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Tag: 2023 Presidency

  • Tinubu ‘ll improve rural healthcare services as president – Akume, Ibikunle

    Tinubu ‘ll improve rural healthcare services as president – Akume, Ibikunle

    Minister of Special Duties, George Akume and a former Chairman, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, have assured Nigerians of improved rural healthcare services under the Bola Tinubu presidency.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan, Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Committee (PCC) in Oyo State.

    Newsmen reports that the duo gave the assurance during the inauguration and handing over of multimillion-naira hospital equipment to Igboora General Hospital in Ibarapa Central Local Government of Oyo State.

    Newsmen also reports that the equipment facilitated by Ibikunle, through National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), included ECG machine, blood bank, blood chemistry auto analyser, chemistry analyser and autoclave machine.

    Others were suctioning machine (4), hematocrit centrifuge (2), glucometer (4), BP apparatus (10), theatre gowns (100), theater aprons and two 20 KVA generators.

    Akume said that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed NLTF to utilise the fund in its kitty toward making life better for people at the grassroots.

    The minister, who spoke via zoom platform, said that the fund was meant for providing quality healthcare services and other peculiar needs of rural dwellers across the country.

    He said that the fund had impacted positively on the lives of millions of people at the grassroots, through its various statutory interventions.

    Akume advised the people of Ibarapa Central Local Government and its environs to make good use of the equipment and give their maximum support to the Buhari-led administration.

    The minister urged Nigerians to support Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate, assuring them that he would consolidate on the achievements of the Buhari-led administration with improved healthcare services at the grassroots.

    Corroborating the minister, Ibikunle said that the equipment were provided by government in order to enhance healthcare services in Ibarapa land, assuring them of Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing better life for all.

    He said that the `Renewed Hope’ manifesto of Tinubu contained scintillating health and social programmes, aimed at improving the lots of people, while bridging the gap between rural and urban towns.

    The APC chieftain commended Akume, the NLTF Executive Secretary, Dr Bello Maigari and the NLTF Zonal Director for South-West, Hajara Buhari, for judicious utilisation of the fund.

    Ibikunle urged the management and staff members of the hospital to make judicious use of the equipment and ensure their maintenance.

    He expressed commitment to always serving the people of Ibarapa land and utilise every opportunity open to him for the development of the zone and the state in general.

    Maigari said that all the critical equipment handed over to the hospital were of high quality, appealing for their immediate deployment for the health needs of the town and its environs.

    A former Chairman of the State Hospital Management Board, Alhaji Olayide Abas, said that the provision of the equipment would enhance healthcare delivery in Ibarapa zone.

    Abas, who is the state APC Deputy Chairman, thanked Ibikunle for using his position to better the lots of Ibarapa land and its people.

    The Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, appreciated the facilitator of the equipment, saying that the gesture had confirmed Ibikunle as a true son and worthy leader in Ibarapa land.

    Oba Titiloye, who was supported by other traditional rulers in Igboora, said that the equipment would greatly improve healthcare delivery in the area and make life more meaningful for the people.

  • 2023: Court fines Kola Abiola for late filing of documents

    2023: Court fines Kola Abiola for late filing of documents

    A Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja has awarded fine against Mr Kola Abiola, the presidential candidate, People’s Redemption Party (PRP), over failure to file his court documents within time.

    Justice Fadima Aminu, in a ruling, also fined the PRP over its delay in filing its counter affidavit in opposition to the aggrieved presidential aspirant’s amended originating summons.

    Newsmen reports that Justice Aminu had fixed Nov. 25 for definite hearing in a suit filed by Madam Patience Ndidi Key, a female presidential aspirant in the June 5 primary election conducted by the party.

    The judge, who granted the application filed by Madam Key to amend her originating summons on Nov. 18, ordered all parties to file their processes before the next adjourned date and adjourned to Friday for definite hearing.

    Newsmen reports that the plaintiff, Key, had, on June 28, sued PRP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Mr Latifu Abiola as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.

    Key, in her earlier originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1001/2022, had challenged the emergence of Mr Abiola as the party’s presidential candidate.

    She had prayed the court to nullify the poll that produced Abiola as the PRP’s presidential candidate.

    She also prayed for an order setting aside the declaration of Abiola as the winner of the primaries conducted across the country.

    Kola is the son of late MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

    Upon resumed hearing in the matter, plaintiff ‘s counsel, Magnus Ihejirika, informed that the matter was adjourned for definite hearing.

