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Tag: Uche Secondus

  • On Uche Secondus’ palatial mansion

    On Uche Secondus’ palatial mansion

    The fundamental needs of humanity encompass food, clothing, and shelter. For Prince Uche Secondus, a key aspect of a fulfilling life is possessing a place he can truly call home. Recently, footage of his extravagant housewarming party surfaced online, igniting a whirlwind of reactions from the public. According to sources close to him, he anticipated the video would generate significant buzz, but he remains unfazed by the attention.

    Nestled on an expansive acre of land in Port Harcourt, this palatial mansion is nothing short of a paradise. Elegantly designed and meticulously furnished, it bears an uncanny resemblance to the iconic United States White House, showcasing a level of sophistication and grandeur. Elaborate architecture, stunning interiors, and lavish décor come together to create a remarkable living space.

    Reports indicate that Secondus spared no expense in the construction of this opulent residence, investing approximately N5 billion in bringing his vision to life. During the dedication ceremony, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Prince Secondus was observed celebrating joyously alongside friends and family, reveling in what he views as a divine blessing.

    Read Also: Senate orders fresh review of Electoral Act amendments, sets up 48-hour ad hoc panel

    However, the mansion’s extravagant nature has prompted a wave of criticism. Many observers find it perplexing that a seasoned politician would invest in such luxurious accommodations while Nigeria grapples with significant economic challenges. Critics argue that flaunting such wealth is inappropriate at a time when countless citizens struggle to meet basic housing needs. On the other hand, some defend Secondus, arguing that he has not held a political office before and that the funds used for the mansion cannot be directly linked to political slush funds or ill-gotten gains.

    Despite the mixed reactions and media backlash, Prince Secondus remains resolute and undeterred. Rather than being swayed by criticism, he chooses to express gratitude to his creator for this monumental gift as he embarks on a new year, filled with hope and ambition.

  • PDP hails Oyegun at 80

    NATIONAL Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has described the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, as a committed democrat and a model for younger generation of political leaders.

    In his good will message on the 80th birthday celebration of the former APC chairman, Secondus said Chief Oyegun brought high moral discipline to political party administration in the country.

    He said “The rare quality of character you displayed in federal public service where you rose to the peak of your career as Permanent Secretary and later got elected by your people as Edo State Governor where you brought discipline into governance set you aside as an outstanding national leader.

    Read Also: How Oyegun earned my confidence, by Obasanjo

    “Also remarkable is the high moral discipline you brought into political party management that aided you to lead your party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), from opposition to ruling party, All combined to distinguish you clearly as a committed democratic and a model for younger generation of political leaders.

    “Your immense contributions to the stability and political growth of the country, plus your other outstanding achievements in public service remain very glaring for which we give God the glory.

    “Your exceptional leadership qualities and mentorship roles in various areas, especially your devotion to God your creator, generally stand you out,” he said.

  • Secondus backs NBA on alleged intimidation of judges

    The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has backed stance of the leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) over intimidation of judges and state of insecurity in the country.

    The NBA had, on Thursday, raised the alarm over what it described as the government’s attempts to intimidate judges handling various cases in which the government has interest.

    The Association also knocked the government for its poor handling of the spate of insecurity and violent crimes in various parts of the country.

    In a statement Sunday by his media adviser, Ike Abonyi, the PDP chair said the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government has been using devious means to obstruct justice from the nation’s courts.

    The NBA, through its National President, Paul Usoro, had in a speech on Thursday, alerted the nation to what he described as the level of insecurity in the country and the attack on the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession.

    The trend, according to Usoro, constituted a threat to the rule of law and by extension the country’s democracy.

    Usoro had also said that the climate of fear instilled by the Federal Government undermined the independence of the judiciary and the ability of Judges to act confidently without fear or favour in dispensing justice.

    The NBA boss further alleged threats, intimidation and blackmail mostly by the executive arm of government and its agencies at federal and state levels.

    Read Also: PDP chair Secondus attacks Buhari on insecurity

    The PDP chairman said that the alarm raised by the NBA merely confirmed the position of the PDP that the APC administration was shrinking the doctrine of separation of powers to entrench a full blown dictatorship in the country.

    He noted that by their calling, judges cannot speak out publicly even if they were under pains, except through the bar as has been eloquently and timely done by the NBA.

    Calling on stakeholders in the democratic project to note the concerns raised by the NBA, Secondus said the PDP has been raising similar concerns over the years.

