UMUAHIA : TINUBU MINISTER WINS AS LABOUR PARTY OGAH LOSE REPS SIT
The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on Wednesday, nullified the election of Amobi Ogah of the Labour Party representing Isiukwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency on grounds of non-compliance to the Electoral Act.
Delivering Judgement in the Petition tagged EPT/AB/HR/8/2023 on Wednesday in Umuahia, the three-member Panel 1 of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal said the candidate of the Labour Party did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“How a candidate is sponsored by a political party is both pre- and post-election, there is no evidence of giving 21 days’ notice to INEC by the respondent before conducting their primary election.
“No date of primaries was placed before us; no evidence of primaries and the 3rd respondent has always said it’s an internal affair of the party.
“We have tabulated and found out that the results computed by the petition are correct and the results computed by the 1st respondent are dis-countenanced,” the tribunal ruled.
Ogah had argued that the acceptance of the ministerial appointment of Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was a sign that she had abandoned her petition. But the tribunal in her ruling dismissed the submission of the lawmaker.
We are of the view that Section 66 is not applicable to this scenario because the petitioner is not a lawmaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The scenario prohibited by law is a person being a member of two arms of government,” the court ruled.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had on February 28 declared the Labour Party candidate, Ogah, as the winner of the Isiukwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency election with a total of 11,769 votes against the current Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who the commission said scored a total of 8,752 votes.
Not happy with the result, Onyejeocha filed a petition before the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, seeking the nullification of Ogah’s election in seven reliefs contained in her petition.
Member -Elect representating Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, under the Labour Party, Hon Stella Foluke Osafile has sent greetings to her constituents as Nigeria celebrates her democracy day.
In a statement personally signed by her and made available to Push News 24 International, the LP candidate was seen also appealing for the prayers and support of her constituency.
Below is the full release:
JUNE 12: IT IS OUR DEMOCRACY DAY .
Dear Fellow Constituent
Firstly, I bless God for preserving our lives and making the thanksgiving of yesterday a reality. Seeing your beautiful faces in that large turnout yesterday gladdened my heart and encouraged me more towards what binds us together as a people than what divides us. Starting from the humor of the MC, to the powerful message for the day, to the dancing steps of our old and young, and many more, it has further strengthened my hope and confidence in the community and what we can achieve together as a people if we can stay united in the growth and development of our constituency.
Today is June 12, 2023. It is exactly 30 years today since Nigerians matched out in large numbers to the polling unit to exercise their civil right to elect their president in a peaceful atmosphere, and in which the late MKO Moshood Kashimawo Abiola was duly elected in an election that was rated as the most peaceful, free and fair election in our electoral history .
The annulment of that election result by then former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, didn’t go down well with the people, the international community and actually led to the deaths of many Nigerians across the country in a civil unrest that lasted for many years. The June 12 democratic exercise of that day is what led to the June 12 remembrance today.
It is a history of pain for every tenet and lover of democracy. It is a day in our history that must not repeat itself. It is bittersweet for many of us who witnessed such an experience, and this is why we must guard very well our electoral rights for the growth and development of Nigeria.
Today is Democracy Day as assigned in the Nigerian National Constitution as altered, and we must begin with the count of our gains and not just the horrible events of history.
Today, I am a product of the democratic govenrnace demand that many lost their lives 30 years ago. This is what you did for me by standing firm in that scorching sun of May 18, 2023, despite intimidation and harassment.
Our democratic process is emerging but still has a lot of issues to fix, and we must ensure we get better as we count our days by standing for a free and fair electoral process always.
As your honorable representative in the Lagos Assembly Chamber, I need your continuous prayers and moral support to deliver as expected. I promise, by the grace of God, to work with colleagues in the house in knowledge and idea sharing that will deliver legislative government to the Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 that I represent. I will defend your right to vote, your right to education, Medicare, and general constituency development.
God willing, we will be having our town hall meeting every quarter to discuss all our areas of concern as a constituency.
It is a new dawn, and we can only get better as a community, in Lagos State and in Nigeria as a whole.
Thank you all. I love you, and I bless God for your lives.
God bless the Amuwo Odofin Community.
God bless Lagos State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed
Hon Stella Foluke Osafile Hon representing Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1, Lagos State.
Amuwo Odofin All Progressives Congress (APC) Stalwart, Prince Lanre Sanus (PLS), monday advised Nigerians not to take for granted the continued democratic dispensation in the country since 1999 but must guard against actions, statements and moves which can truncate the political process.
Sanusi also advised the people to always be vigilant and speak against anti-democratic policies and actions which are capable of subverting the rule of law.
In his statement the Lagos born Prince stated this in Amuwo-Odofin congratulatating Nigerians on the continuos anniversary of unbroken elected government in the country.
The House of Rep faithful in his anniversary message also canvassed strict adherence to the principles of rule of law, separation of powers, sovereignty of parliament, independence of the judiciary, and freedom of the press, adding that, “our constitutional institutions must be preserved and protected”.
In his words, “As we celebrate democracy today, I congratulate our people and express my conviction that this system of government is the best so far invented. However, it goes beyond the conduct of elections to put leaders in office.
“Democracy involves strict adherence to rule of law as against the rule of men. It is about respect for due process and following laid down procedures. It is about respect for and building of institutions.
“That is why we cannot be celebrating Democracy Day without canvassing for caution on some recent negative developments in our polity, particularly as we commence a new dispensation.
These include abuse of office in a manner that suggests persecution and oppression of perceived enemies, stifling of free expression, undermining of democratic institutions, and impunity on the part of certain persons who behave as though they are above the laws of the land.
These developments should be of concern to all democrats. Other political and opinion leaders who decided to veil their sight as if they are not seeing these infractions on democracy and choose to keep quiet, should know that they equally pose danger to the survival of our country.
