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Tag: Makarfi

  • Atiku, Makarfi, Secondus, others storm Ekiti for Olusola

    •’Pdp on mission to rescue Nigeria’

    National leaders, presidential aspirants and governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday declared the readiness of the party to retain the governorship seat in Ekiti State and displace the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Presidency.

    They sounded the 2019 general election battle cry at the mega rally in Ado-Ekiti where they rallied support for the party’s candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, in the July 14 governorship election.

    Olusola was officially presented with the party’s flag by the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, at a rally staged on the highway at the foot of the new flyover in Ojumose area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    A mammoth crowd of party members, workers’ unions, students, youths, artisans, ethnic nationalities and members of the public utilized the opportunity to attend the rally.

    Former Vice President and presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said the PDP is on a mission to rescue Nigeria from insecurity and other challenges confronting it.

    Other national leaders who restated the readiness of the PDP to take over power at the centre are former National Caretaker Chairman and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi; former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa; former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido; former Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Senator Walid Jibrin.

    Atiku, Makarfi, Lamido and Bafarawa addressed the rally in their capacity as presidential aspirants.

    Atiku urged the people of Ekiti to vote continuity as represented by Olusola, who is seeking to succeed his boss, Governor Ayo Fayose, in the July 14 election.

    He said: “The people of Ekiti, I have known you since 1992, all the projects completed and taken Ekiti to higher level have been done by PDP alone.

    “PDP guarantees you good hospital, road, infrastructure, education and many other dividends of democracy, it is time for you to ensure that this administration continues because that is the key to development.

    “What we are doing is a rescue mission, we will bring back peace, security and prosperity of this country. Make sure you vote and stay there till results are announced.”

    Secondus said: “The PDP is rebranded and repositioned; we are here to rescue Nigeria from insecurity, from collapse and from hardship Nigerians are presently going through under the APC government.

    “Many Nigerians are being killed in Taraba, Benue and Plateau States. How many of our people will you kill? APC and its people are not God.

    “We refuse to be intimidated, it is their style to intimidate. This country is experiencing civil war because of killing, APC is behind it, PDP will take over.

    “They have the plan to arrest our people, our members, but we will not be intimidated. The APC is broken already, the broom has scattered. We have the best candidate for this election and he will take over from Fayose to continue the development of this state.”

    Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council and Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel said Nigerians are tired of the APC leadership and are ready to vote out the broom party.

    Emmanuel said it is only in PDP states that things are working. He  urged Ekiti residents to vote continuity and give their votes to Olusola.

    He also called on security agencies to allow the conduct of a free, fair and credible election and ensure that the votes of the Ekiti electorate count.

    Other PDP governors who canvassed for votes for Olusola include Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Mr. Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Chief Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Mr. Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Prof. Ben Ayade (Cross River), Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), and Mr. Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), who was represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd).

    Other prominent party leaders who attended the rally include former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi; former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr. Eddy Olafeso, members of the National Working Committee and members of the Zonal Working Committee.

    Fayose accused the APC of planning to rig the governorship poll, but maintained that the people are ready to resist any attempt to manipulate the poll.

    He said the intimidation ahead of the election had started with the alleged closure of the Akure Airport to prevent governors and other party leaders from attending the rally.

    Fayose said: “INEC, we know your plan that you want to rig for APC, we will follow you bumper-to-bumper. We know your preloaded agenda, how you are planning to release ballot papers to APC.

    “We knew what you did in Kogi, we knew what you did in Ondo, we know your plan. Whether APC resort to violence or not, Kolapo Olusola will be declared governor-elect of Ekiti State.

    “I want to say that over 99 per cent of those who will conduct the election are not from Ekiti; youth corpers, police, INEC are not from here, leave our state alone.

    “Look at this crowd, look at this young people, if you are living in our state, this is not a hired crowd, we don’t hire crowd here, these are people living in the state.”

    Fayose added: “Since Monday, they have been arresting PDP people, they arrested three teachers. In this election, it will be 16-0, it will be 16-0 again, the 16-0 is loading.

