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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Ogun 2019: ‘We will reconcile with Amosun, others’

    The governorship candidate of the  All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Friday met with party leaders from across the state, assuring that all aggrieved members, including Governor Ibikunle Amosun, would be appeased.
    Abiodun said the party primaries have come and gone, but added that the important things today are reconciliation of all members  because of the crisis arising from the primaries and forge a “common front” as team to deal with the electoral contest ahead.
    The Oil magnate who spoke with reporters at the residence of former Governor, Akirogun Segun Osoba, in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, the state capital, shortly after the political meeting there, described Amosun as his “long time friend.”
    Abiodun noted that the fact that there was a disagreement between them over the primaries, does not negate both still being members of APC.

    Read Also: Amosun visits Villa again

    He added that the disagreement is a “party family issue” that would be resolved, assuring that the Ogun State APC would enter 2019 electoral contest “strong and united.”
    He disclosed that his running mate would come from Ogun West Senatorial district, pledged to run “quality governance,” improve the welfare of civil servants particularly teachers.
    He also pledged to embark on aggressive agriculture to enhance food supply and create jobs for state’s teeming youth and the state’s current Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) by harnessing all her potentials if elected into power in 2019.

  • Nigeria can afford a living wage for workers – Oshiomhole

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said that Nigeria as a nation can afford what he described as a living wage for workers in the country, saying non payment of salaries by state Governors creates a viscious circle leading to low production and eventual loss of jobs.

    Oshiomhole said as a governor, he has always told his colleagues that payment of salaries is not a burden, but a means of enhancing the development potential of the state, adding that the major problem in the country has always been the stealing or public resources in the name or salary payment.

    The former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) who was responding to question on the new nattional minimum wage in an interview with a television outfit monitored in Abuja said it was unfortunate that the nation has enough to meet the greed of leaders but don’t have enough to meet basic needs of their people.

    He said: “My views are clear that payment of wages is not an act of kindness for an employer to pay the employees’ wages at the end of the month. There are provisions in our labour act that says that you cannot delay the payment of salaries in excess of 30 days interval, which means salaries ought not to accumulate beyond 30 days. And Government decides the size of its employment but when it made the decision to employ it has the obligation to pay. Even the Holy Bible says that the laborer is entitled to its wages.

    “I think again, this is where President Buhari stands out clearly. He has publicly asked public sector employers; how do you sleep when you have not paid your employers for one year. But he did not stop at lamenting it, he went on to provide the much talked about bailout fund and said please use this money to pay your workers and pay pension arrears.

    Read Also: ICPC to probe petitions against Oshiomhole

    “And even the deductions from states that was done under the PDP in the name of settling our foreign debts, they went into state treasury and they over deducted, that was done under the PDP. But under President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, inspite of the huge financial challenges that he faces, decided that in order to assist the states to meet up with their social obligations, to begin to pay what is now referred as Paris Club refund.

    “He has done that two, three instalments and each time the governors are told that you must use this money among other things to settle pension arrears and be up to date in the payment of salaries.

    “But I am very proud that this President has rich conscience, he recognizes that the Nigerian worker deserve his wages and that is why he has publicly lament that there are governors who have not paid salaries as at when due, whether they are PDP or APC it is immaterial. And in seeking to deal with it he has also provided support across party divide and I think that is statesmanship at its best.

    “As for my views on the minimum wage, I tried to deal with it as a governor. I told my colleagues then that wage is not a burden in the society. In economics, when people work and get paid purchasing powers is enhanced and because purchasing power is enhanced producers will respond to that by seeking to produce more goods and services. And in the process they will recruit more hands.

    “But when you don’t pay wages you create a virtuous circle, no payment of wages leading to low purchasing power. None payment of rents, compounding the problem of those who have invested in real estate. Depressing the commercial life of the state and of the country. And I tried to settle this question by increasing minimum wage in Edo state to N25, 000 from N18,000.

    “I remember some people calling me to ask how you will pay it. I am on record of having paid it and as we speak my successor in office is paying it. I do not agree with those who says Nigeria cannot afford a more realistic minimum wage. My being in government or now chairman of a party cannot change what I believe in.  I that no nation has enough to meet the greed of leaders but nations have enough to meet basic needs of their people.

