Huhuonline.com understands that Nigeria ruling Party, All Peoples Congress (APC) is divided on the Naira redesign policy of the CBN. While Adams Oshiomole, former chairman of the party, Wednesday, mobilized people in Edo State to engage in protest that resulted in the killing of 4 protesters, including a pregnant woman. His fellow party man, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Thursday, countered President Muhammadu Buhari on the naira redesign policy, saying all the old notes (N200, N500, and N1000) remain legal tender in the state.
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In his national broadcast Thursday morning, Buhari had declared that old N500 and N1000 were no longer valid.
He had asked Nigerians to take them to the Central Bank and designated places.
But in his statewide address. late Thursday, El-Rufai said the notes remain legal tender until Supreme Court of Nigeria decides otherwise.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all the old and new notes shall remain in use as legal tender in Kaduna State until the Supreme Court of Nigeria decides otherwise.
“I therefore appeal to all residents of Kaduna State to continue to use the old and new notes side by side without any fear. The Kaduna State Government and its agencies shall seal any facility that refuses to accept the old notes as legal tender and prosecute the owners.
“If need be, we shall take further consequential actions according to the law. The address by the President earlier this morning limiting the legal tender status of old notes to only N200 amounts to total disregard and disobedience of the ruling of February 8th which was extended further yesterday by the Supreme Court.
“The misguided action of the Attorney-General to mislead the President into engaging in this public violation of the order of the highest court of the land shows how desperate the policy architects are to cause national chaos, by showing open contempt for the judiciary.
“The decision to recognise only N200 as legal tender till April that the President announced this morning was offered to the state governments as part of proposals for an out-of-court settlement three days ago.
“The Federal Government asserted that this was offered because all the ‘old’ N1,000 and N500 notes had been destroyed. We rejected the offer and proved to the officials that not a single higher denomination note had been destroyed.
“We also believe that circulating N200 only to be inadequate in alleviating the suffering that we see every day. We insisted that all the components of the Supreme Court order should be complied with,” he said.
As Monarchs/ Clerics Allege Violation Of Peace Accord.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party Sen Ahmed Yusuf Datti described the extension of the deadline for the Naira swap as weakness on the part of President Muhammadu Buhari.
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Datti who was on a courtesy visit to the Obi if Onitsha Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe contended that for Buhari to have shifted grounds twice there that propensity to extend the deadline again.
“It is mixed feelings because when you see a President bulge once however small, those mighty that prevailed on him to bulge will see a gleamer of hope to press further”
“Maybe this President is becoming a weakling as they would say a lame duck President and if you seed one inch , you are likely to seed another inch”
*So it is a lot of concern for us for the President to change position literally nine days to the election,”
“However, we have recognized the fact currently is is a sourverengn matter and no state governor especially those who don’t respect court judgement have any right to interfer with the Federal government in issues about currently ”
“It has been done and it stays and it was poorly implemented and everything about government is poorly done including our economy, security as well as the level of corruption and we have come to leave with it ”
“We pray that the election would go well so that as His Majesty said if election is well done , it can open the space for good governance ” he said.
Speaking while receiving the Labour Party Running mate, Obi Nnaemeka Achebe Agbaogidi made public the resolutions of the Joint Body of South East Council of Traditional Rulers and body of Arch Bishops and Bishops on the coming election.
According to the resolution the body said; “Unfortunately the Peace Accord signed by the Presidential candidates under the platform of the National Peace Committee headed by Gen Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd) has been severally violated on several occasions and we remind the candidates and stakeholders to call their followers to order”
“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to rise to it’s statutory mandate to conduct a flawless election with all the technology and human capacity at it’s disposal”
“The election if property conducted, will pave way for good governance in this country and this election must not fail”
“We urge the electorates to resist all efforts to compromise the process or allow themselves to intimidation through financial aid material gestures ”
Speaking earlier Ahmed Yusuf Datti noted that the 2023 general elections would be a test case for Nigeria in the area of National unity of the country adding that the entire would is waiting on Nigerians to get it right for once.
