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Tag: Tambuwal

  • 2019 Presidency: Tambuwal woos delegates in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Niger

    Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State and presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, today visited Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Niger states to solicit votes of delegates ahead the party’s convention slated for October 5 and 6 in Port Harcourt.

    The governor, who has been visiting major stakeholders in the country and delegates across the states told journalists in Minna that he was satisfied with the conduct of the party’s screening exercise held on Monday, stressing that he has no issue with the venue of the convention as well.

    He said “I have no fixation about venue of our party’s convention. It could be here in Minna or anywhere else in Nigeria. What is important is for the party to consider a venue that will be convenient for delegates and observers. We as aspirants can only be consulted as stakeholders in the process, but the decision is that of the party leadership.”

    In Asaba, Tambuwal told delegates that arms and ammunition cannot secure the nation if the rate of unemployment is unchecked.

    In Yenagoa he said challenges gives nation its authenticity, urging the delegates and Nigerians to stand together with him in order to usher in a new type of leadership that will be people-oriented.

    “There is no great Nation that did not face challenges on its path to greatness. The effort gives a nation its authenticity and affirms its right to stand tall in the comity of Nations. Come, let us stand together to usher in a new type of leadership for Nigeria”

    Tambuwal in Port Harcourt told delegates that the Niger Delta question must be resolved, environmental pollution addressed and the people helped to fulfil their full potentials.

  • 2019: PDP is now on the right track – Tambuwal

    Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambwal on Tuesday declared that the People’s Democratic Party is on the right track in providing quality leadership for the nation.

    He acknowledged that he left the PDP because of impunity, clear issues of misgovernance and lack of respect for the tenet of democratic principles adding that he had since discovered that the issue of bad governance is worse in the ruling All Progressive Party (APC).

    Speaking to newsmen after addressing the Peoples Democratic Party PDP delegates to the forthcoming national convention of the party at the PDP Secretariat in Minna, Tambuwal said, ” there were issues of mis-governance that borders on tenets of democracy, in the course of time we began to see clearly that the bad leadership issues in the PDP are rearing their heads in the APC

    “However, the PDP on its part started coming together to reform itself so we see a better PDP than the APC and that is why we left APC.”

    The Presidential Hopeful said his decision to seek for the presidency of the country “is in national interest and a personal sacrifice. I had the opportunity to retain my seat in the APC in Sokoto state but I decided to sacrifice this because the country needs fixing.”

    He then declared that he will convincingly beat President Buhari if he is fielded by the party for the 2019 polls stressing that he had all the advantages to defeat Buhari.

    Read Also: Saraki, Kwara guber aspirants meet in Ilorin

    Tambuwal urged the delegates to vote for a Candidate with experience and capacity in order to bring the much desired change Nigerians are yearning for as there is chaos currently in the country due to vision less leadership.

    Speaking on the state of the nation, the Presidential aspirant said Nigeria is currently in chaos and it requires the collective responsibility of all leaders to come together in order to salvage the Country from crashing as it apparent that the Nation is in grave danger adding that the Country is greatly endowed but lack visionary leadership to harness its abundant resources for the benefit of the vast majority account for the poverty ravaging the country.

    “It is our collective responsibility as leaders to come together to rescue our Nation from disintegration.”

  • PDP screens Atiku, Turaki, Tambuwal, Saraki, Lamido, Bafarawa, others

    •Aspirants uncomfortable with Port Harcourt
    •Two aspirants present no educational certificates

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday screened most of its presidential aspirants. There was drama over the fate of two.

    The two could not present evidence of their educational certificates before the panel.

    The development led to a little disagreement between the screening committee chairman, former Vice President Namadi Sambo and other members.

    Some members wanted instant disqualification of the two (who are from the Northwest), Sambo exercised caution with a caveat that the party will know how best to handle those without educational certificates.

    Also yesterday, most of the aspirants were uncomfortable with the choice of Port Harcourt for the National Convention, following alleged undue interest of Governor Nyesom Wike in one of them.

    Those who appeared before the committee are: ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar; a former National Chairman of PDP, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi; former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki; Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Senate President Bukola Saraki; former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa.

    Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dakwambo were yet to be screened as at press time.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The screening committee headed by Sambo, with the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel as Secretary, interacted with most of the aspirants.

