TInubu Flies APC’s Presidential Flag Into 2023

June 8, 2022

Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu flying the flag of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after throunsing fellow contestants at the party’s Presidential Primary during its national convention that ended today, June 8. We at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine join Nigerians in congratulating Asiwaju.

Tinubu Floors Osinbajo, Amaechi, 10 Others To Clinch APC Presidential Ticket

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2022

Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emerged the Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), having defeated the incumbent Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, immediate past minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and ten others.

Tinubu, with 1,217 votes, gave a distant gap to the first runner-up, Amaechi who gathered 316 votes and Osinbajo came third with a total vote of 235. Former Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha got zero vote despite that 81 delegates came from Imo State.

Also the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who was earlier floated by the party’s National chairman, Abdullahi Adamu as consensus candidate before the primary election got a total of 152 votes while the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello got 47 votes as Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State got 37 votes, even as Senator Sani Yerima got four votes.

Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and Emeka Nwjiuba, immediate past ministers in the Muhammadu Buhari’s government got one vote each as Pastor Tunde Bakare, Ikeobasi Mokhelu, Jack Rich Tien and Senator Rochas Okorocha obtained zero vote.

Earlier in the Special National Convention of the party, which lasted three days at a stretch, seven aspirants, including Governor Fayemi Kayode of Ekiti State stepped down for Tinubu.

Nigeria Aims At Being Number One Cocoa Producing Country In The World – Minister

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2022

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, has said that the country is working towards becoming number one cocoa producing nation in the world, with the projected increase in cocoa production from the present 340,000 tones to 500,000 tones by 2024.

The minister, who spoke when the Executive Director, International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO), Mr Arrion Michel, visited him yesterday, June 7 in Abuja, recalled that Nigeria is currently ranked number four among cocoa-producing countries in the world.

He assured that Nigeria could achieve an increase in cocoa production based on the present drive of the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders towards the utilisation of improved varieties.

“Recently, Nigeria has made a remarkable move to join the Living Income Differential (LID) initiatives which were established by Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana in 2019 which aims at guaranteeing the livelihood of smallholder farmers through LID of $400/ton of cocoa beans sold.

”The two countries are benefiting while Nigerian cocoa farmers are at a disadvantage of this benefit due to unregulated and liberalised cocoa industry in the country.”

Dr. Mohammed Abubakar said that the interactive meeting between the Nigerian delegation and the Ghana cocoa board had yielded a positive result with the recent approval by the ministry to establish the National Cocoa Management Committee (NCMC).

“The committee will consist of all relevant stakeholders in the Nigerian cocoa industry, develop a framework for the regulation and monitoring of all activities in the cocoa sector in order to achieve transparency, traceability and sustainability,” he said.

He said that the NCMC would be powered by legislation through the National Assembly to give the process legal backing.

The minister pledged that the ministry would implement the LID system as the country strives to take cocoa production to a new height.

Earlier, Michel thanked the minister for his hospitality and revealed that Africa produces about 80 per cent of cocoa “but the price is determined in Europe and there is a need to address the issues of market force.”

“Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Ecuador are the major producers of cocoa while Nigeria is the fourth producer of the product, saying that the product is a key to small holders farmers in many countries.”

Source: NAN.

Buhari To APC Chairman: You’re Supposed To Create Level Playing Field For All

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has reminded the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu that his responsibility is to create level playing field for all the contestants within the party.

Speaking early this morning, June 7, at the party’s Presidential primary in Abuja, Buhari said: “the critical task ahead of the Abdullahi Adamu-led NWC remains to continue to forge the unity of purpose among party members and to keep securing needed compromises in the interest of our great party.

”I enjoin you all to be fair to all and to create a level playing field for all the presidential aspirants in the coming crucial party exercise.

”Please, follow due process in all the party decisions and I call on all party members, particularly the party officials and delegates to abide by all extant laws, rules, and regulations and to consider voting for the presidential candidate with the best chances of securing victory for our great party in the coming general elections.”

Buhari said that the challenge before the party is the need to keep a united front, saying that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party has vested its powers in NWC for the time being, as requested, and in compliance with the Party Constitution, to ensure smooth party administration and operations in these critical times in the overall interest of the party.

”Please do not hesitate to call on me and all other appropriate quarters for the help that will propel our great party to the victory that we all seek.

“To ensure a hitch-free presidential primary, please let us work collectively in the interest of our great party and our great country.”

The President, who spoke to delegates at the event, appealed to them to consider voting the presidential candidate with the best chances of securing victory in the 2023 general elections.

He called on the leadership and delegates to follow due process and abide by all extant laws and regulations pertaining to election of the party flag bearer.

