Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Politics

  • Southeast APC Leaders Gear Up to Win Anambra Guber Election

    Southeast APC Leaders Gear Up to Win Anambra Guber Election

    At a Southeast stakeholders meeting of ruling All Progressives Congress Party (APC) in Owerri on Wednesday, party leaders in the zone resolved to do all in their powers to win the forthcoming Anambra State governorship poll and harped on the need for conscientious membership registration and reconciliation of party structures from ward to state levels.

    Prominent APC leaders who attended the regional meeting include Governor Hope Uzodinma, members of House of Representatives, Nkiruka Onyejeocha and Chinedu Ogah; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnia Onu; Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba; member of the APC Interim Committee, Senator Ken Nnamani; Managing Director of Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr. George Muoghalu; former Imo deputy governor, Eze Madumere, Senators Osita Izunaso, Nkechi Nwaogu and Andy Ubah; Tony Nwoye Chinwe Obaji, among others, were present.

    The new member of the APC Southeast caucus, Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, was represented by Senator Anthony Agbo while longtime members members like immediate past Imo State governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, were conspicuously absent from the grand meeting.

    The host of the meeting, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma said APC in Southeast had all it would take to dominate the zone, stressing the need for unity, brotherly love and genuine reconciliation.

    He noted that the Anambra governorship poll was the ground to demonstrate the resolve of the party to capture the zone. He therefore appealed to members to shelve petty animosities and antagonism to work towards winning the election for the party.

    “I believe that winning Anambra governorship will make the party stronger in the zone. And we can only succeed in doing this through genuine reconciliation and unity among members of the party,” the governor stated.

    The governor regretted recriminations among party members in the zone, stressing that such grievances constitute the major problems confronting APC, just as he noted that the process of reconciliation should begin immediately to strengthen and fortify the party for future elections in the country.

    According to Uzodinma: “The problem confronting APC in southeast is grievances, and we must begin today to address it, this will help our party, we need to reconcile all aggrieved members, our party would be stronger and we also urge all of you to help secure victory in Anambra.”

    Also speaking, the Minister of Science and Technology, Onu, affirmed that Southeast people are yearning for APC, assuring that it was for “this reason that APC would win the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.

    According to Onu, “People of the southeast want APC, this is why we must be united and be at peace with each other, we must be united to achieve our aims, we will make sure southeast controls Anambra.”

    Former President of Senate, Nnamani, informed the stakeholders that registration will commence from the unit levels, where members will cast their votes, stressing that the process will enable the party to actually know its strength at every unit.

    Nnamani therefore pleaded with members to take the registration seriously just as he urged party faithful to immediately take part in the process.

    Speaking through his representative, Senator Agbo, Umahi said he was happy to be in “the midst of progressive members of the party in the zone.” He disabused the minds of members, especially those who said he was not in good terms with his Imo state counterpart, assuring that he would work with Uzodimma to make sure other governors join APC from the zone.

  • Release of Kankara Schoolboys Vindicates Buhari, Let’s Re-strategize Security – APC Chieftain

    Release of Kankara Schoolboys Vindicates Buhari, Let’s Re-strategize Security – APC Chieftain

    The release of over 300 schools boys kidnapped by Boko Haram Terrorists on December 11 has been described as a vindication of the commitment and determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to rid the Nigeria of insecurity.

    This was said by the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a statement on Saturday.

    A key figure in the rulling All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government (APC), Tinubu lauded President Buhari, and Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari for their intervention leading to the release of the kidnapped Kankara school boys.

    READ ALSO:

    US AFRICOM Activates Joint Task Force-Quartz

    “The initial abduction of the over 300 Kankara schoolboys from their dormitory in broad daylight was unsettling and raises serious concern. However, their prompt rescue from their abductors is heart-warming.

    “It vindicates President Buhari in his untiring commitment and determination to rid the country of insecurity and confront Boko Haram insurgents and bandits operating in some parts of the country’, Tinubu said.

    Mr Tinubu, who is widely speculated as nursing presidential ambition in 2023 also commended =men of the Nigerian Armed Forces an advised that more needed to be done to tackle rising spate of insecurity in the country.

