The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it has not zoned its presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general elections.
This is against the statement earlier credited to the former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu to the effect that PDP has zoned the presidential ticket to the North. Babangida Aliyu spoke while receiving Atiku Abubakar‘s support group.
Reacting, the PDP said that its attention was drawn to the comments and speculations from certain individuals claiming that the Party has zoned its Presidential ticket to a particular part of the country.
In a statement by its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, the party said that the statement is completely misleading as it does not in any way represent the position of the Party.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP emphatically and unequivocally states that it has not zoned it Presidential ticket to any part of the country.
“The PDP is a political party founded on democratic principles and every action of the Party, including zoning, is based on extensive consultations, discussions and consideration of all the issues as well as the various tendencies and interests across the nation, with the main objective of ensuring that the unity, peaceful co-existence and development of our nation are reinforced and promoted.
“The PDP, therefore, urges Nigerians, our teeming members and supporters to completely disregard the unfounded zoning claims as being peddled. Our Party also cautions those behind the claims to desist forthwith.”
Apex Igbo cultural organization of Igbo speaking people, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has said that the proscribed Igbo separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has no mandate to speak for the people of the Southeast region.
This is coming on the heels of the ban, by the IPOB, on movement of cows from the Northern part of the country to the East.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Professor George Obiozor, who was a guest on a political programme on Arise TV yesterday evening, January 7, said that though IPOB’s anger was based on the injustice against Igbos over the years, but that such situation does not give them the “mandate to speak for the entire people of the South-East.”
Obiozor, while reacting to angry and ‘inciting’ responses credited to some Northern groups over the IPOB ban, cautioned both sides to be careful in their comments so as not to throw the country into another chaotic situation.
“Take it from me and it is the right statement: IPOB doesn’t speak for Igbo and that is the truth.
“To be very candid with you, the IPOB anger is an accumulated anger based on perceived or real injustice against Ndigbo for so long.
“We understand their anger and the anger of many youths across the country.
“However, the truth of the matter is that they are not mandated to speak for Ndigbo.”
Obiozor said that the responses of some people in the North to the IPOB threats were also inciting.
Editors and media managers have raised alarm over Chinese negative role in the Nigeria’s Democracy and media space.
At a training workshop for journalists today, January 7 in Abuja, as part of the unveiling a literacy guidebook on the China’s importation of some authoritarian ideologies into Nigerian Media space, guest speakers and participants described the guidebook as an eye opener.
The guidebook exposes unnoticed Chinese infiltration of Nigerian media space, in alleged pursuit of asserting its ideological agenda on Nigeria.
The organisers of the event, Sahel Standard Media, in a statement by the Project Manager, Farouk Mohammed described the guidebook as “the first of its kind in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa, aimed at studying and identifying how China deploys sharp practices to Nigerian Media Space and how such practice had impacted on the democratic life of Nigeria.
“The guidebook identifies key tactics that Chinese operatives deploy in media influencing operations and also included strategies and means of countering such Maligning Influences. The guidebook also included long list of negative impact of such Chinese practices on Nigerian democracy.
“The guidebook is a goldmine of previously unpublished and unarticulated reality of China’s media influence. We expect this guidebook to empower journalists and media operatives to protect free press and democratic norms and practices,” Mohammed said.
In a paper presented by Dr. Anule Emmanuel titled: “Tracking and Countering Maligning Influences in News Rooms” he stressed the urgent need for Nigerian journalists, as watchdogs, to checkmate such antics by China.
He said that to counter maligning influences in the news rooms “we must be inquisitive and have investigative spirit, analytical mind, courage, integrity and patriotic.
“With good combination of our watchdog roles as the fourth estate of the realm and taking responsibilities of putting government in constant check, reveal abuse of state authority and protect the constitutional rights of citizens, it is possible to detect, track and counter maligning influences in our news room.”
