An Ijaw leader from Niger Delta region, Chief Edwin Clark, has endorsed the Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi for the 2023 general elections.
Chief Clark announced his position at a news briefing in Abuja today, January 3.
Clark said that his endorsement of Obi is based on honesty, trust and transparency, all of which he said Obi displayed when he was governor of Anambra State.
He called on Obi to tackle the issues of the injustices and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region if elected as President.
Amid the negative reactions from other contenders and parties, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom,has also declared support for Obi.
Governor Ortom’s Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Terver Akase, in a statement today, January 3, said that the governor “strongly recommends Peter Obi to Nigerians as the man who has the capacity to effectively tackle the economic, security and other challenges facing the country”.
The Governor said that if he were not a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) he would have personally led Obi’s campaign across the country.
Governor Ortom is one of five aggrieved PDP governors known as G5. The group led by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike also has Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) as members.
The governors have refused to campaign for the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, insisting on the removal of the party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, as a condition for revolving the internal dispute in the party.
The spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Dino Melaye, has warned Governor Nyeson Wike of Rivers State to stop insulting the PDP Presidential flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar at slightest opportunity.
Reacting to Governor Wike’s attack on Atiku after the former President Olusegun Obasanjo endorsed the Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, Melaye asked Wike to go ahead and support whoever he wants to support and leave Atiku alone, “whose crime is that he defeated Wike at the party’s primary.
“Wike should be ashamed that he has constantly solicited the attention of Atiku by his continuous disrespect and unwarranted insult on a man who did nothing to you. Atiku’s only crime is that he won a transparent presidential primary.
“Wike was chief of staff to Amaechi but Amaechi did not trust him enough to hand over to him. I advise him to support whoever he wishes to support as we will no longer tolerate his insolent tendencies.
On Governor Wike’s inference that Obasanjo did not trust him to earn his endorsement, Melaye said: “the question is; is there something wrong with Wike that Amaechi did not hand over to him?
“Why will Prince Uche Secondus, Rt Hon. Austin Okpara, Sen. Lee Meaba, H:E Celestine Omehia, Chief Abiye Sikibo, Sen George Sekibo, Hon. Chinyere Igwe, etc, leave him unceremoniously for Atiku. Something is definitely wrong somewhere.”
Former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim has said that when gunmen attacked his convoy in the state, killing a driver and three other members of his team, he thought he was dead.
Ohakim said that the convoy was en route between Isiala Mbano and Ehime Mbano when the attackers cut them off at Umualumaku.
“They attacked us from behind and were firing at our vehicles consistently. I thought I was a dead man and I was with two of my children – my son and daughter,” he said.
“What saved me was the bulletproof vehicle. That I am alive today is by the special grace of God and the bulletproof vehicle.
“But unfortunately for me, they killed four of our boys, including the driver. Yes, we lost four of the boys and I am devastated. How can that be? What crime did they commit?”
The former governor said that after his escape, the gunmen pursued his vehicle and continued firing at the tyres. Luckily, according to him, the vehicle has “run-flat tyres” which enables one to continue driving even after puncture.
“So, even when they shot at the tyres hoping to immobilise us, the vehicle continued moving. If they were ordinary tyres and the vehicle had stopped, they would have cornered and finished us.
“But the tyres held on until we got back home. We drove for about 20 minutes before we got home. That was the saving grace,” Ohakim said.
From Ohakim’s assessment, the gunmen were not amateurs but “well-trained professionals.” He added that the mode of attack seemingly “goes beyond the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).”
“They are not ordinary people. They were driving a blue colour BMW 5-series car, brand new. They came to kill me,” the former governor said.
The leadership of the National Assembly has said that the legislature increased the 2023 budget, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari based on the “realities on the ground.”
Speaking to newsmen separately after the Presidential assent to the budget at the Presidential villa today, January 3, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila said: “we have during budget defense, we have ministries, we have departments, we have agencies that come to talk to us. And we look at the reality of ground and what they have before them. And whether or not they can actually, execute their mandate as per their ministries and departments.