“History will not be fair to us if we allow our complacency to jeopardize democracy. We all must be able to speak out with strong voice on issues that constitute a danger to democracy. Eternal vigilance, they say, is the price of liberty.
“At this point, let us remember and salute our heroes of democracy, those who toiled and paid different prices for us to have elected government, particularly, those who paid the ultimate price with their lives. Their labour shall definitely not be in vain.“It is important for all of us to note that Nigeria will continue to exist after the 2023 polls.
We must therefore not do anything that will threaten the existence of the country or its peace, unity and tranquility.
Let me use this occasion to urge our all our people in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency to avoid making and circulating hate speech which can further accentuate our fault lines and set one section of the country against the other. Rather,
we should all embrace tolerance and the need to be our brother’s keeper. We all have a lot to gain from a united and stronger Nigeria than having a nation embedded in conflict.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day, it is my wish that Nigerians and in particular, Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency will continue to enjoy good governance, provided by freely elected government and sustained by strong and impartial institutions, all of which will lead to the creation of a developed society with the citizens freely enjoying a high standard of living,” Sanusi stated.
AMUWO ODOFIN: TINUBU WILL NOT LABOUR IN VAIN – SANUSI
Breathing a sigh of relief from the aborted NLC strike over subsidy removal, All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Prince Lanre Sanusi has declared confidently to Nigerians that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will not labour in vain and will succeed as the 16th President of Nigeria.
According to the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 House of Representative Candidate, Tinubu’s attributes and his efforts in reaching out to those that matters stands him out as a responsive and transformational leader who is interested in the welfare and economic prosperity of the people.
He said: “For a long time I have nursed the feeling that Tinubu will be Nigeria’s President because I see in him a true Nigerian who believes in everybody regardless of his tribe, creed or faith.”
Speaking while receiving some party leaders in his Constituency on Monday, Sanusi said the idea of reaching out to stakeholders regarding Nigeria affairs rather than grandstanding is what will differentiate Tinubu from other past leaders.
PLS as he is fondly called, also reaffirmed Asiwaju administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers and other self employed Nigerians as mentioned during his presidential campaigns.
Speaking to Push News 24 International, Sanusi emphasized that the welfare of workers and indeed Nigerians would remain a top priority throughout this administration.”
Despite not been the spokesperson for the government, PLS said as a party man he owes his constituents in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency the duty to update and guide them through various policy decisions of government and how it will affect them.
Sanusi expressed his appreciation for the unreserved support of his constituents in the last general elections and assured that his cardinal mandate would be to focus on enhancing the well-being of all stakeholders in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency.
“I want to assure you that Asiwaju will continue to look for ways and means to improve the life of all workers so that they will continue to be more intellectually built with improve efficiency and professionalism in carrying out their duties.
“I also want to assure that this next four years, the welfare of Nigerians will be of priorities, as this current administration is poise to return the country back to economic development and prosperity.” he said.
Sanusi acknowledging the role of the public servants and labour movement significant contributions to the successful implementation of government policies and programs was quick to advise that no one or group should be coerced against his or her will. He attributed the past achievements of Asiwaju to the harmonious relationship between the labour movement, public service and political office holders, stressing that the new president of Nigeria will not labour in vain.
US 2024 : DESPITE CLOCKING 82, JOE BIDEN DECLARES RE-ELECTION BID, POISE TO BE US OLDEST PRESIDENT
President Joe Biden speaks during a ceremony honoring the Council of Chief State School Officers’ 2023 Teachers of the Year in the Rose Garden of the White House, Monday, April 24, 2023 in Washington. President Biden announced 2024 reelection bid Tuesday.
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Tuesday formally announced that he is running for reelection in 2024, asking voters to give him more time to “finish the job” he began when he was sworn in to office and to set aside their concerns about extending the run of America’s oldest president for another four years.
Biden, who would be 86 at the end of a second term, is betting his first-term legislative achievements and more than 50 years of experience in Washington will count for more than concerns over his age. He faces a smooth path to winning his party’s nomination, with no serious Democratic rivals. But he’s still set for a hard-fought struggle to retain the presidency in a bitterly divided nation.
The announcement, in a three-minute video, comes on the four-year anniversary of when Biden declared for the White House in 2019, promising to heal the “soul of the nation” amid the turbulent presidency of Donald Trump — a goal that has remained elusive.
“I said we are in a battle for the soul of America, and we still are,” Biden said. “The question we are facing is whether in the years ahead we have more freedom or less freedom. More rights or fewer.”
While the question of seeking reelection has been a given for most modern presidents, that’s not always been the case for Biden, as a notable swath of Democratic voters have indicated they would prefer he not run, in part because of his age — concerns Biden has called “totally legitimate” but ones he did not address head-on in the launch video.
Yet few things have unified Democratic voters like the prospect of Trump returning to power. And Biden’s political standing within his party stabilized after Democrats notched a stronger-than-expected performance in last year’s midterm elections, as the president set out to run again on the same themes that buoyed his party last fall, particularly on preserving access to abortion.
“Freedom. Personal freedom is fundamental to who we are as Americans. There’s nothing more important. Nothing more sacred,” Biden said in the launch video, which painted the Republican Party as extremists trying to roll back access to abortion, cut Social Security, limit voting rights and ban books they disagree with. “Around the country, MAGA extremists are lining up to take those bedrock freedoms away.”
“This is not a time to be complacent,” Biden added. “That’s why I’m running for reelection.”
As the contours of the campaign begin to take shape, Biden plans to campaign on his record. He spent his first two years as president combating the coronavirus pandemic and pushing through major bills such as the bipartisan infrastructure package and legislation to promote high-tech manufacturing and climate measures. With Republicans now in control of the House, Biden has shifted his focus to implementing those massive laws and making sure voters credit him for the improvements, while sharpening the contrast with the GOP ahead of an expected showdown over raising the nation’s borrowing limit that could have debilitating consequences for the country’s economy.
