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APC fighting for old notes to buy votes – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday accused the ruling All Progr
essives Congress (APC) of fighting for the retention of old naira notes for the purpose of using it to buy votes in the forthcoming general elections.
Spokesman of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Charles Aniagwu who stated this at a news conference in Asaba, said that the ruling party was hiding under the guise of fighting for the suffering masses to perfect its illicit plans of spending its stashed old notes on vote buying.
He said that the PDP having engaged Nigerians on how it intends to recover and rebuild the country from the ruins of the APC-led government was very much prepared for the elections and warned against moves that could lead to postponement of the polls.
He accused the APC of plotting to derail the electioneering process by instituting frivolous court injunction and warned that the PDP was very ready for the polls to hold as scheduled.
According to Aniagwu, we are depending on the interface we have had with Nigerians and we are depending on the fact that Nigerians know that Atiku-Okowa have what it takes to rescue and rebuild Nigeria.
“Why is the APC going to court to seek extension of the old notes rather than ask the court to compel the CBN to release more new notes to the populace?
“The PDP as a political party would want the elections to hold as scheduled. We are impressing it upon the Federal Government and the Central Bank to make sure that funds are available to the people in line with the limits they have set.
“This is important so that when you go to the ATM or the banking hall, you should be able to access the little or the much you desire in line with that benchmark.
“That is because as a Campaign Organisation and as a political party we are not depending on vote buying, we are very confident of the interface we have had with Nigerians.
“We are confident because Nigerians are looking towards the direction of Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa to recover us from where we are,”
He said the APC was jittery over the naira redesign policy because it banked on its stashed funds to buy votes.
“Why the APC have been very busy fighting Muhammadu Buhari and the CBN Governor because they know that they are losing this election, we are confident that we even want the election to hold tomorrow so that we can begin the process of recovery.
“We are very much eager to go into this election because we are very confident that Nigerians are yearning for the PDP to return to power so that we can begin to move our country forward once again.”
Aniagwu further said that the PDP as a party was not interested in joining the suit against the CBN or the Federal Government and added that any party member who does so was on his own.
“Anybody in the PDP who says he is joining people to go to court for the purpose of truncating the process does not enjoy the support of our Presidential Campaign Council or the party at large.
“We do appreciate the challenges Nigerians are going through with respect to the scarcity of the redesigned Naira notes, we are comforted by the fact that the CBN said it’s doing something to shore up the available funds so that banks will be in a better position to meet up with the demands of genuine Nigerians who want to spend their money legitimately.
“We support every effort to trap all illicit funds and not make them available for this election. We are very much aware that the APC and its presidential available for this election. We are very much aware that the APC and its presidential candidate are depending on stashed funds largely in the old naira notes.
“That is why you find it very astonishing that three governors of the same political party that initiated a policy are the ones that decided to go to the Supreme Court with a view to short-circuit the progress that is being made.
“You begin to wonder why they didn’t join the CBN or even the banks, because they know that if they do that they cannot run to the Supreme Court and so they went ahead to activate the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court with respect to cases between the Federal Government and the states,” he said.
Aniagwu who is also Commissioner for Information in Delta said Emefiele and the CBN had been a subject of discussion over the naira redesign policy and wondered why they weren’t joined in their ill-fated suit.
“When they cry they shout Emefiele, they call CBN, now they went to court they didn’t not sue the elements, they didn’t sue the CBN, that tells you that that party is only confused but they know that they have lost this election.
“We have it on good authority that the APC is trying to trigger processes that could lead to the postponement of this election but we are happy with the position of the INEC Chairman that this election will hold as scheduled.
“We are continuing our interface with Nigerians, and as a Presidential Campaign Council, we are confident that Nigerians are looking in our direction.
“We plead with Nigerians that the challenges they are going through today will be over in a not too distant time, the Egyptians they see today they shall see them no more.
“We are also very happy with Nigerians for the amount of decorum they have maintained even in the midst of the frustration they are going through on account of a whole lot of challenges triggered by the APC in the last seven and half years.