    “They were basically asked questions on their educational qualifications, background, their professional callings, party membership, records of conviction by a court of law, and why they are in the presidential race.

    “All these questions border on the requirements for the Office of the President as enshrined in 1999 Constitution.

    “It was indeed revealing sessions with some of the aspirants who are more than qualified for the Office of the President.”

    But the source admitted that two of the aspirants did not measure up to expectations.

    The source added: “These two aspirants could not present their educational certificates to the Sambo panel.

    “Their deficiencies caused a little disagreement at the committee level. Some members of the screening committee wanted the affected aspirants from the Northwest disqualified, but Sambo called for caution and wanted their fate left to the PDP to decide.

    “At the end of the day, the committee will submit a comprehensive report to the National Secretariat of PDP to consider.”

    A spokesman of one of the aspirants, who spoke in confidence, confirmed the screening of some of the aspirants.

    The spokesman said: “Yes, our candidate appeared before the screening committee. It is part of the due process being followed by the party. It is only those who are no longer interested in the race that might not show up for the screening.”

    Some of the aspirants protested over the choice of Port Harcourt as the venue of the National Convention of PDP.

    One of the aspirants had barely arrived for the screening when he told his colleagues as follows: “I have been warning all of you, the choice of Port Harcourt is not ideal. Governor Nyesom Wike will take total control and he will crown whoever he likes. It is becoming obvious now.”

    Another presidential aspirant said: “The truth is that many of us are uncomfortable with Port Harcourt at all. The ticket would have been decided and conceded to Wike’s favourite before we get to the venue.

    “Some of us have protested to PDP leaders against the venue which will not guarantee a level-playing field.”

     

  • 2019: Tambuwal appoints Ikechukwu as spokesperson

    Sokoto State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant Aminu Tambuwal yesterday appointed Dr. Okey Ikechukwu as the spokesperson and head of Media and Strategic Communications for his 2019 presidential campaign.

    Ikechukwu is charged with overseeing media contents and output related to the Tambuwal Presidential Project as well as being its official media face and voice.

    The philosopher and public communications expert with rich and wide experience in youth mentoring, political campaigns and media management is to oversee every aspect of the campaign that would impact on the profile, general perception and Tambuwal’s branding as a presidential candidate.

    Ikechukwu is an experienced public and security communications expert, leadership and governance consultant, public speaker, trainer and life coach.

    He has held senior positions in the public and private sectors at the highest levels, led foreign delegations on behalf of the Federal Government, held board positions and chaired government’s reform committees and other initiatives.

    He was, at various times, lecturer, Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos, Chairman Editorial Board and Editorial Page Editor of The Comet Newspapers, member, and later Acting Chairman, Editorial Board and Editorial Page Editor of The Guardian.

    He was also a member of Daily Trust Newspapers Editorial Board and Chief of Staff/Special Assistant to Minister of Information and National Orientation.

  • Tambuwal pledges to tackle ‘lack of transparency’ in NNPC

    PEOPLE’S Democratic Party (PDP) 2019 presidential aspirant and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has pledged to tackle what he  described as “secrecy, lack of transparency and impunity” in the manner Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) handles the country’s oil earnings.

    He said the NNPC has constituted itself into a government of its own and operates as if it was not accountable to anyone.

    “The states are continually shortchanged by the Federal Government and NNPC. But all that will change when I’m elected president because I will take on the issues of secrecy in NNPC accounting system and ensure that there is transparency, fiscal discipline so that Nigerians know the true state of things in the corporation’s operations in terms of the revenue accruable to the nation,” Tambuwal was quoted as saying in a statement issued at the weekend in Calabar, Cross River State.

    The aspirant spoke while visiting Governor Ben Ayade as part of his nationwide consultations over his aspiration to win the PDP ticket in its presidential primary.

    Promising his readiness to ensure that power is devolved more to the states, Tambuwal, in the statement by his media office, said: “The issue of reviewing revenue allocation formula is key to the development of the nation. The states need more funding in order to bring more meaningful development to the people across the nation. So, we will work hard to do this by making sure that the states get their fair share of allocation.”