But the president also has multiple policy goals and unmet promises from his first campaign that he’s pitching voters on giving him another chance to fulfill.
“Let’s finish this job. I know we can,” Biden said in the video, repeating a mantra he said a dozen times during his State of the Union address in February, listing everything from passing a ban on assault-style weapons and lowering the cost of prescription drugs to codifying a national right to abortion after the Supreme Court’s ruling last year overturning Roe v. Wade.
Buoyed by the midterm results, Biden plans to continue to cast all Republicans as embracing what he calls “ultra-MAGA” politics — a reference to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan — regardless of whether his predecessor ends up on the 2024 ballot. He’s spent the last several months road-testing campaign themes, including painting Republicans as fighting for tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy while trying to cut social safety net benefits relied on by everyday Americans and roll back access to abortion services.
Biden, speaking over brief video clips and photographs of key moments in his presidency, snapshots of diverse Americans and flashes of his outspoken Republican foes, including Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, exhorted supporters that “this is our moment” to “defend democracy. Stand up for our personal freedoms. Stand up for the right to vote and our civil rights.”
Biden also plans to point to his work over the past two years shoring up American alliances, leading a global coalition to support Ukraine’s defenses against Russia’s invasion and returning the U.S. to the Paris climate accord. But public support in the U.S. for Ukraine has softened in recent months, and some voters question the tens of billions of dollars in military and economic assistance flowing to Kyiv.
The president faces lingering criticism over his administration’s chaotic 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan after nearly 20 years of war, which undercut the image of competence he aimed to portray to the world, and he finds himself the target of GOP attacks over his immigration and economic policies.
As a candidate in 2020, Biden pitched voters on his familiarity with the halls of power in Washington and his relationships around the world as he promised to return a sense of normalcy to the country amid Trump’s tumultuous presidency and the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
But even back then, Biden was acutely aware of voters’ concerns about his age.
“Look, I view myself as a bridge, not as anything else,” Biden said in March 2020, as he campaigned in Michigan with younger Democrats, including now-Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “There’s an entire generation of leaders you saw stand behind me. They are the future of this country.”
Three years later, the president now 80, Biden allies say his time in office has demonstrated that he saw himself as more of a transformational than a transitional leader.
Still, many Democrats would prefer that Biden didn’t run again. A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows just 47% of Democrats say they want him to seek a second term, up from 37% in February. And Biden’s verbal — and occasional physical — stumbles have become fodder among the GOP, which has sought to cast him as unfit for office.
Biden, on multiple occasions, has brushed back concerns about his age, saying simply, “Watch me.”
During a routine physical in February, his physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, declared him “healthy, vigorous” and “fit” to handle his White House responsibilities.
Aides acknowledge that while some in his party might prefer an alternative to Biden, there is anything but consensus within their diverse coalition on who that might be. And they insist that when Biden is compared with whomever the GOP nominates, Democrats and independents will rally around Biden.
For now, the 76-year-old Trump is the favorite to emerge as the Republican nominee, creating the potential of a historic sequel to the bitterly fought 2020 campaign. But Trump faces significant hurdles of his own, including the designation of being the first former president to face criminal charges. The remaining GOP field is volatile, with DeSantis emerging as an early alternative to Trump. DeSantis’ stature is also in question, however, amid questions about his readiness to campaign outside of his increasingly Republican-leaning state.
To prevail again, Biden will need to revive the alliance of young voters and Black voters — particularly women — along with blue-collar Midwesterners, moderates and disaffected Republicans who helped him win in 2020. He’ll have to again carry the so-called “blue wall” in the Upper Midwest, while protecting his position in Georgia and Arizona, longtime GOP strongholds that he narrowly won in his last campaign.
Biden’s reelection bid comes as the nation weathers uncertain economic crosscurrents. Inflation is ticking down after hitting the highest rate in a generation, driving up the price of goods and services, but unemployment is at a 50-year low, and the economy is showing signs of resilience despite Federal Reserve interest rate hikes.
Presidents typically try to delay their reelection announcements to maintain the advantages of incumbency and skate above the political fray for as long as possible while their rivals trade jabs. But the leg up offered by being in the White House can be rickety — three of the last seven presidents have lost reelection, most recently Trump in 2020.
Biden’s announcement is roughly consistent with the timeline followed by then-President Barack Obama, who waited until April 2011 to declare for a second term. Trump launched his reelection bid on the day he was sworn in in 2017.
Biden is not expected to dramatically alter his day-to-day schedule as a candidate — at least not immediately — with aides believing his strongest political asset is showing the American people that he is governing. And if he follows the Obama playbook, he may not hold any formal campaign rallies until well into 2024. Obama didn’t hold a reelection rally until May 2012.
On Tuesday, Biden named White House adviser Julie Chávez Rodríguez to serve as campaign manager and Quentin Fulks, who ran Sen. Raphael Warnock’s reelection campaign in Georgia last year, to serve as principal deputy campaign manager. Reps. Lisa Blunt-Rochester, Jim Clyburn and Veronica Escobar; Sens. Chris Coons and Tammy Duckworth; entertainment mogul and Democratic mega-donor Jeffrey Katzenberg; and Whitmer will serve as campaign co-chairs.
On the heels of the announcement Tuesday, Biden was set to deliver remarks to union members before hosting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a state visit at the White House. He plans to meet with party donors in Washington later this week.
Biden’s formal go-ahead comes after months of public incredulity that the president would seek another term despite plentiful signs that he was intent on doing so.
Ahead of the president’s announcement, first lady Jill Biden expressed disbelief at the persistent questions about her husband’s intent to run.
“How many times does he have to say it for you to believe it?” she told The Associated Press in late February. “He says he’s not done.”
