2023: Plateau APC Holds Rally For Tinubu As Consensus Candidate

Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State have thrown their weight behind former Lagos state Governor, Bola Tinubu, as the party’s consensus presidential candidate.

The group expressed their support for Tinubu today at a massive rally in Jos, the state’s capital.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Solomon Ndam described Tinubu as a good omen for the country owing to his numerous contributions to the sustenance of our nascent democracy over decades.

Addressing party faithful, Ndam noted that the aspirations of the party’s national leader “presents us with a great opportunity to turn the fortunes of the country around for good, owing to his leadership style that speaks volumes of an unalloyed commitment to sustainable growth and development”.

He, therefore, said it will be an error of judgment if the APC in Plateau state does not rally support for his presidential aspiration.

Although conceding that the former Governor has shown love for the people of the state, Ndam added that he is a detribalized Nigeria that knows no tribe or religion but one Nigeria.

According to him, Tinubu flaunts a towering credential and experience, comparable to none, that suits the purpose of addressing the myriads of challenges in the country.

Ndam, however, urged other state chapters to adopt their national leader as consensus candidate, noting that with him victory is certain in 2023.

Read full statement below:

We welcome you all to this one in a lifetime rally in Jos, the capital of Plateau state. We are glad that such an event is held on the soil of our great state in support of an enigma who has indicated an interest in the top leadership position in the country.

That we have all come out in our numbers indicates that the APC in Plateau state is in tune with the country’s mood about the presidential aspiration of the indefatigable Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

As critical stakeholders in the state, we are duty-bound to lend our voices to the great movement about to take the whole country by storm. We are excited and elated because something good is about to happen in our polity.

We have seen the good, bad and ugly. We dare say that the coming on board of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a good omen for our great country because of his numerous contributions to the sustenance of our nascent democracy over decades.

It must be stated that the presidential aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu indeed presents us with a great opportunity to turn the fortunes of the country around for good, owing to his leadership style that speaks volumes of an unalloyed commitment to sustainable growth and development.

It will therefore be an error of judgment if the APC in Plateau state does not rally support for the presidential aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This gathering today that saw people from all the local government areas of Plateau state demonstrates the love the Plateau people have for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The name Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a household one in Plateau state because of the tremendous love and respect he has demonstrated for the Plateau people over the years. It is instructive to note that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently displayed love and affection to the Plateau people in ways too numerous to mention.
He has identified with us in good and trying times. He has made the issues affecting Plateau state a top priority for him, and for him, we are eternally grateful. Some might wonder why Plateau state and some might also wonder why the incredible display of love by the Plateau people for him.

The answer is simple; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a detribalized Nigeria that knows no tribe or religion but one Nigeria. His progressive leadership style is such that it is guaranteed to translate the hopes and aspirations of the people into tangible reality.

For us at the Plateau APC Support Group, this is the time to reciprocate our love and appreciation for a man who has served as a pillar of support for the entrenchment of democracy in the country.
Let us make no mistakes; this mammoth crowd seen here today is not a fluke. It reflects the true Plateau spirit that values friendship and rewards loyalty. And that is the atmosphere experienced here in this rally today.

We are not just gathered for the sake of it. We are gathered here to press home the valuable point of why the people of Plateau state must rally support for the presidential bid of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

We have looked everywhere and come to the desirable conclusion that the APC in Plateau State must be uniform in adopting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2023 Presidential elections.

This is indeed a child of necessity. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu presents a towering credential and experience that suits the purpose of addressing the myriads of challenges in the country.

The Plateau APC support Group wishes to use this occasion to sound the trumpet of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to all the nook and cranny of Plateau state as the consensus candidate of the APC in the 2023 presidential elections.

As the consensus candidate of the APC, the party is indeed guaranteed a resounding electoral victory in the presidential elections. This is the ultimate aim of our gathering here today. It behoves the APC in Plateau state to queue behind Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

We wish to reiterate that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a Plateau Man. Therefore our support for him remains unflinching. We can feel your excitement, and we are convinced that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu shall emerge as the consensus candidate of the APC in the 2023 presidential elections.

We lack the appropriate words to express our appreciation for all that came out in their numbers today. We are grateful and pledge to campaign vigorously and with your support to actualize the presidential aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Thank you, and God bless.

