The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tinubu

  • ‘Tinubu’s democratic credentials superb’

    ‘Tinubu’s democratic credentials superb’

    A close associate of the winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Alhaji Sufianu Kazeem, popularly called Su-Kazeem, has hailed the democratic credentials of President Bola Tinubu.

    Kazeem, who is chairman and chief executive officer of Sukazeem Property Company, praised the interventions of President Tinubu in Rivers and Ondo crisis, describing them as courageous.

    According to him, the steps taken by Tinubu are ‘the most appropriate constitutional solutions that will ensure the lingering crisis is resolved’. He added that the country is experiencing a new dimension of democratic governance, which is the standard in all developed countries.

    Kazeem said President Tinubu has shown himself ‘a true democrat going by his resolve to ensure peace in the country’. He described the intervention as ‘timely’.

    Read Also: Be patient with Tinubu, economy will be better, says Abia governor

     He said: “People of the affected states and governance have suffered in the past few months. I urge Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to know that peace before war is better than peace after war.

    “I also call on stakeholders to refocus on their primary responsibilities; no personal ambition should overshadow governance and service delivery to the people.”

    Kazeem, however, berated leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its comment and position on the efforts of President Tinubu, saying it was ‘unpatriotic’.

  • Tinubu celebrates scion of Murtala Muhammed’s family, Dr Aisha at 60

    Tinubu celebrates scion of Murtala Muhammed’s family, Dr Aisha at 60

    President Bola Tinubu has celebrated a Nigerian lawyer, philanthropist and scion of late General Murtala Muhammed’s family, Dr Aisha Muhammad-Oyebode, as she clocks 60 years on earth. 

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu acknowledged the fact that Dr Muhammad-Oyebode has continued to reflect the fine values of her late father, former military Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed.

    He said: “President Bola Tinubu sends his felicitations to Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode as she marks her 60th birthday.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Ganduje at 74

    “President Tinubu celebrates Dr. Aisha for reaching the milestone age and for her notable contributions in the fields of law, humanitarian work, academia, and public service. 

    “Recalling the shining leadership examples of the late General Murtala Muhammed, the President remarks that Dr. Aisha, the daughter of the great leader, has lived and upheld the fine values of her pedigree with her life’s journey of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. 

    “While wishing Dr. Aisha many more years in good health, President Tinubu thanks the foremost advocate for her dedication to the service of Nigeria.”

  • Tinubu celebrates Oodu’a Investment’s chair, Ashiru at 60

    Tinubu celebrates Oodu’a Investment’s chair, Ashiru at 60

    President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, the chairman of Oodu’a Investment Company Limited, a conglomerate owned by the governments of southwest states, as he turns 60 years old.

    President Tinubu’s message to Otunba Ashiru was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Monday, December 25.

    The president commended Otunba Ashiru for his significant contributions to the private sector and public service, extolling him as a quintessential gentleman, a bridge builder, and an advocate of economic development.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Ganduje at 74

    Highlighting the dexterous efforts of the former Stanbic IBTC Bank Director and former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, President Tinubu recalled that Otunba Ashiru’s tenacity, innovative thinking, and relentless drive made him Commissioner of the year during his time in office and that he continued to distinguish himself even in his position as Chairman of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited, a role that has further demonstrated his vision and foresight.

    He said: “While wishing Otunba Ashiru peace and happiness, the President acknowledges the deep impact the exceptional administrator has had on the growth and development of businesses and the private sector in Nigeria at large. 

    “President Tinubu prays that this year and the ones to come will bring Otunba Ashiru and his family tremendous joy and every good thing in life that they desire.”

  • Kukah to Tinubu: use your wealth of experience to unite Nigerians, end insecurity

    Kukah to Tinubu: use your wealth of experience to unite Nigerians, end insecurity

    Mathew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has urged President Bola Tinubu to use his wealth of experience to end the ugly “instrumentalisation of religious, ethnic or regional identities” in the country.

    Kukah, who stated this while delivering his Christmas message in Sokoto on Monday, December 25, also said that palliatives would not resolve Nigeria’s problems, describing the problems as deep and structural.

    The message tagged ‘Time to Reclaim Nigeria’s Greatness,’ touched on unity, nation-building, insecurity, politics, among others.