    The party chair said that the opposition has remained resolute in crying out against harassment of those with opposing views.

    The trend, he said, signals the danger of concentration of power in one hand, especially with a leader who has no history of appreciating and respecting democratic tenets and principles.

     

  • Buhari’s incompetence taking a huge toll on the nation- Secondus

    The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said stated President Muhammadu Buhari’s incompetence in the handling of governance is taking a huge toll on the nation.

    Bemoaning the spate of killings and kidnapping across country, Secondus observed the frightening security situation has continued to raise concerns among prominent Nigerians, including clerics and monarchs.

    Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, the PDP chair said the situation has got to a point where the citizens are raising questions as to whether the country still has a Commander-In-Chief.

    Urging the President to seek quality advice on the security challenges, Secondus said: “While the Presidency continues to argue that there exists government in our country today, what obtains in reality is different.

    “The level of bloodletting occasioned by the barrage of criminalities across the country can only be happening in a country without government.

    “Things got even worse as the remaining goodwill of the people on this government vanished after it arm-twisted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), into tampering with the will of the people in the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

    “There is no evidence of the presence of government in this country as crimes of all kinds are being committed all over the country and Nigerians have never lived in such great fear and trembling for their lives.

    “From Kaduna to Zamfara, Benue to Taraba, Plateau, Lagos to Enugu etc., bloodletting is continuing unabated. Even the President’s home state of Katsina has lost about eight local government areas to bandits, not to talk of the North East.

    “Everyone holding public office must know that one day, they will be held accountable for their actions.”

    Secondus deplored the incessant killings in Kaduna State, where a British humanitarian aid worker, Faye Mooney and others were shot dead by gunmen last week.

    He blamed the heightened insecurity in Kaduna on what he described as “provocative leadership” existing in the state and which he said, is indirectly being encouraged by the Federal Government.

    “The situation has deteriorated to the extent that this country can no longer protect the lives of international aid workers who are here to help us clear our mess.

    “The senseless continuous bloodletting in Kaduna state should be blamed on the type of provocative leadership existing in that state and indirectly encouraged by the federal government.

    “The ‘body bag’ governor in the state does not seem to know how to engender peace among the people, his actions and utterances facilitate, instead of ameliorating the ill feelings among the people,” Secondus said.

    The main opposition party chairman regretted that rather than give teeth to governance and address the pervasive insecurity, the Federal Government has been exerting energies and resources planning nefariously how to undermine democratic institutions.

    Taking a swipe at the President’s leadership style, Secondus said, “After its several attempts to hijack the legislature failed, it turned to the Judiciary ridiculing the revered third arm of the government to the point of removing their confidence.

    “The executive backed humiliation of the head of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen is a well-designed strategy by the APC administration to intimidate and coerce judicial officers, particularly the Judges and Justices to fall in line and endorse all their undemocratic behaviours that are bound to come to the judiciary for adjudication.

    “My advice to members of the Judiciary, particularly those handling election matters and who are all Nigerians and who are also living in Nigeria is that the country and rule of law should guide all their actions.

    “They should know that providence has placed in their laps the opportunity to make positive history and enshrine justice and fair play in our society, knowing as a fact that no nation grows on injustice and injustice breed crisis”.

  • …as Secondus urges more prayers

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has urged Nigerians to use the Easter period to intensify their prayers and be assured that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is for justice.

    Secondus, in an Easter message released yesterday by his media adviser, Ike Abonyi, said that Nigerians should not allow the prevailing hardship in the country and the “unjust” outcome of the 2019 election affect their spirit of love, brotherliness and peaceful co-existence.

    The PDP chairman noted that the country is clearly under siege from all corners, saying however that the period of Easter provides good opportunity for Nigerians to pray more to God to send succour to alleviate their sufferings.

    He urged Nigerians to use this year’s Easter festivities to engender the spirit of oneness and also re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of love, patriotism and unity for the desired national development.

    “We must allow the spirit of this season embedded in love, charity and forgiveness to control our thoughts and actions as we seek God’s face for our country

    “Nigeria’s Christians must allow the solemnness of the last 40 days of fasting and prayers to influence their thoughts and actions in relating with one another,” the statement added.

    According to him, the Lenten period that just ended offered incalculable lessons in love, humility and forgiveness which should guide our way of living irrespective of religion, ethnic and political differences and help in ushering in a new and adorable era without bitterness and hatred.

