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Tag: PDP

  • Plateau 2019 governorship election: Why I want to contest — Datong

    Plateau 2019 governorship election: Why I want to contest — Datong

    A prominent governorship aspirant in Plateau, Mr Gwaman Datong, says he is seeking the support of the citizens in the state to become governor in 2019 for the socio-economic development of the state.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the aspirant said he had held consultations among various political interests across the state and was convinced that he had solutions to some challenges facing the state.

    According to him, Plateau has a lot of potential in agriculture, tourism, education, information technology and engineering, among others, that only a visionary governor can harness.

    “I urge the citizens to contribute to my quest to better the state as a governor in 2019; it is not about me, but about us and the development of the state.

    “It is not also a contest, but collaboration because I need a good team to solve any problem; I would like you to help me by pointing out any issues that you feel needs attention and also ask how I intend to resolve it.

    Read Also:  Buhari in Plateau

    “I will also be glad if your questions are not just a test but a genuine desire to make the state better,’’ he said.

    Datong, who said he would contest on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), promised that if he was elected as the governor of the state, he would work hard to ensure a positive resolution of conflicts in the state.

    He listed part of his contributions to the state development to include solar-powered borehole and skill transfer for building of metal water towers for welders at Namu, Quaan Pan Local Government Area of the state.

    Others, according to him, are completion of abandoned four-classroom block at Science Primary School, Namu and skill transfer to 200 youths at same local government.

    He said if he was elected governor, he would raise the income base of farmers through
    mechanisation and agricultural extension services and introduce ICT as a means of local and
    foreign exchange to citizens.

    “I will also encourage the participation of local companies in road and building construction and re-engineer government processes for efficiency.

    “My administration will ensure effective management of conflicts among various groups by
    monitoring the conflict indicators in collaboration with surrounding states to develop a friendly coexistence.

    Apart from this, there will be free healthcare for people above 70 years of
    age from a revolving fund,’’ he said.

    Datong, therefore, sought the support of the citizens in the state to give him a chance of ruling the state in 2019, promising that such support would be taken seriously.

    NAN

     

  • Oyo APC carpets PDP chief Makinde over comment on budget

    Oyo APC carpets PDP chief Makinde over comment on budget

    The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Seyi Makinde, to stop his “deliberate” misrepresentation of facts about his year’s budget.

    The party said Makinde needed some tutorial in elementary mathematics to perform well as an elective office holder.

    It said Makinde’s desperation to govern the state was beclouding his sense of judgment.

    Oyo APC said 12 per cent of this year’s budget would be about N32 billion, as against Makinde’s miscalculation that N15 billion represented 12 per cent of N271 billion of the budgeted for the Governor’s Office in the current fiscal year.

    In a statement by its Director of Media, Research and Strategy, Dr AbdulAzeez Olatunde, the party said it was premeditated mischief and malicious intent that motivated Makinde’s allegation that Governor Abiola Ajimobi allocated less than three per cent, two per cent and one per cent in the budget to Agriculture, Health and Education.

    It added that 11.67 per cent of the estimate was budgeted for youth-related activities, 10.30 per cent for Agriculture and 5.6 per cent was budgeted for the Governor’s Office.

  • No-case submission: Metuh knows fate April 23

    No-case submission: Metuh knows fate April 23

    An FCT High Court, Maitama, on Wednesday fixed April 23 for ruling on the no-case submission filed by Olisa Metuh, a former PDP spokesman, accused of alleged destruction of evidence.

    Metuh was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC ), on a two-count charge bordering on alleged destruction of evidence.
    The case which was before Justice Ishaq Bello, was adjourned until April 23, with consent of counsel as the court did not sit.

    The case was earlier adjourned until March 7, for ruling on Metuh’s no- case submission.

    Metuh’s counsel, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), had on Oct. 10, 2017, told the court that they would enter a no-case submission at the close of the prosecution’s case.

    Arguing the no-case submission, Ikpeazu had told the court that the prosecution had not established any case to warrant the defendant to be called to enter his defence.

    He said that the application was in pursuant to the provisions of Sections 302 and 357 of ACJA.

    He added that the defendant had a constitutional liberty and could not be prosecuted where he either refused to make a statement or withdraw any part of his writing in the course of making a statement.

    He said that the defendant had a right to cancel any part of his statement voluntarily.

    Read Also: Metuh has case to answer – Supreme Court

    He reminded the court that the charge by EFCC was that Metuh destroyed his statement and obstruct the EFCC officials by willfully tearing his statement.

    Ikpeazu added that a piece of paper not signed did not qualify as a statement by the defendant, and urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendant.

    The prosecuting counsel Mr Sylvanus Tahir, urged the court to establish whether or not a prima facie case had been made against the defendant

    He added that cancellation was different from tearing which was obstruction, and urged the court to call upon the defendant to enter his defence.

