential standard bearer had backed candidates from the North in previous national elections.
“For us in the North, this is a payback time for Tinubu. We are people of honour; we must honour our pledge and commitment. We urge you to vote for all candidates of APC in Lagos, from president to governorship and all legislative offices. I call on you to vote en masse for Governor Sanwo-Olu and support his good work,” Shettima said.
Responding on behalf of the Arewa community, Badaru said Hausa people in Lagos remained committed to the cause of APC and would double their efforts to ensure the party’s candidates in the State got elected.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
02 NOVEMBER 2022
AYU LACKS CAPACITY TO STOP ANY CANDIDATE FROM CONTESTING ELECTION-WIKE
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has challenged Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to dare stop any candidate of the party from contesting the 2023 general election if he has such capacity.
Governor Wike threw up the challenge in Port Harcourt on Sunday at a media parley in reaction to recent comment by Senator Ayu saying that nobody can sack him, and that he has powers to stop any candidate from participating in the 2023 election.
Governor Wike described such boast by Senator Ayu as evidence of arrogance and impunity because the threat, empty as it is, was directed at the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, who is his benefactor and guarantor when he contested for the party’s national chairmanship position.
“That also tells you the impunity, I heard when he said he would have stopped (Gov) Ortom from running. You see how ungrateful humans are. This was the same (his) governor Ortom who pleaded with us and said he can take this risk and let him become the national chairman.
“This is a man who never campaigned anywhere. This is a man who never printed any poster even when they gave him money to print posters. Now, he can even tell you that if he wanted to stop the man (Ortom) who brought him, who became his guarantor. That is the corruption we are talking about
“He has now come into office. He has seen money. He has seen power. Now, he can open his mouth to say that if he wanted to stop Ortom, he will do it. We dare him. And he said he can also stop any contestant. I dare him. If he is national chairman, I dare him to stop any contestant, if he has what it takes.”
The Rivers State governor wondered the basis of Senator Ayu’s comment on him being sacked when the issues on ground is the demand for his resignation.
Governor Wike said nobody has said that Senator Ayu should be sacked. He emphasised that it is important that people understand the difference between being sacked and the call for promises made to be kept.
“And what we are saying is, as a man of honour, if he (Ayu) has any, keep to your honour, keep to your integrity. So, the issue of people sacking him does not arise.
“All we are saying is, keep to the agreement, yes, in order for our party to show inclusivity, to show in our party that we are not marginalising any zone. That if the presidential candidate comes from the north as it has come from the north, then the national chairman will come from the south.
“So, saying that nobody can sack him does not arise. Nobody has said he must be sacked. For you to be sacked, there are procedures for sacking people.”
Governor Wike stressed that the call for the resignation of Senator Ayu is in agreement with the letter and spirit of the party’s constitution.
The governor explained that the party’s constitution clearly spelt it out that the positions of the national chairman of the party and the presidential candidate cannot be of the same zone as currently is the case.
“By our party’s constitution, there must be zoning for elective and political offices. He had said, knowing fully well that there was no way the presidential candidate and the national party’s chairman should come from one zone, that if the presidential candidate comes from the north I (he) will resign to allow the south to produce the national chairman.
“If at this point in time, you’re the national chairman of the party who has told Nigerians that this is what you’ll do if this happens, and now that has happened and you’re running away from doing that, so, how do you think that Nigerians will believe you assuming you try to tell them to vote for your party.”
Governor Wike said it is really up to Senator Ayu if he is still hell bent not to tread the path of honour in keeping his promise. He has however, advised Senator Ayu to be wary of whatever that is giving him confidence.
“What we are saying is that we want our party to win. But if you think you can do without keeping to the promises you have made, so be it.”
Speaking further, Governor Wike pointed to the fact that one of the reasons why Senator Ayu has been reluctant to leave office is because he wants to continue to superintendent over the PDP finances despite having failed to give account of how party primaries funds were expended.
“Why does he not want to resign? He is hoping that Nigerians will donate money to the party so he will superintendent over that money.
“He has already finished the one of N11 billion from party’s primaries. Account for it, he says it is in the account. Show the public the account. Print out the statement of account of PDP and let the world see how the N11 billion was expended.