    “I got a letter yesterday (Wednesday) that that I should come and welcome the President but I said I am not receiving the President because he has not done anything for Ekiti.

    “I want to condemn the Federal Government for what they have done; why do you have to close the Akure Airport? That is shameful, that is not patriotic, that is shameful.”

    Speaking after receiving the flag, Olusola, who was flanked by his wife, Janet, expressed confidence that he will win the election and will be declared governor-elect.

    Olusola said: “By the grace of Almighty God, we assure our leaders and Ekiti that we will sustain the good legacies of Fayose, we will improve on it and sustain the legacies.

    “I assure you of adequate security, healthcare, excellent infrastructure, civil service, education enterprises, and  exemplary leadership among others.

    “Ours is a divine agenda.  It is a divine mission with divine agenda it cannot be conquered by APC. Congratulations Ekiti, your governor elect is talking.”

  • Makarfi: democracy lovers’ll back Wike

    Former Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP )  Senator Ahmed Makarfi has said Nigerians who love democracy will always stand with Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

    The former Kaduna State governor spoke yesterday at the inauguration of the  Nyemoni Grammar School, Abonnema in  Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.

    He said: “Nigerians who love democracy are with Governor Wike.  If not for Governor Wike’s enormous contributions, opposition would have died. That would  have been the end of democracy in Nigeria .

    “It is suicidal for the people of Rivers State to let Governor Wike go.  It is in the interest of the state that Governor Wike is re-elected to stabilise the development process of Rivers State  .”

    Senator Makarfi said everything is being done to distract Governor Wike, but he has remained focused, delivering key projects across the state.

    “The most targeted politician in Nigeria today is Governor Wike. Everything is being done to distract you, but you must keep on working “, Senator Makarfi said.

    He said Wike has raised the bar in the delivery of projects and programmes, noting  that others will need a rocket to reach Wike’s level .

    Wike said his brand of politics is targeted at improving the living condition of the people.

    “I came into politics for the execution of projects. To improve the quality of lives of the people and make them happy. We are displaying our projects for the world to see”, he said.

    Governor Wike said that the revival and total re-equipping of the school was in line with his promise to the Abonnema people during the electioneering campaign.

    “Communities that support Government will get more projects. Abonnema is one of the first towns where the people came out to support us wholeheartedly “, he said.

    He announced the take over of the school from the mission and directed the Rivers State Senior Secondary School Board to commence the process for the posting of principal and teachers to the school.

    The governor added that the government would work towards establishing a faculty of one of the state-owned universities in the area.

    Wike noted that local contractors will be engaged to maintain facilities in  the institution.

    Rivers State Education Commissioner Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja said Wike revived the school two new hostels were constructed, while laboratories and libraries were built and equipped.

    The Amayanabo of Abonnema,   King Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel,  commended Wike for his developmental strides in the area.

    The Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Mr Rowland Sekibo,  endorsed Wike for a second term, saying that Akuku-Toru people would work hard to secure  the governor’s re-election.

  • Kaduna PDP endorse Makarfi for 2019 presidency

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has endorsed two-term governor and two-term Senator, Ahmed Makarfi, for president in 2019.

    At a brief stakeholders’ meeting with Makarfi, Chairman Hassan Hyet said there would be a change in the country in 2019 because PDP will reclaim power.

    Hyet said: “On that day, we will not be the one to escort others to the seat of power, but others will be the one to escort Makarfi to Aso Rock as the elected President by the grace of God.”

    He urged party members to work towards achieving Makarfi’s presidential ambition because he has stood his ground to ensure the party’s unity.

    “Today, PDP is a household name in Nigeria because of Makarfi’s sacrifice in ensuring that the party remains one united family,” he said.

    Makarfi said after consulting the party at national level about his political ambition, he decided to come home to Kaduna to intimate his supporters at the state level.

    He promised that if elected, he would stop killings and kidnappings across the country.

    Makarfi reiterated that Nigerians will be better off during his presidency because of his wealth of experience in governance.

    He said: “I have consulted the party and I thought it wise to come and meet my own base and the stakeholders to affirm to them though a formal declaration has not taken place.

