Tag: tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the life and legacy of the late patriarch of the Tinubu family, Alhaji Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu, on the 20th anniversary of his passing. 

President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, extolled the sterling qualities of the late patriarch, as ‘a distinguished public servant, lawyer, administrator, and philanthropist’.

It reads: “Baba was the finest of men. He was an honourable man; he was noble. He believed in defending the weak against the strong and standing for what is just even at the cost of personal liberty. He was my fortress in the dark days of oppression. He was my rock.

Read Also: Supreme Court Verdict: Speaker urges opposition to join hands with Tinubu

“Baba was selfless. He never stopped giving himself; his fortune, and everything for the betterment of others.

“Baba was passionate about good governance. When I was governor of Lagos, he was always on hand to offer brilliant advice and guidance. He left a legacy that is larger than life. We will continue to celebrate Baba as well as the values and principles he exemplified.”

Eminent Nigerians yesterday hailed the Supreme Court judgment that put a final stamp of authority on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s election.

Chief Robert Clarke (SAN), believes President Tinubu has what it takes to resolve many of the problems bedeviling the country.

He said: “If I were in the position to talk to President Tinubu, I would tell him to forget all the cries of the opposition.

“What he has to do is to immediately look for solutions to the economic problems Nigeria has and every other problem that we have in the country today.”

Legal battle over, let’s work for good governance, says Barau

The Deputy Senate PresidentBarau Jibrin described the judgment as a victory for democracy.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau urged the appellants to join hands with President Tinubu to address the challenges facing the country.

The statement reads in part: “The legal battle is over. Nigerians have won, democracy has won, and the country will be better for it.

“It is now time for all to team up with the president to actualise his lofty programmes and policies for the development of our country as captured in the Renewed Hope Agenda.’’

Victory for all Nigerians, says Abbas

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen said that the victory is for all Nigerians.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Musa Abdullah Krishi, the Speaker congratulated the President on his victory.

He hailed the judiciary for remaining the last hope of the common man, saying that the judgment has further strengthened the country’s legal jurisprudence.

He added: “It is my sincere hope that the opponents, after exercising their constitutional rights to challenge the electoral victory up to the apex court in the land, will consider working with Mr. President to deliver his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ aimed at addressing the pressing socio-economic and security issues affecting Nigerians.”

Bamidele: stop blackmailing judges

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele warned opposition parties and their candidates against stampeding the judiciary into partisan politics through disinformation, mal-information and misinformation.

Bamidele, who chaired the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters in the 9th National Assembly, kicked against how they unduly dragged the judiciary into partisan politics in pursuit of their selfish interests at the expense of the collective interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

In a statement, Bamidele condemned the undue blackmailing of the judiciary.

The statement reads: “The judiciary has never been vilified in the recent history of this federation by petitioners who at different times benefitted tremendously from the independence and neutrality of the judiciary.”

Afenifere leader congratulates Tinubu

Leader of Afenifere Worldwide, Chief Reuben Fasoranti has congratulated President Tinubu on his victory at the apex court.

Read Also: Tinubu will change things for the better, Edun tells ministry staff

This was contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Comrade Jare Ajayi. The statement quoted the Afenifere leader as describing the verdict by both the Tribunal and the Supreme Court as monumental because of the clarifications made in respect of certain aspects of the electoral processes.

It added: “One of such was the pronouncements made regarding the position of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Ditto for the position of the law regarding the deadline for filing papers relating to elections.”

The elder statesman reminded President Tinubu of some of the issues he had raised with him (Tinubu) in the recent past meant to tackle many problems confronting the country, particularly in the area of security. He said: “It is a matter of concern that insecurity is still being experienced. This can be seen in the upsurge in banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen and attacks on farmers, cultism and even terrorism.

“To put all these under control, the following were suggested as immediate steps to be taken: the aspects of the law regarding policing in Nigeria be looked into. At the moment, the extant law centralises the Nigerian Police.”

He also called for a cut in the emoluments and perquisites of political office-holders.