Middle Belt Group raises alarm, says Plateau state under Lalong has collapsed

A group, the Middle Belt Conscience has raised alarm over the recent issues of insecurity in Plateau state.

The group said after a detailed review of events, it is compelled to declare that Plateau State has collapsed under the leadership of the state governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, under whom the misery index of citizens in the state attained a new low.

In a statement issued and signed by its Secretary General, Jonah Bot, the group said while it is true that Lalong inherited some security challenges upon assuming office as governor,  it is also true that the security woes of Plateau state further degenerated under his watch as he incompetently failed to address the underlying issues contrary to his campaign promises.  

Bot said the Middle Belt Conscience found it tragic to discover that the failure of Plateau State Government under Lalong is a matter of weaponized incompetence as the insecurity and violence have continued to plague the state .

He said the excuse that security challenge is a nationwide problem for Nigeria does not hold true for Plateau State, which faces ethnically motivated violence that is fueled by the governor’s obsession with placing his ethnic group above all others. He turned the administration of the state into an exclusive club of his clansmen on government.  

“The Middle Belt Conscience is alarmed that despite the myriads of crises that Lalong has inflicted on Plateau State in recent times, he remained callous and insensitive enough to occupy himself with a vice-presidential ambition, an enterprise that would further ruin whatever is left of the state and its treasury. 

“There was much hope that Lalong would break the curse of corruption that had seen his predecessors committed to jail terms for stealing state funds, but it is now apparent that he is resolute on keeping his date with anti-corruption agencies, the fear of which has made him more desperate in his bid to become Nigeria’s vice president” he added. 

The group further called on the long-suffering people of Plateau State, all discerning Nigerians to demand that Lalong accounts for his years in office before attempting to step upwards.

2023: Amaechi visits Kano, Daura Emirates, says Transport University will take-off September

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Monday, expressed optimism that the Daura Transport University in Katsina State will take-off in September.

Amaechi who combined the inspection of the various construction works being supervised by the Transport Ministry in that area and his consultation for his presidential ambition made this known after inspecting the level of work at the university.

He disclosed that the contractors has committed to him that the remaining seven buildings will be ready before September.

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”I have asked the permanent secretary to invite them for a meeting so that this school can start functioning from September.

The minister, who also inspected Dala dry port in Kano State commended the contractors for the work done so far.

Amaechi, however, urged them to ensure speedy completion of the project to enable President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurate it on time.

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‘”If you say I’m not impressed that will be wrong. They promised me that they will complete the project by today.

”Have they completed the structures? Yes, but I didn’t see the landscaping. So, I said until they complete the landscaping, I will not be able to bring the president here.

”If they complete the landscaping, we can then bring the president to come and inaugurate the project, but it appears they have finished the structures,” he said.

The minister also said that the Kano-Kaduna rail project, was encountering some setbacks, expressing the hope that it would be addressed by the governor of the affected state.

The minister also visited the Emirs of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, that of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero and that of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk at their palaces, this time over his Presidential ambition.

These visits comes two days after the minister declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

While welcoming him to the palace, the emir of Kano thanked the minister for choosing Kano state for his first consultation visit.

The Emir who blessed that ambition said “I know him since when he was speaker to the time he became governor and now a minister. People are also aware of the roles he played then and now. All these make him to qualify to contest the seat of president of Nigeria”.

The Emir of Bichi disclosed that he has had a long-standing relationship with the minister and prayed for good leadership in the country.

He urged all contestants and the present leaders to always put the country first in any situation.

“We welcome the honorable minister to Bichi emirate and we wish him the best of luck. We are always praying for good leadership and also for the coming elections to be peaceful in the country.”

The minister who explained that he has only come home, thanked the emirs for their warm reception, kind words and blessings towards his candidature. He also promised that while developing the whole nation as president, he will give special attention to the emirates.

2023: I am compelled, Amaechi says as he declares for presidency

A TEXT OF HIS DECLARATION SPEECH

Forward with Courage
 
Fellow Nigerians, 
 
I stand before you today to declare my intention and submit my application to serve as your next President. 
 