“The fuel crisis we are having now is worse than any we have had before, just check out the amount you are paying for fuel yet Nigerians are eager to bear and allow the APC to just go away so that the PDP can kick-start the process of recovery,” he stated
He said the party’s Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa were very much ready to hit the ground running because the issues militating against the growth and development of the country were very much known to them.
“Atiku-Okowa are very much ready for the purpose of hitting the ground running from day one because the issues are very well known to us and we have been able to speak to the how with respect to what we have said we are going to do.
“We are not like other Presidential candidates that are talking about what they are going to do without talking about how they are going to do it,”
On the fuel scarcity issue, Aniagwu queried the three governors for not approaching the Supreme Court to resolve the impasse.
“How come the three governors didn’t know that we had a Supreme Court? In this country, people were having a very difficult time to even obtain their PVCs these governors were very busy minding their business.
“Today they pose as if what is affecting them is not having naira in the pockets of Nigerians, that is not their challenge, their challenge is how to deploy the old notes that they have stashed if not why didn’t they ask the court to impress it on CBN to provide the new naira notes?
“Why are they interested in the old notes? Nigerians are saying we can’t access the new notes and why can’t these governors go to court to say please print more money let us have the new notes?
“Why are they interested in the old notes? Nigerians are saying we can’t access the new notes and why can’t these governors go to court to say please print more money let us have the new notes?
Why are they busy talking about the old ones? This tells you where they are coming from and I tell you very honestly, with the support of Nigerians we are very convinced that these Egyptians we shall see them no more very soon,” Aniagwu stated.
Okowa Congratulates Ewherido, Bishop Of Warri Catholic Diocese
Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Rt. Rev. Anthony Ewherido on his ordination as 5th Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Warri.
Bishop Ewherido, 62, a Professor of Biblical Theology and Languages, was until his appointment and ordination as Bishop, the Rector of the Seminary of SS. Peter & Paul, Ibadan.
In a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Thursday in Asaba, Okowa said that the Urhobo people, Deltans and Nigerians were proud of his elevation as the first Urhobo Catholic priest to be elevated to the position of Bishop.
The governor noted that Ewherido’s emerged after a highly competitive selection process, but said that he wasn’t surprised as his appointment as Bishop was long awaited.
He said “with your resounding intellect, great pastoral zeal and compassion, you have over the years risen above board by preaching the word of faith towards repentance.
“It is our prayer that, in your new position, God uses you to counsel and move the entire Warri Catholic Diocese, in the direction in which you have been ordained to lead.”
Okowa wished the new Bishop God’s guidance and success in his high ecclesiastical responsibility.
Okowa congratulates New NLC President, Ajaero
Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated newly elected President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero until his election by consensus at the 13th National Delegates Conference on Wednesday in Abuja, was the Deputy President of NLC and General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE).
Okowa said in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika in Asaba, that Ajaero’s election was well-deserved considering his outstanding contributions to Labour movement in Nigeria over the years.
He said that the emergence of Ajaero as new Labour leader came at a time the people needed Organised Labour to fight for solutions to the plethora of challenges bedevilling the nation.
He urged him to rise to the occasion and provide the much needed leadership to engage governments at all levels for the good of the nation, particularly workers in the country.
He assured that his administration would continue to partner Labour to better the lot of workers in the state.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate a dogged Comrade in the struggle, Mr Joe Ajaero, on his election as the 6th President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“Your election is coming at a time when Nigerians needed the organised Labour to fight for their interests and I have no doubt that you will live up to expectations.
“As an administration, we have continued to partner Labour leaders to better the lots of workers, and I also use this opportunity to congratulate our immediate past President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, for successfully completing his tenure in office.
“It is my prayer that God will grant you the wisdom and knowledge to lead Nigerian workers, especially at these troubled times,” Okowa stated.
Okowa performs groundbreaking for Tingo Foods processing facility
Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday, performed the groundbreaking for the multi-billion naira Tingo Foods Plc Food Processing Facility, in the state.
The governor performed the function at the project site at Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.
The facility is an agro-industrial complex that will produce a variety of food products including rice, pasta (noodles and spaghetti) , tea, beverages, beer, bottled water, biscuits, chocolate and others.
The project also includes a storage facility to serve the factories and covers a total area of 382,600 square metres (38.26 ha)
Speaking at the ceremony, Gov. Okowa congratulated the project investors emphasising that the project was a validation of the conducive business environment created by his administration in the past seven and half years.
