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  • Just in: Atiku emerges new Deputy Clerk to National Assembly

    Just in: Atiku emerges new Deputy Clerk to National Assembly

    Sokoto-born seasoned technocrat, Mr. Ibrahim Atiku has been appointed as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly (DCNA), with effect from February 2, 2025.

    This was contained in a letter dated 19th December, 2024 and signed by the Executive Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Engr. Ahmed Kadi Ahmshi.

    Ahmshi said the decision was taken during the just concluded 616th Meeting of the Commission, held on Thursday, 19th December, 2024; in recognition of his “hard work” and “administrative competence”.

    “The National Assembly Service Commission, at its 616th Meeting held on Thursday, 19th December, 2024, approved your appointment as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly with effect from 2nd February, 2025.

    “This Appointment is in recognition of your hard work and administrative competence. It is therefore expected that you will continue to uphold the confidence reposed in you.

    “While congratulating you on your appointment to this exalted position, please accept assurances of our highest esteem”, the letter reads.

    Until his appointment, Mr. Atiku was the Director, Finance and Account, House of Representatives, in National Assembly.

    He is an Alumnus of Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, and fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management. Atiku also obtained a Masters degrees in legislative studies as well as a Ph.D. in Legislative Studies.

    Atiku also attended various courses home and abroad, among them are, the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Harvard University, USA, JF Kennedy School of Government USA, Duke University USA, West African Institute of Finance and Economic management, (WAIFEM), Harvard Business School USA, RIPA International UK. among others.

    Recall that the NASC had last month, approved the appointment of Barr. Kamoru Ogunlana as Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA).

    Both Ogunlana and Atiku are billed to resume their respective offices Feburary 2, 2025, when the current occupants of the offices shall be due for retirement.

  • Ahead 2027, political realignment as PDP heavyweights support Makinde, dump Atiku

    Ahead 2027, political realignment as PDP heavyweights support Makinde, dump Atiku

    Indications in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suggest that party heavyweights are rallying behind Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential elections.

    This shift in support marks a significant turn away from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has long been a dominant figure in the party and a serial contender for the presidency. The growing endorsement for Makinde comes at a critical time for the PDP, as it attempts to reposition itself and unify its ranks after a period of internal strife.

    Wike, who has been a key power broker within the PDP, is believed to be playing a significant role in shaping the party’s direction, and his backing of Makinde signals a broader strategy to shift away from Atiku’s influence. Makinde, who is seen as a rising star within the party, has garnered praise for his governance in Oyo State, as well as his ability to build alliances and appeal to a broader base of voters, making him an appealing candidate for the party’s future leadership.

    This emerging preference for Makinde is being viewed by some as a tactical move to sideline Atiku, who, despite his extensive political experience and stature, has faced increasing criticism within party circles. Many party members have expressed frustration with Atiku’s repeated bids for the presidency, with some labeling him a “serial contestant” who has failed to deliver electoral victories for the PDP in past elections. These critics argue that the party needs a fresh face with new ideas to rejuvenate its appeal to voters, particularly after losing ground in the 2023 elections.

    Moreover, the shift in support towards Makinde also reflects a broader generational shift within the PDP, as younger and more dynamic leaders like him emerge as the future of the party. His relatively progressive policies, successful governance in Oyo State, and ability to unite different factions have positioned him as a strong contender for the PDP’s presidential ticket in 2027.

    As the PDP gears up for the next election cycle, the internal dynamics of the party will likely continue to evolve. While Atiku remains a formidable figure with a loyal base of supporters, the growing consensus around Makinde’s candidacy signals a desire within the party for renewal and change. This battle for the party’s nomination is expected to intensify in the coming years, as both camps work to consolidate their influence and secure the support of key stakeholders within the PDP.

  • Edo 2024: “If you vote APC, you’ll be endorsing hunger, poverty”-Atiku tells Edolites

    Edo 2024: “If you vote APC, you’ll be endorsing hunger, poverty”-Atiku tells Edolites

    Few days to governorship election a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said voting for All Progressives Congress in the state would be an endorsement of misery and hardship.

    He urged the voters to ask themselves if the APC has made life better, or only deepened their struggles before casting the ballot.

    He also said the APC has plunged Nigeria into an abyss of suffering and has sown seeds of poverty, despair, and insecurity.

    Atiku made this known in a statement on his Facebook on Wednesday titled ‘The clear choice for a prosperous Edo State’.

    They criticized past leaders for raising fuel prices, yet today, they preside over an era where fuel costs soar above N900 per litre. Their cruelty and disregard for the plight of the masses are unmatched. A vote for the APC is a vote for the continuation of misery, hunger, and despair,” Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate during the 2023 general elections, said.