    “The real problem in the public sector is money being stolen in the name of salaries; I found it embarrassing when we talk about ghost workers. And I ask the question who counts ghosts, it is only in Nigeria that ghosts are known. The labourer deserves its wage; the primary purpose of government is the welfare of its people. So we must pay wages as at when due.”

     

  • Atiku support group urges vigilance

    The Atiku Abubakar Support Group has called on supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate nationwide to be vigilant ahead of the 2019 presidential election.

    The National Coordinator of group, Dr. Nath Iduma challenged members to ensure that Atiku wins convincingly in all polling units, saying that the ruling party would rig the election at any slightest opportunity.

    This is coming on the heels of similar call by the National Youth Leader of the PDP, Mr. Udeh Okoye, who charged the support groups to dominate the Social Media and counter the All Progressives Congress (APC) propaganda against Atiku.

    The duo made the call on Thursday in Abuja during an interactive session by a coalition of support groups with the theme: Turning the popularity of Atiku/Obi into Electoral Success

    While addressing the coalition, Iduma explained that Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Mr. Peter Obi are successful businessmen and intend to govern the country with businesslike approach. He stated that Nigeria will succeed when governance is run like business.

    Iduma said, “Atiku and Obi came together by providence and they are tested persons. I believe that if we have people that can run government as they run business, then that government is going to succeed.

    “In Yola, Atiku has several investments and when both of them come together, the problem of unemployment will be handled. Both of them who are business minded people will run businesslike government. Unless we win this election with massive votes, it is likely they are going to rig us out”.

    The coordinator of the group challenged PDP and its presidential candidate to invest massively in the youth, even as he reminded the coalition that Atiku pledged to allocate 40% of positions to the youths, urging them to work hard and grab the opportunity.

    “It is high time that the party and candidates invested in the youths. They are the ones to go down into every part of the country to canvass for votes and protect our votes,” he said.

    Read Also: Atiku takes campaign to South Africa

    Adding his voice, the National Youth leader of the PDP, Ude-Okoye urged the youths to occupy the social media space, confront the propaganda narratives of the APC and highlight the values of the PDP presidential candidate.

    Ude-Okoye said, “We have to divide ourselves into two and confront the attackers and the promoters. One group must be attacking the APC, telling how the APC has destroyed the country while the second group will be promoting the achievements of Atiku and Obi.

    “Our product, Atiku, is a good market, so we have to sell him to Nigerians. Larger number of voters are not in the social media but their influencers are in the social media. We should influence our people who have registered to get their PVCs.

    “We also need to influence voters who are in the villages to get Android phones so that they can join the discuss. Atiku is an employer but we have a President who have a stunted business, it does not grow, it does not reduce.

    “A president who has failed to protect the lives and properties of his people has failed”.

    Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the Atiku Care Foundation, Ambassador Aliyu Abbas, said that with Atiku, citizens cannot continue to suffer hunger and starvation.

    “Atiku Abubakar is not only a politician but an international businessman, an educationist, a farmer and a philanthropist”.

    Also, the National Convener of of the coalition of Atiku the four largest support groups, Ike Bishop Okoronkwo said that the groups have mobilised over 10 million youths across the country for Atiku.

    He added that before the 2019 general elections, the groups will mobilise about 20 million voters across the 774 local governments for the PDP presidential candidate.

  • PDP, a damaged product, says APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the main opposition Party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a damaged product showing no regret for its retrogressive old practices which brought the country to its knees.

    National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said in a statement in Abuja that it is becoming increasingly clear to the electorate that the PDP is not a party to either be trusted or taken seriously as it has missed out on the opportunity to apologize and show remorse for the cruelty it wrought on our country while in power.

    Issa-Onilu accused the PDP of spreading fake news, misinformation and distortion of facts as focal campaign strategies for the 2019 elections.

    The APC said it supports ongoing global media attention and efforts to check the proliferation of fake news particularly as the country gears up for campaigns ahead of the 2019 elections

    “The consequences of fake news are often dire as it inflames perceived divisions in our communities; fuels hate speech, leads to violence and distorts democratic processes, among others.

    “Disturbingly, the country’s main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its discredited agents, have continued to deploy the loathsome strategy of fake news, misinformation and distortion of facts as focal campaign strategies for the 2019 elections.

    “While the APC is not surprised at the PDP’s typical theatrics in an attempt to evade scrutiny for its 16 years of mis-governance, it is instructive to the electorate that no lessons have been learnt by the prodigal party. It is indeed clear to the electorate that the PDP is not a party to either be trusted or taken seriously as it has missed out on the opportunity to apologize and show remorse for the cruelty it wrought on our country while in power.

