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Tag: All Progressives Congress

  • ‘Discharge your civic responsibility’

    The lawmaker representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Bamidele Baderinwa has urged the electorate to remain committed to Nigeria’s project.

    Baderinwa, who is also an All Progressives Congress(APC) candidate for  the federal constituency said the postponement of the 2019 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) by one week should not discourage them.

    The lawmaker who spoke to reporters in Ero, Ifedore local government noted that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria hence the need for every eligible voter to remain committed to discharging their civic responsibility.

    He opined that the Electoral body would not in any way do what could truncate the nation’s democracy.

    He said “I believe INEC decision will be in the best interest of all Nigerians because I know the body also believe in moving the Nation forward”

    “Nigerians, particularly the electorate should not relent but remain steadfast at ensuring things are done right”.

    The lawmaker however called on INEC to ensure that already supplied electoral materials are kept in safe custody ahead of Saturday and March 9 rescheduled dates for the elections.

    Baderinwa also charged security agencies to be up and doing at discharging their duties in the attempt to safeguard the integrity of the nation.

     

  • Postponement not fault of any political party – Okorocha

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has said no political party should be blamed for postponement of the February 16, 2019 elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    In a statement in Owerri on Sunday, Okorocha attributed the postponement to challenges faced by INEC, recalling that this was not the first postponement of elections in the nation’s history.

    He further said that the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) was ready for elections, describing the postponement as regrettable.

    He urged INEC to ensure that all issues were ironed out within the week to ensure seamless elections in the country.

    “The postponement of the election by INEC is an unfortunate development and also regrettable, but it is important to note that no political party should be blamed for the postponement, but rather on the challenges facing INEC.

    Read also: Yari responsible for what led to polls postponement, says Marafa

    “This is also not the first time the nation will witness such development during elections, it happened in 2011 and in 2015 respectively.

    ” I only want to urge INEC to use the week of postponement to resolve all the challenges it has and ensure that Nigerians have a smooth, free and fair elections.

    “APC as the ruling Party is ready for the elections and it will be absurd to accuse the ruling party of being responsible for the postponement,” he said.

    He also urged Nigerians to show patriotism by maintaining peace and understanding.(NAN)

  • “I’ll not mind being an active ‘spare tyre’”

    Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, running mate to the Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Prince Dapo Abiodun, may be new to partisan politics, but she is obviously not a push over. An engineer with about thirty years foreign and local experiences in the private sector, Salako-Oyedele, in this interview with Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor, explains how she intends to add value to the next administration in the Gateway State if the APC wins the next governorship election.

    THERE are so many versions of the story of how you emerged as he deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State. Can we here straight from the horse’s mouth?

    Following his victory at the primary election and his subsequent emergence as the governorship candidate of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), my principal, Dapo Abiodun, had to get himself a viable running mate. The expectations were high, as such party leaders got talking about who the deputy governorship candidate should be. A lot of factors were being considered as the search continued.

    Eventually, the leadership of the party and the candidate agreed that the position be zoned to my Local Government Area, Ado-Odo-Ota. Also, it was made clear that a Muslim was needed because the governorship candidate is a Christian. And you will understand that in our part of the world, we do well to balance all these factors whenever we are talking about politicos and governance.

    Let me make this very clear, I am in this race prepared. It wasn’t forced on me. I was interested because I have always wanted to be in a position where I could contribute my ideas to running the government so that I will bring to the table the things I have been turning over and over in my head over the years. I have always been interested in how our common patrimony is being used for the people.

    It was a good thing I got to know of the search for a Muslim running mate from my part of the state. So, I went for it. I put in my curriculum vitae and told those who should know. Quite a number of us were interested and eventually we were shortlisted to six eligible aspirants. We were invited for a screening session. We had interviews and then there was voting. After everything, I was announced the deputy gubernatorial candidate of our party.

    What was your initial reaction on being confirmed as the running mate to Dapo Abiodun?

    My initial reaction was relief. I knew all along that I am well qualified for the post. I am also very passionate about people. An opportunity I have always wanted presented itself and I went for it. Fate, providence and destiny also played significant roles in it all. It was a process that took about two months of hoping and waiting. And in all those two months, I was thinking and praying about it all. Wishing that I will get the chance to do the things I have always wanted to do.

    It was a time to wait and dream. And as I dreamt of the things I will contribute to good governance if I am selected, I will also step back when I remember that numerous others want the same opportunity. There was uncertainty but I was optimistic I can be the person to be given the chance. No doubt, I was on edge too. Especially after the interview. I remember somebody telling me as I entered that ‘oh, you are the number six aspirant.’ I almost fainted. I repeated the ‘number six’ like three times.

    But I composed myself and gave my best at the interview session. I felt I did well but it was left for the panel to decide. I had to wait while they compared notes. So, when eventually they said I was the one nominated, I felt really relieved that Thursday night. I went home relieved and partly fulfilled. I was no longer anxious. Rather, I had my eyes already on the tasks ahead as I join my principal to seek the mandate of the good people of Ogun State.

