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Tag: Buhari/Osinbajo

  • Buhari/Osinbajo get second term nod

    The Association of Food Vendors in Nigeria, Lagos State Zonal Headquarters, have declared its support for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The food vendors, yesterday, staged a peaceful rally in Ikeja, to declare their support for Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    State coordinator Inspector Steve Odiah said they decided to endorse and declare their support for Buhari, having measured the impact of the feeding programme on their lives and their children.

    Read also: Why Buhari is Nigeria’s best choice, by Tinubu

    He said: “We thank President Muhammadu Buhari and wish him good health. Food vendors in Lagos State are grateful for his kind gesture because many people have benefited from Buhari’s administration.

    “The number of school children is increasing and they are all happy staying in school as they eat free food.”

    Odiah also noted that the Buhari-led administration has done well in agriculture, another reason why the vendors were supporting his second term bid.

  • Lagos benefited nothing from 16-years reign of PDP – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said the state benefited nothing from the 16 years rule of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from 1999 to 2015.

    Ambide spoke at the National Consultative Forum of the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups, a coordinating body of all the groups campaigning for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in 2019, held at Nicon Luxury in Abuja.

    The governor added that the country would not go back to Egypt by bringing PDP back to power having crossed the Red Sea.

    Within three and half years of reign of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party, Ambode said has been able to lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity.

    Assuring that the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket remains the best option to take the country to the next level from 2019.

    “Sixteen years of PDP, I can say it clearly that Lagos State never enjoyed anything from them. Three and half years of APC, I can clearly attest here that whatever it is that we have achieved in Lagos in the last three and half years, the present Federal Government has largely contributed to the things that we have achieved be it in terms of right of way, be it in terms of approval for waivers for import duties and other things that have actually made Lagos to be on the progressive trajectory that it had been in the last twenty years.

    “So, for me it is very easy and it is just common sense that we have to uphold the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket to allow that economic progress and the growth in the GDP that we want for Nigeria rather than allowing it to get dismantled and then make us to go back to Egypt after crossing the Red Sea and we are not going back to Egypt,” Governor Ambode said.

    He said since assuming office in 2015, the Buhari administration had worked tirelessly to bring about fundamental paradigm shift and retracing the steps of the country for sustained progressive chart, adding that the onus is now on the entire country to give the APC a chance to consolidate on the massive development already embarked upon.

    “I just want Nigerians to understand and also to encourage all our members here that what we have started as a support group coordinating everything that is happening is not necessarily for you but it is a selfless service to put Nigeria on that trajectory that grows prosperity and also conveniently in another four years, we would make all Nigerians proud and I am very proud to be part of this.

    Read Also: Ambode vows to contain ‘bad guys’ at Xmas

    “We have made up our mind that we are going to work tirelessly; we would do everything that is possible in terms of supporting and campaigning to let Nigerians understand that there are two parallel lines between what we stand to offer which is growth and prosperity for this country and what PDP is trying to come and re-engineer to take us back to the debris of the past that we don’t want to ever go back to.

    “So, I just want to congratulate Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari and also the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and assure them that when they look at their back, they have true Nigerians who believe that yes, we want to build a skyscraper but we need solid foundation to be able to enjoy that skyscraper and then the next level we are thinking on is to be able to put the proper aesthetics and lay the proper foundation to allow Nigeria to make progress and that is what the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket speaks about,” the Governor said.

    Besides, Governor Ambode said it was also gratifying that all APC Governors were united in ensuring the victory of APC in the presidential election next year. 

    “All APC Governors, I can speak on their behalf, are resolved that the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket is what Nigeria needs and that is what we are going to pursue and I am happy that a handful of our gubernatorial candidates are here to align with us to make sure that what we would deliver is what Nigerians want and what Nigerians want is the APC President,” Governor Ambode said.

  • Salvador urges APC’s unity ahead of 2019

    The Deputy Chairman, Lagos West, Presidential Support Committee (PSC) for Buhari/Osinbajo, Hon. Moshood Salvador has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to unite ahead of 2019.

    Addressing party members at a strategic meeting in Lagos, he said all hands must be on the deck to ensure victory for the party in the coming election.