    He promised that should he be elected president, “by the Grace of God, I guarantee that we shall assemble team of competent Nigerians from all parts of the Federation to serve our fatherland and also go out there and restore our dignity in the comity of nations”.

    Ayade hailed Tambuwal for his “humility and strength of character”, which, he said, work for him and endear him to people across ethnic, religious, political and social divides.

    The governor said should Tambuwal address the accounting NNPC problems, “he must have solved 60 per cent of Nigeria’s problems”.

  • 2019 presidency: Tambuwal has my blessings – Babangida 

    Former military president, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has said that Sokoto governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has his blessings in his aspiration for the 2019 presidential election.
    Babangida said this when he hosted Tambuwal and his team at his Hilltop residence in Minna on Saturday.
    He said Tambuwal is a grounded politician who understands the challenges of the country and has the potentials to fix them.
    The former leader lauded Tambuwal for promoting peace, rule of law and unity during his reign as Speaker of House of Representatives.
    “I am very proud that you belong to the generation that want to keep Nigeria as one. You have a good team to keep that.
    I have no doubt that Nigerians will give you the opportunity to put these good ideas for the good of the country..
    You know the country, you understand the challenges of the country. I trust you will work base on your conviction for this country.
    You have my blessings and I will keep monitoring to ensure you don’t deviate,” Babangida said.
    Tambuwal said he was in Minna as part of his nationwide consultation to seek the blessings of the former leader.
    He said IBB and others fought to keep Nigeria as one but that it is unfortunate that the country is now divided along ethnic and religious lines. He promised to serve as a bridge and a unifier when elected as the president.
    “Mr President Sir , we are here also to drink from your fountain of knowledge and experience and to consult you on this all important mission of not only securing the flag of our party the PDP in the 2019 Presidential election but also eventually by the grace of God getting elected as the president of this great country.
    The former Speaker of House of Representatives vowed that he will assemble the best brains to turn around the economy of the country and restore the confidence of Nigerians in the government.
    He also pledged to ensure devolution of powers to states, so that among other things, funds are available to states to carry out meaningful projects.
    “I believe in the devolution of power to state. We will ensure states get more fundings for them to be able to carry out meaningful projects in their domain,” he said.

  • I am well-prepared to provide 21st century leadership — Tambuwal

    The governor of Sokoto state and a frontline presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said that he is well-prepared to provide the 21st century and dynamic leadership that Nigeria and Nigerians deserve.

    He disclosed this during his engagement with delegates of PDP in Ekiti state as part of his nationwide consultations.

    The former speaker of the House of Representatives who solicited for the support of the delegates at the forthcoming national convention of the party, said that his past leadership positions have prepared him for a time like this when Nigerians are clamouring for a dynamic leader that can save them from the hardship inflicted on them by the current government.

    “I am well-prepared to provide that 21st century and dynamic leadership that Nigeria needs today. I can assure you that we will assemble the best brains irrespective of tribe, religion to take our country out of its present woes. There will be security of lives and properties as we will deplore technology and stop guess work. I am a lawyer by profession. I am also a life bencher so I understand the judiciary. I am a former minority leader, deputy chief whip and speaker of the House of Representatives so I have a good understanding of the legislature. By the grace of God, I am the executive governor of Sokoto state as at today,” he said.

    Tambuwal said Nigeria needs a leader that can unite the country and bring about development.

    Ekiti state governor and the chairman of the PDP governors’ forum, Ayo Fayose said Tambuwal possess the qualities needed for leadership, adding that he has distinguished himself as a true Nigerian who will care for all.

    Fayose said the delegates from the state will speak with one voice at the convention and vote for the best candidate that can liberate Nigerians from the failure of the All Progressives Congress-led government.

    On his part, the chairman of PDP in Ekiti state, Gboyega Oguntuase rallied support for Tambuwal, stressing that Nigeria needs a cosmopolitan leader at a time he claimed the unity of the country is threatened.

    “When you have a monstrous leader, who have violated human rights, disobey rule of law, you start looking for an exposed, experienced individual who understands the content of the constitution of Nigeria like Aminu Tambuwal.  When you have an ethnic jingoist and a religious bigot that has led to a general state of insecurity, you need a cosmopolitan person like Tambuwal,” he said.

