Category: Lead

• Lagos leads with 7m

• INEC releases voter list to parties

• 49.5m men, 44.4m women, 37m youths registered

The Northwest and the Southwest top the list of 93,469,008 million Nigerians eligible to vote in this year’s general election.

The list was released yesterday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the 18 registered political parties.  

The new list shows that out of the 93,469,008 registered voters, the Northwest has the highest number of 22,255,562. The Southwest is second with 17,958,966.

Northcentral is third with 15,363,731 would-be voters; Southsouth fourth with 14,440,714 and Northeast: 12,542,429.

The Southeast has the least number of 10,907,606 eligible voters.

Out of the 93,469,008 total registered voters, 49.5 million, representing 52.5 percent, are males and 44.4m or 47.5 percent are females.

Youths in the age bracket of 18 to 34 are 37,060,399 or 39.65 percent of the total number. The number of persons between ages 35 and 49 (middle age) is 33,413,591 or 35.75 percent out the total number while the elderly (50 to 69) are 17,700,270 or 18.94 percent. Senior citizens (70+) are the least with 5,294,748 or 5.66 percent.

The list also shows that students constitute the highest bloc as 26,027,481 of them, representing 27.8 percent, are registered voters. They are followed by 14,742,554 farmers/fishermen (15.8 percent)   and 13,006,939 housewives (13.9 percent).

A total of 12,457,997 business professionals, 7,998,658 traders, 5,283,549 civil servants, 4,967,464 artisans, 2,376,223 public servants and 5,283,549 others whose professions could not be determined are also on the list.  

A state-by-state breakdown of the list shows Lagos in the Southwest topping the list with 7,060,195 registered voters. It is followed by Kano State in the Northwest which has 5,921,370 eligible voters. Ekiti State in the Southwest has the least number of voters with 502,251.

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, who presented the final list at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, explained that 13, 868, 441 new Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were for new registrants, who sought transfer of their old PVCs and replacement were printed and despatched to states.

Yakubu also stressed that the polls would hold as scheduled beginning with those of the president and National Assembly on February 25. 

He said: “You would recall that for the 2019 general election, Nigeria had a voter population of 84,004,084. After the cleaning up of the data from the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise (June 2021 – July 2022), 9,518,188 new voters were added to the previous register resulting in the preliminary register of 93,522,272 which was presented to Nigerians for claims and objections as required by law. 

“At the end of the period for claims and objections by citizens, the commission received 53,264 objections from Nigerians on the prevalence of ineligible persons on the register by virtue of age, citizenship or death. These names have been verified and removed from the register.

“Consequently, the register of voters for the 2023 general election stands at 93,469,008. Of this cumulative figure, 49,054,162 (52.5%) are male while 44,414,846 (47.5%) are female.

“The distribution by age group shows that 37,060,399 (39.65%) are youth between the ages of 18 and 34; 33,413,591 (35.75%) are middle-aged persons between the ages of 35 and 49; 17,700,270 (18.94%) are elderly voters between the ages of 50 and 69, while 5,294,748 (5.66%) are senior citizens aged 70 and above. 

“In terms of occupational distribution, students constitute the largest category with 26,027,481 (27.8 percent) of eligible voters. They are followed by 14,742,554 farmers/fishermen (15.8 percent) and 13,006,939 housewives (13.9%). The data on disability was not collected for previous registration. 

“However, the cumulative figure of 85,362 persons from the recent CVR indicates that there are 21,150 (24.5 percent) persons with Albinism; 13,387 (15.7 percent) with physical impediment and 8,103 (9.5percent) are blind.”

The INEC boss also revealed that “substantial quantities of sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the elections have been deployed in various locations across the country.”

He added: “The last batch of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been received while the ongoing configuration of the critical technology in readiness for elections will soon be completed.

“In the last two days, we commenced the airlifting of other sensitive materials to States across the country. Already, some of the materials for 17 states in three geo-political zones have been delivered. 

“Furthermore, 13,868,441 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been printed, delivered to states and are being collected by citizens as new voters or by existing voters who applied for transfer or replacement of cards as provided by law. Similarly, following the display of the voters’ register nationwide and the conclusion of claims and objections by citizens, a new national register of voters has been compiled.”

