2019: Let’s Turn Nigeria Into World Headquarters For Hope – Atiku At New Year

December 31, 2018

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to turn the country into the world headquarters for hope, as against the world headquarters of extreme poverty it became in the year 2018.

In his New Year message to Nigerians, Atiku recalled that in 2018, Nigeria became the world headquarters for extreme poverty, saying that he is convinced that in 2019, “if we chart a new course, we can become the world headquarters for hope and extreme devotion to the cause of lifting our people out of poverty.”

The PDP Presidential flag bearer described 2019 “as yet a blank page,” saying that as a nation, Nigeria must not settle for whatever it brings.

“Rather, we must take collective action, through our choices, in making it a year where we revive national hope, with visionary leadership that sees our economy and institutions working again as they did in our golden era.

“We can chart a new course and open a new chapter that sees every Nigerian living in peace and prosperity with their neighbour. It can be the year when our youths finally get a job instead of being unfairly tagged as lazy. With purposeful leadership, it can also be the year when we put an end to terrorism and usher in a golden age of peace.

“But it will not just happen by itself. We have to make changes from the top all the way to the bottom. We already have the vision, the vision of a nation that is a beacon of hope for the Black Race and the world at large, what we lack and what 2019 can provide, is the leadership that has the capacity to translate that vision into reality.

“In 2019, Nigerians need a leadership that is 100% for 100% of Nigerians, 100% of the time. We have seen where division and sectionalism has led us to. Now let us try unity and patriotism.

“Don’t lose heart and hope. Nigeria is no stranger to overcoming difficulties. In fact, we have an uncanny ability to perform our best when the worst is upon us. I urge my fellow countrymen and women to remember how we became the first nation in the world to defeat and overcome the Wild Ebola Virus, when even First World nations were struggling with the scourge.

“That resilience is domiciled in our national psyche and together we shall win forever. We shall win over forces of disunity. We shall win over forces of poverty and backwardness.

“But more importantly, in 2019, I want Nigerians to know that it is possible to have a leadership that is compassionate and that this does not equate to weakness. A leadership that is bold but not domineering. A leadership that is intelligent, but not arrogant.

“Indeed, that is the only type of leadership that can navigate the difficulties currently facing our dear nation and lead us to Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress, which are our national motto and which are the hope of all Nigerians.”

2019: Tinubu Advises Nigerians To Move Forward Instead Of Returning To Old Ways

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

Former Lagos governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has advised Nigerians to chose the path of moving forward in 2019 as opposed to going backwards to the past that has not helped the nation.

In his New Year message today, Monday, the APC leader also advised Nigerians to enter 2019 and see it as a new day for the country.

“The nation is on the verge of an election to determine our collective fate. We can either chose to continue forward or return to the old ways that held us back for so long. Just as 2018 must turn into 2019, we must also continue to move forward, as time cannot proceed backward, nor should we.”

AsiwajuTinubu advised Nigerians to look back on 2018 with thanks and gratitude, and to thank God for all that He has done for them.

“We realize that we still have much to do and far to travel to become the nation we are destined to be. Yet, we must also acknowledge that we have come a long way. We have made progress and it has at times been difficult, yet we stand with great hope and belief that we shall advance and move this nation forward.

“Let us recognize that which has been done this past year. President Buhari has built a foundation for sustainable growth and development, a path for a better future. President Buhari has brought transparency and accountability in the government’s businesses.

“The Buhari administration has shown the compassionate side of our traditions and our very nature by constructing a social safety net to assure the poorest among us are not neglected but are cared for as is the right of every human being. It has fed children that they may go to school.

“It has trained people that they may acquire a livelihood. It has empowered those who wish to start businesses and employ others. It has helped farmers become more productive so that they may earn more money while better feeding the nation.

“For instance, we have recorded significant breakthrough in agriculture with increased local rice production and the attendant reduction in rice importation.These things have been done not to win accolades but because they are the right things for a decent and caring government to do for a decent and good people.

“As we move into the New Year, let us do so committed to doing our best for Nigeria.

“We must enter the New Year and see it as a new day for Nigeria. Thus, I ask you to perform your civic duty to vote with utmost faith, responsibility and the best interest of the country at heart.

“We have a choice to make. The choice we make will demonstrate the type of nation we want. I select the path of forward progress for I have never commended to myself or to the nation the awkward practice of walking backward. We must exercise courage and vision. We must continue forward. For the sake of this nation and our posterity, we dare not retreat or regress.

