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Tag: Atiku Abubakar

  • Atiku’s endorsement not Ohanaeze’s decision – Sec Gen

    Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Bar Uche Okwukwu, on Monday, described as huge lie and activities of fifth columnists the endorsement of Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar by the Ohaneze Ndigbo as its candidate.

    He said those claiming that the apex Igbo group endorsed the PDP candidate was on their own.

    Briefing newsmen in Awka, Okwukwu denied any meeting of Ime-Obi Ohanaeze where the body endorsed a candidate for Ndigbo.

    He said members were not informed ahead of the meeting, neither was a communique committee responsible for drafting the resolution arising from the meeting set up.

    He said, “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo never held a meeting of the Ime-Obi where we endorsed any candidate for the 2019 presidential election.

    “Secondly, if we organize the Ime-Obi meeting, we inform members beforehand and in the meeting, we also set up a communique committee that drafts the resolution or communique arising from the meeting which will be presented before the general house for ratification.

    “No such thing was done and anybody purporting to have had any Imo-Obi meeting where Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was endorsed as our presidential candidate is on his own.”

    Read Also: Ohanaeze goofs by endorsing Atiku, says Kalu

    Okwukwu, however, revealed that the apex Igbo association as a body would soon hold the Imo-Obi meeting where it would discuss the presidential candidate to endorse.

    “If we choose to endorse anybody we shall do so when we organize the Ime-Obi meeting and that will be in no distant time.

    He added, “There are Igbo sons and daughters from Igbo land who are contesting the office of the president of the country and that doesn’t mean that we are looking at only Igbo candidates.

    “When we meet at the Ime-Obi meeting we shall choose a candidate and you know that we have Igbo sons and daughters from Igbo land who are contesting the election and we are not limiting it to Igbo candidates.

    “But in the interest of Ndigbo we should support President Muhammadu Buhari for the second term and that is the only way to get to our promise Land.”

     

  • 2019: Ohaneze’s endorsement of Atiku partisan – Ngige

    The Minster of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has described the endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, by the  Ohaneze Ndigbo as partisan.
    Ngige said what played out was mere congregation of party men, that hurriedly took a decision without due consultation of the real Ime-Obi Ohaneze Ndigbo.
    The Labour and Employment minister made his feeling known in a telephone chat with journalists on Sunday in Awka.
    The minister said the meeting was constituted by the President-General of the union with members of the PDP and passed the resolution in favour of Abubakar.
    “The purported decision of Ohaneze endorsing Atiku Abubakar of the PDP as the Ndigbo choice was a distraction and should be disregarded by well meaning Igbo sons and daughters.
     “The decision was ill-conceived and should be ignored by Ndigbo as it’s a decision propelled by PDP members in Ohaneze Ndigbo, hurriedly taken to drum support for their party members in the coming election,” he said.
    Ngige expressed disappointment that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation would degenerate into meddling in partisan politics.
    He said that the people of the South East have spoken in the rallies attended by hundreds of thousands of  Igbo citizens in Enugu and Onitsha as to their political choice.(NAN)

  • Ohaneze’s adoption of Atiku baseless – Okorocha

    Imo State governor,  Rochas Okorocha has described the endorsement of the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization,  Ohaneze Ndigbo as null and void and of no effect.

    The Imo governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo,  insisted that “Ohaneze is a Socio-Cultural Organization and not a registered political party and there is no voting unit or polling booth called Ohaneze. So, its adoption of the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP should be seen as a folklore and should not give anybody concern”.

    Okorocha also pointed out that the action of the Igbo group, has no electoral value, “the adoption is neither here nor there, since it has no electoral value. This is also not the first time Ohaneze has adopted a PDP Presidential Candidate. It did that in 2015, yet, PDP failed with its Presidential candidate, while APC won with its Presidential candidate.

    Read Also: Imo APC seeks expulsion of Okorocha

    “And one would have expected Ohaneze to exercise caution this time following what happened in 2015. Indeed, the Organization should have done things differently especially when it remembers that all Igbos whether in PDP, APC, APGA, ADC or SDP are presumed to be members of Ohaneze”.