He expressed happiness with the commission’s efforts, saying that “at no time in the recent history of the commission has so much of the forward planning and implementation been accomplished 44 days ahead of a general election.”

His words: “The commission is not contemplating any adjustment to the election timetable, let alone the postponement of the general election. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, 25th February 2023 while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, 11th March 2023.

“The repeated assurance by the security agencies for the adequate protection of our personnel, materials and processes also reinforces our determination to proceed. The 2023 general election will hold as scheduled. Any report to the contrary is not the official position of the commission.”

Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), the umbrella body of the 18 registered political parties said the polls would be different from previous ones with the coming of the new Electoral Act.

IPAC described attacks on INEC’s facilities as a bad signal.

“It is indeed, a different election in the history of this country because of the new Electoral Act, which is passed into law. And this has given rise to so many innovations that we believe that if allowed we’ll have something different and our democracy will go far beyond what it was in the past,” said the committee’s  Secretary, Yusuf Dantalle.

All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reiterated his plan to make Southeast industrial and manufacturing hubs, if elected in next month’s election.

He also promised to create two seaports in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, to boost industrialisation, thereby creating jobs for youths.

The APC standard bearer spoke on his plans for the Southeast at a rally held at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, where he also promised to develop the mineral resources in the region, including coal, to propel its economy recovery.

At the rally, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is the Campaign Coordinator for Southeast, urged the people of the five states to shun ethnic and regional politics.

The rally was attended by APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Enekwu, who represented National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, former Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole, APC National Women Leader Beta Edu, Kashim Imam, Nweze Gbazuagu, former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika (rtd), Andy Uba, Osita Izunaso, Chief Emma Eneukwu, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; former APC presidential aspirant, Mr. Nick Jackrich; Nkeiruka Onyejiocha; Abia and Ebonyi governorship candidates, Ikechi Emenike, Francis Nwifuru and former deputy governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke.

Urging the people to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), Tinubu said the next election will liberate and rekindle hope in a brighter future.

He said: “If you elect me as your president, we will work together. We will create industrial hub in Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia and Anambra States.

“We will also create two seaports in Port Harcourt and establish fabricating engines.

“Enugu will become an industrial hub, thereby creating jobs for the youths and all of you. You have incredible mineral resources to propel the economic recovery of the Southeast. You have an agricultural power that can produce many cash crops.

“Also, assembling plants can be created with flourishing businesses. All you need to do is to partner with the Federal Government.”

Tinubu added: “My people of Enugu State, nothing is impossible unless you don’t put your mind into it. Together, nothing can stop us if we are determined.

“We will make Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia and Anambra States and the entire Southeast a regional business hub, the manufacturing centre of Nigeria. It is very possible.

“Don’t wait for the white man to do this job for us. We’re brilliant enough, we’re great thinkers, we can fabricate, we can develop and we can mould; we can build engines and we can turn our coal to industry.

“In Britain and America, they are still using their coal to fire turbine and generating electricity for their industries. We have the right to do so.

“Be bold Nigeria. Wake up Africa. Let’s use what we have to develop our country. Let’s turn our coal to money. Let’s turn our gas to money.

“Now they say the price of crude oil is falling. Whatever it is, I am a realist, pragmatic, authentic, a blessed and brilliant man, a thinker. So, let’s use what we have to develop our country.

“We can have agro processing centres. We have over 200 million people to feed. We are not going to starve to death.

“I lived abroad for about 17 years. I’ve managed their businesses. Let us take care of our home. We can do it. Nigeria is highly blessed by God. For us to achieve Nigeria of our dream, you have to be ready to make sacrifices and with strong determination, we can achieve greater things.”

Tinubu chided the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for seeking Southeast’s votes, saying that for 16 years, the party mismanaged the resources meant for the region and the country.

