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Tag: greet

  • Lagos Speaker, monarch greet governor-elect, lawmakers

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker and Chairman of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria Mudashiru Obasa and Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi have sent a message of congratulation to the state governor-elect, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on their victory at the just-concluded governorship election.

    The Speaker also felicitated with returning and new members-elect of the state House of Assembly for what he described as “hard-earned but well deserved victory at the polls”.

    Obasa’s message was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak.

    “It was tough for us all, but at the end of the day, a well-deserved victory for all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a confirmation of the love Lagosians have for our great party and the giant strides we have been achieving in the state,” he said.

    The Lagos Assembly Speaker expressed appreciation to Nigerians, particularly Lagosians, for reposing and renewing their confidence in the APC in Lagos State and also at the federal level.

    Also Oba Elegushi congratulated the governor-elect, describing his victory as a vote for continuation of good governance.

    In a statement from the Elegushi’s Palace, the monarch said with the overwhelming votes secured by the APC candidate, Lagosians have made their choice, which is to see more of the developmental strides witnessed in the State since 1999.

     

  • Opposition parties greet, caution new President

    Opposition parties greet, caution new President

    Opposition parties yesterday congratulated Cyril Ramaphosa on his election in the National Assembly as South African President, but did not give him a free pass.

    “President Ramaphosa, I want to on behalf of the DA congratulate you, wish you well and I want you to know, if you act in interests of the people of South Africa, we will cooperate as best we can”, said Mmusi Maimane, leader of the biggest opposition party, Democratic Alliance, shortly after Ramaphosa’s election.

    Maimane warned that since Ramaphosa’s predecessor, Jacob Zuma, who resigned on Wednesday night under pressure from his own governing African National Congress (ANC), party, was defended time and again by the very same people who recalled him, meant the problem did not lie with the man.

    “We don’t have a Jacob Zuma problem, we have an ANC problem”, said Maimane, adding that the best way forward was to dissolve Parliament and call fresh elections.

    “This is a moment in our country where we must move section 50 of the Constitution and go back to the people of SA and ask them for a fresh mandate.”

    The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) left the sitting early, protesting Speaker Baleka Mbete’s refusal to immediately hear a motion to dissolve Parliament.

    United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa reminded Ramaphosa that his rise to power was not due to just his party.

    “Mr. President, your abrupt rise to the highest office in the land is the collective efforts of the relentless struggles of people of South Africa from all walks of life against the then ANC deployed corrupt leader (Zuma),” said Holomisa.

    African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) leader Kenneth Meshoe said Ramaphosa needed “the courage to use the broom to sweep clean”, referring to corruption in state institutions.

    “Let the fear of God guide you, Mr. President…hope is dawning and may the people who are hopeful out there not be disappointed by the honourable Cyril Ramaphosa,” Meshoe said.

  • Club owners greet Iorfa, Ezeji

    Club owners greet Iorfa, Ezeji

     • Felicitate with Nigerians @55 Independence Anniversary

    The Association of Nigeria Premier League Club Chairmen and Managers (Club Owners) have sent a goodwill message to one of its foremost members, chairman of Lobi Stars FC, Ex international. Former board member of NFF and a Director of the League Management Company Mr Dominic Iorfa who celebrated his birthday yesterday.

    Club Owners also greeted veteran player Victor Ezeji for being one of the longest serving player in the Nigeria premier League having played for about 20 years in the elite league.

    Ezeji last week made his debut for Heartland of owerri in the week 31 fixture of the NPFL against Bayelsa united, thus created a record of playing in the elite domestic league for a record two decades having played for others clubs like Enyimba, Sharks and others.

    According to a statement issued by the Club owners in Lagos Wednesday and jointly signed by the Ag. Chairman Barr. Isaac Danladi and the Ag. Secretary Alloy Chukwuemeka, the association described Iorfa as one of the longest serving football administrators who had not only contributed to the growth and development of football at the National level but had also ensured the sustenance of his Club Lobi stars at the top flight as well as won the Federation cup and developed  young talents, youth teams and academies in Benue state.

    While felicitating with Iorfa on his birthday and praying for a more fruitful years of celebration, club owners commended the resilience and discipline exhibited by veteran player victor Ezeji and urged other players in the league to emulate him just as they called on the NFF, LMC, SWAN and other bodies to honour Ezeji.

    Meanwhile Club Owners have sent a special independence anniversary message to all football stakeholders on the occasion of the 55th independence anniversary celebration in Nigeria.

    The association called on Nigerians and the present administration to use the  occasion to show greater commitment to the the growth and development of football  in Nigeria as a key driver in the sustenance of peace and  as a unifying factor that  encourages Unity and corporate existence of our country.