“Elections will be free and fair. You must add your voice and vote. You must participate in this important exercise of our democratic rights and institutions. We seek to build a better nation. We ask you to join us.

“In so doing, we give effect to the best of our hopes and aspirations for 2019. I wish you all a wonderful New Year.”

2019: Those Trumpeting Falsehood Are Fighting Losing Battle – Buhari At New Year

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that the opposition politicians who have been going about dishing out lies and passing negative comments on the government of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are fighting a losing battle ahead of next year’s elections.

“Those who continue to trumpet falsehood and negativity are on their own, fighting a losing battle. The greater number of Nigerians are trusting and believing that we shall deliver on our promises for a level playing field at the polls, and that is what we shall do.”
In his New Year message to Nigerians today, Monday, President Buhari insisted that as Nigerians go into elections in 2019, such elections need not be carried out as a do or die affair.

“And we should not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.”

The President stressed that what Nigerians desire are peace, security, prosperity, inclusiveness and infrastructural development, adding that they also deserve to have a nation they can be proud of: “a country that can hold its own among the nations.

“That is the journey we have embarked on since we came onboard in 2015, and we are not distracted as we move on. We are resolved to build a country in which the resources are utilized for the benefit of the largest number, and not appropriated by a privileged few in their never ending quest to satisfy their greed. We are on this mission together, and I assure you of a firm commitment to the ideals of a safe, secure, fair, just and prosperous country.

“We have had our challenges: security, economic, political, social. But we are resolved to combat and overcome them all.

“I appreciate your support and collaboration in previous years, and look forward to same in 2019, and beyond, as I hope you will renew the mandate you overwhelmingly gave us in 2015, for another term.

“We are motivated by nothing other than service to motherland, and service without selfishness or personal interest.

“I can assure you all that we are making steady and sustainable progress in all areas of national life. Those who are unbiased can see and appreciate the progress the country has made since 2015.

“A New Year provides opportunity for renewal of commitment, and I invite you to rededicate yourselves to the vision of a Nigeria that works for all.

“We are moving from potentials to actualization, and it’s a task to be accomplished by us all; man, woman, young, old, military, civilian, all Nigerians.
Please come along, as we journey to the land of our dreams. Happy 2019.”

Buhari Stands Better Chance Of Making Igbo President In 2023 Than Atiku – Okechukwu

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Chief Osita Okechukwu, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari is in good position of allowing Ndigbo ( igbos) to become President in 2023 than the Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Paty (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Okechukwu, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu today, Monday said: “Buhari I know will not embark on third Term like Obasanjo. The truism is that Buhari’s remaining four years post-2019 is cast in constitutional stone.

“This is unlike Atiku’s own which is at best a pledge, hence creates fluid eight years for Obi and by extension Ndigbo.”

The VON chieftain, who was reacting to the statement by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo at Nenwi during the weekend that “it is dangerous for Ndigbo to take All Progressives Congress (APC) government serious over the promise of 2023 Nigeria president of Igbo extraction,” called on the former President to give Ndigbo a break.

“He should give us a break; 2023 is our turn to produce a president, for equity, natural justice and good conscience hinted by Obasanjo is to our advantage.

“The only reinforcement Ndigbo needs to compliment this immeasurable equity, natural justice and good conscience is to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari. Voting massively for Buhari will elicit support from his followership of over 12 million voting Nigerians.

“How come he (Obasanjo) didn’t handpick Obi to be Vice President in 2007, after embarking on the third term wild goose chase, when he hurriedly settled for former President Goodluck Jonathan? He should give us a break and not distract us.”

Source: NAN.

Presidential Candidate Of ACPN, Ezekwesili, Says Nigerians Are Political Illiterates

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria A(CPN), Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili has said that most Nigerians are political illiterates.

Ezekwesili, who was once Nigeria’s education minister, said that the many years of military rule has adversely affected political enlightenment in Nigeria.

The Presidential candidate, who spoke at politco Politica with Isabella Akinseye, stressed also that apathy on the part of the electorate has contributed to political illiteracy in the country.

“In rating the Nigerian electorate, I think we are three out of a possible ten and the reason is simply because we suffered many years of militarization and my generation and the one before habitually new military rule more than we knew democracy.