    “I congratulate and commend the president for his prompt and decisive intervention. I must also congratulate Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari and men of our armed forces for bringing the boys back home.

    “This laudable effort must be sustained. We must all do more to tackle the evil-doers and see the back of the Boko insurgents and bandits.

    While Nigerians and some lawmakers have called for the sack of Security Chiefs over what seems to be failure to address security challenges bedeviling the nation, Tinubu also called for a re-strategized security architecture.

    READ ALSO:

    APC Determined to Consolidate Democratic Gains – Senate President

    “We need to upgrade our security infrastructure and re-strategize. The armed forces themselves must renew their efforts to make not only our schools safe for students but also our cities and villages.

    “No development can occur in a climate of fear, uncertainty, and insecurity of lives and property.

    “I empathize with the agonized parents and relations of the abducted schoolboys and rejoice with them over the release of their children from the jaws of the abductors. These boys must now be reunited with their families, the APC chieftain said.

  • APC Determined to Consolidate Democratic Gains – Senate President

    APC Determined to Consolidate Democratic Gains – Senate President

    President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) is determined to consolidate on the gains of democracy in the last two decades despite the challenges faced by the country.

    Lawan stated this in a keynote address delivered at the 2020 Conference of the APC Press Corps which held in Abuja.

    The Senate President, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Ola Awoniyi, however, said that the task of consolidating on the gains of democracy is a painstaking effort which requires sacrifice from leaders and patience on the part of followers.

    “While we are talking about contestation therefore, we are referring to a competitive process that is not just healthy, but also reflective of a widely acceptable culture, an appreciated norm, and a predictable value system.

    “Achieving this is not however a day job. It is founded on processes, growing to become beneficial, and helpful to social, and economic development.

    “Nigeria has been on this steady path in the last two decades, and we will consolidate on this despite challenges.

    “What we require is to be painstaking and the need to be positive about our efforts, the sacrifices of leaders, and the patience of the followers. While the leaders have a constitutional role, the followers also have to be vigilant.

    “A conscientious interplay of the two will eventually result into a rewarding outcome, considering that patriotism and nationalism would emerge therefrom,” the Senate President said.

    Speaking on how the ruling party has managed its internal issues, Lawan said, “the APC story is a story that is founded on fostering understanding amongst a divergent interest.

    “It is the story of creativity and ingenuity in the management of difference. The APC story is a pacy story of brilliance in the administration of a plural system.

    “It is a story that hallmarks how well democracy should flourish, for its adaptive capacity, and its potential as a lesson, and the possibilities it bears for the future.

    “The APC story understands the workings of democracy, through its aggregation of variegated interests, and how it has managed the interests.”

    On the APC’s quest to deliver good governance to Nigerians in the last five years, Lawan added, “though there are challenges but they are not always insurmountable.

    “They are like the storm in the tea cup. They will always blow away, given our continued resolve to remain the vehicle for the emancipation of Nigeria. We have come a long way and will not be distracted.”

    On his part, Secretary of the All Progressive Congress Caretaker/Extraordinary Planning Committee, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe said: “Ironically, the dominant narrative or contestation is that APC led federal government is against restructuring, without awarding President Muhammadu Buhari marks or taking note of this key harbinger of restructuring.

    “A lot of people often forget that democracy is not a revolution, that all the gains recorded in liberal democracy throughout history are incremental in nature.

    “Accordingly, one appeals that we all support our contestation for robust State Houses of Assembly, independent State judiciary and truly elected local government council. Without which the genuine quest for restructuring will be subsumed,” Okechukwu said.

  • Nigerian Politicians Echo Restructuring, State Police

    Nigerian Politicians Echo Restructuring, State Police

    The call for the restructuring of Nigeria has been yet reinforced by prominent political leaders, including the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu; Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    The political stalwarts, who on Wednesday canvassed for the restructuring and devolution of more powers to the state, also appraised the security situation in the country and sought state police as a major solution to the insecurity in the country.

    The APC leaders spoke at the third yearly Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and 71st post-humous birthday organised by Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan.

