The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Peoples Redemption Party

  • Ex-Bank MD Bello replaces Balarabe as PRP chair

    A former Managing Director of the Bank of the North Alhaji Falalu Bello has been elected as National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)

    He replaces long-standing chairman Alhaji Balarabe Musa.

    The Second Republic Governor of Kaduna State at the weekend stepped down on account of age and failing health. Musa is 82.

    Bello was elected at the party’s national delegates conference in Kaduna.

    The communique of the conference also announced the election of Babatunde Alli as national secretary.

    It said: “Conference received with standing ovation the inaugural speech of new National Chairman, Falalu Bello on the reinvigorated PRP focused on service to the people, committed to addressing poverty, inequality and good governance as a continuation of the party’s historic mission of emancipation.

    Musawas appointed as chairman of the 19-member Board of Trustees (BoT) with Richard Umaru as secretary.

    Conference mandated the newly elected NEC to fill existing vacancies along the lines forwarded by its 54th meeting of August 31st, 2018.

    The delegates also asked NEC to draw up guidelines on how to pick candidates for the 2019 general election.

    Members of the BoT include Ango Abdullahi (North West), Bashir Magashi (North West), Lawan Batagarawa (North West), Datti Malumfashi (North West), Mustafa Bello (North Central) and Setly Dadzie (North Central).

    Others are Ibrahim Usman (North East), Ali Mala (North East), Philip Afanmuo (South East), Segun Falope (South West), Laoye Sanda (South West), and Odidi (South South).

    The conference also mandated NEC to confirm the remaining members representing the six geo-political zones to ensure each zone has a full complement of at least three members.

    “Conference saluted Malam Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa and gave him a standing ovation for his steadfastness in keeping the PRP spirit alive despite all challenges over the years,” the communique stated.

  • Balarabe Musa bows out as PRP national leader over failing health 

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP),Alhaji  Balarabe Musa, yesterday announced his intention  to step down for a younger person on account of his failing health.

    Musa, 82, last month broke the news at the 54th meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Kaduna.

    But the Second Republic governor of the old Kaduna State said he would always remain in the PRP.

    “Due to declining energy and failing health, it has become necessary for me to vacate the seat for younger and fresher blood,” he said.

    The outgoing chairman, however, pointed out that his successor would not just be a young man in age, but someone who is “robustly and combatively committed to all the ideals that our party, the PRP, has always stood for.”

    He promised to be always “available for  party assignments within the limits of my fading energy and failing health.”

    He thanked party men for all the support they have given to him over the years, pleading that they “should render the same support to my successor. There is work to be done and all hands must be on deck.”

     

  • Balarabe, Makarfi, others react to Buhari’s decision to seek re-election

    Some Nigerians have welcomed the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to seek re-election in 2019, saying it was a good decision, as it would help consolidate the gains recorded by his administration, if re-elected.

    However, some members of the opposition political parties said in separate interviews with the News men in Sokoto and Kaduna that the President won’ t find it easy going for second term.

    Alhaji Sidi Ali, Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Sokoto State, said, “Buhari has all it takes to re-contest and the decision is a welcome development.

    “He is governing well and has the capacity to continue with the good work, and I am sure more good transformations will happen in the country, if he is re-elected.”

    Malam Kasimu Chiyama, Chairman Dadin Kowa Youth Association in Kwannawa, Sokoto state expressed joy over the announcement.

    “We will support him fully because he is the only candidate that has been good to Nigerians.”

    Two Sokoto residents, Hajia Hauwa’u Magode and Abdullahi Maiyogot expressed excitement over President Buhari’s position and prayed Allah to continue to guide him.

    However, Mr Samson Samuel, a student, faulted the decision, saying the President should consider his age and health status.

    “The APC will surely make a mistake by nominating Buhari to re-contest.

    “Buhari is a good leader but in recognition of his age and health status he should have rested, as he had spent most time during this tenure on medical treatment abroad.”