…Urges Zamfara State Government To Lift The Ban Against Activities Of NGOs
The Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to ignore recent protests staged in Lagos, calling for the sack of the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, describing it as an orchestration of corrupt politicians.
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The Chairman of the Conference, Ambassador Ibrahim A. Waiya, who addresses Journalists in Kano on Thursday, disowned the Civil Society Organization who staged the protest, describing them as enemies of Nigeria who were paid by highly placed corrupt politicians to discredit the good records of the EFCC led by Bawa.
He spoke on behalf of all the leadership of all CSOs in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
They took the position after a crucial meeting on the State-Of-The-Nation held at Chilla Luxury Suites, Kano.
According to him: “As professional career civil society actors, we are disturbed by the emerging trend where some political leaders occupying exalted positions in some states would stoop too low, to sponsor some Civil Society Organizations to organize protests against a public servant, who is empowered by law to undertake a crusade against corrupt persons in Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, such corrupt leaders have not only embezzled public money belonging to their state, but have also allowed their immediate family and relations to embezzle billions of public money meant for the people of their states.
“One of such states has been placed as one of the most backward in all indices of development.
“We wish to use this medium to inform such political leaders that they have no hiding place, and no amount of hiring the civil society organizations staging protests on some streets could save them and their families alleged to be involved in corruption from the hand of the law.”
Ambassador Waiya further stated that: “We, therefore, as Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks representing states-based civil society networks/coalitions from the 19 Northern States and FCT, wish to categorically put on record that the groups protesting in some parts of Lagos State do not represent civil society organizations from all over the country.
“Therefore, They are not speaking for us or on our behalf, and we do not in any way share in their opinion calling for the sacking of the EFCC Chairman.”
According to him: “The current leadership of the EFCC has not only changed the approach on the fight against corruption, but have also systematically introduced manpower, encouraged the culture of training and retraining of the staff for more professionalism and effective discharge of their duties, imbibed human relations standard, improved standard of internal mechanism on staff discipline and administration for best practices, as well as increased integrity of the institution, in and outside the country.”
The group urged President Muhammadu Buhari, “to disregard and completely ignore the calls for the sack of the EFCC Chairman by the paid protesters as it is being sponsored by a state Governor that himself and immediate family members are enmeshed in alleged corruption.”
They, however, passed a vote-of-confieence on the EFCC Chairman.
The Conference, while supporting the Federal Government cashless policy, however, faulted its implementation, pointing out that the Federal Government should come out with shoet-term and long-term strategies to ensure smooth implementation of the policy, looking at the percentage of literate people in Nigeria, “because when you are talking about cashless policy, you are talking about going digital.”
Ambassador Waiya stated that: “We are, however, of the opinion that the redesigned Naira notes and cashless policies are good initiatives that could help in the development of the Nigerian economy, reduction of corrupt practices, and complement other efforts in tackling insecurity and, as well, facilitate a more global economy economic integration.
“However, the strategy for the implementation and approach are completely ineffective, defective and grossly ill-timed.
“We strongly support both policies, but earnestly advise that a practical implementation framework that will be inclusive should be put in place, especially, to ensure that all critical stakeholders are involved and carried along.
“The scarcity of the new Naira notes has not only crippled many businesses and investments across the country, but has also given rise to insecurity, uncertainties, as well as increased poverty, unprecedented sufferings in both cities and rural communities.
“Cumulatively, the scarcity of the new Naira redesigned notes is not only responsible for a continuous downfall of business owners, especially the small-scale and medium business enterprises, but the situation is also threatening the conduct of peaceful, credible and acceptable 2023 general elections in Nigeria.
“We appreciate the giant stride made by the President on his stance on the new Naira redesigned policy to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians by extending the use of N200 to April 10, 2023.
“In addition, we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to direct CBN to make available the lower Naira denominations such as N5, N10, 20, N50 and N100.”
More so, The Conference commended Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), “for his steadfastness, doggedness and commitment to conduct the 2023 general elections despite the lingering and emerging challenges.”
Ambassador Waiya, however, said that: “It has come to our notice that there are some alleged pressure from some quarters on INEC leadership to have the election postponed.
