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Tag: Bode George

  • Buhari’s death should make “power mongers” sober – Bode George

    Buhari’s death should make “power mongers” sober – Bode George

    A former PDP National Deputy Chairman, Chief Olabode George, has mourned the passing of the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, saying his death was a lesson to all power mongers.

    In a statement issued in Lagos, the former PDP National Deputy Chairman said that Buhari, who reportedly died in a London clinic on Sunday, had run and concluded his race as a mortal.

    George, a former Military Governor of old Ondo State, described Buhari’s death as a ‘leveller’, urging all politicians to be sober.

    He said: “Obviously, death has a humbling power. It eliminates advantages and disadvantages. The moment it strikes, you will realise that all men and women are the same, irrespective of social status, wealth, fame, power, religion and connections.

    “Everybody will end up in six feet. We are all mortals. The lesson of his death is for everybody to be sober, whether you are in power or not, rich or poor. Death does not give a notice.

    “It is also wrong for anybody to mock somebody’s death. It is unAfrican. God does not like that because judgment belongs to Him alone.

    “As my former boss, I see his death as a lesson to everybody. Life is transient and the power you wield today is temporary. The only permanent power belongs to God Almighty.”

    George used the opportunity to send a strong message to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 PDP Presidential Candidate, that the presidency would remain in the South till 2031.

    He reiterated that PDP, as a party, would not field a Northerner as presidential candidate in 2027.

    George added: “It is the policy of our party as handed over to us by our founding fathers. This is not my personal opinion but rooted in our party constitution. I also want the electorate to know this.

    “Atiku can go to another party to contest but PDP will look for a Southerner to wrest power from the APC in 2027. A cardinal principle of our party is that— eight years North, eight years South, simple. It is not my own making. Anything short of this is unacceptable.

    “Atiku and the rest know that if they remain in PDP, it is not possible for them to get the PDP ticket,” he said.

    Also, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro has mourned the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in London, England.

    Buhari died aged 82 in a London clinic.

    In an interview with NAN on Sunday, Obanikoro said “We are from God and to him we shall return.

    “He played his part, first as a military officer, later as military Head of State and Civilian President. My condolences to his family and loved ones as they mourn, may Allah grant him Aljarna Firdausi.”

    After three failed attempts, Buhari achieved a historic victory in 2015, becoming the country’s first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent.

    In 2019, he was re-elected for another four-year term.

    Buhari had always been popular among the poor of the North (known as the “talakawa” in the Hausa language), but for the 2015 campaign, he had the advantage of a united opposition grouping behind him.

  • Coalition: Bode George begs Atiku, Mark, others to remain in PDP

    Coalition: Bode George begs Atiku, Mark, others to remain in PDP

    Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to remain in the party and work for its progress.

    George also appealed to other PDP leaders, including former Senate President, Sen. David Mark,the force behind a coalition of opposition parties,which adopted  the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for 2027, to return to the party.

    He spoke at a social engagement, tagged: “Restitution of Restoration” on Thursday in Lagos.

    George said PDP remained a strong political  platform, offering great opportunities for members.

    According to George, it is only in the PDP that the interest of the estranged party leaders can be better served.

    Several opposition figures, mainly from PDP, Labour Party, and others, including some aggrieved APC chieftains,recently adopted ADC as the opposition platform for 2027.

    He said: “There is no coalition in today’s Nigeria that can be stronger than PDP.

    “The PDP is a reborn political party that has weathered all storm and can never go under. All these leaders must return to this Iroko political party.

    “Those forming coalition should not forget they have traveled that way before, and it amounts to nothing and it will be good they remain in the party to help build it.”

    According to him,party leaders  leaving the party to join the opposition  coalition are desecrating the grave of the founding fathers of the party, who sacrificed everything to give birth to the party.

    “It is a disservice to the party whose platform they used to get to higher position in the country,” he added.