  • Obama, Ban-Ki Moon, Carrington, Hollande, others greet president-elect

    Obama, Ban-Ki Moon, Carrington, Hollande, others greet president-elect

    The World rose in unison yesterday to endorse Saturday’s election won by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    The United Nations, the United States, France and the European Union observer team in separate statements commended the polls’ outcome and hailed outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan for being magnanimous in victory.

    United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and other world leaders congratulated President-elect Buhari on his hard worn victory.

    In a statement from in New York, Ban said he had spoken to Jonathan and Buhari on the outcome of the polls as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He commended Jonathan for his leadership qualities throughout the electoral process and his statesmanship in upholding the democratic process.  He also applauded the INEC for organising the elections in a professional and credible “manner under challenging circumstances”.  The UN Chief called on all Nigerians to accept the outcome of the elections

    Ban also appealed to them to address any complaints they may have through existing legal and constitutional channels.  The Secretary-General said the successful conduct of the polls was a testimony to the maturity of Nigeria’s democracy.  He expressed hope that the same democratic spirit would prevail in the conduct of the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections on April 11.

    United States President Barack Obama also congratulated President-elect Buhari.

    In a statement, Obama said: “The last few days have shown the world the strength of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.  By turning out in large numbers and sometimes waiting all day to cast their votes, Nigerians came together to decide the future of their country peacefully.

    “I commend President Goodluck Jonathan and President-Elect Muhammadu Buhari for their public commitments to non-violence throughout the campaign.  President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating President-Elect Buhari on his victory.  I look forward to working with President Jonathan throughout the remainder of his term, and I thank him for his many years of service and his statesmanlike conduct at this critical juncture.  I urge President-Elect Buhari and President Jonathan to repeat their calls to their supporters to continue to respect the election outcomes, focus on unifying the country, and together lead Nigeria through a peaceful transition.

    “Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Attahiru Jega, deserve special recognition for what independent international observers have deemed a largely peaceful and orderly vote.  I commend INEC for its extensive efforts to increase the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.  Looking ahead to the gubernatorial elections on April 11, it is imperative that national attention turn to ensuring isolated logistical challenges are overcome and peace is protected, even in the most hotly contested races.

    “On behalf of the American people, I extend congratulations to the people of Nigeria and to President-Elect Buhari and look forward to continuing to work with the newly-elected government on our many shared priorities.”

    The President of the Republic of France, Mr François Hollande congratulated Gen. Buhari in a statement issued in Abuja by France embassy in Nigeria. It stated that Hollande welcomed the commitment of the Nigerian people and the professionalism exhibited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the conduct of the polls.

    According to the statement, the French President will speak with Buhari today as France intends to continue its cordial relationship with Nigeria.

    “France continues to stand with Nigeria to uphold democratic values, fight against terrorism and promote economic partnership between the two countries,’’ it said.

    It added: “This is a victory for the president, but it’s also a victory for the people of Nigeria who affirmed their attachment to democracy and their confidence in the future, by refusing to allow themselves to be intimidated by terrorists.

    “Today, Nigeria can show the world that it is a major democracy. It is a source of pride for the population and a source of satisfaction to Nigeria’s partners.

    “We welcome the spirit of responsibility demonstrated by the political leaders and pay tribute to the action of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “I hope that President Buhari’s term of office will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries and to put an end to Boko Haram’s terrorist activities. We also hope that Nigeria will be able to continue its remarkable economic growth, in the interest of the continent’s prosperity.”

    President-elect Buhari has been receiving congratulatory messages from other world a and Nigerians leaders. He received former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his wife Hajiya Titi and the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield and accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria James Entwistle, among others.

    They all pledged their support and commitment to ensuring the success of the Buhari administration and for better relations between their countries and Nigeria.

    In his response to the various leaders, General Buhari thanked the international community for working with Nigerians in providing the atmosphere that helped to bring about change through elections in the country.

    He promised to work with the international community to restore Nigeria’s full commitment and obligations to the international system.

    Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Walter Carrington in a statement said: “Nigeria has passed the most important milestone on the road to an enduring democracy – the peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box from one party to another.  President-Elect Buhari has achieved a decisive victory.  In spite of serious security threats the people of Nigeria turned out in impressive numbers to declare by whom they wish to be governed for the next four years.  President Jonathan has set the stage for a peaceful transfer of power through his gracious congratulatory call to his successor.

    ”I feel great optimism for the future of my wife’s homeland.  A united Nigeria under the leadership of a man so dedicated and capable of curbing corruption and restoring peace and security can reclaim its moral authority as the leader of the continent from which my ancestors came.

    ”Arese and I pray for the success of the Buhari administration and will do all we can to work for the strengthening of relations between the United States and Nigeria.”