I did not come to this decision lightly. I have served our nation for the last seven years as Minister of Transportation. For eight years before that, I served as Governor of Rivers State. In the preceding eight years before that, I was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. These 23 years of service have equipped me not only with great experience in governance and public service but also compassion for the ordinary citizens of our dear country. 
 
After more than two decades in the public arena, I had wanted to go on holiday and spend more time with my family before charting a new course outside politics. But at 58, and a member of the generation born after independence who has seen the good, the bad and the ugly of Nigeria, I am compelled by the urgency of our present challenges to place my experience and proven capacity at the service of the nation at the highest level.     
 
Those who know me can testify that I have always been a straight talker. This trait has not always made me popular, but I speak truth with conviction. So, allow me to speak the truth here today. 
  
 
We are facing some very serious challenges as a country. These are problems of insecurity, challenges of greater accountability in governance, youth unemployment and the scourge of spiraling poverty. 
 
These problems are however not the exclusive preserve of Nigeria. We live in a troubled world. The reality we used to know has altered in nearly every nation. Climate change has brought about food scarcity in some places. Population explosion has produced unusual pressure on resources and supplies. Poverty has become a challenge all over the world especially in the developing world. The Covid crisis has placed unanticipated burdens on the budgets of nations and put pressure on available resources. Trans border crises have erupted in unusual places and placed the internal security of many nations under pressure. We are part of the Sahel, an area of the world that is subject to frequent terrorist attacks. Let us look at our current challenges as part and consequences of these global trends.
 
I admit that Nigeria’s problems did not begin today. And they will not be solved overnight. But they are not beyond the capacity of our people to solve. Fortunately, that process has already started.
 
 
There is an ancient proverb that “a society grows great when old men plant trees under whose shade they know they’ll never sit.” 
 
The current administration under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has planted many such trees in Nigeria’s future. We have invested billions in infrastructure, human capital development and made reforms that will pay off over time in terms of socio-economic growth and stability. We have invested heavily in projects and initiatives that will secure a brighter, better future for Nigeria. 
  
I am proud to have been part of this success story. It has been an honour overseeing the Ministry of Transportation in reviving the moribund railways, and working tirelessly to create an integrated national transportation system that will positively impact our economy, trade, employment, business, and national cohesion. Have we achieved everything we set out to do? Off-course not. Could wehave done more? Undoubtedly, there is always room for improvement. 
  
On reflection, the notion of running for President would have been far beyond the imagination of the young lad running around the streets of Diobu or our small compound in Ubima. Not to talk of the young indigent student leader, mobilizing peers at the University of Port Harcourt. But my aspiration is not about fulfilling any personal ambition. I am contesting for office because I believe that it is my moral duty to give what I can in the service of my country. 
To sustain and intensify present efforts at solving our national problems, our democracy must ensure the emergence of a leadership that is equipped with broad experience in governance to ensure stability and continuity. To sustain our democracy and preserve our unity, we need a steady hand and a passion for success in a nation that remains united to pursue prosperity for all Nigerians. 
 
It is this combination of experience and patriotic passion that I bring to the table. I have been in the political arena for 23 years. I have served at every level of government – local, state, and federal. I have served both as a political appointee and an elected official. I have served both as an executive – as Governor of Rivers State and as a legislator – as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.  
 
In these capacities, I did not just fill vacant posts. As a Speaker, I managed the legislative process in a difficult transition from military rule. As Governor, I defeated mercantile militancy and restored security. As a minister, I can modestly claim to have justified the trust of Nigerians.  
 
I do not come from a privileged background. I grew up poor. I understand how it feels to go without some meals in a day. I know the pain of lack and the agony of want. I know what it means to see your parents toil just to keep a roof over your family’s head. I know what it is to feel the weight of expectation when you are are the only one in your family who enjoys the opportunity to attend university. Subsequently, I funded the education of my siblings to be university graduates as well. I know what it is to scrimp and save and struggle. 
  
In spite of all odds, I have journeyed to this point. I could not have come this far without my parents, Fidelis, and Mary, who sacrificed so much for me. I could not have come this far without the support of my siblings. I could not have come this far without the mentors, friends and sponsors who have believed in me. I could not have come this far without the precious wife of my youth and my best friend, Judith, and my children who mean everything to me. I could not have come this far without the support of Dr. Peter Odili and his wife. I could not have come this far without the support of Chief Rufus Ada-George. Neither could I have come this far without the support of President Muhammadu Buhari. Above all, I could not have come this far without the Grace of God. 
  