    READ ALSO:

    Nigeria Backs Down After 16 Months Border Closure, Maintains Restrictions on Some Commodities

    The programme, which was held at the International Conference Centre, UI, had the theme: “States and the Burden of National Development in Nigeria.”

    The former Lagos State Governor, Tinubu, was the chairman of the event and was represented by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. Tinubu affirmed that the constituent units that make a federation must be given more revenue and more responsibilities, adding that state police was overdue.

    Tinubu said: “Despite the fiscal and budgetary constraints, Governor Ajimobi performed adroitly, bringing an unprecedented level of civic pride and public works to Oyo. But the truth that he himself recognised was that he could have done more if our political system was truly built on the fiscal federalism we progressives have long espoused.

    “Our system remains too centralised with too much power and money remaining within the federal might. This imbalance leads to relative state weakness. We need to overhaul how revenues are allocated between the states and the Federal Government.”

    Governor Fayemi of Ekiti State while delivering his speech virtually, said: “One area that has become a big burden in the cause of our national development is the security of lives and property in the states. Theoretically, the governors are considered as the chief security officers of their states and are expected to be in charge. Accordingly, everybody looks up to the governors to provide security, especially during threats. In practice, however, the governors really have limited control over the security architecture of the states”.

    READ ALSO:

    Nigerian Senators Threaten President Buhari with Impeachment Over Total Collapse of Security

    Also speaking, a loyalist of Ajimobi, Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, canvassed that the revenue sharing formula be reviewed in favour of local councils and states.

    In her welcome address, the President, Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, said the late Ajimobi had extended the frontiers of knowledge on good governance.

    The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adebola Ekanola, who lauded the contributions of Ajimobi, expressed the readiness of the university to strengthen its relationship with the Foundation.

  • Adesina, Machel, N’Dour Engage CSOs to Address COVID-19 Impact on Vulnerable Africans

    Adesina, Machel, N’Dour Engage CSOs to Address COVID-19 Impact on Vulnerable Africans

    President of African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina; Chair of the Graça Machel Trust, Graça Machel; and a musician, businessman and former Culture and Tourism Minister of Senegal, Youssou N’Dour, have reaffirmed the need to engage the civil society organisations (CSOs) towards building back Africa following the devastating effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the continent’s socio-economic life.

    Speaking at the opening of the 2020 African Development Bank Civil Society Forum on Thursday in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, Adesina said: “The role of civil society in monitoring interventions is crucial and important to ensure they are effectively deployed to reach the poor and vulnerable, who are most affected.”

    Adesina, who stated this while engaging in a conversation with Machel and N’Dour, assured that the African Development Bank would step up its efforts in reaching out to the vulnerable.

    He said the critical issue was not the amount of funds that are provided by the bank and others, but who they reach, noting that transparency and accountability are also critical.

    Thus, Adesina said: “We will work much harder, collectively and in unison, to accelerate the impact of our work.”

    Also speaking at the event, Machel commended the African Development Bank’s strong track record of working with governments and the private sector.

    She, however, appealed for an increase in the bank’s funding to directly support civil society efforts to address the impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach families in Africa’s societies.

    Machel charged African leaders to harness civil society’s “incredible potential to accelerate social change at a larger scale” in the continent.

    According to him, “These organisations stepped up, often with limited resources and in very dangerous conditions, to save lives and restore dignity to communities in the midst of this pandemic.

    “Resources for organisations working with women, children and those living with disabilities and in the rural areas are desperately needed.”

    To N’Dour, artists should be on the frontline of Africa’s development, given their pivotal role as communicators.

    “Even in a place where there is oil, if there is no culture to explain this to the people, there is war…

    “We should be able to say after (President Adesina’s) term that culture has been involved in the development of Africa.

    “Culture is profitable and I’m available to provide my assistance, to work with my staff to create other champions in Africa, to take the African Development Bank’s work to another level.

    “Africa’s time is now. This should not only be words or prayers. It is within reach. I’m sure (the African Development Bank will be able to meet this challenge,” he said, while speaking in French via an interpreter.