    George noted that that the PDP crisis, especially at national level, had been resolved.

    He added that the party had bounced back to take over its place as the major opposition party in the country.

    George said with the resolution of the issues in PDP and return of peace, all the reasons cited by Atiku and others for forming the coalition were no more tenable.

    “The party has weathered the storm, this party is re-born, those that have attained higher position in the country on the platform of the party should do a re-think.

    “They should take it easy, there is no way their congregating can pass the PDP strength.

    “They have done it before, there is no major issue of contention in the PDP that can make them leave the PDP,” he said.

    He, however, said the party had not changed its  decision  to zone the presidency to the south in 2027.

    “What is the contention about? Why do they want to leave the PDP? They want to be presidential candidate?

    “Positions are zoned in the PDP.The founding fathers of the party zoned position because lack of zoning of positions led to the collapse of the first and second republic,”he added.

  • You are disgraceful – Bode George fires David Mark over ADC coalition

    You are disgraceful – Bode George fires David Mark over ADC coalition

    Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has berated the former Senate President, David Mark, for abandoning the party in its time of crisis.

    According to the PDP chieftian, the former senate president organised the controversial national convention, which, according to him, laid the foundation for the party’s crisis.

    TheNewsGuru reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mark, former governors of Jigawa and Sokoto states, Sule Lamido and Aminu Tambuwal, respectively, among others, met in Abuja last week and urged PDP members to join the ADC to rescue the nation in the next general election.

    “The meeting encourages all well-meaning PDP members and other patriotic Nigerians to join the coalition. All coalition partners must be united on the issues of national unity, democracy, national security, national economy and the political will to stamp out corruption embedded in our institutions”, Mark said in a communique he read at the end of the meeting.

    However, in recent interview, George described the former Senate President’s call as extremely disgraceful.

    He said, “I am deeply ashamed of that statement coming from David Mark, asking PDP members to join the ADC. It is extremely disgraceful. I am heartbroken. What is annoying is that these people have chosen to abandon their father’s house, where they were born. You left a house that produced and nurtured you just because there is one crisis or the other in that house?

    “This is not about Mark being arrogant; he is disgraceful and unworthy. We are talking about a retired Army General here, behaving like a rolling stone that gathers no moss. I was there when our party hierarchy decided he was going to be our nominee for the Office of the Senate President. He was the Chairman of the convention that brought about the crisis in the PDP today, because they manipulated the process established by the founding fathers.”

    The PDP chieftain described Atiku, Mark, and others as ingrates and a disappointment to the memory of the founding fathers of the PDP.

    He said, “These people are perpetually dancing on the graves of those babas who gave their lives and everything for the party. That comment he made that PDP is now a shadow of its former self is unacceptable to people like me.

    “He (Mark) has no right to demonise the party. If a civilian said what he said, we can ignore but we (military personnel) were trained to have respect for processes and tradition. What will these people tell their children? Who created the shadow he is talking about? Who chaired the convention where everything was turned upside down?”

  • LG election: Lagos PDP unveils candidates as Bode George canvasses votes

    LG election: Lagos PDP unveils candidates as Bode George canvasses votes

    The PDP in Lagos State on Wednesday officially unveiled  its 57 chairmanship and 376 councillorship candidates for the July 12 Local Government election.

    The party also presented flags to the candidates at the event, held at the Ikoyi office of party chieftain, Chief Bode George.

    Speaking at the ceremony, George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, urged the candidates to work hard to convince the electorate to vote PDP at the grassroots level.

    According to him, if not for his efforts and visit to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), PDP would have been prevented from fielding candidates for the  election.

    “The essence of today is to unveil our candidates in order to convince the  electorate that the rumour that PDP has collapsed made by some people is most irresponsible and a total lie.

    “How can the political Iroko tree die? The only political Iroko tree in Nigeria today is PDP. I feel sorry for those defecting to other parties.