This was even as the Deputy President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Danlami Nmodu, mni in his paper: “Democracy, Authoritarianism and Media: Choice for Free Press” advised Nigerians to strive to protect their democracy, adding that people have paid the price to ensure that democracy stands.
According to him, even though “Nigeria’s democracy is not perfect, but let us guard it jealously.”
Nmodu also advised stakeholders to establish Foundation to support independent journalism, even as he said that such foundations should encourage journalists to carry out independent investigations on issues bordering all sectors of Nigeria’s society.
Government, he said, must strategically engage with the media in the national interest, calling for an end to the hide and seek relationship between government and the media.
“The press which has constitutional role has always been under all manner of threats all through history. Let us help make the press free to serve the national interest better and to ensure robust debate.
“In fact, it is in the interest of the people, elite and all, for the press to remain free. We all need it always and especially at most critical junctures. Let us continue to nourish free press,” Nmodu said.
A PhD Student in Media Arts at the University of Abuja, Martins Odeh, in his paper: “Chinese Influence and Democracy: The Growing Threat” said: “we must at this stage clear the illusion about dividends of democracy.”
He argued that the dividends of democracy are not all about full employment, food on the table, light in the homes and working telephones.
“The truth, however, is that democracy has more to offer than food and good things of life.
“Democracy is democracy because of freedom of expression and liberty and the vehicle for measuring the quantum of freedom and liberty in any climes is the media of mass communication which do not exist in a vacuum.”
He added that the objectives of the paper is to expose participants to the realities of the negative entreaties of China to Nigeria and to strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian Journalists to be smart so that they can easily decipher and counter those measures.
President Muhammadu Buhari has openly acknowledged the integrity and visionary leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello.
In a message Congratulating the Minister on his 63rd birthday, which comes up tomorrow, January 8, Buhari said that the Minister’s visionary leadership could not be overemphasized.
According to the President, Muhammad Musa Bello’s unassuming personality, cordiality and sincerity had continued to win friends for the administration and the country.
Such personal qualities, he said, had also provided a level playing ground for indigenes and settlers in the development of the FCT, and make the city one of the most attractive places for business and leisure.
Buhari said that Muhammad Musa Bello, who is former banker and administrator, had recorded many notable achievements, particularly in repositioning the capital city.
The President acknowledged the efforts of the Minister at several reforms, ensuring compliance and more decency in allocations.
The President described FCT as a place that hosts the seat of government, diplomatic missions, multilateral institutions, headquarters of businesses and hospitality homes.
Also Congratulating the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Pauline Kedem Tallen, on her 63rd birthdays too, tomorrow, January 8, the President extolled her courage, forthrightness and vision in driving affirmation of women in governance and education of children.
He praised her for paying more attention to the girl-child, with her notable scores as first female Deputy Governor in the North and Minister of State, Science and Technology.
He also recognized the steadfastness and commitment of Dame Tallen to the betterment of the nation, with over 45 years in politics, starting out as clerical officer at Shendam local government council in 1976, then later Ministry of Local Government Affairs, commissioner and working very hard in contesting the governorship of her state, leaving an inspiration for women.
The President prayed for the wellbeing of the two ministers.
“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is mandated to focus on profitability and continuous value creation beyond the simple fulfilment of legal and regulatory requirements.”
This is the charge by President Muhammadu Buhari to the new Board members of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, when he inaugurated them today, January 7, at the Presidential villa, Abuja.
The President reminded the Board members that they came on board as a result of the reforms put forward by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which seeks to reposition the Nigerian petroleum industry to a commercially viable and competitive industry in line with global business dynamics and best practices.
“I expect the NNPC Limited to be mindful of our commitments to our net carbon zero aspirations and to ensure total alignment with the global energy transition realities,” he said.
”NNPC Limited is expected to operate at par with its industry peers across the world, while acting as Enabler Company that will foster the development of other sectors of our Economy.
”The inauguration of this Board is a major step in the ongoing transition to a more viable petroleum industry that will attract investment to support our economic growth and generate employment to millions of our people.
