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.
A Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday ordered that a 28-year-old man, Illiyasu Garba, be remanded in a correctional centre for allegedly sodomising a 10-year-old boy.
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The Magistrate, Mr Ibrahim Emmanuel. did not take the plea of Garba for want in jurisdiction.
Emmanuel ordered that the case file should be sent to the Kaduna State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
He adjourned the case until March 20 for DPP’s advice.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Chidi Leo, told the court that Garba committed the offence on Jan. 22 at his residence.
Leo said that the suspect lured the boy into his room and defiled him.
He said that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 261 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday depart Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU).
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The theme of the AU Summit is ‘‘Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation.’’
The President will participate in three High Level meetings on peace and security, climate change and the political situation in some West African countries.
First is the Peace and Security Council (PSC) meeting of Heads of State and Government on the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (AUPSC High Level AU), to be chaired by the President of South Africa, in his capacity as the Chair of the Council for the month of February.
Second is the meeting of the Committee of the Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), currently chaired by the President of Niger Republic.
On the margins of the annual meetings of the AU, President Buhari will also attend an extraordinary summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.
The Nigerian leader will deliver remarks at these events as well as present his National Statement at the opening session of the Summit, which brings together leaders from the AU member countries as well as a number of non-AU countries and international institutions accredited to the AU in Addis Ababa.
President Buhari will be accompanied on the trip by some Ministers and other top government officials.
Soldiers threw residents and business owners in Ogijo area of Ogun State, into confusion, after they stormed the area to avenge their colleague who was killed by a policeman on Tuesday.
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According to reports, a policemen stabbed the soldier to death and during a reprisal, property including vehicles, and a police station, among others, were burnt.
A resident of the area who simply identified himself as Sam said that trouble started when a policeman allegedly killed a soldier.
He said the slain soldier’s colleagues mobilized and attacked the Ogijo Police Station.
Commenting on the incident in a post on Twitter, an eyewitness, Rofiat Alhameed, said the unrest made a lot of commuters stranded as there were no vehicles to convey them to their destinations, adding that she trekked from Odogunyan to the Ogijo area.
Using her handle, @Fee_arh, she wrote: “I had to trek from Odogunyan to Ogijo today running from one place to another trying to avoid soldiers beating passersby and those driving between Odogunyan to Ogijo after a soldier was allegedly killed by area boys while some claimed a MOPOL stabbed the soldier in Ikorodu.”
A vehicle that was set ablaze was seen in the video clip attached to Alhameed’s post.
Also commenting on the development in a post on Twitter, a lady identified simply as Fisayo, using her handle, @This_Fisayo, urged people to be cautious while plying the Ogijo area to their destinations.
The post read: “If you’re going towards Ikorodu first gate down to Ogijo precisely, please stay safe; heard they killed a soldier this evening and they’ve been fighting.”
However, contrary to insinuations that the incident happened in Lagos State, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a tweet, clarified that the incident happened in Ogun State.
The tweet read: “There are stories making the rounds that riots have broken out in Odonguyan, Ikorodu. We wish to clarify that the unrest is at Ogijo, Ogun State, though very close to Ikorodu, Lagos. Our officers are on the alert and would not allow any breakdown of law and order within Lagos State.”
…says APC fueling crises to force election postponement
A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, on Thursday, said that accused the APC was fueling agitations and riots over the scarcity of new Naira notes to heat up Nigeria to procure a recipe for the postponement of the election.
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According to him, the APC has chosen a dangerous route to retain power by instigating killings and destruction of property by paid irate mob protesting scarcity of Naira.
He advised President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari not to bow to pressure and blackmail through ongoing sponsorship of riots to trigger election shift.
Frank, Ambassador to United Liberation Movement for West Papua (East Africa and Middle East), expressed these views in a statement issued in Abuja.
He insisted that the APC was fueling the crisis to enable them perfect their vote buying and rigging strategies ahead of the elections.
“It is unfortunate that the APC has chosen a dangerous route to retain power by instigating killings and destruction of property by paid irate mob protesting scarcity of new Naira notes.
“I dare say that the country is bigger than any political party or party candidates. Instigating crisis to provoke a postponement of the elections is least expected of the APC”, Frank said.
He called on President Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission to be resolute in their commitment to conduct the elections notwithstanding the evil machinations of the APC to get the polls shifted.
The activist called on the international community especially election observers already deployed by statutory bodies to monitor the elections to put pressure on the nation’s election management body to hold the election as scheduled.
He insisted that if elections are being held in countries in worse security situations or experiencing full blown war, there is no justification to postpone the forthcoming elections on the basis of protests over scarcity of new Naira notes.
Frank said, “Even though the riots seem localized in the southern parts of the country, we have information that very soon APC will cause it to spread to states in the North.