    He noted further that, “not minding the adoption, President Muhammadu Buhari will win in the South-East and the general election proper. So, Igbos in APC should remain focused and not to make the adoption an issue, when it is not an issue in all ramifications”.

  • 2019: Kannywood group endorse Atiku

    Presidential Candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has been endorsed by a group of Kano based film makers and artists, otherwise known as Kannywood.

    Yakubu Mohammed who spoke on behalf of Kannywood group said, “We need energetic leaders in this country and Atiku is the leader after heart.

    “Kannywood is suffering from poor quality production and lack of market for its production. We still remember how the former President Goodluck Jonathan encouraged the film and entertainment industry financially to the tune of N200 million.

    “We are appealing to Atiku to support us if he comes to power. So our support is for Atiku, and by the special grace of God, Atiku will be the next of President. We will vote and massively canvass support for Atiku” he stressed.

    The Kannywood under the leadership of the popular Sani Danja, who participated in the interactive session with the PDP presidential candidate sang solidarity songs in support of Atiku.

    Earlier, Alhaji Atiku promised to uplift the standard of the entertainment industry if elected into power in the forthcoming election.

    Read Also: It’s an act of dictatorship taken too far —Atiku

    Atiku who was represented by the Senate President and his campaign director, Bukola Saraki at kannywood Interactive Section, Atiku said he would support the film industry financially like it was the case during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    He said, “Let me thank you because this programme was initially scheduled to hold in Kano, but we asked you to shift it to Kaduna, and you did.

    “Atiku is one of you. During Jonathan you were given N200 million support. But APC government forgot you. But I want to assure you that when Atiku comes on board, he will support you. He will provide jobs for you and help you. I am appealing to you to go out on February 16, and vote for Atiku and all other PDP candidates”

    Also, the Kaduna State governorship candidate, Isah Ashiru told the Actors and Actresses, “We will support you to keep your soul and body working. So just go home and sleep.A support for PDP is for a secured future” he said.

    On his part, the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus told the artists that “the only candidate that has the capacity and commitment to unlock the potentials of artist in Nigeria Nollywood and Kannywood is Atiku Abubakar.

    “Atiku will empower the entertainment industry in Nigeria to compete favourably with Hollywood, he already have plans known as Generation Next to empower the youths.

    “APC and Buhari has no plans for the future but Atiku has been tested and trusted and will deliver on trust good governance if elected”. He stressed.

  • Suspension of Onnoghen act of dictatorship taken too far, says Atiku

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar has described the purported suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen is an act of dictatorship taken too far.

    In a statement on Friday by his media office, Atiku said rejected the suspension of Onnoghen, describing it as an anti-democratic act.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had, on Friday sworn in Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed as replacement for Onnoghen.

    But Atiku called on Justice Onnoghen and the judiciary to resist the suspension with every legal and constitutional means that they can muster.

    The statement said: “This brazen dictatorial act is the latest action in the ongoing rape of our nation’s hard-earned democracy by those who dined with anti-democratic forces.

    “It’s symptomatic of the increasing desperation that President Buhari and the cabal pulling the strings have, as February 16, 2019 draws near.

    “The fact that the unlawful suspension of Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen was announced just as it became public knowledge that the CJN was constituting the election petition tribunals, is not lost on discerning Nigerians and the international community.

    Read also: Suspension of Onnoghen act of dictatorship taken too far, says Atiku

    “This act of desperation is geared towards affecting the outcome of the 2019 Presidential elections. Indeed, it is not just the CJN that has been “suspended”, it is the Nigerian Constitution that has been infracted and, in effect, suspended under the guise of the suspension of the CJN”.

    Atiku noted that the case involving the legality or otherwise of the charges preferred against Justice Onnoghen is still pending in court, as it should be.

    “So far, the judiciary has ruled in Justice Onnoghen’s favour. So, why not allow the court to adjudicate on the matter? What is the pressing urgency? Atiku queried.