“It is a very young democracy in the sense that those among this current generation, born in 1999 will be 20 years and will be first time voters, so they are still an insignificant portion of the population so the literacy level of democracy and what it requires of citizens is pretty low. A lot of politicial literacy campaigns and civic activities will help us increase the rating right now.

“I think there is a lot of apathy in the sense that citizens feels government don’t play much role in their so they have this attitude of let me mind my business and do that which is important to me forgetting that nothing is more important than having a functional government.

“The understanding of governance is still a bit distorted, people believe that for you to have a role in governance you must be an appointed official but governance as a construct requires the engagement of the citizens. There is a demand and supply side to governance.

“If those who are citizens don’t play their active citizenship well, there is no demand side for governance and lack of this will make the supply side which is those in governance to do anything they like. They will behave like monopolies; they have no pressure to deliver results.”

2019: Nuhu Ribadu Mobilizes Adamawa Electorate For Buhari’s Victory

Editorial staff

December 31, 2018

Former chairman and chief executive of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu said he ias committed to mobilizing Adamawa people with other stakeholders to ensure that President Buhari win the 2019 election in the state by landslide.

Ribadu, who spoke today, Monday in Yola, capital of Adamawa State, while inaugurating 40 vehicles donated by his support group, Black Cap Revolutionary Movement, for the mobilization of voters in Adamawa, said: “Adamawa is 100 per cent for Buhari; we will make sure Buhari is re-elected, because he deserves it.

“Let’s help Buhari so that he can continue to work for Nigeria.”

Ribadu, who is the Director of Field Operation of Presidential Campaign Council of Buhari/Osibanjo, said that Buhari would get double of what he got in 2015 in Adamawa.

“If Buhari won Adamawa by over 600,000 votes in 2015, by the grace of God we are going to give him over one million votes in 2019.”

He listed series of Federal government projects completed and ongoing in Adamawa, adding that the only way to reciprocate that was to vote Buhari again, massively.

Ribadu also lauded the ongoing fight against corruption by the Buhari administration, pointing out that over N400 billion has been recovered by EFCC.

“Under Buhari abled leadership, this country’s foreign reserves has risen to about 45 billion dollars.”

Crises Fester In Kaduna Because Perpetrators Were Never Punished – Leaders

Editorial staff

December 30, 2018

Some traditional and religious leaders have collectively blamed the frequent communal crises in Kaduna State to the fact that perpetrators had never been brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.

The leaders, who spoke today at a Town Hall meeting held with the State Governor, Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai, at Kasuwar Magani in Kajuru Local Government area, stressed the need for the government to be more proactive in tackling crisis before it develops into a big security problem.

The Sarkin Kasuwar Magani, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who spoke at the event, insisted that lack of necessary action against perpetrators had contributed largely to fueling more crises in the area and appealed to the state government to look into the matter.

He called on traditional leaders, irrespective of religion and tribe, to shun sentiment and report any criminal act in their chiefdoms.

This was even as the Secretary of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam in Kajuru local government, Tijjani Muhammad, appealed to the governor to ensure that perpetrators “are really brought to book.”

He recalled that some of those known to have actively participated in the crisis in the past were arrested and released.

The Secretary of Christian Association of Nigeria in the area, Pastor Joseph Maigida, also expressed similar concern.

Responding, governor el-Rufai promised to punish the perpetrators of the crisis, stressing that his government would not tolerate acts of lawlessness.

The governor, who asked the people of the state to live peacefully with one another irrespective of differences among them, lamented the manner in which the social media is being used by self-centered residents of the community to cause mayhem through the spread of fake news and hate speeches.

El-Rufa’i described such act as criminal, and vowed that those engaged in it would be duly identified and punished.

The governor assured that security agents are monitoring and tracking masterminds of crisis in the state.

He appealed to citizens of the state to report any culprit to security agencies, assuring them that criminals would never go free under his administration.

Police Dismisses 3 Officers In Lagos For Discreditable Conduct, Corrupt Practice

Editorial staff

December 30, 2018

The Nigeria Police has dismissed three officers attached to Ijanikin Division in Lagos State for what the police described as discreditable conduct and corrupt practice.

The police recommended one other officer to the Inspector General of Police for similar dismissal while redeploying the Divisional Police Officer in the area for lack of proper supervision of his men and officers.

Those who have been dismissed are Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs), namely: Sergeants Gbemunu Afolabi, Afolabi Oluwaseun and Coupler Adigun Omotayo.