    However, by the next morning, I had received over hundreds of calls, messages and visits. My face was being splashed on all the newspapers and blogs here and there. You put my name on Goggle and all sorts of stories are there about ordinary me who, before then, used to be a very private person! That was when it dawned on me that I was in proper and the expectations of people from me hit me and I became challenged by the tasks ahead. No doubt, I am ready to live up to these expectations.

    Why did you accept the offer to run considering the crisis trailing the ticket at the time?

    I accepted because it is something I have always wanted to do. As I told you, I presented myself for the job. I heard about it and I told myself it is something I can do. So, when it was offered to me, I gladly accepted because I want an opportunity to help do so many things right in our dear state. I have been an armchair critic for long. I have seen many things not being done right. I have not had this opportunity before now, maybe I would have done this long before now.

    But while criticising the things I thought were not being done right, I had my plans. I was always thinking about how it would be done if I am opportune to be in a position to contribute to policy formulation and implementation. For me, this is a case of preparedness meeting opportunity. I am well prepared for this job. I am educated enough; exposed enough; qualified enough and I have had a career that equipped me. Then, the opportunity came and I went for it.

    Have you been in politics before now?

    No. I haven’t really been much of a partisan politician before now. But I have always exercised my civic rights to vote. Even whenever I am abroad, I ensure I carry out my civic responsibilities on election days. I didn’t have politicians in my nuclear family. My dad was a thoroughbred professional. I have some of my extended family members being council chairmen and the likes. A cousin of mine is the immediate past federal legislator that represented our constituency here.

    Would you say women are getting what they deserve in politics and governance today?

    More women are engaged in political activities. You go everywhere and you see that women are the larger number of party loyalists and canvassers. At campaigns, it is the women who are more actively involved on the field, singing and dancing. They are the strength of the parties. But when it is time for representation in governance, we make use of less number of women. These are the things I have discovered.

    There are reasons for this. Women are limited by certain factors. One of such is finance. Not many women have the financial wherewithal to really participate at certain level politically. They are checkmated by finance at some stage and the men take such opportunity to move ahead and grab the position. Secondly, not many women have the mind and the strength to stand shoulder to shoulder with men when it comes to dragging political positions

    The mere fear of the violence men can unleash will frighten some women and they will opt out. It is not every woman who can go all the way when violence is introduced into politics. But the men will go all the way. Men can withstand more violence than we women. In such situation, women are forced to step aside and this is one factor that militates against women a lot.

    But I tell you, when the factors are based largely on merit, women do pretty well. Women can stand their own anywhere when it is about merit. Check the civil service and see how women are holding their own effectively. It is not a competition between men and women. We are saying if merit is applied in politics more than brute force and big pockets, more women will do well.

    Also, women need to be more pushful than they are now. The opportunities are there. The men are not holding us down. If we push and ask to be given opportunities, many men will support us. When we come out like I did, to say, ‘here we are, send us’, the system will look our way and give us more opportunities. But as it is today, women are still being limited. I am hoping my candidature will open the doors for more women to come aboard.

    If elected, do you think the Dapo Abiodun administration will allow women to flourish in politics?

    Very strongly, I believe his administration will create more rooms for us women. Already, he has shown he is not gender-biased. Among six people; four men and two women, I was nominated as his running mate. It is a sign that he will not discriminate against women. And he has even professed his readiness to allow merit to determine who gets what in his administration.

    Even now, as we seek the peoples’ mandate, he tells everyone that I am significant in his team. He is surrounded by a lot of competent people and there are a lot of women among these people already. I see in him a man who recognises efficiency. I am not surprised. He is a successful entrepreneur in the private sector, so he must have worked with a lot of competent women.

    We will not be in government for the women alone. We will be in government for everybody. Women are, however, special and I will do all I can to propagate more roles for women within and outside government. If you check Dapo Abiodun’s mission statement, it states clearly that women will receive special attention from him. Programmes like ‘Okowo Dapo’, a free interest loan scheme and others like it, will put smiles on the faces of our women once we are elected.

    Deputies are regarded as spare tyres and many of them are usually redundant in office. How will you cope with this given your active background?

    Spare tyres are very important. I am sure you have a spare tyre in your car as you drove all the way here from Lagos. I doubt if anybody will embark on a journey from here to Abuja without a spare tyre in the booth. I say it is not derogatory to call deputies spare tyres. In my case, my principal made it clear he wants an active running mate who will add value to the ticket and the government.

    He said he wants somebody to form a solid team with, so as to take Ogun out of the woods when we get elected. The meaning is that I am going to be a very active spare tyre. I won’t mind that at all. It will be interesting to work with someone who understands the use to which he can put an active spare tyre like me. Already, I have been a very good spare tyre for him as we campaign. I have represented him at some places and he got good reports. I think he is happy to have me as his spare tyre.