    “Do not be swayed by the empty promises of the APC. Electing Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP is not just a vote; it is an act of reclaiming our future. It is a choice to consolidate the good work of Governor Godwin Obaseki and to build a future of prosperity, dignity, and hope,” he added.

    According to him, the power to break free from the chains of bad governance, and the power to chart a new course for Edo lies in the residents’ which must be used as a tool for change.

    Atiku said, ”The APC has donned the mask of a friend to the masses, but behind this veil lies a sinister reality. They have lured gullible voters with sweet promises, only to reveal their true nature— a party driven by a hunger for power rather than the well-being of the people.

    ”They have forsaken the ideals of governance, ignoring the cries of the common man while pursuing their selfish ambitions. Under their watch, Nigeria has been plunged into an abyss of suffering. They have sown seeds of poverty, despair, and insecurity.

  • Don’t give up on Nigeria, Atiku urges Nigerians in Diaspora

    Don’t give up on Nigeria, Atiku urges Nigerians in Diaspora

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain strong and optimistic for a better future for Nigeria.

    Abubakar made the call  at a virtual interactive session with some Nigerians in the diaspora on Saturday, according to a statement.

    The statement was issued on Sunday in Lagos by Prof. Gold Emmanuel, Senior Special Assistant  , Communications & Intelligence and Diaspora,Office of Atiku Abubakar.

    Abubakar called on Nigerian citizens not to give up  on the nation ,regardless of the current socio-economic challenges.

    According to him ,the state of the  economy has led to untold hardship for millions of Nigerians and the poverty index has continued to rise.

    “I urge you not to give up just yet. Your strength and resilience are crucial to Nigeria’s future,” Abubakar said.

    Abubakar said  Nigerians in the diaspora played a big role in shaping the country’s future.

    He said: “As Nigerians living abroad, you have a unique perspective on what good governance and economic management look like.

    “I encourage you to continue to pray for Nigeria’s deliverance .

    “Your prayers and support can help bring about the transformation we need.
    “I believe in the potential of our great nation and I know that with collective effort, we can overcome the current challenges and build a prosperous Nigeria for all.”

    The former vice-president also encouraged them to continue to support their families and friends back home.

    “Continue to engage with your loved ones, offering support and encouraging peace and unity in these difficult times.

    “Your contributions to the Nigerian economy through remittances and investments are quite crucial,” he added.

    Abubakar, the 2023 PDP Presidential Candidate ,also urged the Federal Government to release detained protesters being charged for treason.

    According to him, the right of any citizen to protest  policies of government is entrenched in the constitution and can not be denied.

    Abubakar said: “I will advise the government to release these young Nigerians and without trial immediately.”

    He urged Nigerians in Diaspora to continue to embrace acceptable civilised strategy in calling the attention of the government to policies missteps.

    ” I will appeal to all Nigerians in the diaspora to continue to support Nigeria and project it to the world as the country with great potential,” Abubakar added.

  • Ahead 2027, political reengineering as PDP confirms Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso in talks to back a candidate

    Ahead 2027, political reengineering as PDP confirms Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso in talks to back a candidate

    Ahead 2027, the three leading opposition figures in Nigeria are discussing the possibility of a merger to salvage Nigerians from hunger and widespread insecurity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, a spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Monday.

    PDP deputy national spokesman Ibrahim Abdullahi stated this on a national TV programme on Monday.

    He said the three opposition candidates in the last election – PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) – would put personal interests aside and form a formidable alliance to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2027.

    Abdullahi said that had his party’s past leadership managed conflicts well, high-ranking chieftains like former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, Kwankwaso and Obi would still be full-blooded members of the PDP and the party would have defeated Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election.

    He said, “We’ve lost Kwankwaso, we’ve lost Peter Obi, all of these people, imagine if they are in the party, we will have gone to win the elections.

    This APC said they defeated us with one million plus (votes), just one of these names that I mentioned would have covered that gap for us and we would have been in power today and certainly Nigerians would not have been confronted with this despair and despondency in the land.”

    Asked if the PDP is trying to get Obi, Kwankwaso, Wike and others back into the party, Abdullahi said, “Sure, discussion is ongoing. You will see Peter Obi discussing with Atiku, you will see Peter Obi meeting with (Nasir) El-Rufai. Party management is a very difficult thing and we are doing the best in the quagmire that we have found ourselves. Rest assured, there would light at the end of the tunnel. We have learnt our lessons in a bitter way.”

    In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu, came out tops in 12 of Nigeria’s 36 states, and secured significant numbers in several other states to claim the highest number of votes — 8,794,726, almost two million votes more than his closest rival — Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.