    “But, like I had earlier said, if nominated by the party and elected by Nigerians, my priorities would be insecurity and ending the killings in the country. Addressing national unity and promotion of what binds us together, addressing the issue of unemployment and creation, as well as redistribution of wealth.

    “This is home coming, so I am here so that you and I can take on the task beyond the shores of Kaduna State.”

  • Makarfi joins race for PDP 2019 presidential ticket

    Immediate past National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has joined the race for the party’s 2019 presidential ticket.

    Makarfi told reporters yesterday in Kaduna that he had decided to seek the ticket after consulting widely.

    The one-time Kaduna State governor said: “I have been consulting across the country since I left as the chairman of the party. It’s is just consultations and not endorsement. But it gives you an opportunity to feel the pulse and it will tell whether to go forward or not to go forward. The consultations have been quite positive and I believe it is fair enough to come to the conclusion that one should join other equally capable party men and women who have shown interest in seeking the party’s nomination for the 2019 presidential election. “

    He added: “I have known governance for sometime at the state level. I served Kaduna for three years as commissioner for finance and economic planning. I came in from the private sector. I have private sector experience, especially banking. I governed this complex state for eight years. I have legislative experience, having been in the senate for a two terms of eight years. I got a bonanza when the party leadership fell on my lap, to know about managing a political party.

    “If you cannot manage your party, even if you are elected, you will have problems governing. If you can’t manage the legislature and build cordial relationship such that key legislations that can take this country forward are passed, then governance becomes complex for you. If you cannot manage complex society such as Kaduna, which is mini- Nigeria, you cannot manage Nigeria.”

    “These, to me, are advantages but of course it does not mean that it is a forgone conclusion. Somebody who may have not prepared himself in governance at all may find himself in government but the country will pay a price for that. I believe I have these advantages.

    “Managing complex security issues is not new to me. Managing complex people of societies is not new to me. If you look at it from that perspective, I am prepared for the job. I served as the Governor of Kaduna state where I was able to mobilise the citizens of Kaduna state, irrespective of where they came from in Nigeria, earned their confidence and they worked with me and supported me and we were able to restore normalcy that people thought was impossible.

    “If I am nominated and eventually get elected; my philosophy will not be to go after the opposition. It is to see how I will work with the opposition in any area for the good of all of us while maintaining our independent political opinion over any matter. If I get nominated and get elected and I find somebody in APC who can help me do what I want to do, I will look for you without demanding that you join the PDP. I will leave you to make that decision on your own.that is the kind of politics that I want to see happening in Nigeria.” He said.

    He added: “We must also thank the APC for working for us because they have been working for us. They have refused to govern well, they have been fighting each other. They are many things for which we can thank them. There is no way the executive and the legislature can work again as one . The is no way the party can be cohesive again. There are elements in government fighting each other and there is nobody to call them to order. We should not expend our energy when somebody is working for us.

    He said it would be illegal for the APC to postpone its convention.

    Makarfi however gave the Buhari adminitrstion  thumbs up in the fight against insurgency, but said the successes recorded would have been overwehlming if the institutions of the government had been working together.

    On the fight against corruption, the PDP presidential aspirant said it was selective.

    However, the party said its guidelines for the 2019 presidential primary election were not ready.

    Those who have indicated interest in the PDP ticket are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister Tanimu Turaki, former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarua and Gomber State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo.

    National Organising Secretary Austin Akobundu in  atstement yesterday said: “We wish to state categorically that the party is still in the process of drawing up the guidelines for its presidential primary election.

    “It is therefore misleading to claim that the party has ‘listed its guidelines’ not to talk of the cost of nomination forms.

    “At the appropriate time the proposals will be presented to NEC of the party which will approve as it deems fit.

    “Only then can one say that it has the guidelines for the 2018 presidential primary election.”

    Akobundu said that the party’s National Working Committee of the PDP was committed to adhering strictly to the PDP Constitution.

    He noted that the constitution in Chapter 8 (50) (1) grants NEC the power to formulate the guidelines for aspirants in any of its Party Primaries, the presidential primary inclusive.

