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Tag: 2019 election

  • Humanitarian Catastrophic: Nigeria among top ten countries

    Nigeria has been listed among nine other countries in this year International Rescue Committee (IRC) countries most at risk of humanitarian catastrophe in 2019.

    The ranking by IRC has 21 countries on the list, with Nigeria ranked eight and Yemen ranked at the top position.

    According to the list published on the 17 of December 2018, by the humanitarian organisation, the presidential election in February 2019 may have a destabilising impact that could spark a greater conflict.

    On Nigeria position IRC said “During 2018, Nigeria has experienced persistent attacks from armed groups as well as communal violence exacerbated by competition for water and land resources. As a result, Over 2 million Nigerians have been displaced internally and 230,000 have sought refuge in neighboring countries”.

    For the outlook it said, “Violence could intensify, triggering more displacements and exacerbating food insecurity for millions of Nigerians. The presidential election in February 2019 may also have a destabilizing impact and could spark greater conflict, leading to further displacement”.

    Countries also listed with Nigeria includes: Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, , South Sudan, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Central African Republic, Syria, Ethiopia and Somalia.

    Speaking on the list, Bob Kitchen, the IRC’s Vice President for Emergencies said 2018 was a devastating year for millions around the world, with more people displaced from their homes than ever before.

    He said, “In many of the world’s most challenging places, armed conflict and man-made crisis mean life will get worse and not better in 2019.”

  • Southeast Presidency only possible through Buhari – Sen. Ndoma Egba

    Former Senate Leader and senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River state, Senator Ndoma Egba has said that for the South East to be in a position to produce the President of the country in 2013, they will have no choice than to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The former Senator said this in an interview with news correspondents at his Apo, Abuja office.

    He said no candidates can guarantee an Igbo Presidency in the near future.

    “let me hazard what may happen and I think they will go with President Buhari. They are hoping to produce a President in 2023 and that opportunity can only come through a President Buhari because by the application of the law, come 2023, Buhari will become illegible to contest because he must end his tenure and that is when the south east can have their turn” he said.

    “Any other person that comes, forget whatever promises they make. The moment they seat on that chair, they must take their constitutional two full terms. So, any other person will delay the chances for the south east. That is why I think the south east will go with President Buhari”.

    “It is not automatic though. We are talking about the opportunity and it is for the south east to go and organize themselves and ready itself for that opportunity”.

    “Will they have an opportunity in 2023 through President Buhari? The answer is yes, the opportunity will be there and you need to put your house in order. Will it be possible with other person in 2023 considering the fact that the person would have a constitutional two term. The answer is no.”

  • Arewa Community in Lagos to hold mega rally for Sanwo-Olu

    THE Arewa Community in Lagos State has promised to hold a mega rally for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in the coming 2019 governorship election in Lagos State.

    The group stated that the action was part of the efforts to ensure victory for Sanwo-Olu as next governor of Lagos State.

    The declaration was made by the leader of the Arewa Community Support Group for Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS), Alhaji Muhammed Alhassan who, with some members of the group, presented a communique containing other relevant support plans to the candidate in his Lagos office yesterday.

    Alhassan said Sanwo-Olu had won the hearts and minds of the Arewa Community in Lagos State by his initial gesture of paying a visit to the Arewa Council of Chiefs.

    He also noted that the candidate had shown a commendable sense of responsibility and appreciation, which had endeared him to their chiefs and the entire Arewa Community in Lagos State.

    “You have demonstrated an exceptional sense of responsibility and appreciation with your initial visit to our Council of Chiefs in this state, who are our respectable leaders with tremendous influence on our conduct and well-being in Lagos State.

    “From that very kind gesture and other positive things we have heard about you, we have come here to say thank you, to present a communique with support activities and officially declare that the Arewa Community in this state will be giving you all the support to win the coming election and be declared the next governor of Lagos, In Shaa Allah.

    “It will also interest you to know that we are holding a mega rally for you in Tafawa Balewa Square in January 2019, where we will attract more voters for you and sensitise over one million people from the Arewa Community with Permanent Voter Cards  (PVCs) to campaign vigorously for your victory”, he said.