    “What we witness instead is its weekly disgraceful and embarrassing shadow chasing through fake news and spurious allegations. PDP cannot pull the wool over the eyes of the good people of this country. It can cry wolf for all it cares, Nigerians won’t be deceived.

    Read Also: Suspect held for attacking APC defectors

    “PDP remains a damaged product showing no regret for its retrogressive old practices which brought the country to its knees in terms of our infrastructure, economy, security, values and standing among nations of the world.

    “Instead of engaging the electorate on serious issues of development such as health, education, economy, foreign policy, security, corruption, pension, job creation, infrastructure development among others, the PDP and its agents have chosen to populate the mainstream and social media space with ludicrous fake news and infantile conspiracy theories, moving from one absurdity to another.

    “While the PDP ups its game as a crybaby, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration is busy building a new Nigeria for our collective progress, peace, unity and prosperity. We are restoring our country to its deserved standing among the comity of progressive nations; fighting corruption and repairing our value system, diversifying our economic revenue base, creating jobs and economic opportunities for Nigerians, particularly the poor; bringing succour to the insurgency-ravaged North-East; reforming the oil industry, power, defence, pensions, and other critical sectors; creating a world-class transportation system, amongst others.”

  • Ekiti governorship election dispute: APC opens case Thursday

    …INEC closes case after 16 witnesses, 31 exhibits

     

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) will on Thursday opened its defence in the ongoing hearing of a petition challenging its victory in the governorship election held in Ekiti State on June 14 this year.

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election, Olusola Kolapo are, by their petition, marked: EPT/ EKS/GOV/01/18 challenging the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare APC’s candidate, Kayode Fayemi as winner of the election.

    INEC is listed as first respondent in the petition, while APC and Fayemi are listed as 2nd and 3rd respondents in the petition being heard by the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which now sits in Court 17, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Apo, Abuja.

    On Thursday, APC’s lawyer, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) indicated the party’s readiness to open its defence after lawyer to INEC, Charles Edosomwan (SAN) announced the closure of his client’s case.

    Owonikoko told the tribunal that the APC was ready to open its defence on Thursday. He said the party would make judicious use of the 10 days allocated to it to conduct its defence.

    At the resumption of proceedings on Thursday, Edosomwan tendered more documents before announcing the closure of his client’s case.

    Edosomwan tendered certified true copies of Form EC40G and Form RF40G, documents detailing where the governorship election was cancelled.

    He also tendered Form EC40G for Okemesi 3 Registration Centre and Aramoko Ward 2 in Ekiti West Local Government Area.

    The INEC lawyer equally tendered Form RF40G for Imesi Registration Area and Ilu Omoba Registration Area in Gbonyin LGA.

    Owonikoko and lawyer to Fayemi, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) did not object to the admission, as exhibits, the documents tendered by Edosomwan.

    Lawyer to the PDP and Kolapo, Rowland Otaru (SAN) objected to the admission of the documents and promised to supply his reasons for objecting at the address stage.

    Tribunal’s Chairman, Suleiman Belgore admitted the documents as exhbits, after which he invited the 2nd respondent (APC) to open its case.

    In response to the judge’s invitation, Owonikoko stood up and promised APC’s readiness to commence it’s defence on Thursday.

    Justice Belgore then adjourned to Thursday (November 15).

     

     

  • ICPC to probe petitions against Oshiomhole

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is to investigate petitions accusing the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of corruption, saying petition against him will be handled just like all others.

    ICPC spokesperson, Rasheedat Okoduwa, who spoke while receiving a petition from a group of protesters on the platform of Coalition of New Nigeria (CNN) assured that the petition will be treated the same manner it handled others.

    Read Also:Saraki describes his resignation call by Oshiomhole as joke

    She said: “I have heard you and we thank you people for the peaceful protest here. You have done what you are supposed to do. I want to assure you that your petition will be treated according to its merit and the same manner we treat others”.