Represented by the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh, Okowa reiterated that the benefits of the project to farmers and people of the state were in line with the development objectives of the state government which include job creation, inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity for all Deltans.
He said that the state government would continue to identify with the project given the potential benefits of the private sector agro-processing complex to the agricultural value chain in the state.
Special Guest of Honour and Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, in his remarks said that the facility was one of the private sector initiatives under the Special Agricultural Processing Zones (SAPZs) programme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and African Development Bank.
The event marks the commencement of construction of the foods processing facility, wholly owned by Tingo International Holdings Inc. The President of Tingo Foods Plc, Dr. Christopher Cleverly, as well as Chief Executive Officer of Tingo Foods Plc, Ms. Neta Mehta, were in attendance.
Others include His Royal Majesty, Obi Victor Chukwumalieze, Obi of Onicha-Ugbo, President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Farouk Rabiu Mudi, Commissioner of Police, other invited dignitaries and people of Onicha-Ugbo.
Polls: Delta Creative Professionals endorse Atiku-Okowa, pledge 50,000 votes
Members of the Delta Creative Professionals (DCP) on Friday endorsed the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for the 2023 general elections.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu in Asaba, leader of the delegation and veteran broadcaster, Mr Samuel Fejokwu said the endorsement was sequel to a review of the state of affairs in the Creative Arts Industry in Delta State in particular and the country in general as well as the implications of the 2023 general elections on the development of the industry and the nation at large.
Fejokwu said members of the group which comprises of Comedians, Musicians, Actors, Events Anchors, Djs, Dancers and Content Creators, have pledged to mobilise no fewer than 50,000 votes for Atiku-Okowa and Sheriff-Onyeme in Delta.
According to him, members noted that beyond personal/group collaborative efforts, the Federal Government of Nigeria had virtually failed to create an enabling environment for the industry to thrive in the country.
“They lauded the impactful contributions of Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa in appointing creative professionals into his administration geared towards advancing the cause of the industry were noted with delight and applauded.
“The increasing state of insecurity across the country with apparent inaction by the Buhari administration was noted with grave concern and strongly condemned.
“The untold hardship being experienced by the generality of Nigerians with regards to difficulties faced in getting petroleum products as well as access to liquid cash was equally condemned, as it was noted that the APC Administration is the worst ever since Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
“We reviewed the profile of the political parties and their Presidential/Vice Presidential Candidates with a view to determining the Ticket that will best serve the general interest of Nigerians in the midst of the socio-economic and political strangulation that they are currently subjected to for no fault of theirs.
“Consequently, after a painstaking evaluation of the issues raised, the meeting resolved as follows: that Nigerians generally should put the country in prayers to ensure its continued existence, unity, solidarity and development.
“That Nigerians should remain vigilant and ensure that their PVCs are readily available for use in the forthcoming general elections;
“That having examined and evaluated the profiles of the Presidential Candidates as well as Vice Presidential Candidates of the various political parties, the ticket of Atiku/Okowa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was adjudged as the most suitable to rescue and salvage Nigeria at this point in time.
“Subsequently, the ticket was unanimously adopted and endorsed for – the plurality of the ticket (North & South); religious balance of the ticket (Christians & Muslims); the ticket features the most experienced candidates ( former VP & current Governor); and the ticket represents the party with the most articulate manifesto to recover and restore Nigeria.
“We therefore urged well meaning Nigerians to vote unanimously for the Atiku/Okowa ticket to ensure restoration of the progressive spirits of unity, faith, resilience, courage, patriotism and dignity of labour which have been associated with Nigerians and which explains the atmosphere of peaceful co-existence which, unfortunately, is currently lacking among the people on account of the APC maladministration,” he said.
The group commended Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for his giant strides in the socio-economic development of Delta State as well as the construction and inauguration of the Maryam Babaginda Leisure Park and Film Village; and for his unflinching devotion to the promotion of entertainment and talent development.
“To contribute our quota to the ticket, we are planning to host a Voters Sensitization, Peace and Unity Concert tagged ONE NAIJA/ONE DELTA CONCERT at the DOME Event Centre, Asaba to ensure the realization of the goal for a New Nigeria of Unity, Equity, Justice and Social Progress.