Time to rebuild Nigeria, says Omo-Agege

Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has charged all Nigerians, especially politicians, to get down to the business of rebuilding Nigeria with the final seal on by the Supreme Court judgment affirming President Bola Tinubu’s win at the February polls.

Reacting to the judgment, Omo-Agege who was the APC governorship candidate in Delta State said the judgment has effectively ended all jostling on politics and leadership.

A statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Sunny Areh, Omo-Agege reads: “What the Supreme Court did is not just to affirm the validity of President Bola Tinubu’s mandate, but a call to duty. The learned Justices saved Nigeria from unnecessary and prolonged distractions by promptly giving their verdict so that we could get down to the task of rebuilding our country.

“Whatever each of the protagonists may feel, this is not a victory for President Tinubu alone or any political party. This is an admonition for us to collectively work towards fixing Nigeria again.”

Lalong, party chieftains express delight over verdict

Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Bako Lalong and former Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council described the Supreme Court verdict as an affirmation of the overwhelming mandate given to him by Nigerians.

He said the decision of the apex court is in tandem with the general wishes of Nigerians as expressed freely through the ballot box across the country during the Presidential Elections where he emerged victorious.

Dabiri: it was an effort in futility 

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said it had always been clear that the opposition was on a mission of failure and that many like her did not expect any other thing than the eventual outcome of a victory for President Bola Tinubu.

In her reaction to the judgment, she said: “You want to know the truth? I never for a moment gave much thought to the case; it was clear, talking to professionals that the case would fail.

“But it’s just as well that the law took its full course. Now, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should feel more encouraged to continue to focus on the onerous task ahead.”

It’s validation of peoples’ mandate, says Adeola

While congratulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), described the Supreme Court judgment as a validation of the peoples’ mandate bestowed on the president on February 25.

He said: “The Supreme Court verdict on the February presidential election is a further consolidation of our nascent democracy and the rule of law. As progressives in the political space of Nigeria, we will continue to uphold the rule of law and deepen our democracy. I commend the Supreme Court Justices for their prodigious and learned judgement devoid of sentiments.”

Oyetola urges opposition to join hands to move Nigeria forward

In his reaction, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola (CON) described the judgment as a “sound one” that would further deepen the country’s electoral laws and judicial jurisprudence.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, the minister said the judgment has finally settled the legal battle over the 2023 presidential election. He said all lovers of democracy must commend the resilience of the judiciary in deepening the country’s democracy through its sound judgments.

It reads in part: “On behalf of the APC family in Osun, I congratulate our president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the vice president, Senator Kashim Shettima on their victory at the Supreme Court.

“Today’s judgment has put to an end the needless bickering, distractions and litigation that greeted the 2023 presidential election. I hope that the opposition will team up with our president to move Nigeria forward in the overall interest of the country.”

CAN, DOJ sue for peace, seek partnership

The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has appealed to Nigerians to unite and build a stronger country with the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Similarly, the frontline Tinubu support group, the Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ) called on the opposition to allow the words of battle to cease and allow discussion on good governance and progressive actions to begin.

The State Chapter Chairman of CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab made the appeal in Kaduna yesterday shortly after the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed Tinubu as the duly elected President.

The CAN Chairman said the country cannot achieve sustainable growth until Nigerians join their hands together to build the nation of their dreams where casting aspersions on one another will become a thing of the past.

A well-deserved victory — Marc Wabara

A chieftain of the APC in Abia State, Sir Marc Wabara, said it is a well-deserved victory.

Wabara, who was a member of the Election Planning and Monitoring Committee of the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) commended President Tinubu on his statesman’s disposition throughout the period the matter lasted between the PEPT and the final judgment by the apex Court.

He said President Tinubu’s declaration that the court victory has energised and strengthened his commitment to continue to serve, with honour, all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes and faith, further confirms the fact that he is a man with a large heart.

 Victory, not a fluke, says Adebule

The Senator, representing Lagos West Senatorial District (APC), Dr Idiat Adebule,

said the judgment shows that President Tinubu’s victory in the February presidential election was not a fluke.