    So far, how will you describe your experience in politics?

    I will start by admitting that my life is not the same again. A lot of things have changed about me surprisingly. Since joining Dapo Abiodun on the ticket, I have been dragged out of my privacy into the public to feel the pulse of the people and relate with them better. I can now sing, dance and speak in Yoruba language for a long length of time unlike I used to do before. And I am enjoying it all.

    Very importantly, I have gone round the state the way I have never done before, and I have seen things I have never noticed before. I have a very strong sense of despair for what our people have had to endure all these years. The people of Ogun State, especially the people at the grassroots, need urgent help. We must do all we can to bring succour to these people. Life is really hard for our people.

    Infrastructure is in dire state and the people lack basic amenities in most parts of the state. Health, education, roads, name it, are all in need of attention. Campaigning round the state was an eye opener and one is able to understand why our people are eager for a better government. I am saddened by what I have seen and challenged by the tasks ahead. We have a lot to do.

    We have a task of bringing hope to these seemingly hopeless situations across the state. The people received us well. They told us their needs. They pleaded that we must come to their aid. They want a new direction that will give them hope and they are trusting us to bring about this new direction. They are ready and eager to vote for us on March 2nd. We also must be prepared to meet their expectations.

    People need to feel the impact of government. Beyond what we see in the cities, the ordinary people of Ogun State in the rural areas need to be shown there are some people at the helms of the affairs of government. Currently, they feel no impact of the governments. These are things we will urgently go about addressing once we take office. My principal is as eager to touch the lives of the people as I am.

    The task is daunting but I am sure we have the right attitude and intentions and those are the things that matter. We will work with all and sundry to bring about the much needed changes and I believe the good people of Ogun State will be the greatest beneficiaries of this struggle we have embarked on. Our state is a state of many firsts. We shouldn’t be backward. Today, our youths are languishing around the towns and villages without hope for the future. We want to change this narrative.

    We will bring in new sets of skills from our various backgrounds to complement what the civil servants have on ground. That way, we will achieve more results and touch more lives. We will learn from the civil servants, they will learn from us and that way, the state will witness a better administration.

    From the private sector, what new things are you bringing into governance?

    Government is a continuum, as such we intend to continue the good things being done while introducing a lot of new things that will further bring about the desired results. We will work with the civil servants. I want to assure you that I will bring my experiences to bear on the administration. My principal is also a well grounded private sector player. We will work for Ogun State, and together, we will change the narratives.

  • It’s insulting to say my kidnap is a scam – Abia APC chairman

    On January 28, the chairman of the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Donatus Nwankpa, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen, less than 12hrs to the visit of the 2019 Presidential candidate of the APC; Muhammadu Buhari to Aba, the commercial nerve of the state. In this exclusive interview with Sunny Nwankwo, he spoke about his kidnap which has generated so much controversy in the state. Excerpts

    WHILE everybody was expecting to see you at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari, the news of your kidnap by gunmen broke. What really happened?

    It was just one of those unfortunate situations. We finished giving people responsibilities in Umuahia and I felt that it was necessary that I should know the state of preparation at the arena (Enyimba Stadium) where the President would be hosted. We agreed that we will be visiting the arena to see things for ourselves and to make some adjustments where necessary to ensure a hitch-free exercise.Unfortunately, as we were driving down, we ran into hoodlums immediately after the Aro-Ngwa Setraco security checkpoints.

    The funniest part of it is that the police were not up to 30meters from the scene of the incident, because it was the police checkpoint that slowed us down. When we saw this other people, we were querying why two police checkpoints within such a short distance. But before we knew what was happening, they came upon us and were hitting us. When we tried maneuvering the situation, they shot into the car through the headlamp and started shooting sporadically which forced our vehicle to a halt. It is still funny when I remembered how we managed to come out of the car without much injury. It is only God that will take that glory.

    Initially, we thought that they were armed robbers. They took us into the bush where they ransacked and took everything that they can found on us and later blindfolded us. While one of us escaped, they took me and the other person to a location where we later learnt that they were about seven man gang. They allowed the other person go to enable him treat his injury because he was badly injured. They knew that I am the APC chairman and that I was going to receive Mr. President the next day. From there, they took me on a long motorbike ride with three heavily armed men to a heavy thick forest where I was kept under the rain and without shelter for four days.

    Mosquitoes and wild animals became the closest friends that I have. I didn’t even know the location because we drove for a long time with my eyes being blindfolded. It was not until I was released that I found myself at the boundary between Abia and Rivers State, after they took me on another long motorcycle ride. When I started asking questions, I discovered that it was a village that I know already. The villagers assisted me with slippers and later brought me down with their motorcycle. I was released at about 9:15pm.

    It was alleged that you withdrew a huge amount of money on the day of your kidnap which was supposed to be used for the hosting of Mr. President?

