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Tag: endorses

  • Buhari endorses Abiodun as APC candidate

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday raised the hands of Prince Dapo Abiodun and presented him to the electorate in Ogun State as the party’s governorship candidate in the March 2 election.

    Scores of hoodlums had stormed the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, venue of the party’s rally, and disrupted the proceedings.

    APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole also presented the symbolic party’s flag to Abiodun at the well-attended rally.

    The event was also witnessed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, some former and serving governors and party executives.

    President Buhari hailed the people of Ogun State for supporting him in 2015 and reeled out his achievements in combating insurgency, fighting corruption, building infrastructure and providing social security, among others, for Nigerians.

    Against the violence that preceded his arrival at the venue, during which several members of the APC were injured and chased out of the stadium by thugs allegedly sponsored by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the President warned that the choice of who to vote for “is a fundamental human right of the people and there should be no problems about that at all”.

    He posited that people should be allowed to freely express their choice by voting their preferred candidate on February 16 and March 2.

    President Buhari said he had “no problem about it”.

    The state’s Caretaker Committee, led by Chief Yemi Sanusi, apologised to the President for the gross misconduct, indiscipline, disrespect and disorder perpetrated by suspected agents of the governor at the M. K. O. Abiola Stadium.

    He said Amosun allegedly used the thugs and other urchins to wreak havoc on members and supporters of the APC for wearing yellow vests and caps of Dapo Abiodun.

    The caretaker committee chairman alleged that the thugs at some points were personally led by the governor, who was seen on a video that has since gone viral, removing billboards and other campaign materials of Dapo Abiodun from the venue.

    Also, members of the caretaker committee were reportedly barred from mounting the stage, allegedly by Amosun’s “thugs”, with obvious compromise of some security agents attached to the governor.

    “The unruly acts, not only embarrassed the President and his entourage, but embarrassed the people of Ogun State at home and abroad, who have since been expressing their disbelief and disdain.

    “While tendering this apology, we are happy that the Department of State Services (DSS) and other agencies have details of the sad events, which we urge them to submit to the Presidency,” Sanusi said.

  • Buhari endorses Abiodun as APC candidate

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday raised the hands of Prince Dapo Abiodun and presented him to the electorate in Ogun State as the party’s governorship candidate in the March 2 election.

    Scores of hoodlums had stormed the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, venue of the party’s rally, and disrupted the proceedings.

    APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole also presented the symbolic party’s flag to Abiodun at the well-attended rally.

    The event was also witnessed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, some former and serving governors and party executives.

    President Buhari hailed the people of Ogun State for supporting him in 2015 and reeled out his achievements in combating insurgency, fighting corruption, building infrastructure and providing social security, among others, for Nigerians.

    Against the violence that preceded his arrival at the venue, during which several members of the APC were injured and chased out of the stadium by thugs allegedly sponsored by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the President warned that the choice of who to vote for “is a fundamental human right of the people and there should be no problems about that at all”.

    He posited that people should be allowed to freely express their choice by voting their preferred candidate on February 16 and March 2.

    President Buhari said he had “no problem about it”.

    The state’s Caretaker Committee, led by Chief Yemi Sanusi, apologised to the President for the gross misconduct, indiscipline, disrespect and disorder perpetrated by suspected agents of the governor at the M. K. O. Abiola Stadium.

    He said Amosun allegedly used the thugs and other urchins to wreak havoc on members and supporters of the APC for wearing yellow vests and caps of Dapo Abiodun.

    The caretaker committee chairman alleged that the thugs at some points were personally led by the governor, who was seen on a video that has since gone viral, removing billboards and other campaign materials of Dapo Abiodun from the venue.

    Also, members of the caretaker committee were reportedly barred from mounting the stage, allegedly by Amosun’s “thugs”, with obvious compromise of some security agents attached to the governor.

    “The unruly acts, not only embarrassed the President and his entourage, but embarrassed the people of Ogun State at home and abroad, who have since been expressing their disbelief and disdain.

    “While tendering this apology, we are happy that the Department of State Services (DSS) and other agencies have details of the sad events, which we urge them to submit to the Presidency,” Sanusi said.