President Buhari, who emphasized the need for the Board members to ensure strict compliance with Corporate Governance principles that place premium on doing business with the highest ethical standards, integrity, and transparency, emphasized the need to
focus on profitability and to operate at par with its industry peers across the world.
President Buhari stressed that there should be full alignment and synergy between NNPC Limited, the Upstream Regulatory Commission and the Midstream & Downstream Regulatory Authority in compliance with the provisions of the law in all respects to deliver the onerous reforms envisaged for the energy industry.
”NNPC Limited is expected to operate at par with its industry peers elsewhere in the world, while acting as Enabler Company that will foster the development of other sectors of our Economy.”
The President thanked the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their seamless support in the journey towards a viable, accountable and transparent energy industry, adding that he would count on the professional insights and ethical conduct of the Board members to ensure the delivery of his administration’s promises to Nigerians.
This was even as the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, said that under the present administration a lot has been achieved in the petroleum industry, including the signing of the PIA, the registration of NNPC Limited as a CAMA company and the inauguration of the Board of the NNPC Limited.
”Mr. President this is history in the making because this is the first time any President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is inaugurating an independent board of an independent NNPC Limited. This, however, puts a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of those inaugurated and those of us in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.”
Inaugurated Board members are
Senator Margery Chuba Okadigbo as Chairman:, Mele Kolo Kyari as Chief Executive Officer; Umar I. Ajiya as Chief Financial Officer.
Others are Dr Tajudeen Umar (North East), Mrs. Lami O. Ahmed (North Central), Mallam Mohammed Lawal (North West), Engr. Henry Obih (South East), Barrister Constance Harry Marshal (South South), Chief Pius Akinyelure (South West), Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Aliyu Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Minister, Finance, Budget and National Planning.
Bauchi State Government has charged former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and 28 others to court, slamming them with culpable homicide, in respect of the violence that occurred during the 21st memorial anniversary of Sayawa nation leader and crusader, Peter Gonto, in Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa local government areas.
The government filed an 1-count charge against them bordering on conspiracy, disturbing public peace, mischief by fire and culpable homicide at the State High Court.
“….that you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to commit the offence of culpable homicide during the 21 year memorial anniversary and book launch of late Baba Peter Gonto at Bogoro town and that you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.”
Reports had said that about three persons died in the incident while property were burnt.
Yakubu Dogara, who represents Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa federal constituency in the House of Representatives, had allegedly written to the director-general of Department of State Security (DSS) and the inspector general of police, warning of an impending security threat if the anniversary was allowed to hold.
Among the charges obtained by the news media today, January 7, the state government alleged that the defendants conspired among themselves to cause bodily harm to people in the area in order to frustrate the progress of the memorial anniversary.
Some of the charges read: “That you Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara — on or about the 29th, 30 and/or 31st day of December 2021 agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit: you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to incite the youths of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro towns to disturb public peace by burning people’s houses, blocking access roads, physically attacking invited guests and other participants attending the 21 year memorial anniversary and book launch of late Baba Peter Gonto at Bogoro town and destroy and burn all facilities provided for the occasion, thereby committed offence contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.
“On or about the 29th, 30th and/or 31st day of December 2021 agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit: you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to commit the offence mischief by fire by burning people’s houses in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro To during the 21″year memorial anniversary and book launch of late Baba Peter Gonto at Bogoro town and to destroy and burn all facilities provided for the occasion, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.
“On or about the 29th,30th and/or 31st day of December 2021 agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit: you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to commit the offence of culpable homicide during the 21 year memorial anniversary and book launch of late Baba Peter Gonto at Bogoro town and that you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.”
