The Nation Newspaper

Tag: 2019

  • 2019: Gov el-Rufai speaks fatalistically

    KADUNA State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, sources tell Sentry in Kaduna, is said to be afraid of losing his second term bid. The governor who recently gave what sounded like a self-consoling speech at an event in Kaduna said he would be the first to concede defeat if he lost the 2019 governorship election. He had better things to do with his life than being the state governor, he moaned. At the event which had gubernatorial candidates of some other political parties in attendance, Mallam el-Rufai said he pitied those aspiring to succeed him, because the job is not an easy one, and he sometimes felt like abdicating.

    “It is my view as candidate of the APC that if INEC should conduct the elections of 2019 with the same kind of credibility as the recent Osun governorship election, there would be no violence at all because it is rigging that leads to violence,” the governor reasoned. “And as a candidate of the  APC, I am saying here and now, I am in a hurry to pack out of the Government House, if the people do not vote for me.”

    Sources whispered to Sentry that beyond the grandstanding, Mallam el-Rufai is at bottom troubled by the unexpected, especially considering the impact of some of his policies. The governor had executed policies widely perceived to have rubbed off badly on the people, chief among which were the sacking of about 22,000 teachers and some categories of traditional rulers, not to talk of the demolition of ‘illegal’ structures and the nomination of a Muslim running mate. The sources tell Sentry that they expect the governor to be a little more sober than his normal sprightly self as the elections draw near. But no one is putting his money on that bet.

  • NYSC warns corps members against political thuggery

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has warned corps members to shun political thuggery and other related crimes.

    Malam Abubakar Mohammed, NYSC Coordinator in Adamawa gave the warning in Yola on Friday shortly after the passing out ceremony of 2018 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members who served in the state.

    Mohammed advised the corps members to avoid making themselves available for evil-minded politicians, who usually recruited young people as thugs to unleash terror against their opponents.

    He noted that as 2019 general elections was approaching; corps members should be very careful and resolute in all their daily activities.

    “It is likely some unscrupulous politicians may recruit young people like you into their armies of thugs for their selfish interest.

    “I advise you to distance yourselves from such elements for your own safety and the general good of our country. I also call on you to educate other youths to flee from these types of unpatriotic Nigerians,’’ Mohammed said.

    The coordinator equally encouraged the passing-out corps members to utilise the skills acquired during the service year and become gainfully employed.

    He further urged them to be ambassadors of positive change anywhere they go, by deploying the experiences they got from their sojourn in the state, in order to add value to society.

    The coordinator wished the corps members success in their future endeavours and prayed that God would protect and preserve them.

  • Ezekwesili promises poverty reduction, if elected

    Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, the Presidential Candidate for Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) has promised to reduce poverty to the barest level in the country, if elected in 2019.

    Ezekwesili made the pledge during a courtesy visit by ‘Women in Politics Organisation’ to her campaign office in Abuja on Thursday.

    According to her, poverty can not be completely eradicated from the society, but she would work hard to minimize it through inclusive economic growth and job creation for the youth.

    The candidate said that being a woman was not a challenge for her to win the election, reiterating that she was keen on giving dividends of democracy to all Nigerians.

    “The unemployment figure in the country is scary and huge number of graduates come into the labour market every year without jobs.

    Read Also: 2019 Budget: FG liaises with NASS on presentation date

    “Some will argue that gender equality is a deal that cannot be achieved, but I disagree because the society is already moving in that direction.

    “I will ensure good representation, poverty alleviation and good economic policy for the development of the economy,” she said.

    Ezekwesili also promised to put in place policies targeted at empowering women to tackle poverty, as well as establish a sustainable financial system that would address discrimination against women.

    She called on youths in the country to shun all forms of vices, and not to allow themselves to be used by politicians during and after the general elections.

  • El-Rufai, Lai Mohammed warn against fake news, hate speech

    …calls for legislation to contain menace
    ….it can’t save opposition from imminent defeat….Lai mohammed

     

    Governor Ahmed El-rufai and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed have warned of the danger of fake news in the country ahead of the coming 2019 general election.

    Consequently, El-rufai urged the Federal Government to enact legislation that would grant jurisdiction to state judiciaries to handle cases of fake news and hate speeches.

    The current law in the country only grant the Federal High Courts jurisdiction to handle cases of fake news.

