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  • CNPP makes case for integrity

    CNPP makes case for integrity

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has congratulated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) on his nomination and unanimous approval by the National Council of State (NCS) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    CNPP described the development as another opportunity to rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

    In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, Comrade James Ezema, the umbrella body of registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria commended the President and the Council of State for the choice of a seasoned legal scholar and administrator with a track record of professionalism and integrity.

    The CNPP urged Amupitan to remain a man of honour and good report, noting that public expectations are high and that his performance in office will be judged by his commitment to impartiality, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.

    The group said; “Professor Amupitan must remember that Nigerians are yearning for a credible electoral process that reflects the true will of the people.

    “We urge him to ensure that he leaves the office of INEC Chairman with his integrity intact and his reputation untainted, by serving the nation with courage, fairness, and sincerity of purpose”.

    The statement emphasized that the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election in November will be a test case and an opportunity to redeem the image of INEC as an impartial electoral umpire.

    According to CNPP, how INEC conducts that election will set the tone for public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    It said: “The Anambra election will be the first major poll under Professor Amupitan’s leadership.

    “It will provide him and the Commission the chance to demonstrate a new commitment to credibility and efficiency in the management of elections. The entire nation will be watching to see if INEC can truly rise above political pressures and logistical failures that have undermined past elections.”

    The CNPP further called on civil society organizations, the media, and ordinary citizens to take active interest in all electoral processes, stressing that democracy can only thrive when the people maintain vigilance and defend their right to choose their leaders.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, governors, Dangote, others honour Awujale

    Ezema said: “We urge Nigerians to remain eternally vigilant, participate actively in the electoral process, and be ready to protect their votes in all elections beginning from the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election.

    “Democracy is not sustained by institutions alone but by the collective resolve of citizens to demand accountability and transparency.”

    The CNPP reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote electoral integrity, peaceful participation, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

    Ezema said; “Our democracy will only endure when institutions like INEC earn the people’s trust. We believe Professor Amupitan has the opportunity to make history by restoring faith in the ballot, ensuring that every vote counts, and leaving behind a legacy of honour”.

  • CNPP hails NNPCL’s new management for restoring Naira-for-crude initiative

    CNPP hails NNPCL’s new management for restoring Naira-for-crude initiative

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) on Thursday commended the new management team of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for their proactive decision to restore the suspended naira-for-crude initiative for local refineries.

    CNPP said this initiative, which aligns with the presidential directive approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), represents a bold and transformative step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s oil sector and ensuring the availability of refined petroleum products for domestic consumption.

    A statement issued by CNPP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Comrade James Ezema said: “The naira-for-crude initiative is a groundbreaking policy designed to empower local refineries by providing them with direct access to crude oil in exchange for naira payments. This approach not only reduces dependency on foreign exchange but also strengthens local refining capacity, creating jobs, boosting the economy, and ensuring energy security for the nation. By prioritizing local refineries, this initiative has the potential to lower the cost of petroleum products for Nigerians and enhance the overall stability of the oil sector.

    “A lower pump price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, will lead to a significant reduction in transportation costs for goods and services, ultimately lowering food prices and easing the financial burden on the masses.

    “However, the CNPP strongly condemns the actions of the immediate past management of NNPCL, led by the sacked Engr. Mele Kyari, for allegedly sabotaging this critical presidential directive. Reports indicate that instead of implementing the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the past leadership attempted to renegotiate the initiative, thereby undermining Nigeria’s economic interests. Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a betrayal of public trust.

    Read Also: NNPCL: A necessary reset to rescue Nigeria’s oil industry

    “In light of these allegations, the CNPP calls for a thorough investigation into the tenure of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL. We demand the arrest and trial of all individuals involved in the attempt to renegotiate the naira-for-crude initiative, as their actions amount to economic sabotage and an attempt to derail the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Accountability is essential to restore public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s oil resources.

    “Furthermore, the CNPP urges the Federal Government to introduce additional measures to support local refineries. We propose that, in addition to the naira-for-crude policy, the government should provide discounted prices on crude oil for all local refineries as an incentive for no less than two years. This policy would enable stability in the oil-refining business, encourage investment in the sector, and ensure the sustainability of the naira-for-crude initiative. By offering such incentives, the Federal Government can foster a competitive and thriving oil refining industry that benefits all Nigerians.

    “For refineries exporting refined products, a commensurate export levy can be imposed on all locally refined petroleum products for export during the period of these incentives, as Nigeria cannot afford to subsidize products for foreign countries.”

    The CNPP reiterated its commitment to advocate for transparency, accountability, and policies that prioritize the welfare of the Nigerian people, adding that: “We stand firmly in support of the new NNPCL management in their efforts to implement reforms that will transform the oil sector, drive national development, and reduce poverty across the country.”

  • CNPP urges NASS to create five new states for regional balance

    CNPP urges NASS to create five new states for regional balance

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the National Assembly to take immediate steps to create five additional states in Nigeria to address regional disparities in the country’s six geopolitical zones.