 
The next leg of my political journey will be tough. But I am excited to go out and engage with Nigerians from every walk of life. I am ready to go from Maiduguri to Makurdi, from Sokoto to Sagbama, from Yola to Oyo, from Badagry to Birnin Kebbi. To each town and village, I will have one message: Hope is around the corner.  
 
I look forward to meeting you in your towns, villages, cities, campuses, and creeks. I want to hear your desires, needs and pains. I want to know what matters most to you. I want to listen and learn. I will be coming with one assurance: I will be welcome everywhere because the blood of every Nigerian flow in my veins. I shall be the president of all and every Nigerian.
  
I believe that despite our cultural differences, we remain one people under God. We may speak different languages or worship in different ways, but we all want the same things – a better life for our children, the ability to support our families, the freedom to live in peace without fear for our lives or properties. 
  
  
 I have never been the type who folds his arms and complains about inadequacies I see around me. I have always jumped in with both feet to do whatever I can to help, to try and bring relief to those suffering, to work to make things right where I see wrong. If you elect me as your President, I promise to play my part to the best of my ability. Every day I will rise and go to work for you. I will never forget the fact that I am there to serve you.  
 
Today, I stand as an aspirant to the position of President because of that same passion for people; that same drive for results. More than ever before, I am burning with the zeal to make a decisive difference in the lives of allNigerians. 
  
No matter the darts and arrows that come my way, I will remain steadfast because the stakes are too high. We cannot afford to fail. We cannot afford to veer off-course. 
  
I pledge my heart, mind and soul to the task of building a Nigeria in which every child can go to school, every young person can find work or support to start a business, every citizen can travel safely around the country and sleep at night knowing that law and order prevails and every Nigerian feels included, heard, and respected. 
  
The road ahead will be long and arduous. But we go forward with faith. 
  
Forward with courage. 
  
Forward with compassion. 
  
Forward with hope. 
  
Forward with pride for who we are as a people and who we are yet to become. 
 
The future is bright because of YOU. 
  
God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 
 
 
 
CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI

Train Attack: We’re doing everything to rescue kidnapped victims, FG assures victims’ families

The Ministry of Transportation has disclosed that the government was doing a lot to ensure that  passengers kidnapped during a recent terror attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train regains freedom.

The Minister of State for Transportation, Gbemisola Saraki, while speaking Thursday in Abuja at the 2021 ministerial press briefing for the ministry said the ministry could not disclose all that was being done to ensure the safe return of the abducted passengers.

She added that efforts were being made to ensure that no life was lost among those kidnapped.

Members of families of kidnapped passengers who boarded the Abuja-Kaduna train that was attacked on March 28, 2022, staged a surprise protest  at the venue of a ministerial press briefing organised by the Federal Ministry of Transportation in Abuja. They displayed placards demanding the government to do everything to rescue their loved ones.

One of the protesters, Idayat Yusuf, who has two sisters still with their abductors, spoke to journalists in tears pleaded with the government to help rescue their loved ones.

In her words, “The government should come to the aid of those who are alive. We are sorry and sympathise with the families of those who lost their lives and those in the hospital. But for those who are alive, at least government should bring them back.

“We are praying for the government to be able to rescue them. Two of my sisters from the same mother and father are among those kidnapped.”

Another protester, Aminu Othman, who also has a brother  with the terrorists, alleged that the Federal Government has not been forthcoming with information as regards those abducted.

He disclosed that the families of the victims decided to stage a protest at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, before they were informed that the ministry was holding a press briefing at the Radio House, Abuja.

He said, “ For the past 10 days, we’ve not heard anything from the government. My immediate younger brother and his wife are among the victims and they are still with the kidnappers.

“It is the most difficult 10 days I’ve ever had in my life. It is a nightmare for me. We can’t sleep, we can’t eat and it’s been seriously tough for us.”

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria was however conspicuously absent as heads of agencies under the supervision of the ministry took turns to reel out achievements made by their different organisations.