Mrs. Hajara Momoh Akata, 78 years old Mother of the Kogi State Accountant General, Alhaji Jubril Momoh is dead. She died today, January 6 at Nagazi quarters in Adavi local government area of the state after a brief illness. The son, Jubril Momoh, who announced the death, said: “it is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing unto glory of our Mother, Aunt, Sister and grandmother, Hajiya Hajara Momoh Akata, mother of kogi state Accountant General. She passed on today after a brief illness at her residence in Nagazi. “May Almighty Allah comfort her family during this trying Time and May Her gentle soul rest in peace, Aamen.” In a condolence message, the Governor of the State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello described the death of Madam Hajara as a sad development. In a letter of condolence signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu, the governor said that the death of the mother of the accountant general was a sorrowful experience which cut deep into the heart. The Governor said that although mama lived a very fulfilled life, it would still be painful, knowing that one could no longer share her physical company, counselling and prayers but only just memories, adding that death was surely an inevitable destiny of every human. He attested that Hajiya Momoh dedicated her life as a woman of virtue, a prayerful mother and dedicated wife whose interest was solely to raising her children to become useful and responsible contributors to the society. Governor Bello said that it was obvious that Hajiya succeeded in her earthly assignment, seeing the quality of children she had raised and also that Mama lived a life that touched other’s positively While praying to God to grant the repose of Hajiya Momoh eternal rest, he also asked God to give those grieving over her passing the fortitude to bear the loss.
The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress made so far in Dry Season Wheat Farming in Gombe State.
The head of NALDA Inspection team, Alhaji Umar Yuguda, who spoke today, January 6, during an assessment visit to the100 hectares dry season farming site in Papa area of Nafada Local Government Area, said that Gombe State was selected among the nine pilot states to kick-start the programme because of the enormous agricultural potentials of the state and the commitment of the state government under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya towards revamping the Agricultural Sector.
“We are in Gombe to assess the level of progress made so far in wheat production, the programme which was inaugurated by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya about a month ago on Dogon Ruwa.
“We are very much satisfied with the level of progress made so far. The state government and of course the farmers are doing a great job.”
He assured the state government and the farmers of NALDA’s continued support and interventions into the agricultural value chain to stimulate the economy and create wealth for the the state and the nation at large. In his response, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Muhammad Magaji Gettado said that Gombe State Government, in Collaboration with NALDA, supported more than 200 farmers with all the needed inputs for the success of the programme in Papa alone.
He said that the state government will continue to collaborate with NALDA and any development partner that can help in unlocking the potentials and improve the well-being of the people.
NALDA had, in collaboration with Gombe State Government, embarked on dry season wheat cultivation on 200 hectares of land in Papa and Dogon Ruwa areas of Nafada and Kaltungo Local Governments respectively.
The programme is aimed at creating jobs, filling deficit in the demand of wheat and boosting the economy as encapsulated in President Muhammadu Buhari’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim
Former Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim has called on fellow Igbo leaders to join in the contest for the Presidency of Nigeria in the 2023 election.
“Let me also at this point state clearly that I am aware that I am not the only aspirant from the South East seeking to run for the office of president. I encourage my brothers who so desire to please step out in their respective parties and after the primaries, the nation shall choose among us according to their good judgement, after all it is God who gives power.
“I therefore encourage you to give any other of our brothers and sisters opportunities as you have given me today.”
Anyim Pius, also a former Senate President, addressed South East leaders on his wide consultations across the country regarding his ambition, saying: “from all my consultations, I can reassure this assembly that our basis for hope remains sound.
“Our optimism about Nigeria is a shared one because what we desire for Nigeria is exactly what the leaders of other sections want.
“We all want a more united Nigeria. We all want a safe country. We all want a fair country that gives every citizen a fair shot at every available opportunity.
“The net result of my consultations is that I have found common ground with fellow compatriots on the need for a better Nigeria for ourselves and our children.”
Senator Anyim said that after he had consulted leaders across the country, he thought it wise to brief the people of the zone on the progress made so far.
“I am convinced with due modesty, that I am willing and available, ready and equipped, by experience and exposure, temperament and humility, capacity and competence to serve Nigeria at this point in time as her President.
“From my consultations so far, I am glad to report that the responses have been overwhelmingly encouraging and inspiring.