“We note with appreciation the sacrifices made by registered voters and for their tolerance of the ignoble APC government and urged them to Vote Atiku/Okowa for President/Vice President of Nigeria and Sheriff/Onyeme for Governor/Deputy Governor of Delta State,” Fejokwu added.
Responding, Aniagwu who is also Spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, thanked the creative industry practitioners for endorsing the Atiku-Okowa Presidential ticket and the Sheriff Oborevwori and Monday Onyeme Governorship ticket.
He said the administration owed the creative industry a lot of appreciation for taking a lot of restive youths out of crime and criminality by engaging them in the industry.
“A lot of restive youths in the state have been engaged by you and that has contributed immensely to the peace in the state.
“When people read Delta for the good reasons, as an administration we recognise the very critical role you have played in helping us to achieve that particular feat.
“Beyond the achievements of Gov. Okowa in Delta, you have recognised the balanced nature of the ticket in terms of the geographical spread, the experience they parade and the credibility the PDP brings to governance in Nigeria and the diversity in the PDP and what Atiku-Okowa represents with respect to solving the many ills in our society today.
“In this case your endorsement is not resting on an empty ground, your endorsement is resting on facts that you have clearly put across.
“Your concert in support of the ticket is a welcome development because it will help us to bring to the fore the need for Nigerians to vote the Atiku-Okowa ticket rescue and rebuild our country,” Aniagwu stated.
Jimoh Ibrahim storms Okitipupa with Aseyori welfare packs….
as Ondo SSG, Oladunni Odu canvasses votes for Tinubu, Ibrahim, other APC candidates.
Okitipupa, the headquarters of Okitipupa Local government stood still for Dr.Jimoh Ibrahim. CFR on Thursday, February 9, 2023 as the purveyor of Aseyori Strategy and his campaign team arrived the Government Field Okitipupa, where members of APC in both Okitipupa wards 1 and 2 had gathered to listen to the APC Senatorial hopefull as well as collect the Aseyori welfare packs which was transported to the rally in lorry load.
Over 40 , 000 residents across the two wards thronged the Government Field where Dr Jimoh Ibrahim, Princess Oladunni Odu and other Ondo South strong party men and women were in attendance.
Dr. Ibrahim noted that Okitipupa has continued to play prominent role in the evolution of Ikaleland right from when it had been the headquarters of the defunct Okitipupa division.
Ibrahim said he was excited to see such huge number of people coming out, adding that Okitipupa holds a pride of place in his heart.
He said he would move the Senate to pay the needed attention to Ikale, Ilaje, Apoi in the 10th Senate, stressing that he has a mandate for going to the senate, which is to bring development to Ondo South, hence his reaching to people of likes mind to believe in him and make his desire for the development of Ondo South possible by voting for him come February, 25.
The Secretary to Ondo State Government, SSG, Princess Oladunni Odu at the rally said Okitipupa people know on which side their bread is buttered and who can better their lot in the Senate, hence the need for them all to vote for Dr Jimoh Ibrahim for the Senate.
The first female Secretary to the Government of Ondo State noted further that the Ondo South electorate should vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for President, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim for Senate and should remember to vote APC across all the elective offices on election day.
The visit to Okitipupa to distribute the Aseyori welfare packs by Dr Jimoh Ibrahim was in continuation of the second phase of his campaign tour of the 66 wards making up Ondo South Senatorial district .
Currency swap: We’ll reconvene before elections if…. – Gbajabiamila
…says Tinubu stands with Nigerians
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the House would have no option but to reconvene before the February 25 elections if the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) failed to address the hardships Nigerians face due to the currency swap policy.
The speaker said the House would continue to monitor the CBN’s implementation of the policy closely following the Green Chamber’s meeting with the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, on the issue.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with some ethnic groups in Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday, Gbajabiamila said he was on the verge of signing an arrest warrant against Emefiele following his initial failure to appear before an ad hoc panel of the House.
“The House of Representatives intervened on several occasions. We summoned the CBN governor the first time and again, but he refused to answer, because we had many hard questions for him.
