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Tag: 2015 election

  • Anenih, Lamido meet in Dutse

    Anenih, Lamido meet in Dutse

    Indication that President Goodluck Jonathan may have finally dumped Vice President Namadi Sambo for Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, emerged on Tuesday when the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Tony Anenih, held a closed- door meeting with the governor at the state’s presidential lodge in Dutse.

    The meeting was attended by some members of the PDP, including the party’s National Vice Chairman, North West, Amb. Ibrahim Musa Kazaure.

    The PDP BoT chairman while speaking with journalists at the Dutse international Airport, shortly after the meeting, said, “I came to see my brother, who is also the state governor – Sule Lamido.

    “What we have discussed in our meeting is not for tomorrow newspapers.  Sule Lamido is a party loyalist and he deserves all privileges in the party.”

    Anenih, who declined to comment on speculations that the party would replace Sambo with the governor, added, “Sule Lamido is a matured leader. This my third visit to Jigawa this year and we have not seen any problem.”

     

  • I’ll expose corrupt monarchs after 2015 election, Akiolu insists

    I’ll expose corrupt monarchs after 2015 election, Akiolu insists

    The Oba of Lagos and the Chairman, the state Council of Obas, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has reiterated his promise to reveal the names of alleged corrupt traditional leaders in Yorubaland after the 2015 general elections.

    He said some of the traditional rulers were close friends of the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, adding that was why they were unable to promote Yoruba’s agenda.

    Oba Rilwan, who was among the entourage of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to the palace of  Awujale of Ijebuland yesterday, insisted that some traditional rulers collected money from the former head of state.

    He exempted the Awujale from the alleged corrupt monarchs, saying some of the former military officers described him as no-nonsense Oba who would not collect bribes.

    The Lagos oba said as a commissioner of police during the regime of the late Abacha, he was among the delegates who gave money to the monarchs.

    He said: “There are some qualities I appreciate in Awujale, which include his frankness, courage and straight-forward-to -he point. Even if you are a thief, Awujale will tell it to your face. Because of time, I don’t want to bore you with different occasions he had demonstrated that.

    “Few months ago, I made a statement that after 2015 general elections, I am going to disclose many things and I still mean it. I was a serving police officer for 32 years and I was privileged to be at a meeting where some contacts were made with some people.

    “Those I was referring to were friends to the late Gen. Sani Abacha. I was an obedient servant of Abacha because I was commissioner of police as at that time. I was at a meeting where it was said that all these missions you are going to embark upon, leave the name of Awujale completely because he is anti-Abacha.

    “The person, who now said myself and Awujale are friends, when the time comes, we shall reveal the amount he took. I, Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu, by the special grace of God, myself and my people gave the money to him and he took it. When the time comes, I will open-up and I am serious about it.

    “I am not afraid of anybody but I respect people. I have no regret of my friendship with Awujale.”

    Oba Akiolu, who encouraged the Emir of Kano to emulate the late emir, said Sanusi became a monarch as a result of efficacy of prayers, urging him to contribute to the development of his environment.

  • ‘Why PDP adopted Jonathan for 2015 election’

    ‘Why PDP adopted Jonathan for 2015 election’

    Fresh facts emerged on Friday on why major stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as their sole candidate for 2015 presidential election.

    A PDP chief told our correspondent that the decision was taken after critically reviewing the radical change in the country’s body polity since the advent of a strong opposition party – the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    The source who pleaded for anonymity said with APC on board, internal rancour was the last thing PDP needed ahead of the 2015 poll.

    He said the PDP stakeholders after analysing the political situation critically were of the opinion that the already existing North-South divide in the party would aggravate if other candidates were allowed to contest against the President in a primary election.

    Besides, he said the party leaders gave Jonathan a clean bill of health to enable PDP capitalise on the power of incumbency to retain the Presidency in 2015.

    He said a lot of horse trading and lobbying were used to woo persons nursing presidential ambition in the party to support Jonathan.

    “We are in an era of strong political opposition and we cannot afford internal rancour ahead of the 2015.

    “We discovered that with the APC on board, having a competitive primary will further divide the party and place PDP on the path of losing the Presidency.

    “Right now the country especially the North is sharply divided between APC and PDP and we cannot afford to make a mistake that will further reduce our population,” he said.

    According to the source, having skipped the hurdle, PDP is united and better prepared to confront APC.

    He said PDP was also waiting to benefit from the internal rift that could arise from APC after its primary election.

    “There are many political gladiators in APC who are not willing to make sacrifices and take decision on consensus like the PDP.

    “The former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar is in the party and he is nursing a presidential ambition. The former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and the Governor Kwankwaso are all there looking for the same Presidential ticket.