The former Lagos deputy governor said: “Going by what happened at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, we were not surprised at the outcome at the Supreme Court. There was no doubt that Mr President won the election and is eminently qualified to run for the oval office.”

Senator Adebule described the opposition’s action as a distraction. She urged Nigerians to support the administration of President Tinubu in moving the country forward.

Victory reflects outcome of Feb 25 presidential election – Onyejeocha

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described the Supreme Court judgment as a victory for the country’s democracy and a true reflection of the outcome of the February 25 presidential election.

In a statement by her Special Adviser on Media, Emameh Gabriel, she also commended the APC for its historic campaigns and grassroots mobilisation before the election.

The minister noted that the APC’s historic campaign inspired millions of Nigerians across party lines to come out to vote.

She also highlighted Tinubu’s lifelong fight for Nigeria’s democracy as a factor in his victory.

The mandate  Nigerians gave you stands, Dare tells Tinubu

The immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Akin Dare (CON), has extended his heartfelt felicitations to President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his Presidential Election Petition Triumph.

 In a statement, the former minister said the verdict delivered by the apex court stands as a remarkable testament to the unwavering strength of President Tinubu’s character and the undeniable mandate bestowed upon him by the Nigerian electorate.

 The statement reads: “Your mandate stands. This judgment reaffirms the rule of law, which is the cornerstone of our democracy, and reflects the collective will of the people as expressed in the February 25th election, where a significant majority of our citizens cast their votes in favour of President Tinubu.

“Irrespective of political affiliations, today marks a significant moment in the administration of justice in our great nation. The Supreme Court has delivered an exceptionally comprehensive and thorough judgment that considers a multitude of critical issues at stake in this matter.

“This was done transparently, in full view of the nation, with the televised proceedings allowing every Nigerian to witness the strength and integrity of our judiciary. The court’s dedication to upholding the rule of law is commendable, and it has set a high standard for the entire judicial system.”

Tinubu is energised, says Mamora

 Former Science and Technology  Minister Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora said: “In law, litigation cannot continue ad infinitum, hence the litigation on Presidential Election Petition has come to an end and it is a happy end for all true democrats. 

Congratulations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and All Progressives Congress. In Mr President’s own words, he has been “energized”. So, this victory is not only a catalyst but an invitation to a renewed commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of his Presidency.

 I seize this opportunity to call on all compatriots to support Mr President in his agenda to make Nigeria a better place for us all.”

Governors have welcomed yesterday’s affirmation by the Supreme Court of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.

 They were unanimous in their separate reactions that the judgment has put to rest, the legal tussle over the poll and paved the way for Tinubu to implement his Renewed Hope Agenda without distractions.

 The governors — Dapo Abiodun (Ogun),  Biodun Oyebanji(Ekiti),  Hope Uzodimma(Imo), Yahaya Bello(Kogi), Bassey Otu (Cross River) , Mohammed   Bago(Niger),  Muhammadu  Yahaya (Gombe) also congratulated the President for the victory at the apex court. 

  Abiodun: judgment is a watershed,   moment of joy

 Ogun State Governor  Dapo Abiodun described the verdict as a watershed and a moment of joy for all Nigerians.

 Praising the judiciary for standing by the truth, the governor said in a statement he personally signed that the judgment was rooted in law. 

He said:  “I congratulate Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of our great party(All Progressives Congress) and indeed, all Nigerians, on this great victory. This is a great moment for Nigeria, a watershed in our history, a moment of joy and pride for all of us. This is not just a victory for the President, it is a victory for the Nigerian state.

 “I salute the judiciary for standing by the truth and giving a judgment that is rooted in the law, data logic and overwhelming evidence. I salute the justices of the Appeal Court for giving a very solid, detailed and meticulous judgment that laid the foundation for today’s verdict by the Supreme Court, which is a well-thought-out judgment that will further enrich our jurisprudence.

   “ I believe that this judgment will be seen worldwide as confirming the global best practices in law.