“It was until I issued the threat of warrant of arrest before he came, and I would’ve signed that warrant; it would’ve been the first time in the history of National Assembly that a CBN governor would be arrested. I would’ve done it.
“Many have argued on the independence of CBN, the autonomy of CBN. That does not make CBN above the law. The constitution gives the House the power to issue an arrest warrant against anyone, we can summon anybody, and that was exactly what the House was going to do until the CBN governor came.
“So, we are watching, and we are monitoring very closely. If need be, we will reconvene the House, even though we’ve all been away for our elections. I will call the House back, if need be.”
Gbajabiamila also said that amidst the ongoing hardship, the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has identified with Nigerians and faulted the implementation of the policy at this time, which necessitated the extension of the deadline for the collection of the old currency.
“On the currency swap, let me explain something to you. We are all very intelligent people. Many are suffering, we have paid your salary, and you cannot withdraw it; people cannot eat, what kind of thing is that?
“But I have news for you. There’s one man who is running for president of this country, and that man has courage and audacity. This man came out boldly and identified the problem, that the fifth columnists, in cooperation with the PDP are the ones trying to sabotage this election.
“Many have said he’s talking about Buhari, but he told them ‘no, I’m not talking about Buhari; I’m talking about fifth columnists.’ If you don’t know the meaning of fifth columnists, go and check your dictionary. Fifth columnists infiltrate people, they even infiltrate families, otherwise how do you explain this type of policy?
“The president, being a compassionate person that he is, has asked for a few more days to look at everything that is going on and see if anything could change. We pray that things will change. If nothing changes, we will intervene again, but be sure of one thing: that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands with you and stands with Nigerians in their suffering.
“He was the first to shout that what is going on? He has cried, he has begged, he has screamed that people are suffering, what did the PDP candidate say? He said, ‘no, CBN don’t listen to them; you must not extend this thing; let people continue to suffer.’ That is what the PDP candidate said. He said it publicly.
“So, you have the tale of two presidential candidates: one who stands with the people and says this currency swap must stop; the second one says,’ no, it cannot stop, it’s a good policy. CBN, don’t listen to him. Let the people continue to suffer.’ I leave the rest to you to determine who is with you and who is against you.”
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila held Town Hall with ethnic groups in Surulere, Lagos on Sunday, Feb 5, 2023.
The town hall meeting was also attended by the APC Lagos Central Senatorial candidate, Rt. Hon. Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, APC state assembly candidate, Surulere 1, Lagos, Hon. Desmond Elliot, Surulere Council Chairman, Hon Bamidele Suleiman Yusuf, leaders and members of the Ndigbo community, South-South assembly and Arewa community in Surulere and many other stakeholders.
PRESS STATEMENT
Akeredolu Appoints Aremo As New ODIEC Chairman
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, has approved the appointment of Dr. Joseph Igbekele Aremo as the new Chairman of Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC).
Equally, the Governor approved the reappointment of members of the Commission. They are as follows:
- Dr. Soji Omowole
- Oladele Akinyelure, Esq.
iii. Mr. Adeleye Olatunde Adeniyi
- Mrs. Stella Omotoso
- Mr. Rotimi Olorunfemi
- Dr. Ibraheem Tajudeen Ojo
Their names have been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for clearance and confirmation.
The Governor urged the lawmakers to give timely consideration and approval to his request.
Signed :
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
February 9, 2023.
February 10, 2023
Press Statement
PDP Expels Nnamani, Ogbu, Ajijola Others from the Party
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its 566th meeting today, Friday, February 10, 2023, approved the expulsion of the following individuals from the Party for anti-Party activities and other grave offences in violation of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017)
Those expelled from the Party are:
- Senator Chimaroke Nnamani – (Enugu State)
- Hon. Chris Ogbu – (Imo State)
Others are:
- Ajijola Lateef Oladimeji -(Ekiti Central)
- Olayinka James Olalere -(Ekiti Central II)
- Fayose Oluwajomiloju John -(Ekiti Central I)
- Akerele Oluyinka -(Ekiti North I)
- Emiola Adenike Jennifer -(Ekiti South II)
The expulsion takes effect from today, Friday, February 10, 2023.
