Atiku Cries “Blue Murder” Over Withdrawal Of Wike’s Group From Campaign Team

September 22, 2022

The troubled Presidential candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has cried “blue murder” over the withdrawal from the party’s Presidential Campaign Council by his thorn-in-flesh person, Governor Nyeson Wike of Rivers State and his group.

In a strongly worded statement he personally signed today, September 21, Atiku expressed surprise at the action of the group, saying: “I am quite surprised with this withdrawal because, as I have been informed by officials of our party, apart from the Rivers State chapter of the PDP, all the remaining states of the federation submitted names of people who they wanted included in the Presidential Campaign Council.”

The Presidential candidate of is also the former Nigerian Vice President under ex President Olusegun Obasanjo, recalled that his attention was drawn to a news clip in which several very senior and influential members of the PDP addressed the press and, amongst other things, declared that they are withdrawing, forthwith, from the Presidential Campaign Council set up by our party to judiciously plan and prosecute the general elections set to hold in February and March 2023, on the one hand; and reiterated their earlier calls for the resignation or removal from office of the national chairman of our party, Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, on the other hand.

Atiku sid that the people that addressed the press must have their reasons for withdrawing from the Presidential Campaign Council, and that he would not speculate as to what those reasons may be.

“Personally, I am quite surprised with this withdrawal because, as I have been informed by officials of our party, apart from the Rivers State chapter of the PDP, all the remaining states of the federation submitted names of people who they wanted included in the Presidential Campaign Council.”

On the calls for the resignation or removal from office of the national chairman, Atiku reiterated the decision for Dr. Iyorchia Ayu to resign from office is personal to Dr. Ayu and that neither he nor anyone else could make that decision for him.

“As to the calls for the removal of Dr. Ayu from office, however, I will state that, as a committed democrat and firm believer in the rule of law and democratic tenets, and our party being one set up, organized and regulated by law and our constitution, it is my absolute belief that every thing that we do in our party must be done in accordance with, and conformity to, the law and our constitution.

“If Dr. Ayu is to be removed from office, it must be done in accordance with the laws that set out the basis for such removal. In any event, you will all recall that the very body that is empowered by law to initiate this removal from office, has already passed a vote of confidence in him.

“Now, our nation is currently in the throes of a multidimensional crisis encompassing insecurity, economic meltdown, disunity and mutual mistrust and educational dislocations, to mention a few.

“I have a plan to address these issues and I have, graciously, been given the ticket to lead our great party in next year’s presidential elections, with the singular mandate to come and lead the efforts to cure these ills.

“It is in this light that I have reached out to every single member of our great party to join me in the massive undertaking required to reset the ship of state, and help rebuild our country.

“Every single person who loves this country, as I do, is needed for the arduous tasks that face us ahead as a nation, and this includes every member of the PDP.

“And it is my fervent hope and prayer that every man and woman of goodwill will join hands with us to help rebuild and reposition our beloved country.

“In this light, therefore, I will urge those members of our party that have stated their resolve to withdraw from the Presidential Campaign Council to have a rethink, retrace their steps, and join us in these efforts.

“The above notwithstanding, and for the sake of our country, our children, and those yet unborn, we must not, for one minute, shirk in our responsibilities to rebuild this beloved country of ours.

“Accordingly, we must forge on with the task and the mandate that we have been bestowed with. It is time, therefore, to move on with the formidable tasks of nation building ahead of us.”

Rivers, Oyo, Benue Abia, Enugu Govs, Others Withdraw From Atiku Campaign Team

Editorial staff

September 21, 2022

Facts are now emerging about the top-ranking members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that have pulled out of the Presidential Campaign of Atiku Abubakar for the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Party.

The list is given below:

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom
Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu
Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
Ex-Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang
Ex-Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose
Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko
Former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke
Chief Bode George
Chief Dan Orbih
Mohammed Adoke

This development is coming after several efforts to resolve the ongoing rift between the Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike and Atiku failed. It can be recalled that both leaders have been at loggerheads over a ‘violation’ of the party’s zoning arrangement between the North and the South.

Governor Wike and his camp have remained adamant on the removal of the party’s national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu. The Rivers politician maintains that the Party chairman and its Presidential Candidate can’t come from the same region.

However, today, September 21, Governor Wike and his faction pulled out from Atiku’s campaign stating that they will not be part of any activities until Ayu was removed. They insisted that the position must come to the South for balance, justice, and equity in the party, hence they will not play any role in Atiku Abubakar’s campaign council.

