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Tag: hail

  • APC youths hail Tinubu, Akinyelure

    The victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the general elections in the Southwest has earned the National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, ECNand the zonal leader, Chief Pius Akinyelure, an applause from the APC National Youth Assembly.

    The National Coordinator, Comrade Majeed Yahaya, said that while Nigerians were celebrating the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari, which was made possible by God, the victory of the party in the Southwest is another testimony of the leadership quality of the former governor of Lagos.

    In a statement, Yahaya said: “We gave the glory to Almighty God for these victories and the leadership direction Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu has given us. The APC National Youth Assembly wants to congratulate our National Leader for ensuring that we retained our pride in the states APC is holding in the southwest. The victories in the election held on 11 April are landmark achievements. Tinubi is indeed a visionary leader, a core democrat, an ideologist and a strategist, who God has used to accomplish the huge success and victories recorded at the just concluded elections both at federal and state levels. We will forever appreciate you.

    He added: “Our appreciation also goes to Chief Akinyelure, whose fatherly experience we would continue to enjoy. His coming on board as the southwest chairman of the APC has been a blessing to the region. We’re also full of joy with the record created by Governor Ajimobi who broken the second term jinx in Oyo State,” Comrade Yahaya said.

    Yahaya described the success of APC in the presidential and governorship election as positive things to happen in Nigeria.

  • Ribadu, Modibbo hail Bindow

    The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Dr. Ahmed Modibbo of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) have congratulated Governor-elect Jibrilla Mohammed Bindow on his victory.

    They wished him well as he prepared to meet the aspirations of the people.

    Ribadu and Modibbo urged the people to support the Governor-elect to enable him face the challenges confronting the state.

  • Fani-Kayode, PDP’s BOT secretary hail presidential candidates

    Fani-Kayode, PDP’s BOT secretary hail presidential candidates

    THE Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT) Senator Walid Jibril and former PDP governorship aspirant in Kaduna State Alhaji Shuaibu Idris Mikati have congratulated Gen. Muhammadu Buhari for his victory in the presidential election.

    At a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, Fani-Kayode said: “We start by saying that we commend and we congratulate Gen. Buhari for winning this election”.

    On the hate campaign he championed against Buhari and other leaders of the opposition, Fani-Kayode said: “There was absolutely nothing personal as regards this directorate or myself. I had nothing personal against anybody. I was simply doing my job for which I have no regrets and I wish them well and I sincerely hope that they will take Nigeria to a level that we can all be proud of.”

    He also praised President Goodluck Jonathan for having the courage to accept defeat at the earliest moment, for being able to stand up and rise above party politics and to speak like a statesman.

    According to him, the PDP fought a virile, strong, aggressive and very effective campaign, trying to justify why Jonathan deserved a second term.

    He continued: “It has, however, come to a point that we must tell the world and the Nigerian people about how we feel about the outcome of the election. What we will say here today is basically to reiterate and to reflect the words of our leader and President, President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “We, therefore, urge the Nigerian people and our teeming supporters to stand firm and continue to support the democratic process and continue to agitate for a better Nigeria.

    “We urge them to continue to support our party, the PDP, as best as they can, even though we lost this election. We ask them to co-operate with the incoming government and to remember that we are first and foremost Nigerians before anything else.

    “On the day of the election when I went to vote at Ile-Ife, I held a press conference in which I told the people that more than anything else, that we should try our very best to keep the peace in this country and to keep the country moving forward.

    “I also reminded them that in every election, there will always be a winner and a loser. It is a mark of our humanity and it is also symptomatic of the type of people that we are and who we are that when the time comes, we can say we fought a good fight but we lost.

    “And having lost, it does not mean that it is the end to the world, it just means that we need to re-group, re-organise ourselves and begin the process all over again because another elections will come in a few years time.

    “And that is where we are today. We have conceded that we have lost. We acknowledge the fact that we fought a good fight. We do not have any fears about the future.

    “We did the right thing during the campaign. We have no regrets about our candidate or the way in which we conducted our campaign and we will live to fight another day.