    Convener of the group, Barr. Stanley Ohu, who led the protesters demand the immediate prosecution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

    The protesters under the auspices of Coalition for New Nigeria (CNN), had arrived the ICPC office with posters bearing various inscriptions like ‘Oshiomhole is corrupt’, ‘Oshiomhole must go’, ‘with Oshiomhole, APC will fail’, ‘ICPC must probe Oshiomhole’, ‘Buhari, remove Oshiomhole now before it is too late’, among other and pleaded with the agency to expedite action in the prosecution of the ruling party boss.

    He said: “We are determined in our quest to arrest the danger faced by our party, the governing APC, occasioned by the integrity challenged National Chairman, Oshiomhole. As you are all aware, our party, the APC is in serious crisis following the most reprehensible, divisive and widely condemned primaries across the states.

    “The APC which was gaining grounds and welcoming new members is far from the all-embracing party it was when Oshiomhole took over as National Chairman.

    “Given the various allegations of corruption by respected chieftains and members of the APC, we are here calling on the various anti-corruption agencies to begin a comprehensive probe of not only these allegations, but his time as the governor of Edo state.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, we are well aware that Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence criminal proceedings against Oshiomhole for allegedly diverting state funds into personal use.

    “Therefore, it is expedient that a man that has corruption noose round his neck is not the fit and proper person to lead a party that has President Muhammadu Buhari, a man known globally for his anti-corruption stance, to remain in office.
    “We demand that Oshiomhole resigns owing to the plethora of allegations against him leading to even the DSS inviting him and demanding for his resignation.

    “In the event Oshiomhole chooses to tread the path of the little honour left of him, we urge President Buhari to ask him to leave before he leads the APC down the path of ignominy in 2019.

    “We assure you that this will not be the end of the Coalition for New Nigeria’s protest until Mr. Oshiomhole leaves the exalted office of the National Chairman of the governing APC, the party of Change,” he said.

     

  • Alaghodaro: Obaseki earmarks 100 roads for construction

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that 100 roads in different parts of the state have been earmarked for construction as the dry season sets in.

    Obaseki who said this during the 2018 Alaghodaro Summit in Benin City, the state capital, noted that his administration has made appreciable progress in the last two years in provision of infrastructure, education sector, job creation and empowerment as well as in repositioning the state for investments.

    Addressing guests, members of his cabinet and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state at the luncheon held after the Thanksgiving Service to celebrate his two-year anniversary as governor of the state, the governor acknowledged the achievements of his predecessor, which he said his government was building on.

    He explained that “two years on, Edo people are celebrating the progress we have made in all sectors of the state.”

    He thanked Edo people and residents for their support and encouragement, adding that the input from the people helped the administration to perform better.

    “God has endowed the state and placed her in a unique location. We all should be patient and trust God to help us make more progress,” he said.

    Read Also: FG lauds Obaseki’s education reform

    Secretary to State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said: “This celebration is to tell our people how far we have gone in fulfilling our promises. For us, we are progressing as all we promised in four years will be done in less than four years, looking at our progress so far in the first two years”.

    Ogie noted that God has been faithful to the Obaseki-led administration in fulfilling the electioneering promises made to Edo people in the area of job creation, infrastructure development, sports development, education and health care.

  • Presidential panel grants Uzodinma bail on health ground

    …to report today after meeting with doctor

     

    The Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property (SPIPRPP) has granted bail to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

    He was arrested late on Sunday evening at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on his way from Lagos, aboard an Air Peace aircraft, marked: P47324.

    A source at the SPIPRPP said he was allowed on bail on health ground and upon his promise to report back Tuesday after a meeting with his doctor.

    Uzodinma was picked up on Sunday at about 820pm by operatives of the SPIPRPP over his alleged failure to honour the panel’s several invitations in relation to its investigation of the Senator (representing Orlu Zone, Imo State) on  allegation of economic sabotage,

    It was learnt that Uzodinma is being investigated over his company’s alleged failure to execute a contract of $12 million for the dredging of Calabar channel awarded by the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).

    A senior official of the SPIPRPP confided in The Nation on Monday that Uzodinma was released on “bail last night (Sunday nght) on humanitarian ground and asked him to report back today (Monday) at 10am.

    “When he did not come, my operatives laid siege in his residence. Then, he later pleaded with us to allow him see his doctor and report tomorrow (Tuesday).

    Uzodinma is also linked with other cases, including a case over his alleged failure to disclose his assets, as reflected in a two count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/107/2018, now pending before Justice Babatunde Quadri of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The Orlu serving Senator and his firms are equally involved in a pending criminal case before the Upper Area Court, Arab Road, Kubwa, Abuja.

