TheNewsGuru

Tag: 2023 general election

  • 2023: Nigeria needs a president that can rescue her from N40 trn debt, Jeremiah Useni

    2023: Nigeria needs a president that can rescue her from N40 trn debt, Jeremiah Useni

    A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and ex-Senator, General Jeremiah Useni, has said Nigeria needs a leader that can rescue her from the N40 trillion debt the present administration has plunged her into.

    He stated this when hosted the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, at his residence in Abuja on Friday.

    General Useni also asked Nigerians to discard all moneybags parading themselves as the next individuals to lead the country, stressing that what the country needs is someone that can be of service to the citizens.

    He said, “Nigeria owes N40trillion and needs the right people in power to salvage her,” saying he is at a lost how and when the debt would be paid before development could commence.

    “I encourage you to do the right thing, get things straight. Choose the right presidential candidate. Do the right thing and avoid material monetary value.

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    “My plea is that we must do the right thing. Vote wisely, vote for the right people, vote without sentiments. Our economy is shaking, Nigeria owes 40 Trillion Naira and there’s more to be done to salvage this Nation.

    “The way Adebayo spoke, I have listened to him, he meant well for Nigerians, he has convinced me, so I hope he will maintain it.

    “I congratulate you for reviving SDP. Everyone has their time, whatever you do, play your role better. Nigeria is a good country, but why are the people quarrelling? Even in my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), when we talk now, they say we are playing anti-party.”

    Speaking earlier, Prince Adebayo said the SDP had Nigeria at heart.

    “Being a stakeholder and a military general, you know the differences between peace and ceasefire. Ceasefire Nigeria has gotten but is yet to get peace, this is what Nigeria will get under my watch as president.”

    “We need to succeed as a nation has been given to us, but we have been running an unfair system, saying, there is no place in this country where people don’t complain.

    “We must have a government in place that will look back to correct the injustices and then put a mark not to have further injustices. If just leaders are made, all the problems Nigeria is facing would be addressed,” he said.

    He, however, charged old leaders to act as mentors to the new ones for Nigeria to be a better place.

  • 2023: INEC sets date to publish final list of presidential, senatorial candidates

    2023: INEC sets date to publish final list of presidential, senatorial candidates

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the final list of Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives candidates for the 2023 general election will be released on September 20th.

    The Commission explained that the publication of the list of candidates for the national election is in compliance with section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.

    It said the final list for governorship and House of Assembly elections will be published on October 4.

    INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the disclosure at an event organised in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) on ‘Conducting Election in Volatile Security Environment, in Abuja.

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    He noted that preparations for the 2023 general election will enter critical stages this month.

    Yakubu stated further the engagement has become necessary because of the volatile security situation in some parts of the country and its implications on the forthcoming elections.

    According to him: “Activities towards the 2023 General Election will enter the critical stages this month. In the next 19 days i.e. on 20th September 2022, the Commission will publish the final list of candidates for national elections (Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives) as provided in Sec. 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released by the Commission.

    “This will be followed on 4th October 2022 by the publication of the final list of candidates for State elections (Governorship and State Houses of Assembly).

    “Campaign in public by political parties will officially commence on 28th September 2022 as provided by Sec. 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022x As campaigns commence, we appeal to all political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns. This is the best way to complement our efforts to ensure transparent elections in which only the votes cast by citizens determine the winner’.

  • Court slams N2 million fine on PDP for joining suit between Kogi Speaker Vs INEC

    Court slams N2 million fine on PDP for joining suit between Kogi Speaker Vs INEC

    The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital has slammed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with a fine of Two Million Naira for crossing red lines in the suit between Matthew Kolawole Vs. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) & one other.

    Justice Peter Mallong made the pronouncement during hearing on the application on the suit.

    The PDP was seeking to be joined as an interested party in suit Number: FHC/LKJ/CS/35 / 2022 filed by Matthew Kolawole who is seeking the Order of Court directing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Independent National Election Commission (INEC) to upload his particulars as the duly elected candidate of the APC in the primary election held on the 27th May, 2022.

    Kolawole told the court that he scored the highest valid votes and was thereupon nominated as approved by the National Working Committee of the APC for Kabba-Bun/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the forthcoming general elections in 2023.