    The duo spoke on Thursday in Kaduna when the Minister paid Governor El-rufai a courtesy visit.

    The minister is in Kaduna for the 47th meeting of the National Council on Information, with the theme “Tackling fake news and hate speech to enhance peace and National unity”.

    The governor who said he had a personal share of fake news; saying his Wikipedia was altered to change his nationality and was also alleged to have been clone and from Bamako, Mali.

    He also cited the negative impact fake news have had on the state in recent times, assuring that the state will spear no effort in bringing to book all those invloved in spreading hate speech in the state, including an Abuja based Pastor and the Lagos based journalist.

    Read Also: Court remands pupil for allegedly killing schoolmate

    The governor stressed that conveyors of fake news should not be allowed to go free as they should be made to bear the consequences of their actions.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, on his part said fake news has become the most difficult challenge confronting the country today as it is the most potent weapon in the hands of the opposition party in the run off to the 2019 general elections.

    Mohammed however assured the opposition party that no amount of fake news will save them from total defeat again come 16th February and 2nd March 2019 general elections.

    The Minister also warned that the country will begin to witness more of it, especially now that the election is at hand because the opposition have nothing to debase the ruling party with giving the numerous achievement of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration within the short time.

  • 2019: I’ll never be neutral, says Obasanjo

    FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has said he will never be neutral in choice of a president for Nigeria in 2019 election in the face of alleged glaring incompetence and brazen impunity.

    He stressed that only those that live in denial would be reluctant to change the present All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration at the centre to one that would “improve on the economy, regain investors’ confidence and generally drive growth”.

    The elder statesman, who is presently in Cairo for the maiden edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) of which he is chairman of the Advisory Council, spoke through a statement by his media aide Kehinde Akinyemi.

    He warned Nigerians not to be inactive regarding the forthcoming elections, but make conscious efforts to use the opportunity it offers to elect right leaders in 2019.

    According to him, he would remain consistent in speaking out wherever he sees anything wrong in the governance of the country as is tradition, not minding whose ox was gored.

    The ex-President added that he decided to adopt a communal and familial approach in talking to members of his Owu family in Iwo, Osun State regarding their choice for the 2019 elections.

    Obasanjo, who was reacting to a report by an online media with the headline “Atiku: Obasanjo shifts political gear to neutral,” noted that it was disingenuous, if not malicious, for anyone to suggest that he was being neutral when he chose not to use the Owu Convention as a platform for political campaign.

    The statement reads: “For the records, and as accurately reported by some media organisations, what the former President said at the convention in Iwo was that while he would not impress any candidates on them, Nigerians should vote for credible candidates who will drive growth and make their lives better than it is now.

    “Chief Obasanjo’s statement did not suggest his neutrality. In fact, the former President believes that only a fool will sit on the fence or be neutral when his or her country is being destroyed with incompetence, corruption, lack of focus, insecurity, nepotism, brazen impunity and denial of the obvious. Chief Obasanjo is no such fool nor is he so unwise.

    “The former President reassures Nigerians that he will not sit on the fence when he needs to be out and active for people to know where he stands in the best interest of Nigeria.

    “Chief Obasanjo reaffirms that he is on the side of what is best for Nigeria and what we have currently and as the affairs of Nigeria are being run is not the best for Nigeria, so nobody should fool himself or deceive others about Chief Obasanjo’s position.

    “The former President further urges Nigerians, who are victims of what we have for now to stop just complaining and go out to get beneficial change. They must know that such change will not come if they remain inactive just complaining and complacent and they allow themselves to be deceived by sycophants and enemies of Nigeria.”

    It added: “If they do not become active and get much needed change of the current administration to a government that will improve the economy, regain the confidence of investors and generally drive growth, development and economic progress with security, what is coming will be much worse than what Nigerians currently suffer.

    “On his part, Chief Obasanjo will remain consistent in speaking out whenever and wherever he sees evil as he is known to do no matter whose ox is gored.

    “Nobody should manipulate Chief Obasanjo’s position, particularly on the 2019 presidential election and what he said in Iwo to perpetrate or perpetuate continued destruction of our country.”

  • 2019: Atiku promises all-inclusive govt

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has declared that it won’t be a winner-takes-all affair if he emerges victorious in the 2019 presidential election.