“And this is the party that all of us have laboured to takeover power from the ruling party that we said has done badly. And then the national chairman will open his mouth to talk about stopping contestants. Ayu shouldn’t say so. He tried it in Rivers State. He came to manipulate and try to put some gubernational aspirants, but he saw the result. We dealt with him.”
Governor Wike mocked those who are saying that they can do without the five PDP governors demanding for inclusivity in the party.
The governor reminded them that votes are not cast in the media, neither are elections won there, but in the units, local governments and States where those five governors are at home with their people. According to him, the outcome of the elections will surprise them.
The governor also took a swipe at Dele Momodu, who only joined the PDP during the presidential primaries. he further mocked him for securing only one vote as presidential aspirant during the primaries.
The Rivers State governor said he will never allow anybody to use his name to become relevant as Osita Chidoka is trying to do.
Governor Wike stated when Chidoka was once denied the party’s governorship ticket in his State, he left the PDP to another.
Governor Wike maintained that he is a different breed of a politician, who do not and will not abandoned his party, but has resolved to remain in it to fight for inclusivity.
PRESS RELEASE
GANDUJE, SHETTIMA JOIN SANWO-OLU’S CONSULTATION WITH AREWA COMMUNITY IN ALABA RAGO
- ‘We’ll keep our bond with APC’ – Arewa leaders
Alaba Rago, a predominantly Hausa-Fulani community in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, was a beehive on Wednesday, as thousands trooped out to receive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on consultative meetings with the residents.
The Governor was in the company of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Presidential candidate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, and Kano State Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje to the forum where he met with the leadership of various Hausa traders in the area.
Also in Sanwo-Olu’s entourage were the Director of Administration of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure, Arc Kabiru Abdullahi, chairman of Arewa people in Lagos, Alhaji Yusuf Badaru, Galadima of Lagos, Alhaji Aliyu Banbado, Baba Oja of Alaba, Alhaji Ibrahim Malami, and a businessman, Alhaji Nasiru Aliko Koiki.
The consultation turned out to be a political rally, as youths in the area displayed various banners in support of presidential ambition of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu’s re-election.
The Lagos Governor said the consultation was part of his political discussions with non-indigene groups residing in the State, thanking the Hausa-Fulani community for supporting the efforts of his administration to scale up infrastructure and amenities in the LCDA.
Sanwo-Olu told the gathering that the Arewa community’s continued cooperation and support remained vital to keep APC on the winning track in Lagos and ensure the party’s candidates across board were successful in the general elections.
The Governor reiterated his commitment to complete all ongoing projects in the area and initiate new ones.
He said: “I’m happy to join you today in furtherance of our consultation on the future of our State. I thank you for the peace and tranquility enjoyed among all non-indigene groups in this part of Lagos. We can only achieve our development goals when we stay united and work together. Iba LCDA has not been left out in our development programme.
“You have seen the good work we are doing in Iba and the infrastructure projects we are delivering in this area. We will be completing the Lagos-Badagry highway soon. The stretch towards Okokomaiko is the final work, which will be completed by the end of the year. The General Hospital we are currently building in Iba will also be completed. We will move inside Ojo and take up Kemberi-Afromedia Road.”
Ganduje, who spoke in Hausa, said he offered to meet with the Lagos Arewa community because of the need to speak with one voice with respect to electing Tinubu as president and continuation of Sanwo-Olu’s mandate, as well as all APC candidates from the State.
Tinubu, the Kano helmsman said, embodied all qualities of a thoroughbred and detribalised Nigerian, saying the APC presidential standard bearer accorded utmost respect to all tribes, cultures and faiths.
Ganduje said the decision of the North to back Tinubu for president had already been sealed. What remains, he said, is for Lagos to produce votes that will supersede the voting strength for the APC.
He said: “We are here today with good tidings and we have brought you good news. As far as the Northern part of this country is concerned, the issue of Tinubu presidency is already completed. We are waiting for you Lagosians to come out and support this with your votes. In Kano, Asiwaju will get more votes than any state will give him. We challenge you Lagosians to promise us that you will defeat Kano in the choice of Tinubu.”