“It is our candid opinion that nothing is as worse disservice to the country than such evil thought and imagination.
“It is our adamant belief that the leadership of INEC would not contemplate doing that, or succumb to any pressure, to tamper with the integrity of the Commission.
“Let us also remind the INEC chairman that all eyes are on him, and the Nigerian citizens hold INEC In high esteem and expect nothing less than credible, fair, transparent elections that can sustain the trust and confidence the people repose on the electoral umpire.”
The Conference also decried, “the lingering issues of insecurity that has been a source of major concern in the country, which are apart of the regular instances of banditry, insurgency, kidnapping for ransom and oil bickering.
“The situation is now assuming a different dimension whereby public facilities are burnt down such as police and INEC offices facilities.
“Other security challenges border on the increasing and institutionalized political thuggery promoted by some desperate political class.
“Although the security agencies are doing their best to control the situations around the country despite the shortage of manpower.
“However, many of the desperate politicians are continuing devising different tactics to outsmart the security agencies in the country.
“Most of the recent threat to security in Nigeria could be directly attributed to the infractions of some of the political leaders who always allow their personal and partisan sentiments, as well as, greed to take over their sense of judgement.
“The rate at which the political thuggery is occurring in this country is alarming and requires an aggressive approach by the security agencies, and all other stakeholders to prevail on the situation before the country is consumed.”
The Conference, however, called on the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to intensify their efforts and become more decisive to contain the situation, especially, as the general elections are around the corner.
Ambassador Waiya observed that: “Similarly, it could also be acknowledged that of recent, some of the emerging issues that have also immensely contributed to the rising threat to security in the country are the newly introduced Naira redesigned policy, increasing hate speech amongst political actors and deviation from issue-based campaign to personality attacks, religious and ethnic profiling, as well as promotion of regional sentiment which threaten the corporate existence of a united Nigeria.
“The ill-timed enforcement of the cashless policy is also another issue of great concern which requires urgent and decisive actions to address.”
The Conference also condemned the banning of activities of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) by Zamfara state government, noting that: “We are also conceened on the increasingly continuous attempt by some governments at both national and states to shrink the civic space in Nigeria.
“The recent decision of Zamfara state government banning the activities and operations of all NGOs in the state is not only condemnable, but also a total contravention to the fundamental rights of Nigerians guaranteed in Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides the rights of association.
“We, therefor, call on Zamfara state Government to reverse this decision on the banning of the activities of NGOs in the state with immediate effect.”
247ureports.com reports that the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks is a forum of states-based civil society Coalitions operating in the 19 Northern States of Nigeria and there FCT.
The establishment of the platform was conceived in 2017 and inaugurated on 28 March, 2021, as a regional network of non-governmental, non-partisan, not for profit, non-ethnic, and non-religious platform, with the sole objective of advocating for the best practices of democracy, accountable governance and increased development of northern Nigeria and beyond through policy influencing, cooperation and teamwork.
The wife of the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Oluremi Tinubu, has recounted how she begged the wife of her husband’s running mate, Hajia Nana Shettima, for N2 million on Wednesday.
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Oluremi, a former Lagos Senator, said this on Thursday, during a town hall meeting with People Living With Disabilities in Abuja.
Bola Tinubu’s wife said this to counter the belief of many who felt her family was wealthy and that her husband was popular because of money.
She said: “When they say he has the money of the world, I just wonder. Mrs Shettima knows that I begged her just to give me N2m yesterday.”
She attributed the generosity of Tinubu as the reason behind his popularity and not money.
Oluremi said: “Asiwaju’s secret is not about money, contrary to what people think, he is a very compassionate man and very generous. There is nothing he can’t give.
“I remember after he finished as governor, we used to have this staff at home; if you needed anything, he would say go and meet so and so―that is who he is.
“The people you see in rallies are not after money. They believe someone can give them hope in these trying times.”
Tinubu is one of the major contenders aspiring to be the President of Nigeria in the general election coming up next week Saturday.