They also resolve that an acting Chairman from the South should lead the party on the national campaign, going into the elections.

They made their position known in a resolution read by former deputy national chairman of the party, Chief Bode George, after a long meeting held at Governor Wike’s private residence, near Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The Enduring Legacies I Will Leave, Buhari Tells The World In US

Editorial staff

September 21, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear in New York, the United States of America that one of the enduring legacies he would like to leave is to entrench a process of free, fair and transparent and credible elections through which Nigerians elect leaders of their choice.

In his farewell speech to the 77^th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as President, he said that there would be a new face speaking for Nigeria from the podium of the Assembly Hall from next year, 2023.

”As President, I have set the goal that one of the enduring legacies I would like to leave is to entrench a process of free, fair and transparent and credible elections through which Nigerians elect leaders of their choice.”

The President reiterated his commitment to constitutional term limits and Nigeria’s effort to promote rule of law and democracy in West Africa, citing the country’s support to The Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Chad during their political impasse.

”We believe in the sanctity of constitutional term limits and we have steadfastly adhered to it in Nigeria. We have seen the corrosive impact on values when leaders elsewhere seek to change the rules to stay on in power.

”Indeed, we are now preparing for general elections in Nigeria next February. At the 78th UNGA, there will be a new face at this podium speaking for Nigeria.

“Ours is a vast country strengthened by its diversity and its common values of hard work, enduring faith and a sense of community.

“We have invested heavily to strengthen our framework for free and fair elections. I thank our partners for all the support that they have provided our election institutions.”

Buhari highlighted the support for democracy in the sub-region, saying that in The Gambia, Nigeria helped guarantee the first democratic transition since independence and stood by the democratically elected Government in Guinea-Bissau when it faced mutiny.

He added that following the tragic death of President Idris Deby Itno of Chad in the battlefield, Nigeria joined forces with its other neighbours and international partners to stabilize the country and encourage the peaceful transition to democracy, a process which is ongoing.

“Democracy is an idea that crosses time and borders. Certainly, democracy does have its limitations.

“The wheels of democracy turn slowly. It can demand compromises that dilute decisions.

“Sometimes, it bends too much to special interests that exercise influence, not always for the general good, in a manner disproportionate to their numbers.

“But it has been my experience that a democratic culture provides a Government with the legitimacy it needs to deliver positive change.”

President Buhari recalled that the first time he could have addressed the Assembly was in 1984, as Military Head of State of Nigeria, and that it was a great privilege to personally address the Assembly, thirty-one years later, in 2015, “as the democratically elected President of my country.

“As I approach the end of my second and final four-year term, I am reminded of how much has changed in Nigeria, in Africa, and in the world, and yet, how some challenges remain.”

ASUU Remains Adamant, Vows To Appeal Court’s Order To Suspend Strike

Editorial staff

September 21, 2022

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has remained adamant as it vowed to appeal the order by the National Industrial Court (NIC) directing the suspension of its seven months old strike.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of Lagos Zone of the union, Adelaja Odukoya, said that the union has asked its members to “remain calm,” adding that its lawyer, a human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), is already filing an appeal.

The statement by ASUU is titled: “NIC Back to Work Order on ASUU: Be Calm.”

It advised members and Nigerians to remain united, even as it suggested that the order would be vacated.

The statement reads in part: “Our Comrade President, Comrade Victor Osodeke, has urged members of our Great Union to remain calm as there is no cause for alarm on the back to work order delivered earlier today.

“Our lawyer is filing an appeal and stay of execution of the judgment. Members should remain resolute and strong. A people united can never be defeated. Solidarity without compromise.”

My Wife, Senator Oluremi, Stands By Me As Rock Of Gibraltar – Tinubu

Greenbarge Reporters

September 21, 2022

Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has eulogised his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 62nd birthday.

Tinubu, in a beautiful love note, via his verified Facebook account, expressed appreciation to his wife, describing her as someone who stands by him as Rock of Gibraltar.

He said: “To My Dearest Remi at 62, Birthdays are for celebration. Especially so for someone who has been the love of my life. At this time of the year, nothing else matters.

“Not even the demands of politics can suppress the rush of emotions I feel every time it’s your birthday.

“Dearest Oluremi, my Senator! I love and appreciate you each passing day. Recalling how we started fills me with gratitude: how you have stood by me, unconditionally, like the Rock of Gibraltar.