The fact that our reverred leader and one of the fathers of our nation, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, can sit there and say nothing when Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Iwanyanwu, an elderstatesman who I have always respected, describes the entire Yoruba race as “rascals” that the Igbo “will DEAL with” tells me that the rumour that he is NOT a fully-fledged Yoruba man and that his father was an Igbo may well be true.
Whatever the case this is not the OBJ I once knew, loved, defended and worked so hard for. Something has gone wrong.
No-one could have made a statement against ANY tribe in the presence of the old OBJ that we all knew and respected and got away with it. He would have got up and told them off.
As for Iwanyanwu I will not respond to him or to all those that were at that event and that collectively rubbished our people because they are my in-laws and because my four sons are half Igbo.
There is nothing Iwanyawau can say that will make me turn against the Igbo because I have blood and family ties with them and I will continue to love them despite this outrageous provocation.
Apart from that there are millions of Igbos who do not share Iwanyanwu’s views and who have shown nothing but the greatest respect for the Yoruba race and our Northern brothers and allies.
Amongst them are dear friends and brothers like John Nwodo, Orji Uzor Kalu, Chimaroke Nnamani, Ifeanyi Ugwainyi, David Umahi, Hope Uzodinma, Innocent Chukwuma, Emeka Offor and so many others.
Iwanyanwu does not represent them when he calls us rascals and neither does he represent the wives of Seyi Makinde, Rotimi Akeredolu, Ademola Adeleke, Gbadebo ‘Chinedu’ Rhodes-Vivour, David Adedeji Adeleke (AKA Davido) and yours truly who all happen to be Igbo.
What I will say though is that those Igbos that think like Iwanyanwu need to be careful and appreciate the fact that those so-called “Yoruba rascals” have shown the Igbo race more love, respect, admiration, fraternity, solidarity and courtesy over the last 63 years than ANY other tribe in Nigeria and millions of Yoruba men have Igbo wives.
Again many Yoruba leaders stood with and supported Peter Obi in his ill-fated quest to become President of Nigeria including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, OBJ, Afenifere, Akin Oshuntokun, Gbadebo ‘Chinedu’ Rhodes-Vivour, Babatunde Gbadamosi and so many others. I wonder if they are “rascals” too?
We extended our hand for a handshake across the Niger a few years back and we built bridges with the east.
Chief Iwanyanwu, Ohaneze and Afenifere were at that conference and so was yours truly.
As a matter of fact we all made resounding and inspiring speeches seeking for a closer relationship and greater collaboration between our people.
It was a wonderful occasion and a great experience.
We were in full solidarity with the Igbo then and lamented the injustices they had been subjected to over the years.
I even went as far as to declare that Nigeria owes the Igbo an apology for the genocide they were subjected to during the civil war and the pogroms before the war. I maintain that position till today and so do many other Yorubas.
The only thing we asked for in return was a little respect and for them not to describe Lagos as a “no man’s land”. This is a very emotional issue for us. The assertion that Lagos is not part of Yorubaland is deeply offensive and insulting to us.
We also chose to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a proud son of the Yoruba, for the Presidency.
These two things have caused a handful of misguided Igbos to now display hatred towards us, to insult us at every turn, to unleash their youth against us in the Media space and to describe us as “rascals”.
With those words and that attitude the bridge between our two people may soon be broken and the handshake across the Niger may soon be withdrawn.
That would be a tragedy of monumental proportions and a negation of all we stand for. We must not let it happen.
We must be restrained and careful not to destroy the love and trust we have built over the years.
The Yoruba are not a people that can easily be insulted and we do not take such things lightly.
We are kind, welcoming, accomodating, civilised, generous, cosmopolitan, liberal and open-hearted to a fault.
We are also slow to anger but irresistible in battle.
We have long memories and when we choose to take a stand and fight it goes from generation to generation.
I pray Chief Iwanyanwu and those that share his views can cultivate the prescence of mind and courage to have a rethink before it is too late.
Millions of Igbos reside in and have their businesses in Lagos and we should preach love, peace and unity between our people and not resort to calling each other names or indulge in racial profiling or stereotyping.
We choose to overlook what Chief Iwanyanwu has said this time and look the other way but it must NEVER happen again.
CHIEF IWUANYANWU’S PROVOCATIVE AND IRRESPONSIBLE OUTBURST
Our attention has been drawn to the comments made by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the Chairman, Council of Elders of Ohaneze Ndigbo in a video clip that has gone viral. Chief Iwuanyanwu made these comments on Saturday, March 25th at a ceremony in Anambra State where he was a special guest of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s one-year commemoration in office.
In the video, Chief Iwuanyanwu said, “I want our people in Lagos to know that on Wednesday, I called a meeting of the Ohaneze Council of Elders worldwide and we x-rayed the events in Lagos…We have resolved that never, never again can we allow anybody to take the life of an innocent Igbo person. All of us are going to fight the person. Never again. We are going to fight the person.”
“We are in Nigeria. And we have invested in Nigeria. Our investments are so much. We are not going to take the pressure of people telling us to go. We are not going anywhere. And I want to tell those in Lagos to realize that there’s no war between us and Yorubas. Yorubas are just political rascals. And we’re going to handle them.”
Although it is tempting to go toe-to-toe with Chief Iwuanyawu in what we believe was a deliberately made provocative, irresponsible, and condescending statement in our response, which would also have disparaged the entire Igbo people. But we won’t.
We would have blamed Chief Iwuanyanwu’s outburst on some cheap whiskey taken at the event where he made this negative, utterly annoying remarks. Or perhaps his morbidly obese body constitution could be the culprit as this might be affecting his capacity to think clearly and speak intelligently. But we wager that what happened at the Soludo event was another one of those predetermined, calculated attempts to draw the ire of the Yoruba people in order to create an unstable sociopolitical atmosphere in the polity to achieve their pathological fixation for an Interim government. We’re too discerning to fall for that bait.