Raises alarm over alleged plot to cause more violence, seeks IGP’s intervention
A group, Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called on the Intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Akali, on what could be best described as collaborative plots and attacks being allegedly masterminded by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and the State Police Commissioner, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde.
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This was contained in a statement issued by the Second Spokesperson of the group, Mark Adebayo, and in which they also accused the Imo CP of collaborating with the ruling party in the state to seize voter education and campaign materials belonging to the opposition party as well as detaining and torturing those in possession of the materials for six days without charging them to Court or releasing them.
To corroborate their claims, the also released a video footage of the third attack on country home of its Spokesperson, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, by unknown Gunmen. The attack, which happened in February 7, 2023 was the third attack being launched on Ugochinyere’s house, and came less than one month after the second attack, which happened in January 14, during which at least four people were killed, including his uncle, while many property including houses and over thirty vehicles worth over one billion naira were destroyed.
The viral video shows the heavily-armed attackers wielding their guns, machetes, charms and other dangerous weapons, as they invaded the house in commando. It was also observed that, the hoodlums, when they could not find Ikenga in the house, resorted to terrorizing occupants of the house, stealing of property, planting incriminating items and destruction of property, including bursting overhead water tanks and industrial size generators.
Speaking through the press release at their conference in Abuja, the group also accused the Imo State Governor, Uzodimma and the State Police Commissioner of knowing more than they are willing to say on the attack. They further alleged that from the video, some officers of the Imo State Police Command, officers of the Ebubeagu Security Network, and at least one officer from the Force Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, were identified from amongst the attackers.
Consequent upon the allegation, the group, therefore, called on the IGP to immediately investigate the attack, which they said, will also help to unravel the mystery behind Unknown Gunmen in Imo State.
On the seizure and arrest of the the conveyors of the campaign materials, Mr. Adebayo also revealed that the lawyer who went to secure the bail of the arrestees was also arrested and detained, but was released after three days.
According to him, the Imo Police Commissioner shielded those responsible for voter register manipulation in the state, but only went ahead to charge innocent INEC staff to Court, a case, he said, was struck out by the court for lack of evidence.
The group also raised alarm over alleged fresh plot by the Imo State Police Command to frame Ikenga for terrorism and election rigging, accused the Police Commissioner of being a tool in the hands of Imo State Government officials. It went further to accuse Imo State Police Command of fabricating pre election rigging charges against Ikenga, even as it warned that the plot will not see the light of the day.
While calling for the immediate transfer of the Imo Police Commissioner for his involvement in the attacks on Ikenga and for his involvement in politics, the group also called on the IGP to restrict the CP and Governor Uzodimma from going to Ideato Local Government Area on election day, as the duo are allegedly plotting to perpetrate violence in the area on the day.
They also called for the interventions of both Local and Foreign election observers, foreign missions and security agencies, urging them to note and ensure that no violence erupts in Ideato Local Government Area, especially on the election day; as, according to them, the area has been in view for election-related violence, especially on the day of the election.
Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has marshalled out some reasons which convinced him that his principal, Peter Obi would emerge victorious during the February 25 presidential election in the country.
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He said that the pendulum is actually swinging towards Peter Obi because among his opponents from the two foremost rival political parties, Obi stands out as the only incorruptible candidate with a clean record during his political career, while others were found to have committed political blunders at one time or the other throughout their political careers.
Datti who spoke yesterday at the Palace of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, during a courtesy visit, said apart from Peter Obi being the most decent and qualified among his fellow contestants, 2023 is the turn of Ndigbo and turn of the Christians to produce the next president of Nigeria.
“Your Majesty, I wish to inform you that we have gone round the records of all the past governors that have ruled various states in Nigeria and we discovered that it is only my principal, Peter Obi that kept a clean record and left money in the government coffers while leaving office which was why the anti graft agencies have never invited him for any questioning but other past governors plundered the treasury and left an empty or indebted treasuries”.
“Moreover, Datti continued, apart from Peter Obi having clean records, coming from the required geopolitical zone and from the Christian religious sect, Obi is the appropriate person Nigeria needs now to unite this country and at the same time revive the dwindling nation’s economy”.