  • Buhari visit an afterthought, says PDP

    Buhari visit an afterthought, says PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described President Mohammadu Buhari’s visit to Taraba and the planned visit to other places were killings had occurred as an afterthought.

    A statement yesterday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan said: “It is alarming that Mr. President will consider visiting some of these states months after marauders, insurgents and bandits committed their havocs.

    “Mr. President has been in the country and never thought it necessary to pay a condolence visit to any of these states until Nigerians raised the alarm alleging a manifest indifference on his part.

    “It is even more pathetic that in Benue state, President Buhari summoned the leaders of the bereaved people to the Presidential villa, Abuja, rather than complying with the age-long tradition of Africans by visiting the bereaved.

    “No wonder many Nigerians have dismissed the planned visit of President Buhari to these states as cosmetic afterthought. Nigerians have already formed their opinion of him, and rightly so, as a President that has never shown them concern in their time of need”.

  • Today’s suffering caused by PDP’s looting – Oshiomhole

    Today’s suffering caused by PDP’s looting – Oshiomhole

    Former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged enlightened members of the public and the media to always link Nigeria’s recent history to the present when discussing on current hardship in the country.

    Oshiomhole said it was laughable for people to blame the problems of unemployment, economic hardship and herdsmen on the All Progressive Congress (APC) when several editorials written by Nigeria’s newspapers in the past had always harped on such issues.

    The ex-governor said the current economic hardship in the country was the result of the PDP’s looting of funds meant for public welfare.

    Speaking to journalists at his Iyamho country home at the weekend, Oshiomhole said President Buhari cannot rebuild the country overnight.

    He said the daily confession of PDP members on how public funds were looted should tell us that “the armed robbers of yesterday cannot be our option.”

    He said: “All the newspapers editorials written from the days of the PDP were about all these issues you raised. They did not develop yesterday. What was meant for public welfare was stolen by the PDP.

    “These are being revealed everyday. I read them from the pages of the newspaper how much that were stolen by all kinds of ministers, directors and so on. If a house has been emptied like that, don’t you know there will be consequences.

    “Rebuilding Nigeria cannot be an overnight affair. Look at the numbers being thrown up everyday. There are confessions everyday. The enlightened members of the public which the media represent must be able to link the present with the recent past and understand this house cannot be rebuilt overnight. What no one can dispute is the fact that something is being done but the results cannot be a miracle. There are no miracles in a nation’s life, it has to be steady.”

     

  • PDP members defect to APC in Rivers

    PDP members defect to APC in Rivers

    Many members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Omoku, hometown of the Rivers State Chairman of PDP, Chief Felix Obuah.

    A chieftain of the APC, Prof. Henry Arinze Ugboma, who is chief medical director (CMD) of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), receiving the defectors at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, ONELGA (Omoku), on Saturday, promised that APC will produce the governor in 2019.

    He said Governor Nyesom Wike had not shown commitment to development of the state.

    Ugboma, an indigene of Ndoni in ONELGA, where a ex-Governor Peter Odili, also hails from, promised that the 2019 elections will be devoid of violence, killings and rigging.

    The CMD  said: “I am happy I am a member of the APC family. Something different is beginning to happen in ONELGA. The over 100 PDP members that have just joined APC in ONELGA, you will not regret the wise decision. About two years ago, I stood on this ground (the playground of Federal College of Education (FCE), Technical, Omoku) and I declared for the APC. I did not make a mistake joining the APC. Today, my story is different. Your stories shall also be different. Your lives shall change for the better. God shall use you to rewrite the stories of your families. You are not making a mistake by joining the APC. You have taken the golden steps to victory.”

    Speaking with reporters, Ugboma, the chief facilitator of the programme, said that Wike was deceiving Rivers people with his Mr. Project claim.

    He said: “When the Transportation Minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, was governor of Rivers State, the roads that Wike claims to be constructing, were created by him (Amaechi). Wike is just wasting the money of Rivers and cajoling some people to siphon resources of the state. For political reason, Wike is destroying legacies, programmes and capital-intensive projects of Amaechi’s government that can provide employment opportunities for the teeming qualified youths.

    One of the defectors, Mrs. Queen Azubuike, said she and others decided to join the APC, because they were tired of the killings in ONELGA.

  • 2019: PDP plots to unify opposition parties against APC

    2019: PDP plots to unify opposition parties against APC

    •Why Adeniran, Gana others were aggrieved

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged as the arrowhead of a plot to coalesce all opposition parties and groups for the purpose of dislodging the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power in next year’s elections.

    The party is already reaching out to such opposition parties and groups, The Nation gathered authoritatively yesterday.

    Many power brokers across the land are said to be in support of the move.

    “There is not going to be a divided opposition against APC. All opposition parties will coalesce to fight APC in 2019,” a highly placed source familiar with the plan said last night.