The invective of Chief Iwuanyanwu, and by extension, his Ohaneze Ndigbo clan against a people whose only sin is the fact that they are too loving and accommodating for their liking (because they lack these virtues) should be seen within the context of someone having a withdrawal symptom after working himself into a frenzy for so long that his candidate would win the recently concluded presidential election without any empirical and intelligent political permutations to justify his delusion.
We should therefore brace ourselves for more of this senseless and idiotic vituperation as the inauguration of President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu draws closer.
We urge our people to resist any attempt to be provoked because their overarching game plan is to create a crisis atmosphere so that our democracy can be truncated. They know that their court case is wooly at best. Let us continue to take the insults and abuses from the likes of Chief Iwuanyanwu and his Igbo travelers while Asiwaju and his team concentrate on an inauguration that will usher in a new dawn of unprecedented accomplishments across the country as he did in Lagos, which gave them the platform for their much-touted and overdramatized investments, towards a more perfect nation.
FEMI ODERE Spokesperson Tinubu/Southwest Media Veterans Support Group
OBASANJO’S SUPPOSED “IGBOPHOBIC” COMMENTS, ANOTHER ILL-CONCEIVED ATTEMPT TO TRUNCATE NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY
Nigerians in Diaspora have reacted to a comment by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in a recent event where he tried to lament about what he term “Igbophobia” – a term he used to describe a deliberate stimatisation of the South Eastern people of Nigeria.
Obasanjo at Akwa has tried to paint a picture of stimatisation of the Igbo nation during the one year in office event of Governor Charles Soludo as Anambra State Governor.
Obasanjo at the event while struggling to eulogized Soludo was also subtly painting a sour image of how some Igbos were allegedly been attacked drawing from pots of incidents that took place during the elections with particular focus on Lagos State.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Staff Sgt. Randolph Elder was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his service as a Montford Point Marine, among the first African Americans to enlist in the Marine Corps after it was desegregated in 1941 by President Franklin Roosevelt. His sons, Larry and Kirk Elder, received the nation’s highest award to civilians on his behalf. Pictured left to right: Col. Jason Q. Bohm, 5th Marine Regiment commanding officer, Larry Elder, U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, California 48th District, Kirk Elder, and Sgt. Maj. Alberto Ruiz, 5th Marine Regiment sergeant major.
In a swift reaction, President of Nigerians in Diaspora Coalition UK/US Provice), Bar (Sir) Ken Awa, has tackled the former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his statement at the event which he termed is aimed at truncating and further heating up of the democratic progress in Nigeria.
Awa a legal luminary, in a statement made available to Push News 24 International on Sunday, described Obasanjo’s statement as insincere and destructive to Nigerian unity.
While observers have questioned Obasanjo’s motives over who becomes the next president of the country, it will not be out of place to conclude that this has also always been the tradition since he was out of office as President.
Obasanjo earlier alleged that the results of last February 25th, 2023 presidential election had been doctored and manipulated due to his failed attempt to install Peter Obi as President.
Awa who was miffed by why a man of his age and caliber will continue to clandestinely issue statements that will truncate the little progress achieved so far in Nigeria.
While Awa hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring a free and fair electoral process, he saluted the courage of law abiding citizens of Nigeria for not taken to the streets to burn- down the country.
The US trained lawyer have advised Obasanjo to be true to his words by leaving politics finally and pleaded to him to enjoy his retirement in peace.
In less than 12 hours, Nigerians will vote for the next president of the continent’s largest nation.
The nation has been presented with 18 presidential candidates; however, if campaign spreads and activities are any indication, the race is shaping up to be a four-horse race.
The candidates who have been campaigning across the country are Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
In this analysis by the main stream media firms we will examine the factors that will determine the outcome of the election in each state, taking into account the party structures and historical voting patterns of the states
The campaigns have been plagued by ethnic and religious tinges; for instance, the Labour Party candidate has been criticised for visiting churches, while Tinubu and Atiku have been criticised for making ethnically-tinged remarks.
For a candidate to win, he or she must obtain a simple majority of the votes cast and 25 percent of the vote in 24 states and the FCT, as stipulated by the constitution of 1999.
South East
The region has five states- Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu and Imo states and due to ethnic colouration, are expected to go to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, who is a former Governor of Anambra State. However, these states are traditional PDP voting states and the Labour party has no single governor in the region.
Poor turnout may be expected in the region due to the activities of the unknown gunmen and IPOB. It would be recalled that Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of the group, declared a sit-at-home order in those states.
Anambra State
In Anambra, Peter Obi is expected to perform well because of home advantage. In 2019, as the running mate to Atiku, they polled 524,738 votes representing 86.63% of the total votes. However, that may be a bit hard now because PDP has some strong senatorial candidates like Chris Uba, Stella Oduah and Mary Ekwunife. Also, the governor of the state, Charles Soludo openly opposed the candidacy of Obi, saying there is no path to victory for him. But that being said, Obi is expected to pick the state. Likely parties PDP, APGA/APC
Abia State
This traditional PDP voting state is faced with the obedient movement and the G5 governors’ influence. Governor Okiezie Ikpeazu is a member of the rebellious PDP governors that have refused to endorse the presidential candidate of the PDP, although the governor has refused to endorse anyone. The reason could be that the Obidient movement threatens his political structure, as voters may vote LP across the board, a decision that may affect his senatorial ambition and others in the PDP.
Also, there is former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu in Abia North, whose effort in the last election afforded the APC over 25% of the total votes. LP, PDP, APC That said, Obi is expected to win the state.
Ebonyi State
Ebonyi is also another state that Obi is expected to win, but he will have to battle with the structure of the APC, where governor Dave Umahi, for the very first time, is running on a platform that is not PDP.