    Read Also: Buhari secure soft landing for Oyegun, others

    Also, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former Governor of Kaduna State welcomed the declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari to seek re-election in 2019.

    Musa, a chieftain of the Peoples Redemption Party ( PRP ) said in a telephone interview that his party would, however, come up with a strong candidate to challenge Buhari in the elections.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari is welcome on board, but we want to assure Nigerians that the PRP has a presidential candidate to field in the 2019 general elections,” he said

    Similarly, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, former National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the People Democratic Party ( PDP ), said in a text message that: “It’s no news that he is contesting, it would have been news if he had announced the opposite.”

    The Sokoto state Secretary of PDP, Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu, said Nigerians should vote out the APC or prepare for “another four years of hunger.”

    “Buhari’s age and health condition are all in Allah’s hand, but what is more of concern is good governance and ability to transform the country better.

    “Nigerians should vote PDP to avoid continuous hunger and maladministration that subject people to hardships,” Aliyu said.

    President Buhari had announced his intention to go for second term at the National Executive Council meeting of APC held in Abuja.

    NAN

  • Kano political associates eulogizes late Abubakar Rimi’s achievements

    Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State on Wednesday poured encomium on the first civilian governor of Kano state, the late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, eight years after his death describing him as a democrat and leader with foresight and sincerity of purpose for the emancipation of the common man (Talakawa) and Kano state.

    Ganduje who addressed a mammoth crowd of Rimi’s disciples and political associates who thronged Coronation Hall, Kano Government House to celebrate the late astute politician, said the history of Kano politics would not be complete without the footprints of Rimi.

    The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Usman Alhaji during a programme tagged “Kano State Commemorates The Achievements Of The First Civilian Governor,” organized by Kano state government in collaboration with the Committee of friends and supporters of Rimi, further stated that, ”Rimi came to a lime light when he contested and won the governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) which can be seen as a replica of the present All Progressive Congress (APC).”

    According to him, “the giant strides made by this worthy son of Kano with members of his cabinet in all facets of human life became a role model for us to emulate. His dynamism was attested to by his ability to work with individuals and groups that were even opposed to the PRP ideals, but who were capable of contributing to the development of Kano.

    “This event is one way of preserving his legacies and acknowledging the historical role he played as an ideological yet practical politician, astute administrator, a prudent manager of resources and a visionary leader.”

    Ganduje further noted that, “Rimi who served between 1979 -1983 was a pioneering legend who made tremendous achievements in areas such as made literacy programme through the agency for mass education, the science and technical school board, the primary education board, Kano State environmental protection board, rural electrification board, the city television, kasco among many others.

    “Rimi, also is being remembered for his ability to chart a course towards driving Kano to becoming a self reliant state so that it would stop relying on handouts from the Federal Government through an aggressive agricultural development policy and commercial activities transformation through the creation of Kano State Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO) and Kano Agricultural Development Authority (KNARDA).

    “These agencies, worked towards developing agricultural production through the provision of high yielding seeds, fertilizer, chemicals and pesticides and above all, a comprehensive and community based extension services to farmers.”

    In his remarks, the former Governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Sule Lamido said that, “today anybody in Nigeria, either civil servant– from ordinary messenger to the Permanent Secretary; from the President down to the governors and council chairmen has all got their freedom for
    democracy from the legacies of Peoples’ Redemption Party (PRP) and Northern Element Progressive Union (NEPU) which late Rimi lived to promote.”

    Lamido added that, “if our politicians are failure, they know and if they are performing they also know,” adding that he was happy that NEPU and PRP had cleared all forms of nepotism and made people to be human
    being with honour and pride.”

    In appreciation, Rimi’s first son, Muhammad Abubakar Rimi (Jnr) hailed Kano state government, Kano people and friends of Rimi for honouring his father and promised to continue with his good legacies.

    Among dignitaries who graced the occasion include first class traditional rulers, top politicians, business men, bureaucrats, including commoners who believe in Rimi’s political ideology.