    The opposition presidential candidate called on the judiciary to unite against dictatorship.

    “Do not let the Muhammadu Buhari administration divide you. Do not let this government turn you against yourselves.

    “The judiciary is the last hope of the common man and the defender of our democracy.

    “I also urge the international community to follow the commendable example of the United States and the United Kingdom by intervening to make those involved in this undemocratic act know that their actions will have strong consequences.”

  • APC to Ndigbo: Atiku has nothing but deceit to offer you

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) on Friday warned the Southeast and leadership of the Ohaneze Ndigbo the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, had nothing but deceit to offer them.

    National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who was reacting to the Thursday endorsement of Atiku by Ohanaeze, told reporters in Abuja that the action of the group was a grave mistake aimed at deceiving the people.

    Issa-Onilu said those present at the meeting were probably friends of the former Vice President who he had promised to make rich when he elected, adding that from the reaction of Igbo leaders, it was clear that the endorsement did not command the support of a cross section of the people of the geo political zone.

    He dismissed Atiku’s restructuring plan as a convenient, simplistic and populist gimmick aimed at whipping up and exploiting perceived sentiments ahead of this year’s elections

    He said: “We find it curious that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has tactically avoided speaking on his touted restructuring plans during his campaigns.

    “Our observation comes against the backdrop of the now disputed ‘communique’ issued by some members of Ohaneze Ndigbo on the 2019 general elections.

    “With a few members of Ohaneze falling for Atiku’s antics, it has now become clear that the purported endorsement of Atiku’s presidential ambition does not enjoy the support of most of the Igbos.

    “One of such proofs is the statement by the Anambra State Government’s dissociating the state from the dubious endorsement of Atiku contained in the equally disputed communique.

    “It would now seem that a few people in Ohaneze are trying to misrepresent the interest of the Ndigbo and we wonder whether these people are part of Atiku’s friends that he has promised to make rich as a cardinal policy of his government. Many questions beg for answers.

    “Besides the deceitful restructuring promise, what else do the Igbo stand to gain from an Atiku presidency? Nothing!

    “Could it be that Atiku and the PDP’s restructuring rhetoric are selective and bespoke for specific audiences? The answer is yes!

    “Atiku’s restructuring rhetoric is simply a convenient, simplistic and populist gimmick aimed at whipping up and exploiting perceived sentiments ahead of the 2019 elections.

    Read Also: Atiku’s endorsement splits Ohaneze Ndigbo

    “Ndigbo and indeed all Nigerians must be wary of Atiku and his PDP ilk who, in their desperate quest for power, are ever ready to play fraudulent political games and parade themselves as ethnic champions to the gullible. We must protect the sanctity of our nationhood.

    “Atiku has refused to speak on the nature of the restructuring that he is cashing in on.

    “But little wonder because he is transactional in nature. Atiku has no plan for this country and he is not pretending about it.

    “He has said it clearly and on many occasions that he is seeking power to be able to sell off national assets to make his friends and himself rich.

    “There is no doubt that Atiku only intends to use and dump the Igbo people.

    “Ndigbo should not forget that it was during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku as vice that Nigeria’s political history witnessed the frequent manipulated changes to the Senate Presidency and setting of Igbo brothers against one another for political gains.”

  • Ohanaeze splits over Atiku’s endorsement

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization has split into factions following the endorsement of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

    Notable Igbo leaders have described the endorsement as a charade.

    However, the development has drawn the ire of some other Igbo leaders, especially members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting a media briefing late Thursday night.

    Atiku was endorsed same day Buhari had visited Anambra and Enugu States, where he commissioned some projects.

    Those present included the Minister of foreign affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, the minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige, former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani, former governor of Enugu State, Barr. Sullivan Chime, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Gen. J.O.J Okoloagu (Rtd.) and Prince Richard Ozobu.

    Apart from their claims that over 90 percent of the members of Imeobi were not at the meeting, they equally said the power to carry out such endorsement was vested upon the Ohanaeze General Assembly and not the Imeobi.

