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Tag: BUHARI

  • Buhari: I’ll tackle corruption

    Buhari: I’ll tackle corruption

    The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of destroying public institutions by encouraging corruption.

    Buhari, who spoke at the Government House, Owerri, the Imo State capital, decried the rot in the system, saying: “Corruption has become a vicious circle in Nigeria and except it is tackled, nothing can be done about insecurity.”

    He vowed to deal with corrupt government officials.

    His words: “Corruption has destroyed the country. When I was in power, N1 was equivalent to $1.4, but today, corruption has taken over all aspects of our public life and except we tackle it, nothing can be done about insecurity.

    “PDP has destroyed the country; one does not know where to start from. Today there is insecurity, no infrastructure, no electricity. If the money budgeted for the military was used for the purpose it was meant for, we won’t experience insecurity. If the Federal Government had deployed the same number of soldiers sent to Ekiti and Osun states for elections after the abduction of the Chibok girls, they would have been rescued.”

    Governor Rochas Okorocha assured the APC standard-bearer of the support of the Southeast.

    He said: “Southeast is your home. I contested the primary election against you. I came out to win, but you defeated me. Your coming here today has opened the door for new discussions. In your previous elections, you had challenges in the Southeast, but this time, we will sing a new song.”

    Okorocha listed the challenges facing the zone and urged Buhari to tackle them when elected.

    Said he: “We need additional state in the Southeast. We need a second Niger Bridge. The roads from Enugu to Onitsha, Aba to Ikot-Ekpene are in a bad condition. We appeal to you to prioritise these issues when you become the President.”

    Buhari was accompanied by the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Osita Izunaso, among others.

  • Ex-militants dismiss MEND’s support for APC candidate Buhari

    Ex-militants dismiss MEND’s support for APC candidate Buhari

    Obviously jolted by the support of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, a group of former militant leaders has adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as the candidate of their choice.

    In a statement by its spokesman, Captain Mark Anthony, the group, under the aegis of the Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF), denounced MEND’s statement on Tuesday, backing General Buhari.

    NDLF said MEND no longer existed.

    The statement said: “We want to say, categorically, that MEND does not exist or represent Niger Delta youths and ex-militants; it is just a mere paper hype intended to discredit our son and brother, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in the eyes of the public.

    “President Jonathan remains the best President Nigeria ever had, and we are comfortable with him and his style of administration. Therefore, we back him in his second tenure to rule and transform Nigeria…”

    Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday asked the All Progressives Congress (APC) to explain its connections with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

    The MEND had declared support for APC’s presidential flag bearer, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, at the party’s electioneering campaign in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Tuesday.

    But a statement yesterday by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said while the onus lies on the APC to choose those to work with in its quest for power, the explanation had become necessary, following the unsavoury public reactions and concerns trailing the statement by MEND’s support for Gen.  Buhari.

    The statement said: “What exactly does APC have in common with MEND? Why do they want to resurrect it? Nigerians want to know. Are we also expecting a similar statement from insurgents in the North, who initially named Gen. Buhari to lead the dialogue between them and the Federal Government?”

  • Jonathan, Buhari and the rest of us

    Nigerians and people around the world have been anxiously waiting for February 14 – a day many people mark Saint Valentine’s selflessness towards the less privilege and the downtrodden. But, the day is not for celebration in Nigeria; rather, it is a day for plebiscite. A new dispensation will be ushered in by the power of ballot.

    However, there have been eagerness and expectations among the people, because of the predicted apocalypse, which some political pundits say could mar the election. People around the world are interested in the February election because Nigeria is the most populous black nation and if the election is bungled, the crisis that may result from it could cause humanitarian problem for a world still battling with a burgeoning population of displaced people.

    In recent weeks, some key players in the election have heated up the system, threatening brimstone and violence should the process rigged against them. There have been insults, name-calling and misuse of key agencies that should naturally be neutral. This has led to serious concern among the people and friends of Nigeria.

    The fallout of political parties’ primaries has led to cross-carpeting among politicians, with many changing allegiance after they fail to clinch their parties’ tickets. The most-celebrated defection in recent time is that of the loquacious former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, who jumped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to Labour Party (LP) and then landed to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Maku, despite his seemingly undiluted loyalty for President Goodluck Jonathan, under whom he served as minister, he could not get the PDP’s governorship ticket in his home state of Nasarawa. Swiftly, he jumped the boat and moved to a relatively unpopular party in his domain. He told the people not to vote the PDP in the state. For this, Maku drew flak from people, with some mocking his action as political journey to the wilderness.