“This to enable them sustain their blackmail and pressure on INEC and Buhari to postpone the elections under the guise of widespread violence.
“We condemn this resort to violence being masterminded by the APC and we call on all well meaning Nigerians and international development partners not only to condemn this shenanigans by the ruling party but to hold it responsible for all deaths and properties being destroyed at this time as well as any postponement of the election.”
The Ebonyi State Government has said Ebubeagu security outfit will continue to operate legitimately as it was properly established by the law.
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The state government Wednesday disclosed this, during a joint press briefing by the Commissioner of Information and state orientation, Barr. Uchenna Orji, the Principal Secretary, Emmanuel Obasi and the State Security Consultant, Stanley Okoro Emegha, at the old government house Abakaliki.
Recall that Justice Riman Fatun had delivered judgement at a Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, declaring Ebubeagu illegal and unconstitutional.
Justice Riman had in his judgement disbanded the Ebubeagu security outfit and called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to disarm Ebubeagu Operatives.
But, the state government, during the press briefing through Barr Uchenna Orji and State Security Consultant, Stanley Emegha described the judgement as biased, which according to their belief cannot stand.
The State government revealed that the Ebubeagu security outfit was established by law 005 of 2021 of Ebonyi State and as such will continue to exist, and carry out its legitimate duties as stipulated under the law.
Orji said, “It’s our firm belief that the judgement cannot stand. We have got nothing in conflict with the constitution, in the way and manner the supreme court handled Ebubeagu. Ebubeagu has not done anything that is in conflict with the Nigerian Police.
“It’s a judicial misapplication and misinterpretation, having regard to the principle of judicial and judicious decision. The judgement of Justice Fatun Riman is a miscarriage of justice that is dead on arrival” he stated.
He revealed that the judgement by the Federal High Court had been appealed adding that the state will soon get a stay of execution.
Also, Security Consultant to the State, Chief Stanley Emegha stated that Ebubeagu have been working tirelessly, in union with other security agencies to ensure the security of lives and property of Ebonyians are protected.
He stated that most of the allegations levelled on Ebubeagu outfit are politically motivated, and however
expressed optimism that the appellate court would reverse the verdict in due time.
NATIONAL BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CHALLENGES OF THE CURRENCY SWAP AND STATE OF THE NATION, ON 16th FEBRUARY, 2023
My Dear Compatriots,
I have found it necessary to address you today, on the state of the nation and to render account on the efforts of our administration to sustain and strengthen our economy, enhance the fight against corruption and sustain our gains in the fight against terrorism and insecurity which has, undoubtedly, been impacted by several internal and external factors.
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2. Particularly, I am addressing you, as your democratically elected President, to identify with you and express my sympathy, over the difficulties being experienced as we continue the implementation of new monetary policies, aimed at boosting our economy and tightening of the loopholes associated with money laundering.
3. Let me re-assure Nigerians, that strengthening our economy, enhancing security and blockage of leakages associated with illicit financial flows remain top priority of our administration. And I shall remain committed to my oath of protecting and advancing the interest of Nigerians and the nation, at all times.
4. In the last quarter of 2022, I authorised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the N200, N500, and N1000 Nigerian banknotes.
5. For a smooth transition, I similarly approved that the redesigned banknotes should circulate concurrently with the old bank notes, till 31 January 2023, before the old notes, cease to be legal tender.
6. In appreciation of the systemic and human difficulties encountered during implementation and in response to the appeal of all citizens, an extension of ten days was authorized till 10th February, 2023 for the completion of the process. All these activities are being carried out within the ambit of the Constitution, the relevant law under the CBN Act 2007 and in line with global best practices.
7. Fellow citizens, while I seek your understanding and patience during this transient phase of implementation, I feel obliged to avail you a few critical points underpinning the policy decision. These include:
a. The need to restore the statutory ability of the CBN to keep a firm control over money in circulation. In 2015 when this administration commenced its first term, Currency-in-Circulation was only N1.4trillion.
b. The proportion of currency outside banks grew from 78%in 2015 to 85% in 2022. As of October 2022, therefore, currency in circulation had risen to N3.23 trillion; out of which only N500 billion was within the Banking System while N2.7 trillion remained permanently outside the system; thereby distorting the financial policy and efficient management of inflation;
c. The huge volume of Bank Notes outside the banking system has proven to be practically unavailable for economic activities and by implication, retard the attainment of potential economic growth;
d. Economic growth projections make it imperative for government to aim at expanding financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population; and
e. Given the prevailing security situation across the country, which keeps improving, it also becomes compelling for government to deepen its continuing support for security agencies to successfully combat banditry and ransom-taking in Nigeria
8. Notwithstanding the initial setbacks experienced, the evaluation and feedback mechanism set up has revealed that gains have emerged from the policy initiative.