Nigeria Air: Sirika explains relationship with Emirates

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has cleared the air on an offer by The Emirates on the proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air.

According to a statement Sunday signed by his Special Assistant, Public Affairs, James Odaudu the relationship cannot be anything other than an endorsement of the need, the zeal, and, of course the process for the national carrier project.

He added that the statement credited to the airline is also an expression of confidence of the international aviation community in the commitment of the Buhari government to the establishment of Nigeria’s national carrier.

The management of Emirates Airlines recently made an offer to partner with the Nigerian Government in its quest to establish a national carrier and this has elicited requests for clarification, mostly from the media and industry stakeholders.

Speaking recently during a panel session moderated by Richard Quest to discuss the future of Aviation at the Dubai Expo 2020, Tim Clark, President of Emirates said the organization would be very happy to help if any assistance was required in starting the national carrier.

According to Clark who was speaking in support of the position of Nigeria’s Aviation Minister Senator Hadi Sirika, the establishment of a national carrier is an almost compelling case for Nigeria, going by certain indices.

“Of course, Nigeria needs a National Airline. There is an enormous business case for the national carrier. Nigerians are seeking to travel all over the world. Nigeria is a power house of Africa. We are very interested in flying there because it is a rich nation in terms of demand for services,” Clark had said.

The Minister also sees the offer as an encouragement to the many bidders currently preparing their PPP bids for Nigeria Air in response to the recently advertised Request for Proposal.

The process for the acquisition of the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and the Air Transport License (ATL) is well on course for the expected launch date of the airline, which Sirika has assured, Nigerians will be proud of.

“As has been repeatedly stated, the whole process for the establishment of the national Carrier, and indeed, all the projects under the Administration’s Aviation Roadmap, has been guided by the principles of transparency and accountability and this will remain till the final delivery of the project,” the statement added.

Youths, women march to Villa, seek Tinubu as APC consensus candidate

Women and youths from across the nineteen northern states in Nigeria today converged on Abuja and marched to the Presidential villa to demand the adoption of All Progressive Congress, APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the consensus candidate of the party in the forthcoming Presidential election.

The group said Tinubu is the only person fit and capable among all those that have been declaring their intention to turn around the economy of the country. 

Led by Patriot Yakubu Dauda, they said the APC Youth and Women in the 19 Northern States of the federation have been actively involved in the activities of the party through several ways that have positioned the party firmly in the hearts of the people.

He said, “We wish to inform Mr President that we have also been actively mobilizing support for the party at the grassroots levels across the 19 northern states in preparation for the 2023 general elections.

“The response of the people has been encouraging. We wish to use this medium to inform Mr President that the APC as a party has continued to have a stronghold amongst the people who have been beneficial to the various social security initiatives implemented across the country in critical sectors such as agriculture, education and health.

“Mr President, in the course of our daily engagements, across the northern states, we have been inundated with an astronomical level of support for the presidential aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His acceptance level amongst the grassroots is phenomenal. One might be tempted to think he has his origin from the North.

“As a group with a vast network amongst youths and women in the 19 northern states in the county, including the Federal Capital Territory, we can say without fear or favour that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is widely accepted as the prime candidate for our great party in the coming 2023 general elections. This is on the heels that he has been able to build bridges across the country in service to the country and humanity through ways too numerous to mention” he added

The group said after extensive deliberations and consultations, the APC Youth and Women in the 19 Northern states, including the federal capital territory, have elected to adopt Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the consensus presidential candidate of the APC in the 2023 general elections.

Dauda saud It is the firm conviction of the group  that the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is well in place for guaranteed victory for the APC because of his broad appeal across religious groups and ethnicities.

“The candidature of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is such that it resonates with the ordinary man and woman on the street. They see him as their role model, and he has indeed touched their lives in ways too numerous to mention.

“Mr President, the adoption of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tunubu as the consensus presidential candidate of the APC is a national concern for the party and its teeming supporters. They are desirous of not just ensuring the party comes out victorious at the general elections but also a president that would sustain the tempo of your laudable initiatives.

“Mr President, as the leader and father of our great party, we are grateful to God for gifting you to Nigeria when the country was on the verge of annihilation. You indeed remain God sent to Nigeria.