The Nigeria leader said that the party’s flag bearer must be knowledgeable, fair-minded nationalist with a very strong belief in the unity of the country and strength of character and purpose to steer the country forward.

”My fellow party members and compatriots, I commend you for your various roles and contributions towards the successful conduct of the various APC primaries across the nation. I commend the party stakeholders, officials, organs and the Abdullahi Adamu-led NWC.

”I commend your efforts in organising party exercises and urge you not to rest on our achievements so far. Now we have a big task ahead: the special convention for the presidential primary.

”I congratulate all the winners, our newly emerged party flag bearers, so far, for the 2023 general elections and urge you to be magnanimous in victory, particularly towards your fellow aspirants who conceded to you. I urge you at all times to abide by the Party rules and follow party reconciliation processes.

”In every competitive event, there are bound to be winners and runners-up; and as such, all the aspirants who lost or conceded at the primaries, I equally urge you to maintain the spirit of sportsmanship and to stand by our great party for the next challenges ahead.

”As we go into the presidential primary, I urge all to keep to the same spirit. We must avoid acrimony and maintain the spirit of sportsmanship.”

On governance issues and how his administration has steered the ship of state in the last seven years, the President declared that the APC Government in spite of inheriting a nearly dead economy, has made substantial progress in implementing reforms, providing infrastructure and social care and redeeming Nigeria’s image in the international community.

He reminded those who he said have short memories that he inherited “a nearly dead economy in spite of oil being over $100 per barrel for many years; vast areas of our country under insurgent control and salaries, wages, pensions unpaid for months in many states.

”Problems were left unattended or ignored. Infrastructure left to decay. Internationally we were despised.

”Your APC Government has changed all that. Our response to any new challenges, whether banditry, kidnappings, insurgency has been prompt and head-on. Rehabilitation of infrastructure has taken place on a massive scale. Our response to Covid-19 is second to none in Africa.

”We have made substantial progress in governance, in implementing reforms, in democratic processes and in social care.

”We are now respected in Africa and across the world. These major achievements by APC are historic and far-reaching.

”We now have to choose a leadership not just to win elections next year but to continue and improve on these landmarks.

”We must choose a knowledgeable, fair minded nationalist with a very strong belief in the unity of our Nation, Nigeria, and strength of character and purpose to steer the country forward. We should not allow the PDP to drag the country backwards.”

One Wrong Step, APC Is Gone, National Chairman Warns Delegates

Editorial staff

June 7, 2022

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu has warned delegates and party chieftains not to make the mistake of taking wrong step in electing Presidential candidate on primordial basis.

According to him, one wrong step at the National Convention of the party ongoing in Abuja, will send the party into a dead bed.

Speaking at the Convention, the national chairman surrendered to the delegates, away from his consensus project, saying that it is the outcome of the convention that would determine the party’s electoral victory in 2023.

According to him, the party must reconcile all aggrieved members across the country so as to ensure electoral victory for the party in the forthcoming general elections in 2023.

He also advised members of the APC to put their house in order if the party must survive beyond 2023, saying the party is supreme to individual or group interests.

He said that the election of the party’s presidential aspirant should not be based on primordial sentiments.

“We cannot afford to make our choice out of sentiment or primordial considerations. That will impose on us a wrong choice we might live to regret.

“Many have been called to this forum, but only one man or woman will get the party’s endorsement.

“This convention is authorised both by party constitution and the extant laws of our great party,” he said.

Abdullahi Adamu, therefore, stressed the need for unity, understanding and display of re-conciliatory spirit among all members of the party.

I Am A Man Of Purpose With Serious Mission, Tinubu Tells Delegates In Abuja – Full Text

Editorial staff

June 7, 2022

One of the leading Presidential aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that he is a man of purpose with a mission to right all the wrongs in Nigeria.

Addressing the over 2,000 delegates who gathered at the Eagle Square in Abuja, this night (June 7) to elect the party’s Presidential candidate from 23 of them, Tinubu said: ´I am a man of purpose with a serious mission. My vow is to use all that I know and all of my abilities to the benefit of the nation and its people. I do not step forward because I think this nomination is my due. I step forward because I can help lead our nation to become what it ought to be.

“I do not say this as a boast. Hear me out. I claim not to be special nor great. My training, experiences, acquired knowledge are what is special and uniquely suited for this moment. I am merely a conduit, a servant of a cause much larger than myself.”

Read Tinubu’s full speech below:

OUR ENCOUNTER WITH DESTINY:

Here comes a time in a nation when the hopes of the moment. Let not the destiny of this land be stolen because we did not do what was meant for us to do at this critical moment. Remember, we formed this party not simply to wrest power from a wrong and failing PDP.

