Group In PDP Gives Party Chairman, Ayu, Others, 48 Hours Ultimatum To Resign

October 3, 2022

PDP National Chairman, Ayu | Photo credit: Premium Times

A group calling itself Forum of PDP Candidates and Aspirants, has given the National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and Deputy National Chairman (North) Umar Damagum a 48-hour ultimatum to resign at the risk of legal action.

The Forum passed a vote of no confidence in the three officers, even as it petitioned the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party on the unanimous demand of candidates for the resignation of the above-mentioned officers.

The candidates, who held meeting in Abuja today, October 3, alleged that the leadership of the party extorted several aspirants during the congresses, primaries and national convention of the party after primaries swapped the names of candidates with the names of persons who did not win.

It said the “underhand actions of the leadership of the Party are largely responsible for the nullification by the courts of the Governorship primaries in Zamfara State and all primaries held in Ogun State and many more are still pending in Court.”

Chris Ogbu, who presided over the session as the Forum Coordinator and House of Assembly Candidate, read the communiqué.

He was flanked by Dauda Yusuf, the Forum’s Secretary and former governorship aspirant as well as several other members.

He demanded Ayu, Anyanwu and Damagum step down immediately or be sacked by the party within 48 hours or face legal action to force them from the office which will commence on Wednesday.

The candidates/aspirants said that Ayu allegedly sharing money paid as nomination form instead of utilising it for the prosecution of the historic 2023 election of the party, was very provocative and indicting on the image of the party.

“Voters now see them as a come and chop or share the money party and that removing Ayu and his gang of party treasury looters will go a long way in showing that PDP is now a party that is intolerant of corruption.”

Nigeria-Saudi Arabia Go Into Joint Commission To Promote Bilateral Cooperation

Editorial staff

October 3, 2022

The Second Session of the Nigeria-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission began in Abuja, Nigeria today, October 3, with the Nigeria’s minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada expressing a strong commitment to further boost the existing historical ties between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The First Session of the Commission was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 11th -12th March 2013. The second session was supposed to have been held two years later but could not take place until now due to a number of reasons, including the recent COVID19 pandemic.

Speaking at the opening o the session, the minister said that the outcome of the Joint Commission meeting would uplift and further strengthen all aspects of the long-standing bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefits of both countries.

“It is pertinent to recall that our two friendly countries signed the General Agreement for Cooperation between them on the 20th October 2003 in order to promote mutually beneficial cooperation for both parties. This birthed the establishment of the Nigeria-Saudi Joint Commission.”

Zubairu Dada hailed the far-reaching socio-economic transformation currently taking place in the Kingdom under Vision 2030, saying that Nigeria is similarly pursuing a number of reforms aimed at liberalising and digitalising the economy, as well as creating more opportunities for Nigerian women and teeming youth aimed at paving the way for a more sustainable future.

He also commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the successful conduct of the 2022 Hajj operation, the first after the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that Nigeria looked forward to the return of full normalcy in the conduct of the pilgrimage in 2023.

“We believe that our collective endeavours would positively impact on Nigeria-Saudi relations with a view to raising them to a strategic level.

“We thank the Kingdom for hosting the First Session of the Commission in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 11th -12th March 2013. The 2nd Session which was supposed to have been held two years later could not take place until now due to a number of reasons, including the recent pandemic. It can further be recalled that during the First Session, a number of MoUs and Agreements covering various aspects of bilateral cooperation were signed by the two sides.

“By hosting the 2nd Session of the Joint Commission today, Nigeria which attaches great importance to her relations with the Kingdom is demonstrating her strong and unwavering commitment to further boost and elevate the existing historical ties binding our two countries to a new height.

“We hereby also affirm our determination to ensure that these relations are transformed into a win-win partnership for our mutual benefits.”

Zubairu Dada assured the Saudi Arabian delegation of Nigeria’s full commitment and cooperation throughout the meeting to ensure that the 2nd Session of the Joint Commission is successful.

He said that both countries and people were eager for the session to produce the desired positive outcome which will bring a new era in Nigeria-Saudi cooperation as we also create the necessary mechanism for the implementation of the agreed frameworks with minimum delay.

On his part, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Bin Sakeh Al-Khamshi, said the meeting came as an extension of what both countries agreed upon during the first session of the Committee aimed at developing relations between both countries.

Buhari Cracks Jokes As He Recieves His Greatest Critic, Bishop Kukah

Greenbarge Reporters

October 3, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari in handshake with the greatest critic of his government, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah receives, when he hosted Members of the National Peace Committee at the Presidential villa, Abuja on 29th September, 2022.

ASUU’s Strike Spoiled The Joy Of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Celebration – Oba Of Benin

Greenbarge Reporters

October 3, 2022

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has said that the 62nd Independence anniversary of Nigeria could have been more meaningful if the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had reach truce to end the industrial action in public universities.

In a statement today, October 2, by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Monarch said that the Federal Government and ASUU should, as a matter of urgency, find amicable solutions so as to put an end to disruption in academic calendars of public universities.