    “We have discovered that unless we sink our differences and slug it out with APC, which is a common enemy, we cannot unseat the ruling party or defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019,” the source said.

    The PDP, he added, will not underrate the battle ahead, hence its determination “to reclaim power at the first ballot.”

    Continuing, he said: “There are many talks/ discussions at various levels on the way forward for Nigeria in 2019, especially how to defeat APC.

    “Some of these talks are at the level that people do not think about.”

    Reminded about the exit of some PDP leaders to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the source claimed that the SDP “cannot stand alone.”

    He was confident that the PDP and SDP would “work together at the end of the day. So, we will all end up under the same roof.

    “By the time we come out stronger, the battle would have been half won by the opposition.”

    Meanwhile, fresh facts emerged yesterday on why some founding fathers like Prof. Jerry Gana and Prof. Tunde Adeniran left PDP for SDP.

    A top source in PDP said: “We were aware that they were just aggrieved because their candidate did not win the chairmanship election at the National Convention of our party.

    “They had been in control of the PDP and used to determine its affairs for a long time.

    “They used to be in charge and they could not imagine themselves not calling the shots anymore.

    “We are not bothered because some of those who defected from PDP to SDP have not even won councillorship seat or any election since 1999.

    “They have been living on PDP like parasites. They have benefited from the party and they have dumped the party that has shot up their profile.”

    Ex-Information Minister Jerry Gana and ex-Education Minister Tunde Adeniran are among the first set of PDP stalwarts to quit the PDP for the SDP.

    The rest include  a former Military Administrator of Katsina State, Sen. Joseph Akaagerger; Chief Mike Oghiadhome, who is  a former Chief of Staff to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan; ex-Governor Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State; and ex-Minister of Defence, Dr. Olu Agunloye and a former Deputy Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Dare Emiola.

    Also teaming up with SDP are a former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Junaid Mohammed; Sen. Bassey Ewa Hensaw;  a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olamide Oni; Supo Shonibare (South-West Zonal chairman of SDP), Dipo Olaitan (a former leader of the Alliance for Democracy in the House of Representatives); a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Kehinde Ayoola;  Amb. Yemi Farounbi; leaders of the Middle Belt Forum; Mr. John Dara; the leaders  of the National Intervention Forum led by Dr. Tafawa Balewa; and  Amb Bejide; Shehu Gabam.

    The SDP and the Gana-led team from the PDP on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together.

    Jointly signed by Falae (for SDP) and Prof. Gana (for Movement for a New Political Order), the MoU reads in part: “Whereas on the 12th Day of February 2018, a joint resolution was adopted at Sheraton Hotel Abuja, for working together to ensure the emergence of a new and credible political order to deepen democracy, good governance and genuine development, with peace, security and social justice. The said meeting also unanimously resolved to build:

    1. a) a restructured, balanced equitable and truly functional Nigerian Federation:
    2. b) a humane ,free, self-reliant and democratic society;
    3. c) a dynamic, productive, transformed and sustainable economy;
    4. D) a just, fair, egalitarian and peaceful nation
    5. e) a land of bright and full of opportunities for all Nigerians; and
    6. f) a national culture of raising good leaders through effective mentoring;

    “Whereas, it was also agreed that the proposed movement shall be directed,  driven and defined by such core values as:  1). Justice, fairness, equity and progress;  2). Democracy, good leadership, good governance and sustainable development; 3). Transparency, integrity, truth and honour; 4). Accountability and zero tolerance for corruption; 5). Respect for human dignity, human rights and sanctity of human life;; and 6). Peace, security, harmony,  cooperative solidarity, within the rule of law; and 7). International cooperation for a common humanity within a secure and peaceful order.

    ” Whereas, the movement further resolved to be inspired and motivated by the ideals of social democracy, with great emphasis on:  the triumph of social justice; the  nobility of human dignity; the  harmony of fairness and equality; the power of working together in solidarity; the excellence of good governance, driven by good leadership; the wisdom of reforms and transformation far beyond mere growth; the horror of poverty, demanding eradication; the dignity of prosperity; the imperative of democracy and the security of peace with justice

    “Whereas with due reference to these objectives, core values, and ideals, a Strategy Committee was mandated to search for a suitable, popular, meaningful and widespread platform, with a name that already resonates with the people and to make appropriate recommendations; and

    “Whereas, the Strategic Committee, comprising representatives from all the six geopolitical zones of the Federation, have met  and submitted their report, unanimously recommending the adoption  of  Social Democratic Party(SDP) vehicle by the movement for a new political order:

    “Therefore, we hereby resolutely agree to: (a) Fuse together into one political form; (b) adopt the Social Democratic Party(SDP) as the political vehicle for the fused political formation; (c) Convene a non-elective convention for Saturday, 14th April, 2018; (d) authorize the National Working Committee to serve as the Interim Management Committee until the said convention;  Set up a National Steering Committee of 12 members to guide the Interim Management  Committee during the transition period; Raise a Constitution Review Committee to consider all necessary amendments to the party constitution.”