    He also appealed to Nigerians to continue to have faith in the country and be hopeful.

    Kukah said: “Now, the government must devise strategies for achieving reconciliation, which has eluded us. Our injuries are not invisible. Many national conferences have been held to chart a way forward. The trove of grievances and hopes is there, and all the government needs to do is to dust them up. No need to reinvent the wheel or attempt some new diagnosis.

    “Mr. President, Sir, congratulations and a happy Christmas. Now, you have what you prayed for, what you dreamt of, what you longed for. For the better part of over 20 years, you have plotted to be our President. For years, you campaigned for a new Nigeria through restructuring or overhauling the defective machinery of the Nigerian state.

    “For years, you fought the military and other forms of dictatorships. For years, you fought for the victims of a deep state. For years, you sought to create an egalitarian society. For years, you sought a just society. For years, you have built networks with individuals, communities, and institutions. Now is harvest time.

    “You are in the driving seat now. Under your watch, Nigeria must turn the corner. Under your watch, we must end the ugly instrumentalisation of religious, ethnic, or regional identities. You have had enough time to think of the answers to many questions that are crying for answers. Your future and that of our country is in your hands.

    He further stated: “Mr President, you have no excuses before God or the people of Nigeria. Neither God nor history will forgive you if you fail. This is our moment, our date with history. Now, all eyes and ears are on you. Our prayers for a united country are with you.

    “We have seen the first faltering steps of policy decisions, which have elicited a mixture of controversy, anxiety, and praise. This is to be expected. You have promised us a Renewed Hope Agenda, but know that hope has worn thin in our dear nation.

    “Nigerians have almost lost hope in the fact that a government can really and truly care for them. Nigerians have lost hope in the fact that our politicians will put our interests first and find a way to deal with the cancer of corruption. We had lost hope in being united again, given the seeds of division that had been sown. Ignite our hope again, Sir.

    “We now have seen some renewed hope in your effort to run an inclusive government. We want an end to partisanship. The problems of Nigeria are deep-seated, and they are based on a culture of corruption that has become the foundation stone of governance. This evil structure has to be dismantled.

    “Palliatives will not resolve Nigeria’s problems. The problems are deep and structural. Please do not be afraid to reset the template of power, regardless of the cultural or historical myths. We are tired of promises and stories. We want evidence we can see and touch.

    Read Also: Tinubu assures Nigerians of new dawn

    “Mr. President, the killings of Nigerians by whatever name must end and end now. These senseless killings, abductions, extortions, and kidnappings have to end, and the sacredness and sanctity of human life must be restored. Blasphemy laws have no place in a democracy. We are not in a theocracy.

    “Those who take life by whatever means must be fished out and punished. A culture of compensation to victims must be institutionalised and states must take full responsibility while criminals or those who hide them are fished out. We cannot go on this way. The seeds of hatred that have sprouted in Gaza show us the consequences of allowing a culture of distorted narratives to grow among us.

    He noted: “You must rid the public service of criminals who have turned the opportunity to serve into an ignoble enterprise. We concede that there are millions of decent men and women who genuinely wish to serve but are crushed by the deadweight of corrupt ogas at the top who use corruption as their oxygen! This surgery must happen if you are to succeed in any of your dreams of delivering much-needed services to our people.

    “To be able to have credibility, your Renewed Hope agenda must be based on a solid foundation of faith and hope for the restoration of glory for our country. So far, a few of your key policies have unleashed a raft of suffering on the masses of our people. There must be a deliberate effort to restore hope to the faces of the poor and vulnerable in our society.

    “We have heard the familiar stories of empty treasuries and the efforts at investigations. We wait to see if anything will be different. Lay the foundation for ending the unnecessary sufferings of our people.”

    “Good politics and good politicians can bring about change, but all of these require the commitment and honesty of citizens to be honest at all levels. I therefore call on Christians, in particular, in this season to become real models of our faith.

    “The call to be a Christian is not a call to join an Association or a Club. The fourteenth-century English poet Alexander Pope said, “Christ may be born a thousand times in Bethlehem, but if he is not born in your heart, his birth has no meaning for you.”