    Ihejirika, however, said that the defence lawyers were yet to serve on him their counter affidavits to enable him respond appropriately.

    Lawyer to the 1st defendant (PRP), Regina Audu, explained that there was network failure on Thursday at the FHC filing office when she tried to file her application.

    According to her, there was no network to generate remittal for us to pay the filing fee yesterday (Thursday) for our counter affidavit.

    The lawyer, who said she could only do that on Friday, prayed the court for an adjournment.
    Also, Ijeoma Madu, who appeared for Mr Abiola, spoke in the same vein.

    But Ihejirlrika described the defence counsel’s act as “a deliberate attempt to stall proceedings in the suit.”
    The lawyer, who said that the case was filed on June 28, said “time is of essence in its determination.”

    He said by provision of the constitution, the court had only 180 days to dispose of the matter, saying practically now, the court has less than a month to have the case determined

    He argued that the defendants were only employing a delay tactic to stall hearing and determination of the suit.
    Ihejirika, who told the court that he comes to the court from Kebbi, said if the court would be inclined to grant

    the defence application, a cost should be imposed. He asked for a cost of N200, 000.

    The defence counsel, who disagreed with him, prayed the court to dismiss the request.

    In her ruling, Justice Aminu said an award of cost should not be a punishment but a compensation.
    The judge, consequently, ordered the PRP (1st defendant) and Abiola (3rd defendant) to pay the sum of N20, 000 each to the plaintiff counsel.

    She adjourned the matter until Dec 2 for definite hearing.

  • 2023 presidency: Tinubu remains best option – APC chieftain

    2023 presidency: Tinubu remains best option – APC chieftain

    A former Commissioner for Natural Resources in Ondo State, Mr Idowu Otetubi, has described Sen. Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the best presidential candidate come 2023 election.

    Otetubi said this while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Akure.

    “Tinubu remains the best for the country. In Tinubu, we have an astute political strategist, an economist and administrator, whose contributions to democracy resonates across the country and beyond.

    “I want to appeal to all Nigerians to embrace Tinubu project and work assiduously for the success of our great party, the APC in 2023,” Otetubi said.

    Otetubi added that Tinubu remained committed to changing the narratives and would surpass the expectations of Nigerians.

    “He has said it at several fora that he has the foresight to identify Nigeria’s problems and solve them headlong.
    “Tinubu transformed Lagos to what it is today. Let him reenact the feat at the national level,” he said.

    The former commissioner noted that Tinubu in his political journey, had never lost an election, saying that he would not lose the presidential bid come 2023.

    “I urge all our party members and Nigerians to rally support for Tinubu to emerge as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, come 2023.

    “He has the capacity, intellect and above all, he has been tested and trusted,” Otetubi said.

  • Atiku most prepared presidential candidate – Namadi Sambo

    Atiku most prepared presidential candidate – Namadi Sambo

    Former Vice President of Nigeria, Namadi Sambo on Wednesday described Alh. Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the most adequately prepared presidential candidate for 2023.

    Sambo said this in Abuja at the public presentation of books on Atiku, as well as the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

    According to him, Atiku Abubakar is no doubt the candidate who can discuss Nigeria’s challenges and also have the capacity to address them.

    “Atiku Abubakar is a political driver who not only has experience to drive a car, but also know the rules on how to rescue Nigeria,” he said.

    He, however, advised that as the campaigns commence it is important for all hands to be on deck .

    “Cooperate fully with one another and ensure victory at the end of the day,” he said.

    Similarly, Chief Jim Nwobodo, former governor of Anambra in the Second Republic said he was optimistic that Nigerians would vote for the PDP presidential candidate, come 2023.

    Nwobodo who described Atiku as a true Nigerian, noted that voting him would not be a mistake.

    “We are looking for a true Nigerian president who will unite us. And I believe only Atiku stands that chance.

    “With Atiku, we will have a united Nigerian. Nigeria will be better off with him,” he added.

  • 2023: Nigerians in US to engage presidential candidates Nov. 26

    2023: Nigerians in US to engage presidential candidates Nov. 26

    The Nigerians in the U.S. intend to hold a debate for all the presidential candidates that are contesting the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

    The presidential debate, tagged “The Diaspora Listens”, is scheduled to hold on November 26, 2022 virtually, according to a statement signed by Mr Olayinka DanSalami, on behalf of the organising committee.

    The debate is being organised by the ‘Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN, Inc.)’, in collaboration with 15 other Nigerian partner organisations in the United States.