    Sanwo-Olu, while appreciating the group, said the Arewa Community in Lagos State was an important component in the socio-economic development of the state.

    He added that he would, if elected, address all the yearnings of the community and ensure that all the various leaders of the group are part of the deliberations regarding education support for and improvement of their children who are living in Lagos State.

    “We thank you so much. Lagos is a home for you all. We appreciate your contributions to the socio-economic growth of this state. We’ve heard your concerns and demands. We promise that we will address all the issues, including educational support for your children here in Lagos when we are elected. Let me say it again that ours is going to be a government of inclusiveness where we are going to work together to achieve greater results”, he said.

  • NAF graduates 277 personnel, says no compromise on discipline

    The Chief of Administration, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), AVM Kingsley Lar, on Friday said there would be no compromise on discipline, loyalty and hard work as the service strives to build a highly professional and disciplined force.

    Lar made the remarks during the graduation of 277 officers, airmen and women who undertook courses in various disciplines at the Military Training Center, NAF Base Kaduna.

    “Discipline is the bedrock of any fighting force,” he stressed, adding that such mindset was necessary in fulfilling the Chief of Air Staff vision of reposition the NAF into a highly professional and disciplined force.

    He therefore said that NAF would not accept anything less than the standard already established in terms of loyalty, discipline and performance.

    “NAF expects you to always remain highly proficient to effectively and efficiently discharge your assigned duties, Lar added.
    He also charged all air force personnel to remain apolitical as Nigeria prepares for general election in 2019.

    “As members of the Armed Forces, we are to remain apolitical in all respect while providing security to lives and properties of the citizenry in line with our constitutional mandate.”

    Read Also: Edo ready to pay minimum wage

    To the courses participants, the NAF administration chief said, “It is our sincere hope that knowledge, skills and competence you have received here would adequately equip you for the challenges you are sure to face in the course of your careers.

    “I charge you all to be innovate in applying what you have imbibed while on the course.”

    Earlier, the Commandant, Military Training Center, Air Commodore Paul Masiyer, disclosed that the centre run two categories of courses for non-technical ground officers, airmen and airwomen.

    The courses cover administration, special investigation, physical education, counter intelligence, policing, instructors and supervision among others.

  • ‘I once prostrated for Amosun, begged him over Yewa agenda’

    Ogun State governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) Prince Dapo Abiodun has said he was never aversed to the struggle of Ogun West to produce the governor for the State.

    Abiodun revealed that he was committed to the Ogun West cause to the extent that he did not only beg Amosun, but also prostrated for him to allow Senator Solomon Adeola be the governorship candidate of the party due to his wide acceptance and popularity.

    Senator Adeola, from Pahayi, Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government but representing Lagos West at the National Assembly, had taken Ogun State by whirlwind with his gubernatorial ambition but beat a retreat early this year when it was obvious that the support of the governor was not forthcoming.

    Amosun had repeatedly vowed at the time that he would not hand over to ‘tekobo’ or stranger making a veiled allusion to the effect that
    Adeola popularly called Yayi is a non-indigene of the state and therefore not qualified to rule the state.

    However, while addressing Yewa Traditional Council of Obas led by the Paramount ruler of Yewa land, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle at Ilaro on Wednesday evening, Abiodun considered his emergence as the ruling party governorship candidate as the will of God.

    He said: “Let nobody thinks that we are not sensitive to the long time yearnings of Ogun West to also produce governor for the state. As a very strong believer in this cause, I personally took your son, Sen. Adeola to Gov. Amosun, begged and prostrated for him to support his governorship ambition but he refused. That I am the governorship candidate of APC today in our dear State remains a testimony of God’s awesomeness and that He is the only one who has the power to enthrone.”

    He pledged not to be an accidental governor who would do things on happenstances.

    The APC governorship candidate disclosed that as a successful private sector player he already has the blueprint for the development of the state vowing to accord the traditional institutions their due respect and honour while pursuing development of every part of the state.

    The billionaire oil merchant explained that his government would embark on massive rural roads construction, qualitative, affordable education and healthcare, jobs and wealth creation for the youth through conscious investment in agriculture, complete some of the ongoing projects in the state among others asking the royal fathers to give him their royal blessings for the gargantuan tasks ahead.