  • Tinubu assures Nigerians of new dawn

    Tinubu assures Nigerians of new dawn

    A new dawn of prosperity is here, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday assured Nigerians.

    He urged them to rekindle hope in his administration’s commitment to greater public welfare.

    The President led other political leaders to felicitate Nigerians on the occasion of Christmas.

    In his first Christmas message to Nigerians, President Tinubu implored Nigerians to maintain their fidelity to their fatherland.

    He said his government will continue to intervene and mitigate public suffering through palliatives while intensifying work on full economic recovery.

    Also, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of love, peace and harmony.

    As many Nigerians are in joyful mood today, no fewer than 50,000 troops are celebrating Christmas at the frontline away from their families in service to fatherland, Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said.

    Urging Nigerians not to despair, President Tinubu, in a statement, said: “Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity,  peace, and irreversible progress.

    “Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. For  Christians, this time of the year marks the birth of Jesus  Christ and celebrates the hope and redemption that are the hallmarks of Christ’s life.

    “For people of all faiths, this is an opportunity to enjoy the company of family, celebrate life, and delight in the gifts of love and friendship that make life worthwhile.

    “This is also a time to look out for each other because,  amidst the festivities, this time of year for many will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of loved ones and others grieving the hopes that failed to materialise and the dreams that fell short.

    “In the spirit of Christmas, reflecting the best of Christ, let us all endeavour to extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around us who need it and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year.

    “This year has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: appreciate Tinubu for intervening  – Wike

    “My administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable,  address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all our nation’s people.

    “Fellow Nigerians, as we navigate this transition to stability, prosperity, and Renewed Hope, I urge you once more to hold fast and rest assured of my commitment to govern with vision, dedication, and empathy.

    “Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity,  peace, and irreversible progress.

    “As you celebrate this season, please spare a moment of remembrance and prayer for the men and women of our nation’s armed forces, bearing arms in our names and ensuring our safety. May God protect them and bring them back to their families.

    “And let us together commemorate the memory of those who, in their service, have paid the highest price for our nation. May God bless their souls and comfort their families and loved ones.

    “Let the light of Christmas guide our paths as we bring this year to a close and usher in the new year.”

    Akpabio to Nigerians: be steadfast

    Senate President Akpabio enjoined Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful, despite the hard times.

    He noted their pains, which he attributed to the removal of petroleum subsidy, assuring that the gains will manifest in the not distant future.

    He said: “Our today’s pain will surely produce joyful gains in a very short time.”

    Akpabio, in a Christmas message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, admonished the Christian faithful “to pray, fast and be hopeful because with the birth of Jesus Christ, who is our symbol of hope, love and redemption, Nigeria will also overcome its current challenges”.

    Abbas: pray for leaders

    House of Representatives Speaker Abbas called for prayers for the success of the Tinubu administration, urging Nigerians to also support other political, spiritual and traditional leaders in the journey for a safe and prosperous country.

    Abbas, in his Christmas message to Christians, said Nigerians should emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ, including love, sacrifice, peace making, tolerance, building consensus among the people, and selflessness.

    He urged Nigerians to reflect on the current situation of the country as they celebrate Christmas, with the hope of a greater future.

    Abbas added: “Let us use this occasion to ponder on the issues affecting our daily lives as a nation and how we can best address them, both as leaders and followers, the government and the governed.

    “As a people, we have come a long way. Therefore, we should continue to unite and remain one. Let’s continue to pray and support our leaders. Let’s emulate the life of Jesus Christ and imbibe his teachings, which were about love and sacrifice.”

  • Be patient with Tinubu, economy will be better, says Abia governor

    Be patient with Tinubu, economy will be better, says Abia governor

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the economic policies initiated by President Bola Tinubu, expressing optimism that “positive changes are on the horizon”.

    Speaking in Lagos yesterday after paying a Christmas homage to the President, Otti confirmed that the present administration inherited a challenging economic landscape.

    He highlighted issues such as surging inflation, a substantial debt profile and high unemployment that Tinubu faced on taking office.

    The governor said: “Tinubu came in at a difficult time when inflation was close to 30 per cent, the national debt almost $40 billion, and unemployment close to 33.3 per cent.