    The case was initiated via a criminal complaint filed by a company, Chimex Ventures Ltd and its promoter, Chima Akuzie, who claimed that the Senator issued them a N200 million UBA dud (bounced cheque).

    Akuzie stated that Uzodinma sub-contracted to his company, a shoreline protection project in Koko, Delta State, which he (Uzodinma) allegedly got from the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and that the dud cheque was intended as payment their successful execution of the project.

    On October 29, Judge Abdulwahab Muhammed referred the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further action after Uzodinma (the defendant) failed to attend court to answer to the complaint.

    The judge’s referral letter, sighted by The Nation, has as its reference number: FCT/JD/AC/ABJ/CORR/EFCC/VOL1/2018. It was addressed to the Acting Chairman of the EFCC.

    Part of it reads: “Re-Criminal complaint against Senator Hope Uzodinma, Smiec Engineering and Chemical Construction Company Limited, and Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited for criminal conspiracy, joint act, criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust and cheating.

    “The above subject matter, with case number: CR/358/2018 between Chimex Ventures Ltd & 1 other and Senator Hope Uzodinma & 2 others, refers.

    “With reference to the above subject matter, I am directed to inform you and refer the above matter to your office for proper, thorough and discreet comprehensive investigation in line with Section 89(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

    “Please find attached copy of the complaint for your information and further action.”

  • Buhari lists conditions for restructuring

    …Why Nigerians in diaspora won’t vote in 2019

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday gave conditions to be fulfilled before the government can go into restructuring of the country.

    He pointed out that there should be proper definition of what Nigerians want before the government can delve into restructuring the country.

    The President also noted that many Nigerians who have been calling for restructuring have been doing so without defining what the restructuring should be.

    Read Also:Jail terms no longer deterrence for illicit financial flow, says Buhari

    Buhari, who spoke during the interactive session with Nigerians living in France, was in the country for the Peace Forum attended by about 70 world leaders in Paris.

    The Nigerian community, which was made up of Nigerian Diaspora Organization (NIDO), All Progressives Congress (APC) members in France, students and friends of Nigeria, asked the President questions ranging from restructuring, security, anti-corruption, education and opportunity for Nigerians in diaspora to vote in 2019 general elections.

    The President said; “There are too many people talking lazily about restructuring in Nigeria. Unfortunately, people are not asking them individually what do they mean by restructuring? What form do they want restructuring to take?

    “Do they want us to have something like the three regions we used to have? And now we have 36 states and the FCT. What form do they want? They are just talking loosely about restructuring.

    “Let them define it and then we see how we can peacefully do it in the interest of Nigerians.

    “They are just saying they want Nigeria restructured and they don’t have the clue of what the form the restructuring should be.

    “So, anybody who talks to you about restructuring in Nigeria, ask him what he means and the form he wants it to take,” he stated.

    He also gave reasons why Nigerians in diaspora might not vote in the 2019 general elections.

    According to him, it will be very difficult for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put in place structures to accommodate them with just about three months to the 2019 elections.

    Noting that the increasing Nigeria population in the diaspora supports the calls for their participation in electing Nigeria leaders, he said that it might not happen in the 2019 general elections as INEC had been more focused on strengthening and consolidating on its achievements to conduct credible elections within the country.

    But he said that Nigerians in diaspora would definitely participate in future elections.

    Buhari said “We want to secure the Nigeria votes first before we go foreign. We are going to strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be more independent and viable ….  so that they can recruit more committed and educated Nigerians to be in charge and use technologies to get the votes from all the constituencies.

    “So, with the way the economy is now, I think with the elections in three months’ time, it will be very difficult for INEC and the government to organize quality survey of those that are outside,” he said.

    Responding to the question on education in Nigeria, the President said that his administration is doing its best to invest more in infrastructures, education and other sectors.

    The Nigerian elites, he said, disappointed Nigeria and the Nigerian masses under the sixteen years administrations of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    According to him, so much waste has gone down the drain from the huge resources earned in during the PDP administrations in the country between 1999 and 2015.

    He said that there was nothing to show for the earnings including the $16 billion said to have been spent on power.

    He urged Nigerian elites, both at home and diaspora, to do more in contributing to the educational sector of the country, expressing surprise that the elites tolerated the fall in standards and structures of educational institutions despite the huge oil earnings.