    Read Also: 2019 Budget presentation: kogi governor, Bello attacks lawmakers

    Responding, Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewa land, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle described Prince Dapo Abiodun as someone who feared God and this he said could be seen from his comportment and speech.

    Oba Olugbenle added that it was God who indeed enthrones and that whatever God has ordained cannot be upturned by ten Paramount rulers. The royal father before giving his blessings on behalf of other traditional rulers from Yewa land however urged Prince Dapo Abiodun to stay true to his promise to be fair to all in distribution of projects when he got to office.

    Dignitaries on the entourage of the governorship candidate included the deputy governor designate, Engr. Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Engr Ayo Olubori, former Commissioner for environment, Chief Bode Mustapha, Mr Olu Agemo, Prince Segun Adsegun, former deputy governor and Director-General, Dapo Abiodun Campaign Organisation, Hon Isiaq Akinlade, ChiefTolu Odebiyi, Sen. Gbenga Obadara, Chief Femi Majekodunmi, Hon Biyi Otegbeye, Chief Mufutau Ajibola, former SUBEB Chairman among others.

  • Buhari’s campaign fund swells with over N1.77b

    The reelection campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night received a major boost.

    It got over N1.77 billion donations from the agricultural sector.

    Farmers and other Nigerians in the agricultural value chain showered the donations on the President during the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme Gala Night at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday night.

    According to them, the President has changed the fortunes of the agriculture sector and by bringing unprecedented change to the sector.

    Apart from the increasing progress in the sector, they also claimed that the President’s policies have resulted in savings of billions of naira.

    Topmost of the donations to the President’s campaign fund is N1.2 billion announced by the President of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Aminu Goroyo and N570 million announced by the Fertilizers Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN).

    Stressing that the introduction of the Anchor Borrowers programme has turned around the fortunes of the 12.2 million registered members of the association, Goroyo said that each of the members have contributed N100 each for the President’s campaign towards the 2019 Presidential elections.

    According to him, more fertilizers were made available and easy to rice farmers in the country in the last three years.

    “All these achievements are from your commitments and favourable policies to agriculture.” he said

    President of Fertilizers Producers and Supplies Association of Nigeria, Thomas Etuh, disclosed that N120 billion was saved in two years from fertilizer subsidy.

    President Buhari thanked them for the gesture.

    According to him, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports have confirmed that his administration’s policies are yielding results.

    He noted that his administration inherited a broken system in the agricultural sector in 2015.

    He said “Seeing your faces and hearing your stories give me hope…..Today, we are on track to achieving inclusive economy.”

    The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefuele said that the Anchor Borrowers programme launched on the 17th of November, 2015 has resulted in the savings of $800 million.

    Noting that the import bills before the introduction of the programme were as high as N1.4 trillion annually, he said that the anchor borrowers programme has been creating jobs and wealth for the teeming population.

    He said that 2.5 million jobs from rice farming have been created.

    According to him, the anchor borrowers programme is the most successful anchor programme in Africa.

    “It has raised the standard of our farmers,” he stated

    The Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh declared “It has moved Nigeria up the ladder of Rice producers in Africa.”

    Read Also: 2019 Budget presentation: kogi governor, Bello attacks lawmakers

    On his part, Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, who is the Vice Chairman of the national food security council, noted that the President has shown unprecedented commitments to agriculture development in Nigeria.

    He thanked the President for setting up the national food security council

    According to him, Nigeria is on the path of taking on the world.

    Dignitaries at the gala night included the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, Jigawa State Governor, Badaru Abubakar.

    Also at the occasion were the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, among other top government officials.

  • 2019 elections: INEC trains officers in Lagos

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ), Lagos State on Tuesday commenced a three-day capacity building training for Election Monitoring and Support Centres (EMSC) officers ahead of 2019 elections.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the capacity building workshop was declared open by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Sam Olumekun at the state INEC Headquarters, Yaba.

    The workshop is aimed at equipping the implementers of the EMSC in the state to enhance efficiency and conduct of flawless elections in the 2019 general elections.