    He urged party members who are aggrieved due to the unforeseen developments in the party to forgive one another for the sake of the party.

    Salvador called on members to maintain the spirit of camaraderie, noting that everybody was important in the party.

    He said it was no longer fashionable for some people to behave like lords, stressing that all APC members were important.

    He urged the party to work hard in areas it lost to the opposition in the 2015 election, stressing that the PSC would not leave any stone untouched in the 2019 election.

    He said: “There is need for unity in our great party. Through that, we can achieve success in the coming election. We must not underrate anybody; we should accord everybody the respect they deserve.

    “I must draw your attention to the 2015 election, where the APC lost some seats to the PDP in Ajeromi, Amuwo and Ojo areas of the state. My research also exposes to me that we must take note of Ifako/Ijaiye area of Lagos ahead of 2019 election.”

    Salvador said the challenge before him was not just to ensure victory for the party but preach peace in order to strengthen the party.

    “The challenge before me is to make sure Sanwo-Olu wins Lagos State governorship election with landslide victory. We must also ensure that President Buhari is returned to office. Following our discussion, I can assure you that the party APC will win the election.

    “My analysis of the situation shows to me that the APC has not got to the margin it is expected to be. We have underutilized our strength because we can achieve far better than what we presently have in the state.

    “Our capacity is more than what is presently obtained. I want to put all my efforts, experience and all that I know to make sure the party performs to the maximum level in at the coming election. It is part of our assignment to make sure that we leave no stone untouched ahead of 2019.”

  • 2019: North West lawmakers endorse Buhari/Osinbajo

    Campaign for the re-election of President Muhamadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo received a boost yesterday when serving lawmakers from the North West gathered in Kaduna State to inaugurate a platform to seek grassroots support for the duo.

    The lawmakers belong to the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led states as well as federal lawmakers.

    Acting Chairman Yusuf Bala Ikara said the organisation is a collection of young lawmakers from the Northwest, who voluntarily resolved to support President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    He said the decision was arrived at after considering the laudable achievements the duo have recorded, which will remain on the sand of political history.

    Ikara cited the success in security, economy, anti-corruption fight and infrastructural development, with consequent redemption of the hitherto soiled image of Nigeria in the comity of nations, as some reasons put into consideration by the forum.

    He said: “There is no gainsaying that President Muhammadu Buhari took the leadership of Nigeria when it on the brink of collapse, evident in the activities of the terrorists and irreligious Boko Haram which led to the taking over 14 local government areas.

    “The subjection of Nigeria to security threats and the battering of its economy, coupled with the various styles of corruption which heavily led to its loss of integrity, sincerity and trust by other nations.

    “The President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has succeeded in fighting corruption evident in its introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a measure which controls government’s finances effectively and doing away with fraudulent activities that give rooms to siphoning public funds.

    “Moreover, several people who have stolen public funds are facing trial which instilled fears in many minds who want to illegally enter into public treasury.

    “The President diversified the economy by shifting from the old-age reliance on oil as the mainstay of the country’s economy to agriculture and mine which their positive results are glaring.

    “Yet again, the government engages in providing infrastructural services to Nigerians in terms of good roads, railways, houses.

    “It is evident that, the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari Civilian Administration in the areas highlighted has regained back the country’s integrity in the comity of nations.

    “Other reasons why we voluntarily support Buhari/Osibanjo 2019 Presidency include its sincerity of purpose, integrity, transparency, accountability, discipline, trust and tolerance displayed over the years…”

  • Buhari/Osinbajo campaign office and Minister Shittu

    Buhari/Osinbajo campaign office and Minister Shittu

    IN an interview he gave State House correspondents last Wednesday after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, virtually confirmed that the president might seek re-election, considering his sterling achievements since he assumed office. The minister also told reporters that he had been appointed to lead a group dedicated for that purpose. He did not say who appointed him. Even though he tried to be diplomatic by suggesting that the president himself was yet to indicate his interest in contesting the 2019 presidential poll, it was clear from the minister’s words that that decision was already made. It was really never in doubt that the president would be seeking a second term; now it is all but certain, regardless of presidential spokesman Femi Adesina’s hemming and hawing on New Year’s Eve indicating that the president had not yet committed himself to running.

