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Tag: endorse

  • Lagos APC: 377 councillors endorse Sanwo-Olu

    NO fewer than 377 councillors under the aegis of Forum of Councillors from 20 local governments and 37 local council development authorities (LCDA) in Lagos State on Monday endorsed the governorship aspiration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The councillors pledged their total support for him ahead of Saturday’s primary election.

    The endorsement took place in Ikeja through voice vote after a three hours meeting between the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO), some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the aspirant.

    Director General of the aspirant’s campaign organisation Mr. Tayo Ayinde hailed the forum’s spirit of oneness, saying that unity among politicians was important for impactful growth.

    Ayinde stressed the need for internal democracy and urged every member of the forum to work hard for the Sanwo-Olu’s aspiration.

    The campaign DG described the event as a family meeting, where a decision that would affect family members would be made. He thereafter presented Sanwo-Olu to the crowd, who rose to welcome him.

    A former Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture Mr. Kaoli Olusanya advised the councillors to remain steadfast and not be deterred by antics of those afraid to face the people at the primaries. He said the council members were the closest to the people.

    “No politician knows the grassroots people better than you the councillors”, Olusanya stated. He also informed the gathering that he started his political journey as a councillor, noting that hardwork, dedication and loyalty to the party and the political family have taken him to a higher pedestal.

    According to Olusanya, nothing should be taken for granted in politics. “It is on that note that I’d want you to work for our brother, friend and colleague, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, so that he can clinch the party’s ticket on Saturday.”

    The governorship aspirant thanked the councillors for coming out in large numbers to receive him.

    He started by telling them of his antecedents in the party since leaving the corporate world to join the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu administration in 2002 as a Special Adviser and later as commissioner. He told the forum how close he has been to their colleagues in his constituency, noting that he was doing all he could for them at a time when he never thought of running for governorship position.

    Sanwo-Olu urged the councillors on the need to persevere and be loyal, saying those virtues usually pay off in the end.

    “Perseverance in politics is good. It usually pays off in the end. That virtue is what has brought me to this level,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

    He urged the councillors to get out the vote on Saturday, promising that better days are ahead for all party members.

    Vice Chairman of the Councillors Forum in Lagos State Mr. Remi Shittu, who presided over the endorsement of Sanwo-Olu, pledged the support of his members in the primaries.

    Other party leaders, who spoke at the meeting, include Cardinal James Odumaku (aka Baba Eto) and Mrs. Omolola Essien, who sought the support of the councillors ahead of the Saturday’s primary election.

  • Abia/Imo traders in Enugu endorse Ugwuanyi

    Indigenes of Abia and Imo States trading in Enugu State, under the auspices of Njiko Imo/Abia Traders Association, have declared their support for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s re-election in 2019.

    They said their decision followed the governor’s people-oriented programmes which have favoured both indigenes and non-indigenes.

    The elated traders, who trooped to the Government House Enugu on a solidarity visit to Ugwuanyi, thanked him for the Traders’ Empowerment Scheme he initiated to assist traders grow their businesses, irrespective of their state of origin, religion and ethnicity.

    The group leader and general coordinator, Gantito Nnadozie, described Ugwuanyi as a leader who does not discriminate, and the only governor who prioritised traders’ welfare.

    They stressed that their endorsement of the governor’s re-election was borne out of their conviction that he has entrenched peace and good governance in the state.

    “We wouldn’t have come today to declare no vacancy in the Lion Building in 2019 if you are not doing well. We met severally and called our elders, and they all agreed that we should come and see you, pray for you and give you this ‘ofo’ (insignia of authority) to urge you to move on and reassure you of our support.

    The traders noted that the last time they endorsed a governor for a second term was during the administration of late Sam Mbakwe of Imo State. They, therefore, assured Ugwuanyi to remain in Enugu to vote.

  • Militants endorse Buhari for second term

    Niger Delta creek warlords under the auspices of Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) yesterday backed President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term.

    They noted that Buhari is the only President, who has shown commitment to peace, and the willingness to develop Niger Delta.

    RNDA’s Leader ‘Maj.-Gen’. John Mark Ezenobi aka Obama, in an electronic statement, said they took the decision at a meeting attended by service commanders in Egbema, Rivers State.

    The group said it reviewed the activities of past presidents, including ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and came up with a verdict that Buhari was the best among them.

    RNDA is a coalition of nine militant groups.

