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Nigeria Politics USA/Europe

TINUBU’S MEN, PARLEYS INTERNATIONAL MEDIA IN WASHINGTON,US

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL : April 13th, 2023

TINUBU’S TEAM PARLEYS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS IN WASHINGTON DC:

THE NIGERIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2023: SEPARATING THE FACTS FROM FICTIONS.

TEXT OF THE PARLEY HELD WITH THE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CENTER, WASHINGTON D.C, UNITED STATES ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12TH, 2023 BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, SENATOR BOLA AHMED TINUBU – MR. FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN (CHIEF SPOKESPERSON AND MINISTER OF STATE, LABOUR); MR. SUNDAY DARE (MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS); MR. AJURI NGELALE (ASST. PRINCIPAL SPOKESPERSON).

PROTOCOLS

INTRODUCTION

(1) It is our pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the National Press Center in Washington D.C for this interactive session on Nigeria’s Presidential Election, 2023. We do not intend to make this a long-winding and boring session, so we shall go straight to the points we intend to make to clear some of the fallacies that have been peddled around the world by the sore losers at the said election.

PREPARATION FOR THE ELECTIONS: A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

(2) The country’s out-going President, Muhammadu Buhari, signed into law a Bill that seeks to improve our electoral process by introducing technology as a means of accrediting voters at the polling units. This is known as the ELECTORAL ACT, 2022. The opposition and international observers hailed him on this.

(3) There was also complete non-interference in the political process by State institutions. There were no reports of deployment of security agents or State apparati in support of the candidate of the ruling party. In fact, in some instances, the opposition celebrated the fact that our candidate had no support of the Government. These led to well-published reports (albeit false) that the President was not in support of the candidate of his own party.

THE STATE OF THE LEADING PARTIES BEFORE THE ELECTIONS

(4) The ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled 21 out of the 36 States of the country and the FCT before the elections with elected Governors; whilst the main opposition, the People’s Demoratic Party (PDP) had 14 Governors and the All Progressives Grand Alliance had one Governor. The Labour Party had no single Governor or elected official at any level of Government.

(5) About eight months to the elections, the main opposition, the PDP, suffered some major set-backs. Its Vice-Presidential Candidate in 2019, Mr. Peter Obi moved to the Labour Party with his supporters, mainly from his region of origin, the South-East. Another of the Party’s main pillar of support in the North-West, Alhaji Musa Kwakwanso moved to the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), taking with him a chunk of the party’s supporters in that region. Five (5) out of the 14 Governors of the PDP, publicly announced they would not be campaigning for or supporting its Presidential Candidate (Alhaji Atiku Abubakar). Meanwhile, the ruling party remained one huge, indivisible entity with no departure of any of its elected officials or public dissent from them. It was in this state of affairs that all the parties went into the elections.

THE ELECTION OF FEBRUARY 25TH, 2023

(6) Contrary to the false outcry by the opposition, the main technological device, Bi-modal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) did not fail on the election day. All the local and international observers scored the use of BVAS very high, with one local body called YIAGA, working in coalition with the EU and other International Observers, saying it recorded 88% success in all the polling units it monitored. The Nigeria Bar Association also issued its report saying only 8 percent of voters were not satisfied with the process on that day. The portal that the opposition made so much noise about, IREV, is just a viewing portal, which has nothing to do with accreditation or verification of voters or even the counting or recording of votes.

(7) Whilst we hold no brief for the Electoral Commission, it sufficiently explained to Nigerians the next day that the delay in uploading the results to the viewing portal was as a result of a technical glitch. And since the results have since been uploaded eventually, none of the parties have produced their own copies of the result sheets obtained at various polling units that substantially contradicts the results released and announced by the Electoral Commission. Even in their Election Petitions presently before the Court, no such alternative figures have been provided. So, what is all the fuss about?

(8) It is significant to note that some other elections into the Senate and House of Representatives held on the same day, at the same time and with the same personnel. The opposition candidates have since gleefully gone to collect their Certificates of Return for the various seats they won. Why did they not reject the outcome of those elections too and reject their Certificate of Return? This is hypocrisy taken too far.