    “I appeal to Lagos electorate to vote for PDP. What has APC done to warrant recognition again compare to what PDP has offered Nigeria and wants to offer Lagos.” George said.

    The PDP leader urged the candidates to be courageous and vigorous in their campaigns across all wards and local government areas in the state.

    George added: “For those of you contesting, be courageous. As you go out to campaign, do not be afraid to tell the electorate the truth.

    “Wrestle for power to take care of the people and not to amass wealth to yourselves. You must be servant-leaders, washing the hands and feet of disciples (people) like Jesus did. You are to serve and not to be served.

    “It is sad that today that some privileged few are living in highrise buildings while millions are hungry, suffering and living in squalor.

    “Please, be strong enough to convince the electorate, I will join you as much as possible to campaign to our people. Let the vibration of yours campaign wake up Lagos.”

    Lamenting current economic and security challenges facing the country, George urged the government to do more ,saying  the primary responsibility of government remained security and welfare of the people.

    He urged both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to always carry out their duties conscientiously .

    On crisis rocking the former ruling party, George, who noted that there was no organisation without its challenges, said that the crisis would soon be resolved.

    Presenting the party flags to the candidates Chief Sunday Olaifa, the LPDP State Vice Chairman (Lagos West), commended the party leadership for working towards participation of the party in the election.

    “This election is winnable for PDP. All we need to come together, work together and win together,” Olaifa said.

    Also speaking, Chief Onikepo Oshodi, another PDP chieftain, said,” PDP is next in Lagos State. it is time for PDP to lead Lagos and again in Nigeria. We are sure APC will not make it in 2027.”

    The chairmanship candidates who received party flags included: Awwal Abiodun (Ibeju-Lekki); Olakunle Okekunle (Ajeromi Ifelodun); Faroq Ijaola (Ifelodun); Olawale Akanni (Somolu); Babajide Benson (Surulere); Olufemi Martins (Onigbongbo); Onyekanu Nnamdi (Ikeja) and Oluwadare David (Ojodu)

    Also ,Thessy Whyte (Coker Aguda); Ibironke Taiwo (Itire-Ikate); Rilwan Akinbiyi (Oshodi-Isolo); Isiaq Shonusi (Isolo); Olatunde Adekanle (Ejigbo); Innocent Ifunanya (Bariga); Ebenezer Adebayo (Kosofe) and Moshood Eriokan (Orile-Agege).

    Oluwafemi Shosanya (Amuwo-Odofin); Ismail Abiola (Oriade); Olasukanmi Moses-Oyekola (Yaba); Olajide Bob-Taylor (Lagos Mainland); Lateef Aganran (Mushin); Musiliu Ajibade (Lagos Island); Lateef Olawale (Epe) and Akeem Adenuga (Eredo) received the PDP flags.

    Joseph Akintubuwa (Apapa); Nurureen Adio (Apapa Iganmu); Michael Oloyede- (Ifako-Ijaiye); Abayomi Medemaku(Badagry Central); Olubukola Ajayi (Olorunda); Alabi Gafar-Sewanu (Badagry West); Sanni Shakiru (Ojo) and  Olukayode Oyedele (Oto Awori were also presented with flags.

    Others are: Kazeem Atobajeun ( Ikoyi Obalende); Blessing Aku (Iru Victoria Island); Kazeem Ganiyu (Eti-Osa West); Taofik Orimolade (Eti-Osa East); Kehinde Adebanjo ( lgando Ikotun); Joseph Olusola (Alimosho)and Michael Ajayi (Ayobo-Ipaja).

    The event was witnessed by various prominent party leaders, including a  former deputy governor,  Sen. Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; a former State PDP Chairman, retired Capt. Tunji Shelle ,Alhaja Babs Olorunkemi, Dr Roli Bode-George, Dr Seye O’Dairo, Dr Amos Fawole and Chief Ahmed Alashe.

    Others are party leaders from various local governments, members of PDP LGA Chairmen Forum and loyalists of various candidates also  attended the event.