    It  said Niger Delta was under-developed by the last Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Federal Government.

    They described the 16-year administration of PDP, including Jonathan’s tenure, as a disaster.

    The body said despite efforts to damage Buhari’s reputation, his integrity and sustained fight against corruption stood him out as the best candidate for the Presidency.

    RNDA said it was unfortunate “self-acclaimed” leaders of Niger Delta and “so-called” PDP Southsouth governors were celebrating looters, who contributed to the under-development of Niger Delta.

    It dismissed the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) as a failed and corrupt group.

    RNDA said those parading themselves as PANDEF misled Jonathan and former ministers of Petroleum and Niger Delta Affairs, Diezani Allison-Madueke, and Godday Orubebe.

    The statement said: “RNDA, with the coalition of nine militant groups in the creeks, has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for another term in office.

    “This endorsement is because of the President’s integrity characterised so far in fighting corruption to a standstill in the country because corruption and bad leadership have contributed to the under- development of Niger Delta and the country.

    “The Buhari-led Federal Government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has shown much commitment to address the under-developmental challenges facing Niger Delta for decades, caused by the corrupt, previous bad administration of PDP, which wasted 16 years of governance.

    “RNDA notes with regret that the six years administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan was characterised by massive corruption, looting, favouritism and gross non-supervision of his appointees, with no completed project in the long-neglected region.

    “Jonathan’s government took the people of Niger Delta back to the stone age of under-development.

    “RNDA accepted the Federal Government’s ceasefire agreement in 2016 for dialogue. This led to remarkable and sustained peace in the region, following renewed destruction and bombing of oil installation and facilities that crippled the nation’s oil output and eventually led to recession.

    “Most worrisome and painful is the fact that the ex-President Jonathan administration goofed on the development of the region, as he was unable to complete the road to his Otuoke community in Bayelsa State.

    “RNDA is pleased with President Buhari’s willingness and commitment to the development of Niger Delta since he came on board in 2015 despite the recession, which greeted the emergence of his administration, as the crude price hit an all-time low of N35 per barrel.

    “President Buhari’s fight against corruption, which was the signpost of the previous PDP administrations, defined his stand on the development of the region.

    “We hail him for the smooth take-off of academic activities at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, and we commend the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for the approval for the dredging of Escravos River to enable cargo vessels access Warri, which will in turn boost economic activities.”

     

  • Igbo groups endorse IPOB’s Sept 14 sit-at-home

    Twelve Igbo groups have endorsed the September 14 sit-at-home order of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The groups, comprising traditional rulers, traders associations, youth groups and students organisations, took the decision after a meeting in the home of leader of the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) Chief Maria Okwor, in Enugu.

    Mrs. Okwor, who addressed reporters after the meeting, lamented the humiliation meted out to Igbo women locked up in Owerri for expressing their opinions in a democracy.

    She lamented the continuous ill-treatment of Ndigbo as a conquered people, and called on the people to sit at home on September 14 to express “our frustrations with Nigeria”.

    Mrs. Okwor insisted that Nigeria must be return to 1963 Constitution to survive.

    Secretary of ECA and founder of Igbo Youth Movement Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko described the constant invasion of Igbo land every September as provocative and insulting.

    He said: “Every September, military equipment is moved into Igbo land to remind us that we are a conquered people. Next, stoned them and mayhem will be unleashed on our people. There’s no war going on here, there are no killings going on here. Igbo land is peaceful, why the invasion?

    “The soldiers should be drafted to Sambisa Forest in Borno State where killings are happening every day. They should go to Plateau, Benue, and save hapless citizens who are slaughtered daily while the government is either blaming Lybians or telling middle Beltans to surrender their land to live.

    “Bringing Python Dance 3 to our peaceful region is designed to deliberately provoke a confrontation that will lead to deaths as they did last year.”

    The meeting agreed to hold a street march in October to press their demand for a new Constitution, asserting that the rigid unitary constitution designed by the military is an evil document.

    The Army, police and other security agencies in Imo State have warned members of the sect against disrupting peace over the September 14 sit-at-home order.

    Commissioner of Police Dasuki Galadanchi; Brigade Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brig.-Gen. H.I Bature, and other security  heads said they would confront IPOB and other separatist groups.

    Galadanchi, who described the secessionists as “miscreants”, said the proposed sit-at-home order was not in tandem with the laws of the land.

    He, therefore, advised the public to ignore the call and go about their lawful businesses without fear of any attack.