9. I have been reliably informed that since the commencement of this program, about N2.1 trillion out of the banknotes previously held outside the banking system, had been successfully retrieved.
10. This represents about 80% of such funds. In the short to medium and long terms, therefore, it is expected that there would be:
a. A strengthening of our macro economic parameters;
b. Reduction of broad money supply leading to a deceleration of the velocity of money in the economy which should result in less pressures on domestic prices;
c. Lowering of Inflation as a result of the accompanying decline in money supply that will slow the pace of inflation;
d. Collapse of Illegal Economic Activities which would help to stem corruption and acquisition of money through illegal ways;
e. Exchange Rate stability;
f. Availability of Easy Loans and lowering of interest rates; and
g. Greater visibility and transparency of our financial actions translating to efficient enforcement of our anti- money laundering legislations.
11. I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy. I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.
12. To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.
13. I have similarly directed that the CBN should intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, so as to ensure that any institution or person(s) found to have impeded or sabotaged the implementation should be made to bear the full weight of the law.
14. During the extended phase of the deadline for currency swap, I listened to invaluable pieces of advice from well meaning citizens and institutions across the nation.
15. I similarly consulted widely with representatives of the State Governors as well as the Council of State. Above all, as an administration that respects the rule of law, I have also noted that the subject matter is before the courts of our land and some pronouncements have been made.
16. To further ease the supply pressures particularly to our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.
17. In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.
18. Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.
19. Let me assure Nigerians that our administration will continue to assess the implementation with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are not unnecessarily burdened. In this regard, the CBN shall ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to our citizens through the banks.
20. I wish to once more appeal for your understanding till we overcome this difficult transient phase within the shortest possible time.
21. Fellow citizens, on the 25th of February, 2023 the nation would be electing a new President and National Assembly members. I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.
22. This is a positive departure from the past and represents a bold legacy step by this administration, towards laying a strong foundation for free and fair elections.
23. I urge every citizen therefore, to go out to vote for their candidates of choice without fear, because security shall be provided and your vote shall count.
24. I however admonish you to eschew violence and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral processes. I wish us all a successful General Elections.
Thank you for listening. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
…Says God has raised Kwakwanso to deliver the Country from evil
From Mba Nnenna- Abakaliki
Vice Presidential Candidate of New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Bishop Idahosa Isaac has said his party will deliver the country from all evil.
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NNPP VP Candidate, Idahosa stated this Wednesday during the party’s rally at Abakaliki, Ebonyi state.
Addressing supporters at the rally, Idahosa lamented over the poor condition of Nigerians, ravaged by hunger, starvation, and insecurity. He affirmed that God has raised their National leader, Kwakwanso to deliver the country.
“I bring you greetings from my principal, the National Leader Kwakwanso. The Nation is faced with affliction of all manner of ills. God has raised Kwakwanso to deliver you and me from all these evil- joblessness, suffering, insecurity, poverty.
“We are coming to deliver freedom, equity, justice, peace, and prosperity. God said he will bless the fruit of our labour. So we are possessing the fruit basket, which is the party’s logo.
He called on the supporters to pray over their PVC come 25th February, before going out to cast their votes for their preferred candidates. He equally urged them to vote all NNPP candidates from top to bottom for liberation from wickedness.
The party’s guber candidate in Ebonyi state, Prophet Adol Awam Chris said the party is God’s project which has come to stay, stating that nothing will stop it.
“God will have his way, that is why we march round the state. Light has come to take over, and darkness cannot stop it”, he added.
Meanwhile the National Woman leader, NNPP, Dr. Mrs Mariam Yasin explained that the party will salvage the country. She affirmed that security is one of their priority, adding that education will be free at all levels, from primary to tertiary institution and free health care.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested one Chidozie Kingsley Nwachi, (a.k.a Dozie) for allegedly marrying an American: Nicole Kierulff Sayers falsely, and defrauded her $200,000(Two Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) in the process.
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Nwachi was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, based on the claims of Sayers, alleging that the suspect lured her into a false marriage and defrauded her of her savings.
“I was accustomed to transferring money to him and further felt I had no choice, since I had just married him, even though I did not feel confident in my choice to have married him”, she said.
Nwachi’s ploy of defrauding his “wife” was the offer of a phony contract by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Abuja. He allegedly made Sayers finance the execution of the contract until the petitioner contacted the Ministry with the contract papers and discovered that they were fake.
Realising that Nwachi had sold her a dummy, Sayers lamented that: “I have been suicidal on and off, when I realized he was a fraud, as I was drowning financially and facing bankruptcy”.