“It now behoves on the National Assembly, where it dims for to adjust figures, either downwards or upwards. And that’s exactly what we have done.
“You see the problem with the National Assembly is that you can’t win to lose. If you return the budget the exact way it is you’re called rubber stamp. If you do what you’re supposed to do and adjust figures for the good of the country, you call it jacking up or inflation, or padding.
“So I think the National Assembly has done very well in meeting its constitutional mandate. It takes all arms of government to be on board to give a true working document for the country. “The executive did everything they could. And we have even a wider view, a bird’s eye view of what’s going on in all the agencies. And we have also complemented what the executive has done. There’s no you did you didn’t do. No. It’s all for the good of the country. And that’s what we’ve done.
“Ours is for us to receive proposals and that’s why they’re called proposals. Anywhere in the world, it is now for the National Assembly or the legislature. We need to collate all those proposals, look at what’s on ground in the in the various constituencies.”
While signing the budget earlier today, Presidnet Buhari had complained that the National Assembly increased the size of the original proposal he presented to it by over N770 billion.
President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the 2023 Budget of N21.83 trillion along with the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Bill into law but complained that National Assembly introduced the sum of over N770 Billion for new projects not originally in the one he presented. Speaking at the signing of the 8th and final annual budget of this Administration today, January 3, the President noted that the National Assembly introduced new projects into the 2023 budget proposal for which it has appropriated N770.72 billion. “The National Assembly also increased the provisions made by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by N58.55 billion.” President Buhari said that he had to sign the 2023 Appropriation Bill into law as passed by the National Assembly to enable its implementation commence without delay, considering the imminent transition process to another democratically elected government. He, however, directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to engage with the Legislature to revisit some of the changes made to the Executive budget proposal, expressing the hope that the National Assembly will cooperate with the Executive arm of Government in this regard. He called the National Assembly to reconsider its position on his proposal to securitize the Federal Government’s outstanding Ways and Means balance at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). ”As I stated, the balance has accumulated over several years and represents funding provided by the CBN as lender of last resort to the government to enable it to meet obligations to lenders, as well as cover budgetary shortfalls in projected revenues and/or borrowings. ”I have no intention to fetter the right of the National Assembly to interrogate the composition of this balance, which can still be done even after granting the requested approval. ”Failure to grant the securitization approval will however cost the government about N1.8 trillion in additional interest in 2023 given the differential between the applicable interest rates which is currently MPR plus 3% and the negotiated interest rate of 9% and a 40year repayment period on the securitised debt of the Ways and Means.” To ensure more effective implementation of the 2022 capital Budget, President Buhari thanked the National Assembly for approving his request for an extension of its validity date to 31st March, 2023. The President directed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to work towards early release of the 2023 capital votes to enable Ministries, Departments and Agencies commence the implementation of their capital projects in good time to support efforts to deliver key projects and public services as well as improve the living conditions of Nigerians. Reiterating that the 2023 Budget was developed to promote fiscal sustainability, macroeconomic stability and ensure smooth transition to the incoming Administration, the President said it was also designed to promote social inclusion and strengthen the resilience of the economy. He pledged that adequate provisions have been made in the Budget for the successful conduct of the forthcoming general elections and the transition programme He said that the aggregate expenditures of N21.83 trillion, is an increase of N1.32 trillion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N20.51 trillion. The President explained that the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act would enable the administration to respond to the havoc caused by the recent nationwide floods on infrastructure and agriculture sectors. As is customary, he said the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning will subsequently provide more details of the approved budget and the supporting 2022 Finance Act. ”We have examined the changes made by the National Assembly to the 2023 Executive Budget proposal. ”The amended fiscal framework for 2023 as approved by the National Assembly shows additional revenues of N765.79 billion, and an unfunded deficit of N553.46 billion. ”It is clear that the National Assembly and the executive need to capture some of the proposed additional revenue sources in the fiscal framework. This must be rectified. On achieving revenue targets for the