The decision of the NWC is sequel to the recommendation of the National Disciplinary Committee and pursuant to Sections 58 and 59 (1)(g) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
The PDP charges all members of our Party across the country to remain united and focused on the mission of our Party to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from misrule.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI, TINUBU TO SULTAN:
WE WANT TO WIN THESE ELECTIONS
President Muhammadu Buhari and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the Presidential elections 16 days ahead, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Thursday took an important message to the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III: “We have come here to ask for your support and blessings; we want to win the coming elections.”
Asiwaju Tinubu, the first to speak and the first to bait the Sultan, said plainly to leader of the Sokoto Caliphate: “I have come to be presented to you as Candidate. The President and Commander-in-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari is here in person to do that. I want to win the election. Is there a way you will decline the request of the President?”
Echoing the same line, President Buhari said, “my wish is for your support and blessings; we want to win.”
He went on to narrate the qualities of the candidates, including their common belief and commitment to the unity and progress of every section of the country.
He said he had associated with Asiwaju for more than 20 years and did not have any reservations in supporting him as the candidate of the APC.
The President said Tinubu’s greatest strength was in his effective governance of Lagos, the country’s former Capital, a business hub and home to diverse individuals from all over Nigeria for two terms; his commitment to democracy; as well as his role at the center as a Senator.
He said his message to Nigerians is that they should trust Tinubu with power to succeed him because the APC candidate, supported by Kashim Shettima, the running mate will build on the successes of his administration.
In his response, His Eminence, Sultan Abubakar III, declared that being an apolitical father of all and custodian of culture, he would continue to receive everyone that sought the blessing of the throne, telling President Buhari that many had come before him for the same purpose while many more would still come.
“We will continue to pray for our nation. We cannot be tired of praying and will continue to advocate for peaceful and free elections in our fatherland,” the Sultan further said.
He assured President Buhari that the Caliphate was behind him as he sought to ensure free and fair elections, noting that the President’s commitment to be present at the next signing of the Peace Accord by the political parties underscored his administration’s desire to bequeath to the nation a credible electoral process.
Speaking before an unprecedented crowd at the Giginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto, the venue of the party’s Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign rally, President Buhari said that as the party’s Presidential candidate who had been nominated by the party in a free, fair and democratic primary, it was incumbent on all members to work towards the success of the party in the forthcoming elections across the state and at all levels.
He remarked that Senator Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima were men who understand the problems of Nigeria, having been in politics as two-time Governors in their respective states and would proffer solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria.
Also present at the rally were the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the party leader who got a great deal of attention at the rally, as well as other party stalwarts.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 9, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES WORK PLAN FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Ø ENERGY TRANSITION PLAN AND OFFICE NOW SUBSUMED INTO CLIMATE COUNCIL
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja approved a work plan for the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).
The President conveyed his approval at the inaugural meeting of the Council chaired by him, with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as Vice Chairman and the Director-General of NCCC, Dr Salisu Dahiru, as Secretary, among other members.
The President also approved the deployment of staff from key Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to the Council to ensure its effective take-off.
Responding to a number of requests by the Director-General of the Council, on ensuring a smooth take-off and operationalization of the Council, President Buhari approved the proposed Institutional Arrangement, (Organogram) for the Council, as presented.
He also okayed the operationalization of the office space to provide a conducive working environment for the Council and development of Open Market Carbon Trading Framework and Infrastructure (Phase I) in collaboration with M/S Rosehill Group Limited.
At the meeting, the President approved that the Energy Transition Plan and Office be subsumed into the NCCC to ensure continuity and sustainability of the initiative in accordance with the Climate Change Act 2021.
The President also endorsed the Council as the Designated National Authority for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the DG, NCCC as the UNFCCC National Focal Point, in line with the Climate Change Act 2021.
Commending the management for their dedication to duty, the President urged the team to work diligently toward finalising the National Climate Action Plan.
He noted that the Plan would provide the sustainable framework for all climate related activities in Nigeria and also provide surest tool for engagement with the global community.
The President recalled that he had assented to the Bill setting up the National Council on Climate Change, which was followed by the appointment of the Director-General and subsequent inauguration of the Council on the 28th September, 2022.