He stressed: “Today, APC has fulfilled what PDP could not do in 16 years for the Southeast. In 2001, they came here to do foundation laying for the Second Niger Bridge, but eventually did not do anything. They still went back when they were seeking for votes. Yet, they did nothing. It was APC government that came, promised and completed that bridge. It will soon be commissioned and the era of staying three days on the road during the festive seasons would be a thing of the past. I’m sure your joy will know no bounds.

“PDP has no shame. They deceived Peter Obi to leave APGA to join them and now he has joined Labour Party. Now, they have abandoned him.

“For 16 years, they (PDP) didn’t do anything for Southeast. They misappropriated the monies meant for projects and accused themselves. You know who I’m talking about. Obasanjo and Atiku. That’s the reason for their unending quarrel. Don’t believe them anymore. They have been fooling you for a long time.”

Tinubu, who commended members of the APC in Enugu State for respecting and renewing the hope of the party and Nigeria, assured them that they would not be left behind if they continued to support him.

He promised to work with the Enugu APC governorship candidate, Uche Nnaji, saying: “It is only when you vote for me and make him the governor, we will share in the larger gain of Nigeria success.”

Tinubu urged the people to get their PVCs to vote and change the course of the nation’s future.

He said: “Don’t throw away your votes. Shine your eyes, beat your chest, sacrifice in the sun, be in the rain. Get your PVC because it is your way to success, freedom and prosperity. It is only when you invest that you can harvest.”

Uzodimma said Ndigbo would be more relevant during Tinubu’s presidency, urging them to be part of his victory.

He said: “Our visit to Enugu is very significant in the sense that there’s a global revolution politically. Over the years, we’ve done the politics the way we thought was the best way of politics with little or no research and strong idea. We just followed without any results.

“But after 2015 election and what came out of it and with the events of these past seven and half years, it became very clear that there is need for Ndigbo to renew their hope.

“We looked at the isolation politics as a primitive way of politics. We need politics that will give us results. We need politics that will take care of the elites and the masses, particularly the masses.

“We need leaders who are compassionate, who will not only think for the elite, but the masses.

“It is of cardinal necessity for Ndigbo and indeed, Nigerians, to embark on proper reintegration of national politics to be part of national cohesion and become participants of national politics.

Describing APC as a solid party, Uzodimma said: “Today, from the Southern Nigeria, we have one of our best and brightest emerging as the candidate of the ruling party. A ruling party is a vehicle whose tyres are strong. You don’t need to push it to move. Am I going to come down from the vehicle that has tyres and enter the vehicle that has no tyres even if you push, it may not move.

“Ndigbo must forgive the past, forgive themselves, leave the bush and see the road. We cannot be more intelligent than the entire population.

“We’re interested in partnerships that are genuine.”

Umahi said Southeast would surprise Nigerians with their votes for APC and Tinubu.

He expressed happiness at the level of mobilisation of the crowd, urging them to work even harder to reintegrate Igbos into the centre “so that we can boldly go to Jagaban when he wins.

“Time has gone when we used to lag behind. APC gave us Second Niger Bridge.

“Anyone doing permutation and saying that APC will not win in the Southeast is living in the past.

“But, after the election, Southeast will be declared the wisest region in Nigeria. We will use our votes to surprise the entire nation. No more crying of marginalisation.

“We are not looking for 60 per cent. The least we can ask for is 90 percent.

“It was during Asiwaju’s leadership in Lagos that Igbo’s prosperity blossomed. He will still do the same as Nigeria’s president.”

The governorship candidate of the party in Enugu State, Chief Uche Nnaji said that they were determined to get more than 30 per cent votes for APC presidential candidate in Enugu State.

“That’s the promise I’m giving Asiwaju Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodimma. We’re on a rescue mission which will rescue Enugu from the political and economic quagmire Enugu State has been entangled in over the years,” said Nnaji.

He added: “The crowd you are seeing here is not a rented crowd. The people you are seeing here are members of APC in the state. If the people here are 200,000 , they are registered members of our party.”

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described Boko Haram insurgency as a scourge and fraudulent plot designed to destabilise Nigeria.

He, however, said the gains recorded in security will be consolidated, and more attention will be given to the economy before handing over on May 29, 2023.