    Let me tell you journalists. I don’t want you to give credence to idiots. Whoever that is saying that is a cursed idiot. Poverty, stupidity and mischief have led a lot of people into unintelligent analysis. I said that it is unintelligent analysis because we withdrew money donated by one of our chieftains for the rally to host the President. The monies were disbursed for buses, welfare, protocol, security and other miscellaneous expenses. Do I have the magical powers to turn around the money to N50million after disbursing them? The bank didn’t even give us the money in one bulk, and none of the money entered my car.

    The money wasn’t even disbursed in my house and the one that was taken to my office was the one that was handed over to local government chairmen and support groups. The central thing was done in the house of the rally committee chairman. The only money I had in my vehicle was just N250, 000 and when my bag was retrieved, the money was intact. Who donated the N50million, if there was such an amount of money? The people saying that I had N50million in my car, who made such donation, anyone saying that I was with N50million on the day of that ugly incident is an imbecile.

    Did I carry the money with a Ghana Must Go or a trunk bag? Like I said, none of the monies withdrawn ever entered my vehicle and the bank didn’t give it to us at once. I was part of the appropriation of the funds, but I wasn’t even in the disbursement of the funds. So why is it that people talk about money more than life? Even with N10billion, do you think that that I would agree to subject myself to such inhuman condition? If anyone says that my abduction is a scam, they will have such a scam this year. It is insulting to me to hear that.

    People claimed that your abduction could have been engineered by the opposition or as a result of the leadership squabble in your party. What is your take?

    I refuse to accept that. I am not a student of frivolities and trivialism. I am a product of Federal Government College when Federal Government College was Federal Government College. I am also a product of a Federal University who has gone through so many leadership training. I have been a Commissioner and Special Adviser. So, I should be matured enough to separate politics from juvenile delinquency. I said so because we ran into hoodlums and the hoodlums, as far as I am concerned, were not there for me. They were there for one thing or the other. If anybody gave them information that I am coming, it is a matter of coincidence.

    I am not unaware that some negative and positive calls later came when I was there. Good a thing is that I am student of International Relations. I engaged them in positive dialogue and there were things that they told me which is personal, anyway. For those who are beating their chest, what Donatus Nwankpa went through is something that can happen to anybody. I have nobody to accuse. I only have one person to accuse, and that is myself, for going out in the night. The truth is that if I even had two policemen, they would have being shot. Remember, there was police checkpoint not too far from the scene of the incident.

    For people querying why I didn’t move that night with any policeman, ask them if they have seen me as one that parades policemen just to show off because I am the chairman of APC? Have they equally asked whether the party at the national level provided any allowances or funds for the security of their state chairmen? Am I the first state chairman to be kidnapped? Am I the first state chairman to be attacked? Am I the first state chairman to be embarrassed? They should go and find out what the allocation for the upkeep of the state chairmen is.How many of those making such remarks have paid their dues? It is when you make provision that you request for explanation. If you do not appropriate, you cannot query misappropriation.

    What was the relationship between you and your abductors?

    Initially, they were confused; whether to follow those negative calls. But you know, there are people who are given grace. The grace God gave King David, he has always given to me. Never in that thick forest did I think that I wasn’t going to come out safely. But what I didn’t want is any crossfire, so that I will not be a victim of crossfire. I was blindfolded like every other person. I was chained like every other person that they do to every other victim. I was subjected to no food. My companions were mosquitoes, tsetse flies and other things in the bush.

    Imagine someone being under the rain and being with one cloth for four days. How would you feel when people come to talk rubbish and vomit the idiocy? I engaged them in what I called constructive and positive dialogue and queried why they should be involved in such thing. Some of them accused we, politicians; that they are products of political adventurism. They mentioned one or two governors who at one point or the other armed them. They even asked if I will buy them gun, but I told them that if I can’t buy guns for my children, I won’t buy gun(s) for them. Some of them are under-graduates. They are ready to go back to school.

    We have to look for a way, not just the operational or punitive aspects; we should also look for a way to positively engage them in order to give them some sense of belonging. We need to reassure them that their lives are not yet over. To some of them, they have already given up; they don’t believe that they have hope again. In the course of being there, I discovered that they have their off moment. In that off moment, you don’t talk to them, you let them be and in their sober moment, you can engage them. All we need to do is to create social programs that will recover our stray and erring youths.

    Do you think that if they are provided with job, they will abandon the illicit ways?

    Some of them will. Our leaders should not see election as a do or die affair. We must no longer think about who will help steal the ballot boxes for us when we are thinking about going in for an election. When you buy them the weapons, either you win or lose, they will go away with the weapons. When you get into government, you don’t think of how you can better their lives, but rather, you abandon them after using them as thugs, attack dogs or killers. What is happening to the ex-militants should be extended to them. Amnesty is positive engagements in dialogue where you discover people’s talent.

    They need psychologists and counselors to talk to them. One of the areas that we are failing in this country is that the counseling departments of various institutions are failing. We should improve the quality of counseling. Every undergraduate, whether he or she likes it or not, should have an appointment with a counselor. Every student in secondary schools should have time with the counselors. That is going to help us.