    The cost imposed on Peoples Democratic Party for strolling into the court and filing a motion on notice to join the internal affairs of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the facts in issue was whether the applicant is a necessary party contemplated in view of the provisions of Order 9 rule 5 of the Federal High Court, Civil Procedure Rule, 2019 or whether or not the applicant has questions to answer in the said suit in the circumstances of the questions contained in the plaintiff’s originating summons.

    Upon hearing of the applicant and parties to the suit, the court refused the application for joinder made by Peoples Democratic Party thereafter award the sum of #1, 000,000 (one million naira) against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) payable to All Progressives Congress (APC) and the plaintiff in the suit.

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    In another breath, Hon. Olobatoke Segun Samuel, and Chief David Aiyedogbon (Chavid), who are aspirants in the just concluded primary subject of this suit and had earlier in the suit got cost against them in the sum of #200,000 payable to all parties in the suit, had their motion on notice for stay of proceedings in the suit slated for 26th of August, 2022 and was called for hearing.

    Thereafter, ruling was handed down with the court refusing the application in line with the strong opposition put up by the Plaintiff counsel and the legal representatives of the plaintiff.

    The ruling stated that a non party to a suit can not stay a proceedings in pre- election matters in view of the 4th alteration to the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as (amended)
    Particularly section 285 (9), to the effect that the court has 180 days to hear and determine the plaintiff suit by the said provisions.

    The trial Judge therefore refused applicants – Olobatoke Segun Samuel and David Aiyedogbon (Chavid) motion to stay the proceedings relying on the facts that they are not party to the suit and the proceedings is time bound.

    Cost of N250,000 each was thereby awarded the APC over the development.

    The court, then proceeded to hear the main suit, thereafter reserved judgement to a date to be communicated to all parties to the suit.

  • 2023 Elections: How to check and confirm your PVC online

    2023 Elections: How to check and confirm your PVC online

    As the 2023 general election draws closer, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has provided platforms to make voter registration easier, more accessible, and user-friendly,”. To this effect, INEC has made it possible for voters to verify the Authenticity of their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) online

    To check your PVC online, visit the INEC voter website address, which is https://voters.inecnigeria.org/.

    The website has an online form where you will have to fill in your details. You can either use your Voter’s Identification Number (VIN) or your name and date of birth to verify.

    On the form, select your state of registration, fill in your last name and your first name after which you input your date of birth.

    Proceed to verify that you are not a robot and then click on check status. Stay on the site after clicking on “Check status”, as you will get a response immediately.

    If your registration is valid, your details will be displayed

  • Mariam Buhari to head Tinubu Support Organization

    Mariam Buhari to head Tinubu Support Organization

    The wife of Katsina State deputy governor, Hajiya Mariam Buhari, has been appointed as the national coordinator of Tinubu Support Organisation (TSO).

    The organization’s National Secretary, Otunba Gboyega Bada unveiled Hajiya Mariam on Thursday at its secretariat in Abuja.

    He dismissed insinuations that the national coordinator would take over the role of the Director General of of the organisation, Aminu Sulaiman.

    Bada assured members and stakeholders that the new appointment won’t affect the formation of the group.

    He stressed the need to adjust the group’s formation to accommodate the new roles of Mariam and her deputy was a unanimous decision.

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    “I commend the efforts of the DG. Sulaiman remains relevant to this organisation. He is the face of this organization and nobody can take his capacity or foresight.

    “Today we decided to have a sort of restructuring to enhance our performance. We needed someone who has capacity, who can move and has unhindered access not only to our principals but to all regions, leaders in APC and other groups.

    “In Tinubu Support Organisation, we are looking for voters and who or where we can find them. We also wanted a spread, good enough to accommodate gender equality. That was the reason for appointing her (Mariam) as the national Coordinator. After all, what a man can do, a woman can do better.

    “I want to thank every member of Tinubu Support Organisation who has contributed to get us to the height we are today. This is the organisation that has a link with the grassroots.”

    While addressing journalists, an excited Mariam pledged to bring her wealth of experience during her campaign for the emergence of Buhari in 2015 to bear on the organisation.

    She expressed optimism that the Presidential flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is a sellable candidate that shouldn’t have problem winning the 2023 election.