    The two-day virtual Civil Society Forum, which kicked off on Thursday with the theme: “Engaging Civil Society in Building Back Better after COVID-19,” would explore cost-effective strategies and reflect on best practices to enhance collaboration between the bank and civil society in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The virtual event was declared opened with remarks from senior officials of the bank: Acting Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Wambui Gichuri; and Director for Gender, Women and Civil Society, Vanessa Moungar.

    The second day of the forum would provide an opportunity for the civil society organisations to develop innovative grassroots ideas.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • At Last, Trump Succumbs, Says Transition to Joe Biden Can Begin

    At Last, Trump Succumbs, Says Transition to Joe Biden Can Begin

    The United States President Donald Trump has taken a massive step towards admitting defeat in the country’s last presidential election Monday night by saying he was allowing the transition to Joe Biden to begin – but immediately claimed he could still overturn his defeat at the hands of voters.

    MailOnline reports that General Services Administration Chief, Emily Murphy, told President-elect Biden in a letter that he could start accessing federal resources to begin the presidential transition process early Monday evening.

    READ ALSO:

    AfDB Tasks African Leaders on Industrialisation towards Transforming the Continent’s Economies

    Murphy, in a letter to Biden, announced the move, but dedicated a considerable portion to defending her own reputation and claiming she had been threatened and harassed.

    Her letter, notably, does not go so far as “ascertain” that Joe Biden is the winner of the election, despite networks calling the race 16 days ago, numerous states certifying their tallies, and Biden winning 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232. She also called him “Mr.” instead of president-elect or vice president.

    It came just over an hour after Michigan certified that Biden had won the state, putting another nail in the coffin of Trump’s bid to overturn the election result.

    The move ends much of the controversy over Trump’s refusal to concede and means that a concession would be purely symbolic.

    READ ALSO:

    Nigerian Government Acquires More Fighter Aircraft to Combat Insurgency

    It allows Biden to get the same intelligence briefing as Trump, order FBI background checks on his picks for office and talk to senior officials in key roles – most notably, Dr. Tony Fauci.

    But Trump tweeted defiantly that he had ordered Murphy to start the transition “for the sake of the country” and claimed he was sure he would win “the good fight.”

    Idowu Sowunmi with agency reports

  • You Left Our Party for APC Because of Personal Reasons, PDP Replies Umahi

    You Left Our Party for APC Because of Personal Reasons, PDP Replies Umahi

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has tackled Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, of his defection to All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the governor left the opposition party for “personal reasons,” which Nigerians would come to know at the fullness of time.

    While thanking Umahi for services rendered to the people of Ebonyi State, as the state chairman of the party (2003 to 2007); deputy governor (2007 to 2015) and two term governor of Ebonyi State (2015 till date), all elected on the platform of the opposition party, PDP wished him “all the best in his adventure.”

    READ ALSO:

    President Buhari Proud of Ebonyi Governor’s Defection to Ruling APC

    “We call on the members of our party to remain calm and committed to the ideals of our party as no individual is bigger than PDP,” the party noted.

    Meanwhile, PDP National Working Committee (NWC) Tuesday held a crucial meeting where it announced the dissolution of the ward, local government and state executive committees of Ebonyi State chapter of the party forthwith.

    NWC also dissolved the South-east Zonal Caretaker Committee of the party.

    These decisions were pursuant to the powers conferred on NWC by PDP Constitution.

    Following the dissolution of Ebonyi State executive members of the party, NWC has constituted a state caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of PDP in the state in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

    Members of Ebonyi State Caretaker Committee include: Fred Udeogu (Chairman); Luke Nkwegu (Secretary); Gideon Osi (Publicity Secretary); James Alaka (Organising Secretary); Amaka Igboke (Women Leader); Mudi Irenede (Legal Adviser); and Ibeshi (Youth Leader).

    READ ALSO:

    ‘Emergency Security Meeting Deter Presidency from Attending South South Meeting’ – Presidency

    “The decision of the NWC in this regard is pursuant to the powers conferred on it by the provisions of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

    “All our leaders, members and teeming supporters in Ebonyi State and the South-east are by this guided accordingly,” the party said.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • President Buhari Proud of Ebonyi Governor’s Defection to Ruling APC

    President Buhari Proud of Ebonyi Governor’s Defection to Ruling APC

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the defection of Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it “as a bold move driven purely by principle rather than opportunistic motives.”