‘‘Today with this inaugural meeting, and in line with the objectives of the Act, also in tandem with my commitments both in Glasgow COP-26 in 2021 and Sharm el Sheikh COP-27 in 2022, we are stepping up commitments by considering the consolidated memorandum presented by the Director-General.
‘‘Accordingly, I have examined the requests by the Director-General and have agreed to the general terms of the intent of the memorandum on the need to operationalize the Council.
‘‘You will recall that during the inauguration of the Council in September, 2022, I gave directives for the amendment of the Act establishing the National Council on Climate Change, to include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Federal Ministry of Science & Technology and Innovation as members of Council, also to reduce the number of offices across 36 States of the Federation to avoid bureaucracy, and ensure a smooth and faster process in achieving the purpose of the Organization.
‘‘I also noted that the Act takes out the State Commissioners of Environment as members of Council or their representatives. There is no transitional provision capturing the work of the Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Energy Transition.
‘‘Furthermore, there is provision for the establishment of an Executive Management Structure at the Secretariat to support the Director-General in running the Council Secretariat etc.
‘‘I however note the update earlier presented by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation on the amendment efforts and hereby direct the Attorney General to liaise with the Honourable Minister of Environment to proceed on the amendment processes and report back to Council,’’ he said.
The Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, said with the unflinching support of the President, Nigeria is set to take the lead on climate change issues, biodiversity, wild life conservation and energy transition plan implementation in Africa in line with her commitments under the UNFCCC.
He thanked the President for his strong leadership of the Pan Africa Agency of the Great Green Wall (PAGGW), the Sahel and Sahara Initiative , Climate Commission of the Sahel Region and the Lake Chad Basin Development Authority.
Dahiru, the Director-General of the Council, while presenting the first memorandum of the agency that is leading Nigeria’s response to Climate Change apprised members on the need to operationalize the body.
According to him, since the inauguration of the 23–member Council by the President, the Secretariat has developed a draft Institutional Arrangement (Organogram) for the Council; proposed vision and mission of the Council; inclusion of the Council in the 2023 National Budget and harmonised Nigeria’s response to climate change for COP27.
Among other actions, Dahiru said they have held discussions with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria Ltd (INFRACORP), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and other relevant partners to ensure success.
‘‘The Council has developed a proposed institutional organogram that has the Director General as the Head/CEO of the Secretariat, and reports to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, being the Chairman of the Council, and 6 (six) Directorates and different Divisions for an effective implementation of its mandates,’’ he said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 10, 2023
PRESS STATEMENT
NOT JUST A SLIP OF TONGUE, PDP HAS REALLY BROUGHT SHAME TO NIGERIA
The unravelling of the depraved Peoples Democratic Party reached extreme absurdity yesterday when its National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu while campaigning in Kano, declared that the party brought shame to Nigeria. Ayu’s verdict on his own party should not be seen as a mere slip of tongue.
It was truly an articulation of the inner mind of the former academic and senate president, a self-admission of the egregious failing of the party when it was in charge of our country for 16 years.
Ayu’s viral statement that “PDP has brought us shame and we will not retain them in power”, concurs with the general verdict that the party failed the country and its people and should never be given a chance to return to power.
One of the recent reminders of the failure of the umbrella party was the Ajaokuta Steel Complex. The party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar as head of the Obasanjo era privatisation programme, granted Global Steel a concession in 2004 to take over the company.
Another PDP government cancelled the concession when it found out that it was a mess. Global Steel took Nigerian government to court and demanded $7 billion compensation, even though it failed to fulfil the terms of the concession by making Ajaokuta a reality.
The case lingered for 12 years until the APC administration of President Muhammadu Buhari stepped in. Global Steel agreed to end its legal battle and walk away with $496 million of Nigeria’s money.
As the Minister of Information revealed recently, the Buhari government, which has been clearing many messes left by the successive PDP administration, made a bulk payment of $250 million and agreed to pay the balance in five instalments. Till date, Buhari has paid a total of $446 million out of the $496 million. The Buhari government will make the last payment of $50 million next month and Ajaokuta will revert fully to the country and allow the implementation of government’s plan, including Russian intervention, to make the company operational.