    Read Also: Ohaneze’s endorsement of Atiku courageous – PDP

    They equally said the meeting was mischief, having held same time President Buhari was still attending functions in Igbo land.

    Ngige told the media that the President-General of Ohanaeze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo had earlier agreed to move the meeting till 7 p.m, wondering why it was later held by 4 p.m and a decision hurriedly taken.

    “Myself and the Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum had approached the Ohanaeze President and pleaded with him to change the date. He said he cannot do that; he later gave me 4 p.m, but I told him it was not going to work.

    “By 5 p.m, they met and issued an already prepared communique.

    “All of them that met are Ohanaeze PDP. So, it is now Ohanaeze PDP vs Ohanaeze APC. They have factionalized Ohanaeze.

    “I want to say clearly that endorsement has never favoured us; they endorsed Falaye, he failed; they endorsed 3rd term it failed; they endorsed Jonathan he lost. We are not going to continue on this trajectory.

    “We are going to dig up our arsenal and all we need to fight this,” he vowed.

    On his part, the foreign minister, Onyeama said the development would have consequences for years to come.

    “Mr. President was visiting two Igbo States, where he commissioned projects, including the Mausoleum of the great Zik of Africa. So, it was inappropriate to have a meeting of Ohanaeze to discuss such a weighty issue on who to endorse. It was not the time to hold such meeting.

    “I see this as a decision that will have consequences for years to come. This is not decent for the Igbos,” he added.

     

  • Atiku, Saraki, others assure Kaduna of peace and security

    The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar; PDP chairman; Uche Secondus and the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki have assured the peoples of Kaduna State of peace and security if PDP is elected.

    Addressing a rally in Kaduna on Thursday, the party chieftains also promised to end hunger in the land by creating jobs for the youth population.

    Secondus urged the people not to vote for any other party other than the PDP in the coming elections, saying that the PDP has a track record of good governance and delivery of democracy dividends.

    The party chair described Atiku Abubakar as an experienced candidate who has been tested in both public and private sector.

    Secondus the present administration has lowered national values with its embarrassing outings and assured that Atiku will restore Nigeria and return its deserved status in the comity of nations.

    “Atiku will deliver on his promises, unlike President Buhari who has not been able to keep any of his promises because he is not in charge. He sleeps while cabals destroy the country”, Secondus said.

    Also speaking at the rally, Atiku assured the people that his Presidency would provide adequate security that will restore the list glory of Kaduna State.

    Read Also: Saraki, Marafa disagree over N2.4b daily fuel subsidy

    The PDP presidential candidate said that APC failed to fulfill any of the promises it made to the people in 2015 for lack of competence.

    Atiku charged the people to not only vote PDP in all the elections, but also be ready to defend their votes and stop the APC from “stealing them”.

    Saraki also urged the people to reject the APC at the elections because the party has failed to provide the much needed peace in Kaduna and the country.

    The former Vice President, Namadi Sambo who is from the state also addressed the crowd and assured them that a vote for PDP is vote for peace in the state and the country.

    Other PDP chieftains at the rally included former PDP national chairman, Dr Mohammed Haliru Bello; former governors of Kaduna and Niger states, Ahmad Makarfi and Dr Babangida Aliyu respectively.

    The party’s presidential campaign train is expected to leave Kaduna for Benue on Friday, after a national conference on security.

  • CAN endorses Umahi for second term

    The Ebonyi state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Thursday endorsed Governor David Umahi for re-election in the forthcoming general election.

    The Association gave the endorsement at Ezzilo, headquarters of Ishielu local government Area during the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, rally in the council.

    All the blocks of can were represented at the event which had over 30 Bishops in attendance who prayer for the governor.

    The Chairman of CAN in the State, Rev Fr Abraham Nwali said the association endorsed the governor because of his disposition to peace which led to the lasting peace he has brought to the crisis ridden Ezza-Ezillo axis in the council.

    He said the governor has achieved more than was expected not him and this deserves a second term to continue with his people oriented projects across the state.