  • Arewa community endorses Buhari, Sanwo-Olu

    Arewa community in Lagos State has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari and the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as their candidates for general elections.

    They promised to work for the victory of President Buhari, Sanwo-Olu and other APC candidates, who are contesting in the February 16 and March 2 elections.

    Speaking at the Arewa Festival held at Agege Stadium in Lagos, the Arewa Lagos APC chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Dandamma, said they are supporting Buhari and Sanwo-Olu because they believe in them. They urged members of Arewa Community to vote massively for APC.

    The Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Kano State governor, Dr. Umar Ganduje on Lagos Affairs,  Anthony Oneye, said the community is united and will always speak with one voice.

    His words: “For the first time beyond politics, we want to unite all the groups under Arewa together and that was why we organised the festival. The Arewa want to unite the different groups in all the councils in the state so that they can be one voice instead of doing things differently. We have now come together and henceforth, we will start doing things together.”

    The Director of Ethnics Wings of Babajide Sanwo-Olu Independent Campaign Group, Wale Ogunlana,  commended the Arewa Community for throwing their support behind Buhari and Sanwo-Olu.

    He said: “Arewa themselves are saying Buhari as far as they are concerned has perform and they will be throwing their support behind him for 2019 elections,” he said.

    A member of the group, Ibrahim Balarabe Musa, urged governors to follow the Lagos State example of tolerance and cordial relationship  various ethic groups.

    He said: “If other governors can as well use Lagos example, the crisis of herdsmen and insurgency will come to an end. Because in Lagos, Hausa man is here to make money and most of the money they make here they are repatriating it to their own community to build the community.

    “So, as far as they are concerned, they are not interested in fighting. They are just here to trade and also marry. For some of our members, Lagos has become our first home; they don’t even remember their hometown again. So, if some states can follow Lagos example, there won’t be crisis anywhere.”

  • Polls: OPC endorses Sanwo-Olu, other APC candidates

    The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), led by the late Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, yesterday promised to mobilise support for the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other candidates of the party in the Southwest in next month’s general elections.

    The deputy president of the socio-cultural group, Wasiu Afolabi, made the promise in Lagos.

    He said the group resolved to police the votes of the electorate and enhance credible elections by resisting rigging.

    Afolabi, who led members of the group to the Independent Campaign Organisation (ICG) office at Oduduwa Crescent, GRA, Ikeja, for a meeting with Sanwo-Olu; Campaign Manager Tayo Ayinde; his deputy, Cardinal James Odunmbaku and other committee members, said the interest of the Yoruba race remained paramount to OPC.

    He said: “We have the power to vote; we have the power to defend the votes. These two objectives we will accomplish.”

    The retracing of steps by OPC represented a critical and decisive political move by the organisation in post-Fasehun era.

    Afolabi said talks between the late OPC leader and APC stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, had started before Fasehun died.

    According to him, surviving OPC leaders decided to put finishing touches to the discussion.

    He added: “Let it be known that in the formation of the OPC by Dr. Fredrick Iseotan Fasehun, the National Leader of APC played a role. We are proud to be back home.

    “Fasehun had put his differences with Asiwaju Tinubu aside. But he died when the group was about to finalise the agreement with him. We have resolved to cooperate with Asiwaju Tinubu. We will deliver the whole of the Southwest in the next elections. I have to thank our leaders who made this possible – Afolabi Salami and Olalekan Akintade.”

    The OPC members were ushered into the campaign office by Ayinde.

    Others at the meeting included former Agriculture Commissioner Enoch Ajiboso, Sesan Olarewaju, Bolaji Ariyoh, Wahab Alawiye-King, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Wale Adelana, Hamid Olorunoje, Ololola Essien, Tokunbo Wahab, Chris Ekwilo, Durosinmi Adeboye, Gafar Toyin, Yetunde Arobieke, Bayo Ajisebutu and Sesan Daini, who was the master of ceremony.

    Afolabi was accompanied by Alhaji Ibrahim Olarewaju, Chief Lekan Akintade, Women Leader Alhaja Taye Ibrahim, National Coordinator Mudashiru Adeniji and First Vice President Olasunkanmi Balogun.