Read Also: No apologies for supporting Tinubu in 2023 election – Wike

 “To be sure, this victory belongs to all Nigerians, including even the opposition parties which contested the outcome of the poll, because it affirms Nigeria’s irrevocable commitment to democracy and civil rule and further consolidates the entrenchment of the democratic ethos across the Nigerian landscape.

 “Coming at a time when the policies and programmes of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration are beginning to take shape to lift Nigerians out of the morass of despondency and despair, this victory is indeed a sweet one. It confirms the trust reposed by Nigerians in President Tinubu, the man-made for a time like this when Nigerians yearn for radical change in their affairs.

 “As the President himself has said, I enjoin all Nigerians to unite as we collectively tackle the things that hold us together and reach for greater heights, firmly anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

People’s voice upheld, says  Oyebanji

   Ekiti State Governor  Biodun Oyebanji said the seal given to the President by the Supreme Court was a  confirmation of the wishes of a  majority of Nigerians. 

He described the decision of the court   as a “victory for democracy, the rule of law and a landmark   in the nation’s electoral jurisprudence that has become a reference point for generations to come.”

 Oyebanji said: “ This(judgment)  is a victory for democracy and the rule of law. On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate the President, His Excellency, Senator  Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of our party, APC and Nigerians as a whole.

     “The judgment is the ultimate judicial stamp on the landslide victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer at the 2023 presidential poll held on February 25, 2023.”.   

    In  a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the governor  called on Nigerians, especially  Tinubu’s main opponents in the poll, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, to   “join hands with the President in his  determined efforts to take our country to a new level of development and prosperity.”

Describing election petition as a part of democracy and a better way to ventilate grievances arising from the conduct of elections, the governor said Atiku and Obi have legitimately explored avenues to seek redress rather than resorting to self-help.

 Oyebanji also charged leaders and supporters of the APC to be magnanimous in victory.   

Uzodimma: we are committed to working   with  Tinubu

On his part,   Governor   Uzodimma said the judgment by the apex court revalidated the trust millions of Nigerians reposed in the President.

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Imo State, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on his triumphant victory at the Supreme Court, securing his presidency in the recent general elections,”  he said in a   statement he personally signed.

 Uzodimma, who noted Tinubu’s reform policies, said he has confidence in the President’s ability to lead Nigeria towards a brighter future.

 The governor said:   “I commend President Tinubu’s proactive measures in stirring the economy of our dear nation. Despite interim difficulties experienced by the people, Mr President’s policies are designed to offer greater economic advantage on a long-term basis. 

 “As a state, we are ready and committed to working hand in hand with Mr. President on this national assignment. Together, we can achieve progress, unity and prosperity for our beloved country. We look forward to the collaborative efforts that will bring about positive change and growth on a national scale.

 “Once again, congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and may his tenure be marked by success and progress for all Nigerians.”

Bello: verdict reaffirms Tinubu as  voters’ choice,

In Lokoja,  Kogi State,  Governor  Yahaya Bello said Tinubu’s victory had ended all disputes stemming from the presidential election.

 Bello described the judgment as  “a resounding reaffirmation of the people’s choice, which signifies the enduring strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the unwavering refuge the judiciary provides to ordinary citizens.”

 He emphasised  the importance of the   judgment as “ reinforcing the fundamental value of credible and transparent electoral processes in our great nation.”

 While also congratulating the  APC  leadership, Bello said he was optimistic that the ruling party would invite all the opposition political parties to collaborate with Tinubu for the collective good of the nation.

The governor expressed hope that    Tinubu’s visionary leadership would make Nigeria thrive in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the current administration.

Otu to Atiku, Obi: be part of  our  Renewed Hope Agenda 

 To Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Tinubu’s victory at the court is for all Nigerians.

 He expressed confidence that Nigerians would see a focused government committed to addressing the challenges facing them. 

  “I wish Mr. President the strength that comes from God to continue doing what he is already doing. Times are very tough now but the issue is the world all, not peculiar to Nigeria. I am confident that the President will conquer the complex situation we face,” the governor said.