    Galadanchi said security agencies would, from today, begin “operation show of force” to sensitise the people on the need to ignore the order.

    He said: “The heads of all security agencies in Imo State are working together. We are here to tell the world that we are saying no to IPOB’s proposed September 14 sit-at-home order. Anyone who has any genuine business on that day should go about his or her business. We have resolved to protect the citizens.

    “IPOB members should remember that where one person’s right end is where the other person’s own begins; Imo must be great in our time. The sit-at-home order by IPOB is at variance with the law.

    “Anybody who tries to threaten law abiding citizens in the name of a sit-at-home will have the security agencies to contend with.”

  • Commercial motorcyclists endorse Fayose’s deputy

    •Jonathan to open Ekiti flyover

    Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan will, tomorrow, inaugurate the Ado-Ekiti Flyover, Governor Ayo Fayose has said.

    He spoke yesterday at a rally by commercial motorcyclists from the 16 councils in support of Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola.

    Overwhelmed by their solidarity, Olusola said: “I will not ban Okada riders from plying Ekiti roads when I become governor.”

    Fayose condemned a statement allegedly credited to President Muhammadu Buhari that youths were lazy.

    He urged youths to vote out All Progressives Congress (APC) next year.

    The governor said youths and women constituted huge votes, regretting that a President could allegedly utter a statement disparaging the younger generation.

    He said Buhari promised to create three million jobs, but criticised him for allegedly deriding the youth rather than creating jobs.

    Fayose said: “When you stand here, we see the category of people here, they are mostly young people. Our President went abroad and said Nigerian youths are lazy. By 2019, we have to vote against the President. You must vote for people who believe in youths, not people who condemn and call youths lazy persons.

    “Elections are won by youths and women in Nigeria. How can our President go abroad and condemn our youths? They promised three million jobs every year, they did not provide one. Anybody that calls you lazy people must be removed.

    “We believe in you, we will stand by you and support you. We will inaugurate the flyover on April 25. Jonathan will come to inaugurate the bridge. Jonathan is my own president.”

    Olusola said: “I will not ban Okada from plying Ekiti roads, if I become the governor. Those who will chase you away from the roads must not become governor. When they were in government, they messed up our economy and left a huge debt.

    “We must not let them come back. APC is cancerous. We must not allow their cancer to infect us. They have dismissed the flyover, but it has not only beautified Ado- Ekiti, it will also herald development.”

    Chairman of the Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association in Ekiti State Niyi Dahunsi said they held the rally in support of Olusola “to enable the good work continue.”

    He said: “We have tasted other governments, but none has done well as this one. This is why we are not ashamed to troop to the streets in solidarity with Olusola.

    “Over 10,000 motorcycle riders, mostly youths, have resolved to support the deputy governor so he can continue from where Governor Fayose will stop.”

  • Monarchs endorse lawmaker for second term

    Traditional rulers in Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo local government area of Ondo State have endorsed the lawmaker representing Ile-Oluji-Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Constituency in the National Assembly, Mayowa Akinfolarin, for a second term.

    They urged their subjects to vote for him in next year’s poll.

    The royal fathers said he deserved a second term because of his performance.

    The monarchs spoke through Oba Julius Olufaderin Adetimehin, the Jimoko of Ile-Oluji, at a three-day training and skill acquisition programme facilitated by the lawmaker.

    They said their decision was hinged on the outstanding record of the legislator in the last three years.

    According to them,the lawmaker who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) had sponsored over 12 bills in the National Assembly, adding that he also facilitated laudable projects to the constituency.

    Oba Olufaderin said:” We are proud of him. He is a good ambassador of our constituency. He is a shining example and somebody that should be emulated.

    “Our advice to the people coming behind him is to follow his steps, because he is leaving a landmark that will not be easily surpassed. We love him. He is doing great. He will go for second term.”

    The beneficiariesthanked the lawmaker for organising the programme.

    Akinfolarin said the best way to reciprocate the gesture of the people, who have reposed their confidence in him through their votes, is to reach out to them.

    He said the programme was designed to lift the communities and  ,stressing that he was doing what was expected of him.

    Other leaders at the event included Prince George Adenikinju Odigbo, the Local Government Caretaker Chairman, and Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, the Orunja of Odigbo Kingdom. Religious and opinion leaders also witnessed the occasion.

  • Nine councils endorse Ikpeazu for second term

    Nine councils endorse Ikpeazu for second term

    Nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State have endorsed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for a second term.