    Atiku said the PDP would run an all-inclusive government with the institution of a government of national unity (GNU) which, according to him, will be drawn from the membership of other political parties in the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).

    Speaking yesterday at a meeting with leaders of about 45 political parties that adopted him as sole candidate, Atiku said there will be no room for any cabal to operate under a government of national unity.

    Atiku said: “I want to commit myself to the continuation of the doctrine of government of national unity.

    “We believe as a political party in a government of national unity and there must be stability before you can do anything- implement your economic programme and implement your healthcare programme.

    “Right from the beginning, I have been a member of the PDP and I know we have always believed in a government of national unity.

    “It takes a long time for a country as diverse as Nigeria to be united and stable even before we start talking about which ethnic group we come from or which religion we practice.

    “I want to assure you that as long as we are having a government of national unity, there will not be a cabal.”

    He encouraged parties in the coalition to make public their decision to adopt him as sole candidate for the benefit of Nigerian voters.

    Also speaking at the meeting, President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, called on the parties in coalition to step up their campaign to ensure victory for Atiku.

    Saraki said: “The message everywhere we go is that this country must move forward and we have agreed that the existing President must give way because he is not leading us in the right direction.

    “We have met with Nigerians all over the country-the old, the not-too-old-and the message is that the President cannot lead us the right way.

    “We must be part of the process to usher in a new direction. The most important thing is that we want a change, a new direction. We want a man that understands the issues.

    “We have been to three zones and there is a common message and that message is one of insecurity and hunger. Everywhere in this country, hunger and poverty are the issues.

    “So the challenge before us is how to bring back prosperity to this country.

    “Government alone cannot bring prosperity to this country because close to 80 percent of government revenue goes into personnel cost and servicing of debts.

    “The remaining percentage cannot bring about development.

    “To bring development to this country today, you need an environment that encourages people to bring in investments.

    “Nigerians are even afraid to bring their monies out and so they need somebody that they have the confidence will bring about the right environment for their business.”

    “The chairman of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said 15 other parties have indicated interest in joining the 25 parties that have adopted Atiku as sole presidential candidate.

    According to him, consultations were still ongoing to ensure that other parties in the coalition officially write to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw their presidential candidates.

    Oyinlola, who chairs the CUPP, is expected to coordinate events leading to the formalisation of the adoption of Atiku as consensus candidate and the official withdrawal of presidential candidates of other parties in the coalition.

  • 2019: Group advises Atiku

    The presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has been advised to pay a visit to the United States of America.

    In a statement by one of the pro -Buhari groups , the No Alternative To Buhari-Osinbajo 2019 (NATBuhariOsinbajo 2019), the PDP presidential candidate was advised to convince Nigerians that he is not wanted in the United States of America by visiting the country, the biggest democracy in the world.

    The group said visiting the country by the former vice president would make him acceptable to Nigerians who will soon go to the poll.

    The group also maintained  that Former President Olusegun Obasanjo could not be wrong when he said that the American government wrote to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission of Nigeria in June 2006, on its intention to investigate Atiku Abubakar on corruption-related issues.

  • 2019: Group backs Atiku

    Nigeria Comrades for Atiku, has promised to mobilise support for  the victory of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in 2019.

    The group’s chief organising secretary, Comrade Ilo George,  who made the promise during a visit to the Lagos PDP secretariat, said will also make sure that the party flag bearer in the state, Mr Jimi Agbaje “is also voted into office in 2019.”

    George said: “We will mobilise the grass root to make sure our presidential candidate is voted into office; and that our governorship candidate Jimi Agbaje is also voted into office”.

    He said it has become necessary to vote out the present government because life has become extremely difficult for the ordinary citizens in the country.

    Receiving them on behalf of Lagos PDP Chairman, the party’s Organising Secretary, Mr Babatude Agbaje, thanked the group for coming out to support both the presidential candidate and the governorship candidate.

    Agbaje advised them to get their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC)  which, according to him, is the weapon they will use to vote out the ruling party that has been making life unbearable for the Nigerian citizens since they assumed office.

  • 2019: Southwest forum resolves to back candidate with restructuring agenda

    SOME leaders in Southwest geopolitical zone have resolved to vote a candidate that will restructure the country in the 2019 election.