    Atiku, who has ran for president six times, got 6,984,520 votes, while Obi, a first-time contestant, secured an unprecedented 6,101,533. Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor, finished fourth, claiming victory in his state — Kano. He secured 1,496,687 votes.

    Interestingly, Obi and Kwankwaso were PDP members months before the last poll but cited irreconciliable difference as reasons they exited the party.

  • 2027: Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso told to form merger

    2027: Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso told to form merger

    Salihu Lukman, former national vice chairman (North-west) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged opposition leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to step up and lead the reform of Nigeria’s democracy. He called for the formation of a functional political party capable of rescuing the nation.

     

    Lukman also suggested that sidelined APC leaders, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and ex-Governors Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Ibikunle Amosun, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola, should collaborate with opposition leaders to restore Nigeria’s path to democratic development.

     

    In a statement titled “#EndBadGovernance Campaign: What Next?” issued in Abuja on Sunday, Lukman criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government for failing to address the country’s pressing issues, which were exacerbated by the removal of petroleum subsidies and the floating of the Naira’s exchange rate.

    He noted that these policies have led to inflation and increased hardship for Nigerians, who face daily challenges of hunger and preventable diseases.

     

    Lukman emphasized the importance of integrating the #EndBadGovernance message into the structure of any party aiming to rescue Nigeria. He warned that failing to do so would hinder efforts to challenge and defeat the current APC government in 2027.

     

    He called on opposition leaders to utilize the rising anger in the country to create a functional political party distinct from the APC, PDP, LP, and NNPP. He urged the mobilization of Nigerian youth to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register new parties meeting statutory requirements, suggesting that there appears to be an undeclared moratorium on new party registrations.

     

    Lukman criticized the Tinubu administration for excessive spending amid widespread poverty and hunger, contributing to the country’s volatile situation. He called on committed democrats to mobilize Nigerians towards reforming democratic structures and warned that ignoring the grievances of Nigerian youth could lead to violence and chaos.

     

    He concluded by urging opposition leaders to build the necessary democratic structures to connect with all Nigerians and earn their trust.

  • Presidential aide, Onanuga faults Atiku’s warning to security agencies

    Presidential aide, Onanuga faults Atiku’s warning to security agencies

    Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has faulted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s statement warning security agencies against using lethal force against looters and arsonists.

    Onanuga, in a statement on Tuesday, said that Atiku’s tweeted messag was absurd.

    Atiku had warned security agencies against using lethal force against looters and arsonists who masqueraded as protesters.

    He said as a statesman, Atiku’s warning ought to be to the looting mob in Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and Jigawa states, who hijacked what was advertised by organisers as a peaceful protest.

    He said the security forces had remained professional, even-handed, and observed every restraint in the face of extreme provocation by the rioters.

    “We are surprised that Alhaji Atiku is still relying on Section 40 of our constitution (as amended) to justify a protest that is now clearly a riot, a rampage in some parts of the country.

    “Section 45 of the constitution says the right of assembly and the right of freedom of expression are not absolute.

    “They can be abridged and fettered in the interest of public peace, public safety, law, and order,” said the Presidential aide.

    He said the Service Chiefs reiterated the rights of Nigerians to protest and gather freely.

    “They, however, reinforced their constitutional duty, today, when they said they cannot sit by idly and watch hoodlums destroy the country and its democracy.

    “The Service Chiefs and the officers and men of our security outfits should be commended for their patriotic duty to our country.

    “As a supporter and enabler of the destructive ‘protests,’ Alhaji Atiku certainly wants the sinister protest to continue i spite of the red signals from the streets,” said Onanuga.

    He said a tweet that condoned the destruction of private and public property and investments of citizens was unbecoming of a former vice president.

    He said Atiku ought to have risen above the sentiment he expressed and put the country’s stability ahead of whatever advantages he hoped to reap from the insurrection on the streets.

    “We encourage Alhaji Atiku to borrow a leaf from opposition figures in United Kingdom, who have rallied behind the government to condemn the ongoing riots in UK.

    “They called for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the wanton destruction of public and private assets.

    “Such nationalistic temperament as displayed by opposition figures like Rishi Sunak, the immediate-past Prime Minister of UK is expected of Alhaji Atiku,” said Onanuga.

  • Atiku hammers FG over suicide bombing in Borno

    Atiku hammers FG over suicide bombing in Borno

    Ex-Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged the federal government to be aware of its responsibilities and ensure no region in the country is overrun by acts of terrorism and insecurity.

    Atiku called on the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu to wake up from its slumber and protect the citizens of the country from all acts of insecurity and terrorism.

    The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the call in a statement on Sunday in which he reacted to the suicide bombing which occurred at a wedding in Borno State on Saturday and resulted in the death of several guests.

    The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that no fewer than six people were killed, with 15 others injured in a suicide attack in Gwoza, Borno State.