    In a statement on Sunday, signed by its deputy national publicity secretary, Comrade James Ezema, CNPP emphasised that ensuring equity, fairness, and justice in resource distribution is essential for national unity and progress.

    “Democracy does not support injustice. Its core principles are rooted in fairness, justice, equitable resource distribution, and the rule of law,” the statement read.

    The group stressed that correcting the imbalance in state distribution would foster national stability and development. 

    “The CNPP proposes that each of the six geopolitical zones should have seven states each, based on economic viability and other relevant factors for the new states to be created.

    “Specifically, the North Central and North West zones already have seven states, while the rest of the zones have six states each, except the SouthEast region with only five states.

    Read Also: CNPP demands sack of CBN Governor Emefiele

    “There is the need to create one additional state each for the South West, North East, and South-South zones and two additional states should be created in the South East zone.

    “Once this is achieved, the National Assembly can consider creating additional states in each of the six geopolitical zones.

    “The CNPP believes that this is a necessary step towards ensuring that every region in Nigeria has an equal opportunity to develop and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the nation.

    “We urge the National Assembly to take this matter seriously and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians.

    “The CNPP has consistently advocated for good governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria. 

    “The CNPP as the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria remains committed to promoting the principles of democracy and ensuring that the rights and interests of all Nigerians are protected and advanced”, the statement added.

  •  CNPP lauds Ayade over victory at polls

    The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in Cross River State has congratulated the governor, Ben Ayade, on his re-election. Its chairman, Sunday Michael, said they decided to support the governor because “the governorship election was relatively free, fair and credible.”

    He said they have up to 25 political parties including their chairmen and some governorship aspirants, who have agreed, that now that the elections are over, the state should be allowed to move forward in the interest of the people, and also for the governor to settle and continue in his industrial development plan.

    Read also: Governorship poll: Our victory will be sweet, says Wike

    ”Elections have come and gone and our general assessment of the poll shows that the election was relatively free, fair and credible. It is on this premise that, we, the governorship candidates and chairmen of political parties, say a big congratulation to Senator Ben Ayade, Governor-Elect.

    ”We urge the governor to see this victory as the validation of the trust the majority of the people had in him to continue in his industrialization drive, job creation, youth empowerment and see to the realization of his flagship projects,” he said.

  • Postponement: Plot to enthrone Interim Government – CNPP

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) on Saturday described inconsistencies associated wit the preparations for the 2019 generations as supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as “part of a deliberate plot by anti-democratic forces to derail Nigerian democracy and enthrone an interim government in country. CNPP in a statement by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu wondered why “an election that took the electoral umpire four years to prepare for would be postponed at eleventh hour despite assurances by the Commission that it was ready for the elections.

    “Before now, there has been subtle mussing about plans by some forces to enthrone an Interim Government on the country and it is becoming obvious that such forces have thrown their evil spanners into the democratic electoral process to have a reason to carry out their clandestine agenda. These forces, we suspect, are the same that have carried out systematic arson that led to the destruction of electoral materials and Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) at different parts of the country few days to the election and the killings in Kaduna State on the eve of the election.

    “As an umbrella body of all registered political parties and associations in the country, we compelled to alert the nation and urge well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of democracy around the world that the postponement of the election for February 16, 2019 may not have happened as a mere logistics problems as adduced by INEC. Even when the rumour of plans to postpone the polls strongly permeated the air days to the planned election date, the electoral umpire reiterated its readiness to go ahead with the exercise as scheduled, we are shocked that INEC suddenly postponed the election about five hours to time of commencement.

     

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  • Strike: CNPP praises ASUU for displaying patriotism

    The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has hailed the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for considering national interest and suspended its three months’ old strike to protect the future of the country.

    CNPP said the suspension of the industrial action has shown that ASUU’s members are patriotic Nigerians, who believe that dialogue could be a better means to settle differences rather than confrontation.

    ASUU had last year November embarked on strike to demand the implementation of pending Memorandum of Understanding signed with the federal government.

    The strike, which crippled academic activities in all the public universities, was suspended on Wednesday.

    The political group, in a statement by its Ekiti State Chairman, Com Olu Akomolafe, yesterday, called on the federal government to fulfil its own side of the memoranda of actions signed with ASUU to prevent future recurrence. He said the country may end up being destroyed, if universities that were designed for human capital training and development are being subjected to all manners of industrial challenges.

    Akomolafe added that allowing students to waste three months at home due to reconcilable and avoidable differences between the federal government and ASUU, may further recede the Nigerian universities’ ranking by the global community.

    The CNPP said while the government at all levels must prove to be responsible by acceding to the requests of university teachers, ASUU also must display patriotism by refraining from strike each time they have an axe to grind with the authorities.

     

     

     

  • CNPP backs Buhari on suspension

    The local chapter of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in Ekiti State yesterday commended President Muhammadu Buhari over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen and immediate appointment of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed in acting capacity.

    The CNPP said the bravery displayed by President Buhari indicated that he had the capacity to end corruption in the country, by making big men to be held accountable for their actions in their respective offices.