The President spoke while hosting Executive members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President also spoke on the confidence reposed in the Federal Federal Government under his watch by Nigerian creditors  

According to him, the security situation had improved over the years, particularly in the Northeast where the focus had shifted to rebuilding infrastructure and re-orientation on education.

He said: “I am very grateful for your visit to the Presidential Villa, and I agree with you on some of the observations you have made. The question of insecurity is most important to us because unless a country or institution is at peace, it will be difficult to manage.

“I just came back from Adamawa and Yobe states. During the visit to both states, I listened carefully to what the people and officials had to say and they all said the situation had improved since 2015, especially in Borno State.

“Boko Haram was just fraudulent and a plot to destroy Nigeria. You can’t say people should not learn; the people need to grow intellectually.”

He said Nigeria continued to attract foreign loans for development projects because creditors have confidence in the ability of the country to utilize resources and repay loans.

 ”We are credible, that’s why the countries and institutions agreed to support our development with the loans,” the statement quoted Buhari as saying.

He further said the destruction of oil facilities slowed the generation of revenues, and the government would be harder on saboteurs.

“If you look at the economy, we are trying hard to rely more on ourselves. Nigerians rely more on agriculture for livelihood, and we are putting in our best to enable more people, and diversify”, the President noted.

President Buhari told the Catholic bishops that the government will continue rebuilding infrastructure in parts of the country affected by terrorist attacks, while underscoring that terrorists had no control over any space in Nigeria.

“Some people have acknowledged the difference”, he added.

He said some of the challenges faced in the past, which include coups and counter-coups, and civil war, had prepared the nation for survival.

“We thank God that Nigeria is still one”, he said. “We should not forget that more than a million died for the nation to survive”, he said.

The President noted that he had been part of Nigeria’s history since 1967, fighting in the civil war, serving as governor, minister, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011, before winning in 2015.

“We should thank God and we should reflect on these things and thank God more”, he added.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation and President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, commended the President for reforms in the electoral system, making it more stable and fair, particularly the signing of the Electoral Bill into law.

“We commend and congratulate you for the efforts the government has put into ensuring real improvement in our electoral system and processes, especially your signing into law the electoral bill.

“Please do not relent in making sure that INEC and other relevant agencies of government carry out their serious duties to conduct peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections”, he said.

Ugorji urged the President to use the remaining months in office as Commander-in-Chief to tackle insecurity in the country, and improve the economy.

“The main crux of our message to you today is one of fervent appeal and strong encouragement. Your tenure of two terms as President, Commander-In-Chief of Nigeria, is drawing to an end. But we believe a lot can be done to turn things around for the better in the about four months left of your presidency before you step down in May 2023.

“We have seen some signs that the government is not entirely incapable of tackling the sad state of insecurity in the land, which has consumed thousands of innocent Nigerians across all religions, creed, and ethnic groups”, the cleric noted.

The Catholic bishops presented a souvenir and a letter containing encouragement and prayers for the forthcoming elections to the President.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) yesterday asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to come clean on his alleged admission that he colluded with former President Olusegun Obasanjo to loot the treasury, using special purpose vehicles (SPVs).

It also asked the 76-year-old to clarify his health status.

APC-PCC’s demands followed an affidavit sworn to by Atiku’s former aide, Michael Achimugu.

He alleged in the court document that Atiku admitted to using the SPVs throughout his tenure as vice-president to channel public funds to his private businesses and family activities. 

According to the former aide, Atiku stated that he did not want the monies directly traced to him or Obasanjo.

He alleged that N100 million came from former Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye, who was convicted and jailed for corruption, but later pardoned.

Atiku, through his Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, said the use of SPVs was nothing new.

He said: “The system operates even in the United States, the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. So, there is nothing new about it.”

He faulted claims about Atiku’s health, saying it was “unfortunate and irresponsible” of anyone to rely on online media speculations over the PDP candidate’s health.

Ibe said reports and pictorial details of Atiku’s current engagements in London were in the public domain.

Also, the Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organisation slammed the APC-PCC for what it called attempts to impugn the “impeccable character and integrity of the incoming peoples’ President, Atiku”.