    Sanwo-Olu, who thanked the OPC leadership for the endorsement, hugged and exchange banters with the organisation’s officers and members.

    He assured them that they will not regret voting for him.

    Ayinde paid tribute to the memory of Fasehun, describing him as a patriot and great leader who was fortunate to be survived by competent deputies.

    Also, Sanwo-Olu’s running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, thanked OPC form its support, saying public perception of the group had changed from its characterisation as a militant body to a peaceful cultural group.

    He said: “People used to think that OPC was a militant group, but you are not a militant group. You are a cultural group. There is peace in the OPC. It is a peaceful group and meant for the emancipation of the Yoruba.”

    Urging the organisation’s members to gird their loins ahead of the polls, Ayinde added: “Get your Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ready. We will work with our PVCs, not only in Lagos but also in other Southwest states. You should spread the message that your members should vote for President Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates of the APC in the Southwest.

    “APC is the party that will take care of the OPC. We will sponsor your members for pilgrimage to Mecca and Jerusalem. We will do this government together. After voting, wait and defend your votes. Listen to the announcement of results. Follow the ballot boxes to the collation centres. Don’t fight there. Just give them security coverage. We have work to do. We want APC to lead. We will need your support. It is doable. It is achievable. By May, we will celebrate victory.”

    Hailing the collaborative decision, Odunmbaku said the Yoruba will bounce back to national reckoning, adding that this is the goal of the OPC.

    He commiserated with the group on Fasehun’s death, recalling that before his demise, there was a plan between him and Asiwaju Tinubu to have a political collaboration.

    Odunmbaku added: “The surviving leaders of OPC have now finalised it and we are happy for the cooperation. Our director-general will not forget you after the polls. Who says OPC members cannot go to Mecca and Jerusalem?”

    Alawiye-King called for dedication and consistency to the Sanwo-Olu project, assuring the peole that OPC will not regret the collaboration.

    Essien said: “I am happy that OPC has women as members. Let us go back to our local governments and wards to mobilise for President Buhari, our governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and Assembly candidates. You will police the votes for us.”

  • Goemai endorses Lalong for second term

    It is often said that a king is not always recognised in his home. But, in the case of Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong, the reverse is the obvious. Recent developments show that Lalong is recognised in his Shendam Local Government Area and outside. This was demonstrated when stakeholders  came out with one voice to endorse their own. Lalong’s kinsmen comprising youths and elders said they are solidly behind their son and they would support him for another term in office.

    The endorsement by Geomai elders came as the two contending political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) had come up with their governorship candidates through the primaries. Lalong has emerged as the APC governorship candidate while former FCT minister, Senator Jeremiah Useni, has emerged as PDP flag bearer.

    Geomai elders declared support for their own last week. Elder statesmen of the Goemai ethnic group came out to endorsed him for a second term in office. Rising from a meeting in Jos, the elders said their support was not based on the fact that he is their own, but because of the modest achievements he has recorded and the policies and programs he initiated in the first term that needed to be completed for the benefit of people.

    The Vice Chairman of the Goemai Elders Forum, retired Air Vice Marshal Abbas Umar, while listing some of the achievements recorded by Lalong, said the good work the governor is doing on peace and security alone is a project that needs to be sustained and consolidated for the progress and development of the state. He said: “The whole world knew what Plateau used to be in terms of insecurity compared to the relative peace that currently prevail in the state. Even though the enemies of the state who often profits from violence in the state are not happy that the restoration of relative peace by Gov Lalong have taken them out of business and are trying to frustrate his efforts, it is evident that Lalong has successfully restored peace from the first year of his administration in 2015.”

    The elders also pointed at the regular payment of workers salaries as a way of injecting funds into the socio-economic activities in the state. AVM Abas said: “Plateau is a civil service state, the regular payment of salaries therefore means the injection of billions of naira into the business cycle of the state. At least, the less than N2 billion is paid out as salaries and pension every month, you can imagine the impact that will make on small scale businesses in the state, families will be able to pay school fees, pay house rent, pay medical bills, go to the market to purchase family needs etc. You can imagine if the Governor is not paying salaries, you can imagine what will happen to the economy of the state by now”

    Apart from peace and security, the principle of continuity in governance already established by Lalong is something that needs to be sustained beyond one term. The governor has picked up abandoned projects in the state and completed most of them. Abas said: “Gov. Lalong has completed the road projects he inherited from the immediate past administration due to the economic and commercial benefits of the road to citizens. He has also restored fully the abandoned Fertiliser Blending Plant located in Bokkos, the long abandoned Highland Bottling Company, he has recovered the Barc Farm sold out by previous administration, works on the reconstruction of Jos Main market and the Jos International Breweries Limited is ongoing, all these within a period of two years.”