We formed this party to give the people of this land the progressive good governance they deserve so that they may live as well and as peacefully as any people on the face of this earth. This corrective journey began with the election of President Muhammadu Buhari. At this convention, we must take the next step toward the proper and necessary direction.

In 2015, the All Progressives Congress won the election to halt the drift in our nation’s governance, redirect our path, and make clear our national priorities We dedicated this party to the guiding principle that government must be for the benefit or each and every Nigerian before it is for the benefit of any single one of ns, No one is above legal rule or regulation. Likewise one is too low for justice and compassionate governance cover or protect him.

Within this context, the APC under President Muhammadu Buhari has governed with patriotic and disciplined commitment this past seven years. The Buhari government has championed needed reforms, ranging from an innovative petroleum industry law to measures that are aimed at improving power and electricity generation for all Nigerians. Government has invested heavily in building modern airports and railway network and roads. Every Naira is better managed than in prior administrations.

This greater fiscal probity was achieved despite the vast reduction in national revenue caused by the COVID and recurrent global economic downturns. The Buhari government has done more with much less than its PDP predecessors did. The successive PDP administrations did next to nothing with the plenty they had. What they did with our nation’s abundance is no secret. But what they did not do was even a greater embarrassment.

They left abandoned infrastructure projects all across the nation. The APC completed them. They allowed ISWAP/ Boko Haram to erect strongholds. The Buhari government has been compelled to wage great war against these threats because of the decade of neglect by the PDP.

The PDP should have uprooted this evil when it was but a seed. The APC-led government is now left to contend with the dangerous tree it has become. Yet, as surely as I can state my name, the next APC government shall uproot this evil such that, never again, shall it try to take hold in this land.

While fighting this evil with a purposeful hand, we remain mindful of the socio-economic and political inequalities that often spawn unrest and social instability. Despite economic difficulties wrought by protracted global recession, the APC-led government has progressed in diversifying the economy, improving food security through intense investment in the agricultural sector.

But the long day for national rebuilding is not over. Even greater, bolder work is needed to beat back the hard challenge we face. Yet, my hope is high and that is hope not for myself but for you and this nation, My greatest trust and comfort reside in the innate goodness of the people of our beloved nation, Joiner in common purpose, with leadership informed by wise and correct policies, the things that we can accomplish are nothing less than historic.

We can change the very face of the nation Though this season of primaries has been abbreviated, I have talked to thousands of people across this land. Yes, there were crowds and jubilant receptions offered me. These were nice things, but they are not the most important factors to the task at hand. People approached me wanting to know if I had a plan to continue the fight against terror and violence.

They wanted to know if I cared about agriculture and the plight of the ordinary farmer. Youths asked me about jobs and their future in this world. The poor asked how and when they will be assured that they can daily place food on the table for their innocent children.

They did not ask for mage or for me to give them charming yet empty responses. Our people asked honest, serious questions and I gave them honest and serious answers I told them what we can achieve through hard work and dedication to a higher national purpose

I told them we must work harder than ever; but I also assured them that the average person shall not feel left behind, Building on the reforms of the past seven years and on the progressive ideals of our party, the coming APC-led government, under my watch, shall place the welfare of the average Nigerian above that of any elite or special interest. Our progressive government must be for the people and never for the powerful.

The powerful already have. Let us give succour and an open door to the less privileged. Let us bring forth a society built on shared prosperity, belief in justice, compassion for others and an unshakable commitment to a form of governance that treats all citizens with equal respect and due regard. Let us not just open the door to the promise of a better society. Let us brick by brick and stone by stone build a new society that begets a greater nation.

Weighty matters now rest in the balance. A fateful decision awaits you the delegates to this convention. Choose that which most wholly benefits the nation. Think big at this moment that we may accomplish great things in the next APC administration that will come on 29 May 2023.

My experience in office and the knowledge gained through hard work, tough trials and patient undertaking have prepared men for this hour. I am a man of purpose with a serious mission. My vow is to use all that I know and all of my abilities to the benefit of the nation and its people. I do not step forward because I think this nomination is my due. I step forward because I can help lead our nation to become what it ought to be.

I do not say this as a boast. Hear me out. I claim not to be special nor great. My training, experiences, acquired knowledge are what is special and uniquely suited for this moment. I am merely a conduit, a servant of a cause much larger than myself.

Now is a time for progressive vision and singular purpose. There is a general agreement that 2023 will be an encounter with destiny, when our nation shall need a certain type of leader to realise a better Nigeria.