 He also enjoined   Atiku  and  Obi to  join hands with Tinubu to serve Nigerians. 

Truth  has prevailed, says  Bago

  Niger State Governor   Mohammed Bago, who  congratulated the President said by the judgment,   truth and justice had prevailed.

 “The coast is finally cleared and arguments laid to rest,” the governor told reporters in Minna,  the Niger State capital.

  He said: “We thank God for this unprecedented victory. The Supreme Court has done wonderfully as they have always done and it has given us a direction so that we can face governance. All the distractions from social media, all the paparazzi on the issue of litigation against the President and the 2023 elections have been laid to rest. We are delighted over the supreme court judgment.”

 Calling on Nigerians to support the Tinubu administration, Bago said he had confidence in the ability and capacity of the  President to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

 Yahaya: judgment  has brought national relief

   Governor Inuwa  Yahaya of Gombe State  said the judgment was “a source of great national relief and a proof of the strength of Nigeria’s democracy.”

 Yahaya, who is also the chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, added that it showed  the resilience of “national  institutions and, most importantly, the trust that the electorate have placed in President Tinubu’s leadership.”

    The governor added: “The victory of President Tinubu at the Supreme Court is a triumph for democracy and truth. It is a victory that brings relief to our nation and opens a new chapter of renewed hope for all Nigerians.

  “This historic Supreme Court judgment is not just a legal conclusion; it symbolizes a momentous period in the history of our democracy, reinforcing the belief in its strength and the commitment to a brighter future. It is a moment for healing and collaboration, as we stand on the threshold of a brighter future anchored on the renewed agenda of Mr. President. Let us, as a nation, move forward together, heal and build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen has urged opposition parties to join hands with President Bola Tinubu to move the country to greater heights.

Tajudeen stated this in an interview with the State House Correspondents while reacting to the Supreme Court judgment which upheld the victory of Tinubu’s election on Thursday in Abuja.

He said there has always been one victor at a time.

“This is Asiwaju’s time, they should all take heart, come and join hands with him. So that we move Nigeria for a greater level.

” To God be the glory. It is not something unexpected is something that we have been waiting. We know ultimately, what we heard today is what is going to be said but the fact that it has come at this early hours.

” We have nothing to say, but to say Thank God to Nigeria. Thank God to all the good people of Nigeria who prayed for this particular day for this historic victory.

” I think this time around, after this pronouncement, we have no excuse, but to go back to business as usual, to go back and reset our agenda and see what we can be able to do for the people on Nigeria for the next three and a half or four years,” he said.

On his part, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, said the supreme court judgment was a revalidation of the mandate which the Nigerian people gave Tinubu.

Read Also: Afenifere, Oluwo congratulate Tinubu, say Supreme Court verdict monumental

” The people spoke loud and clear, some people were aggrieved, wrong reasons they went to the court to the judiciary.

” The highest court ,the supreme court spoke loud and clear that that mandate was freely given. That is what we want in this country.

‘ We want stability, we don’t want distraction, the President has taken off beautifully and he has the interest of the people at heart.

” So far the choices he’s making are tough but at the end of the day ,they will make for a better tomorrow, so we are very happy on what has happen today, Nigerians are celebrating,” he said.

(NAN)

The pan Yoruba political group, Afenifere Worldwide, has congratulated congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his victory at the apex court on Thursday, October 26.

Afenifere in a statement by its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti through the secretary of the group, Comrade Jare Ajayi described the verdict by both the Tribunal and the Supreme Court as monumental because of the clarifications made in respect of Abuja votes position of the law in regard to the deadline for filing papers relating to elections.

Fasoranti lauded the judges that adjudicated on the cases both at the Panel and Supreme Court levels for being so painstaking in their assignments.

He advised Tinubu to continue to prioritise security of the nation and tackle challenges facing the country, saying, “it is now on a firmer ground to execute noble ideas contained in his Renewed Hope Agenda so as to make life more abundant for Nigerians”.