  • Bode George dismisses claims of PDP collapse in Lagos

    Bode George dismisses claims of PDP collapse in Lagos

    A former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has likened the party’s structure in Lagos and Nigeria to the root of an Iroko or Lebanon oak tree.

    George stated this on Monday while addressing journalists after a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos. He denied claims that the PDP structure had collapsed.

    Some Lagos PDP chieftains, including the 2023 governorship candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), and spokesman, Alh. Hakeem Amode, recently defected to rival APC.

    They claimed that the PDP’s structure had been collapsed into the ruling party. George described their statement as “nonsensical” and rejected the claim.

    He stated that all organisations face challenging moments, but PDP would endure because its root is very deep and firmly established across the nation.

    “I want to assure our leaders that the Iroko political party is very much alive,” George said.

    He criticised the defectors, describing them as mere caricatures. “Who are these people in PDP?” he asked rhetorically, questioning their influence and relevance.

    George regretted that a respected PDP elder endorsed Jandor in 2023, leading to him receiving the party’s flag. He now considers that endorsement unfortunate.

    “It is absolutely nonsensical to say the PDP structure in Lagos State has collapsed into APC,” George insisted.

    He said the party’s current internal crisis is solvable. “This party is an Iroko tree, like an oak in Lebanon.

    “No matter the wind or storm, the Iroko will stand because of its deep roots. That is why we’ve survived till today,” he said.

    George said the PDP is assessing its self-inflicted mistakes and has learnt valuable lessons from the 2023 election experience.

    “These people believe we’ve collapsed, but it’s a lie,” he reiterated, dismissing the defectors’ claims as deliberate misinformation.

    He said the PDP would no longer tolerate the imposition of candidates in future elections, as occurred during the last poll cycle.

    “We are determined that anyone contesting must go through the people. From now on, no more ‘Baba says’ imposition,” George said.

    On the emergency rule in Rivers, George urged President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Gov. Sim Fubara and respect the people’s democratic mandate.

    He warned that the President’s actions must not threaten the foundations of Nigeria’s hard-won democracy, especially in politically tense states like Rivers.

    George criticised Tinubu’s formal request to the National Assembly seeking approval of key appointments in Rivers under the emergency framework.

    He noted that the President had asked for confirmation of a chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

    The request also covered appointments to the Primary Healthcare Board, the Civil Service Commission, and the Local Government Civil Service Commission.

    “This move raises serious concerns about power concentration and undermines democratic institutions,” George said, urging the President to act with restraint.

    He added that Tinubu must not empower the Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), to conduct council elections or fill key posts.

    George urged the President to prioritise Nigeria’s pressing issues — democracy, insecurity, hunger, joblessness, and social vices — over political control.

    PDP stakeholders at the meeting included Sen. Motorola Bucknor and Chief Aduke Maina.

    Others present were Dr Niran Adeniji, Dr Layi Ogunbambi, Dr Amos Fawole, Capt. Tunji Shelle (retd.), and Dr Seye O’Dairo.

    Also in attendance were Alh. Ismail Abiola, Alh. Akorode Imam, Alhaja Babs Olorunkemi, Alhaja Tanwa Olusi, and Elder John Agbaje.

    Additional leaders included Chief Ahmed Alashe and members of the PDP Local Government Area Chairmen Forum.

  • June 12: Forgive Fubara as you did Sanwo-Olu – Bode George tells Tinubu

    June 12: Forgive Fubara as you did Sanwo-Olu – Bode George tells Tinubu

    Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to, in the spirit of the June 12 anniversary, reinstate suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.

    George made the appeal on Wednesday in an open letter to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election that was won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, but was  annulled on June 23, 1993 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

    Recall that Fubara was suspended by Tinubu on March 18 due to political tensions in the oil-rich  state. Meanwhile, Fubara visited Tinubu in Lagos during Sallah celebration.