    Femi Fani-Kayode needs no introduction. He was a former Minister of Aviation and one of the most acerbic spokesmen for Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s civilian regime. After his former boss left office in 2007, Fani-Kayode became a regular visitor in court for sleaze. For this, he abandoned the party that abandoned him and pitched his tent with All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In 2014, Fani-Kayode launched most lethal epistolary attack on President Jonathan and urged people to vote him out this year. Perhaps, after he or the president made lucrative overture, Fani-Kayode left the APC in the cold and began to sing another tune – Jonathan is the messiah. As I write this, the former minister is in charge of publicity for Jonathan’s re-election bid.

    As the elections draw close, all political actors are using all they have in their kitty to ensure the polls get in their favour. The president and his party are campaigning for continuity.

    The President’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe, has steadily informed people that his boss is doing the right thing and should be supported to continue for another four years. The ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, establishment of new federal universities, building of Al-majiri schools in the North are being sold as part of Jonathan’s achievements.

    To the APC and its candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, there must be change in the way the country is run. The party, which was formed barely two years ago, is giving the seemingly invincible PDP a match for its popularity and the ruling party is not at rest. APC wants an issue-based campaign and the choice of Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, as vice presidential candidate to run with Buhari, known for his unblemished integrity, has boosted the chances of the party.

    The APC has made its presence felt on social media to get attention of the youth, knowing that young people form the chunk of the voters. Prof Osinbajo has been campaigning on the street, meeting people in corners where politicians don’t go. This is a good trend for our democratic experience.

    The APC has continued to expose the deficiencies in the present administration and woo Nigerians over to its side. The current security challenge, unabated corruption, epileptic power supply and crude oil theft are shaping the campaign and these form major reason why the opposition want the president out.

    While political parties prepare for the polls and bring up propaganda against one another, Nigerians need to be watchful before giving their votes to either of the parties. The destinies of millions of us are at stake and we need to exercise our intellect before we ‘dash’ our votes out.

    As a people, we need to drop all sentiments, including religion and ethnicity. We need to ask ourselves questions: Can we continue with Jonathan? Is Buhari the messiah we have been expecting? Can the APC bring about the desired change we want? Should PDP continue in the face of failed promises?

    For the sake of our collective future, we need to go to the polls with less respect for the parties but for the personalities in the fray. Using the expression of former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “it is time for common sense revolution”.

    This is the time to go to the polls, cast our vote and guide it. We must not allow our will to be rigged against us. Enough of the bribes or mobilization fee and remuneration package for the boys. Let us vote for the right person and the time for action is now.

     

    Segun, 200-Level Political Science, AAUA

     

  • Buhari ‘ll win poll, says co-ordinator

    Buhari ‘ll win poll, says co-ordinator

    The Kogi State Coordinator of the General Muhammodu Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr. James Ocholi (SAN), has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will  win the presidential election.

    Speaking during the inaugural meeting of its local government coordinators in Lokoja, the state capital, he urged the stakeholders to remain committed to the agenda of change.

    Ocholi said: “Over 700 people are gathered here from different wards and from different local government areas brainstorming and interacting on the best way to handle the preparation for the election.

    “Our house is united for the presidential election as we await the candidates for the various offices to be sorted out. We have taken off to marshall out ourselves, our points, our strategies for the next election and, by the grace of God, we believe GMB will emerge as the next President.”

    The coordinator said members have overcome the crisis in the chapter, adding that they are united by the same focus and purpose.

    Ocholi said: “Candidates for other positions have not emerged. When that is sorted out, the party would establish conflict and reconciliation committee to look at issues.”

    Following the crisis, a senatorial aspirant in Kogi West District, Hon. Abidemi Adebola , has defected to the Labour Party (LP).

    Adebola, who is the Minority Whip in the Kogi State House of Assembly, picked the LP ticket to contest for the  seat.

    Another APC senatorial aspirant from Kogi West, Hon. Bamidele Aro, also defected to the Accord Party (AP). He was unanimously elected as AP’s senatorial candidate for Kogi West.