    “The authentic guidelines for PDP presidential primary election will be released as soon as they are considered by the organs of the party.”

  • Kaduna Killings: Makarfi calls for deployment of more security personnel

    Former Chairman of the National Caretake Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Senator Ahmed Makarfi has condemned in strong terms the recent killings in Gwaska village, Birni-Gwari local government council of Kaduna state.

    Senator Makarfi said the killings of over 40 people in cold blood and the sacking of the village and setting it ablaze was the second within a week and was becoming too many a burden for the people to bear.

    Senator Makarfi, however, lauded the people of the community especially the vigilante group for their bravery in standing up to the bandits, but lamented that “where communities resort to self help on such issues the prognosis doesn’t look so good, as it is a blow on the legitimacy of authorities”.

    In a statement endorsed by his Media aide, Murktar Zubairu Sirajo, Senator Makarfi who was a former governor of Kaduna state urged the state government and security agencies to do all that is necessary to protect the lives of the citizenry.

    Senator Makarfi said: “The frequency, impotence as well as impunity with which bandits raid communities in some parts of the country and leave unchallenged is a source of worry for all patriotic Nigerians.

    “The latest of such brazen violations of the peace and security of the people, which occurred earlier today in Gwaska of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which itself was the second time in under a week certainly is becoming one too many. Reports have it that over 40 people were killed in cold blood apart from sacking the village and setting it ablaze.

    “The seeming absence and or helplessness of the authorities and security agencies in the face of this callous assault on humanity grieves Senator Ahmed Makarfi to no end. The Senator, condemns this heinous and cowardly act and calls on the government and all the security agencies to ensure the deployment of more personnel, equipment as well other logistical resources to reassure the people that they are not abandoned.

    “Senator Makarfi believes that government exists principally to provide security to the people; failure to rise up to this responsibility is therefore a recipe for anarchy which we can Ill afford now.

    “Governments at all levels as well as agencies responsible must therefore restore people’s confidence by doing all it takes to not only secure the area and others so afflicted, but also ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

    “The Senator also commends the efforts of the community, especiallymembers of the vigilante groups for the bravery they have exhibited in rising to the occasion but observes that where communities resort to self help on such issues the prognosis doesn’t look so good, as it is a blow on the legitimacy of authorities.

    “Senator Ahmed Makarfi conveys his heart felt condolences to the people Gwaska, the Emir and Emirate of Birnin Gwari And the government and people of Kaduna State over this unfortunate incidents and prays to God for a quick return to normalcy.”

  • Makarfi lauds workers for perseverance

    The former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, on Tuesday lauded Nigerians workers for their perseverance despite the deteriorating socio-economic conditions in the country.

    Makarfi, in a May Day message signed by his media aide, Murktar Sirajo, urged the workers to continue to work towards creating a better tomorrow for all Nigerians.

    He rejoiced with all Nigerian workers on the occasion of the 2018 Workers’ Day, stating that “labour, as the engine which runs any nation’s life-support system, certainly deserves to be appreciated, celebrated and feted on this day.”

    The statement reads: “The Senator joins compatriots in saluting Nigerian workers’ consistent courage, dedication and perseverance in the service of society and appeals to them to use this day to reflect on how much more they can contribute to nation-building. Countries are only as efficient, fit and strong as their workforce is.

    “Senator Makarfi also shares in the deep disappointment with the deteriorating socio-economic conditions under which our workers and majority of Nigerians live and work today but also urges that we all persevere and continue to work towards creating a better tomorrow.”

  • There is hope for Nigeria, says Makarfi

    Jesus’ death and resurrection are everlasting reminders that it is possible for Nigeria to overcome its difficult situation and embrace great virtues, former governor of Kaduna state, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has said.

    In his Easter message, Makarfi emphasised that  in spite of various challenges, there is still hope for the country.

    He asked all Nigerians to eschew bitterness and embrace the spiritual legacies of Jesus Christ that can immensely facilitate Nigeria’s peace and progress.