THE RESULT OF THE ELECTION

(9) On Wednesday, the 1st of March, 2023, the Electoral Commission announced the results as follows:

§ APC – 8,794,726 (36.61%)

§ PDP – 6,984,520 (29.07%)

§ LP – 6,101,533 (25.40%)

§ NNPP – 1,496,687(6.23%)

Other smaller parties scored some negligible figures.

(10) The winner, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has since collected his Certificate of Return and the Transition Committees are working hard towards a smooth transition.

THE ANALYSES AND CREDIBILITY OF THE RESULTS

(11) Our Constitution requires a Presidential candidate to secure the highest number of votes and score at at least one-quarter of the votes in two-thirds of the States of the Federation which includes the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Only Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu met these requirements especially that of the spread (he scored 25 percent and above in 29 States), even though all 3 top candidates won 12 States each. The candidate of the PDP scored 25% and above in just 21 States, falling short of the 24 States required and the candidate of the Labour Party scored 25% and above in 15 States plus the Federal Capital Territory, making it 16 States. There was just no pathway to victory for these candidates who did not have the requisite national acceptability. So, how tenable is the claim of rigging the elections? We see none

(12) It is significant to note that the elections were so credible that it threw up some upsets in our otherwise settled demography. For the first time, 20 sitting Governors lost their States, mostly those of the ruling party. Seven Governors who sought elections into the Senate failed to scale through. This has never happened in the history of Nigeria. In addition, the President-Elect lost his home State (Lagos State); the sitting President lost his home State (Katsina State); the Director-General of the Campaign lost his home State (Plateau State); the ruling Party Chairman lost his home State (Nassarawa State); the Chairman of the ruling Party’s Governor Forum lost his home State (Kebbi State) and the ruling party lost some of its traditional strong holds like Yobe State, Kaduna State and Kano State. All these go to show that it was a keenly contested election and one of the most credible in our history.

(13) The reports of some irregularities and violence in some polling units could not have affected the overall outcome of the elections too. There are 176,974 polling units in Nigeria and infractions and violence were recorded in less than one percent of these units. How could these have affected the overall results of the elections? Whilst we look forward to an era when there would be no single casualty during elections in Nigeria, however, the statistics show that 2023 recorded the lowest casualty rates ever. During the 1964/65 elections about 200 deaths were recorded as a result of election violence; 1993 election recorded 100 deaths; 1999 election recorded 80 deaths; 2003 polls recorded 100 deaths and 2007 polls recorded 300 deaths. The 2011 polls recorded 800 deaths, the 2015 polls recorded 100 deaths and the 2019 polls recorded 150 deaths. However, the 2023 polls recorded no more than 28 deaths as a result of election violence. So, the claim that this is the “worst” election so far is totally unfounded.

(14) In conclusion, our laws have provided for settled means by which election disputes are resolved. The aggrieved parties have taken advantage of this remedy by filing their cases in Court. We urge them to have faith in our judicial system and desist from spreading false tales about our election across the world.

Meanwhile, arrangements for the handover ceremonies are in full gear. The President-Elect will take his Oath of Office as President of Nigeria on May 29th, 2023. You are all invited.

Thank you.

FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, FCIArb (UK)
For and on behalf of the team

Categories
Nigeria Politics USA/Europe

US ELECTIONS: MEET THE EIGHT DISTINGUISHED NIGERIANS WHO THEIR SEATS

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL: November 9th, 2022

Make no mistake; Nigeria has a lot of good stuff to talk about even in the midst of all sorts of gloom-ridden news that come out of it occasionally. Believe it or not, Nigerians are smart, intelligent, and innovative – which is why it’s no surprise that many hold prominent positions on the global stage.

Push News 24 International reporys that from academia to business, sports, arts, and politics, Nigerians have always shown the world their prowess. It is indisputable that globally, Nigerians have made their mark in science and engineering, medicine, music, and various other fields.

Make no mistake; Nigeria has a lot of good stuff to talk about even in the midst of all sorts of gloom-ridden news that come out of it occasionally. Believe it or not, Nigerians are smart, intelligent, and innovative – which is why it’s no surprise that many hold prominent positions on the global stage.