    Aba North; Aba South; Isialangwa North; Isialangwa South; Osisioma; Obingwa; Ugwunagbo; Ukwa West and Ukwa East said on the basis of his performance, Ikpeazu deserves to be reelected for a second term. They called on all sons and daughters of the area to work for the governor’s victory in 2019.

    The endorsement came at Okpuala Ngwa, the ancestral headquarters of the Ngwa people, during the Great Ukwa Ngwa Declaration at the weekend.

    Former Senate President Adolfus Wabara, who moved the motion for the endorsement, said: “Our son and brother, Okezie Ikpeazu, is a silent achiever and performer. He has performed creditably well and that confers on him the right to lead once more. Our people today speak with one voice to make a proclamation in support of the governor, asking him to contest for governor again in 2019.”

    Chief Chukwu Wachukwu, who seconded the motion, said: “Abia North was governor for eight years with Orji Uzo Kalu, Abia Central governed for eight years with Senator Theodore Orji and Abia South is completing four years with Governor Ikpeazu. Therefore, we, as a people, unanimously declare our support for the re-election of Okezie Ikpeazu as governor of Abia State in 2019, because he has done well and also because he must complete the eight year tenure of Abia South.”

    Statesman Emmanuel Adaelu explained that the governor has the constitutional right to seek re-election in 2019, and as such deserves the support of his people.

    “We have seen governors in Abia State and I will boldly state that there has not been any like Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. He has done so well and the evidence of his great works are everywhere for the world to see.

    “So we are boldly and eloquently declaring our support for him to re-contest in 2019.”

  • NBA election: Eastern Bar to endorse candidates Saturday

    The tenure of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) executive led by Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (SAN) will end in less than six months.

    New officers will be elected to run the association’s affairs for the next two years.

    They will be inaugurated in August during the NBA Annual General Conference.

    It is the turn of the Southeast and Southsouth to produce the NBA President based on the association’s zoning arrangement.

    The Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) of the NBA, comprising lawyers of the Southsouth and Southeast extraction, is expected to choose a candidate for the Presidency.

    It is also expected to endorse candidates for other elective positions.

    Members will meet on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, during the EBF quarterly meeting.

    However, the candidates cannot campaign openly as the ban on vote seeking is yet to be lifted by the NBA National Executive Committee (NEC).

    The EBF comprises lawyers from the nine states that made up old Eastern Region, including the Southsouth states of Rivers, Cross-Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa, as well as the Southeast states of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi.

    During its last meeting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, the EBF set up a screening committee chaired by its governing council chairman Mr. Arthur Elvis Chukwu.

    The committee’s mandate was to screen all aspirants for elective positions in the NBA in the forthcoming elections.

    The committee sent out and published guidelines for candidates who may seek EBF’s adoption.

    It is widely believed that interested candidates might have complied with the rules and regulations.

    On Saturday, the Forum is expected to, among other things, adopt its candidates for the election and thereafter sponsor them for the election.

    The four candidates aspiring for the presidency are Mr Paul Usoro (SAN), Chief Arthur Obi-Okafor (SAN), Prof. Ernest Ojukwu (SAN), Mr. Ikeazor Akariwe and Mazi Afam Osigwe.

    The last NBA President of EBF extraction was Mr. Okey Wali (SAN) (2012 to 2014).

  • Five governors endorse plan for zero hunger by 2025

    Five governors have endorsed a peer advisory mechanism to enable them to monitor the implementation of their state-grown agricultural plans with a view to ending hunger by 2030.

    The peer advisory mechanism is a brainchild of the Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum (NZHF) is aimed at reviewing, monitoring, and advising states on the ways by which the states themselves, using available resources, can achieve zero hunger by 2030.

    The five pilot states, which have given their nod include Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Ogun and Sokoto state.

    “More states will be involved as we make progress,” according to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Goodwill Ambassador, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is chairing the NZHF.

    According to a communique issued at the end of the maiden edition of the NZHF in Makurdi, members of the NZHF, which cut across the private sector, government and development partners agreed to hold its advisory meeting on quarterly across the states.

    The Forum also adopted a template for its future advisory meetings: The first day should be dedicated to a welcome address by the state followed by presentations of what is going on in the host state related to achieving zero hunger (challenges, successes, and lessons learnt). The next day, should be dedicated to field visits to engage with large, medium, and small scale farmer groups; medium and large scale agriculture related industries such as food and feed processors, and fertiliser blending factories, and programs to improve the health and nutrition of infants and children. The day should end with reflections of the day and a communique.