    In his opening address, Olumekun urged participants to understand EMSC concept and pay attention to its goals and objectives as key EMSC implementers, to deliver a credible poll.

    “The greatest asset of any organisation is the staff, thus any effort to develop human resources is a good development.

    Read Also: Ondo Assembly passes College of Health Tech. Bill

    “EMSC as a tool is set up to conduct flawless elections in 2019 and structures have been put in place to ensure it meets best international practices.

    “EMSC commenced in 2012 after the successful conduct of the 2011 general elections in order to avoid challenges experienced before and after the elections.

    ” I urge you to take this workshop serious so that at the end of the exercise you will be better informed and equipped in handling whatever challenges you may encounter in your various assignments before, during and after the elections”, Olumekun said.

    According to him, the EMSC is a support system for the monitoring and implementation of the Election Project Plan.

    He said that EMSC had harnessed all activities of the election in a sequence by spreading it across the electoral cycle and assigning responsibilities to departments and task owners.

    The INEC boss said that EMSC used activity templates and indicators to assist task owners and supervisors to track, identify and mitigate threats and risks.

    Olumekun said that the EMSC also assists the commission and staff in planning elections in a regular manner, and enables INEC to be proactive rather than reactive.

    According to him, EMSC also manages impressions relating to stakeholders, including political parties, security personnel.

    The REC said the workshop was targeted at creating better awareness and understanding of EMSC.

    He said that the training workshop was imperative for the successful implementation of the EMSC, and to enhance the credibility of elections.

    Olumekun, who noted that the commission was ready for the 2019 elections in the state, said that the commission must not fail in delivering its mandate of conducting free, fair, peaceful and acceptable elections.

    NAN reports that all electoral officers, assistant electoral officers 1, 2 and 3, as well as heads of departments and units of the commission in the state attended the workshop.

  • Good governance possible in Nigeria — Ezekwesili

    Prof. Obiageli Ezekwesili, the Presidential Candidate on the platform of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), on Tuesday said that good governance was possible in Nigeria if youths would be the agents of change.

    Ezekwesili, a guest at the 2018 The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) in Lagos on Monday, told the News Agency of Nigeria that youths should stand up to be counted among those that would change the country.

    “They need to know that they are the future of this country. The youth need to look out for the candidates who are the true symbol of change.

    “I want youths to stand up and be counted among their contemporaries all over the world. We can only achieve this through good governance.

    “A country that is governed well will not concern itself with the past and I am resolute that good governance is possible in Nigeria, I am certain about it.

    “The youth can achieve their dreams through creativity, resilience and productivity with right attitude and associating themselves with the right group,’’ she said.

    Read Also: Ondo Assembly passes College of Health Tech. Bill

    Ezekwesili advised youths to inculcate the right character and shun all things that might jeopardize national interest and development.

    “Youths should exemplify good characters and not just acting like. They should make well-informed choices that can help them grow and also in the national interest and development.

    “If the youth understand what quality leadership is all about, they will not continue with the recycling pattern they are into now which is poor choices of political leaders.

    “Every young one come 2019, should decide because they now have their choices to make without anybody forcing them to choose.

    “It is in their own interest to ensure that governance system in Nigeria is right; they need to dream what they want their future to be,’’ she said.

  • 2019 Election: An injury to one is injury to all

    I am surprised by many things in Nigeria, and it’s unfortunate that millions of its citizens sit ignorantly not thinking through the repercussions of several injustice we see daily. Rather than challenge it even if it doesn’t have anything to do with them, they let it go. My purpose of writing this article reminds me of the parable of a Monkey who was watching an Elephant and a lion fighting; rather than stepping in and stopping the fight, it sat back, enjoying the scene, clapping for the winning Lion who scratched the Elephant and caused him a deep wound. When the fight finally stopped a medicine man was approached to help in treating the wound of the Elephant.

    The Medicine man said he needed the veins of the Monkey to prepare the medicine. 
     
    When the Monkey was caught and told the reason they were after him, it sadly said, “I would have reconciled them if I had known that the conflict would eventually affect me. ” It was too late for the Monkey anyway.
     