    “More people will also join the race in APC. None of these can step down for another and we know APC will soon be thrown into crisis because of these presidential ambitions.”

  • 2015: PDP to kick-start Jonathan’s declaration Tuesday

    2015: PDP to kick-start Jonathan’s declaration Tuesday

    Barring unforeseen circumstances, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party will on Tuesday, set the pace for President Goodluck Jonathan’s much awaited declaration for the 2015 presidential race.

    The event which the organisers termed “National Summit for Goodluck Support Groups,” is billed to feature mainly prominent chieftains of the PDP.

    The list of party chieftains programmed to speak at the event includes – a former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana; PDP national chairman, Adamu Mu’azu; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio; and former PDP chairman, Ahmadu Ali.

    Others are – former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Senate Majority Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba; a former PDP acting national chairman, Bello Haliru Mohammed; and the party’s members in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    Also billed to attend the event are members of the party’s National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees members, PDP Governors, and members of the Federal Executive Council.

    Political Adviser to the President, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, who made the disclosure at a briefing in Abuja on Friday, described the planned event as “a unique and rare opportunity to experience an outpour of love, camaraderie and friendship by Nigerians from all walks of life for President Jonathan.”

    “This National Summit, which is a celebration of the core values that bind all Nigerians as one people, united for peace, stability and progress of our dear country shall take place on Tuesday, September 16, at the Eagles Square, Abuja from 10.00am,” Alkali added.

    The President’s Adviser said representatives of over 8,000 pro Jonathan groups are expected to attend the event. Ahmadu Ali is billed to chair the event, while Mu’azu is listed as Special Guest of Honour.

    Akpabio is to deliver a keynote address.

     

  • Jonathan will contest in 2015 – Clark

    Jonathan will contest in 2015 – Clark

    South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, Friday said another four years for President Goodluck Jonathan will not bring down the country.

    Clark, who confirmed the President’s desire to go for re-election in 2015, said “Jonathan merited the second term because of the enormous work he had done and nobody can stop him.”

    The one time federal commissioner who spoke in Abuja while playing host to a delegation of Northern Women in Politics under the aegis of “Northern Women Mass Movement for President Jonathan 2015 ambition,” posited that it is the tradition for sitting presidents to seek second term.

    He said, “Jonathan will contest in 2015 because of two things; one, he is qualified to do so under the law and secondly, he has performed well to the extent that those who voted him in 2011 are willing to do so again.

    “Nobody has a right to stop him from contesting. All the presidents who had ruled this nation spent two terms. We voted for Alhaji Shehu Shagari as President in 1979 and 1983 respectively.

    “Everybody in this country is created equal, no matter the tribe, gender or background as long as such person is a Nigerian and educated.”

    Clark, who also spoke on the abducted Chibok school girls assured the northern women that the girls will come back to join other women to build the nation.

    “If President has used force to free the girls, some of them would have died and the same people will still shout that Jonathan has killed our girls.

    “Those girls will come back to join us and build the nation,” the Ijaw leader stated.

     

  • I can’t be intimidated over 2015 election – Oshiomhole

    I can’t be intimidated over 2015 election – Oshiomhole

    Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Tuesday maintained that he cannot be intimidated with an allegation that he was destabilizing his state in order to vie for Vice Presidency next year.

    Speaking with State House correspondents, the governor said that he has the right to contest for the position if he decides to do so and that he will not be intimidated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    According to him, he does not need to destabilize the state in order to vie for office of the Vice President.

    He said: “And as you read one Metuhsella or Olisa Metuh or by whatever name he is called, he was reported as saying that I am destabilizing Edo state because I want to contest for Vice Presidency. Now that is standing logic upside down.”

    “If I want to contest the vice presidency do I need to destabilize the government that I currently head?”

    “So they have let out the cat meaning that they are afraid for their own rumoured ambition that I want to contest for vice presidency. So the point I want to make is that, if I even decide to contest for the presidency, PDP cannot intimidate me, I have a right to do so if it is my conviction.”

    “It is unfortunate that some people want to put their individual interest above national interest and I cannot be intimidated. I’m firmly on ground and there is nothing to worry about.”

    He also blamed the PDP and the police for the crisis in Edo State House of Assembly.

  • Kinsman to Jonathan: Declare your re-election bid now

    Prominent kinsman to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Richard Kpodo, has asked the President to declare for reelection in 2015 or his kinsmen will be forced to do it for him.

    He said the spate of bombings and increased violence by Boko Haram were intended to stop the President from seeking reelection.

    Kpodo, who served during Jonathan’s administration in Bayelsa State as Senior Special Assistant on Strategy and Policy Monitoring, described Boko Haram activities as dangerous politics.

    He, however, said Nigerians will soon begin to mount pressure on Jonathan to return in 2015.