We need to build a Nigeria where sufficient jobs for the urban population are available and lead to a good life most wholly benefits the nation. Think big at this moment that we may accomplish great things in the next APC administration that will come on 29 May 2023.

We need to encourage and support our farmers so that they can car enough to maintain their families, while feeding a growing nation We must continuously invest in the modernisation and expansion of infrastructure, including power, to enhance the quality of life of our people. Additionally, we must continue to empower the states so that grassroots economic and political development is maximised.

Though our tribe and tongue may differ, we must build a united country , premised on equity, fairness and justice. True reform and progress lie not in copying others but in identifying our own opportunities. I have done this in Lagos. I humbly ask you to allow me to use these skills and experiences to advance the nation.

I come to you with a coherent vision on how to improve our nation such that our schools, industry, agriculture and infrastructure will become the pride of all. Ours shall be a land where all Nigerians will have an equal chance and no one is excluded because of his ethnic background, religious creed, place of origin or social station. We are all Nigerians.

By this statement, I seek your help and support to become our party’s nominee and standard bearer in the coming February 2023 elections. To lead Nigerians is a sacred trust, which I do not take lightly or seek selfishly. By giving me the party’s mandate, I hereby makey solemn vow to make Nigeria the best home for its citizens.

As an indivisible, united country, we shall overcome the destructive forces attempting to steal our destiny. May the triumph of our democratic journey be complete and serve as an exemplar to Africa, our race, and the rest of mankind. We were born for this moment. Let us now make the most of it.

I thank you all for listening.

May God bless you all.

May God Bless our party, the APC.

May God bless our beloved nation, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Farmers Predict Bumper Harvest In Kebbi State

Editorial staff

June 7, 2022

Despite late rainwater in the far Northern western states, farmers in Kebbi state have predicted bumper harvest at the end of the season.

A check in some upland farms in Kalgo, Bunza and Dandi local government areas shows that farmers are tilling their farms in preparation for planting while those who planted their crops some ten days ago were seen weeding the plants.

The crops usually grown in the area are millet, guinea corn, sorghum, beans and maize.

A farmer, Alhaji Altine Kalgo, said: “You see, it is not late and it is all about climate change. We used to experience rain in March or early April of every year, but now, the situation has changed. Rainfall in Sokoto and Kebbi axis set in between June and July.

“It is not something new or a thing to worry about because God is in total control.”

Alhaji Altine predicted a bumper harvest at the end of the season while attributing poor harvest to general unwillingness of farmers to swing in to action upon the first rain. He added that the water annually stop between October and November.

Also Malam Abubakar Ganau Bunza said,”If government could only made fertilizer available as it did last year, farmers would have reason to grow more food.”

FCT Minister Commissions Qatar Charity’s 10 Projects In Abuja

Editorial staff

June 7, 2022

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has commissioned 10 projects being executed by Qatar Charity, an International charity organization in the Gaduwa District of the FCT.

The projects are a standard clinic, a secondary school, an orphanage home, a shopping plaza, a 15,000 litres solar borehole, staff quarters, children’s playground, a green area, a bakery and 1000-capacity mosque.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, the Minister commended Qatar Charity for siting the projects in the nation’s capital, saying: “let me also use this opportunity to convey the sincere appreciation of the Administration and the entire residents of the FCT to Qatar Charity for these laudable projects, which will not only bridge service gaps in the FCT, but also create jobs for our teeming populace.”

The Minster, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Muhammad Bashir Mai-Bornu, requested for the siting of the Qatar charity’s African headquarters in Abuja.

“I had proposed the establishment of African headquarters of the Qatar Charity in Nigeria, preferably in Abuja and collaboration between the FCTA and the Charity for a world class hospital and other such projects in Abuja.

He expressed optimism that Qatar Charity will accede to his request in the near future and pledged the FCTA’s continuous support while also thanking them for the ongoing construction of a housing estate for widows and orphans in the Wassa District of Abuja.

The Executive Chairman of the Qatar Charity, Yusuf Ahmad Al-Kuwari has commended the Minister for creating the enabling environment for well-meaning individuals and organizations to contribute their quota towards the growth and development of the Territory.

The Executive Chairman also commended residents of Abuja, especially those in Gaduwa District for their cooperation with his organization.

He stressed that his organization is happy to collaborate with the FCT Administration and residents of the Gaduwa community for the projects.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman, of Gaduwa community association Alhaji Usman Bukar also commended the FCT Minister, for the projects saying that they will have positive impacts on the residents of the area.

APC Presidency: I Have Always Been A Loner – Kogi Gov, Yahaya Bello

Editorial staff

June 7, 2022

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has admitted that he has always been a loner in matters concerning the national life of Nigerian.