    The statement was made available to newsmen in New York on Sunday.

    DanSalami said that letters of invitations had been sent to the presidential candidates.

    “The United States hosts one of the largest numbers of Nigerian citizens and associations worldwide.

    ”They are critical to the political and socio-economic development of our dear country, in spite of the differences in , cultures and languages.

    “We are also continuing to fly the Nigerian flag high as we excelled in our various endeavors.

    ”Thus, we believe that to actualise the Nigeria of our dream, everyone must contribute his or her own quota.

    “We believe that the 2023 presidential election is a critical and consequential election that has generated so much enthusiasm, interest, and support among the Nigerian compatriots in the diaspora,’’ he stated.

    DanSalami said that the election had brought about ”a patriotic clamour by Nigerians in the diaspora to have the presidential candidates talk to us.”

    He added that the debate would also give the opportunity to put forward questions, suggestions and support to the candidates.

    “Therefore, it has become pertinent to keep the Nigerians in the diaspora abreast of the candidates manifestos and what would be the policy thrusts of their administrations.

    “Also, to keep them abreast of how their government would maximise the various opportunities that abound in Nigeria.

    ”And the key role that Nigerians in the diaspora would have to play towards national development in these administrations.

    “The debate will provide the candidates with the opportunity to share their ideas in a moderated Question and Answer format,’’ DanSalami said.

    He further stated that the event would enable Nigerians in the diaspora to have an opportunity to hear first-hand from the presidential candidates, their intentions and aspirations through an equal opportunity platform.

    The ‘Diaspora Listens’ event would also provide candidates the opportunity to hear directly from the diaspora constituents about their concerns, priorities, and what they would like from the president, when elected in 2023.

    “The organisers encourage all our Nigerians in the diaspora to ‘save the date’ for this crucial and important event.

    “We would apprise you of the format of the debates as we confirm participation from the presidential candidates,’’ he stated.

  • How Atiku was deceived by ‘friends’ under guise of representing South-South interest

    How Atiku was deceived by ‘friends’ under guise of representing South-South interest

    Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar was reportedly deceived by ‘Leo Squad’, a committee of friends purporting to be the executive members of the South South Ward to Ward Group.

    According to reports, the group paid a courtesy call on Atiku Abubakar under the guise of representing South-South region on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at the Shehu Musa YarAdua center in Abuja, was led by Onengiye Leonard Tamunoigbeinbia.

    Reacting to the development, Comrade Cleopas Timipre of the South South Renaissance Network for Good Governance (SSRNGG) raised an alarm and cautioned the PDP Presidential hopeful to be wary of groups posturing to represent the South South but have no presence in the region.

    Making the call in Asaba, Delta State, following a consultative meeting of South South Political and Allied groups, Comrade Timipre urged the Atiku Campaign to do their due diligence before giving credence to misleading organisations that have no roots or presence within the South South.

    “Look at this so-called South South Ward to Ward Group for instance, they are nothing but a committee of friends of the convener Leonard and all from the same community in Rivers State. How can a group we have uncovered as members of ‘Leo Squad’ now posture as being representative of all the States of the South South region. That’s not just misleading, it is fraudulent; a scam!” He queried.

    “Gentlemen of the Press, we have supplied you with the details of the identities of key officials of the purported South South Ward to ward group. You will find from the details we supplied that the whole thing is simply a huge joke and an insult on the sensibilities of the South South region. Atiku has to be careful with whom he identifies with. The South South people will not be taken for granted. If all the members of the so-called South South group are from one community in Rivers State then Atiku is either scamming us or has been scammed.”

    Information released to the press by SSRNGG indicated that key members of the South South Ward to ward group delegation to Atiku were members of the said Leo Squad led by Leonard Onengiye Tamunoigbenbia and are all said to be from his community Okrika.

  • 2023: Tinubu not contesting on the basis of greater good – Dino Melaye

    2023: Tinubu not contesting on the basis of greater good – Dino Melaye

    Former lawmaker and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s spokesperson, has disclosed that the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is only contesting for the 2023 Presidency to fulfil his “lifetime ambition” and not on the basis of the greater good.

    Malaye, who stated this on Saturday alleged that Tinubu sees the presidency as his “entitlement and retirement benefits”.

    In a video shared on his Facebook page, the former lawmaker who was responding to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, over his comment on Atiku in a TV interview recently, said, unlike Tinubu, the PDP’s candidate is contesting with rich credentials.