    His spokesman, Alhaji Mukhtar Zubair Sirajo, said he sent “warm felicitations and greetings to the Nigerian Christian community, and indeed all Nigerians on this auspicious occasion” adding it is imperative, that this period be “used by all for meditation and sober reflections on the life and times of Jesus Christ and his sacrifices, with a view to imbibing  such virtues as humility, forgiveness, tolerance, good neighbourliness, respect and empathy for others’ feelings as well as love for one another.”

  • Atiku, Makarfi, Dickson, Omisore, others felicitate with Christians at Easter

    Former Vice President and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has felicitated with Christians as they mark the ressurection of Jesus Christ.

    In this, he was joined by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, PDP chieftain and former Kaduna State governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and former Osun State deputy governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

    In a statement released by his media office in Abuja to mark the Easter celebrations, Atiku called on Nigerians to emulate the virtues of love and sacrifice which characterised the life of Jesus Christ.

    The Waziri Adamawa described those two qualities as essential to the unity that Nigeria so desperately needs at this time when vested and provincial interests threaten to tear our nation apart.

    He also encouraged Nigeria’s leaders to use the opportunity of the Easter celebration to reflect on their stewardship to their people and to the nation.

    “Our leaders at all levels should follow the virtues that define this season – sacrifice, love and charity – and come together to help all Nigerians resolve the differences that divide us.

    We must not allow those who seek to divide us to pretend as if our problems are as a result of another ethnic or religious group,” Atiku said.

    On his part, Senator Omisore charged Christians as well as all Nigerians  to demonstrate the essence of Easter as exemplified by Jesus Christ, by living in love and harmony with one another.

    Omisore, a former Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation, gave this charge in a statement he issued to felicitate with Nigerians on Easter celebrations.

    “As Nigerians, we must eschew acts that will divide us further. We must embrace Christ’s attitude of living in love and harmony with ourselves and our neighbours,” he said.

    “It is not by chance that God put all of us in this environment called Nigeria. Whether as Muslims or Christians, we must remember always that we are our brother’s keeper.

    “We must promote all the enriching values that make our lives and society embodiments of godliness.”

    Omisore, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2014 governorship election in Osun State, urged the people of the state to be steadfast in their prayers.

    Bayelsa State governor, Hon, Henry Seriake Dickson, urged Nigerians, particularly Christians to jealously cherish and guide their faith by living a Christ-like life of selfless service, sacrifice, love and righteousness.

    The governor, in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, noted that, without the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, “our faith as Christians would have been a fallacy.”

    While stressing that Nigeria is presently at a crossroads, the governor called on Bayelsans to love one another, pray fervently for the peace, prosperity and stability of the nation and sacrifice for the common good of Bayelsa State.

    Governor Dickson also solicited for the maximum cooperation of the people and leaders of the state and the Ijaw Nation to enable his Restoration Government  consolidate on its legacy projects in order to finish strong by 2020.

    He said: “As we celebrate Easter, which of course is the basis of our faith as Christians, I urge Nigerians, particularly Bayelsans, to emulate our Lord Jesus Christ by words and deeds.

    “We must love one another and sacrifice for the common good of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

    “This country is facing daunting challenges which call for fervent prayers and hard work to surmount.

    “Our Government in the last six years has put Bayelsa State on the path of peace and prosperity. I therefore, solicit the continued cooperation and support of leaders and the people of the state to enable our  Restoration Government consolidate on its life-changing legacy projects and finish strong.”

    In his own message, Makarfi said in spite of various challenges, there is still hope for Nigeria.

    Jesus’ death and resurrection, he said, are everlasting reminders that it is possible for Nigeria to overcome its difficult situation and embrace great virtues.

    He asked Nigerians to eschew bitterness and embrace the spiritual legacies of Jesus Christ which can immensely facilitate Nigeria’s peace and progress.

    He sent “warm felicitations and greetings to the Nigerian Christian community, and indeed all Nigerians on this auspicious occasion of the Easter celebrations in memory of the legendary spirit of sacrifice and selflessness espoused and exhibited by Jesus Christ.”

    It is imperative, according to him, that this period be “used by all for meditation and sober reflections on the life and times of Jesus Christ and his sacrifices, with a view to imbibing  such virtues as humility, forgiveness, tolerance, good neighbourliness, respect and empathy for others’ feelings as well as love for one another.”