“On a more serious note, Nigerians should avail themselves of this golden opportunity God has offered them to elect Obi as the next president of Nigeria so that he would use his wealth of experience and qualification to steer this country to the right path or else we leave to suffer from our lifetime mistake in the future”.
“All we need is free and fair elections from the umpires, 100 percent votes from the Ndigbo and the rest will become a history, Datti assured Obi of Onitsha as he commended the monarch for his decency, dignity and leadership qualities which is known all over the country.
Responding, Obi Achebe who welcomed Datti to his Ime Obi Ancient Palace, assured him that traditional rulers in the entire Igbo land are working hard to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in the country and for the electorate to vote according to their conscience, irrespective of whether they were given money or not by overzealous politicians.
Obi Achebe who is also the Chairman of Southeast Council of Traditional rulers, as well as Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, also briefly read a communiqué the Southeast traditional rulers council issued after their Wednesday meeting in Enugu.
In the communiqué, Obi of Onitsha said all the traditional rulers in Igbo land have been directed to organize a town hall meeting in their respective communities to sensitize their subject on the need to shun threats of election boycott or worst still sit-at-home and come out en mass on the election days to cast their votes for any candidate of their choice.
Obi Achebe appealed to INEC to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. He also appealed to law enforcement agencies in the country to ensure adequate protection of the electorate from the menace of political thugs and unknown gunmen.
A fiery cleric, Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh has expressed displeasure over a declaration yesterday by President Muhammadu Buhari that the old N1,000 and N500 notes should cease to be legal tenders with effect from yesterday.
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He therefore asked the national assembly to invoke the powers conferred on them by the relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution to impeach President Buhari for starving Nigerians to death in the name of checkmating vote buying through new naira notes swap.
Bishop Udeh who is also the General Overseer of Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministries (aka “By Fire By Fire”), Nnewi, Anambra state, said the Central Bank, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele should be booted out of office and possibly prosecuted for inhuman treatment to Nigerians.
He said it is quite disheartening that Nigerians are roaming the streets in an endless search for new naira notes and both Buhari and Emefiele are busy telling them to have patience and wait for the stability of the new naira notes when the masses are dying of hunger and starvation.
He said more worrisome is the fact that the federal government refused to obey the Supreme Court order to allow the old naira notes coexist with the new notes till February 22 when the Apex court is expected to give a final verdict on the suit filed by three state governors against the federal government as it concerns the new naira notes.
On the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, lesder of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Bishop Udeh also accused the federal government of deliberately keeping Kanu in perpetual detention at the DSS facility in order to create a sit-at-home scenario that will lead to disenfranchisement of greater majority of Ndigbi who incidentally are the
supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi on the election day.
He wondered why the federal government should decide to disobey the Appeal Court order which ruled that Kanu should be released unconditionally since last year, adding that the interpretation of the government disobedience to court order could mean that government is deliberately keeping him in detention so that out of fear Ndigbo will not come out that election day to vote for Peter Obi.
He revealed that in the spiritual realm, he saw an Army general dressing up as if he is the president of Nigeria and he woke up and started praying against military coup in Nigeria.
He declared: “let what I saw in the spiritual realm where an army general is dressing up not manifest in the physical realm as a military coup because we all are aware that the worst civilian rule is batter than a military regime”.
The folly of man is his inability to come to terms with the realities of his fatalistic nature and his falability. He often foolishly and stupidly conducts himself with such arrogant grandiose mien under the false impression of being in charge, while by his very nature he is created not to be in charge of the basic things that are his being.
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These are things like the air he breathes, how long he will live, when he will die, where he will die, worst still, where and how he will be buried. Yet he subsumes himself as an exterminator and a determinator of the very elements determined by the Almighty.
You often hear them whisper “ATIKU WILL NEVER BE PRESIDENT IN AS LONG AS WE LIVE”. In this assumed role of God, they contrived a satanic script consummated from the bottomless pit of hell – the abode of BELZABUB and called him all names that are unprintable and accused him of all manners of crime, without any shred or iota of evidence.