    According to him, Atiku has the rudiments of civil administration and of politics.

    “Atiku Abubakar is running for the presidency for the second or third time and he understands this route better than the political virgin, Tinubu, that you (Keyamo) are supporting who is running for the presidency for the first time and sees it as his life entitlement and retirement benefits for supporting Buhari.

    “Atiku has rich credentials and he is not running because of entitlements. He is not running because of his support for any party. He is running because he’s got the credentials and he is a team player. He is a talent hunter and leader per excellence. ”
    Furthermore, Melaye describes Keyamo’s comment on Atiku during the interview as “shameful, very embarrassing and a disgrace”.

    “Keyamo’s inactive ministerial sojourn is affecting him. Because if he has succeeded as a minister he won’t be talking the way he is talking. Many Nigerians will tell you today they don’t know the ministry where Keyamo is working because he is redundant, inactive and invisible and he has been completely consumed by the aura of Ngige, the superior minister.

    “Because Keyamo is a commercialised conscience and he has monetised his life that is why he will not understand that the vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has some ministries, agencies and government parastatals under his direct supervision.

    “What he has done is that he has disrespected the office of the vice president of Nigeria as a lawyer who understands the constitutionality, enormous responsibilities of that office.”

  • PDP presidential candidate, Atiku appoints Melaye, Bwala as spokespersons

    PDP presidential candidate, Atiku appoints Melaye, Bwala as spokespersons

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has appointed Dino Melaye and Daniel Bwala as his spokespersons for the 2023 presidential campaign.

    Atiku in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Paul Ibe in Abuja on Thursday, said that the appointment took immediate effect.

    Malaye, who hailed from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi, was a member of the 8th Senate, and represented Kogi West at the National Assembly.

    Bwala, who hailed from Adamawa, was a legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, before his appointment.

  • Don’t be discouraged – ADC presidential candidate to Nigerians

    Don’t be discouraged – ADC presidential candidate to Nigerians

    The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC),  Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, has urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by what they may perceive as the current difficulties in the country.

    Delivering a message on “The state of the nation’’ late on Tuesday in Abuja,  Kachikwu listed a litany of problems plaguing the country, saying the ADC was on course to rescuing Nigeria from the ills.

    He blamed the plethora of problems currently plaguing Nigeria on what he described as poor governance.

    Kachikwu said the way for Nigeria to be pulled out of the woods was for the electorate to vote for competent people in 2023, to administer the country and bring about positive changes.

    He cited untoward events in the country in recent months, including abductions, jail breaks, fuel scarcity and other ills.

    He lamented that the current National Assembly was not living up to the expectations of the people who voted them into office.

    “The most painful part of our collective suffering is that we are too afraid to say anything. Media houses operate in fear of having their licences suspended or revoked.

    “Who will save the Nigerian people? Who will save us from ourselves,’’ the presidential candidate asked, criticising the judiciary for also not living up to expectations.

    Kachikwu said the way out was not for Nigerians to run to other countries to seek better lives, advising that Nigerians should take the bulls by the horns and save their country from incompetent leaders.

    He, however, pleaded with aggrieved individuals and groups, including university lecturers to return to their jobs to save the future of the country.

    “Let us act now to save Nigeria and let us speak with one voice to make the difference for our beloved country,’’ the presidential candidate stated.

    Kachikwu said that he was prepared to pay the supreme price to make Nigeria better, noting that he had been hounded by detractors since he offered himself to serve his fatherland.

    “Several months ago when I announced my intention to run for the highest office in the land, It was clear within me that it was a suicide mission,“ he said.

    He pleaded with Nigerians to support the ADC to bring the change the populace had been clamouring for.

  • FULL SPEECH: Tinubu officially declares former Gov. Shettima as running mate [Video]

    FULL SPEECH: Tinubu officially declares former Gov. Shettima as running mate [Video]

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, presidential flag bearer of the APC has formally confirmed former Governor of Borno Senator Shetima as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the APC made the declaration after a lot of speculations in the media.

    In his speech during the unveiling of his running mate, Tinubu said: ‘We hold the chance to move the nation and our collective cause forward as never before. Let us seize this moment so that history may write kindly of us’.

    ‘It is time to focus with utmost devotion and love of country to do all we can do to advance the ideals of democratic and progressive good governance in the land’

    ‘We must end poverty and bring greater prosperity and more lasting peace. Let us be wise of thought yet courageous in action, as we embark on a collective enterprise that brings jobs, education, food, medicine, hope and belief in a better life to those who need them’.