    The European Union (EU) Observer Mission for the elections yesterday described President Jonathan as a good example to the world following the way he conducted the polls and conceded victory to his opponent without rancour.

    Head of the EU Observer Mission, Santiago Fisas said: “I congratulate him (Jonathan) for that and I seized the opportunity to give to him our preliminary report about the election.

    “He was very happy and of course, I will come back in July with the final statement at a press conference and to give it to the new President and our recommendations would be contained in the final report.

    “The elections are so important for the people of Nigeria, but it is an African example for all Africa and countries in the world.

    “You know many people didn’t expect that the elections will be peaceful, they expected a lot of violence after the elections but it turned out not to be true.

    “Also, I congratulate President Jonathan but I would like to congratulate Nigerian people because they showed a lot of commitment to that election.

    “Not in all circumstances would you see such that, people stood in the sun for a very long and hot day, despite some of these problems. It shows that you Nigerians are truly democratic.” he said

    According to him, it would remain the discretion of the Nigerian government to decide what recommendations to adopt or reject from the Mission’s findings about this year’s elections.

    He said: “It is up to Nigerian government to accept or not to accept the recommendations. We are observers and we have made our recommendations and I don’t want to advance the final report that will be finished after the gubernatorial elections.

    “When we can embark on a new ideas with a new President, probably that will be in July, then we will make recommendations public”, he said.

     

  • Imoke greets Muslims

    Imoke greets Muslims

    Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has urged Muslims to strengthen peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness for the nation to become better.

    In a goodwill message marking the Eid-el-Fitri by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Christian Ita, the governor said: “Nigerians must imbibe the lessons of the Eid-el-Fitri, which include love and kindness, piety, sacrifice, peaceful coexistence and commitment to duty.”

    He urged Nigerians to reflect on the various challenges confronting the nation and unite to overcome them.

    “The challenges confronting us as a people require the cooperation of everyone, if we are to make any meaningful progress. This is why we must not lose sight of the virtues of tolerance and respect for one another,” Imoke said.

  • Drama as Amaechi, Jang greet, sit side-by-side

    Drama as Amaechi, Jang greet, sit side-by-side

    Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and his Plateau State counterpart Jonah Jang were seated together during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting yesterday. Governors were made to sit alphabetically, according to their States’ names.

    The sitting arrangement was unlike those of the NEC meetings before the acrimonious Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) election. Amaechi used to sit close to the Chairman of the NEC meeting, Vice President Namadi Sambo. Amaechi always spoke for the NGF.

    Since Amaechi won re-election in May by beating Jang 19 votes to 16, Jang has led a faction of the NGF.

    Besides, opening a parallel NGF office in Abuja, Jang has declared himself chairman of the forum, His proof: he was the consensus candidate of 19 governors before the election.

    The NEC meeting was the first opportunity for the two governors to sit at a round table.

    Amaechi, who arrived at the meeting before Jang, on getting to his seat, said: “So, we are sitting together; authentic and the fake chairman.”

    Amaechi and Jang only greeted and shook hands with each other when Jang arrived a few minutes later.

    When Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole arrived, he said jokingly while facing television cameras and pointing to Amaechi: “This is my Chairman.” Pointing to Jang, he said: “This is PDP extension faction chairman.”

    Noticing the sitting arrangement for Rivers and Plateau governors, Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu said: “This is nice o. Somebody is trying to be diplomatic here.”

    The meeting began as soon as the Vice President arrived.

  • Jonathan, Akume greet Oshiomhole at 60

    Jonathan, Akume greet Oshiomhole at 60

    President Goodluck Jonathan and Senate Minority Leader George Akume are among those who congratulated Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday on his birthday. The ‘Comrade Governor’ turns 60 today.

    Jonathan and Senator Akume acknowledged Oshiomhole’s contributions to democracy and activism.

    Their birthday messages were contained in statements signed by their spokesmen Dr Reuben Abati and Mrs Beckie Orpi.

    The President’s message, in a letter to Oshiomhole reads: “The governor has ‘lived a remarkable and eventful life’ in trade unionism, politics and governance at the highest levels, ‘with the common thread of the ideals of unyielding rectitude, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of the common man’.

    “The President said Nigeria needs ‘the recommitment of men and women of goodwill and committed patriots like you in our quest for national transformation and entrenchment of peace and stability.

    “President Jonathan said he was confident that Oshiomhole, can always be counted upon to continue to give yourself in the national interest’, and wished him ‘many more years of God’s abundance and personal fulfillment.

    Akume recommended Edo helmsman as a model for good governance.

    Senator Akume acknowledged the landmarks of Oshiomhole’s administration.

    Mrs Orpi quoted her boss as saying: “He (Oshiomhole) has endeared himself to the people of Edo State with his sterling performamnce. He is a pride to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the progressive movement and the Nigerian workers.