     

  • MEND’s adoption of Buhari inconsequential – Ijaw youths

    Ijaw youths on Wednesday dismissed the endorsement of the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), describing it as inconsequential.

    The youths under the aegis of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Worldwide, said Buhari’s adoption by a non-existent group was of no electoral value.

    The group in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Mr. Eric Omare, said MEND was an empty organisation since it was disbanded after its members and former agitators accepted amnesty.

    Omare said all the ex-agitators from the region were behind the reelection of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The statement said, “The adoption of Gen. Buhari by the present MEND is inconsequential and of no electoral value as election is won by votes cast by physical and verifiable human beings.

    “The real Niger-Delta freedom fighters are in support of President Jonathan’s second term ambition as demonstrated in the massive rally they held in his support at Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State in November 2014 under the leadership of Alhaji Asari Dokubo, Pastor Reuben and others.

    “Furthermore, the Niger-Delta people are solidly behind President Jonathan’s re-election bid as we believe that he has performed creditably during his first term and deserves a second term in office.

    “The injustice against the people of the Niger-Delta which led to the agitation was foisted on them through the successive administration of people from the born to rule clan of Gen. Buhari.

    “Hence, it is a contradiction for the so called MEND which claimed to be fighting for the Niger-Delta region to adopt the continuation of the injustice against the Niger-Delta region.”

     

  • Buhari: Jonathan must go

    Buhari: Jonathan must go

    •MEND backs APC candidate      •Supporters shot on way to rally

    Before thousands of cheering party faithful and ordinary folks, All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari yesterday opened his campaign, with a promise to tackle corruption, fight insecurity and revive the economy.

    The former Head of State declared the level of corruption as “intolerable”, adding that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration must go.

    Also yesterday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, Gen. Buhari said: “We have reached a stage where change has to come. PDP must go. Enough is enough.”

    The campaign took off at the 40,000-seating capacity Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Igwuruta, near the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State. It was attended by over 100,000 people, who defied the scorching sun to join the singing, drumming and dancing.

    Bu the ceremony has a tinge of tragedy.

    As Gen. Buhari’s supporters were moving to the stadium from Asari-Toru (Kalabari) and Khana (Ogoni) Local Government Areas of Rivers State, thugs believed to be working for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shot at them. One person was critically injured and hospitalised. Police spokesperson Muhammad Kidaya Ahmad, who confirmed the incident, said the command was investigating the attack.

    House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, who is also the party’s governorship candidate in Sokoto State, said Nigerians did not deserve President Goodluck Jonathan, but a better leadership in Gen. Buhari.

    The Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi,  said members PDP believe in guns, but he and other APC members believe in God and man. Jonathan’s administration, he said, would not be able to protect Nigerians.

    APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who received PDP members, who defected to the APC at the event, after presenting the party’s  flag to the Rivers governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, assured all that when elected as president, Gen. Buhari would tackle the Boko Haram insurgency, ensure discipline and regular electricity supply, provide security and wipe out corruption.

    Immediately after the rally, which was transmitted live on major television networks  Gen. Buhari and members of his campaign team moved to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    The Port Harcourt rally was attended by Gen. Buhari’s running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN; the party’s Deputy Chairman Chief Segun Oni; Rivers Chairman Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya; Amaechi’s wife Dame Judith; Peterside’s running mate, Honourable Asita and wife, Elima.

    Other dignitaries included Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Rochas Okorocha (Imo); and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano); former Ekiti Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Mr. Audu Ogbeh.

    Also there were Senators Chris Ngige and Olorunnimbe Mamora; APC’s governorship candidate in Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai; former Ekiti Governor Niyi Adebayo, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who later joined the Masters of Ceremonies (MCs); and an ex-Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, among other eminent personalities.

    Gen. Buhari said: “We congratulate the Governor of Rivers State (Amaechi) profusely for being the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Organisation. I thank you  very much for accepting the responsibility to work with our great party.

    “Amaechi has made enormous sacrifice. He earned it. He worked for it and I thank him for accepting it. He got it through a lot of hard work. The way Amaechi mobilises people shows that he is the right choice.