Read Also: No apologies for supporting Tinubu in 2023 election – Wike

Similarly, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi in a statement reacting to the verdict of the Supreme Court, described the election litigation as strength for Nigeria’s democracy, urging litigants to cooperate with President Tinubu in moving the country forward.

He further appeal to politicians to prioritize the interest of Nigeria, noting that the country is greater than all of us.

He said: “Now that the litigation is over, it’s time for full work. No more court. Our politicians are strongly enjoined to prioritize the interest of Nigeria by cooperating with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in moving the country forward without bitterness.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, October 26, pledged to mobilize electoral support for President Bola Tinubu in the next election, saying those who scored 2,000 in the 2023 elections would score next to nothing in 2027.

Wike made the declaration in Abuja while playing host to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Rivers state, led by the national vice chairman, south-south, Victor Giadom.

He also said he had no regrets about supporting the president in the last general election because he was out to ensure equity and justice, adding that he owes no one an apology.

Promising to carry the Rivers APC and all Nigerians along, the minister said he would never discriminate against anyone on the basis of religion, ethnicity or political affiliations.

Read Also: Oyetola congratulates Tinubu on Supreme Court victory

He said: “Let me say clearly and to the hearing of everyone: we owe a duty to continue to support Mr President irrespective of the political party we belong. It is not hidden, my position, and I owe nobody no apologies that I stand firm with him. I stand for equity, fairness and justice.

“I thank God today that the battle has ended to the glory of God. We are all members of the Nigerian state and therefore it is important for all of us to also understand that the Nigerian state does not belong to a particular person or group. A country of this nature, if A takes, the next opportunity should go to B. Inclusivity. So, I am not going to discriminate against anyone. I am here for Nigerians. I am here for those who are members of political parties and those who are not members of any political party.

“Mr President, having emerged, is not the President of APC. He is the President of Nigeria. Of course, while he is governing Nigeria, he must also take care of the interests of his political party, no one can argue that. It is natural. But when it comes to governance, Nigerians must benefit.

“The interest of Rivers state is key. What will benefit our state is what we must always project. I am not a member of the APC but I believe that the support for Asiwaju was necessary. Looking at all the candidates from the south, I knew that nobody could defeat Asiwaju. Capacity, and political will to take action, he has it.

“Most of you worked for Asiwaju. Those who didn’t work for Asiwaju we know. It was not hidden. It was clear. I am not a politician for self. I am a politician for all. Not me, me, me. Nobody does that. Any person who does that does not want to survive because, at the end of the day, you need people. But be assured that all of us are working together for President Bola Tinubu. I am sure in the next election, those who scored 2,000 would not get 50 votes again because we have nothing to give anybody again because our votes would go for President Bola Tinubu.”

Earlier, Giadom had praised Wike for his decision to support the president and begged him to carry members of the Rivers APC along.

He said: “This is a representative delegation of the APC in Rivers state. We are here to congratulate you on your appointment and thank you for the monumental support you gave our presidential candidate in the last election and urge you to continue to support and work towards the success of the Administration and Nigeria.

“We are aware that your support for our presidential candidate was out of your deep concern for justice. We have no doubt in your capacity to deliver on the mandate of your office and to protect Rivers interests as well as to promote national unity.”

The Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu is not a president of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but a president of Nigeria.

Wike stated this when APC leaders from Rivers, led by the National Vice Chairman of APC, South South, Mr Victor Giadom, visited him in Abuja on Thursday.

He, however, said that the president had the right to take the interest of his political party at heart while steering the affairs of the country.

He said political parties were vehicles that conveyed one to a desired destination, adding that the interest of Nigerians superseded all other interests in the mind of President Tinubu.

“Mr president, having emerged, is not a president of APC but a president of Nigeria.

“While he is governing Nigeria, he must also take the interest of his political party, and nobody can stop it; it is natural.

“In governance, every Nigerian must benefit from it.

“We need to understand that the party is a vehicle that takes you to a place, and once you get to where you want to be you come out from the vehicle,” he said.