    “All his predecessors had two terms so he deserves a second tenure too”, said the clergyman.

    The governor also had the blessings and endorsement of traditional rulers in the council who blessed him and pledged their support for his re-election.

    Responding, Governor Umahi, jokingly said he will donate N5m to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Sunny Ogbuorji to enable him change his posters and billboards.

    He said he was constrained to make the donation because the posters of the APC guber candidate and his running mate, Justin Ogodo, was not good for the image of the state.

    The governor directed his Chief of Staff, Dr. Offor Okorie, to release the money immediately to Ogbuorji and his running mate.

    The gesture was however, opposed by PDP supporters in the rally who immediately chanted “no! no! no! no! .

    “Tell my brother, the one who said he is contesting governor with the so-called deputy to change their pictures (referring to their posters). People will think that is how Ebonyi people look like.

    Read Also: CAN: we’ve not endorsed any presidential candidate

    “I want to donate N5m naira to assist them change their pictures. For the sake of image of Ebonyi state, let them change those posters and billboards. I want the Chief of staff to release the money immediately to them,” Umahi said, though with pidgin English.

    He also warned PDP supporters against attacking members of opposition or tearing their posters or billboards, saying, they are so insignificant and should not be given unnecessary attention.

    Umahi also said he was impressed by the massive turnout of people in the rally and commended the stakeholders of the area for the feat.

    He recalled that in 2015 when he came to Ishielu to seek for their votes “there was alot of blood shade caused by the Ezillo and Ezza Ezillo communal war but today it has become a history as absolute peace has returned to the area.

    He said the peace was made possible through prayers from the clergies.

    The governor said there was no alternative to peace because without the return of peace in Ishielu LGA his administration would not have achieved what he has achieved in the area.

    He told the cheering crowd to votes for all PDP candidates including the party’s presidential candidate and his running mate.

    “Ebonyi state is PDP. Vote for our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar; vote for Peter Obi (okwute ndi Igbo), our vice Presidential candidate; vote all the PDP candidates.There is no division in PDP South East. Southeast is totally PDP, Umahi urged the crowd.

    He said he was confident that Ishielu people would deliver all PDP candidates in upcoming general election.

  • 2019: PDP will bring back Nigeria’s economic fortunes – Obi

    The Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the February 16 general election, Mr Peter Obi, says the country’s economic misfortunes will be reversed to rapid economic growth if the party is voted in.

    Obi gave the assurance at an interactive session with the Edo stakeholders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Benin on Thursday.

    According to him more than 40 per cent of young Nigerians are unemployed, leading to Nigeria being referred to as one of the poorest countries in the world.

    He also alleged that “Nigeria has been shut down economically, politically and socially for more than three years.”

    “This has resulted in hunger, insecurity, and economic instability especially in the North Eastern part of the country.”

    According to him, the Atiku/Obi-led government if elected will bring back foreign investors to develop the economy of the country.

    Obi said: “those who have closed their businesses for fear of kidnapping, banditry, insurgency as a result of government inability to provide security for the citizenry, will be encouraged to return.”

    He reiterated that the power sector would be taken care of through policies that would make the sector to work again and contribute to the country’s economic development.

    “We are going to treat everybody equal especially the physically challenged in the area of empowerment.

    Read Also: Why Atiku travelled to USA —Obi

    “We will take the issue of the physically challenged very seriously in our incoming government and that is one of our agenda,” Obi said.

    The PDP vice presidential candidate said that local government autonomy would work through “proper restructuring and federalism.”

    “Local government will become very free and autonomous to get its revenue directly from the federation account without state interference for rapid grassroots development.”

    He also gave the assurance that an Atiku/Obi ticket would ensure that “incessant strike being experienced now,” would be a thing of the past.

    Obi said that if voted in, the PDP administration would give more priority to education and health care facilities.

    Earlier, the Edo Chairman of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, criticised the Federal Government “tradermoni” loan scheme, telling the people “not to be carried away,” by it.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most of those that spoke during the meeting appealed to PDP to show “federal presence” in Edo if voted into power.

    NAN