The Oba said that though the independence celebration may not offer much pageantry to some citizens, the mere fact that the nation has remained one indivisible sovereignty, despite daunting challenges, deserves a compliment.

He noted that the resilience of some Nigerians may have made the nation proud and those who paid the supreme sacrifice for Nigeria’s survival since independence from Britain, deserves mention.

The Benin monarch said he was also optimistic that Nigeria will surmount her current travails and emerge in victory through prayers and hard work, irrespective of the economic hardship, insecurity, conflicts, and endless agitations.

He advised contemporary leaders to always aspire to make an impact through leadership skills, especially with a sense of responsibility and patriotism by citizens for the nation to truly attain its status as the giant of Africa both in practice and principle.

Commenting on the forthcoming general elections, the Oba advised Nigerians to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver credible, free and fair elections in 2023.

“Political actors, especially those in governments and other stakeholders should play by the rules. Eligible voters should shun vote buying in order to deepen our democratic values.

“Nigerians should unite against our common enemies that have hindered the progress of the nation by denouncing evil, poverty, unemployment, corruption, crime, insurgency and economic sabotage particularly oil theft and double-standard in the application of the Law of the Land” the revered Benin monarch re-echoed on the occasion of the 62nd independence anniversary of Nigeria.”

Minister Allocates Recreational Park To FCT Workers

Editorial staff

October 2, 2022

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has allocated a recreational park to the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), the umbrella body of the various employees’ unions in the services of the Administration.

Speaking in Abuja today, Ocober 2, during the third quarter meeting with the JUAC, the Minister said that the Park will be opened for use by all staff of the FCTA and its numerous agencies for recreational and sporting activities as well as sundry ceremonial events.

He said that the park, which is an officially designated green area located on plot number 1470, BO5 at the Utako District of the city, Malam Musa Bello said that the allocation was part of efforts by the FCT Administration to ensure the greening and beautification of the city.

He advised the users to showcase how parks should be managed in the nation’s capital, even as he said that the Departments of Parks and Recreation and Development Control as well as the AEPB and FCDA have been mandated to ensure that the Park is properly fenced, well maintained and kept clean at all time.

Speaking against the practice of converting Parks and Gardens in the FCT for uses other than what is prescribed by law, the Minister cautioned the Union against erecting permanent structures in the Park, insisting that it should be used strictly for recreational activities.

He warned the Parks and Recreation Department against the illegal and unauthorized allocation of parks in the FCT, stressing that any official of the Department that is found guilty of engaging in such acts would be heavily sanctioned alongside their collaborators

Reacting to the gesture from the Minister, FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola commended the Minister for going the extra mile to allocate a very central and accessible Park for use by staff of the FCT Administration.

The Permanent Secretary assured that the Park would be well maintained by relevant agencies of the FCT Administration to make it a model for parks operation in the FCT.

9. According to him, “We will support the efforts of JUAC to make this place well maintained and useful to all of us. We will make it a model park so that anybody that wants to talk about Parks operation will say come to our park and see how to run a park. We will maintain opening and closing times and limit our activities to what is required to run a park.

10. In his response, the JUAC Chairman, Comrade Korede Matilukuro, who expressed his appreciation at the gesture with solidarity songs and dances, pledged that the park will indeed be well maintained and used strictly for the purposes for which it was allocated.

2023: Abuja Country Club Boss Advices Nigerian Youths Not To Die For Any Politician

Editorial staff

October 2, 2022

The President of the Abuja Country Club, Ifedayo Akindoju, has advised Nigerian youths not to be used by politicians as thugs to foment trouble and get killed in the process, before, during and after the 2023 general elections.

Akindoju, who is also the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, appealed to youths to be vanguard of positive change in the 2023 political dispensation so as to guarantee a bright future for themselves.

At a public function in Abuja today, October 2, to mark Nigeria’s 62 Independence anniversary Country Club President said that Nigeria’s common unity is worthy of celebration at 62.

“62 years of being together, intact, is not 62 days. As a nation, we have had our trials, challenges but we are still together forging forward, this feat is worthy of celebration by all of us.

“There is no need for killings or violence during the general elections, all we should work and pray for is peaceful and credible elections come 2023 and this can only be achieved when all Nigerians choose to follow the path of peace.”

He pleaded for transparent conduct of elections and peaceful enthronement of leaders so as to make life more meaningful for the downtrodden masses of the country.

Atiku Can’t Be Serious About Ceding Presidency To Southeast In 2027 – Ohanaeze

Editorial staff

October 2, 2022

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and other prominent leaders from Southeast have said that the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abubakar Atiku cannot be serious about ceding the presidency to the region in 2027.

Reacting to Atiku’s comment at a rally in Enugu that he would support Ndigbo to win the President in return for the region’s votes in 2023, Ohanaeze asked the people Southeast or Igbo not to take him serious.

Publicity Secretary of the organization, Alex Ogbonnia said: “Comments are free, facts are sacred, Atiku has said what he wanted to say, but he would have realised that nobody would take that advice, no person from Southeast or Igbo would take that advice serious.

“I can assure you no person from Southeast or Igbo land will take that advice that we should wait until 2027 because right from time, everybody knows that it is the turn of the South and by extension Southeast to produce the next President.