    “The President has been very courageous, unifying the exchange rate and removing fuel subsidy which had become a scam and costing the nation a lot of money.

    The governor said that the positive aspects of these policies would soon transform into the reduction of poverty among the over 60 per cent of the population.

    Otti said: “Those policies are good but they come with their negative sides. They come with challenges for an economy where over 60 per cent of the population live below the poverty line.

    Read Also: Stop disgracing our heritage – Internet users criticise Adeboye for sitting on Oyo monarch’s throne

    “So, it’s not going to be easy immediately but I believe that if we are patient and if we go through the policies without compromising, over time, things will turn around.”

    Otti also commended Tinubu for authorising the commencement of reconstruction work on the failed portion of the Port Harcourt–Enugu Expressway.

    He reported progress in the reconstruction and expressed confidence that the road would soon be opened for road users, significantly reducing travel time from Port Harcourt to Aba.

    The governor said: “Our partnership with the Federal Government to bring development to the people is at different levels, including through the National Economic Council and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

    “After elections, politics takes the back seat, and governance takes pre-eminence. All we are doing is for the interest of Nigerians, and the federal government is also supporting us.”

  • Support Tinubu for more democracy dividends, NGO urges Nigerians

    Support Tinubu for more democracy dividends, NGO urges Nigerians

    • A for A donates 22,200 bags of rice for Christmas

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Asiwaju For All (A for A), has urged Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for it to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda, various developmental programmes and deliver democratic dividends to the people. 

    The NGO said the President remained committed to providing dividends of democracy in all sectors and to different strata, stressing that it is the support and prayers of Nigerians that would enable the government to succeed.

    A for A’s National Coordinator Aminu Sani Jaji spoke at the distribution of 22,200 bags of 50 kilograms of rice to various states at the weekend in Abuja.

    The ceremony, which took place simultaneously in state capitals across the six geopolitical zones of the country, was meant to support the less privileged, particularly Christians, to enable them celebrate today’s Christmas.

    Jaji, who was represented by Mansur Khalifa, said each state was entitled to 600 bags of 50kg rice.

    The lawmaker said the gesture was meant to complement government’s efforts at ensuring that the masses enjoy dividends of democracy.

    He said an effective mechanism had been put in place to ensure that the rice was delivered to those it was meant for.

    Presenting seven trucks of 4,200 bags of rice to the Northcentral Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, the A for A’s National Coordinator said: “We are calling on all our brothers, the Christians – and Muslim brothers – to come together and support this government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We want to assure Nigerians that more is coming. You will see dividends of democracy in different strata and different sectors of life. This is just the beginning.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: appreciate Tinubu for intervening  – Wike

    “I am assuring that the dividends of democracy are coming to your doorsteps. All we want of you is to support the government and pray for the success of the government. Let the laudable programmes of the government be achieved.”

    “Each state is entitled to one truck of rice consisting of 600 bags of 50 kilograms. Some bags are 25 kilograms. So, if you receive 25, you are going to receive 1,200 bags that will make 600 bags of 50 kilograms. We have our method of making sure that these items reach the target populace,” Jaji said.

    Dr. Samson described the gesture as a service to humanity as well as part of the dividends of democracy.

    The CAN regional chairman assured the NGO that the items would be equitably distributed to the intended beneficiaries.

    The cleric said every government comes from God, hence Christians are admonished to pray for leaders.

    He assured the Tinubu administration and the NGO of the prayers of the church and for God’s guided in its programmes.

  • Opadokun urges Tinubu to restore constitutional governance

    Opadokun urges Tinubu to restore constitutional governance

    A chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Mr. Ayo Opadokun, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take steps to restore Nigeria to constitutional governance.

    Opadokun, erstwhile secretary of Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, urged President Tinubu to leave a worthy legacy behind by taking measures to see to the implementation of “our restoration to constitutional governance as recommended by the Nasir el-Rufai panel.”

    The NADECO chieftain spoke to reporters in his country home, Offa in Kwara State on the sidelines of this year’s Christmas Carol he organised.

    The theme of the carol is: ‘Praising our saviour.’

    Said he: “In its congratulatory letter to the president after his victory at the Supreme Court, NADECO urged the president to implement the manifesto his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), presented to the public before they were elected into office.