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Solomon Adeola, charged  his constituents and Nigerians in general to remain peaceful and exhibit the Christian virtues of sacrifice, love and abiding faith in a better tomorrow as exemplified in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

    Adeola said the season symbolises a new beginning of hope and redemption for all mankind, adding that for all true Christians, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ means that all challenges confronting individuals and mankind are ultimately surmountable with fervent belief in God.

    The senator said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ gave mankind hope of a new beginning and a better future, stressing that in spite of enormous challenges confronting the nation, Nigeria is at the threshold of a better tomorrow.

  • There is hope for Nigeria – Makarfi

    The former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Committee, Ahmed Makarfi said on Friday that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are everlasting reminders that it is possible for Nigeria to overcome its difficulties and embrace great virtues.

    Makarfi, in his Easter message, emphasized that despite various challenges, there is still hope for Nigeria.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Alhaji Mukhtar Zubair Sirajo, the former Kaduna State governor asked all Nigerians to eschew bitterness and embrace the spiritual legacies of Jesus Christ that can immensely facilitate Nigeria’s peace and progress.

    He said: “Warm felicitations and greetings to the Nigerian Christian community, and indeed all Nigerians on this auspicious occasion of the Easter celebrations in memory of the legendary spirit of sacrifice and selflessness espoused and exhibited by Jesus Christ.”

    “It is imperative that this period be used by all for meditation and sober reflections on the life and times of Jesus Christ and his sacrifices, with a view to imbibing such virtues as humility, forgiveness, tolerance, good neighbourliness, respect and empathy for others’ feelings as well as love for one another.”

    “The application of these virtues taught and lived by Jesus Christ is direly needed now more than at any time in the history of this country as we grapple with challenges of poverty, divisiveness and mutual distrust and suspicion, which have crept into the psyche of the country from only-God-knows-where.”

     

     

  • Alleged flirtation with APC: Makarfi attacks Asari-Dokubo

    Alleged flirtation with APC: Makarfi attacks Asari-Dokubo

    Former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi has warned River State ex-warlord Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo to stop peddling falsehood by implying that he (Makarfi) voted for All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.

    In a statement issued on behalf of Makarfi yesterday, his spokesman Alhaji Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo warned Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to beware of such tactics aimed at de-marketing the party chieftain in favour of an unnamed political foe.

    The statement said: “Ordinarily, this is a statement we shouldn’t dignify with a response, but realising that sometimes uncontroverted falsehoods have a way of taking a life of their own and also knowing that it is not beyond some unscrupulous politicians to splash mud on the integrity of others in order to gain undue advantage.

    “That statement is false in all ramifications; in fact given that Makarfi is not an obscure politician, having been Kaduna State Governor for eight years and following that up with another eight year at the Senate and capping those up leading the PDP at a very tumultuous period,  which was characterised by acrimonious leadership struggle.

    “Isn’t it amazing that this could happen in 2015 and be buried till now?

    “Moreover, from 1999 to 2015, Senator Makarfi never skipped voting in any election; yet he has never been reported by any medium to have ever displayed his ballot paper to advertise his preference; we leave this judgment to the people.”

    It added: “Senator Makarfi has remained a PDP man to the core, sticking with the party through thick and thin and maintaining his faith in it, even at a time when defection was the easy way out.

    “He has never hidden his gratitude to the PDP for the platform and opportunity it has afforded him to become what he has become and has never, for a second, on account of any slight he felt he suffered or for any other reason, even toyed with the idea of abandoning it let alone teaming up with others to bring it to ruination.”

    Urging Asari-Dokubo to freely exercise his constitutional rights of free expression without maligning others unduly, Sirajo emphasised that PDP members should de-emphasise falsehoods and mudslinging and concentrate on relevant issues.

    “Asari-Dokubo is a free Nigerian with all the attendant rights to pursue any legitimate undertaking, political or otherwise, including pitching his tent with any politician or tendency, but those do not include the fabrication and peddling of lies to impugn the integrity of others.”