The PDP presidential campaign earlier said Atiku visited the United Kingdom to “discuss areas of potential future collaboration between Nigeria and the UK” and not for medical reasons.

It said the PDP presidential campaign rallies would resume in Kogi within the week.

In the sworn affidavit of facts deposed to at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Achimugu said he worked closely with Atiku on media matters between 2017 and 2022.

According to him, on or about June 13, 2018, he wanted to hear from Atiku regarding the corruption allegation involving Dariye.

Achimugu said he sent an email to Atiku asking for an explanation regarding the allegation to enable him to respond to media enquiries.

He said Atiku admitted to setting up the SPVs. 

He recorded his conversation with Atiku, which he attached as an exhibit to the affidavit, and which has also gone viral.

Achimugu stated: “I recorded the conversation quoted above, not out of mischief, but because at that time, I did not want to miss any instruction given to me by my boss, Atiku Abubakar. 

“I later met Atiku Abubakar for further briefing on the issue and he further explained that the Special Purpose Vehicles were what he used throughout his tenure as vice-president to fund his private businesses and his family activities.”

The APC-PCC, in a statement by its Director, Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, said Atiku ought to step down from the race, going by the revelation.

It said: “If Atiku has some modicum of honour, he ought to have stepped down from the race that he is bound to lose again, following the release of his audio clip, in which he provides a vivid explanation of the modus operandi of his legendary corruption.

“So far, there has been no notable response from Atiku’s camp about the disturbing revelation, except for a futile attempt to disown the whistle-blower, Michael Achimugu, a media consultant to Atiku.

“Nigerians are appalled that Atiku and PDP are so shameless that they have 

shrugged off the bombshell.

“We implore Nigerians, however, to hold Atiku to account over the shocking revelation by rejecting him at the polls in February.”

The APC-PCC said Atiku was also not talking about his health status “even when his hirelings daily make futile attempts to divert public attention to his main rival by cooking up lies upon lies”. 

It said Nigerians should rather be “sorely worried” about Atiku’s health status. 

The campaign council said: “The lies of several years and the various diversionary tactics are no longer sustainable. Atiku’s edifice of lies is about to crash on him. The PDP presidential candidate is certainly not okay, the papering efforts notwithstanding.

“Eyebrows were raised when Atiku did not return to the country after the December holidays to continue his lacklustre and faltering fifth campaign for Nigeria’s presidency. 

“Amid the concern by political watchers that Atiku was missing from 21 December 2022 on the field of electioneering campaign, came the story by the online platform, Sahara Reporters, that Atiku was flown to the UK from his usual home in Dubai to London for treatment.

“The story has not been vigorously denied. We have it on good authority that Atiku indeed, fell ill while missing on the field. 

“He was indeed in the UK for some medical help, though handlers camouflage that he was there on the invitation of some British officials at Whitehall, in a mimic of the earlier visit of the APC rival, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Despite the efforts by his handlers to showcase Atiku as healthy and physically fit to endure the rigours of the presidential campaign, pictures from rallies have belied this. 

“Campaign pictures sometimes showed him being helped to descend steps at stadia. 

“Sometimes, he walked with an apparent handicap, dragging his feet.

“The irrefutable insight into Atiku’s health status was the revelation by his divorced wife, Jennifer Douglas last year that Atiku was admitted to a German hospital for an operation, amid their bitter divorce. 

“In a viral letter published February 2022, Jennifer quoted Atiku’s self-admission that he was in Germany for medicals, which explained why he was unable to retrieve his belongings from a Dubai house that Jennifer had taken over.”

According to the APC-PCC, Jennifer quoted Atiku as saying: “I hear you have moved to Dubai to take over the house. I am still in Germany for my medicals. Make sure all my properties, including (redacted), are intact so I can collect all my properties. I wish you well.”

She then responded to him: “Excellency, I am left with no other option as we need to get on with our lives amicably. I hope your medicals are coming up good. I wish you well too.”

The APC-PCC urged Atiku to address the issues.