    “Because then President Muhammadu Buhari did not implement the manifesto during his tenure, we campaigned vigorously for its implementation. 

    “As a result, the Buhari administration set up a panel headed by the then governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai and the panel recommended devolution of power to the states. The panel equally recommended fiscal federalism. 

    “It also recommended that states that so wish should be allowed to merge. Another thing it recommended is the creation of state police.

    Therefore, we are asking President Tinubu to take immediate steps to implement the panel’s reports.

    “I know that Tinubu has the capacity to lift people out of the current untenable and unacceptable level of poverty.

    “The much more fundamental matter is the restoration of Nigeria to the federal constitutional arrangement upon which we secured our independence, which the Army subverted, abrogated and substituted with a unitary-centralist government.

    Nigeria has been living a lie by calling itself a federal government. We are nothing of such. Since January 15, 1966 we have been lying to the whole world and lying to ourselves.

    “This is why federal constitutional arrangement is the most suitable for Nigeria. Until we return to it, nothing will happen to our country. 

    Read Also: Emulate Chinese approach in tackling Japa syndrome, US group tells FG

    “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was part of us in the trenches. We were together in the trenches. The current Fourth Republic was not secured on gold platter. We paid for it by our sweat, blood, freedom. Some people were detained for several years inclusive of me. My first detention lasted 24 calendar months. 

    “They picked me up again. I was in Ikoyi prison when General Sani Abacha died. Some of us were killed. 

    “President Tinubu, who was part of us in the trenches, knows what we were fighting for— that is restoration of democracy and federal constitutional arrangement.

    “The situation we find ourselves is that no matter how willing, how desirous President Tinubu may want to change the current situation, he is handicapped. 

    “This is because all that we are witnessing is the culmination of prolonged years of wrongly-headed economic policies initiated, promoted and financed by the military and their surrogates. You cannot withdraw them one day and change the situation for the better. That is the unfortunate situation we have found ourselves.”

  • Please provide trust fund for Nollywood veterans – Foluke Daramola begs Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

    Please provide trust fund for Nollywood veterans – Foluke Daramola begs Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

    Seasoned Nollywood actress, Foluke Daramola Salako, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to provide trust funds for the veteran Nollywood actors, following the death of 80-year-old Dejumo Lewis.

    The Nation reported that Lewis, who is popularly known for his role in ‘The Village Headmaster’, was pronounced dead on Saturday morning.

    Disclosing his death was actor Saidi Balogun, via an Instagram post, where he expressed heartbreak over his demise and bade him goodbye.

    She noted how many of the veteran actors are suffering especially health-wise and have no help.

    In her appeal, Foluke urged the president to offer a better arrangement for the veterans.

    She called for the government to set up a trust fund for the veterans and provide little things for them that they would appreciate for the rest of their lives.

    She made this known as she reacted to the death of veteran Dejumo Lewis who she revealed was going through stuff behind the scenes, which she wouldn’t disclose out of respect for the dead.

    Foluke wrote: “Dear President Tinubu @officialasiwajubat and @babajidesanwoolu

    PLEASE HELP US PAY ATTENTION TO OUR VETERANS. RIP Uncle Dejumo Lewis

    I woke up to the death of Uncle Dejumo Lewis today and it made me a bit sad, not because he’s not old enough to die (cos we are all gonna die someday it’s just the timing that’s decided by the highest) but because I am close to most of all these old veterans and I know what we discussed when we are together.

    “Uncle Dejumo told me he had some needs (which I won’t talk about cos I have to respect his death)to be met and he would have loved to celebrate his 80th birthday but I couldn’t come through for him cos u had a lot of things I was dealing with myself(I still have some on my monthly payroll). 

    “I remember Uncle Larri Williams we were planning his birthday and book launch hence the photo session that’s on this post, but unfortunately death took him away.

    Hmmm, death is inevitable but can be managed especially when it has to do with these old people. My mum is under the weather she’s been for some years, my mum isn’t asking for too much but to be shown love and have the basic needs of life which we her kids in our ways have been able to meet, to a large extent by Gods grace has kept her.