    He told Jonathan that persons opposed to his administration were bent in using insecurity to cow him from seeking reelection.

    He said: “There is no better time for the President to declare than now. We have studied elected presidents from the time of the Second Republic to the military and discovered that the style of administration of Goodluck Jonathan is unique. He has remained calm despite provocation and temptation.”

    He said Jonathan’s demeanour has deepened democracy, adding that he had not victimized anybody despite tantrums thrown to him by the opposition.

    He said the likes of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and past leaders would have been intolerant of the kind of criticisms faced by President Jonathan.

    “Some of us embarked on criticisms against Jonathan’s administration but nothing evil happened to us. The kind of utterances against Jonathan had never been accommodated by any administration in this country.

    “It is not weakness but an administration style that has human feelings and the one that believes in the unity of the country,” he said.

     

  • I won’t contest for any post in 2015 – Imoke

    Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke, has said he will not run for the Senate or any other position in 2015.

    This declaration appears to have put paid to speculations that the governor is set to wrestle the seat from Victor Ndoma-Egba next year.

    Speaking with reporters in Calabar, Imoke also said he was not going to impose any governor on the people.

    His words, “People are arrogating powers to me that I don’t want. They say they are waiting for me to speak or observing my body language.

    “I don’t want to carry another person’s political wish. People say I am looking for someone that would protect me. Am I stupid? Only a fool would look for someone to protect him.

    “Wouldn’t it be great if Cross River State gets a good governor? I would not mind if whoever takes over does not even call me until the end of his tenure so long as the person does what is right for the state.”

    The governor said although he was going to impose anyone, there was still need for discussion among stakeholders about who will emerge next.

    But he said those who are to be involved in such discussions should be Cross River people as they would not condone aliens determining their fate.

    “Our fate should be in our hands,” he said.

    According to Imoke, whoever would be governor should be willing to vie for the post.

    “Let us not look for someone who is sleeping somewhere to come and be governor. Everyone who is interested should express it,” he said.

  • Jang backs Jonathan for 2015

    Jang backs Jonathan for 2015

    Plateau State governor, Chief Jonah Jang, on Monday threw his weight behind the yet-to-be declared 2015 re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan, saying the President would be re-elected next year.
    Jang, who is a factional chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NFG) made the declaration when he paid a courtesy call on the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.
    The governor said he would lead Plateau State to deliver over one million votes for President Jonathan.
    “Plateau has never failed. We are here to assure you that we have total confidence in the leadership of Mr. President and we have total confidence in your leadership.
    “I want to assure you that we will do even better than 2011 when we gave the President over one million votes, the best state that delivered in the north. We are going to do more,” the governor stated.
    Jang also declared that the Plateau State chapter of PDP had already laid the foundation for a resounding victory for the party in the 2015 elections with the outcome of the recent local government election in the state.
    Mu’azu responded by appealing to the governor and other stakeholders in the state to allow defectors from the ruling party to return to the fold.

  • Jonathan must seek re-election in 2015 – South-South

    Jonathan must seek re-election in 2015 – South-South

    Prominent politicians, elders and patriots form the South-South geopolitical zone on Thursday insisted that President Goodluck Jonathan must offer himself for re-election in 2015.

    Drawn from Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Cross River States, the elders inaugurated the South-South Coalition for Goodluck 2015 (SSCG) in Yenagoa, and declared that Jonathan was qualified to run.

    The group consisting of chiefs from various communities, former commissioners, erstwhile local government chairmen and retired military officers asked the President to declare his re-election bid without further delay.

    It was gathered that Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Jonathan’s kinsman from Bayelsa State, is one of the financiers of the group.

    The Nation learnt that persons planning the campaign of the President intended to use the group as a frontline mobiliser of support within the zone for Jonathan’s re-election.

    Other persons behind the formation of the group are – Chief Thompson Okorotie, Chief R. Arimogha, Dr. Elder Dickson, Chief Josephine Ezonbodor, Major Andrew Oputa (rtd) and Chief Felicia Tawari.

    The Convener of the group, an elder statesman and former political adviser in Bayelsa, Chief Okorotie, addressed the group delegates and said the zone must support President Jonathan.

    He claimed that the achievements of Jonathan were “too well known and too numerous to recount.”

    He, however, highlighted power, agriculture and education as sectors where the President had performed very well.

    Okorotie known as one of the kingmakers in Bayelsa, said it was not true that the President had failed in fighting the security challenges especially the Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

    “The Jonathan administration has not failed in this direction. We need to remind ourselves in Nigeria that during former President Obasanjo’s tenure, Boko Haram insurgents were operating in 12 states of the north.

    “Today, they are not only restricted to three states in the North-East, the international terrorists are on the run,” he said.