    “I had been the northwest Coordinator of President Muhamadu Buhari in 2015 where I played a vital role through hard work, recommendation and credibility,” she said.

    “This time, I am sure that I am capable to bring out massive results and massive votes for Bola Ahmed Tinubu In sha Allah.

    “Before today, I have already put together my structure for the campaign. I assure you that I have 100% assurance for Nigerians that North-west zone will be delivered to Asiwaju by the grace of God.

    “My structure is already on the ground and I have gone far. I have reached the entire North-west zone.”

    Mariam was a former campaign coordinator for the President Muhamadu Buhari in 2015 and the immediate past national woman leader of the TSO.

    A graduate of Kaduna Polytechnic, the wife of Katsina State Deputy Governor, Mannir Yakubu, and Buhari’s close relative will be assisted at the TSO by another woman leader, Mrs Ayodele Fatunsin.

  • New Taraba’ll emerge after our victory – Taraba APC Dep. Gov Candidate

    New Taraba’ll emerge after our victory – Taraba APC Dep. Gov Candidate

    The APC deputy governorship candidate in Taraba State, Illiyasu Kirim, has assured the people that a new Taraba would emerge after the party’s victory at the poll in next year’s election.

    Kirimi was speaking to journalists in Jalingo on Thursday when he made the comment where he urged the people of the state on the need to obtain their PVCs to vote out the PDP in 2023.

    He assured stakeholders and his supporters that the crisis in the state’s chapter of the party will soon end.

    His assurance comes after some aggrieved APC aspirants in the state have dragged Bwacha to court challenging his emergence as the governorship candidate.

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    But Kirimi assured that the party was still intact. “The little skirmishes you heard about are normal things. They are internal party issues that will be sorted out in the course of time.

    “We are one in the party, and we are working as a family to take over Taraba State comes 2023.

    “We are working on the psychology of our people so that they will not continue to operate on religious, tribal and regional sentiments at the detriment of our collective gains,” he said.

    He called on the citizens to support the party and the governorship candidate to move the state forward.

  • Take 2023 elections seriously, Martins, Kukah warn Nigerians

    Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, and Bishop- Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, have called on Nigerians to take the 2023 general election very seriously.

     

    They also tasked them to jettison sentiments and tribalism, and vote for credible leaders that would take the country out of woods.

     

    The clerics made the call on Saturday, at the commencement of the 70th Anniversary, Lecture/Logo/Mascot Launch of The Order of the Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria, which took place at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos.

     

    Bishop Kukah lamented the persecution of Christians in the country, with lives being taken without the fear of God.

    Rev. Martins
    Bishop- Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah

     

    The cleric, who said that Nigeria is rated the ninth worst country for Christians to live in the world, next to Iran, called on Nigerians to know exactly what they want, refuse to sit on the fence, and vote massively next year.

     

    The Vicar General, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos and Episcopal Vicar of Ikeja Region, Monsignor John Aniagwu, who represented Martins, lamented the sufferings that Nigerians are passing through in the hands of politicians, who do not have the interest of the nation at heart and do not care about Nigerians, but themselves.

     

    He, therefore, charged Nigerians to get their PVCs and ensure that they vote for the right candidates, warning that if they miss it again in 2023, their sufferings will definitely continue.

     

    Rev. Martins called on the government to allow democracy to prevail, adding that Nigeria is blessed with a lot of talented and capable people who can lead the citizens in the right direction and that Nigerians are tired of politicians making promises that they would not fulfill.

     

    Chief Host, Worthy Supreme Knight, Sir Charles Mbelede thanked God for the Order’s activities in the country.

    Rev, Martins
    M
    ost Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos

     

    Bishop Kukah was born on efdom in Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna State.

     

    He received his primary education at St. Fidelis Primary School, Zagom, then St. Joseph Minor Seminary, Zaria, before proceeding to St. Augustine Major Seminary Jos, Plateau State, where he studied Philosophy and Theology.

     

    Bishop Kukah was ordained a Catholic Priest on December 19, 1976. Kukah also attended the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a diploma in Religious Studies.

     

    The Bishop also received the Bachelor of Divinity at the Pontifical Urban University, Rome in 1976, followed by a master’s degree in Peace Studies, at the University of Bradford, United Kingdom in 1980.

     

    His academic pursuits culminated with a PhD from University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 1990.