Answering questions from newsmen today, June 7 at the Presidential villa, Abuja, about his lone stand on the issue of zoning the APC Presidency to the South, Governor Yahaya Bello said that this was not the first time he went solo on national issue.

“I have always been a loner, when you talk of human beings, but in the sight of God Almighty, I am not a loner. I will cast your mind back to when the issue of Coronavirus broke out. I made my stand and position known. I have been vindicated today and those who championed that business that time today probably may hide their heads in shame.”

The Kogi Governor said that he was not consulted before his colleagues in the north decided to concede the position of Presidency to the South.

“Yesterday, a certain video went viral, that I got angry and I left a particular meeting and then, of course, this is a period when a lot of lies, a lot of misconceptions, will fill the air.

“Then, we have our father, the leader of our party, who should always know the reality of the truth, and then I came to brief him exactly what happened.

“Well, some of my colleagues, led by the self-proclaimed leader of them ganged up to suppress the voice of the people, the voice of over 26 million Nigerians. The voice of the women, the voice of people living with special needs, the voice of the choice of the part.

“So that’s exactly what I revolted against and I remain the leading candidates into this general election. I decided to leave the meeting where such concoction were ongoing. So that’s exactly what took place.

“I wouldn’t mention a name because I am honorable enough. The office I occupy today is an office that should be dignified.

“Myself, I have respect for leaders, for elders, even if some elders do not respect themselves, I have high respect for those in positions of authority. So, I wouldn’t mention names.

“I am a unifier, I have demonstrated that severally in my state. I have demonstrated that severally in the various tasks that were given me by the party. So, nobody consulted me. Nobody consulted me over the decision that they took and I will rather say that they were railroaded by certain interest who wants to be VP at all costs.

“The issue of turn-by-turn presidency, I continue to oppose it because the insecurity that is facing us today does not respect turn-by-turn presidency. Every part of this country is faced with insecurity. Every part of this country is wanting prosperity and the seeming or the disunity that we experiencing today in Nigeria, we want unity in this country and that is exactly what I stand for.

“Who is that person that is coming to solve the problem? That should be what should preoccupy our minds and not the turn-by-turn presidency. It’s not in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

“I am a free citizen, a free member of the party, a qualified member of the party. I contested and contesting, I bought the form, I was cleared to participate in the election and no reason for me to be excluded from the ballot. If they do so, then that is a recipe for a bigger trouble for the party. However, I don’t think it’s a decision of the party. It is a decision of few elites, who may decide to use their whatever position to suppress the so-called minority.”

Governor Yahaya Bello made it clear that in this country, he is even y not in the minority.

“We have the majority. I belong to the younger generation, I belong to the generation of Nigerians that are oppressed and they are saying they must have their voice and I believe strongly that getting into that arena today, I will win overwhelmingly, if the process and the normal regulations are followed, I will emerge victorious.”

When asked whether he will step down if party stakeholders intervene, the Kogi State Governor said: “I respect President Muhammadu Buhari, the leader of our party, and I respect the party. If the President asks me to step down, I will do. only Mr. President.

“Mr. President did not ask anyone to step down. Mr. President said let the delegates decide who becomes the flagbearer of our party and he did not say anyone should be excluded.”

He is however optimistic that APC will return to power, if the leaders play by the rules of the game.

Sen Nnamani Chickens Out Of APC Presidential Race, Advocates South-East Vice-Presidency

Editorial staff

June 6, 2022

Former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani has dropped out of the race for the All Progressives Congress’ presidential ticket.

He made this known in a press conference today, June 6 in Abuja.

Nnamani said his decision was motivated by the APC’s decision not to zone the presidency to the South, specifically the South-East.

He also noted that the processes leading to the presidential primaries had been beclouded by a lack of certainty on schedules and timelines.

“This uncertainty frustrated effective campaigns and made the primary a game for those with deep pockets (mostly those in control of state funds, political offices and party structure),” Nnamani said.

He said he had been unable to market his “profile and ideas” to party delegates.

“Therefore, while I discontinue my aspiration, I wish the Party a successful primary and unity of purpose, so that we can win the 2023 general elections,” he said.

“I will continue to engage with the Party and it’s Leadership to make sure that the ideas and values that I cherish and propagate find strong footing in the party administration and in public leadership after the elections.

Mr Nnamani advocated for a Vice Presidential candidate from the South-East.

“No matter the outcome of the Presidential primary, I pray that our Party does justice to the Southeast that ought to present the next presidential candidate of our Party,” he said.

“I would be glad if any of my Colleagues from the Southeast vying for the office wins the primary. Any of them can provide strong leadership to the country.”

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