FCT Minister Leads Delegates To Burial Of Hajiya Zainab, Minister Of State’s Mum

Greenbarge Reporters

September 21, 2022

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammed Musa Bello led a powerful delegate from the ministry to the funeral and burial of Hajiya Zainab Sid-Ali, the mother of his colleague, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu.

The burial took place today, September 21 at Gudu area of the Federal Capital Territory, with hundreds of others in attendance.

Among the minister’s delegates are the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed, the Secretaries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abubakar Ibrahim, Area Council Services Secretariat, Hon Ibrahim Abubakar Dantsoho, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Sunday Babaji and other senior officials of the FCTA and heads of some security agencies in the FCT.

The Minister commiserated with Dr. Ramatu over the death of her mother who died in the evening of yesterday, September 20.

The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Malam Abubakar Sani and the Permanent Secretary, FCTA Olusade Adesola prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and fortitude for the bereaved to bear the loss.

Buhari Holds Bilateral Meeting With Palestinian President, Abbas

Greenbarge Reporters

September 21, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama during a bilateral meeting between President Buhari and President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine at the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77), in New York, USA, today, September 21. Photo by Sunday Agaeze.

2 Terrorist Groups In Zamfara Fight Each Other To Finish

Greenbarge Reporters

September 21, 2022

A ‘violent clash’ has broken out between two opposing terrorist groups: Turji’s fighters and Dan Bokolo fighters. The two are terrorist commanders.
Information reaching us said that the face-off between Turji’s group and that of Dan Bokolo started on Sunday, and could however, not be ascertained at the time of filing this report if there are casualties.
A local source in Zamfara, with vast knowledge of terror groups in the State, said that the violent altercation between the two criminal gangs is as a result of recent attacks on Zamfara communities.
The source said that although Dan Bokolo’s group has been launching attacks on Zamfara residents and villages, making to look as if it is the handiwork of Turji and his ‘boys.’
“That is why Turji and his group are fighting Dan Bokolo. They claimed that Dan Bokolo is responsible for recent attacks in the State, but he is hiding under the guise of Turji’s camp to perpetrate his evils.
“At the moment, Turji is angry that Dan Bokolo’s activities are responsible for last Saturday’s air raid by military jets at his residence in the Fakai area.
“For more than a month now, Turji has been protecting the communities around Shinkafi and even attacking non-repentant bandits. The bad guys are spoiling his name.”
Scores of bandits loyal to Turji were killed during a ‘surprise raid’ by the air troops of Operation Forest Sanity in Zamfara on Saturday.
The ‘surprise attack’ of the military troops was carried out by two Nigerian Air Force (NAF), fighter jets.
According to a source, the NAF jets rained missiles at the Fakai area, believed to be the residence of the dreaded Turji, as part of the military counter-offensive operation currently going on in the Shinkafi axis, killing plenty of Turji’s terrorists.

Source: PRNigeria.

BREAKING: Court Orders ASUU To Call Off Strike And Return To Classrooms

Greenbarge Reporters

September 21, 2022

The National Industrial Court has ordered the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), to call off the ongoing nationwide strike and return to the classrooms immediately.
ASUU has been in strike for the past over seven months and several efforts made by the Federal Government to make them call off the strike hit the rock.
Details later…

Details shortly.

Gov Wike Angry, Pulls Out Of Atiku’s Campaign Team

Greenbarge Reporters

September 21, 2022

Governor Nyesom Wike of River State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has angrily pulled out of the campaign Council of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Wike’s group, after a crucial meeting in Port Harcourt early morning today, September 21, vowed not to partake in Atiku’s campaign activities until the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
This is even as tension is said to be mounting in the South South zone of PDP over alleged move to relocate the zonal secretariat from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement by the zonal Organising Secretary, Ekom Akonjom, based on a communique issued after a meeting of the party, said that a zonal consultative meeting, which ordinarily should hold in the Rivers State capital is scheduled to hold in one of the nearby states.
The statement said that supporters of Governor Wike, consider the move to hold the proposed zonal consultative meeting outside Port Harcourt as an attempt to whittle down the influence of the governor in the affairs of the party in the zone.
Wike and his supporters have been on warpath with the national leadership as well as the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the aftermath of the nomination of the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as vice presidential candidate.
Source: The Nation.

1...441442443...2,499 Page 442 of 2,499