    Dr. Mohammed, speaking on the arrangement said: “Those involved in SDP are the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Peoples Salvation Party (PSP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and some elements of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was like a merger but we do not want to call it so because the All Progressives Congress (APC) has destroyed the concept of merger.

    “I am an optimist. I believe SDP will make a great impact. The main reason I want to be associated with it is because it is ideologically driven. Even it was not ideologically driven before it has to be ideologically driven.”

    A top source in the SDP said: “The SDP has been approached by the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) which has been founded by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. We are hopeful that our ongoing talks will be fruitful.

    “We share common ideals with the CNM on how to move the nation forward.”

  • I’m still in PDP, says Orubebe

    I’m still in PDP, says Orubebe

    Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has described his rumoured exit from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as false and misleading.

    The former minister, who spoke to our correspondent in Warri, through one of his aides, Ekenwa Akwagbe, said he had no reason to decamp from the PDP.

    If there would ever be any such need, Orubebe said such decision would not be conveyed without him addressing a press conference to inform the world.

    Reports indicated the former minister with two of his former colleagues, had decided to abandon the PDP for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) over alleged hijack of the opposition party by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

    But Orubebe said: “There’s no truth in it, he has said he has not dumped the PDP for any other party, including SDP.

    “If he has any reason to leave the PDP, he’s going to personally address a press conference and not anybody coming on his behalf to write what they have written.

    “What has been published about him decamping from the PDP is both false and misleading, a figment of the writers imagination.”

  • Rann attack: Hold FG accountable, says PDP

    Rann attack: Hold FG accountable, says PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the United Nations (UN) and the international community to hold the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government directly accountable for the deaths of humanitarian workers in Rann, Born State.

    In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party also called for full-scale investigation by independent bodies into circumstances surrounding the alleged compromise by security in flash points as well as alleged release of some arrested insurgents by agents of the Federal Government.

    The opposition party described the incessant killings in the north east as sad and disheartening.

    It blamed the federal government for issuing false security assurances when it claimed to have routed the insurgents, thereby making communities and international aid workers believe a lie.

    The statement reads: “The PDP is pained that defenceless individuals are being mowed down daily by marauders because those vested with the duty to protect them are busy telling them lies and even engaging in acts that embolden their attackers.

    “Nigerians have become weary, despondent and disappointed as insurgents, murderers and marauders rove our land while the Buhari Presidency engaged in cosmetic reactions.

    “We ask: what was the actual security situation in Rann and what was the information available to the community before the attack?

    “What has the Federal Government to say to the allegations that it released some arrested terrorists as well as allegations that monies were even paid by government agents to terrorist groups as ransom in controversial swap deals?

    “These developments are being alleged to have emboldened acts of terrorism in the country”.

    Also, former National Caretaker Chairman of the party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, sympathised with the government and people of Borno over the attacks.

    In a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Mukhtar Sirajo, Makarfi described the attack as cowardly, saying that innocent people were made soft targets, including those engaged in rendering humanitarian services.

    He stressed the need for security agencies to intensify the fight against the insurgency in that part of the country as it had lingered for too long.

    The party chieftain appealed to aid agencies in the country not to be deterred by this incident but be further emboldened by it.

    He said it would send a message to the insurgents that the agencies would not be deterred on their commitment to rendering humanitarian services.

  • PDP to Buhari: Obaseki cannot give you 1.2m votes

    PDP to Buhari: Obaseki cannot give you 1.2m votes

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has told President Mohammed Buhari not to believe the promise by the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, that the state would deliver 1.2 million votes to him in the 2019 general election.

    The party vowed that it would defeat the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the election by securing 65 per cent of the votes.

    The state Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, said the promise of 1.2million votes made by Obaseki was empty and unrealistic.

    He urged President Buhari not to be deceived by the governor’s promise.

    Orbih spoke while addressing PDP youths in Benin City at a conference tagged: “Youth and Leadership: Waking Up The Sleeping Giant.”

    He noted that in the last presidential election conducted under former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the APC secured 45 percent of the votes while the PDP got 56 percent.

    He said: “I listened to governor Obaseki promising Buhari 1.2 million votes in Edo State in the next presidential election. Let me use this opportunity to say the statement by Godwin Obaseki is an empty promise.

    “Godwin Obaseki is a man with a very short memory. In the last presidential election where Buhari was the presidential candidate in Edo State, Edo PDP delivered 56 percent of the votes to Goodluck Jonathan while APC deliver only 45 percent to Buhari and this was under Adams Oshiomhole spending the state funds and they did not defeat us during the presidential election.