    He said; “So, really I have seen it all and I was disappointed in the Nigerian elites. What have they done in these sixteen years?”

    “What do we have with our oil production down to half a million and the price per barrel went down to about $30, what could we have done with the infrastructure?

    “You should find out the damage done by the main opposition now to the economy and the integrity of the country.

    “So, we are now trying to improve infrastructures and do more in education and other areas.

    “We are currently reviewing investments in the entire infrastructure of the country like road, rail and power, including investing more in education. We will certainly need to do more in education,’’ he said.

    He added “I am doing my best now to utilize our resources to develop the country. We are already getting results on road, rail and power. My frustration is that some people still have plenty stolen money stashed in Europe, U S and other countries.’’

    According to him, return of stolen assets in some safe heavens will bolster the administration’s current effort of investing more in critical infrastructure that directly impact on the livelihood of Nigerians.

    He said that the war against terrorism will be reinforced with new weapons and hardware for the military

    The challenge of abduction and kidnapping in some parts of the country, he said, will receive more attention with better gathering of intelligence.

    According to him, God and technology in form of card readers and Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) won the Presidential elections for him in 2015 despite not succeeding in three earlier times.

    “We campaigned on three key issues; security, improving the economy, and fighting corruption, and we have not been controverted by anyone that we have not recorded some results,’’ he said.

    Speaking earlier, the Nigerian Ambassador to France, Dr. Modupe Irele, said that the Nigerian community in France had demonstrated high sense of responsibility, dedication and morality.

    According to her, the large number of professionals had been encouraged to also contribute to the country’s development.

    “Nigerians here are law abiding, peaceful and resourceful,’’ she said.

    President Buhari’s commitment to change, she noted, will make Nigeria the envy of other African countries.

    Speaking to journalists at the end of the interactive session, Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, said that it was very important for President Buhari to attend the Peace Forum in Paris.

    He said “President Muhammadu Buhari has been preaching for peace, especially when he came on board, he met our country religiously and ethnically divided.

    “I think it is important that he meets with other world leaders to discuss how peace can be promoted among the nations and various people of the world.

    “There is no way you can promote peace where there is massive corruption. Massive corruption deprives people of development, and if there is no development, there won’t be any peace.” he said

    Willy Obiano of Anambra State said that it is important for Nigeria to be emphasizing peace.

    In the education sector, he said that the state has invested a lot of money into the sector in the last four years.

    He said “We revamped 1482 primary and secondary schools. We have sent our teachers to Singapore and Germany for training.

    “More importantly, what my administration has done in Anambra State with respect to education is to reach the … end of Anambra State.” he said

    House of Reps member, Nasir Ali Ahmed, representing Nasarawa Federal constituency of Kano State, said that the interactive session was a very successful meeting.

    He hoped that a lot of the Nigerians living in France will come back home to contribute their quota to Nigeria’s development.

    Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, recently nominated Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Diaspora Commission, who facilitated the meeting, said that a lot of Nigerians living in France are already doing many things at home for the economy.

    “So, we will continue to engage with them and continue to stress the positivity about our country, Nigeria,” she said

    Stressing that there are some Nigerians in prisons in France, she said that Nigerians are being encouraged to obey the laws of the land wherever they go.

    She also pointed out that the new commission is not a charity organization, but aims to tap into the enormous resources of Nigerians in the diaspora.

  • 900 PDP members defect to APC in Jigawa

    No fewer than 900 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaugama Local Government Area of Jigawa on Monday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Receiving the defectors in Kaugama, the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan, urged them to work for the party’s victory in the 2019 general elections.

    “Your defection to APC shows that this party is becoming stronger and stronger as we approach the general elections,” he said.

    The council’s APC Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Ubali, commended the defectors for their decision, saying that the party’s doors were still open for more defectors.

    Read Also: Suspect held for attacking APC defectors

    “We will do justice to anyone who has joined the APC or interested in joining the party,” he said.

    Ubali thereafter appealed to the APC members who lost in the recent party primaries to be patient, assuring that the party leaders would reward them for their loyalty.

    Responding on behalf of the defectors, Alhaji Sale Marke and Alhaji Baffa Yusuf, thanked the party leaders for their hospitality and pledged to be law abiding members.

    Marke and Yusuf were close allies of the PDP’s Jigawa Northeast Senatorial candidate, Sen. Ubali Shitu.