Their satanic objective is to create a perception that will serve their purpose. This they did without any conscience, not surprising because they are not honorable men. Everything that is politically and socially incorrect, they associate with Atiku.
They are so politically scared of him that they put up a narrative that is intended to permanently confine him to the abyss of political annihilation and therefore think they can stop whatever God has intended to make of him politically.
Their allegations are so preposterous that they blame him even when their wives have failed to conceive and bear forth offspring, despite several busy magnetic schedule in the other room.
Yes, they are the ones; Governor Nasir Ahmad El Rufai and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the two ingrates who have benefited tremendously from Atiku’s political generosity.
One was brought out of obscurity and made Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises and subsequently Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This catapulted him into political limelights and now he prides himself as the “En fan Terrible” of Kaduna political space, where his words are laws.
With the monies he stole from the FCT when he was Minister, he went into Estate Development using Urban Shelter. With these stolen billions, he purchased the Gubernatorial seat in Kaduna and became its Governor where he steals public funds daily and deployed them to suppress the will of the Southern Kaduna people during the kaduna state local government elections and other elections.
Yes, it was he who destroyed the marriage of his bosom friend, took over the wife, made her his Chief of Staff and the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority with a mandate to steal so much money from the organisation with the intention of acquiring and stashing enough stolen liquid that will be handy in the fulfilment of his future Presidential ambition.
Any wonder why he is shouting over the impending failure that awaits him and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress? To the ordinary mind, El-rufai is fighting for justice with the right moral compass but where was this sense of justice when he unleashed political terror on Southern Kaduna?
The simple truth behind his more than the bereaved cries on naira scarcity and some policies of the Buhari administration is the hopelessness that has beclouded his anticipated buccaneering role in Tinubu’s Presidency as well as his ascendancy to power as President after Tinubu.
Such frustration have resulted to his barrage of criticisms against Buhari and his government. But is anyone surprised about his outbursts? A leopard can befriend other animals but can never change the spot on it’s skin. El-rufai is eternally married to political treacheries against his benefactors.
On the other hands, Tinubu has displayed his legendary political non-reliability to the man who saved him from political oblivion when against all odds; Atiku as Vice President persuaded President Obasanjo not to take Lagos State from him in 2003. It was Atiku that rescued Tinubu from the political tsunami that swept away the Alliance for Democracy controlled western states in 2003.
El-rufai after turning blind eyes to the killings in Southern Kaduna has suddenly become the advocate of the people simply because their boast of stopping Atiku from any political progress in life has failed.
A title strange in its contrition and ramifications which satisfies his gluttonic political appetite, preparatory for 2023 where it was dreamt that Buhari would be blackmailed and manipulated into allowing himself to be succeeded by Tinubu and El-rufai based on the notion that this will be achieved by a successfully contrived diabolic transition with the north putting up no resistance.
Gosh! how fallacious is man, when he has no God in his plans. Yes, God made Buhari the President of Nigeria against all odds. He alone did it even when Buhari had lost hope in himself and cried profusely at the International Conference Center and vowed not to run for Nigeria’s Presidency again.
So, no man can claim the glory of God by asserting that he made Buhari President, not even the bogus claims by some charlatans who pretended to have been the ones who made it possible.
To those who know, El-rufai’s cry is not about the naira scarcity but about his affront to God’s favour to him when he thinks that by attacking Atiku’s businesses, instigating APC government and sympathisers to threaten Atiku and members of his family to force him to retire from politics by subjecting him to several humiliating attacks in the media by agents of the state in order to give credence to their false narratives against him.
How unwise is man when he disregard God in his permutations? They hoarded the money meant for Nigerians while paralyzing Atiku’s businesses thinking they would use the accumulated war chest to buy votes come February 25th but God has shown that He does not share His glory with man.
God will surely disgrace the ungodly in his selfish permutations for power.
Owerri, the capital of Imo State, practically stood still on Tuesday as citizens trooped out in their numbers to receive the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by President Muhammadu Buhari and key Party leaders to a rally that qualifies as mother of all rallies.