“A man who wants to rule Nigeria and wants Nigerians to repose some trust in him must immediately and honestly address these twin issues: his health and his legendary corruption,” the campaign council said.

Achimugu’s conversation with Atiku

Achimugu said Atiku responded to his email enquiry about the allegation.

According to him, Atiku responded: “The money (N100million from Dariye) was paid into an SPV for party funding and the Directors of Marine Float was Otunba Fasewe, not Atiku.”

Achimugu said he replied: “May I ask what an SPV is?”

Atiku then responded: “Special Purpose Vehicle. A company registered to carry out certain activities.” 

The deponent attached the emails as exhibits to the affidavit.

He added: “To clarify further, Atiku Abubakar, whom I hereafter refer to as ‘AA’ immediately called me through his phone number 09099994411 to my then phone number 07032675292 on the 13th of June, 2018 at around 8:55 pm.”

A transcript of Achimugu’s conversation with Atiku is reproduced in the affidavit dated December 2, 2022. It reads:  

Atiku: “Eh, Mike” 

Achimugu: “Yes, sirl”. 

Atiku: “How can you ask me what is SPV?” 

Achimugu: “Eh, well, I don’t know what SPV is, Sir, and I needed to be sure before I start arguing with these people.” 

Atiku: “SPV is a Special Purpose Vehicle. In other words, it is a, is a company they incorporate to carry out certain…..you know, activities.” 

Achimugu: “Ok, sir.” 

Atiku: “You see, you see, what happened was when we came into, you know the office and I advised the President against you know, you know ehn, like, you know open corruption.” 

Achimugu: “Yes, sir.” 

Atiku: “I said I told him, I said, give me three people you trust.” 

Achimugu: “Yes, sir,” 

Atiku: “And I will prepare three companies, for which they would be the subscribers, or rather the directors.”

Achimugu: “Ok, sir.” 

Atiku: “So that, you know, like, if there is any contract that we give, you know they will act like consultants, you know, and then, they are given a fee and that fee is what we now use, you know, to fund the party, instead of you know, engaging in, open…So, he gave me the names of Fasawe, eh, Andy Uba, and late ehn, ehn, this guy ehn, you know the guy from Borno State, who died in that plane crash, eh, trying to rem…three of them.”

Achimugu: “Ok, sir.”

Atiku: “So, I now incorporated companies and I put them as subscribers and one of the companies was Marine Float.”

Achimugu: “Yes, sir.”

Atiku: “So, when, ehn, this governor sent donations to the party, now, he sent it to Marine Float. So it was paid into Marine Float.”

Achimugu: “Yes, Sir.” 

Atiku: “You know, one of the subscribers of Marine Float was ehn Otunba Fasawe. You know, that, that account was very, very well investigated by EFCC to see whether, you know, there was anything…..they found out that there was nothing.”

Achimugu: “Yes, sir” 

Atiku: “So, that was where the N100miilion went to. It did not go to Atiku Abubakar. It went to Marine Float. Marine Float was an SPV, Special Purpose Vehicle created, you know, eh, as a consulting company, so that was the way I handled it, you know.” 

Achimugu: “Okay, sir.”

Atiku: “Yes, so, eh, that was what I briefly tried to explain to you, no money was given to Atiku Abubakar.”

Achimugu: “(Laughing) It’s okay sir. You know these people, as the time draws closer they keep coming up with a lot of, ehn, issues, and one needs to be able to have a few facts to be countering them immediately, immediately. Yes sir, no problem sir. I will tackle him later tonight.” 

Atiku: “You know, so, I mean, they should go and check. The money was not paid to Atiku Abubakar. The money was paid to a company called Marine, Marine Float.”

Achimugu: “Marine Float. Yes, Sir.”

Atiku: “Yes, which I…Marine Float was one of those three companies, you know, so…” 

Achimugu: “Yes, sir. He did state categorically that you own Marine Float.” 

Atiku: “I never owned …. there is no way I can own Marine Float. Let them go and check the Certificate of Incorporation or Articles of Association, to find out whether I own Marine Float.” 