    The resolution was made during a colloquium on 2019  held yesterday at the Muson Centre, Lagos.

    In a communiqué read by Dr. Remi Akintoye, the forum adopted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar for the 2019 election.

    He said the decision was unanimous, noting that the Yoruba would be mobilised to make the decision a reality.

    The key speaker, former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George said the Yoruba nation was positioning itself to play a pivotal role in 2019.

    He said the Yoruba insisted on a balance, equitable society, where every Nigerian would have the same opportunity, irrespective of ethnic background.

    He added that the country should avoid the politics of hate and bitterness, which had contributed to disharmony in the country, noting that the country would be better if it avoided the ogre of sectarian malice.

    Read also: Between Restructuring and Resource Management

    “As we grapple with the dawning challenges of 2019, naturally like all other ethnic groups, the Yoruba people want to ensure that they do have an important seat at the table, when the dividends of democracy are being apportioned.

    “We do not ask for more than what is fair and just. We do not ask for more than what is equitable and balance proportion. And if we all get up and work hard, the people in every state can survive with any largess from any central government.”

    George urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the coming election is credible, stressing that the commission has its name to protect.

    Former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope said the Yoruba nation called for proper democracy.

    Former Deputy governor of Lagos State Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Elder Wole Oyelese, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Lagos PDP governorship candidate Jimi Agbaje, Erelu Olusola Obada, Chief Femi Okurounmu and others attended the event.

  • 2019: INEC warns incumbents against using state resources

    INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has warned incumbent office holders against using state resources or apparatuses for their campaigns or against their opponents.

    Yakubu sounded the caution yesterday in Abuja at a lecture: “Political corruption and other emerging issues for the 2019 elections”,  organised by the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) in partnership with Christian Voice to the People (V2P) and Hope Givers Initiative (HOG-I).

    He noted that the commission has the power to monitor campaign financing and sources of funds according to the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

    Yakubu, who was represented by a National Commissioner, Prof. Antonia Okoosi-Simbine, noted that the commission, in line with its powers as provided in Section F(15) in the Third Schedule of the Constitution, is well-positioned to, among others, monitor the campaign and finances of political parties for the 2019 general elections.

    He added: “Another interesting area of campaign finance spending to watch out for is the use of state administrative resources by incumbents, particularly now that the campaigns have fully kicked off. Section 100 (2) of the EA provides that ‘state apparatus shall not be employed to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election’.”

    TMG Chairperson Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, in her remarks, expressed worries over the developments around the 2019 elections, saying experience from the off-cycle elections have shown widespread manifestation of political corruption, possibilities of widespread electoral violence, vote-buying and voters’ inducements.

    “The implication or impact of vote-buying on Nigeria’s maturing democracy is well-traversed. There cannot be free or right choices of candidates with such ominous practices in such an environment. Such elections are simply for the highest bidder or the candidate with the deepest pocket without regard to competence or merit. Such electoral system has been observed to be incapable of producing a transparent government,” she said.

    She said the TMG plan to release a report, titled: “‘Market place democracy and Nigeria’s electoral process: An analysis of the dimensions of political corruption and its implications on Nigeria’s democratisation process”, which will bring to fore how these tendencies manifest in the nation’s electoral system by the middle of December.

    On her part, the Executive Director, HOG-I Mrs. Onyeka Udegbunam urged politicians and other stakeholders place national unity above personal interest to ensure the success of the 2019 elections.

    A security expert and lecturer from University of Ibadan, Prof. Albert Olawale, however, warned that Nigeria’s present structure requires that the country has to be careful going into 2019 elections.

    He said Nigeria is presently conflict-genic and that if care is not taken, the 2019 elections might be the trigger.

    A Senior Fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, who spoke on “2019 General Elections and the threat of transactional politics and other related matters”, warned electorates against vote-buying under any disguise, saying this would continue to worsen the situation.

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris said the increasing rate of vote-buying, rigging, act of thuggery, flash points of electoral violence, ballot box snatching small arms and light weapons, militant groups as potential threats to the 2019 elections.

    Idris, who was represented by the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operatives, Force Headquarters, Keneth Ebrisem, however, assured that to checkmate the activities of thugs, profiling of their leaders, sponsors, sympathisers and their locations is ongoing.