    The political group, however,  advised  Justice Onnoghen not to pander to the dictate of the “distraught opposition elements who wanted to  push him by their caustic comments to confront the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the action taken by President Buhari.

    “But rather, Justice Onnoghen should go ahead to clear himself of some of the allegations levelled against him by the Code of Conduct Tribunal to protect his name and the Judiciary.”

    In a statement in Ado Ekiti by its State Chairman, Deacon Olu Akomolafe, the CNPP said: “Onnoghen as a chief law officer was supposed to have stepped aside or resigned to allow free, fair and unbiased trial since the beginning of the imbroglio that led to his suspension as the CJN in order to uphold the sanctity of the judiciary.”

    The coalition added further that the latest move by the President has again confirmed that, the fight against corruption has gone beyond mere sloganeering.

    It said: “There is no doubt that, the development will further strengthen the judiciary in the country and make the common man to have more confidence and trust in it as their last hope.”

  • CNPP appeals to NLC to accept new minimum wage

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties ( CNPP ), Edo chapter, has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) to accept the N27, 000 new minimum wage endorsed by the National Council of State.

    The Chairman of CNPP, Mr Roy Oribhabor, made the appeal on Wednesday in Benin.

    He urged the NLC to accept the new minimum wage as matter of love and patriotism, in spite of the economic hardship being experienced in the country.

    He emphasised that the appeal became necessary after a critical evaluation of the N27, 000 minimum wage in Nigeria as approved by the NCS.

    “In as much as we know things are hard, we solicit for understanding because of the reality on ground today from some states.

    “We commend the leaders of the NLC for the foresight and determination to provide acceptable wages for Nigerian workers,” Oribhabor said in a statement.

    Read Also: NLC rejects N27, 000 minimum wage

    He also called on state governors to be more prudent with management and allocations of resources for the betterment of the people.

    “Therefore, transparency and accountability should be their primary concern.

    “Finally, we appeal to labour unions not to allow politicians to use them to advance their agenda to the detriment of the Nigerian State.

    “This is the best time to show understanding and accept the minimum wage because the process of salaries increment is never an ending negotiation, hence our appeal,” he said.

  • NBC closure of radio station saved Ekiti from chaos, says CNPP

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Ekiti State Chapter, has berated Governor Ayo Fayose for alleged breach of Electoral Act during the collation of results of Saturday’s governorship poll.

    The group condemned Fayose for using the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti

    State (BSES) to declare the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola as ‘winner’ of the election while the coalitionwas ongoing.

    In a statement by its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Olu Akomolafe, the CNPP praised the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for saving Ekiti from being thrown into chaos and anarchy.

    Rising from a meeting on Friday where the governorship election was

    reviewed, the CNPP also praised President Muhammadu Buhari for allowing the conduct of free, fair and credible poll.

    “The NBC saved Ekiti State from being thrown into chaos and anarchy by shutting down the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State where the governor had gone on air to illegally declare the PDP candidate as winner of the poll.

    “This noble act of NBC stopped the incitement of the members of the public by the governor. Only God knows what would have happened thereafter but the NBC intervention saved the day,” Akomolafe said.

    The CNPP congratulated the governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on his victory in the July 14 governorship election.

    Describing Fayemi’s victory as well deserved, the body commended him for extending a hand of fellowship to other candidates with whom he contested the governorship seat.

    The, CNPP appealed to candidates who lost to Fayemi to give peace a chance and allow peace to reign in Ekiti.

    The group appealed to the Federal Government to come to the aid of the incoming government to defray the backlog of workers’ salaries and pensioners’ benefits.

    It said the appeal became necessary owing to what it called “the huge debt of N117 million” incurred by the outgoing administration as recently released by the Debt Management office (DMO).

    The CNPP hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for prompt deployment of personnel and electoral materials to all the 2,195 polling units.

    The CNPP said INEC’s impartiality was largely responsible for the peaceful conduct of the election.

  • CNPP urges INEC to conduct credible poll

    Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to unsure free and fair election in Ekiti State.

    The umbrella body called on civil society organisations (CSOs), the media and election observers to be extra vigilant and expose rigging to safe Nigerian democracy.

    The outcome of the election, CNPP said, would determine the confidence of voters in the ability of INEC to conduct next year’s elections.

    In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, the CNPP urged politicians in Ekiti State to play by the rules of the game.

    He said: “We must remind ourselves that the survival of democracy is vital at this time and for this to happen, all stakeholder must subject themselves to the ultimate will of the electorate.

    “Therefore, INEC, the media and all security agencies as well as election observers for the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election must be vigilant.

    “We urge the electoral umpire to ensure that the outcome of the Ekiti State election reflects the virtues of fairness, good conscience, rule of law and credibility.  “This will not only boost the confidence of the electorates in the Nigerian electoral process but also elevate the rating of the current leadership of INEC as the country prepares for the 2019 general election.

    “At no time in the history of the country has the young people shown eagerness to fully participate in the electoral process than now. It is the duty of INEC and the security agencies to reassure the voters that their votes are counted and also count in determining, who leads them.”