Achimugu: “Ok sir, that’s all. That’s all, no problem sir. Thank you so much, daddy, I really appreciate.” 

Atiku: “Alright, thank you.”

Achimugu: “Yes sir, Yes sir.”

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to create industrial and manufacturing hubs in the Southeast region.

To boost this, Tinubu also said that he would create two seaports in Port Harcourt.

These, according to him, would be with the intention of developing the region and creating thousands of jobs for the youths and the entire populace.

Speaking on Wednesday during the APC presidential campaign rally at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, Tinubu also promised to develop the incredible mineral resources such as coal in region to propel the economic recovery of the Southeast.

“If you elect me as your president, we will work together. We will create industrial hub in Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia and Anambra States. 

“We will also create two seaports in Port Harcourt and establish fabricating engines, making. 

“Enugu will become an industrial hub and greater than before, creating jobs for the youths and all of you. You have incredible mineral resources to propel the economic recovery of the Southeast. You have an agricultural power that can produce many cash crops.

“Also, assembling plants can be created with flourishing businesses. All you need to do is to partner with the federal government. 

“My people of Enugu State, nothing is impossible unless you don’t put your mind into it. Together, nothing can stop us if we are determined.

“We will make Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia and Anambra States and the entire Southeast a regional business hub, the manufacturing centre of Nigeria. It is very possible

“Don’t wait for the white man to do this job for us. We’re brilliant enough, we’re great thinkers, we can fabricate, we can develop and we can mould; we can build engines and we can turn our coal to industry.

“In Britain and America, they are still using their coal to fire turbine and generating electricity for their industries. We have the right to do so. 

“Be bold Nigeria. Wake up Africa. Let’s use what we have to develop our country. Let’s turn our coal to money. Let’s turn our gas to money.

“Now they say the price of crude oil is falling. Whatever it is. I am a realist, pragmatic, authentic, a blessed and brilliant man, a thinker. So, let’s use what we have to develop our country.

“We can have agro processing centres. We have over 200 million people to feed. We are not going to starve to death.

“I lived abroad for about 17 years. I’ve managed their businesses. Let us take care of our home. We can do it. Nigeria is highly blessed by God. For us to achieve Nigeria of our dream, you have to be ready to make sacrifices and with strong determination, we can achieve greater things”.

He tackled the opposition’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for having the gut to come to the Southeast to seek for votes, saying that for 16 years, the party mismanaged the resources meant for the region and the entire country and even lied to them.

“Today, APC has fulfilled what PDP could not do in 16 years for the Southeast. In 2001, they came here to do foundation laying for the Second Niger Bridge but eventually did not do any. They still went back when they were seeking for votes. Yet, they did nothing. It was APC government that came, promised and completed that bridge. It will soon be commissioned and the era of staying three days on the road during the festive seasons be be a thing of the past. I’m sure your joy will know no bounds. 

“PDP has no shame. They deceived Peter Obi to leave APGA to join them and now he has joined Labour Party. Now they have abandoned him.

“For 16 years, they(PDP) didn’t do anything for Southeast. They misappropriated the monies meant for projects and accused themselves. You know who I’m talking about. Obasanjo and Atiku. That’s the reason for their unending quarrel. Don’t believe them anymore. They have been fooling you for a long time”.

Tinubu, who commended members of the APC in Enugu State for respecting and renewing the hope of the party and Nigeria, assuring them that they would not be left behind if they continued to support him to victory, as it is sure.

He assured them that he would work with Uche Nnaji, the governorship candidate of the party in Enugu, saying, “It is only when you vote for me and make him the governor, we will share in the larger gain of Nigeria success

“I will tell you this Yoruba proverb. Whether you like, you can burn your fingers. If you like, you can twist your ears but you cannot block the way of success. It is only the ignorant that will stand on the way of success”

The APC presidential candidate also urged the people of Enugu State to endeavour to get their permanent voters cards to participate in the election and change the course of the nation’s future.

“Don’t throw away your votes. Shine your eyes, beat your chest, sacrifice in the sun, be in the rain. Get your PVC because it is your way to success, freedom and prosperity. It is only when you invest that you can harvest”, he said.