    “Let us make sure that our votes count. The problem we are facing today is the problem of security and economy. We have gathered competent hands to manage the economy and tackle insecurity. The level of corruption in Nigeria is intolerable and we will make sure we succeed in fighting corruption when we get there. I wish Nigerians the best of luck and we believe in one indivisible Nigeria. I appeal to you to mobilise yourselves to ensure that the end justifies the means. I also urge you to collect your PVCs (Permanent Voter Cards) to enable you to vote in order to bring in the change we have been talking about.”

    Amaechi was unsparing of President Jonathan, First Lady, Dame Patience, who is an indigene of Okrika in Rivers State and the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is the immediate past Minister of State for Education.

    Amaechi said: “I thank God for this opportunity. I never knew I would be governor. Today, I am governor by the grace of God. I have stayed in office till 2015. By this time last year, the men who thought they were God thought I would have been out of office. By this time last year, men had collected money to remove us from office, but the God we worship never allowed it to happen. Now, they are the people struggling. We told them there will be this time, when they will be looking for our votes.

    “I want to thank all of you and thank Rivers people, for accepting to make me your governor. I may not have been the best governor you have ever seen. I am not a perfect man at all, because I am human.

    “When we came, we addressed insecurity. In the past, we could not have had our rally here. We are gradually going back to that. I hear today that members of the APC from Asari-Toru and Khana Local Government Areas (of Rivers State) were shot at on their way to this place (Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium). The PDP members believe in guns. We believe in God and man. We shall stand and face their bullets. We shall stand and face their guns. The fact that they shot you brings to the fore the argument we put forward that currently, the government in power cannot protect you and I. If the government could protect you and I, why were we shot at? Who bought guns for those people, who shot at our members?

    “I’m assuring you as your governor that I will continue to stand by you. They will do nothing, if we all stand together. You know the story of the broom. You can break a broom. You cannot break them when they are together. That is why APC has brought the symbol of a broom to our party. It is not enough to gather. Go and get your PVCs and vote for all APC candidates, beginning from Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; his vice; Rivers governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside and his running mate Honourable Asita. We will make sure they win.”

    Tambuwal, who described Amaechi as the lion from the Delta, spoke of better life for Nigerians from May 29 when the candidates of the APC, especially Gen. Buhari, would be in office, through the massive votes of Nigerians and the grace of God.

    The speaker said: “When I defected to the APC (from the PDP last year), many people were surprised. With the privileged position as Speaker (of the House of Representatives) for three and a half years, we oversight the executive (arm of government). What we saw and are still seeing are mind-boggling. We do not deserve the kind of leadership we have at the centre. Nigeria deserves a better leadership in Buhari. His records speak for him. We are today bedevilled by insecurity and corruption. Nigerians should know where to cast their votes.

    “Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, by God’s grace, shall be inaugurated as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2015. Nigerians will come out overwhelmingly to vote for all the candidates of the APC.

    “I am impressed by the large crowd (at the stadium). I wish to thank Governor Amaechi for making Dr. Dakuku Peterside the governorship candidate of the APC and Hon. Asita his running mate. They are currently members of the House of Representatives. This is a National Assembly project in Rivers State. We shall support them.”

    Odigie-Oyegun described as unimpressive, Jonathan’s performance. This, he said, has made change on May 29 imperative.

    He said: “The whole of Nigeria is jealous of Rivers State. This is the centre of change. General Buhari is a straightforward leader, strong in character, reliable and incurruptible. General Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo were carefully chosen. Hardwork pays and brings success. General Buhari was ahead of his time. His time has finally come.”

  • Saro The Musical excites Buhari, Amaechi, others

    Saro The Musical excites Buhari, Amaechi, others

    Starring a highly talented 100-man cast, the second season of Saro The Musical resonated with the import of arts and culture, thrilling many, including All Progressive Congress’ presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Malam El-Rufai, Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora and several other personality, at the 2014 December show, which held at the MUSON Center, Onikan, Lagos.

    The show, which paraded entertainers such as Bimbo Manuel, Dolapo Oni and Gideon Okeke, was described by lovers of performing arts as a mind-blowing reincarnation of the previous season, especially going by its swelled cast members.

    The play which is centered on four young people in search of greener pastures, showcased dazzling performances in lovely costumes, choreographic dance steps and an exquisite fusion of jazz, afro-beat, hip-hop, highlife, juju, apala, and other contemporary Nigerian music genres.