Shettima said 2023 would be a payback time for Tinubu in the North, given that the APC presidential standard bearer had backed candidates from the North in previous national elections.
The Vice Presidential candidate cited instances where Tinubu sacrificed personal ambition and offered political sanctuary to Northern political figures, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and former chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu. He added that Tinubu’s backing of President Muhammadu Buhari paved the way for the current administration.
“For us in the North, this is a payback time for Tinubu. We are people of honour; we must honour our pledge and commitment. We urge you to vote for all candidates of APC in Lagos, from president to governorship and all legislative offices. I call on you to vote en masse for Governor Sanwo-Olu and support his good work,” Shettima said.
Responding on behalf of the Arewa community, Badaru said Hausa people in Lagos remained committed to the cause of APC and would double their efforts to ensure the party’s candidates in the State got elected.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
02 NOVEMBER 2022
2023 Guber: Fubara Is The Next Governor Of Rivers State – Obuah
Though nothing should be left to chances in next year’s general elections, but it is very obvious that the governorship flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the next governor of Rivers State, Bro Felix Obuah, Director General, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rivers State Campaign Council has declared.
The Director General of the PDP Campaign Council in Rivers State, Bro Obuah stated this while addressing a cross section of his followers from parts of the state who visited him in Port Harcourt.
The assurance he said, is predicated on the visible quality leadership and good governance that has become the hallmark of the PDP-led government in the state ably powered by His Excellency, Chief Bar. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
Bro Obuah pleaded with the followers to continue to toe the path of wisdom and cast their votes wisely, stressing that the PDP guber candidate, Sir Fubara has all the attributes required to sustain the infrastructural revolution in the state by Gov Wike for the interest of the larger Rivers majority.
“Everyone of you is therefore expected to be fully committed to this vision in your various localities and you will not regret it.
You know that government is a continuum. “The important thing is that His Excellency has established the legacy which has to be followed by the party till such a time good governance becomes the true and only character of political leadership in the State.
“That was the formula adopted by the largest democracies of the West. The organized system didn’t just fall from the blues. With your support and commitment it can be replicated in Rivers State, God being on our side”, Bro declared.
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity
To Bro Felix Obuah
Director General
Rivers PDP Campaign Council.
November 1, 2022.
PRESS RELEASE
TINUBU MEETS BUSINESS LEADERS IN LAGOS, PRESENTS ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT
- Sanwo-Olu to private sector: ‘Only Tinubu among contenders has magic wand to turn challenges to opportunities’
Business leaders, investors and captains of industry across various sectors now have a glimpse into the economic agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tinubu and his team, on Tuesday, shared details of his economic blueprint with the organised private sector during an interactive meeting with industrialists, business executives, entrepreneurs and foreign investors in Lagos.
The forum, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, was organised at the instance of the Lagos State Government.
Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, foremost entrepreneur and investor, Tony Elumelu, and founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, led the pack of business leaders that graced the event, which was also attended by Tinubu’s running mate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, APC governors and party stalwarts.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu set the tone for the engagement, noting that Tinubu’s meeting with the organised private sector players way ahead of his fellow contenders in the presidential race demonstrated the APC candidate’s commitment and seriousness to drive the desired change expected in the national economy.
The Lagos Governor said his predecessor was no stranger to the needs, concerns and interests of the private sector, stressing that Tinubu, as a visionary political economist, understood the pulse of investors and possessed the magic wand to turn around contemporary challenges facing the business community and change their concerns to positive results.
Sanwo-Olu said: “Asiwaju Tinubu is a man that has been able to combine political acumen with the understanding of the economy and economics of every jurisdiction. As Governor of Lagos, Tinubu pioneered several firsts which still stand till today. During Asiwaju’s tenure, he initiated the idea of the Economic Summit as a catalyst for economic development. He started in Lagos with the Ehingbeti Summit in 2001. That summit has continued to lead the successive administrations after him into various applaudable economic agendas.