Without showing any remorse and shame, Atiku Abubakar recently went to Kogi state, the home of the unfortunate Steel company to make another empty promise of reviving the company.
Atiku probably wanted to cash in on the short memory of our people as his party has been going about with the conman campaign of recovering Nigeria, when it created, in the first place, the monumental damage that APC government has been struggling to fix for almost eight years.
While in charge of Nigeria, the PDP also left our national infrastructure, roads, rail, airports derelict. Notably, Atiku and his boss, Obasanjo failed to deliver on vital road networks, including roads to their towns. The APC government of President Buhari has now done the road to Atiku’s town in Jada, Adamawa State.
Worst of all and most callously, the PDP shared the $2.1 billion meant to procure arms to fight Boko Haram insurgency, making our soldiers vulnerable to the superior weaponry of the enemies of the state and allowing insecurity to fester.
In its degenerated state, the PDP in the last few days has been making outlandish claims and raising false alarms to just grab the headlines because the party and its perennial presidential candidate have nothing tangible to tell Nigerians because of their sordid past. If PDP campaign spokesmen are not making false claims of Billions being stashed away by our presidential candidate, their sleepwalking Director-General, Aminu Tambuwal who has no record of any achievement in Sokoto State, where he has been Governor for almost eight years, will construct imaginary plan by APC to hack INEC server and BVAS.
Nigerians, we believe, know the true hackers. Atiku’s PDP did so in 2019 and may well be planning to do so this month. PDP has become a danger to itself and a big threat to our country that must be finally exterminated from our body politic by Nigerians through their votes against the party that set our country back.
In our view, Iyorchia Ayu did not suffer slip of the tongue. He was only reflecting an inner guilt about the grave damage his party inflicted on our country for 16 years.
In the coming elections, Nigerians should never make the error of allowing this discredited party smell the scent of power. Iyorchia’s PDP has not learnt any lesson and has not changed its behaviour. The Nigerian voters should simply consign it to the dustbin of history, while keeping faith with the APC, which offers Renewed Hope.
Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media & Publicity
APC Presidential Campaign Council
February 10, 2023
Press Release
Bro Obuah Applauds SIM VANGUARD For Donating Campaign Materials For PDP Gov’ship Campaign
The Director General of Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Campaign Council, Bro Felix Obuah has lauded the Chairman of Board of Trustees of SIM VANGUARD, Comrade Marvin Yobana for donating various campaign materials to the campaign council to further facilitate the campaign of the State PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Bro. Obuah made the commendation on Thursday, February 9, 2023 when, he received the campaign items which include branded seminar bags, exercise books, campaign flyers and reflective vests bearing the PDP Logo and photographs of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
The Director General of the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Bro Obuah who was full of praises for Comrade Yobana’s insightful thought and open mindedness assured that the campaign items will be judiciously distributed to the PDP supporters across the State.
He called on other admirers and supporters of the PDP and the governorship candidate, Sir Fubara in particular to emulate the kind gestures of Comrade Marvin Yobana.
Bro Obuah also lauded the foresight of the BoT Chairman of the SIM VANGUARD, Comrade Yobana, describing his appreciation of Sir Siminalayi Fubara as well placed because he (Fubara) is destined to be governor come 2023.
“Rivers people will indeed be happier under the administration of Sir Sim Fubara based on his commitment to team work and compassion for the masses. Besides, he is a very humble and honest gentleman,” Bro Obuah noted.
Earlier, while making the donations, the BoT Chairman of SIM VANGUARD, Comrade Marvin Yobana said he was motivated to contribute to Sir Sim’s Campaign efforts because of his conviction of Fubara’s capacity to replicate the political sagacity and leadership excellence of the state governor, Chief Barr Nyesom Wike.
According to him, Gov Wike has set the pace by establishing the right path of good and inclusive governance for the incoming political office holders in the State to follow.
Comrade Yobana who had earlier donated three vehicles to the Ogoni SIM VANGUARD also promised to donate more vehicles for ease of movement as the governorship campaign progresses.
Jerry Needam
Secretary,
Directorate of Publicity & Communication
Rivers State PDP Campaign Council
Friday, February 10, 2023