budget, the President directed MDAs and Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) to intensify their revenue mobilization efforts, including ensuring that all taxable organizations and individuals pay taxes due. To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2023 Budget, the President said relevant Agencies must sustain current efforts towards the realization of crude oil production and export targets. ”To augment available fiscal resources, MDAs are to accelerate the implementation of Public Private Partnership initiatives, especially those designed to fast-track the pace of our infrastructural development. ”This, being a deficit budget, the associated Borrowing Plan will be forwarded to the National Assembly shortly. ”I count on the cooperation of the National Assembly for a speedy consideration and approval of the Plan.” On the Finance Bill 2022, the President expressed regret that its review as passed by the National Assembly is yet to be finalized. ”This is because some of the changes made by the National Assembly need to be reviewed by the relevant agencies of government. I urge that this should be done speedily to enable me to assent into law,” he said. Those who witnessed the signing of the budget include Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. The President thanked the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and all the distinguished and honourable leaders and members of the National Assembly for the expeditious consideration and passage of the Appropriation Bill. He also recognised the roles played by the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Budget Office of the Federation, the Senior Special Assistants to the President (Senate and House of Representatives), the Office of the Chief of Staff, as well as all who worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much towards producing the 2023 Appropriation Act. ”As I mentioned during the presentation of the 2023 Appropriation Bill, early passage of the budget proposal is critical to ensure effective delivery of our legacy projects, a smooth transition programme and effective take-off of the incoming Administration. ”I appreciate the firm commitment of the 9th National Assembly to the restoration of a predictable January to December fiscal year, as well as the mutual understanding, collaboration and engagements between officials of the Executive and the Legislative arms of government. ”These have made the quick consideration and passage of our Fiscal bills possible over the last four years.” The President expressed the belief that the next Administration would sustain the early presentation of the annual appropriation bill to the National Assembly to ensure its passage before the beginning of the fiscal year. ”I firmly believe the next Administration will also sustain the current public financial management reform efforts, further improve the budgeting process, and particularly maintain the tradition of supporting its Appropriation Bills with Finance Bills designed to facilitate their implementation. ”To sustain and institutionalize the gains of the reforms, we must expedite action and conclude work on the Organic Budget Law for it to become operational before the end of this Administration.” Acknowledging that ‘‘these are challenging times worldwide,’’ the President concluded his speech at the ceremony by expressing deep appreciation to Almighty God for His Grace, while commending the continuing resilience, understanding and sacrifice of Nigerians in the face of current economic challenges. ”As this Administration draws to a close, we will accelerate the implementation of critical measures aimed at further improving the Nigerian business environment, enhancing the welfare of our people and ensuring sustainable economic growth over the medium- to long-term.”
The President of Laity Council of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, Games Village, Abuja, Dr. Ralph Igweh, has advised Christians to vote the right leaders that are capable of addressing Nigeria’s security challenge. In his New Year message on Sunday, Igweh said that the choices should devoid of political sentiments. “In the true demonstration of Christian values, may we all be guided by the Holy Spirit in this election year. “It is our civic responsibility to vote the right leaders to pilot this country’s affairs. “Let our choices not be guided by ethno-religious, social and political sentiments, rather, by values of good conscience. “We are burdened by security challenges occasioned by socio-economic problems in a country blessed with enormous human and natural wealth.” He said that the choices should be guided by thoughts of the future of our children and generation unborn. He called on the parishioners to use their God given talents for the good of self and the parish noting that it is a reflection of God’s grace at work in them. “The sacrifice of treasure, talent and time graciously given for the success of our common good, is an epitome of encouragement that comes not only from within us as individuals, but also, as a group of people chosen to lead. “You have consistently demonstrated the virtue of good will and grace.” According to him, in the pilgrimage of contemplative priesthood, we are guided to deeply reflect on our identity of true apostleship. Apostleship that comes from exemplary acts of being witnesses to Christ. He expressed hope that members of St Christopher Laity Council would draw water from the well of salvation. He prayed that God would grant all graces needed to overcome all challenges in 2023 and beyond. Source: NAN.