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The Dan Anyiam stadium on popular Wetheral road, Owerri, where the presidential rally took place was filled to capacity with thousands of APC faithful taking available space outside.
The sea of heads in attendance was a beautiful sight to behold with Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State who doubles as the South East Coordinator for the APC Presidential Campaign assuring visiting President Buhari, Tinubu and the key Party leaders who came from far and wide, that Imo citizens are prepared to elect the APC Presidential candidate as their President come February 25, 2023.
Signs of joy over President Buhari’s visit, the fourth since Governor Uzodimma took over power, started manifesting hours before the APC Presidential rally took off when the President was honoured with a chieftaincy title of Nwanne di na Mba of Imo State ( brother in Diaspora) by the entire traditional rulers in Imo State, represented by the 27 Chairmen across local government areas who superintendent over the affairs of their communities.
The event which took place at the Eze Imo Palace at Mbari Street, Owerri was coordinated by the Chairman of Imo State Council of traditional rulers, HRH Eze Dr. Emmanuel C Okeke and also had in attendance, Tinubu, the Party’s National President, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu and other key leaders of the APC.
Clad in his chieftaincy regalia, a grateful President Buhari proceeded straight to commission the 12.5 km MCC road abandoned 39 years ago but rebuilt by the Uzodimma administration amid praises by residents.
Welcoming Mr President to the State for the APC mega rally and commissioning of the road project, the Governor expressed gratitude on behalf of Imo people for his support to his administration in the last three years which he said has resulted to improved road infrastructure, fight against insecurity, upgrade of State and Federal establishments, among others.
The Governor recalled that the President was kind enough to grant his genuine requests to reconstruct Owerri/Okigwe road, Owerri/Orlu road, Owerri/Umuahia road and Orlu/Mgbee/Akaokwa/Ugah roads, among others.
“This is in addition to granting my request for the establishment of a Teaching Hospital at the present Federal Medical Centre and the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku College of Education to a University Status.”
The Governor added that “when it became obvious that Imo is being taken over by bandits and the activities of oil theft were growing astronomically, Mr. President came to the rescue through the establishment of a Naval Base at Oguta and sent in security agencies to bring peace and ensure reasonable security of lives and property in Imo State.”
He therefore assured Mr. President that his government and the people of Imo State “will in the spirit of Valentine’s Day show Mr. President and his entourage love in both spirit and action,” noting that “Imo State is an APC State in spirit and action.”
Governor Uzodimma reiterated that the APC in Imo State will not disappoint Mr. President’s expectations and assured him that as governor, he will never betray the confidence reposed in him by the people of Imo State.
He also reminded President Buhari that “Imo people are ready for the elections and will surely vote Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu come Saturday, the 25th of February, 2023.”
President Buhari in his brief remarks at the rally expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Imo State for their support to his government and urged them to do well to “elect the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the next President of Nigeria.”
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the APC Presidential Candidate expressed happiness that the rally in Imo State coincided with the Valentine’s Day celebration and used the opportunity to wish all and sundry a happy Valentine’s Day.
He told the APC faithful that he came to Imo State with love, peace, stability and progress and promised to join the Governor Uzodimma to continue the developmental programmes of the APC-led administration at both the National and the State government levels.
He assured that he will “make Imo State one of the most attractive tourism states, add value to real estate in Imo State as well as improve the educational standard and programmes of the State and country in general where there will be no more ASUU strike and four years will be four years.”
Furthermore, Tinubu pledged to imbibe the incorruptible principles of President Buhari by “prudently managing and improving revenue capacity as well as joining the Imo State Governor and Government to eliminate insecurity and inhuman treatment.”
In their different speeches, the National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, his predecessor, former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole who represented the DG, Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Simon Lalong, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Eng. Dave Umahi, that of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, all expressed happiness over the turn out of Party faithful which they said reinforced their confidence in the capacity of Governor Uzodimma to deliver on every assignment given to him.
They were all in agreement that Governor Uzodimma has shown leadership, competence and character and urged Imo people to “vote for better future, for security and improved economy in the coming elections.”