Items recovered from the suspect include two cars: Toyota Venza and Lexus ES300, expensive wrist watches, two Apple iPhone, two iPhone laptops, an international passport and multiple Automated Teller Machine, ATM, cards. A sum of $2204( Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Four United States Dollars) was also recovered from him.
He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Presidential elections play a crucial role in shaping the future of a country, either affirming the policies and actions of the incumbent government and party or repudiating them. This is only true, however, if the elections are free and fair and reflect the preferences and wishes of the majority of the people.
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For some reason, Nigerians believe that the 2023 presidential election will be the most crucial in their lifetime; even more important than the 1999 presidential election that marked the return to democratic rule. This may be due to two reasons: the implementation of electoral reforms and the state of the country.
Electoral reforms such as the electronic transfer of results and BVAS, which makes only for digital accreditation of voters, have raised the specter of truly free and fair elections. Additionally, even more crucial, the country is in bad shape. The economy and security are in the doldrums. Inflation is at an all-time high at about 22 percent. kidnapping has become almost routine. The unemployment rate is 33 percent. Interstate road trips are at your risk only. Ninety million Nigerians are estimated to be poor and living from hand to mouth. The country has the highest number of out-of-school children at 20 million. Corruption is endemic and so is banditry….and the list goes on and on.
In eight years, it appears that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has not made a significant impact on the numerous challenges facing the country, despite being elected with a promise of ‘change.’ Based on major economic indicators, President Buhari will be leaving Nigeria worse than he met it in 2015; in addition, critics say, to running one of the least inclusive governments in the country’s history, leading to strident complaints of nepotism and provincialism.
Perhaps, it is for the above reasons that young Nigerians seem more invested in this particular presidential election than any other one before it. This so-called Twitter generation or Gen Z appears to have come of age at this important intersection in Nigeria’s history and want to make their voices heard through the ballot. Would they succeed? Would this be the epic coming-of-age story of Nigeria’s young people swaying the outcome of the presidential election in whichever direction they choose? Would this be the generation to save Nigeria by demonstrating the power of the vote?
Nigeria has a large youthful population, which is a significant demographic. It is in fact a country of young people with a median age of 18 years. Nigerians who constitute the youth bracket of 18-34 are about 64 million. This number increases to 97 million (46 percent of the total population) if the definition of youth is expanded to include those between 18 and 40.
So going by the numbers alone, the youth population is formidable and dominates the country. No other age demography even comes close to it. But the challenge with this demography is that the ‘youth identity’ is weak. A typical Nigerian has several identities, including national, religious, gender, ethnic, regional, party, and so on. Of these, the most important forms of identity appear to be ethnic (regional in some cases) and religious for most people. Nigerians often build their persona and relationships around these two forms of characterization and there are ingrained beliefs, attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes attached to religion and ethnicity.
This has made it difficult to build a true nation, one in which the citizen’s first loyalty is to the country and not to his tribesmen and women, or people who share the same faith as him. This problem preceded Nigeria’s independence. The founding fathers drew political support primarily from people of the same ethnic or regional stock as themselves. Over the years, the issue has only gotten worse as tribalism and nepotism have become major hindrances to the public sector’s efficiency, with jobs being awarded based on these considerations rather than merit.
So, a typical young Nigerian does not consider his youth identity the primary aspect of his life. He tends to see himself first as a Yoruba, Hausa, or Ijaw, and next to that would possibly be his faith. As a result, even though young Nigerians have the numbers, they do not necessarily vote uniformly based on shared concerns and interests. For example, a young person in Zamfara may have very little in common with a young person in Yaba, Lagos, due to differences in their faith, education, outlook on life, and vision. Thus, the presidential candidates they choose to support may vary widely.
Given this lack of national youth identity, it is unlikely that the youth demographic could significantly influence the presidential election results. Instead, young people’s voting behavior would likely be determined by local dynamics, influenced by the society in which they live. Therefore, the youth vote in Kano would probably not come as a unified bloc, but instead would resemble the voting behavior of other age demographics in the state and differ from the vote of a young person in Bayelsa, for instance.
That said, however, the youth identity is gaining traction in the southern part of Nigeria, especially after the Endsars protests led by young southerners. These young people increasingly promote an identity based on mutual interests, concerns, and a shared vision of a prosperous and stable Nigeria. They do not prioritize ethnicity or religion in forming relationships or characterizing themselves, but rather see themselves as young Nigerians above all else.
This jeun-soke generation is highly educated, leans towards the left politically, and tends to come from the wealthiest segment of Nigerian society. Due to their significant influence on social media, especially Twitter, they dominate national online conversations and may appear to speak for all young Nigerians. But they don’t. They are only a vocal minority whose time may well come in the future. But not in time for this presidential election.
Ogunro is Director Research and Strategy at the Future Now Initiative
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