The minister said that President Tinubu had the capacity and the political will to take action that others were afraid to take.

Reacting to the judgment of the Supreme Court that affirmed the election of Tinubu, Wike said: “We owe it a duty to continue to support Mr President, irrespective of the political party he belongs to.

“I stand for equity, fairness, and justice and I thank God today that the battle has ended to the glory of God.

“We are all members of the Nigerian state and, therefore, it is important for all of us to also understand that the Nigerian state does not belong to a particular person or a particular group,” he said.

The minister affirmed his commitment not to discriminate, saying “I am here for Nigerians; I am here for those who belong to a political party and those who do not belong to a political party”.

Earlier, Giadom said that the visit was to thank the minister for the monumental support he gave to the APC presidential candidate during the presidential election.

He urged him to continue, towards the success of the Tinubu-led administration and Nigeria which was predicated on his deep concern for justice, equity, and fairness for the Nigerian state.

He described Wike’s appointment as the first for a person from Rivers and expressed confidence in his capacity to deliver.

Giadom added that the visit was also to thank Tinubu for appointing a Rivers’ son to steer the affairs of the “exalted office”.

Read Also: PHOTOS: Seyi Tinubu, Wike, Ganduje present at Supreme Court

“I urge you to deploy your vast experience and track record to bear in the discharge of your duties.

“For us, we have assured Mr president of the loyalty and support of Rivers APC members for the achievement of his renewed hope agenda.

“Again, it is our hope that through this visit, more Rivers sons and daughters will be given more positions of responsibilities at the national level, particularly APC members who also work hard for realisation of the renewed hope agenda,” he said.

He assured Wike of Rivers APC’s support.

(NAN)

Former Vice President, World Bank (Africa Region), Oby Ezekwesili, has advised President Bola Tinubu to adopt a more citizen-oriented style of governance for the economic development and prosperity of Nigeria.

She asked the president to give the masses who constitute the larger population of the society central position in his economic policies.

Speaking at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state during the 5th International Hybrid Conference of the Unizik Business School (UBS), the former Education Minister regretted that Africa’s pattern of political transition had not guaranteed true democracy.

She described real democracy as one that generates positive socioeconomic development.

She said: “Nigeria’s political system has become a system where the transition is no longer people but court driven and monopolized such that the people’s wishes do not count anymore but the wish of the political class.

Read Also: Zelenskyy is planning a false flag attack on German embassy in Kyiv

“Government policies have over the years contributed to the growing rate of suffering, poverty and economic hardship on Nigerians who have become helpless in their own land.

“Federal government must enthrone policies that will alleviate the sufferings of poor Nigerians who have been at the receiving end of bad governance and policies which have thrown them into poverty and economic hardship.”

In his reactions, the governor of Abia state, Sam Oti, who chaired the occasion, said it was important for political leaders to be patriotic enough to make selfless policies capable of promoting the socioeconomic development of the country.

Oti, represented by former deputy Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Sam Omenyi described the conference theme, “Political Transition and Economic Development: The African Experience.” as apt, saying it would assist stakeholders in appreciating the place of transitions in socio-economic development.

Keynote speaker, Prof Obiora Okonkwo identified the lack of political will to deliver selfless service as a major problem confronting Nigeria.

Okonkwo represented by Prof Charles Obiora lamented the bastardization of the Nigerian political system, saying corruption had become the system itself.

UNIZIK Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone noted that many African states were still embarrassingly bugged down by underdevelopment, according to Human development indices of the United Nations despite being blessed with huge resources.

Esimone, represented by immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Frederik Odibo, regretted that Nigeria, despite being a leading exporter of crude oil is still unable to refine its oil for domestic petroleum product needs.

Earlier, Director of Unizik Business School, UBS, Prof. Emma Okoye, said the event was targeted at discouraging youths from making similar mistakes made by their fathers during their lifetime.

He added: “The theme aims to reflect on issues that proved to be a cog on the wheels of societal development.”