“So, any patriotic Nigerian will realise that what is best for Nigeria is to allow the Southeast to produce the President. So, any person talking or discussing to the contrary knows in his or her conscience that he is doing the wrong thing or taking to wrong direction.”

He stressed that Ndigbo is not in support of the proposition of the former Vice President.

Nope, I’m Not Dead, Not Sick, Tinubu Speaks From London

Greenbarge Reporters

October 2, 2022

“Many have said I have died; others claim I have withdrawn from the presidential campaign. Well… Nope.

“This is the reality: I am strong, I am healthy and I am READY to serve Nigerians from Day One.”

The Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, spoke from London today, October 2, in a video posted on his official Twitter handle. He was seen working out on stationary exercise bike.

Speaking further on the rumours making the rounds that he is sick and receiving medical treatment in London, he wrote: “Many have said I have died; others claim I have withdrawn from the presidential campaign. Well… Nope.”

Peter Obi’s Crowds Are “Show Of Force” By Igbo Traders – Reno Omokri

Greenbarge Reporters

October 2, 2022

Former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri has described large crowds at political rallies in various locations for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, as show of force to disrupt the political space in the country.
Omokri, a staunch supporter of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, in reaction to the rallies held across the country by the supporters of Obi for the 2023 presidential election, acknowledged that the rallies are great achievements.
According to him, the Obidient movement should not be disregarded by anyone who is politically conscious, adding: ” the Obidient rallies at Festac and Amuwo were amazing. They are great achievements.
“Anyone who tries to belittle them is not politically astute. While Obi will not win in 2023, he has successfully disrupted politics in Nigeria. Well done Obi! Well done Obidients!”, he tweeted.
Omokri said that the rallies are just a show of force by southeastern traders who closed down their shops.
“These so called ‘one million man marches’ are mostly a gathering of traders in various Nigerian towns and cities, who close down their markets (that are heavily dominated by people of southeastern origin), to do what in the military is called “a show of force,” he tweeted.
Also reacting, the Spokesman for the All Progressives Congress APC) Presidential Campaign Council, and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), said the rallying Obidients are not more than a thousand people who are not more than the electorate needed at two polling units.
“The aerial shots are the best. Now, look at this: at best the ‘crowd’ here is not more than a thousand people which is approximately just two polling units,” he quote-tweeted a video from one of the rallies.
Meanwhile, Obi’s supporters poured out into the streets across eight states of the country yesterday in what they called the beginning of five million man march.
The supporters poured out in their hundreds, occupying Lekki toll gate despite a court order barring the planners of the rally, led by the Labour Party and NCFront, from staging any rally at the Lekki tollgate.
The Lagos State Police Command followed this up with a statement barring anyone from marching at the Lekki tollgate.
The statement was signed by the spokesman of the Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin.
So also was the request for the planners of the rally to use the National Stadium in Surulere not granted as at the time the rally began in the early hours of Saturday.
Prominent among those there is the Director General of the NCFront, Veteran Olawale Okunniyi.

The supporters of Obi and his running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti-Ahmed, also poured out on the streets in Surulere and Ojuelegba axis of Lagos State; Warri in Delta State and other locations.

We’re Largest Downstream Company In Africa, Kyari Says As NNPC Acquires Oando’s OVH

Greenbarge Reporters

October 2, 2022

Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, is hoping to turn the company into the largest in Africa, with the acquisition of Oando’s OVH Energy yesterday, October 1.

Speaking at the event to welcome OVH Energy to NNPCL, Mele Kyari said that the acquisition is a step toward growth and a way of ensuring energy security and making money for Nigerians.

“As of today at this moment, we’re the largest downstream company in the country. We also know that by this partnership; by this acquisition; by this merger, that’s what we want to call it. We’re also very likely to be the largest downstream company in Africa.

He said that the NNPC would not disrupt OVH workforce, instead, it would integrate and work with them.

Kyari decried the reliance of over 70 per cent of Nigerians on biomass for cooking, stressing that the people deserve clean cooking to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Chief Executive Officer, OVH Energy, Huub Stokman said the acquisition came at a critical time in the history of Nigeria’s energy sector, especially with the enactment of the PIA.
He added that the progress made by the company over years would have been impossible without the resilience of the workforce.
He noted the need to prioritize natural gas, especially in a bid to achieve energy transition goals.

The move to acquire the Oando OVH Energy is to aim at growing the portfolio of the national oil company.

OVH Energy Marketing (OVHEM) Limited, is the licensee of the Oando retail brand and ASPM Limited, custodians of the Lagos Midstream Jetty.
Coming under the NNPC’s Accelerated Network Expansion (ANEX), the new move adds OVH downstream assets, including a reception jetty (ASPM) with 240,000MT monthly capacity, eight LPG Plants, three Lubes blending plants, three Aviation Depots, and 12 warehouses to the existing NNPC downstream business.
The acquisition would also bring over 380 additional filling stations under the NNPC Retail brand in Nigeria and Togo, bringing the national oil company’s outlets to 1,500 stations.

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