“Above all, I am also happy to report that the mood of the nation favours the rotation of the Presidency to Southern Nigeria. It is also to my knowledge that the South East stakeholders have repeatedly made the case for zoning the Presidency to the South East, for equity and fairness.
“Nevertheless, you may recall that when I declared my interest to contest for the presidency, I was emphatic that I will contest whether the presidency is zoned to the South or not. This is because If the presidency is zoned to South East, it will satisfy the just demand of equity and fairness. If it is not zoned to the South East, it will remain a burden on the conscience of the nation.
“Let me therefore at this point, join all well meaning Nigerians to appeal to all the political parties to take the fair, just and equitable decision to zone their presidential slots to the South particularly the South East.”
In a resolution signed by Senator T.A Orji and Chief Duru Ihe-oma (SAN), the Chairman and Secretary respectively,
leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-East zone, endorsed the aspiration of Anyim Pius Anyim, to contest the position of the President of Nigeria in 2022.
The PDP leaders, including Zonal and State Executives of the Party as well as select political leaders and elders from across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, met at Best Western Hotel,Enugu, at the instance of Anyim.
They appealed to the PDP to zone the presidential ticket to the South East zone, in the interest of equity, justice and harmonious national cohesion.
“The people of the South East geo political zone have earned the right to occupy the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023 on account of their eminent qualifications and overwhelming contributions to the development of all parts of the federation through the years.”
The leaders commended Senator Anyim for making himself available to contest the office of the president of the country.
“On account of the foregoing, we congratulate Senator Anyim Pius Anyim for the patriotism of his decision to offer himself for national service by aspiring to contest in the 2023 Presidential race. We take due cognizance of his precious record of distinguished and unblemished service as President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“In these positions, he distinguished himself as a detribalized statesman, consensus builder and true nationalist. We, therefore, unanimously endorse his aspiration with all conviction and enthusiasm and eagerly recommend him to the rest of the nation as a worthy leader who will pilot the affairs of the nation towards greater security, unity and prosperity for all citizens.
“In furtherance of the foregoing, we hereby oblige Senator Anyim his request that we all join him to persuade and reassure every part of the country to do justice to the South East and thereby promote equity and justice as core values of our nation.
“In assuring Senator Anyim of our support for his aspiration, we wish to also extend the same hand of support and solidarity to all qualified and deserving sons and daughters of our zone with similar aspiration and who reach out to us as Senator Anyim has done, the PDP leaders noted.
They expressed profound gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State for what they described as their outstanding leadership of the PDP in the South East Zone and their clear articulation of the interests of the zone at all platforms and organs of the party.
“It is necessary to restate that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as a professional institution, remains apolitical and, as such, would not want to be dragged into any form of political bias.
“Accordingly, it is important to advise politicians and others to desist from the use of military uniforms and accoutrements for political events and other engagements henceforth.”
These were contained in a statement today, January 6, by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Air Commodore W. A. P Maigida.
He said that the Defence Headquarters noticed with dismay that some politicians have formed the habit of wearing military uniforms and accoutrements for electioneering campaign posters.
“The campaign posters of some Governors, dressed in military camouflage uniforms, are displayed in noticeable areas in their respective states.
“This is manifestly illegal and an abuse of the privilege of allowing civilians wear military uniforms during military training exercises.
“Please note, anyone found culpable in this regard would be liable to prosecution.”
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it has not zoned its presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Apex Igbo cultural organization of Igbo speaking people, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has said that the proscribed Igbo separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has no mandate to speak for the people of the Southeast region.
Editors and media managers have raised alarm over Chinese negative role in the Nigeria’s Democracy and media space.
President Muhammadu Buhari has openly acknowledged the integrity and visionary leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello.
“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is mandated to focus on profitability and continuous value creation beyond the simple fulfilment of legal and regulatory requirements.”
The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress made so far in Dry Season Wheat Farming in Gombe State.