  • Review nomination

    Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State who have been barred by the courts from participating in the gubernatorial, national and state assembly elections will be weeping and gnashing their teeth over what the indiscipline in their ranks has caused them. The electorate who prefer them to their opponents will feel disenfranchised by the process, while their political opponents would feel elated at their enhanced chances of winning the election by default.

    But how will the ordinary man be convinced that a law that restricts free choice in an electoral process is a just law? That is our worry, and we doubt if he will appreciate the validity of a law that has technically excluded those who want to participate in an election, just because their leaders are entangled in a dispute over how the candidates should emerge. Indeed, they will see the law as an ass. But bad as the outcome is, the courts have merely interpreted the laws of our country on electoral matters.

    The culprit in the legal tango in Rivers State, and potentially in Zamfara, is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Fourth Alteration Act No. 21) 2017, itself a further amendment of section 285 earlier amended in the first alteration act 2010. That act S.285 (9) of the constitution (as amended) provides: “notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, every pre-election matter shall be filed not later than 14 days from the date of the occurrence of the event, decision or action complained of in the suit.” In sub-section 12, it further provides: “an appeal from a decision of a court in a pre-election matter shall be heard and disposed of within 60 days from the date of filing of the appeal.”

    So, it is a combination of the provision of the constitution (as amended) that has done-in the candidates of the APC and those who prefer them in the forthcoming general elections in Rivers State. Why then have we enacted a law that has clearly disenfranchised our citizens in a participatory democracy on the altar of technicality? The provision has become a form of albatross on participatory democracy, which is the fundament of the 1999 constitution. That should worry every democrat, regardless of party affiliation and we urge the National Assembly to re-consider the provisions of the law to gift the country a freer choice.

    A democracy will not be worth its name if the law becomes a shackle instead of an enabler. It should be such as to accommodate the disputes arising from liberal democracy. Perhaps the laws should enshrine a deadline for disposing of all pre-election matters ahead of the general election with room for a fresh nomination exercise. This way, the courts would have quieted the intra-party issues with regards to candidates, and any rumbles will be extra-legal or even illegal and impotent because they will not be exercised into effect by way of prosecution or judicial verdicts. This will compel parties to structure fresh and agreeable nomination process ahead of the deadline. Of course, we deprecate the indiscipline within the parties, and acknowledge that a price should be paid for such. But we doubt if debarring a party from participation in an election is not an over-kill. We acknowledge that the law is the law. Our laws must also appreciate that parties are mostly a cobbling of divergent interests and not an organic whole.

    While the benefiting parties in River State may feel elated at the opportunity handed over to them by the courts, they should ponder how the public would have received the development if the dominant party at the centre had been the beneficiary of the judgment and others the loser. Considering the volatile nature of the state, would those affected not have interpreted it in such a way as to cause serious security breach? How would the ordinary folks understand that their party’s candidates are barred from participating in an election which they are expected to adjudge as free and fair?

    For the APC in Rivers State, this year’s gubernatorial, national and state legislative elections can be anything but free, fair and credible. An election will only be free if the voters are free to make a choice from amongst those that have freely submitted themselves as candidates. The election will only be considered fair if the same standards are applicable to the electorate and the candidates. To consider the process as fair, all the willing and qualified voters and candidates should be free to participate without any undue inhibition or hurdle.

    Also, an election would be deemed as credible if the procedure, from registration of voters, the nomination of candidates, the voting and the work of the umpire are not unduly inhibited. In Rivers State, there is no way the supporters of the APC and their candidates would not feel cheated by the electoral process, which has disenfranchised them. It will not matter that it is the recalcitrant conduct of their leaders and a few members that have put them in the quandary. So, a political system must be elastic enough to accommodate the rancorous nature of party politics, otherwise the rigidity could mar the entire process.

  • I drove to Benin all night only…

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress has expressed disappointment with the postponement of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections I the country.

    The APC chieftain who pleaded anonymity said he drove all night from Abuja to to Bénin City only to hear about the postponement few hours after he arrived.

    He said the postponement would not change the defeat awaiting the opposition Peoples Democratic Party but that the electoral body would have taken the decision much earlier.

    At the residences of some party chieftains, food prepared to serve voters and party supporters at polling units were distributed to people.

    In Benin City, markets and many shops were closed. Few shops were opened in commercial areas like the Kings Square and environs.

    Commercial drivers were few in major routes in Bénin City. Those who spoke said they decided to work since the elections would no longer be conducted.

    Some candidates who spoke to our reporter expressed mixed feelings at the last minute postponement of the election.

    Barr. Omosede Igbinedion, candidate of the PDP for Ovia Federal constituency described as a calculated attempt to truncate democracy.

    Read Also: ‘We don’t kill witches in Benin Kingdom’

    Igbinedion said the ruling APC only tried to extend the defeat that awaits at the polls.

    Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena, appealed to party supporters that travelled from one party of the country to another to remain peaceful and calm.

    Senator Alimikhena said President Buhari was also affected by the postponement and urged Nigerians to remain resolute in voting for the APC.

    Candidate of the APC for Ovia Federal Constituency, Mr Dennis Idahosa, said the timing was wrong but that he would be prepared to secure victory next Saturday.

    He expressed optimism that the postponement would led to the conduct of credible and acceptable poll and urged his supporters to remain committed to the liberation of the Ovia.

    Former National Chairman of the APC,  Chief John Odigie-Oyegun said the operational difficulties cited by the electoral umpire was like an airline cancelling flight due to operational hitches which is general.

    “Let INEC come up with the specifics for us to react appropriately”. Chief Oyegun noted.

    Former governorship aspirant of both the PDP and the APC, Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, said it was a show of shame on the part of the ruling party.

    Imansuangbon urged Nigerians to be steadfast in the quest to root out the ruling APC and rescue the country from retrogressive and anti-democratic elements.

    He said, “They cannot postpone the evil days. If they like,  let them postponed the election 100 times, defeat awaits them”.

    Edo State Chairman of APC, Mr. Anselm Ojezua, said it was not the first time election was being shifted.

    Ojezua notes that during the days of former President Goodluck Jonathan, election was postponed even when voting was ongoing in some party of the country.

    He blamed the mixed up on INEC vendors who wrongly labeled election materials  meant for certain states to another.

    “Of course at that stage, there is no way you can recall material already dispatched and at the same time allow elections to go on. The best bet would  have been to postpone which INEC did”, he said.

    On his part, Chairman of Edo PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, said the shift was a monumental failure of INEC.

    He said, “This is a manifestation of failure. Those who postponed the election can only run but can’t  hide as dooms day await them. It is a pity that most people find it difficult to meet up with their responsibilities because of bad government. So it is time to kick them out”.

  • Buhari urged justify integrity through credible polls

    A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to put his integrity to work by being faithful to his promise to ensure free, fair and credible Presidential and national assembly elections on Saturday.

    He said the President must also demonstrate his strong resolve for a united Nigeria and prove to the whole world that he is really in charge of affairs in the country by working his talks as contained in his nationwide broadcast on Thursday.

    In a statement made available to The Nation, Frank said: “It is good that President Buhari has once again pledged to ensure that the elections are free, fair and credible. That is what Nigerians and the world expect of him at this time save for the fact that those who are out to frustrate and rig the elections on his behalf are people he supervises directly.

    “If the President is serious with his promise, let him stop the security agencies, especially the police, military and the DSS from intimidating and harassing Nigerians especially opposition party leaders as we count down to the first election tomorrow.

    “If the President is serious with his promise, let him stop illegal arrests and disruption of voting anywhere across the country by security agencies.

    “If the President is serious on his promise to guarantee a credible election, let him withdraw his men mounting undue pressure on INEC officials to help him win re-election by fraudulently allocating unearned votes to the APC.

    “If the President is serious, let him warn the Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, all National Commissioners of INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioners, staff and all adhoc staff of the agency to abide by their oath of office which is to put Nigeria first above personal and selfish gain during these elections.

    “If the President wants Nigerians and the world to take him serious, let him stop the evil being plotted to disable GSM and internet signals nationwide in order to frustrate voters and election observers from communicating, sharing information and comparing notes.”

    He urged the President to emulate former President Goodluck Jonathan whose commitment to democratic ideals led to a highly acceptable electoral outcome in 2015 and a peaceful transmission of power to the then opposition APC.

    He insisted that Nigerians will only believe his “free and fair elections’ promise if the election is conducted in an atmosphere devoid of intimidation, harassment, violence and rigging by the APC, INEC and security agencies.”

  • 2019 Polls: Buhari, Atiku peace accord ‘very strong message’—EU

    The European Union Election Observation Mission(EU EOM) says the final peace accord signed by the presidential candidates ahead of the 2019 presidential election is a very strong message to Nigerians.

    Maria Arena, Chief Observer, EU EOM, spoke with State House Correspondents, on Thursday in Abuja, after she led the mission to a private meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinabjo.

    She said that the participation of the two front runners at the peace accord was significant.

    The duo of President Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress(APC) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) alongside 70 other candidates signed the final peace accord on Wednesday.

    According to Arena, EU EOM is in Nigeria to monitor the process before, during and after the Election Day, Feb. 16.

    “The different contact we had with public organisations here in Nigeria and also with the authority gave us information on the election process.

    “We have a discussion today; first we say we have to congratulate Nigeria for signing the peace accord yesterday because it is a very strong message to the population. that all the political parties especially the two biggest presidential candidates took the commitment to have a peaceful process.

    “ We are here for this election and for Nigerians. It is important to have this strong message.

    “We have also discussed different issues on our observations, because Nigerians need to have a transparency process.