    “May God grant each and every one of us peace. May He watch over our nation. May He guide our President for the next two months whilst he is still in power and thereafter and may He guide and lead the President-elect, Gen. Buhari, in the herculean task that lies ahead of him.

    Mikati congratulated the president-elect and Jonathan, describing both of them as patriots and statesmen.

    Mikati and Senator Jibril spoke with The Nation in separate interviews in Abuja.

  • Osun APC, ALGON hail voters

    Osun APC, ALGON hail voters

    TheAll Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has congratulated Nigerians for voting for the party and the “change it represents”.

    A statement by its Publicity Director, Kunle Oyatomi, said: “It raises hope for greater development, and promises a better, more reliable funding for the state.

    “With Buhari’s victory, change has been ushered into the political space, and hopefully it will permeate all spectra of our national life.

    “By the outcome of this presidential election, Nigeria has set in motion a truly democratic system, which will place premium on the people as the traditional custodians of power.”

    The Association of Local Governments (ALGON) in Oyo State, also known as FORUM 33, praised the people for voting for the APC and Buhari.

    The Forum, through its Chairman, Yekeen Popoola, also hailed Governor Abiola Ajimobi for working hard to build the party.

    It praised the governor for his unparalleled performance and for allowing internal democracy, which helped the party present its best candidates.

    “It is gladdening to see the  people of Oyo State come out in large numbers to vote for all APC candidates from Buhari to National assembly candidates.

    “Your huge support confirmed our collective desire for continued change which started on May 29, 2011 when you gave Governor Abiola Ajimobi a chance.

    “We urge you to continue in the same spirit by casting al your votes for our performing governor, Abiola Ajimobi, and all APC candidates for the 32 seats for House of Assembly election on April 11,” the forum said.

    The victory, according to FORUM 33, belongs to the people who are not looking back in their resolve to enthrone only leaders that are accountable.

    The Southwest chapter of the APChas described the victory of its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as a new dawn in Nigeria.

    In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity, Ayo Afolabi, the party said what felt like fantasy has become a reality because of Nigerians’ commitment to forging the country of their dream through democratic means.

    It congratulated Nigerians “for the dawn of a new era and plethora of opportunities that Buhari’s election opens for them”.

    Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, has praised the electorate for insisting on making their voices heard against all odds.

    He asserted that with the outcome of the elections, a clear message was sent to the politicians and political actors.

  • Market chiefs hail emergence of Gwarzo as acting DG SEC

    Market chiefs hail emergence of Gwarzo as acting DG SEC

    The capital market was in good mood yesterday as erstwhile executive commissioner, operations, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo took over as the acting director general of the apex capital market regulator.

    The stock market, which had sustained a grueling downtrend since the beginning of the year and lost N1.5 trillion last week, paused momentarily. Market-wide indices at the stock market recorded their first gain of the year yesterday. The All Share Index (ASI), Nigeria’s country index and a value-based market-wide index that tracks prices of all quoted equities, recorded modest gain of 0.30 per cent. Aggregate market value of all quoted companies also rose by N30 billion.

    Capital market operators said Gwarzo was a round peg in a round hole and a perfect fit that should be able to impact the market positively. On-the-spot opinion survey generally supported the choice of Gwarzo as acting director general.

    Market operators described Gwarzo as experienced and diligent noting that his market-wide experience should provide a new verve of energy and initiatives that should drive the market to higher level.

    Managing director, Capital Assets Limited, Mr. Ariyo Olushekun, said the acting director general had worked in nearly all segments of the capital market as a stockbroker and regulator at both the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Securities and Exchange Commission.

    “He is an experienced person; I believe he knows the market sufficiently well having worked in various capacities. He should be able to add significant value, he is a good choice,” Olushekun, the immediate past president of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) said.

    Managing director, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, said change should always be seen as a positive thing as a good change can help to provide fresh energy to drive the process.

    While commending the performance of the former director general, Chukwu said the acting director general would provide new drive for the market.

    “It’s a positive thing, change should be seen as positive, we should see fresh initiatives and creativity to take the market to a higher level,” Chukwu said.