Lagos State Police Command Spokesman, CSP Chike Oti, who confirmed the dismissal of the officers today, Sunday, said that the fourth policeman, an Inspector, was recommended to the AIG Zone 2 for dismissal.

“The authorities of the Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that the Command’s Provost Section, trying four policemen attached to Ijanikin Division for discreditable conduct and corrupt practice, has found them guilty on all counts and accordingly recommended them for dismissal from the Force.

“Based on the recommendation of the adjudicating officer, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Imohimi Edgal, approved the dismissal.

“Meanwhile, the recommendation for the dismissal of Insp. Amiete has been forwarded to the Assistant Inspector- General of Police, Zone 2 for approval,” Oti said.

Chike Oti said that the policemen had conducted themselves in a manner unbecoming of their status in the Force, adding that the Commissioner of Police had redeployed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ijanikin Division, CSP Eugene Ubine, for lacking in supervision of his men.

“He, therefore, warns Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of departments to strictly monitor the activities of their men for better service delivery.

The dismissed police men had earlier been arrested for allegedly robbing one Theodore Ifunnaya of 350,000 CFA (about N221,508).

Accosted the victim who is a Nigerian based in Togo, and was in Nigeria to celebrate Christmas; the dismissed officers subjected him to tortuous search and interrogation.

When the dismissed officers discovered the sum of money on him, they collected the money, exchanged to Naira and gave N2000 to the victim to go home. The policemen also threatened to arrest him for alleged robbery if he speaks out.

Aviation Authority Withdraws Certificate Of One Airline For 180 Days, Fines 3 N2 Million

Editorial staff

December 30, 2018

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a fine of between N1.5 million and N2 million on three private airlines and suspended the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of one other for 180 days for violating the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NigCARs).

The General Manager, Public Relations of the NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, who spoke today, Sunday in Lagos, said that the airline that have been so punished included both scheduled and non-scheduled operators.

According to him, the affected operators were caught when NCAA Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI) visited their premises, adding that a number of deficiencies, including non-implementation of training programmes for maintenance personnel as required and irregularities concerning helicopter flight identification were discovered during the inspection.

“Also discovered were deliberate violation of the regulations, performing maintenance programme without necessary approval and the use of outdated manual.

“NCAA has directed that the maintenance personnel be trained immediately. NCAA wishes to assure all stakeholders that it will continue to ensure the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are strictly followed.”

Source: NAN.

Benue,Taraba Governors Offer Amnesty To Criminals At Border

Editorial staff

December 30, 2018

Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue and Darius Ishaku of Taraba States have resolved to grant amnesty to criminals operating along the border of the two states. The offer is part of the resolution at the end of the joint security meeting between the two states held today, Sunday, at the Federal University Wukari in Taraba State.

Governor Ishaku, who read the communique at the end of the tour of some border communities of Abako, Sai and Dogon-Gawa, said that the amnesty window took effect immediately and would expire by the end of January 2019.

“We are willing to give amnesty to criminals who are willing to renounce criminality and surrender their weapons so that we can give them better jobs and reintegrate them into the society.

“Criminals willing to surrender, including those that defaulted in the past are free to contact any of us (governors), traditional rulers and security agencies.

“Elections are around the corner and we will like to do this between now and end of January so that we can secure our places and synergise for peaceful elections.”

The meeting condemned the spate of kidnappings, armed robbery and banditry involving youths in the states at the border.

It stressed the need for job creation as a fundamental tool to reduce unemployment which made youths to take to criminality.

It called for adequate provision of logistics support to the security agencies by both the federal and state governments to sustain surveillance.

The meeting called on the people of the areas to report all forms of criminality to appropriate authorities and not shield criminals in their domain.

“The governors have resolved to constitute a joint security committee made up of people of proven integrity and locals of the area between the two states to address the security challenges and a joint security forces to be constituted with a police station at Sai.

“The joint security meeting mandates the Boundary Committees of the states in conjunction with the National Boundary Commission to meet and ensure that boundary issues involving the two states are resolved,” he said.

Governor Ortom called on the people of the states to report criminals in their domain to security agencies, be law abiding and shun acts capable of dividing them.

The security meeting was attended by heads of security agencies from both states, traditional rulers and top government functionaries from the states, including the immediate past governor of Benue, Dr. Gabriel Suswam.

Source: NAN.

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