    The party chairman admonished Nigerians to use this period to think deeply on the state of the nation with a view to finding a lasting solution to the country’s challenges.

  • Secondus urges more prayers at Easter

    The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has urged Nigerians to use this period of Easter to intensify their prayers and be assured that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is for justice.

    Secondus, in an Easter message released on Friday by his media adviser, Ike Abonyi, said that Nigerians should not allow the prevailing hardship in the country and the “unjust” outcome of the 2019 election affect their spirit of love, brotherliness and peaceful co-existence.

    The PDP chairman noted that the country is clearly under siege from all corners, saying however that the period of Easter provides good opportunity for Nigerians to pray more to God to send succor to alleviate their sufferings.

    He urged Nigerians to use this year’s Easter festivities to engender the spirit of oneness and also re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of love, patriotism and unity for the desired national development.

    “We must allow the spirit of this season embedded in love, charity and forgiveness to control our thoughts and actions as we seek God’s face for our country.

    Read Also: Secondus alleges violation of Peace Accord

    “Nigeria’s Christians must allow the solemnness of the last 40 days of fasting and prayers to influence their thoughts and actions in relating with one another”, the statement added.

    According to him, the Lenten period that just ended offered incalculable lessons in love, humility and forgiveness which should guide our way of living irrespective of religion, ethnic and political differences and help in ushering in a new and adorable era without bitterness and hatred.

    The party chairman admonished Nigerians to use this period to think deeply on the state of the nation with a view to finding a lasting solution to the country’s challenges.

    Secondus further noted that despite the “impunity”, the “debasing” of critical institutions like the Judiciary and the legislature by the present administration and the brazen show of power by the political leaders, children of the resurrected Christ know that God is on the throne and He will show who He is at His own time.

    He wished all Nigerians a happy Easter celebration as he prayed for enduring peace in the country.

  • Gbenga Daniel quits PDP, partisan politics

    A former Governor of Ogun State and Director-General of Abubakar Atiku Campaign Organisation , Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on Saturday announced his departure from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    In a letter he wrote to the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, he also informed of his decision to quit partisan politics.

    The letter, a soft copy of which was received by our reporter, specified that the resignation of the former governor who ruled Ogun state between 2003 and 2011, on the platform of the PDP, takes effect from March 14.

    During the just- concluded 2019 general election, Daniel also served as the Deputy Chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council (South).

    OGD’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, while confirming the development to The Nation, said :”Yes, the letter is from Otunba Gbenga Daniels.

    “He wrote the letter and it is true that he announced his exit from partisan politics”.

    The ex-governor had directed his supporters to vote for the All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Dapo Abiodun in the last governorship election in the state.

    “This is to inform you of my intention to resign from active and partisan politics with effect from today, the 14th day of March, 2019.

    “My decision in this regard is entirely personal to me and having served in various capacities, including as Governor of Ogun State.

    “I have resolved to immerse myself in some other vocations and take on some new challenges,” the letter reads in part.

    Giving an insight into what he intends to do afterwards, Daniel explained: “My decision to quit partisan politics notwithstanding, I have decided to rejuvenate my charity based organization, the Gateway Front Foundation (GFF) which will literally continue to dispense succor to our people in need, address and assist in the areas of some of their health challenges. I also plan on resuscitation of the non-partisan Political Leadership Academy (POLA) which I established some years ago as a platform of political education to our citizens.”

    Hinting on some possible reasons for his decision to leave the PDP and shun partisan politics henceforth, the former PDP national chairmanship aspirant recalled: “Notwithstanding these widely acclaimed achievements however, our party, the People’s Democratic Party ran into trouble waters towards the end of our administration (about the year 2009) which led to the sad loss in the election of 2011, and regrettably ten (10) years after the party has been unable to resolve those internal disputes and challenges. Meanwhile, the PDP in Ogun State was confronted with a very difficult situation in matter of choice.

    Read Also: APC, PDP take INEC to task

    “Whereas the national leadership of our party, recognized one candidate for the 2019 election, by court pronouncements another candidate, and in compliance with those court orders, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognized was on the INEC list.

    “The candidates recognised by INEC were not acceptable to the national leadership of the party.

    “Our situation was then compounded because the candidate which the court and INEC recognized and accepted as valid has also been expelled by the party. This was the dilemma we found ourself as we approached the March 9, 2019 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

    “Going forward, we have responded to the yearnings of our people and joined others in emplacing an administration that we believe will better serve the interests of our people than what currently exists. The rest they say is now history.