    The president is of course entitled to seek a second term, whether his first term was glittering or not. Alhaji Shittu, whose political association with the president predates the All Progressives Congress (APC), can also of course offer his support and loyalty to anyone he wishes. But it is not clear that his excitement and hyperbolic statements do not border on the sycophantic. According to Alhaji Shittu, who by the way wants to be governor of Oyo State next year, “It goes without saying; if you have a child who goes to a primary school and he does well; he proceeds to a secondary school and he does well, and you keep asking if he will be going to university. It goes without saying. By the grace of God, we, his (Buhari’s) ardent supporters who appreciate his worth on behalf of millions of Nigerians, would urge him to re-contest. I know he has not made up his mind, but I can say some of us can assist him in making up his mind so that Nigeria can continue to enjoy stability and progress in our land.”

    If the president has not made up his mind, or in the words of his spokesman, Mr Adesina, has not said anything relating to that goal, is he simply being cautious or diplomatic, or is he really unsure whether he has the zeal and stomach to scheme for a second term? If, as the Communications minister said, it would take the pressures of his friends to help the president make up his mind, is there not something terribly amiss about such a conviction? The ambitions of past Nigerian leaders were generally predicated, not on their own personal convictions, ideas and zeal to affect the lives of Nigerians for the better, but on the persuasions of their friends, aides and supporters. Nigerians would love their presidents to own their ambitions, to determine whether they had enough fire in their bellies for leadership, and to boldly disclose how far they were willing to go in seeking public office.

    The Communications minister spoke excitedly about the president’s qualities, including his achievements since assuming office in 2015, indicating that he had amply justified his re-election bid. Hear the minister: “Every day, since he (Buhari) came into office, all his activities are geared towards letting Nigerians know that they have a saviour, a rescuer, somebody who is committed to providing relief for Nigerians in all respects, in the area of fighting corruption, insurgency whether in the North-East or the Niger Delta; in the area of repairing the economy and providing jobs and providing social stability in the society.” But it is hardly helpful that he spoke exaggeratedly and apocalyptically about what would have befallen the country had President Buhari not assumed office in 2015. “You will agree with me,” he deadpanned, “that today, but for Buhari, Boko Haram would have invaded even Lagos.” Ha!

    When he is not engendering distorted scenarios, Alhaji Shittu is naturally hyperbolic. He is one of the few long-standing associates of the president to be rewarded with a ministerial office. It would defame his character to say that he does not merit the promotion, but his long years of seeking public office cannot be said not to sometimes colour his perceptions in ways that are difficult to defend. He is much taken to the president, and he will say or do anything to water that ground. But even in his excessive adulation, and notwithstanding the president’s personal zeal and talent, the minister must in his private reflections wonder whether his proclivity for getting ahead of himself in mouthing sweet words does not give an awful interpretation of his image as a doting loyalist.

  • Polls: Group endorses Buhari/Osibanjo ticket

    Polls: Group endorses Buhari/Osibanjo ticket

    A group, Rivers Youths for Democratic Vanguard, (RYDV), one of the formidable socio-political organisations in Rivers State has endorsed the candidature of Gen. Mohammadu Buhari of All Progressive Congress (APC) and his deputy Yemi Osnibajo for 2015 general election.

    Arising from their emergency meeting Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, the group said their decision was on the premise of the economy critical condition which needs someone like Buhari for urgent rescue

    The leader of the group, Rev’d Fred Woke who chaired the meeting yesterday said as much as governor Chibuike Amaechi is leading the change movement there is no going back on their support for Buhari/Osinbajo ticket.

    He said out of 262 members of the organisation only 22 were against their vision, adding that the group has planned to begin door to door campaign for Buhari presidential election in Rivers State.

    He accused the Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of defacing the pictures of APC Presidential Candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in Rivers state, describing it as a campaign strategy to misinform Rivers people that Buhari has no supporters in the state.

    Woke said, “As you can see, we have just ended the three hours meeting of this great organization to decide on who among the Presidential candidates of the various political parties lined up in the forthcoming election in Nigeria will be our candidate.