    ‘I stand ready to begin this journey with you, hopefully, to lead the nation on this needed path as your next President by the grace of God. I believe this is a pivotal moment at which the dynamics of history and destiny call us forth to reshape our beloved nation. This is our moment’.

    ‘We all must answer the nation’s call. For some, this requires of us that we step forward, assuming new roles and responsibilities. For others, it may mean something else. For all of us, it requires that we dedicate ourselves to the collective national task as never before’.

    ‘To re-envision and reshape the nation, I must compose the best team possible, a team put together with but one overriding purpose: to forever establish just, capable, and compassionate governance for the people of Nigeria without regard to religion, region, or ethnic origin’.

    ‘In the weeks since becoming the presidential candidate and standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have been touched as Nigerians from all walks of life have demonstrated their faith in my capacity to lead this country. I thank you for the outpourings of support for they reveal to me the hope you hold for this nation’s greatness. As long as we walk together and work together, we shall arrive at our national greatness together. To this glad and great endeavour, I fully devote myself and my future labour’.

    ‘In full compliance with existing law and regulation, I submitted all necessary documents regarding my nomination as the APC presidential candidate to INEC. But, as was expected, the choice of my vice presidential running mate remained an open and burning question’.

    ‘This gave rise to much speculation and debate’.

    ‘Recent events [the voluntary withdrawal of my dear friend and brother Ibrahim Masari] mean that I am called upon, today, to put an end to the speculation’.

    ‘I have never been an indecisive man and have no present intention to become one’.

    ‘What I am, however, is a democrat. And a democrat must listen to, and consult with, the people and his advisors so that he may reform and govern wisely and on their behalf. This I have done. My political career was not built on blind indifference to the views of others. I appreciate the perspectives of leading members of the party, political allies and key national figures who see Nigeria’s future as I do. They gave me their views so that I might add their valuable insights to mine to reach the best decision possible and do so in a manner that strengthens the institutional fabric of our party as well as accelerating the evolution of our political democracy’.

    ‘I am also a founding member of the APC. I hold our party’s core principles close to heart such that I shall do nothing to betray the spirit in which the party was created’.

    ‘Having now listened to the sage, careful advice of a broad section of the party and of the nation, there are a few points I feel I must make about the exceptional and extraordinary person with whom I will share the APC ticket and the principles of open and good governance that informed this choice’.

    ‘A dominant theme of my political history and my personal life is my staunch belief in our diversity. Greatness lies in embracing our diversity and making it work to enhance the dynamism and justice of our political system. My selection of a running mate comports entirely with this longstanding inclination’.

    ‘The concurrence of my party in this matter has been a source of comfort and encouragement. We are truly building a progressive party that not only represents a departure from other political parties but one that truly may well be the best hope for democratic good governance in Nigeria’.

    ‘I realize the momentous times we have entered. I know what lies in the balance. I also know that our political choices and activities send both intended and unintended signals to portions of the Nigerian electorate’.

    ‘All my life, my decisions regarding the team around and supporting me have always been guided by the principles of competence, innovation, compassion, integrity, fairness, and adherence to excellence’.

    ‘When I was Governor of Lagos State, these principles helped me assemble one of the most capable governing cabinets any state or this nation has ever seen. I trust enough in these principles to allow them to, once more, guide me to construct another exemplary team that can do Nigeria proud’.

    ‘Second, this chapter in our country’s history demands a bold yet pragmatic approach, a path already chartered by the progressive ethos of the APC. The foundation for sustainable progress has been laid these past seven years by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The challenges of today are consequential because the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians lie in the balance. Visionary and creative leadership will take us to our goal’.

    ‘Our focus, therefore, must be on getting the job done; and that means getting the very best and competent people to do it. In this crucial moment, where so much is at stake, we must prioritize leadership, competence, and the ability to work as a team over other considerations’.

    ‘I am mindful of the energetic discourse concerning the possible religion of my running mate. Just and noble people have talked to me about this. Some have counselled that I should select a Christian to please the Christian community. Other have said I should pick a Muslim to appeal to the Muslim community. Clearly, I cannot do both’.

    ‘Both sides of the debate have impressive reason and passionate arguments supporting their position. Both arguments are right in their own way. But neither is right in the way that Nigeria needs at the moment. As president, I hope to govern this nation toward uncommon progress. This will require innovation. It will require steps never before taken. It will also require decisions that are politically difficult and rare’.

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