From academia to business, sports, arts, and politics, Nigerians have always shown the world their prowess. It is indisputable that globally, Nigerians have made their mark in science and engineering, medicine, music, and various other fields.

In recent times Nigerians in the United States of America have distinguished themselves in the US midterm elections as over 8 Nigerias won their elections in an unprecedented feat.

Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari has also extended his warmest congratulations to eight Nigerian-Americans on their victory in the United States midterm elections.

In Georgia State, Segun Adeyina, Gabe Okoye, Solomon Adesanya, Tish Naghise, and Phil Olaleye won their legislative seats as State Representatives in their Districts.

Similarly, Carol Kazeem won the Pennsylvania State Representative in District 159, Esther Agbaje was re-elected as Minnesota State Representative in District 59B, while Dr. Oye Owolewa was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (Shadow Representative) in Washington D.C.

In his prayerful wishes for a successful tenure in office, President Buhari in a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina, on Wednesday, thanked them for their invaluable support and partnerships, over the years, with groups affiliated with the ideals and objectives of Nigerians in Diaspora associations in the United States.

Restating his unflinching support for every Nigerian excelling at home and abroad, President Buhari believed that compatriots who succeed in good causes are assets to the nation and the continent, noting that their contributions will always be remembered and celebrated.

Adeoye Owolewa

Adeoye “Oye” Owolewa (born 1989) is a Nigerian-American politician, pharmacist, and a member of the Democratic Party. In November 2020, he was elected as the shadow representative of the United States House of Representatives from the District of Columbia. As a shadow congressperson, Owolewa is tasked with lobbying for D.C. statehood; the unpaid position is authorized by D.C. voters in 1982, but never approved by Congress. Although mistakenly described in Nigerian media as the first Nigerian-American to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Owolewa is not a member of Congress.

Push News 24 International confirms that Owolewa Shadow Member of the
U.S. House of Representatives from the District of Columbia’s at-large district

Carol Kazeem

Carol Kazeem, State Representative for the PA 159th District. 30 years old mother, activist, and a life-long resident of the great City of Chester. She attended the Chester-Upland School District and graduated from Ridley High School.

Carols progressive values are illustrated throughout her professional work having worked in healthcare for over 10 years as a caregiver, medical coder, and behavioral & mental health specialist. Currently serving as a trauma-informed outreach worker and violence interrupter.

She claimed to be running for office because she is fed up with the lack of leadership from elected officials. Unaccountable leadership has led to the advancement of violence, poverty, and exploitation in our community. As your next State Representative, She intends to extend her advocacy for education equity and a $15 minimum wage while continuing our district’s fight against gun violence and mass incarceration.

Phil Olaleye

Phil Olaleye, Georgia House, District 59, GA
Phil is a non-profit leader that supports Atlanta youth by providing exposure to local companies, colleges and after-school mentorship. Phil has dedicated his life to serving his community and believes in a future where hardworking families can prosper and every child can thrive no matter their zip code or background.

Phil ran to represent Georgia’s House of Representatives District 59, and is fighting to invest fully in our public schools, expand access to quality and affordable healthcare, and raise the minimum wage to a liveable wage. A former neighborhood president and a Peace Corps alum, he is working hard to build a vision for the communities that is inclusive and supports working families. Phil and his wife live in Summerhill where they are raising their son.

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Education Nigeria

NIGERIANS-IN-DIASPORA DISCUSSES DIASPORA ROLE IN ATTAINING SDG’S IN NIGERIA

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL : November, 2021

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Germany will hold its First Development Roundtable, a virtual event, on 4 December 2021.

Themed “Driving Diaspora Engagement Towards The Realisation of The SDGs In Nigeria”, the online conference brings together experts who will talk about how to refocus diaspora engagement on the sustainable eradication of poverty and the improvement of the living condition of the people, contributing to the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.

To be moderated by Michelle Olufeso, the online event will take off at 11 am and end by 1 pm on the 4th December 2021.