    Today, after resolving our differences, we have in one voice endorsed Buhari/Osinbajo ticket, we love the governor of this state and if he could lead this change movement then we have no choice than to endorse the APC presidential candidate.

    “I want to use this opportunity to call on the PDP in the state to stop defacing Buhari campaign pictures. We described such action as a failed quest to mislead the public and blackmail Gen. Buhari.”

  • Lawyers walk for Buhari/Osinbajo

    Lawyers walk for Buhari/Osinbajo

    A group, Lawyers for Change, at the weekend held a rally in Oyo in support of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

    Speaking at the rally, the Coordinator, Adesina Ogunlana, said the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) is for all lawyers but Lawyers for Change is a political group.

    Ogunlana urged voters to vote for change, Buhari and Osinbajo because the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ruined the nation and its economy.

    NBA Secretary, Oyo State branch, Olajide Olanipekun, said: “Lawyers for Change is not about the NBA or politicking but we believe in Buhari/Osinbajo, especially Osinbajo, who is a professor of law and a former  attorney-general in Lagos State for eight years.

    “If  we don’t have professionals like these in the forefront, we will definitely be led by the knowledge of the mediocre. Nigeria is so buoyant that we can afford anything and that is the reason we need Buhari and Osinbajo to put things right because they have the integrity to manage our resources.”

  • Youths begin campaign against elections shift

    Youths begin campaign against elections shift

    A Buhari/Osinbajo support group, “I am ready”, launched yesterday a campaign against a further postponement of the general elections.

    The campaign involves the use of 50 metres (600 feet) banners to be displayed by at least 300 campaigners across major locations in Nigeria, as well as concerts and youth mobilisation/enlightenment.

    The group said since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has achieved over 75.9 per cent Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) distribution, and the military has been recapturing towns seized by insurgents in the Northeast, the commission and the Federal Government must ensure that the re-scheduled elections are held.

    Its National Leader Tola Adekunle-Johnson said the “I am ready” campaign will include mobilising at least one million signups through the social media to demand that elections must hold on March 28 and on April 11.

    “We intend to embark on gentle walks across the country to let the whole world know that the people are ready for this election. INEC has proven beyond reasonable doubt that they are ready to conduct the elections. We the electorates are saying: ‘I am ready to vote.’ The onus is now on government to team up with Nigerians to have a credible election in March,” Adekunle-Johnson said.

    He said the group would also campaign against voter apathy, adding that should the All Progressives Congress (APC) win the presidential election, youths would hold the APgovernment to its promises.

    The group’s Head of Media Relations, Kingsley Binitie, said millions of youths would be mobilised to ensure that votes count and there the people’s mandate is not stolen or electoral process subverted.

    “We’re going to protect our votes and ensure they count. Then when the APC government takes office, we’re going to ensure that the party’s manifesto is implemented,” Binitie added.

  • Lawyers endorse Buhari/Osinbajo

    Lawyers endorse Buhari/Osinbajo

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikorodu branch has endorsed the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).

    In a statement by its chairman Mr. Dotun Adetunji and Secretary Blessing Ene the lawyers’ body said by virtue of their training and professional calling, lawyers are better equipped to advance the course of  societies.

    They urged  lawyers support Prof. Osinbajo who is a senior and leading member of the Bar.

    The statement reads: “In the words of the first Nigerian lawyer, Christopher Alexander Sapara-Williams (called to the English Bar in 1879 and the Nigerian Bar in 1898), ‘The legal practitioner lives for the direction of his country’.

    “Similarly, Article 14 of the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers adopted in Havana in 1990 loudly and unmistakably proclaims that ‘… Lawyers, in protecting the rights of their clients and in promoting the cause of justice, shall seek to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms recognised by national and international law  and shall at all times act freely and diligently in accordance with the law and recognised standards and ethics of the legal profession.’

    ”It is against this background that the NBA Ikorodu Branch deemed it pertinent to unanimously endorse, and has unanimously endorsed, the candidature of General Muhammadu Buhari and professor Yemi Oluleke Osinbajo (SAN) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming presidential elections fixed for February 14, 2015.