The PDP is suffering from internal conflict in the state, but with strong National Assembly members and historic voting prowess, PDP cannot be totally written off. LP is expected to carry the state, but not with blown out margin In this order LP, APC, PDP
Enugu State
If Obi had not been in the race, this state would have been called for the PDP, but fortune is not smiling on the PDP in the state. The governor is a PDP member but also a member of the G5, and like all other G5 governors, he refused to campaign for Atiku. Even though Sen Chimaroke Nnamani is supporting Tinubu openly, the Labour Party is projected to win the state.
However, security remains a major concern in the state, considering that a Labour Party senatorial candidate was killed barely 72 hours before the election. LP, PDP, APC
Imo State
In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodinama has a top job to deliver the state for the APC, a tall order considering the circumstances of his emergence as governor of the state through the Supreme Court. PDP won the state during the last presidential election with 65% of the total votes cast, while APC got 27.5 percent.
As in most other states, Labour Party can be considered a disruption in most southeast states, therefore, the party is expected to win this state. However, if Uzodinma keeps traditional APC voters, they may maintain second, but the second position is too close to call between APC and PDP, but the odd favours PDP. LP, APC/PDP
Northcentral
No one has won the presidential election without winning the Northcentral. Although the region does not boast of bloc votes like the Northwest, however, because of the diversity of the people there, it tells of the acceptability of a candidate.
The region is not homogeneous— not united by language, culture or religion; to show how competitive the region is, all the candidates are popular here. Another thing is that it appears PDP and Labour are going after the same sets of voters
Benue State
A number of polls have called the state for the Labour Party and the endorsement of Obi by Governor Samuel Ortom have been seen as significant. However, several factors make the state too close to call. While Ortom is the governor, however, other PDP bigwigs like former Governor Gabriel Suswan and Senator Abba Moro are on the ballot on Saturday as candidates of the PDP, including the governor himself. Even the national chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu is from the state. However, the anti-Fulani rhetoric of the Governor may present a challenge, as the PDP will have to market Atiku to voters. On the part of the APC, there is the factor of Father Hyacinth Alia that appears to be some sort of movement in the state; he has equally been campaigning for the candidate of the APC, Tinubu.
Even the daughter of former Senate President, David Mark is in the APC, and it is hard to underestimate her; she defeated her uncle in the last election when she contested on the platform of APGA. It could be any of the candidates: APC/PDP/LP
Plateau State
Labour Party candidate is expected to win Plateau State particularly due to the enthusiasm of the young people; however, there is a common thread when analysing supporters of LP, they are mostly urban youth and women. His ability to win the state depends on the work done in rural places outside the capital because the PDP is also strong in the state and there is the APC factor, where governor Simon Lalong is a senatorial candidate in Plateau South. The APC may get backlash due to the party’s Muslim/Muslim ticket. Even in the Muslim community, the votes will be between PDP and APC. LP but with a slim margin— APC/PDP
Nasarawa
This state is another clear example of LP and PDP chasing similar voters. In Nasarawa State, PDP will have to rely on party structure to deliver the state, as voters in Mararaba, Masaka and other places close to Abuja in Karu Local government area of the state may vote Obi. APC will rely on the National Chairman, Abdulahi Adamu, Governor Sule Abudulahi and Tanko Almakura to deliver the state for the ruling party. Because of the division in the opposition, APC is projected to take the state by a slim margin, while the second place is too close to call. APC, LP/PDP
Kogi State
In the last election, APC won Kogi State by a slim margin with 54.8% of the total votes cast; with the recent economic situation and the Naira scarcity, the state should have been a battle ground, however, there is the impact of Peter Obi in this election that may take youths that ordinarily would have voted Atiku and the PDP.
There are also concerns about electoral violence in the state and the incidents of bomb blasts in Okene. All these may discourage some voters in the state.
Natasha Apoti and some PDP bigwigs are expected to make waves for Atiku, but the APC may enjoy some enthusiasm in Kogi West— particularly in the Okun speaking part, who may sympathise with Tinubu. It will be a battle between Dino Melaye and James Faleke in Ijumu LG. Because of the Obi factor, APC may win the state. APC, PDP, LP
Niger State
Niger state, a state that is always mentioned at every presidential election, because any serious candidate must visit Abdulsalam Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida at their hilltop mansions.
Niger State is currently a battleground between the APC and the PDP, where both held rallies with massive crowds. Ordinarily, APC would have been the favourite because of its structure in the state. In the last election, the state cleared every single elective position, and APC won with over 71% of the total votes cast in the election during the presidential election. And there is the incumbent governor of the State, Abubakar Sani of the APC. However, many believe that all is not well within the APC in the state. Umar Bago, the governorship candidate of the APC emerged despite not being the candidate of the governor. Although the governor claimed that he did not anoint any candidate for the primary, however, there were indications that the governor backed Mohammed Idris, the publisher of Blueprint newspaper, but was defeated.
The odds still favour the APC in the state, however, it is fair to state that it is too close to call. APC/PDP and LP.
Kwara State
The state will be facing the review of the “O to ge” movement that displaced the Saraki Dynasty in the state. The PDP, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki is proposing “O su wa” a Yoruba phrase that means “we are tired”. The APC in the state has gone through internal combustion that broke it into three— APC, SDP and YPP.
Also, Saraki has intensified his campaign around the state on a ward to ward level, and the decision of his party to zone the governorship ticket to Kwara North, a zone that last produced a governor in 1992, may be a huge advantage for the party ahead of the election. Both SDP and YPP have fielded strong senatorial candidates that may affect the party in rural areas. All these factors favour the PDP, however, there is the factor of Tinubu’s name in the state. It is a household name. APC is projected to win, but after a strong battle. APC, PDP
FCT
Because of the cosmopolitan nature of the FCT, the LP candidate has been projected to win the FCT, a good call considering the factor on the ground, however, FCT has large rural components across the territory. LP will be getting votes from traditional PDP voters and first-timers. LP is expected to take the FCT but it will be hard to underestimate long-term senator, Philip Aduda of the PDP and Zakari Angulu of the APC, both running for senate seats. APC is expected to pull some numbers in Abuja South— Gwagwalada, Kwali, Abaji and Kuje, although Hassan Sokodabo, the PDP rep member in the constituency and urban voters in Gwagwalada may further hurt the APC.