    In Saro, the four characters migrate to Lagos with little else but an abundance of hopes and dreams, where they are duly reoriented by the people and experiences they encounter on their journey of self-realization.

    Weaving together the trials, misfortunes, love, and destinies of the foursome into a 14-act masterpiece, Saro tells the unforgettable and inspiring story of the journey to success in a city filled with broken dreams, as the audience is made to see Lagos being personified by its numerous colourful characters, frenetic pace of living and endless drama.

    Sponsored by telecommunications company, Etisalat, the show has been described as part of the company’s social responsibility projects, geared towards promoting the nation’s cultural heritage.

    Speaking at the event, the company’s Head, Events and Sponsorship, Modupe Thani, said it is important to encourage regeneration of arts and culture in the country, describing it as the cornerstone of a rich civic life. “Arts & Culture can be a powerful force for good and catalyst for change. It is our belief that this force can, and should be harnessed in a positive way to work for change in Nigeria,” she said.

    According to Thani, the objectives of the company’s operation since 2008 is to facilitate social and economic bridge in the areas they operate, saying that, “Saro The Musical resonates with what we stand for at Etisalat and we are honoured to have the privilege to partner with the organisers of this show again.”

  • Between Jonathan and Buhari

    SIR: Great men like John F. Kennedy battled with infidelity as president, Richard Nixon lied his way out of the presidency, Bill Clinton almost got impeached because of acts of impropriety but they were, and are, people, that history cannot do without: they made, are part of, and are history.

    So much has been written about General Muhammadu Buhari, warts and all.  Buhari like many other statesmen is fortunate; he is popular with the teeming population of the underprivileged in society, those that really matter in the electorate process despite elitist blackmail.

    Goodluck Jonathan is also a lucky man; first, he rode to the presidency on pure happenstance and later got his first mandate through goodwill of Nigerians in 2011.

    Whose way will victory go between the incumbent president (PDP) and General Muhammadu Buhari (APC) in the forth-coming presidential elections in February 2015?

    It is clearly a tough call. But some analysts have submitted that barring all untoward circumstances and if we are to have a free and fair contest now, the odds will be against the incumbent.

    He has been equated with Lyndon Johnson who rode to the presidency on the benevolence of the American people after the death of the much loved Kennedy but was too overwhelmed to seek re-election on principle in the end, due to his poor handling of foreign policy (Vietnam).

    Can Buhari provide Nigerians with an experience to take us to seventh heaven? Aren’t Nigerians expecting too much from Buhari? Is there a chance that his much-vaunted, probable victory might be likened to that of Jimmy Carter who defeated Gerald Ford to become president due to his high belief in himself, with only a couple of thousands of votes out of millions less in Ohio, Hawaii and Delaware because the electorate wanted someone with more experience?

    What hope does the incumbent have in western Nigeria with no-nonsense leaders who have been able to strike strategic alliances with the north?

    What hope does President Jonathan have in the north west and north east? The elites from those regions say he has a chance, but they should know better. He would have had a major chance had zoning been allowed to stay in that party. Most elites do not vote, the browbeaten masses do, and these will follow the principle of “group think” to vote for Buhari.

    Certainly President Jonathan will carry the day in the eastern part of Nigeria. Regrettably unlike the West, the East has not totally accepted national politics and are still seething from the plagues of the Biafra war which they accuse the north of directing. He is likely to carry the north-central region that, like the east, are yet to carve a political identity for itself.

    Without a doubt we need a leader who can help define Nigeria for Nigeria. A leader that can stand toe-to-toe with world leaders without a subservient complex, who will be a big brother in Africa, who will go to war if need be to prevent factions from using their territory to plan insurrection against our country. He must be ready to submit himself to microscopic inspection and shirt-front daring religious leaders who pronounce dangerous diktats.

    Someone who understands the power of reason must be ready to enforce the secular make-up of our nation to respect people of all faiths. Someone who knows what politics is all about: solving problems.

    I have long ago made up my mind (even as a non-card carrying member of any political party) to vote Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 if he becomes the presidential flag-bearer of a major party for this simple fact: that it will be detrimental to our democracy if Nigeria becomes a one-party state and if we do not change our leaders from party to party and from time to time.