    Chief executive officer, Finawell Capital Limited, Mr. Tunde Oyekunle, said Gwarzo should be able to bring his experience to bear on the market.

    According to him, the acting director general is familiar with the operations of the market, which should give him the necessary background needed to succeed in his new position.

    Gwarzo, 50, attended Bayero University, Kano and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Economics in 1987.  In 1991, he proceeded to the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom where he obtained a Post Graduate Degree in Development Finance. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS).

    Over the course of some 25 years, he has played roles the in Nigerian capital market as an operator and as regulator. He had worked at Ministry of Trade, Kano State; Nigerian Stock Exchange, Century Merchant Bank Limited, Empire Securities Limited, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and MTL Global Investment Limited.

  • Assembly, others hail Ikuforiji’s acquittal

    Assembly, others hail Ikuforiji’s acquittal

    More reactions have trailed  the “no-case” ruling delivered by a Lagos High Court on the alleged money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

    In one of such reactions, the Spokesperson of the House of Assembly, Segun Olulade, in a statement yesterday,  noted that the legislative institution had survived the plot to undermine its integrity and that of its leadership by unknown agents of “retrogression and enemies of progress.”

    The House had given a “vote of confidence” to the speaker at a media briefing addressed by other 39 lawmakers led by the Deputy Speaker, Kolawole Taiwo.

    The lawmakers again yesterday reaffirmed their belief in the Ikuforiji-led House.

    The chairman of Committee on Information and Publicity reminded the public that the speaker was never at any point charged with stealing, embezzlement, misappropriation or financial corruption as was misconstrued in some media reports.

    “What we were defending was the allegation that Mr. Speaker expended money collected in cash above the threshold, and which has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that the present system being run in the country does not leave any high public office-holder in the status of Ikuforiji out of spending in range of the amount he was alleged to have expended.”

    Olulade, who represents Epe 2 Constituency, stressed that throughout the regular court process, it was obvious that the case was one of calculated attempt to witch-hunt the speaker and rubbish Lagos Assembly.

  • Subscribers hail Glo

    Subscribers hail Glo

    Nigerians have said Globacom is a good friend.

    This followed the company’s reduction of its international tariffs to as low as 10 kobo per second.

    The rate reduction has boosted businesses and enhanced the relationships with loved ones, the glo subscribers said.

    Mrs Toki Ibinabo, a businesswoman in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, was excited that she could talk more with her sister in Canada since the call rates were reduced.

    She explained that there “is no more hurried calls, especially as she is helping me with summer shopping for my kids, as we were not able to travel out this year”.

    Revindra Babu Reddy of Jos, the Plateau State capital, said: “I am so excited at the new international call rate which has enabled me to call my family and friends and speak with them for as long as I want without worrying about credit balance. Really, it is very impressive and exciting.”

  • Governors, Islamic leaders, others hail choice of banker

    Governors, Islamic leaders, others hail choice of banker

    Islamic and political leaders yesterday hailed Sanusi’s choice.

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Wahab Oba, described Sanusi’s emergence as a positive development for the traditional institution.

    Ahmed was optimistic that Sanusi would bring his wealth of experience to bear on sustaining Kano’s eminence in commerce and other sectors in Nigeria and West Africa.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun said Sanusi would bring his wealth of experience to bear on the appointment.

    In statement by his spokesperson, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun urged the emir to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor by bringing further development to the emirate and the state.

    “As an accomplished technocrat, I believe the new Emir will use his influence to foster peace and attract more development to the emirate and indeed the State,” the governor said.

    He expressed happiness at Sanusi’s choice, praying Allah to grant him the wisdom and understanding to discharge the functions of the office.

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola wished the former CBN governor a long and fruitful reign . He hoped Sanusi’s emergence would further cement the long-standing bond between the people of Kano and their brothers and sisters in Lagos and across the country with whom, he said, they have been living in peace and harmony.