Earlier on arrival in Imo State, President Buhari and the Presidential Candidate of the APC, Tinubu and their entourage had paid a courtesy call on the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Dr. Okeke at the Palace of Eze Imo in Mbari Street Owerri, Imo State where Mr. President was conferred with the Chieftaincy Title of “NWANNE DI NA MBA” of Imo State.
Responding to the gesture by the Traditional Rulers, President Buhari said that he will “cherish the honour done to him for the rest of his life.’’
He told the Traditional Rulers and all present that he chose to come to Imo with the Presidential Candidate because he sees Imo State as his own, noting that he “will be ready to come to Imo again and again when invited.”
President Buhari reminded the monarchs and other statesmen that “the Governor of Imo State is always coming to Abuja to ask for assistance on things that concern Imo people and that has endeared me to his government and his administration.”
Also speaking at the Eze Imo Palace, Tinubu thanked the monarchs for the honour done to Mr. President and expressed happiness that Imo Traditional Rulers were able to recognize the strong bond that exists between the Governor and Mr. President, hence the conferment of the title.
“The visit is part of the process towards stepping into the shoes of Buhari as the next president of Nigeria.”
Governor Uzodimma on his part at the courtesy call also thanked the Traditional Rulers for the honour done Mr. President and used the occasion to reiterate the gratitude of the government and people of Imo State to President Buhari over his assistance that facilitated the growth and development of the State.
In his welcome remarks, Eze Okeke thanked President Buhari for his love for Ndi Imo and for the Governor as shown in the Federal Government’s presence within the three years of Governor Uzodimma’s administration and urged him to continue to keep the channel of friendship and brotherliness open.
Eze Okeke, on behalf of the whole Traditional Rulers in Imo State wished President Buhari and the APC leadership a successful outing on their mega campaign rally in Owerri and after.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo in IKom Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State has declared to support the candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 elections holding on February 25 and March 11.
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The declaration was made by members of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation in Nigeria when former Senate Leader, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, visited the Igbo Community in Ikom LGA to canvass votes for APC in the forthcoming elections.
Speaking on behalf of the members who came out in large numbers to warmly welcome Ndoma-Egba and his entourage, the President General (PG) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Ikom, Mr. Agwu Nwokedi, said the APC chieftain has been helpful and supportive to the Igbo community right from when he represented Cross River Central Senatorial District in the Senate.
Recalling how their sister, Amaka, Ndoma-Egba’s late wife played significant role in ensuring that the Igbo community was given due recognition with the full support of the ex-Senate Leader, Mr. Nwokedi said the group will work for APC, knowing that with his position as a leading light in the party, the Igbos will be remembered in the scheme of things.
The PG said the Ohanaeze Ndigbo cannot forget so soon how the erstwhile leader of the Senate use his office to positively affect the lives of the people.
Earlier, in his speech, the APC heavyweight while thanking the Igbo community for the tremendous support he had always received from the group, particular in the course of his 12-year sojourn in the Red Chamber, assured them that they will not regret throwing their weight behind the party for the 2023 polls.
“I thank you all for the warm reception. I’m quite impressed with the large turnout for this meeting despite the short notice. Today, I have come here to plead with you to vote for our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in all the elections holding on February 25 and March 11. I have had a very good relationship with the Igbo community in Ikom over the years, and so, I’m confident that whatever I ask from you, you will do for me. I am asking you to vote 5/5 for APC in the coming elections. Vote for all our candidates – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for President, Senator Bassey Otu aka Sweet Prince for Governor, Our current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams for Senate, Victor Abang aka Mature for House of Reps and Agbor Bassey aka Correct Man for House of Assembly. I can assure you that you stand to gain a lot from voting for all the candidates of APC, the party in power in Cross River State and at the centre,” the APC stalwart declared.
Even though he is not standing as a candidate in the 2023 elections, Ndoma-Egba, a highly respected grassroots politician who is the Secretary of the Campaign Planning Directorate of APC Presidential Campaign Council (PPC), has been working round the clock to ensure the victory of his party. He has just completed his ward to ward campaign for APC in Ikom and has started the unit to unit movement while also meeting with stakeholders/groups.
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