    IITA Deputy Director-General for Partnerships for Delivery, Dr Kenton Dashiell, who also manages the secretariat of the NZHF at IITA, explained that the peer advisory mechanism of the NZHF would encourage states to focus on the commitments they made towards agriculture so they could by themselves achieve their set targets.

    He commended the maiden meeting in Benue state, noting that the state has the capacity to feed the country if its agricultural potential was fully tapped.

    Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, described the Nigeria Zero Hunger initiative as a tool that would accelerate the agricultural development of states through peer learning.  He noted that through the instrumentality of the Forum the state was able to purchase fertilisers in good time for distribution to farmers.

    “Again from the NZHF meeting, we have been given advice on how to handle certain areas and in some cases the former president personally made contacts through the phone on our behalf to persons who have the answers,” Ortom explained.

    The meeting in Benue, had in attendance Ortom, Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi; Deputy Governor of Borno State, and representatives of the Governors of Ogun and Sokoto states, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), African Development Bank (AfDB), World Food Program (WFP), the private sector, farmer groups, members of Benue State Executive Council, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), the Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), and members of the press.

    The NZHF is supported by IITA, African Development Bank (AfDB), WFP and the OlusegunObasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

  • 130 countries to endorse climate deal

    130 countries to endorse climate deal

    Many countries are expected to sign the historic climate agreement adopted last December in Paris at a ceremony to be hosted by the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, in New York, United States, tomorrow.

    No fewer than 130 countries have confirmed their willingness to sign the Paris Agreement when the agreement would be open for signatures tomorrow.

    This will surpass the previous record of 119 signatures for an opening day  for an international agreement, set by the Law of the Sea in Montego Bay in 1994.  In addition, more countries have informally indicated that they would sign the agreement with the number increasing rapidly each week.

    Over 60 Heads of State and Government will attend the ceremony, including French President François Hollande, demonstrating the continued high level of engagement by world leaders to accept and implement the Paris Agreement.

    The signing ceremony will mark the first step towards ensuring that the Paris Agreement enters into force as early as possible.  The agreement will be in force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification or acceptance, with the Secretary-General.

    A number of countries have also indicated that they will deposit their instruments of ratification immediately after signing the agreement.

    Tomorrow’s signing ceremony will also bring together leaders from civil society and the private sector to discuss efforts to boost financing for climate action and sustainable development and increase actions that would achieve the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting average global temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius.

    “Paris was historic,” the Secretary-General said.  “But it’s only the beginning.  We must urgently accelerate our efforts to tackle climate change.  I encourage all countries to sign the Paris Agreement on April 22 so we can turn aspirations into action,“ he added.

    The governments will sign the new Paris Climate Change Agreement en route its coming into force as millions of people around the globe mark annual Earth Day, or International Mother Earth Day.

    Earth Day’s theme this year is focused on trees with the aim of mobilising nearly eight billion plantings, or one for every man, woman and child alive by 2020—together we can maybe do it sooner!

    The link between the Paris Agreement and trees is clear—forests will be key allies for combating climate change and meeting the long term goal of restoring the ecological balance of planet Earth by the second half of the century.

    UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Christiana Figueres said: “Planting, hugging or sketching a tree to mark the signing of the Paris Agreement and to celebrate Earth Day is an expression of solidarity, love and hope”.

    “The Paris Agreement, if fully implemented, offers a prospect of a far better world for billions of people. Conserving, restoring and extending the Earth’s natural or nature-based infrastructure including forests will be a big part of its long term success and long term goal,” she added.

    Ms. Figueres, who will be in New York for the Paris Agreement signing, launched the campaign by hugging a Poro tree in her native Costa Rica.

    “Trees and forests are the most vital weapons we have against climate change. We must reduce the amount of carbon we pump into the air each and every day, but forests are the natural filter that will absorb and cleanse our air of the carbon already present. In order for the Paris Climate Agreement to work as intended, individuals and nations need to get planting and help us in our effort to get 7.8 billion trees in the ground by Earth Day 2020.

    “Without these natural carbon sinks allied to cleaner energy, smarter ways of doing business and a clear commitment to solve the difficulties of the poor, the Agreement risks becoming so much hot air,” according to Kathleen Rogers, President of the Earth Day Network.