    Tambuwal who was also well-received by delegates in Ondo state assured them that he will tackle the issue of herders-farmers clashes and ensure that leaders of thought and representatives of the people are carried along in policies formulation and implementation.

  • Tambuwal storms Ekiti, promises dynamic leadership

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal on Friday stormed Ekiti State to woo the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) delegates in the Fountain of Knowledge ahead of the October 6 presidential primary.

    Tambuwal, who is a PDP presidential aspirant, promised to give Nigeria dynamic and quality leadership if he wins the party’s ticket and the
    presidential election.

    The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said he has what it 1takes to preside over the affairs of a complex country like Nigeria
    given his pedigree and experience both in the legislature and executive.

    Tambuwal said he was motivated to join the presidential race because of what he called the “poor performance” of President Muhammadu Buhari whom he accused of presiding over a divided Nigeria.

    He promised to accede to the demands of Nigerians who are demanding the restructuring of the country to allow for the practice of true
    federalism and correct the alleged lopsidedness in sharing of resources and political offices.

    The aspirant urged the party members and the electorate to elect a “pan-Nigeria President” in the 2019 general elections saying an ethnic
    jingoist and a religious bigot is not suitable for the nation’s top job.

    He also urged leaders and members of PDP not to be discouraged by what he called “the oppression and humiliation being unleashed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.

    The Sokoto governor commended Fayose saying “if not for people like him (Fayose), the PDP would not have been where it is today because
    Governor Fayose has fought hard to reposition the party in Ekiti and at national levels.”

    Tambuwal said: “The focus of every Nigerian in 2019 is to vote for a President that is Pan-Nigerian; a man who is not an ethnic jingoist or
    religious bigot.

    “We are all aware that the present government is desperate to perpetuate itself in power. They are ready to do those things outside the laws of the land to remain in power. That was why they have been harassing leaders like Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    “You must try and give the PDP flag to someone who believes in the unification of this country, someone who has traversed the length and
    breadth of this nation; Someone who has moved from Maiduguri to Lagos, from Port Harcourt to Sokoto and from the East to the extreme North as a private person.

    “As the former Deputy Minority Whip, Minority Leader and Speaker in the House of Representatives, I have an idea about the geographical
    configuration of this nation, so I am in good position to respect individual rights.

    “I will not be that President that will shut the doors against restructuring, I will even facilitate debate that will quickly enhance true and proper fiscal federalism. As a leader, it is not good for you to impose your will on the people, you must allow diverse opinions based on our religious and ethnic diversity.

    “As a President, I will respect the Rule of Law. I won’t be a President that would say National security is higher the rights of individuals. I will ensure we have peace across the nation through enhanced technology to build security architecture that will protect Nigerians.”

    Responding, Fayose said Nigeria needs a vibrant and youthful President to tackle the various challenges threatening its corporate existence noting that Tambuwal represents the youthful generation.

    Fayose described the APC-led Federal Government as a ‘monster’ that was only allegedly interested in oppressing people with power, rather
    than transforming their lives.

    The Ekiti governor lambasted the federal government for allegedly excluding Ekiti from benefiting from N2.5 million Budget support and
    N11 billion Paris Club Funds released to some states recently, alluding to such as anti-democratic and against the principles of federation.

    He charged the PDP presidential hopeful to campaign for the PDP the way he did in 2015 for President Buhari.

    Fayose said: “You (Tambuwal) were one of those who repackaged President Buhari in 2015 and ensured he won the presidential election.
    You must make sure you do same in the 2019 election.

    “Everyone knows that we need a youthful President with energy. Someone who can see Nigeria as one indivisible entity, not a tribalist and religious bigot. The treasure of any man is his vitality, which would make him work harder to deliver his people from poverty.

    “Look at what they did now, they excluded Ekiti from N11.6b Paris Club and N2.5b budget support fund I would have used to pay the backlog of salaries.

    “I want to appeal to all workers to ensure that the money is not diverted. They should ensure that it was used to pay their salaries the way I would have loved to do.

    “So, in selecting the presidential candidate for our party, Ekiti delegates will vote wisely. We will vote for a president we can trust and the one that will see all Nigerians as one.”