    “I must say that looking back, I do not have any regrets over that patriotic choice and decision, especially as several of our citizens, leaders and stakeholders in the state and outside have commended that singular action.

    “Many stakeholders within and outside Ogun State feel fulfilled, excited and grateful about our decision to join others in putting a stop to a regime that was believed to be against the collective and general welfare of our people.”

  • Results being announced by INEC incorrect, unacceptable -Secondus

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Uche Secondus has said that some of the Presidential Election results from states being announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at its collation centre in Abuja, were incorrect and unacceptable by the party.

    Three of the results, such as Ondo, FCT Abuja, and Abia were in favour of the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

    But Secondus at the party’s presidential campaign office, Legacy House, Abuja, said some of the polling units result from states, including Nasarawa, narrowly won by Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress had been tampered with.

    Secondus said that the party’s collation centres have all ‘original results’ from every polling unit, in every ward, in every Local Government Area (LGA).

    He said the international community is aware of the results.

    He accused the presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC), and  INEC officials of trying to “alter” the course of history and disenfranchise our people through the cancellation and manipulation of figures for results already announced at polling units, nationwide, in LGAs, where PDP, had commanding votes.

    He also alleged that the APC in collusion with INEC had taken aggressive steps, mostly through inducements, manipulation and incarcerations, using the elements of state power, such as the police, DSS, the army and the EFCC,  to silence the voices of the people.

    He said this was being done in full view of the ‘watching world’, and in spite of the commitment by PDP and its agents to adhere to every laid down rule for the 2019 general elections,

    “As results trickled in on Sunday, Feb. 24th, clearly putting the PDP in the lead, the ruling party and President Buhari dispatched high-ranking officials to coercively influence outcomes in different geopolitical zones in the country.

    “For example, the minister of the interior was dispatched to the North West of the country.

    “The Secretary of the Government of the Federation was dispatched to the North East of the country; while the Attorney General and Minister were dispatched to the South East and South-South regions”.

    He claimed that INEC IT server was hacked by agents of the APC to manipulate results and alleged that the result in Wurno LGA in Sokoto state was tampered with, with the addition of  10, 000 illegal votes.

    NAN reports that in the actual result declared for the council be the Returning Officer, Dr Francis Patrick,  APC scored 20, 307 while PDP scored 9, 847 out of 33, 048 total votes cast in the presidential election.

    Secondus further claimed: “Additionally, violent and destructive attacks have been meted out to officials while counting at Lafia St. and police barracks polling units.

    ” As if these provocations are not enough, our agents and officials are constantly arrested and in many cases locked-up for complaining that Card Readers were not in use in many Northern states, implying that all results from the Northern part of the country where Card Readers were not used should be voided in accordance with INEC guidelines.

    ” I also believe, the arrest of Eng. Buba Galadima, who has been a great symbol of what is courageous about our people goes to show that one man’s ambition is greater than our collective good, and most probably worth the blood of all Nigerians.

    “In that context, I call for Buba Galadima’s immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of all officials and agents of the PDP, in the Southwest, who were mostly arrested on the eve of the elections where intimidation became the APCs sole election strategy.”

    Secondus said that in spite the provocations, intimidation and attempts to hijack Nigeria’s democracy the PDP was on course to victory and the Presidency; “therefore, remain resolute and steadfast, because our party shares in your uncertainty and suffering, which must decisively come to a good end for us all.”

    He appealed to the leadership of INEC to remain impartial and not become willing agents to disenfranchise Nigerians and derail the country’s  democracy, “because the world is watching, and history will indeed pass judgment.” (NAN)

  • Secondus alleges violation of Peace Accord

     Says FG, APC have declared war on PDP leaders

     

    The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Prince Uche Secondus has declared the peace accord signed by the two frontline presidential candidates, President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP has been violated.

    In a statement on Friday night, Secondus said all the terms of the agreement for peace have been broken by the ruling APC by deploying the military and police operatives to arrest and detain PDP leaders across the country.

    The party chairman said he expected the Peace Committee and the international community to note the declaration of war on PDP leaders across the country by overzealous security operatives, specially raised for this purpose as they operate in violation of the peace accord.

    He accused the APC and President Buhari of not being disposed to the peace accord, as they have allegedly flagrantly violated the terms of the agreement.