    “Like other ACN governors, Oshiomhole has shown to Nigerians what good governance is all about.”

  • Jonathan, world leaders greet re-elected Obama

    Jonathan, world leaders greet re-elected Obama

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday joined other World leaders to congratulate United States President Barack Obama who won re election. He defeated his Republican challenger Mitt Romney

    A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said:“The president said he looked forward to the further strengthening of U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relations and the U.S.-Nigeria Bi-National Commission, which was established during President Obama’s first term.

    “He noted that both would serve as platform for the promotion of greater trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the U.S. as well as bilateral collaboration in other areas.’’

    It described Obama’s victory “in an intensely fought presidential race as an endorsement by the good people of U.S. of his leadership’’ and for the good work he had done in the past four years “towards ending global economic depression and fostering global peace and security’’.

    The statement said that Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union enjoyed very cordial and productive relations with the Obama Administration in his first term.

    “President Jonathan looks forward to continuing to build on Nigeria’s and Africa’s developmental collaboration with the U.S. in the next four years.

    “Jonathan wished Obama continued good health and God’s blessings and guidance as he prepares for his inauguration in January 2013 for a second term in office.’’

    European Union (EU) President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said the United States was a key strategic partner of the EU and the EU looks forward to continuing the close cooperation.

    The EU leaders expected to further strengthen ties with the U.S. and to jointly address global challenges, such as security and the economy, during Obama’s second term.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram to Obama yesterday, congratulating him. He later called the US president, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

    Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper who also congratulated Obama said “Canada and the United States enjoy one of the closest and most extensive relationships in the world.” He said he and and Obama “have worked on several important bilateral initiatives to generate jobs and growth in both our countries.

    “I look forward to working with the Obama administration over the next four years to continue finding ways to increase trade and investment flows between our countries,” Harper said.

    Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak have also sent messages congratulating Obama.

    German Chancellor Angela Merkel cited her and Obama’s past “close and friendly cooperation” regarding the ongoing financial crisis, peacekeeping in Afghanistan and efforts to control Iran’s nuclear program in her message Wednesday.

    “I look forward to continuing this (cooperation), so that both our countries can continue to work side-by-side to master the most important foreign and economic challenges that we face as friends and allies,” Merkel said.

    French President Francois Hollande congratulated Obama, saying his victory would “once again reinforce our partnership to facilitate the return of economic growth in our countries, to fight unemployment, and to find solutions to crises that threaten us, notably in the Middle East.”

    Hollande voiced belief that France and the United States would continue cooperation based on dialogue and mutual respect.

    British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is on a diplomatic and trade visit to the Middle East, said he also looked forward to working with Obama.

    Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said her government was ready to cooperate with America.

    Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard delivered congratulations to Obama soon after his victory.

    United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a statement in New York, said he looked forward to continuing a smooth working relationship with the Obama administration.

    He also expressed hope that both sides would continue to work together on existing challenges.

    “Many challenges lie ahead – from ending the bloodshed in Syria, to getting the Middle East peace process back on track, to promoting sustainable development and tackling the challenges posed by climate change. All will require strong multilateral cooperation.

    “The Secretary-General and the United Nations will continue to count on the active engagement of the United States on these and other crucial issues as it strives to meet the hopes and expectations of people around the world, he said.”

    India said it is looking forward to continuing engagement with Washington.

    “India and the U.S. have developed extensive bilateral cooperation and partnership based on shared values based on belief in democracy, the rule of law and pluralism. We look forward to continuing to deepen and widen the engagement between India and the U.S. in the years ahead,” a statement from New Delhi, said.

    In separate statements, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga said Obama’s victory will further cement Kenya-U.S. relations.

    President Kibaki said Obama’s re-election was a re-affirmation of the confidence the American people have in his leadership skills.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Kenya and on my own behalf I convey our congratulations to you, for your well deserved victory. I commend the American people for showing their confidence in your leadership,” Kibaki said.

    China’s official media said on Wednesday that ties with the U.S. were uneven in President

    Barack Obama’s first term and that mutual trust had “whittled down,’’.

    It added that, his re-election would offer an opportunity to put the relationship back on track.

    A commentary issued by state-run Xinhua news agency shortly after Obama’s election win seemed to indicate a sense of relief that continuity will be assured as Chinese leaders embark on their own transition of power.

    But it acknowledged that sore issues remained between the world’s largest and second-largest economies.

    “As the two countries have been ever more economically interwoven, a new U.S. government perhaps should start to learn how to build a more rational and constructive relationship with China,’’ Xinhua said.

    “The new Obama administration perhaps should bear in mind that a stronger and more dynamic China-U.S. relationship, especially in trade, will not only provide U.S. investment with rich business opportunities, but also help to revive the sagging global economy.’’