The spokesperson for the Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as a way to achieve his third term by proxy which he failed to accomplish when he (Obasanjo) was president.
The PDP campaign spokesperson, who wrote from London in a report titled: ‘Obasanjo: In search of an impossible third term,’ said: “someone may need to remind him (Obasanjo) that Nigeria has indeed progressed from its days of imposition, manipulation and intimidation to popular participation of the people in government and their country’s affairs.
“The 2023 election is the election of the people and not of great personalities. Nothing about his 1999-2007 tenure gives him heavenly authority to dictate our future or the outcome of any yet to be held elections.”
The spokesperson said that Obasanjo “should have humbled himself and followed Peter Obi to rallies to test his own popularity; that’s what popular people do. He should go to town halls with Peter Obi, campaigning and bidding for votes to show he believes in a democratic electoral process.
“We do not vote on a letter threat. When was the last time we saw him visiting victims of a natural disaster? Or to play the role of a father of the nation he claims so passionately?
“Nigerians would decide, and they would do so, not on the basis of a letter from a man seeking a third term by proxy, but on their own judgment of who among the candidates made the case, their opinion justifies their votes.
“The letter is not new, its contents are not surprising, but his legacy seems to betray his claim in the letter. Baba OBJ Nigeria has moved on please let our democracy grow and respect the will and wishes of the Nigerian people.”
Nine persons have died from cholera outbreak in Akpoha community, Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi State while many others have been hospitalized and are receiving treatment in various hospitals in the state.
Official reports put the number of those hospitalized at 30 but residents said that the number could be higher.
The state government has since set up Rapid Response Team to the community to help bring the situation under control.
Chairperson of the local government, Uchenna Ibiam, led the team which comprised staff of the state ministry of Health and that of the National Center For Disease Control (NCDC) to the community.
Addressing the village heads and people of Akpoha community, the council boss expressed concern over the unexpected deaths some of whom were children.
He called on the people of the area not to panic as the situation is under control.
He commended the state government for responding promptly, especially in sending Rapid Response Team to assist Health Workers at Akpoha in containing the situation.
He advised the residents to adhere strictly to medical advice from health professional to stem the wide spread of the outbreak.
Ibiam, who visited the victims at the various Health facilities at Akpoha, promised to drill four solar boreholes within two weeks to enable them have access to clean water.
Ibiam said that his visit was to serve as a psychological therapy to the people of the area and to assure them of the administration’s readiness for humanitarian interventions to save their children from mortality from cholera outbreak and other diseases.
The Chairperson gave out some relief materials including foams , disinfectants and cash to the people.
Former Nigeria’s Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has asked former President, Olusegun Obasanjo to retire from public appearances and go home to rest like former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon and others.
Reacting to Obasanjo’s endorsement of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi while featuring on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, Professor Akinyemi insisted that Obasanjo is not in the position to recommend a candidate for Nigerians.
He made it clear that Obasanjo is part of those who brought the country to ruin and ought to keep his political opinion to himself.
He advised the former president to go home and retire like Yakubu Gowon and Abdusallami Abubakar, who no longer meddle in the country’s affairs.
“Don’t let us spend this programme on General Obasanjo’s letter or ideas because some of us believe he also is part of the foundation of the problems that we have in this country.
“One of the things that I have said is once you have occupied that post of president and you have served your term, please go home and be like General Yakubu Gowon, be like General Abdulsalami Abubakar, just be quiet…and let others get on.
“But for you to create a problem for us and then you come back and present yourself as a problem solver, I find it difficult to swallow.
“I know some people say ‘ignore the messenger and just focus on the message’. I’m sorry, I am a political scientist, that doesn’t rob with me.”
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The spokesperson for the Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as a way to achieve his third term by proxy which he failed to accomplish when he (Obasanjo) was president.
Former Nigeria’s Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has asked former President, Olusegun Obasanjo to retire from public appearances and go home to rest like former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon and others.