    Fashola said Sanusi was deserving of his elevation, adding that the former CBN governor endeared himself to the public with his brilliance, courage, professionalism and tact.  Sanusi’s tenure as CBN governor, Fashola said, was eventful and useful in moving the country forward.

    Praying that Sanusi’s reign would bring lasting peace and progress to the country, the governor wished him long life and congratulated the people of the ancient city; Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the people of Kano and Nigerians generally for making the right choice.

    The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao, also congratulated Sanusi, describing his emergence as Allah’s wish.

    He said:  “The appointment of the new Emir is the wish of the Almighty Allah who gives power to whom He pleases”, making reference to the Holy Quran: Surah 3:26.

    Arisekola prayed that “the Almighty God will guide, protect and always lead Sanusi in all his undertakings” adding: ‘’May the Almighty God also always assist him, with all powerful help and grant him the wisdom to lead his people on the right path to greater peace and progress’’.

    The Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Prof Dawud Noibi, advised Sanusi to be accountable to God and uphold the truth always.

    The revered scholar said Sanusi’s appointment confirms that Allah determines the end of everything.

    He said:  “He should maintain the spirit of accountability to God and adhere to the truth no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. I also advise that the new Emir should demonstrate the spirit of forgiveness which is one of the central teachings of Islam. He should use his new position in bringing about reconciliation with those who may have been regarded as his opponents. He should also try to cooperate with the leadership of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria with particular reference to the Sultan of Sokoto, who is the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the two deputy presidents general in persons of the Shehu of Borno and Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao in a manner that brings peace and progress to the country.”

    Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Prof Ishaq Lakin Akintola, expressed happiness that the kingmakers in Kano upheld the truth.

    “We are glad that those who wanted to ridicule him has seen the naked truth. Those who want to ridicule Sanusi by abusing power have failed woefully. We hope Sanusi will continue to stand by the truth,” he said.

    According to Akintola, Nigerian leaders should know that power is transient and it is like  football. If it falls on your side now, it will roll to another person later.

    “Those who oppress while in power should know that Allah’s power is the only permanent one. Man’s power could vanish at anytime but Allah’s power is eternity. Those who wanted to disgrace Sanusi by removing him unduly in office should have a lesson or more to learn from this new development. What Allah wants to give somebody, no human can withhold it and what Allah wants or does not want to give to somebody, no one can give it…. “Those who claim to be power brokers are lying. It is only Allah that can give or take away power,” Akintola said.

    National Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, said Sanusi’s appointment had shown that it is Allah alone that enthrones and dethrones.

    Sheikh Ahmad enjoined Sanusi to bring his knowledge and vast experience to bear on the stool and particularly in restoring the glory of the metropolitan city.

    He prayed Allah to grant Sanusi the charisma, saintly wisdom and measured courage the institution required.

    Leader, Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i, urged him to forgive all those who tried to humiliate him out of office because Allah has vindicated him.

    Sheikh Shafi’i, who said Sanusi remains the best among the contenders for the stool, said the former CBN chief had now assumed a position higher and different from his former office.

    “This new position is different from the CBN job, the new emir should realize that he will be dealing with human beings of various characters and tribes unlike his dealings with currencies of different kinds while at CBN. This is a great responsibility. He should not forget history of past Islamic leaders in dealing justly with followers,” he said.

  • UNIZIK students, management, workers hail VC’s choice

    Members of the academic staff, students and management of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, the Anambra State capital, have described the people who carried placards, at the weekend, to protest the election of Prof. Joseph Ahaneku as Vice Chancellor (VC), as urchins.

    The Governing Council led by Air Vice Marshall Larry Koinyan (rtd) has ratified Prof. Ahaneku as the VC to succeed Prof. Boniface Egboka, whose tenure lapses tomorrow.

    Following the ratification of Ahaneku, the president of the students’ union, Chukwunonso Ibe, led other students to congratulate him.

    Workers have equally expressed their willingness to work with Ahaneku, saying he is the right choice for the position.

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) led by Prof. Ike Odimegwu said Ahaneku would lift the institution to a greater height.

    Other trade unions hailed the Governing Council for electing the 52-year-old professor as Egboka’s replacement.