    The implication of the completion of these moribund companies is the provision of direct and indirect employment to job seekers. “I can assure you that hundreds of youths have gained employment in these companies and commercial activities of communities hosting these companies have picked up,” he added.

    The endorsement of Lalong by various stakeholders was necessitated by efforts by a group, which never meant well for the progress of the state to assume power for selfish purposes, Abbas advised indigenes be sensitive to such politicians and reject them to secure the future of next generation. “Any leader that is interested in peace and security of the state and is demonstrating practical commitment to restore peace should be the person that deserves the support of all and sundry in the state. The devil you know is often better than the one you did not know,” he said.

    The Geomai elders enjoined voters to participate in the scheduled local government elections and support the ruling APC for consolidation of peace and development of the grassroots.

    The meeting also saluted Plateau people for supporting the rescue administration in the past three years and solicited for their backing for the transformation of Plateau to fulfill vision of the founding fathers of the state.

  • Mushin APC endorses Sanwo-Olu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Mushin Local Government thronged its Palm Avenue secretariat last Saturday to endorse its Lagos governorship aspirant, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for governor.

    Amidst songs, dance and chanting of the party’s slogans, the APC faithful affirmed former National Legal Adviser, Dr Muiz Banire, as the party leader in Mushin. APC chieftain Aremo Michael Ikufisile, who addressed the crowd, said Sanwo-Olu has what it takes to lead Lagos.

    His words: “We have gathered here today to endorse Babajide Sanwo-Olu as APC candidate for the upcoming governorship election. We have followed his involvement and antecedents, not only politically but also prior to being made commissioner, and we find him credible. He is a man that is accessible, a good listener, somebody that is calm and cool-headed; somebody that will balance views and listens to people before making a decision.

    “This is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of feeling the pulse of people to actually deliver a good service; not putting people in boxes or having a blanket approach to issues. More so, our leaders have spoken our minds and that is why you are seeing all of us here today to endorse Sanwo-Olu, because that is what is in our minds.”

    Ikufisile said Banire was never suspended, adding “he (Banire) remains the APC leader in Mushin and there is no controversy about it”.

    APC chieftain, Dr Ade Omosule said: “We, the people of Mushin, want him (Sanwo-Olu) to be the next governor of Lagos State. That is why we are gathered here today to tell everybody in Mushin that Sanwo-Olu is our man.

    “Ambode has not satisfied Lagos. Lagosians are all against him and since they are all against him, we can’t continue to say Ambode should continue.

  • PDP endorses fusion of R-APC with party

  • Group endorses Paseda for governor

    Group endorses Paseda for governor

    A Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, the Yoruba Patriotic Movement (YPM) has adopted the Ogun State candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the 2015 general elections Otunba Rotimi Paseda to re contest in the coming 2019 gubernatorial race in the state.

    The chairman of the group Hon. Oladosu Oladipo, disclosed this recently during a courtesy visit to the candidate at his  Ijebu-Omu home, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. He said a round peg should be put in a round hole.

    The YPM chairman, who described Paseda as a disciple of the Awolowo dynasty, said the the former UPN governorship candidate has imbibed  the spirit, intellect and political sagacity of the late sage.

    “Paseda has resuscitated the defunct UPN with his political ambition in Ogun State. He was the flag bearer of the party in Ogun State in 2015 and he is still going to be the governorship candidate of the party in the state in 2019.

    “If I am to go back to the memory lane, it was this same political party I rode to victory when I contested for the legislative assembly seat in the old Oyo State.” he said

    Oladipo explained that there is need for political  realignment in the State where people of like mind and same political ideology would flow together to form a universal political base that will be anchored on welfairism and service to humanity which can only be seen in UPN.