  • Dickson’s role in Jonathan becoming acting president, by Tambuwal

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal yesterday gave insight into how former President Goodluck Jonathan became Acting President.

    He said Governor Seriake Dickson approached him following ex-President Umaru Yar’Adua’s incapacitation in 2010 to work out the process culminating in Jonathan becoming acting president.

    A statement by Dickson’s Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, said Tambuwal spoke during a condolence visit to Dickson’s home in Toru Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area.

    Tambuwal said Dickson persuaded him to accept the plan to elevate Jonathan in the interest of national unity, which he obliged as ex-leader of Northwest caucus in the House of Representatives.

    According to him, the former House members  drafted the document that paved the way for Jonathan to become acting president.

    He stressed that Dickson as a federal lawmaker played several major roles in stabilizsing the country.

    He said: “God has elevated you to become Attorney General òf Bayelsa, then a member of the National Assembly and now Governor of Bayelsa State. And even in the National Assembly, you played several major roles that helped to stabilize this great country.

    “I remember very well when we had to collaborate with you and work with you to ensure that our dear brother and leader, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was made the Acting President of the Federal Republic òf Nigeria.

    “To those of you who may not be aware, my brother and friend approached me being the leader of the North West caucus and say my brother, we have to do this in the national interest and I agreed with him. And both of us agreed and drafted that resolution that made Goodluck Jonathan the acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “So it is not today that my brother Dickson and I have been working to stabilize this country. You are a great son of the country, you are a great son of this community, you are a great son of the Federal Republic òf Nigeria.”

    The Sokoto State governor said the late Mrs. Goldcoast lived well and left behind great legacies as represented by the governor, his exemplary performance in governance and his siblings.

    Dickson said he and his Sokoto counterpart had years of productive collaboration in building bridges and strengthening the unity of Nigeria.

    He thanked Tambuwal for the show of solidarity, the honour and the sacrifice of visiting his country home despite his tight schedule.

    The Bayelsa governor restated the decision of the Dickson family to establish a cancer centre in honour of his late mother to prevent avoidable deaths from the disease.

    Dickson, who described Tambuwal as an illustrious son showing interest to rule the country, noted that the only way to halt the ravages of cancer is regular screening, early detection and treatment.

  • 2019: Sokoto PDP threatened as Tambuwal, Bafarawa differ on succession, leadership

    There are indications that the battle for Sokoto State governorship candidature within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is likely to tear incumbent Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and former Governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa apart.

    Either way, the battle for political relevance in the caliphate’s PDP may threaten the chances of the party due to the uncompromising interests of the two sides over succession and party leadership.

    For the opposition APC in the state, which is tactically putting its act together, it is a welcome drama that portends signs of victory.

    The two forces, who are both aspiring for the office of the president, seem not to be on the same page on the choice of governorship candidate and party leadership, it was learnt.

    Coming from the same state, both have picked nomination forms for the presidential race and there seems to be no sign of concession in sight.

    A source within the party also hinted that Governor Tambuwal has two battles to face at the state and national level.

    “While he is contending with the burden of  shopping for a successor in the state, the immediate past HoRs Speaker is also having it tough making an inroad for the PDP presidential ticket at the top level.”

    Tambuwal is said to be working towards anointing his immediate past Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Alhaji Mannir Dan Iya.

    Besides, the governor had, long before his defection to PDP, been known to favour his immediate past Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Sa’idu Umar, as his possible successor. But close to his defection, the name of Senator Abdullahi Danbaba Dambuwa, who also moved to PDP, became the chorus as possible candidate.

    Similarly, the governor has began to move for the change of party leadership in the state with the likely choice of Alhaji Mukhtari Maigona, who recently defected to PDP, as substitute for incumbent Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, who has occupied the position for over 4 years after leaving the Democratic Peoples Party(DPP).

    However, Bafarawa is said to have kicked against the alleged move by Tambuwal to change Milgoma who hitherto, had been on same track with the former governor since the ANPP days.

    Milgoma, it will be recalled, has never separated from Bafarawa, as he is clipped to the direction and vision of the former governor, who is his benefactor.

    “As I speak with you, Tambuwal is seeking consensus on the issue of presidential ticket by requesting Bafarawa to give him a chance, but the former governor is not giving in,” the source said.