    Read Also: PDP will put food on Nigerians’ tables, says Secondus

    Secondus said reports reaching him from Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Kano Kaduna and other states showed that PDP leaders are being harassed with arrest and detention by security operatives on flimsy reasons.

    He noted while APC is using military and police personnel to chase PDP leaders across the country while giving protection to APC leaders as they ferry money and election materials to various locations.

    “Private jets belonging to APC leader in Lagos have been stationed at the airports protected by government operatives as money is being moved from the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN, to states,” Secondus said.

    The party chair called on the General Abdulsalmi Abubakar led Peace Committee to take copious notice of all the happenings and note that APC and President Buhari are not disposed to any peace accord.

    He insisted that Prince all the ingredients of peace have been disregarded by the APC operatives who have decided to even run afoul of the Electoral Act in their desperation to cling on to power even when it’s obvious that Nigerians have turned their back on them.

  • Buhari’s directive could lead to extra-judicial killings – Dogara

    Speaker Yakubu Dogara has faulted the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to security agencies to deal ruthlessly with anyone who may attempt to snatch ballot boxes during the rescheduled presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday.

    Speaking at a national caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Monday, Buhari had said, “Anybody who decides to snatch boxes or lead thugs to disturb the election, may be that would be the last unlawful action you would take.

    “I have given the military and police the order to be ruthless. I am going to warn anybody who thinks he would lead a body of thugs in his locality to snatch boxes or to disturb the voting system; he would do it at the expense of his/her own life”.

    But addressing newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Dogara said the President’s directive to the military and the police amounted to a call for extra judicial killings of would- be electoral offenders.

    The Speaker reminded the President there were adequate provisions in the nation’s laws to address electoral offences.

    Dogara said: “These statements clearly indicate that our democracy has become the victim of a full blown dictatorship, when one considers that a democratically elected President would give a directive that is in clear violation of the laws of the land, which by his oath of office, he is to defend and protect.

    “In view of this statement by the President, it is obvious that the military has been given a central role and coopted into the conduct of the election despite the fact that they have no constitutional role in our electoral process”.

    Speaker Dogara described as false claims and unnecessary blackmail, a statement by the national chairman of the APC, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, to the effect that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) gave the PDP prior notice of the postponement of the February 16 elections.

    He recalled that the PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus was the first to call for an inquiry into why INEC postponed the elections.

    The Speaker added the PDP will support a genuine and transparent probe into why the presidential and National Assembly elections could not hold.

    Read Also: Why I left APC – Dogara

    He expressed the hope that the President’s inflammatory statement was not a direct threat aimed at intimidating the electoral commission.

    “We also strongly condemn Mr. Oshiomole’s false, mischievous and inflammatory claims against our party, when he said INEC colluded with PDP to abort last week’s elections.

    “This is a very surprising statement considering the fact that the Federal Government controls every institution and agency involved in the electoral process, including the CBN, Nigerian Airforce, Aviation authorities amongst others.

    “From our position, we strongly believe that the deliberate delivery of election materials to the wrong electoral centres, cancellation of flights, and other actions that undermined the logistics arrangement of INEC, were deliberately done to sabotage and manipulate the process.

    “We are also very familiar with the pressure brought on INEC by top government officials and APC leaders to go ahead with the elections despite not being adequately prepared for the election.

    “We are also aware the APC wanted the INEC chairman to conduct elections in some states and postpone in other states so as to have staggered elections.

    “It should also be noted that the areas that would have been affected by inadequate delivery of materials were PDP strongholds.”

    He added: “Obviously, we know they are doing everything humanly possible to discredit INEC, remove the chairman and stall the process conscious of the fact that they cannot win this election.

    “Embarrassingly, this is the first time that we have witnessed a ruling party play victim, which is a clear indication that they have lost the plot.

    “Evidently, their recent actions and statements clearly show they are panicking and desperate to cling onto power, even when the people have rejected them.

    “Also, opinion polls conducted by the APC, and other international agencies clearly indicate that the APC will lose this election, anytime it is conducted; we believe that is why they are resorting to desperate measures of arm-twisting the electoral commission, undermining the entire process and planning to unleash terror on the country.

    “Finally, let it be known that the PDP, with the support of every well- meaning Nigerian, will employ every legitimate means to resist attempts by the APC and the Federal Government to undermine and compromise the electoral process and truncate our democracy.”