    Many people lost their lives in Gwoza, a town in Borno State, after a female suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at a wedding venue, killing several wedding guests and injuring many others.

    According to sources, the bomber was carrying a baby on her back when she stormed the venue and detonated the IED at the wedding held on Saturday, in Tashan Mararaba near the Fire Service in Gwoza town.

    Reacting to the unfortunate incident, Atiku commiserated with those affected by the bombing and called out the government for allowing much of the pushback that has been achieved against Boko Haram to be re-surfacing due to a lacklustre posture on security issues.

    He urged action to be taken to ensure the Northeast region does not slide back into terrorism and extreme violence.

    “It is a sad development that the ugly incidents of terrorism are resurfacing and, indeed, metastasising in the North-East.

    “The reported attack by suicide bombers at a wedding reception, funeral procession, and a hospital on Saturday stands condemned.

    “It is unfortunate that much of the pushback that had been achieved against the Boko Haram terror sect are being cancelled, owing mainly to the government’s lacklustre posture to hold firmly on the frontline.

    “It is thus important to call on the federal authorities to wake up to their responsibility and to make sure that the North-East does not slide back into a theatre of terrorism and extreme violence.

    “My condolences go to the families of victims of these attacks, and it is my prayer that God grants a peaceful repose to the souls of the departed,” Atiku posted on X.

  • Congresses’ ll resolve internal crises in Katsina PDP – Atiku

    Congresses’ ll resolve internal crises in Katsina PDP – Atiku

    The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, says the forthcoming party congresses will resolve the lingering internal crises in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State.

    Fielding questions from newsmen on Saturday in Katsina, Abubakar said that he was in the state to condole with the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, over the death of his son, Abdullah Abdulmumini.

    “I also condoled with the family of the former Governor of the defunct Kaduna State, late Alhaji Lawal Kaita, over the death of his widow, Hajiya Yelwa Lawal-kaita,” he said.

    Atiku also visited the former President Muhammadu Buhari in his Daura country home, after which, he condoled with the family of late Alhaji Sade, father to the Managing Director, NNPC Trading Limited, Lawal Dade.

    He then visited the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouq and condoled with him over  Sade’s demise.

    On the internal crises that had divided the party into two factions, Atiku said: “There will soon be congresses, so, people will elect whom they want to be their party leaders.”

    It would be recalled that a group called ‘PDP major stakeholders’ and the state caretaker committee were at loggerhead over the sales of congress forms.

    While the group claimed that they were denied purchase of the forms, the state caretaker committee remained silent on the issue in spite of several efforts to hear from them on the allegation

  • Tinubu diverting public funds through subsidy – Atiku

    Tinubu diverting public funds through subsidy – Atiku

    The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Bola Tinubu administration of diverting public funds through petrol subsidy.

    Atiku said the refusal of the present administration to reveal how much is being spent on subsidy shows that it is diverting funds secretly.

    Atiku in a statement reacting to the stand of the Presidency that its policy on fuel subsidy remains the same.

    In a statement through presidential Aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, the presidency insisted  that its position on fuel subsidy had not changed.

    Onanuga insisted that “The fuel subsidy regime has ended. There is no N5.4 trillion being provisioned for it in 2024, as being widely speculated and discussed.”

    But reacting through his spokesman Paul Ibe, Atiku said, “Tinubu has brought the shady nature of running Lagos to the federal level. He claims subsidy is gone but his Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, says they are intervening from time to time while his Finance Minister, Wale Edun, described subsidy removal as an ‘ongoing process’.

    “A document authored by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy revealing how much subsidy is being paid is now being disowned by the very authors of the document.

    “Both the World Bank and the IMF have revealed in separate reports that Nigeria is still paying petrol subsidies, but the Tinubu government refuses to come clean. Even a senior member of the APC had revealed that subsidy was being paid.”

    According to the former Vice President, “For a man who claims to be on a mission to attract foreign direct investment, it is ironic that he cannot see that his policy flip flops and lies are capable of dissuading investors. He must come clean on this subsidy issue since he doubles as petroleum minister.

    “The Tinubu administration should be courageous enough to own their policies and outcome with their full chest and responsible enough to be accountable for their actions to Nigerians.”

    This denial lends credence that money meant for the Federation Account, which ought to be shared to states and local governments, is being diverted without any form of accountability whatsoever.”

    He also called on the National Assembly to act on the development, saying ” There is a need for the National Assembly to get to the bottom of the matter rather than focusing on frivolous issues.

    “The National Assembly needs to be alive to its responsibilities, especially in the area of oversight. Posterity will not be kind to members of the National Assembly if they continue to look the other way while daylight robbery is taking place,” the former Vice President said.