“It, therefore, becomes imperative that our great party presents a candidate in the mould of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has the clout and all other requirements to sustain those laudable initiatives of this present administration.

“Mr President, may we humbly use this medium to inform you that there is a need for your kind and urgent intervention towards adopting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the consensus presidential candidate of the APC. In our opinion, this would go a long way in positioning the party for electoral success come 2023” he added

Dauda added that there is no gainsaying that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a well-loved and adored Nigerian whose antecedence speaks volumes of selfless service to the country right from 1999 in his capacity as the executive governor of Lagos state.

“Mr President, we must not also forget the numerous contributions of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the formation and sustenance of our great party, as it is on record that he has been selfless without fail since our great party come into existence.

“The Concerned APC Youth and Women in the 19 Northern States, including the Federal Capital Territory, supports the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2023 presidential elections in the country.

“We are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that all stakeholders in our great party would adopt the endorsement of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the consensus candidate of the party for the presidential elections.

“Mr President, we thank you for your selfless service to the country. We pray that God continues to bless you with wisdom and understanding as you pilot the affairs of our great nation” he added.

Electoral Act: Section 84(12) should cut across – Group tells NASS

A civil society organisation, Equity And Justice In Politics And Governance Movement, has said the Section 84(12) of the Amended Electoral Act 2022 should apply to both elected and appointed public officers.

In the new Electoral Act, Section 84 (12) of the Act says “No political appointee at any level shall be voting delegate or be voted for at the Convention or Congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.”

According to the group, this section of the act contradicts the Nigerian Constitution which allows appointees to vote or be voted for as long as they resign their positions at least 30 days to the election.

The Convener of the group, Comrade Momodu H. Tarka, commended the attorneys general of the federation and minister of justice for standing firmly to ensure that justice is done to all Nigerians.

The Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, on March 18, 2022 struck down Section 84(12) of the newly amended Electoral Act which President Muhammadu Buhari had written to the National Assembly to delete.

The court in a judgment delivered by Justice Evelyn Anyadike, held that the section was unconstitutional, invalid, illegal, null, void and of no effect whatsoever and ought to be struck down as it cannot stand when it is in violation of the clear provisions of the Constitution.

Comrade Tarka said, ”We want to be emphatic about this and we dare say that both elected and appointed public officers should be treated equally, If the law is to have universal applicability

”As we have pointed out earlier, the law is selfish and discriminatory, if it applies only to appointed public officers. We therefore state that the Section should be expunged or in the spirit of fairness and equity, both should be asked to resign.

”If there is sincerity of purpose, the makers of the law should have thought it wise to say that a public officer, both elected (President, Governors, members of National and State Houses of Assembly) and appointed should resign from office before standing for another elective office.

As it stands now, the law favours one set of public officers while some others are disadvantaged. If we may ask, where is JUSTICE and EQUITY in the law?

”The law, we dare say, is self-serving and discriminatory and we are of the view that the National Assembly should make laws with universal appeal and in the interest of the nation, not discriminatory and self-serving laws that end of creating confusion.

”The National Assembly should urgently address this issue in their legislations.”

He said with this judgement, the National Assembly is not required to further make any amendments to the section as the import of the judgment is that Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act is no longer in existence or part of the Electoral Act.

He commend the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, mr abubakar malami, SAN, for the swift action taken to give effect to the judgement and also for coming out categorically to say that his office will not be appealing the judgement.

He said, ”The makers of the law obviously have an agenda for inserting the section into the amended Electoral Act and it is to shot out political appointees from contesting the next general election.

”According to the 1999 Constitution, both elective and appointed persons in public office are all public officers.

”If the law gives political appointee 30 clear days to resign from office before contesting for an elective position, why amend that section to be one year. If indeed the lawmakers are sincere and fair, they should also amend the law and cut short their stay in office before standing for another election.

”Like we said earlier, there is an agenda and thank God for our courts that stood up to the injustice and truncated it

”With the verbal attack on the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, since the judgement was delivered, it is obvious that some persons do not MEAN well for the country.”