“Under the Tinubu’s leadership, Lagos became the first sub-national entity to bring about the Independent Power Project (IPP) and first state to initiate the idea of establishing a seaport. Yesterday (last Monday), that vision came to fruition as we witnessed the completion of Lekki Deep Seaport. This speaks to the sheer doggedness and audacity of this man of vision. Eko Atlantic City is today the biggest real estate developed in this part of Africa through reclamation of the ocean. All thanks to the vision of Asiwaju to turn problems to opportunities.”
The Governor said the immersion of private sector professionals in public governance was an idea fiercely pursued by Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos Governor, stressing that the APC candidate created a first-rated private sector-driven cabinet that remained the envy of every government in the current republic.
Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu would bring his private sector dexterity and acumen to bear in administering the country, as the APC presidential standard bearer understood the pains and concerns of those in the business sector.
“Today, Tinubu is here as a politician and leader of our party. On the other side, you all see a man that is compassionate, intelligent, business-driven and has acumen to solve the challenges the private sector experiences on a daily basis. I present to you the man that has what it takes to lead this country forward to the prosperous future with Renewed Hope,” Lagos Governor said.
Tinubu said the 2023 presidential election presented another opportunity for Nigeria, which, he said, stands at the threshold between indifference and greatness.
He said the cardinal programmes of his economic policies would not be limited to the sole domain of one sector, noting that the benefits would be reaped in the cooperation between government and the private sector.
Tinubu said the private sector and the government should constantly be at war, but must not wage the battle as enemies. He said the government and business community must stand as inseparable allies to combat common enemies of scarcity, underdevelopment, joblessness and the fear they brought to the polity.
The APC candidate said his administration would be targeting double digit GDP for the country to reduce the poverty rate and revive industries by bringing the nation’s industrial policy to life.
Tinubu said: “I share a few ideas that provide some insight into my vision for a more prosperous and secure nation where hope is renewed and despair rebuffed. All Nigerians must be partners in our better future. We must maintain the spirit of respectful and productive dialogue. At times what I say may help you. Other times, what you say may enlighten me. We must always talk and confer with the best of intentions. Just as I maintain open-door policy before the election, I shall continue to honour it after the election.
“We shall not be satisfied by bolstering traditional sectors. We will foster productive excellence in new areas, such as manufacturing and the Nollywood entertainment sector. Through active participation in the digital economy, we shall make Nigeria a leader, instead of a bystander, in the fourth industrial revolution. We will seek a consumer credit revolution, working in concert with the banking sector. Credit at affordable rates enables the purchase of more home made products and the construction of more homes. The standard of living shall rise and the strength of the business sector shall increase in similar measure.”
The APC presidential candidate said his experience in both private sector and public office afforded him a special appreciation of the economic potency that could be achieved leveraging collaboration between the government and the business community.
Tinubu said Lagos was the appropriate location for the private sector engagement, because the State’s economic growth had become his visible experiment that could support his claim of competency and ability.
He said: “We turned this Lagos into a safer, more prosperous place where people can go about any legitimate vocation or venture regardless of their ethnicity, religion, region or prior social station. We did more than open Lagos for business. We opened the door for all Nigerians to join and experience the decent things progressive democratic governance can bring.
“May I remind you that when I first entered office, Lagos was a different story. My team and I developed a development master plan for Lagos. I can say that plan has been largely successful. The pragmatic problem solving and teamwork that has improved the fortunes of Lagos, is what I want to bring to the nation. I ask for your help as the task ahead is doable but also difficult.”
Shettima told the business community Tinubu remained fit to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, dispelling the claims that the APC candidate is not physically capable to lead.
The Vice Presidential candidate said: “We are not preparing for an Olympic, but an institution that harnesses the talents of humans to greatness. The respect the black man gets across the world is connected to the performance of Nigeria. We are not promising you heaven and earth, we are promising a hope for a better tomorrow.”
The Director General of Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, noted that marketing Tinubu to the business community won’t be a difficult task, given the antecedent of the candidate in turning hopeless people to business owners.
Also, the APC National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, who was represented at the event, said the party’s presidential candidate had the gravitas and the capacity to lead, saying Tinubu’s vision highlighted a new path of prosperity for Nigeria.
“Put your confidence in Asiwaju, he will not disappoint you,” Adamu told the business community.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
01 NOVEMBER 2022