  • All hail ‘The trusted one’

    All hail ‘The trusted one’

    Kaduna State Governor Mukthar Ramalan Yero has been conferred with the title of Dalhatun Zazzau (The Trusted One) by the Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris. Yero is a Prince of Zazzau. Vice President Namadi Sambo led other dignitaries to the ceremony. TONY AKOWE (Kaduna) reports. 

    IT was not a durbar, but it had all the trappings of one. Horses and heavily turbaned riders raced through the court of the Emir of Zazzau in Kaduna State. The crowd cheered as some of the horse riders performed some stunts. The palace was thick with a crowd which gathered to witness the decoration  of  Governor Mukthar Ramalan Yero as Dallatun Zazzau (The trusted one), a title reserved for princes. He is the 19th Dallatun Zazzau and the third to be decorated by the Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris. The governor’s father, Ramalan Yero, is the Turakin Dawakin Zazzau.

    Praise singers had a field day plying their  trade. But petty traders had it rough as they were pushed far off the palace by security men.

    Dignitaries started trickling into the palace as early as 7am. Most of the governor’s aides, particularly those from Zaria were in white flowing attire with turban.

    Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo was also in traditional attire.

    Kaduna State Deputy Governor Ambassador Nuhu Audu Bajoga came to celebrate with his boss.

    The  emir turbaned the governor and his wife, Fatimah. She was decorated as Tauraruwan Dallatun Zazzau. However, she was not publicly decorated.

    Following the opening prayer by the Chief Imam  of Zaria, Muhammadu Sani, the event took off with Governor Yero sitting at the feet of the emir. The Lawani  (the long head scarf) was tied around the governor’s head with a red cap by a palace chief. The dressing was completed with a long flowing embroidered red royal gown draped round the governor’s shoulders..

    Yero, in line with tradition, paid homage to the emir before the monarch addressed the gathering. There was also a traditional mini durbar, involving some traditional title holders in the Emirate and their subjects. The governor took part in it.

    The Salanken Zazzau, Dr Bello AbdulQadir, explained why the governor was honoured while his father, who is also a traditional title holder, is still alive.

    He said: “The title of Dallatun is reserved for the princes of Zazzau. It can also be given to someone who the emir trusts, as well as some indigenes that have dedicated themselves to the service of the people.

    “Governor Yero has those qualities. His father is the Turakin Dawakin Zazzau. By this, he is a prince. He has also demonstrated his capabilities in the human development, the development of the state and the Zazzau emirate. The title is also meant to encourage the governor to do more for his people, state and the nation,” he said.

    The emir said he honoured the governor because of his contributions to the development, peace and social unity of his community and the state.

    Dr Idris said: “The traditional title of Dallatun Zazzau is one of the highest traditional titles which existed in Zazzau Emirate for many decades. It is always conferred on the most distinguished son of Zazzau. We believe Governor Yero deserves the honour not only because he is the governor of the state, but because of his humility and leadership ability.”

    Vice President Sambo charged the governor to follow the footsteps of those before him.

    “As a custodian of our rich history, culture and tradition, I urge you to follow the footsteps of your predecessors by being steadfast in the responsibilities assigned to you. You must, at all times, keep in mind that you represent our rich and noble values and must continue to protect the positive image of the emirate locally and internationaly,” he said.

    The governor, Sambo said, has done well in sustaining peace in the state.

    Governor Yero, pledged his continued loyalty and commitment to the emir.

    He said: “This honour, will spur me to remain focus and committed to good governance all through my tenure as the people’s leader in the state and ensures the current peaceful atmosphere in the state is sustained.”

    Niger State Governor Muazu Babangida   Aliyu thanked the emir for honouring Yero.

    Ambassador Bajoga said the honour done to his boss was well deserved.

    “This new responsibility given to the governor confirms popular views that Yero is an embodiment of leadership whose quest for service to humanity is unparalleled. No doubt, the Dallatun Zazzau will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the development of not only the emirate and Kaduna State, but the country,” he said.