According to him, in about seven years of his appointment as the attorney-generalof the federation and minister of justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, has faced very serious criticisms from those who obviously are no longer benefitting from the bad system the country was operating before President Muhammafu Buhari assumed office in 2015 as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

”The lacuna and situation where elected officers could get to the level of having two or more positions without resigning before contesting, simply because they are elected, does not say good about our laws and democracy.

”The National Assembly should urgently act and address the situation for the sake of JUSTICE and EQUITY”, he concluded.

2023 Presidency: Northern Youths, Women insist on Tinubu as ‘Consensus’ APC Candidate, plans rally

Thousand of youths and women in the ruling All Progressives Congress have endorsed former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as the party’s consensus presidential candidate.

To demonstrate their support for the party’s national leader, the group from 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have announced that it will hold a national rally in the FCT on Thursday.

Speaking to newsmen, on Monday, secretary of the planning committee, Barrister Adamu Abubakar, said the exercise will be the mother of all rallies never seen in the history of the country.

According to him, the youths and women across the northern states and the FCT will converge in the nation’s capital in their numbers.

He said the march will culminate at the Aso Villa where Tinubu will be presented to President Muhammadu Buhari as his successor.

Abubakar said the choice of Tinubu was due to his incredible pedigree, experience and resume.

He noted that the former Lagos Governor is respected and widely accepted, especially in the north where he is only second to President Buhari in terms of cult-followership.

Abubakar added that the APC leader will sustain infrastructural strides, economic reforms and other remarkable legacies of the president.

He, however, enjoined other youths and women from the north to throw their weight behind Tinubu.

Tinubu @70: Buhari women group insists only he can transform Nigeria

Women under the auspices of the Buhari Women Organisation today extolled the virtues of former Lagos Governor and All Progressive Congress, APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as he marked his 70th birthday. 

The women said Bola Tinubu is the only person that can transform Nigeria. 

They bore their mind at the unity fountain in Abuja where they described Tinubu as a bridge builder and a unifying factor in Nigeria. 

Led by Honourable Cecilia Ikechukwu, the women descibed Tinubu  as  a shining star who has distinguished himself in service to the country in ways too numerous to mention. 

“He has been tested and trusted, and on this day of his 70th birthday, we have joined millions of Nigerians in rolling out the drums in celebrating a man of many parts, a man with heart gold and a man whose contributions to the socio-economic development of the country cannot be overemphasized.  

“We are glad that God has been faithful to this man who is in love with the country and a man who knows no tribe or religion but one Nigeria. This much he has proven in the various bridges he has built across the country over several decades” 

“That he has attained the ripe age of 70 indicates that Nigerians should expect more from this detribalized Nigerian whose focus from time immemorial has remained for the good of the common man and woman on the streets” she said

She said the women cannot but roll out the drums in celebration of an “enigma of our time and the one that is called the Jagaban of Nigeria. As we can see, today’s crowd is not one meant for those who think of themselves alone but for those dedicated to the peace and unity of our dear country.”

“We are not just celebrating Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; we are also using this occasion to make a loud statement that we want the whole country to hear. We are making a statement that would reverberate across the length and breadth and the nook and cranny of the country. 

“The Buhari Women Organization is elated to be part of this epoch-making event. We are informing Nigerians that we are using the occasion of the 70th birthday celebration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to endorse him as the Presidential Candidate come 2023. 

“We believe that under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria shall experience tremendous growth and development. We are also convinced that a Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidency is what the country needs at this critical point of our existence. 

“He has the experience, the intellectual wherewithal and the political sagacity to champion the cause of a new Nigeria where there would be endless opportunities across the country for sustainable growth and development. 

“We have no doubt whatsoever about the mental and physical capacity of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver on that mandate to take Nigeria to greater heights. This is also coupled with the fact that he is a talent hunter who can identify and nurture talents into full maturity in service to the country” she said

The women however used the occasion to wish Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu a happy 70th birthday and to assure him of the support of the Buhari Women Organization towards the actualization of his well-intended aspiration to lead Nigeria. 

“Our support for this cause is unflinching as we pledge to begin the process of mobilizing women from across the country in support of the presidential aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

“We offer our prayers and support as mothers to him on his 70th birthday. Our prayer is that God grants him good health and a sound mind. God would also give him his heart desires and crown his efforts with glory.

“We say a happy Birthday to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we wish him many more years ahead” she said