Speakers that will make presentations at the event include Dr Austin Ezejiofor, the Abuja-based Programme Coordinator for Programme Migration and Diaspora (PMD) at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation).

Abosede Mary Otukpe is the founder and CEO of Denny Social Welfare (DSW) Hub, a not-for-profit social service organisation based in Lagos. DSW Hub promotes the health and welfare of children and families. The organisation also works with returned migrants, especially single parents and children, to improve their reintegration experience and prevent re-trafficking.

Another speaker, Mary-Martin Falana is the CEO of Kids and Teens Resource Centre, Akure. An activist, Martin-Mary advocates for children and young people, particularly on the issues of adolescent reproductive health and sexual rights. He has also fought for the provision of youth-friendly healthcare services for young people in Ondo State. Martin-Mary has served as a consultant for capacity development and project management for various civil society networks in Sub-Saharan Africa on malaria, AIDS and TB issues. He believes that “Collective responsibility is the key to sustainable development that is culture-sensitive and gender-inclusive”.

Also, Caius Eze is the founder and director of the Munich-based Elite Leadership Foundation, whose vision is ‘to raise and equip leaders that will teach other leaders’. A leadership trainer and youth empowerment resource person, he has been actively involved in mentoring and mobilising youth in Nigeria for more than a decade. Caius, who is also the Assistant General Secretary of NIDO Germany, is “a fan of education, causes and volunteering” while he’s also interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Femi Awoniyi is the President of NIDO Germany. A practising journalist who has been reporting on the African diaspora and development for more than two decades, Femi will deliver the keynote, highlighting the new thinking on how to bring about a more impactful diaspora engagement on homeland development.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, His Excellency, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar will be the Special Guest Speaker.

According to the organisers, the Programme also supports people who wish to put the knowledge they have acquired in Germany to good use in their countries of origin.

For example, these people can achieve such gestures by working as returning experts, diaspora experts or starting their own businesses.

GIZ believes that, with their knowledge, experience and contacts, the diaspora can trigger important changes and contribute to ensuring a sustainable future in their home countries.

NIDO Germany is the German chapter of the global Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO). The mandate of NIDO is to promote the welfare of the Nigerian diaspora and pursue national development through advocacy, networking, partnerships and bilateral cooperation.

Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) is the continental umbrella organisation of all NIDO chapters in Europe with headquarters at the Nigerian High Commission in London.

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Nigeria Politics Security USA/Europe

BUHARI’S GOVT SCORES A PLUS AS THE US REMOVES NIGERIA FROM RELIGIOUS VIOLATORS LIST

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL: November 17th, 2021

By Simon Lewis

WASHINGTON Washington on Wednesday removed Nigeria from its list of countries with religious freedom concerns, just a day before Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in the country as part of a tour of Africa.

The omission drew a sharp rebuke from a U.S. government commission that had recommended the Biden administration keep Nigeria as a so-called country of particular concern for engaging in or tolerating violations of religious freedom.

Blinken made an annual announcement on Wednesday of the countries on the list, naming Myanmar, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as countries of particular concern. He also placed Algeria, Comoros, Cuba and Nicaragua on a watch list for religious freedom, and designated armed groups, including Islamic State and several of its affiliates, as entities of concern.

But Nigeria, which was added to the list for the first time in 2020, was not redesignated.

Blinken is expected to arrive in Abuja on Thursday, where he is set to meet with officials including President Muhammadu Buhari and deliver a speech on U.S. Africa policy.

The State Department did not respond to a request for comment, and it was unclear if the designation was related to the secretary’s travel.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in April recommended that Nigeria remain on the list, citing “violence by militant Islamists and other non-state armed actors, as well as discrimination, arbitrary detentions, and capital blasphemy sentences by state authorities” in the country.

The commission, which had also recommended that India, Syria and Vietnam be designated as countries of concern, said in a statement that it was “appalled” by the removal of Nigeria.

“We urge the State Department to reconsider its designations based on facts presented in its own reporting,” Chair Nadine Maenza said, referring to the department’s report on international religious freedom in May, which cited religious freedom concerns in Nigeria.

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