    A Presidential Debate is to be held, but 2 Days ago a body calling itself Nigerian Election Debate Group NEDG in collaboration with Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria BON came out with an outrageous list of 5 Candidates who should participate in the debate.
     
    In that list the name of the presidential candidate of AAC was conspicuously left out. After its members and supporters bombarded the commission with numerous calls and messages asking for the criteria they used in the selection, the 2 commission confirmed they used a survey and what they called character of the candidates to select those that will participate.
     
    Strange enough, in the surreptitious survey they released, the AAC candidate came third. When asked about what they meant by Character, there were various responses but to summarize it they said because the AAC Candidate is uncontrollable, or can be rude at times, etc. 
     
    Looking at the political atmosphere of  Nigeria, it’s no doubt that things have changed from what we used to know. I grew up knowing Politics is for the touts and a no go terrain for people with Integrity and Character. Besides I have never known any new names in Politics asides the likes of Saraki, Falae, Adelekes, Tinubus, Yaraduas, Buharis, etc. Most Nigerian of my age born in the 70s have come to see Politics for this set of people. Also, there is a widely accepted belief that to go into Politics, you must be rich enough to spend millions/billions of Naira or have friends and business tycoons that can bankroll it.
     
    However, in recent times and especially in the current Presidential race, there have been a paradigm shift. New names have emerged that in my life time I could not have imagined that such people would be running for the highest office in the land. Of interest are the likes of Oby Ezekwesili, Omoyele Sowore, Kingsley Moghalu, Fela Durotoye, etc.  These are valiants that have chosen not to accept the status quo.
     
    The AAC however stood out when you consider the way their campaign has been run. The Presidential Aspirant and his campaign has visited the nooks and cranny of the nation. It’s also amazing that his campaign could raise funds from average Nigerians to the tune of over a 100 million Naira. 
     
    Looking at this remarkable precedence of AAC, it then come as a big surprise that the commission that should be neutral and protect the interest of the electorate are working openly against it.
     
    What is more surprising is the attitude of millions of Nigerians and several advocacy groups that claim to have a vested interest in the success of democracy in Nigeria. I will quickly give kudos to two of the Presidential aspirants (Oby Ezekwesili and Fela Durotoye) that came out already demanding that their opponent be added. However, where are the Likes of the Campaign for Democracy, the National Endowment for Democracy, the Nigerian Advocacy Group for Democracy and Human Rights, the Association for Credible Leadership in Nigeria, etc. what have muffled your voices? Where are the Nigerian people who should stand up and speak against this injustice even, though it may not concern their party today.
     
    Like the Monkey in that parable who enjoyed watching the fight between the Lion and the Elephant until he realized his vein will be needed as a antidote to the Elephant’s wound. Fellow Nigerians I encourage you not to sit on the fence thinking this does not concern you. 
     
    Stand up for that neighbors right before it’s too late, and your own right is being trampled upon.
     
    Adeyinka Fadehan
    Writes from New Jersey

  • Ambode endorses Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket

    He said the duo was prepared to take on the task of moving the State to greater heights.

    The Governor, who spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting at the State secretariat of the party on Acme Road in Ogba, raised the hands of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat before scores of party leaders and faithful and wished them well in the March 2, 2019 election.

    “As we are looking forward to February 16, 2019, we know it is the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket that the whole of Lagos will vote for.

    “As we proceed two weeks after on March 2, we also declare that it is the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket that will come to take over from me by the special grace of God.

    “I pray for them and bless them that they will take over from me successfully in good health and in good spirit,” he said.

    Read Also: Oyinlola asks Buhari to quit as ten more parties adopt Atiku

    He urged those still aggrieved with the fallout of the primaries of the party to follow his example and accept the party’s supremacy.

    “The first thing I want to say is to appeal to all our party members who, in one way or the other, have been wronged or aggrieved that they should find a place in their hearts to let it just be the same way that I have accepted the greatness of the party.

    “I want us to know that the party is supreme to all our individual interests because it has the common good for all of us and we must find a place in our hearts to let the party reign supreme,” he said.

    The Governor also appealed to the leadership of the party to go a step further by looking for avenues to compensate aggrieved aspirants, saying such was necessary to spur them to work for the party and also move the party forward.