    “I am an astute lover of my president and my governor I believe in them even though things are hard but NOBODY will be the President of Nigeria right now and will find things easy. And I believe in a better Nigeria But sir we need a better arrangement for these all veterans. 

    “Baba Agbako is over 100 years we talk every other day as far as I know his basic needs are well attended to(thankfully he owns his own home) but the celebrations left and right has elongated his life span to a reasonable extent.

    “Nollywood is an industry without pensions I know but plssss sirs @officialasiwajubat @babajidesanwoolu

    Can u help us have a trust fund for these veterans and provision for the little things these thespians will appreciate in their years remaining cos they can NEVER spend the years they had spent before now”?

    “Letter to @officialasiwajubat @babajidesanwoolu continues

    These people have brought smiles to our faces in Nigeria and even in the world as a whole. These are our pacesetters that have made Nollywood where we are now in the world.

    “I remember vividly before Covid I was the one that celebrated all these people last before most of them moved to the land beyond. Unfortunately, I can’t sustain it I can only but try my best. 

    “Need I say a big thank u to people on social media though it comes with a lot of backlash but what is needed to be achieved has always been achieved. 

    “But we need our government to set up a lasting solution to make these old people smile a laughter of fulfillment that their society appreciates them and has given back all the years they have invested in their craft. 

    “Our profession is not pensionable and most of these old people were doing it before based on passion; most of them didn’t envisage things would turn out like these. These are forthright mën and women who lived their lives based on value-based morally oriented lives.

    “Should they be blamed for standing for what is good and go to their graves as peasants and beggars? Plssss my excellencies our veterans (not only in movies but also music, football, crafts, etc) need us to elongate their lives in happiness and joy. We need a trust fund and a better living for them they deserve”.

  • Niger Delta youths hail Tinubu for resolving Rivers crisis

    Niger Delta youths hail Tinubu for resolving Rivers crisis

    Youths of the Niger Delta have commended President Bola Tinubu for resolving the political crisis that engulfed Rivers state.

    The youths under the aegis of the Niger Delta Youth Movement(NDYM) said that Tinubu’s role in brokering peace in Rivers state was an indication that he is indeed a ‘father’ to all.

    In a press release signed by the NDYM national president, Prince Boboye Peretu at the weekend, the group noted that peace was a necessity for the development of the region.

    The group stated: “We appreciate Mr President, HE Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating and midwifing the necessary peace in Rivers State, the headquarters of our region.

    “The youths of the region under my watch shall strive to reciprocate your fatherly disposition towards us. We pledge our unalloyed loyalty to your administration”, the group said.

    Read Also; Scarcity in abundance: The pain of Nigerian pulp, paper mills

    While pledging to mobilise the support and loyalty of youths of the region for current administration, the NDYM assured that it would work for the success of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    It also promised to work with agencies of governnment including security organizations to ensure that the programmes and policies of governnment are positively implemented.

    “It added: “The Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC is appreciated for their continuous support and encouragement.

    “And the Movement shall reciprocate by resuming our traditional role as the mouthpiece of the commission in all their project, programme and policies as it concerns the region.”

    The NDYM further appreciated the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and governors of the Niger Delta states for engaging youths in governance as well as spreading democracy dividends to their people.

    The group noted: “NDYM appreciates the uncommon Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly HE, Senator Godswill Akpabio – the story of your rise from grass to grace and from grace to grace is a study in perseverance, tenacity and steadfastness and it is an inspiration to us in the region. More so, we thank members of the National Assembly for their solidarity.

    “We sincerely thank Honourable (Prince) Eugene Dibiagwu, our National Patron and member representing the people of Ohaji/Egbema, Ogwuta and Oru West Federal Constituency of Imo State for the regular support and encouragement.

    “We thank our Royal National Patron The Amanyanabo of Okochiri kingdom, Okirika, HRM King Ateke Michael Tom (The Ambassador of Peace) for his fatherly support. We thank our Pillar, Oba Nanka Ifeanyi (our National BOT) for his steadfast support.

    “We thank the Elders Forum chairman Comrade Moses Omo-Ikirodah and Comrade Stephen Youyah, Comrade Felix Ogbonna, Allen Okiakpe, and others.”