  • Coalition is ploy to gain relevance, says PRP

    Coalition is ploy to gain relevance, says PRP

    The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has described the launched coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) as a political gimmick by old politicians to gain relevance.

    The coalition is the brainchild of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    The party urged patriotic Nigerians not to embrace it, adding that the old politicians want to use it to come to power through the backdoor.

    The interim Chairman of the party in Kwara State, Prof Mahmud Aliyu, told reporters in Ilorin, the state that both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lacked have ideologies.

    Prof Aliyu added that “it is only PRP that can salvage Nigeria from its current economic, social and political challenges.”

    He said the emergence of new generation of leaders is the antidote to the country’s woes, adding that the clamour for restructuring in many quarters is misplaced.

    According to the retired Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) teacher, what Nigeria needs now is good governance and not restructuring.

    Said he: “PRP remains the Nigeria’s option to take the country to the Promised Land. Let us free this country from the crutches of internal colonialism and local imperialism.

    “The challenge before all true Nigerian patriots, therefore, is to rededicate ourselves to the goal of promoting the indivisible unity, the unfettered progress and the democratic rebirth of the Nigerian federation.

    “This requires personal and collective sacrifices, as well as the development of the organizational structures that are essential for the delivery of these ideals. PRP is pledged to provide the platform and the leadership in developing exactly these structures and in delivering these ideals.

    Aliyu added: “Nothing is changing and nothing will change with the crop of people at the helms of affairs of this country presently. Genuine change will be brought by Almighty God come 2019. All we are seeing now is merely cosmetic change.”

  • 30 political parties to participate in Ondo guber poll

    30 political parties to participate in Ondo guber poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Tuesday announced that thirty political parties will participate in the November 26, governorship election in Ondo State.

    It also informed that it has put in another arrangement to ensure smooth accreditation and voting process during the poll.

    This it said would reduce the rigorous process being experienced by the commission during the poll.

    The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Olusegun Agbaje disclosed at a press conference held in Akure, the state capital.

    Agbaje said all parties intended to participate in the contest have concluded their primaries as at on Monday.

    The REC listed the parties as Alliance for Democracy, (AD), Social Democratic Party,( SDP), People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), African People Alliance, (APA), Peoples Redemption Party, (PRP), All Progressives Congress, (APC) and Labour Party,( LP).

    It also include Citizens Popular Party,( CPP), People’s Party of Nigeria, (PPN) ,Democratic People’s Party, (DPP), Democratic People’s Congress, (DPC), New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP), Hope Democratic Party,( HDP), National Unity Party, (NUP), and Better Nigeria Progressive Party,( BNPP).

    Others were: Young Democratic Party, (YDP), Accord Party, (AP), All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), Progressive Peoples Alliance, (PPA), African Democratic Congress, (ADC), Action Alliance,( AA) , Unity of Nigeria (UPN), KOWA Party, (KP), People for Democratic Change (PDC), Independent Democrats, (ID), Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), National Conscience Party, (NCP, United Democratic Party,(UDP), United Progressive Party,( UPP) and Advanced Congress of Democrats, (ACD).

    Agbaje who appreciated the peaceful conduct of political parties during their primaries, noted that the standard of the conduct exhibited will benefit the deepening of democracy in the state.

    His words: Going by the scheduled election timetable, the party campaigns for the election have taken off and open politicking is gathering momentum.

    “On this note, I wish to appeal to the political parties and politicians/ contestants to exercise restraint in their pronouncements and avoid getting involved in verbal wars and inflammatory comments capable of igniting political tension and provoking rancour that could threaten the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

    “The current political campaigns should record a significant improvement. It should be violent -free, issue-based, enriching and peaceful. It is my belief that a peaceful campaign exercise is a likely harbinger to the conduct of a peaceful election.”

    Agbaje, however, assured the stakeholders the readiness of the Commission to conduct a peaceful, transparent and credible and conclusive governorship election in the state.