That being said, LP is projected to win with a slim margin, the second position is too close to call.
South-South
South-south is another battle ground in this election that many would not have envisaged 12 months ago. The political map of Nigeria has tremendously changed in the last 12 months.
There are the G5 governors and the Obi factor. These two factors turned the zone into a battle ground. Ordinarily, PDP would have swept this region leaving the APC to fight for 25%. Edo State In 2019, APC polled 47% of the total votes cast, however, the fortune of the party has changed since then; it lost the governorship seat after the governor defected to PDP before the governorship election.
Now, the APC has been reduced to Edo North Senatorial district where Adams Oshiomhole is the senatorial candidate of the party. Unfortunately for the PDP, the party will have to share its fortune with the Labour Party, particularly among the youths. While Governor Godwin Obaseki is always quick to dismiss the movement, his prediction that the movement will fizzle out is yet to be seen.
Then, there is the internal crisis within the PDP where a group led by Dan Orbin receives orders from the Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. The State is hard to call, a candidate with less than 35% of the total votes cast may win the election. Ordinarily, APC should not be in consideration, but in a three-horse race, if APC keeps its traditional voters while LP and PDP share spoils—a surprise may not be far away. LP/PDP—Not ruling out APC completely.
Delta State
State of the vice presidential candidate of the PDP is one interesting state in this race. This state will go to the PDP because the party is obviously strong and there is more incentive for voters to turn out because of Okowa. Among the young people, the LP has significant sympathy. Also, there is the APC, where the party polled 26% of the total vote cast in the last election. But in the current cycle, it is hard to see how the APC can flip the state, particularly with its Muslim/Muslim ticket and the naira policy. Meanwhile, there is the reported cold war between Okowa and former Governor James Ibori over the governorship seat, however, not much movement has been observed from that quarters to suggest PDP losing the state. One question that remains- will the total vote cast in Delta State cross a million votes? PDP, APC/Labour
Akwa-Ibom State
Governor Emmanuel Udom is the Chairman of the Atiku Presidential campaign team, and he is expected to deliver the state. To do so, he will have to outmatch the Obidient movement, while keeping in mind former Governor Godswin Akpabio of the APC. In 2019, Akpabio was able to get 30% of the votes cast in Akwa-Ibom, but the recent crisis in the APC presents a challenge for him; however, there is a great deal of uncertainty hanging over the PDP, particularly as regards the governorship candidate. That said, the PDP is expected to win the state. PDP, LP, APC— it will be a close contest between LP and APC for the second position.
Bayelsa State
This state is going to be a strong battleground between the PDP and APC as some sort of a litmus test for the governorship election. Governor Diri Douye will have to use this election to establish his status in the state considering that he lost the governorship election in November 2019 against David Lyon; it took the intervention of the court for Douye to emerge. As it stands, Lyon and the minister of petroleum resources (State), Timipreye Sylva have already procured the N50 million nomination and expression of interest forms. Local politics will determine the outcome of this election, but odds favour the PDP to win the state, however, the race is too close to call.
Cross River State
Governor Ben Ayade will fancy his chance to for the first time deliver the state for the party; however, like most south-south states, Cross River has consistently voted PDP, and with Labour Party making waves among the young people, it is going to be an interesting battle. To exercise caution, it is best to declare that the state is too close to call.
Rivers State
There is a serious battle going on in Rivers, it is PDP vs PDP, so the question remains, who is going to reap from the division, is it APC or LP. Events in the past couple of weeks show that there is a deliberate attempt by Governor Nysome Wike to deliver the structure of the state to Tinubu, however, there are people still loyal to Atiku. Wike appears not to be taking chances against them. It would be recalled that a member of the House of Representatives, Chinyere Igwe was arrested by the police on Friday with about $500,000. But while this battle is ongoing, LP may take the state due to popular support. Therefore, Rivers is too close to call.
North West
This region has the highest block votes and the famous KKKK states (Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi and Katsina), that can alter the fortune of any candidate. Without Buhari not on the ticket, PDP, APC and NNPP are in serious battle to take the states.
Jigawa State
In Jigawa State, the battle is between Governor Abubakar Badaru and former Governor Sule Lamido. Whoever wins the battle will take the state. APC had to grapple with post primary election defections, and there is the entry of the NNPP into the picture. Although APC remains strong, it is hard to call. APC/PDP could take it to the wire— while NNPP will be close by Kano State Kano State has essentially turned into a two-horse race between APC and the NNPP, a rehearsal of the last governorship battle between Ganduje and Rabiu Kwankwaso’s inlaw. It will not be strange if the two parties get 1 million votes apiece.
NNPP is strong in Kano Central, while the APC is strong in North and South. PDP has not been able to cause enough stir in the state, even the decamping of former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has not caused sufficient excitement. Too close to call, but odds favour Kwankwaso, however, it remains a tough battle.
Zamfara State
Every single power bloc in Zamfara seems to be in the same party, APC, except perhaps Gen Mohammed Gusau who remains in the PDP. The feelers from the state show that APC will probably win the state, but the margin is not that clear as the impact of the Naira redesign policy has to be put into consideration. APC is projected to win, PDP and NNPP are to follow closely.