    “They need to trust the process; they need to be free to cast their votes during the election and this is just what we are going to observe as EU Observation Mission,’’ she said.

    Buhari, had, during the signing of the peace accord, appealed to his fellow presidential candidates to commit to the ideals of peace so as to keep Nigerians safe.

    He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already assured that it had done everything possible to ensure free and fair elections.

  • Buhari, Atiku, others sign Peace Accord

    President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties’ standard bearers yesterday signed a National Peace Accord in Abuja

    This is the second time they have signed to ensure peace before, during and after Saturday’s presidential poll.

    The deal was brokered by the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee (NPC).

    Buhari, who is seeking re-election on the ticket of the APC and the former vice president, eyeing the seat on the PDP platform, urged for free, fair and non-violent election.

    Stressing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies have given their words in readiness to conduct free and fair elections, Buhari urged youths not to allow themselves to be used by self-serving politicians.

    The President, who acknowledged palpable fear being expressed towards the election just like any other elections, urged Nigerians to pray as they go into the elections beginning from Saturday.

    Identifying Nigeria as the “only real party”, the President noted that elections are only important to the extent to which they make the country peaceful to guarantee development.

    He said: “Another election is upon us and not unexpectedly, there is anxiety in the air. This is typical of any form of competition and contest, no matter how well prepared all contestants and regulators are. The forthcoming elections are very special and significant for the growth of our democracy.

    “First, they come immediately after one of the most peaceful elections in the history of our country. I am not saying this because I was blessed to emerge as the winner.

    “I am saying there had been a lot of fears and anxieties from within and outside Nigeria about the future of the country.  We are hopeful that this is evidence that we are all maturing in our disposition towards electoral outcomes. We see this as an opportunity to grow our sense of political culture in Nigeria.

    “Secondly, we are witnessing an exciting development in the area of the engagement of our Youth and Women in the democratic process. Hitherto, these groups have often not been in the mainstream of our political competition.

    “It is in appreciation of their contribution that we passed the Not Too Young to Run Bill last year. The success of the act is illustrated by the unprecedented number of young men and women who have stepped forward to participate in this process as candidates at all levels. Significantly, we have witnessed also the emergence of women as candidates across the political space.

    “Thirdly, these elections are taking place against the backdrop of the emergence of an unprecedented number of political parties. As of now, we have 91 political parties, out of which over 70 fielded presidential candidates.

    “Although some candidates have dropped out of the race, there is no doubt in our minds that our country is moving forward and that our democracy is expanding and also deepening.”

    “I call on all Nigerians to contribute to the building of a viable polity by more active participation well beyond the mere casting of votes. Elections by themselves do not constitute democracy. It is the spirit of citizenship engagement that utilises the energy of citizens towards the attainment of good governance.

    “We have assembled here to mark the final phase of our campaigns, and we are now at the doorstep of our elections. The campaigns so far have gone well and we thank God for that. For the few incidents in which people lost their lives largely through accidents, we pray that God grants them eternal peace. Now campaigns are over and our next assignment is for us all, citizens and contestants alike, to go out and exercise our civic duties.

    “We, the presidential candidates are here to sign and commit ourselves to do all that is possible to ensure the success of the elections but most importantly to accept the final outcome. I appeal to my fellow contestants to commit to these ideals so as to keep our country and people safe.”

    On the preparedness for the elections, he said: “The INEC, our electoral umpire, has already assured us that they have done everything possible to ensure free and fair elections.

    “It was to ensure this that I made sure that INEC received all the resources they needed to perform their job. Our Security Agencies have been fully briefed and they know that their visible neutrality is key to the conduct, credibility and success of the elections.”

    Urging Nigerians to pray, he said: “As we go into the elections in few days, please let us pray for our country. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our beliefs in a united country.

    “Our elections are important only to the extent that they make our country peaceful and prepare us for development.”

    To the youths, the President said: “I am making a special appeal to our young people: Do not allow yourselves to be used to cause violence. Please eschew all forms of violence and cooperate with all the relevant agencies during these elections.

    “We will vote according to parties, but in the end, the only real party is Nigeria, our country. Our elections are important only to the extent that they make her strong. Let us do our best and ask God to bless us and our country.”

    The President thanked the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Patricia Scotland, members of the diplomatic corps, the international team of observers, for standing with Nigeria and showing commitment to the growth of democracy.

    He also thanked Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and other NPC members for the hard work they have put to ensure peaceful elections.

    Atiku appealed to INEC and the security agencies to ensure free and fair elections.

    He recalled the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan where he said that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    The former vice president said the Nigerian democracy should emerge stronger than the 2015 general elections that were adjudged the freest and fairest in the country.

    He said: “May I use this opportunity to renew my profound gratitude, firstly to my party, the PDP, and then to Gen. Abubakar and members of the NPC for their tireless enthusiasm, dedication, and passion towards ensuring the success of this peace accord process!