  • Netizens knock PDP over choice of Okowa as Atiku running mate

    Few hours after the PDP announced the choice of Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as running mate to Atiku Abubakar in 2023 presidential election, many citizens on social media have come out to express disappointment.

    The account has 423,000 followers had 1,253 comments on the post, with major of them stating how disappointed they are with the choice of Okowa.

    Many of those who reacted to a graphic image post by Atiku on his Instagram page and monitored by TheNewsGuru, saw them expressing disappointment.

    Here is the link to the Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce3Y2wgNcsd/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

    Majority of the reactions as at press time voiced their preference of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

    They said Okowa had not done enough to deserve the compliment, hence said it was a sign of failure on the part of Nigeria’s major opposition party.

    The PDP candidate had said in the post while making the announcement that he looked forward to traveling to all parts of the country with his running mate.

    According to him, their campaign would be built on a future of peace, unity and prosperity for all citizens.

  • Son of former Kogi governor petitions police over alleged threat to life by Nat’l Assembly member

    A son of former Kogi State Governor, Prince Mustapha Mona Audu, has alleged repeated threats to his life by current member representing Idah federal constituency in the House of Representatives, David Idris Zacharia.

    In a petition sent to Kogi State  Commissioner of Police on Tuesday, a copy of which was obtained by TheNewsGuru.com, Prince Audu said the serving National Assembly member has been threatening his family members and associates.

    Mustapha, a son of Former Governor of Kogi State, late Prince Abubakar Audu, is a leading House of Reps aspirant, vying for the seat Zacharia currently occupies.

    In the petition addressed to CP Edward Chuka Egbuka, Mustapha states; “I write to inform you of the imminent danger posed by one Hon. David Idris Zacharias who on 14th and 15th May 2022, at the APC screening in Abuja and at Frasier Suites Hotel, Centrak Area, Abuja, threatened to murder the National Chairman of APC, H.E. Abdullahi Adamu, for the support he believed the National Chairman was giving to me.

    “Hon. Idris Zacharia also threatened my life, the life of my wife and my fellow colleague that was in the meeting, Hon. Barr. Haruna Yusuf. He threatened election violence and to murder any delegate that vote for me at the upcoming APC primary election this weekend.

    “He also threatened to use fetish means of attack to derail our project and has so far been bragging that he has begun his attack. As I write this, 2 of my vehicles have been set ablaze under very mysterious circumstances (yesterday and 3 days ago).

    “Hon. David Idris Zacharias has also threatened at least two other aspirants running for this position and I believe he has the intention to carry out his threat.

    “Yesterday, 23rd May 2022, there was an ambush laid out by him and his people to attack our convoy and the head of the Joint Task Force (JTF) was the one who intervened by informing us ahead of time which made us alter our plans.”

    Mustapha called for Police force’s swift intervention to avoid chaos at the upcoming APC primaries scheduled to hold in Idah by weekend.

  • 2023 Elections : We will Prevail on Osinbajo to contest – Citizens Unite

    2023 Elections : We will Prevail on Osinbajo to contest – Citizens Unite

    Citizens Unite, a pressure group, was yesterday inaugurated in Lagos to pressurise Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to join the 2023 presidential race.

    Leader of the group and convener of the event, Dr Maryam Shettima, said Nigeria needed thoroughbred professionals, academics, intellectuals, loyal politicians and emphatic citizens at the helm of its national affairs.

    She said Osinbajo met all the criteria required in a leader that would govern Nigeria in 2023, hence the reason the group was urging him to contest.

    She noted that they would not stop pressurising him until he declared his intention.

    Shettima said, “We believe that Osinbajo has what it takes to usher Nigeria into a new age. We will continue to pressurise him to declare his intention to run.

    “At Citizen’s Unite, we concern ourselves with the strategic and intellectual bits of national politics.”

    Shettima observed that working as a physiotherapist at the State House Clinic in 2012- 2013, she had the privilege of coming across various people in leadership positions and that the vice president stood out in humility, charisma and was approachable.

    “Not only is the vice president a visionary professional technocrat, he is God fearing, quick to act, bridge builder, compassionate, down to earth family man with street credibility just as we witnessed with the Trader Moni and even more in his visit to Borno on Friday,” she said.