Imo Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma told the people of Enugu State that Ndigbo would be more relevant again during Tinubu’s presidency and urged them to be part of his victory.

“Our visit to Enugu is very significant in the sense that there’s a global revolution politically. Over the years, we’ve done the politics the way we thought was the best way of politics with little or no research and strong idea. We just followed without any results.

“But after 2015 election and what came out of it and with the events if these past seven and half years, it became very clear that there is need for Ndigbo to renew their hope.

“We looked the isolation politics as a primitive way of politics. We need politics that will give us results. We need politics that will take care of the elites and the masses, particularly the masses.

“We need leaders who are compassionate who will not only think for the elites but the masses.

“It is of cardinal necessity for Ndigbo and in deed, Nigerians to embark on proper reintegration of national politics to be part of national cohesion and become participants of national politics.

“It is not about whether you have been a leader for 20 years nor is it about being the richest man from the Southeast because I’m convinced that what a richest man can for a community in 200 years, federal government can do same in seconds.

“What is important for our people is that there must be a time in our lives when we must confront our challenges head-on.

“Therefore, we must have leaders who will be able to find courage to face their brothers and sisters to tell them the home truth.

“The truth of the matter today is that we have been used enough. We have to be solvent politically.

“So, our entry into APC with the incremental understanding and awareness, politically will give us the revolution we need. I have looked at all the indices that will make us become relevant in Nigeria. Let us be our brother’s keepers. Let us love ourselves and develop sense of patriotism and nationalism. We have no other country we can call our own.

“The Southeast will be judged by the number of votes they will contribute to the kitty. We cannot become shareholders of a country we have not purchase shares from.

“This is the time for all of us to recognize that there is a common challenge – the challenge of being called true Nigerians.

“In 1914 was the amalgamation of Southern and Northern protectorates. It was Lord Lugard who brought the idea knowing full well that Nigeria would be managed in these two divides.

“Today, from the Southern Nigeria, we have one of our best and brightest emerging as the candidate of the ruling party. A ruling party is a vehicle whose tyres are strong. You don’t need to push it to move. Am I going to come down from the vehicle that has tyres and enter the vehicle that has no tyres even if you push, it may not move.

“Ndigbo must forgive the past, forgive themselves, leave the bush and see the road. We cannot be more intelligent than the entire population.

“We’re interested in partnerships that are genuine.

“As the coordinator of the APC presidential campaign council in the Southeast, I will take responsibility for my actions and inactions.

“We will measure leaders by the number of votes you are able to give to us by February. You are not a leader if you don’t win your polling unit. So, we need to win and for us to win, leaders should go home and talk to the voters.

“We are here to campaign for you to get us 100 percent of the votes. We must win. We have the people, we have the means and we have the contact”.

Ebonyi Governor Dave Umahi said Southeast would surprise Nigerians with their votes for APC and Tinubu.

He expressed happiness at the level of mobilisation of the crowd, urging them to work even harder to reintegrate Igbos into the centre “so that we can boldly go to Jagaban when he wins.

“Time has gone when we used to lag behind. APC gave us Second Niger Bridge

“Anyone doing permutation and saying that APC will not win in the Southeast is living in the past.

“But, after the election, Southeast will be declared the wisest region in Nigeria. We will use our votes to surprise the entire nation. No more crying of marginalisation.

“We are not looking for 60 percent. The least we can ask for is 90 percent.

“It was during Asiwaju’s leadership in Lagos that Igbo’s prosperity blossomed. He will still do the same as Nigeria’s President,” he said. 

The governorship candidate of the party in Enugu State, Chief Uche Nnaji said that they were determined to get more than 30% votes for APC presidential candidate in Enugu State.

“That’s the promise I’m giving Asiwaju Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodimma. We’re on a rescue mission which will rescue Enugu from the political and economic quagmire Enugu State has been entangled in over the years,” said Nnaji.

He assured Tinubu that “the crowd you are seeing here is not a rented crowd. The people you are seeing here are members of APC in the state. If the people here are 200,000 , they are registered members of our party.”