Katsina State
It may sound crazy, but Katsina State may go with the PDP due to a number of factors, one is the anger over insecurity and economic hardship. Secondly, the crisis in the APC has led to the migration of several members of the party. The question is, is the president’s influence sufficient to get the win for the APC? Therefore, PDP may likely take the state, however, PDP is equally battling with its challenges, particularly the former Governor of the state, Ibrahim Shema, who has refused to endorse the governorship candidate of the PDP, in response, Governor Aminu Masari and the state decided to discontinue the N11 billion corruption case against him. PDP, APC, NNPP
Kebbi State
The situation in Katsina is similar to what is happening in Kebbi; former Governor Adamu Aleiro and former Senate Leader, Yahaya left the APC over ticket, and they were given the tickets in PDP. Although APC remains strong, the fight remains tough and therefore difficult to call. APC/PDP, NNPP
Kaduna State
Kaduna State is historically divided into North and South, and for the past two election cycles, APC has retained the North, while PDP is strong in the Southern part of Kaduna. With LP making strides in the South among Christians, this could further divide the votes of the PDP. This development tilts the election to APC. APC, PDP and LP/NNPP
Sokoto State
StateIf incumbency and ethnicity were the only factor in Sokoto, then PDP would be the obvious choice, but the local politics in Sokoto State, particularly the rivalry between Governor Aminu Tambuwal and his predecessor, Wamakko has turned the state into a battleground. This state could swing in any direction, therefore, the state is too close to call.
North East
The NorthEast geopolitical zone presents the battle between APC Vice Presidential candidate, Kassim Shettima and Atiku Abubakar.
Borno and Yobe.
These two states have similar voting patterns and are expected to go in the direction of the APC because of the influence of the vice presidential candidate, who is a Kanuri man. But the PDP is expected to do better in this election now that Buhari is not on the ballot. However, with Peter Obi trying to poach minority voters in Southern Borno, the PDP may be concerned.
It is yet to be seen how Muslim/Muslim ticket of the APC will cause dissatisfaction in those states, but the APC will win by a considerable margin. APC, PDP, LP/NNPP
Adamawa State
Adamawa State, the state of Atiku, should deliver a large margin for the PDP, unlike in 2019 where Buhari got substantial votes, this time around, APC may have to target the 25% requirement. The Labour Party will depend on Babachir Lawal to get Christian voters, however, the target will be 25%.
Bauchi and Gombe
In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed has the popularity to deliver the state; Atiku is also popular in the state, and with Buhari out of the way and Yakubu Dogara seeking to punish Tinubu for the Muslim/Muslim ticket, PDP will definitely take Bauchi.
In Gombe State, it is a battle between Atiku Abubakar and the Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya of the APC. The state is too close to call.
Taraba State
This is one state many expect Peter Obi to win because of religious sentiment, however, the structure of the PDP and APC is strong in the state. The odds favour the PDP because of the internal crisis in the APC; however, it will be a close contest. It is LP, PDP, and APC.
AMUWO ODOFIN’S UNITY : A VALENTINES’S GIFT FOR EVERYONE – PLS
The origins of St. Valentine’s Day celebrations are found in selfless love, says All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Prince Lanre Sanusi (PLS).
Sanusi has called on Amuwo Odofin Constituents and Nigerians to show more love towards each other and extend Valentine Day 2023 sentiments beyond mere amorous attraction.
A popular celebration in Africa’s cities Valentine’s Day, sometimes also known as St. Valentine’s Day, is celebrated worldwide on 14 February. On this day, lovers express their romantic affection with greeting cards and gifts. Sometimes Valentine gifts include chocolate, red roses or a romantic dinner.
The true origin of the holiday is vague. The day was celebrated as one of romance in the 14th century. Many legends have been attributed to the start of the holiday. The day may have taken its name from a priest martyred about 270 AD by the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius Claudius ‘Gothicus’.
In recent years Valentine’s Day has become popular in many big cities of Africa. No doubt fuelled by commercial interests, the holiday has expanded to expressions of affection among relatives and friends.
According to PLS, Jesus has set the gold standard for love.
“It is, yes, so, so legitimate to love and seek to be loved at Valentine. But there must be something greater and more rewarding than all that,” says the Awori born Prince extraordinaire as he wishes for love to prevail in a country reeling from killings by terrorists, widespread kidnappings and the spiralling cost of living.
The US trained Financial Advisor and Tax Expert continues, “I fancy the American educator and orator, Booker T. Washington, who said: ‘If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else.’ However, the gold standard for that was set long ago by Jesus of Nazareth when he said: ‘In truth, I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me’ (Matt. 25: 40). There is no doubt that love strewn further afield will always return with even more abundant reward for the lover,” said Sanusi.
“Well, now, love is in the air. Valentine Day is here again. I affirm that the trying period that Nigeria is experiencing actually calls for true Valentine love. This type embraces Lenten virtues like self-denial, sacrifice and laying down of one’s life for others in need,” said Sanusi.
He added, “Indeed, there is need now more than ever before to reflect on the lent in the Valentine celebration. There is Lent in VaLENTine, and I mean that literally. The origins of the Valentine celebration are found in selfless love anyway. True Valentine celebrations will always be intertwined because true love involves self-denial and sacrifice. ‘No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends (Jn 15:13)’,” the Sanusi affirmed.
“Many people need love in our Constituency, hence, my legislative mandate to the Green Chamber is premised on my love for the people and emphaty for the low in our community “
For PLS, “If indeed, Valentine is a time for sharing love and care, then all people of goodwill must feel compelled to extend Valentine Day 2023 sentiments beyond mere physical, amorous attraction. The sick, the poor, the marginalised, the captives, the bereaved, the persecuted, and the refugees all around us need a chunk of the tremendous quantum of love energy available all around at Valentine. We just must admit that far too many people need love in our country today and so make your Valentine goodies a surprise package for someone needing help out there,” Sanusi encouraged.
He concluded: “Happy Valentine celebration to the sick and needy, and that might just mean….all of us.”