    “Our gathering here today clearly demonstrates the importance of the upcoming elections as well as how our democracy has matured, not only to our people, but also to the international community whose solidarity, Nigeria’s democracy has benefited from.

    “As we prepare to sign off on this Peace Accord, as representatives of our party and people, may I freely quote the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan, which remains a benchmark, for me, taking into account the deep feelings that prevail as February 16th, 2019, approaches.

    “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. In this context, I appeal once again to every staff and the leadership of the INEC and the Police, to be fair arbiters in the upcoming elections while letting neutrality prevail.

    “For emphasis and in the spirit of fair play, I also urge our security agencies, not to embark on indiscriminate arrests of members of the opposition, 24 to 48 hours before elections, as has been the case in previous elections.

    “Hopefully, our democracy should emerge stronger from this process with the 2019 elections proving better managed than the 2015 process, which was adjudged free and fair with the then opposition’s victory unobstructed.

    “Consequently, I also appeal to the President, Gen. Buhari, to use his good office to ensure that every eligible person who casts his vote is confident in the process and in the belief that the vote will count.

    “Additionally, every candidate must remember that this election is about the future of Nigeria, therefore, we must abide by the will of the people as freely expressed through elections, under the terms of our constitution.

    “Once again, despite concerns expressed by my party leaders concerning likely electoral malpractices and the intimidation of voters and observers, I trust that our election officials and security services will do their duty in accordance with their oath and obligations.

    “In conclusion, I appeal once again, to our citizens, to go out and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice, to be peaceful at all times, and confident in our democracy, its institutions and processes.

    “So, please go out this Saturday to vote for your future and the future of our great nation,” he said.

    Gen. Abubakar explained why his committee decided to organise the peace accord signing in order to ensure a peaceful conduct for all elections in the country.

    According to him, elections will not hold in the absence of peaceful atmosphere, noting that even governance after election will not be peaceful without a peaceful environment.

    “Don’t do anything to make a bad situation worse,” he said.

    He said disharmony among political parties retards Nigeria’s development, adding: “Without cooperation among political parties, we are going nowhere.”

    He reminded the presidential candidates that by signing the peace accord, they had committed themselves to ensuring a peaceful election in Nigeria and that mere signing of the peace accord would not achieve the required objective “unless all other actors are forced to work with the same rules”.

    Gen. Yakubu Gowon, urged the candidate to tell their supporters to ensure peaceful conduct during the elections so that in the future, there may be no need for foreign observers because the right conduct would have been assured.

    “May the winner be as dictated from above,” the former Head of State said.

    The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland said that millions of people across the world were praying for Nigeria and its people hoping that the election will hold peacefully.

    She noted that Saturday’s election will be the sixth since 1999 when the country returned to democracy after military rule and expressed optimism that the election will entrench and build on the gains achieved since 1999.

    She said the world was holding their breath because Nigeria was the largest economy with the largest population and that what happens in Nigeria affects all.

    “It is a burden that Nigerian leaders gathered here today carry. We call on their party, supporters and public to follow their lead. Elections will come and go, but this great Nigeria will remain,” Scotland said.

    Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, Diete Spiff, urged the politicians to place the interest of the nation above their personal ambitions.

    “We appeal to the people to keep the peace.” he stated.

    Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Clement Nwankwo noted that Nigeria at this time has a great need for peace.

    He said: “It is an opportunity for us to advertise ourselves to the world and tell them we can do it and get it right. We will report whatever we see. We urge you to respect the will of the Nigerian people. We will work with INEC towards conducting free and fair elections.”

    The document signed by the candidates reads:

    • Reaffirming our commitment to taking proactive measures towards a conducive environment for the conduct of a credible electoral process.
    • Anxious about the maintenance of a peaceful environment before, during, and after the 2019 general elections.
    • Reaffirming our commitment to fully abide by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to respect the rules and regulations as laid down in the legal framework for elections in Nigeria, and to adhere to best international standards.
    • Desirous of sustaining and promoting the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria as an indivisible entity.
    • Determined to avoid any conduct or behavior that will endanger the political stability and national security of Nigeria.
    • Mindful of our responsibility towards the Nigerian citizens and their democratic rights, we are determined to place national interest above personal and partisan concerns.

    At the signing were INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah and Ebitu Ukiwe.

  • Senator drums support for Buhari

    The senator representing Osun East, Babajide Omoworare, has urged Nigerians to have confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by re-electing him for a second term on Saturday.

    The senator said this is the most rational thing to do in the current circumstances.

    He noted that the combination of President Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osibajo is a divine arrangement, given the way they complement each other.

    “In spite of the overwhelming challenges inherited by this administration, you cannot question the integrity or intentions of Mr. President and his Vice in their attempt to clean the Augean stable,” Omoworare said.

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    He added: “Those who have held Nigerians hostage over time have demonstrated monstrous capacity and tenacity to fight back. It is only men with strength of character and deep conviction that can reverse the slide to impunity and corruption that have come to define public life during the years of the locust.”