     

    • Simon Abah,

    Port Harcourt, Rivers State

  • Buhari promises zero tolerance for corruption, insecurity

    Buhari promises zero tolerance for corruption, insecurity

    The All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Gen. Muhamadu Buhari (rtd), has said he will ensure that there are no rooms for corruption and insurgency in the country if voted into power on February 14.

    He said the level of insecurity in the nation has not only become deplorable but unbearable, adding that those who could not see anything wrong with the present situation in the country are blind.

    Burahi, who was addressing over 40,000 supporters of APC at the party official presidential flag off campaign in Port Harcourt, assured the people of the state that his interest is for the nation to be free from all terrible things that has been causing tension in the country.

    He assured Nigerians that he will assemble a team of professionals to fashion out means of job creation, wealth creation and security for the betterment of the country.
    He also advised everyone who has attained the age of 18 and above to ensure that they take their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC), to able them vote APC into power.

    “I will ensure that there is no room for corruption and insurgency in the country. The level of insecurity in the nation is deplorable. We will assemble a team of professionals to ensure job creation, wealth and security for the betterment of the country.

    “Everyone who has attained the age of 18 and above should go and get his or her PVC, to able you vote APC which is the best choice for the expected change in the country,” the former head of state said.

    Also addressing the crowd, the Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, said the rally was not a time for him to make long speech.

    Amaechi said he became governor by the grace of God, adding that he is still in- charge of the state.

    “As the governor of the state, I will continue to stand by the people of the state. I urge you to go for your PVC so that you can be eligible for the election,” he stated.

     

  • MEND backs Buhari for Presidency

    MEND backs Buhari for Presidency

    The presidential candidate of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), on Tuesday gained an unusual support as the main agitating militant group in the Niger Delta, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), pledged its total support for the former military ruler.

    MEND, in a lengthy press statement circulated through email by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, anchored its decision on the need to deliver Nigeria, especially the Niger Delta region, from the crunching effects of corruption.

    It also lamented the unconcerned attitude of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration at the unrelenting degradation of the Niger Delta environment, taking a hard stance on the increasing level of oil theft in the region.

    President Jonathan, according to MEND, does not deserve a second more in the Presidency.

    The group also commended Buhari for proposing to scrap the office of the First Lady, which it considered to be a drain on the nation’s resources and a conduit through which corrupt government officials stole across all levels of government.

    It said, “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has, upon careful consideration of the state of the nation, endorses and fully supports the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Gen. Mohammadu Buhari.

    “Our decision to throw our full support on Gen. Mohammadu Buhari stems from the pathetic state in which the country has been put by the government of Goodluck Jonathan and our strong believe in Buhari as the man and change the country needs.

    “President Goodluck Jonathan does not deserve a second more in the Presidency as soon as his tenure expires as he has continuously and blatantly disregarded the very people who voted him into office.

    “A President that told Nigerian to their faces that he does not ‘give a damn’ when asked to declare his assets. A requirement that is constitutional on assuming the office of the President.

    “President Jonathan, since assuming his office, has setup countless committees, whose reports have never been implemented. From the Nuhu Ribadu report to the KPMG and fuel subsidy reports, just to mention a few.

    “How can Nigerians expect a highly corrupt person like Goodluck Jonathan to fight corruption when he believes that stealing is not corruption, as he shamelessly told the Nation?

    “He has proven beyond all reasonable doubt, his inability to tackle corruption or prosecute a single government official in his six years in office.

    “MEND finds it laughable the recent statement by Goodluck Jonathan on his government’s plan to fight corruption. This statement not only smacks of ignorance of the highest order, but also shows just how stupid he thinks Nigerians are. A president that had six years to tackle the problem but chose to shield corrupt government officials, joined in the looting of our resources and now has the temerity to say his government has a plan to fight corruption. This is a big slap in the face of every single Nigerian!

    “We re-state our disregard and lack of confidence in President Goodluck Jonathan. Rather than address the perennial issues in the country responsible for his administrations failures, he is concentrating government funds in a campaign of misinformation intended to hoodwink Nigerians who, unfortunately for him, are now wiser and smarter than he is.

    “Goodluck Jonathan’s actions, utterances and arrogance prove that he is totally disconnected with the situation facing the ordinary Nigerian and completely out of touch with reality.”