    “Therefore, everybody should give their support to the UPN, so that we can have somebody like Paseda with programmes and roadmap to lead and  turned things  around for good. There must be integrity in our state. Unless we go to the knitty-gritty and the platform, the UPN has the strategy and tactics to coast home victory.

    “I have no doubt that Paseda has the ability, character, foresight and he is active politically. He has a potent platform to make Ogun State great. Everybody will integrate with you in Ogun State. Thank you for resuscitating the legacies, policies and ideas of the Awolowo-led UPN in Yorubaland”, said Oladipo.

    Besides, the YPM leader, noted that  restructuring could only come to reality unless the country return to the 1963 constitution which allowed all the regions to develop, according to their own pace.

    “Awolowo started with free primary education throughout the old western region. He was very proactive because his programmes were all-inclusive. He was doing these alongside the establishment of farm settlement, industrial layout but with these laudable projects Western Region was ahead of other regions. Development doesn’t come overnight but it is a gradual process”, said the YPM Chairman.

    He, however, admonished Paseda not to be discouraged over his ambition and asked him to hold humility as the only key to get up.

    Paseda stated that it was a great opportunity to have the leadership of the YPM on a courtesy visit to his Ijebu-Omu home.

  • Kaduna APC endorses Buhari, El-Rufai for 2019

    Kaduna APC endorses Buhari, El-Rufai for 2019

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the lawmaker representing Kaduna North, Senator Suleiman Uthman Hunkuyi, at the weekend settled their differences.

    They preached unity and supremacy of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The reconciliation took place at the Kaduna APC stakeholders’ interactive session, at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna.

    Party executives from the 255 electoral wards, members of the House of Representatives and House of Assembly, as well as political appointees at the federal and state levels attended the event.

    The state Acting Chairman, Alhaji Shuaibu Idris, who presided over the meeting, thanked members of the National and State Assemblies, party executives at the state, zonal, local government and ward levels, former and serving lawmakers and appointees for standing by the party in overcoming threats to its unity and progress.

    He said party supremacy was non-negotiable, affirming that the party would discipline and sanction members found to be working against APC’s progress and unity.

    The acting chairman said the party would operate an open-door policy and embrace members who accepted its discipline and upheld its manifesto.

    El-Rufai said he and Senator Hunkuyi are family and nobody can separate them.

  • Kwara governor endorses Gbenga Adeyinka’s Laffmattazz as Small Doctor joins train

    Kwara governor endorses Gbenga Adeyinka’s Laffmattazz as Small Doctor joins train

    The Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed has endorsed the 8th edition of Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka 1st and Friends in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    The event billed to hold on September 3, 2017 at the Banquet Hall, opposite Government House, will the governor as the special guest of honour with special appearances from Nollywood stars, Femi Adebayo aka Jelili and Yomi Fash Lanso.

    The comedy, music and family show will have Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, Reminisce, Olu maintain, QDot, Terry Apala, Gandoki, Omobaba leading the pack of entertainers to perform. DJ Incredible, DJ Banky and DJ Lollypop holding down the wheels of steel, other entertainers to rock the show include Bash, Capital Femi, Dotman, Lord of Ajasa, Toqs, Sonorous, Martins, Climax j, Wales, Peteru, Mc Ajele, Baba Alariya, Samo Baba, Deeone, Remote, Thecutestabiola, Bendapoet and Karikatalk amongst host of others.

    The comedian said the mission to take over the South West kicked off about six years ago with the last show being the hosting of the Ibadan edition of the Laffmattazz With Gbenga Adeyinka And Friends on Easter Sunday.

    Speaking on the endorsement, Adeyinka said: “We have been blessed with supportive leaders in the South West. From Lagos to Ibadan, Ogun State, Osun State and now Kwara, the governors have been nothing but supportive. Hence, my joy with the endorsement from His Excellency for our show on Sunday,  September 3, 2017.”

    The comedian further said; “We have been here for a while planning and preparing for a top notch event and we got feedbacks from the people, hence the inclusion of the new king of streethop, Small Doctor.

    The Ilorin people have said for the 8th edition billed for Sallah celebration, the headliners can’t be complete without this young man doing us proud.”