    “The NBA Ikorodu Branch in taking this monumental, historic and unanimous decision took cognisance of the elephantine deterioration, unprecedented decay, immeasurable irresponsibility, unjustifiable insensitivities, illegal actions and inactions coupled with limitless unconstitutional activities of the incumbent administration which have attained frightening dimensions and require urgent national massive electoral rejection and replacement with committed patriots and selfless nationalists such as the duo of General Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) with known unassailable track records of achievements, transparency, honesty, integrity, vision, selflessness, human capital development, institutions building and multiple-legacies development capacity.

    “The NBA Ikorodu Branch recall, with nostalgia and gratitude, that Prof. Osinbajo  between 1999 and 2007 when he served as Attorney General and Commissioner  for Justice under the able and amiable leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, almost single-handedly transformed the judicial landscape, not only in Lagos State,  but in the Federation at large, commencing from bold outstanding conditions of service to all judges through reform of procedural rules (both civil and criminal), sustainable access to justice initiatives to qualitative, substantive and physical reconstruction of the justice sector.

    “Lagos State kick-started this uncommon pro-people and development-based phenomenon, the Federal Government and the other 35 States including the FCT had no option than to follow.

    “As a Legal Practitioner, well-schooled in the sociological perspective and believing that law is an instrument for positive social engineering, Prof. Osinbajo did not only permanently and positively effected changes in both the substantive and procedural laws, he had equally engendered enormous personnel re-orientation and positive attitudinal transformation in a very deep and wide systemic way…”

    ‘which other committed Chief Law Officers, both within and outside Nigeria, are still emulating un

    “As a visionary, progressive intellectual and world-class scholar, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN)’s universal reputation for personal integrity and national (if not global) acclaim for having re-shaped the country’s judicial sanctity and integrity clearly qualifies and presents him as the most appropriate Nigerian to join and work with General Buhari to rescue Nigeria and Nigerians from the ceaseless abyss of poverty, incompetence, inefficiency, insecurity, inept

    and myopic leadership and otiose mismanagement that are currently plaguing the country.

    “The NBA Ikorodu Branch reminds Nigeria and Nigerians that “though the beginning may be small, the latter end shall be great and prosperous” for us all with the duo of General Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo (S.A.N) piloting the affairs of this country from May 29, 2015. The NBA Ikorodu Branch therefore urges all Nigerians to always plan ahead as “it was not raining when Noah built the ark”. Nigerians must obtain their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and vote massively to ensure the desired change we all crave for and ensure a Greater Nigeria where insurgency, sundry government ins~nsi~ity, un-employment, mal-administration, lawlessness, injustice, obstinate disregard of rule of law and the due process is  truly a thing of the past and where justice and peace shall truly reign supreme”

     

     

  • ‘Why Itsekiri chose Buhari/Osinbajo over Jonathan’

    ‘Why Itsekiri chose Buhari/Osinbajo over Jonathan’

    An Itsekiri pressure group in Warri, Delta State yesterday gave reasons why their kinsmen would rather vote for the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in next month’s election despite intense lobby to  support President Goodluck Jonathan by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).

    The Itsekiri Consolidated Movement (ICM), at a news conference in Ubeji-Warri yesterday evening, addressed by its Chairman, Ortisegbegbemi Besidone and Public Relations Officers, Franklin Metsese, said their interests would be better served in the APC.

    “In as much as we believe Tompolo has the constitutional right to campaign for President Goodluck Jonathan and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa/Kingsley Otuaro, his cousin, we want to assure Tompolo that his voyage is set to hit the rock, particularly on Jonathan’s re-election bid.”

    The group went on: “Tompolo has to explain why he and his Gbaramatu brothers are laying claim to lands belonging to Itsekiri (Omadino and Ugborodo communities) particularly the area where the EPZ is situated and till date, despite claiming not to be waging war against Itsekiri.

    “Tompolo is yet to tender an apology to the 14 abducted reporters, including a Channels TV Camera man, Itsekiri-born Senior Correspondent of Daily Independent Newspaper, Mr. Emma Arubi and six Ugborodo indigenes, who were humiliated as well as tortured almost to the point of death by his militants.”