    READ ALSO:

    ‘Emergency Security Meeting Deter Presidency from Attending South South Meeting’ – Presidency

    Reacting to the defection, President Buhari said:

    “I am proud of Governor David Umahi for taking this bold decision in accordance with his conscience and principles rather than any external influence or coercion.”

    According to the President, “Good governance is very important to us in the APC, and I’m glad that the governor has cited this as a major factor in his decision to join us. I urge our citizens to pay less emphasis on identity politics if we want our democracy to make a positive impact on our country.”

    He noted that “with men like Umahi, I foresee a brighter future for our democracy because the voters will be more motivated by performance records of parties and their candidates.”

    READ ALSO:

    ‘Emergency Security Meeting Deter Presidency from Attending South South Meeting’ – Presidency

    “Let me once again; commend the boldness of Governor Umahi for taking this courageous decision in a country where principles are in short supply among many. I know people might call him names, but that is the price men of principles have to pay for acting according to their conscience and convictions” President Buhari added.

  • $1.2bn Brazilian Loan Will Plunge Nigeria’s Economy into Further Devastating Pitfall, PDP Tells Buhari

    $1.2bn Brazilian Loan Will Plunge Nigeria’s Economy into Further Devastating Pitfall, PDP Tells Buhari

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised fresh alarm over the latest plans by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to “further mortgage our nation through an additional $1.2 billion loan from Brazil despite the public outcry against the accumulation of loans from China and other foreign interests.”

    PDP cautioned the Buhari Presidency not to “further weaken our nation and using nebulous agricultural programmes as justification for further accumulation of foreign loans, without clear terms and conditions, to the detriment of the poor masses and generations yet unborn.”

    The party further warned that “the loan request, if approved by the National Assembly, will exacerbate our nation’s debt burden, mortgage our agricultural sector, weaken our investment capacity and worsen our food security challenge.”

    READ ALSO:

    #EndSARSProtests: El-Rufai Defends Sanwo-Olu, Describes Destruction of Lagos Assets as Pure Evil

    “Our party invites Nigerians to note that with the $1.2 billion (N459 billion) Brazilian loan, in addition to the N5.20 trillion borrowing already proposed in the 2021 budget, our nation’s debt burden will hit a disastrous N36.2 trillion which will plunge our economy into a devastating pitfall,” said the opposition party.

    PDP urged the National Assembly to save the nation by being circumspect in handling the loan request in the national interest.

    “Instead of this recourse to reckless borrowings,” PDP tasked “the Buhari Presidency to apply itself productively by looking inwards and finding ways to harness and create wealth with the resources abounding in our country.”

    READ ALSO:

    Opinion: Looting The “Looters”

    “What Nigeria needs now is for government to be more innovative and resourceful in galvanizing a productive economy instead of reducing our nation to a beggar status among the comity of nations,” PDP said, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • #EndSARSProtest: Lagos Orders Investigation into Lekki Shooting

    #EndSARSProtest: Lagos Orders Investigation into Lekki Shooting

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into reports of live ammunition fired at peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Plaza Tuesday evening.

    This was coming as Sanwo-Olu has urged residents to remain calm.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement, said the shooting would be investigated immediately.

    “There have been reports of shooting at Lekki Toll Plaza, following the 24-hour curfew imposed on Lagos State to stop criminals who hid under the #EndSARS protests to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.

    Lagos Police Arrest Protester Who Allegedly Killed Two in Fatal Accident

    “The state Glgovernment has ordered an investigation into the incident. Governor Sanwo-Olu has advised the security agents not to arrest anyone on account of the curfew, which he urges residents to observe for the peaceful atmosphere we all cherish.

    “He advises Lagosians to remain calm and not allow criminals, who have hijacked the noble protest of our gallant youths, to succeed in their evil plan of turning our dear state upside down,” Omotoso said.

    #EndSARS: Lagos Swears-In 7-member Judicial Panel into SARS brutality

    He assured that the governor would do everything within his power to ensure that the lives of all Lagosians are protected at all times.