    George said: “If Tinubu could forgive Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend same gesture to Fubara.

    “On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy – the will of the people.

    “Since Tinubu has forgiven Sanwo-Olu, then it makes a lot of sense, spiritually, to also forgive Fubara and let him return to office. I am talking as an elder”,he said.

    George noted that  Tinubu was in the forefront of those who fought the military, seeking a return to civilian rule.

    The PDP chieftain said Tinubu was  passionate  about return to civil rule during the military era, aspiring for top political positions in Lagos.

    “He later joined NADECO to fight for democracy. Some of those who fought alongside him for democracy have died. It is not of his making that he is alive today.

    “So, he should thank God, honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy and return Fubara to office immediately.

    “I also appeal to him, in the spirit of my maternal grand uncle who founded the first political party in Nigeria in 1922, Herbert Macaulay, to please reinstate Fubara.

    “Tinubu should listen to, and honour this appeal in memory of all those who died in the journey to our democracy,” George said.

  • How Jibril Aminu stood by me when I was incarcerated – Bode George

    How Jibril Aminu stood by me when I was incarcerated – Bode George

    One time Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has recalled how the late elder statesman, Prof. Jibril Aminu stood by him when he was incarcerated.

    Chief George disclosed that Prof. Aminu, who died on Thursday at the age of 85, visited him several times to demonstrate his solidarity.

    In a statement in Lagos, George said he was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Aminu, a founding member of the PDP.

    He described Aminu as a distinguished scholar and an accomplished diplomat. According to him, late Aminu was a visionary and a  man of  integrity.

    “He was a selfless Nigerian politician. A man of great intellect and integrity, whose service to humanity and Nigeria, inspired generations.

    “As Minister of Education and Petroleum Resources, his visionary and introspective focus immensely helped shape critical sectors of our country.

    “I can recall how he stood by me during my phanthom trial and incarceration. He visited me several times, to demonstrate his solidarity. He was a true elder statesman and very personal to me.

    “His legacy will continue to impact on the countless lives he touched and the institutions he helped build. Nigeria has lost a rare gentleman and one of her finest,” George said.

    Aminu, a one-time President, African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (OPEC), died in Abuja, after a prolonged illness.

    Born in Song, Adamawa, in 1939, Aminu was a towering figure in the country’s  public life.

    The late Consultant Cardiologist served the nation in different capacities, including as Federal Minister of Education and later Federal Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992).

    He was also Nigeria Ambassador  to the United States (1999–2003), and Senator representing Adamawa Central (2003–2011).

  • Implement Confab report to honour Clark, Adebanjo – Bode George to Tinubu

    Implement Confab report to honour Clark, Adebanjo – Bode George to Tinubu

    Chief Bode George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to implement the recommendations of the 2014 Constitutional Conference to honour  Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark.

    George, a retired Naval Commodore and former military governor of Ondo, made this appeal at a media briefing  on Friday in Lagos.

    Recall reports that Adebanjo, the late leader of the Pan-Yoruba Socio-Cultural Orgasation, Afenifere,  died on Feb. 14 at 96.

    Also, Clark, the late Niger Delta Leader, died  on Feb. 17 at 97.

    Both deceased  nationalists  inspired the 2014 Constitutional Conference convened by former President Goodluck Jonathan,and participated in it .

    Speaking on how to immortalise the duo, George said that the best way to honour them was to release and implement the confab  resolutions, into which they put all their lives’ experiences,in the interest of the nation.

    George said that he got closer to Adebanjo and Clark during the Confab, working in the same sub-committee with them on what type of system that  should be adopted  constitutionally .

    “Mr President, I am appealing to you, today May 2, release the report of the 2014 Confab for the benefit of the people of this country, in the memories of the two old men to immortalise their names.

    “These people (Adebanjo, Clark and other elder statemen) are crying to Tinubu to release and implement that report.

    “The report was unanimously agreed at the plenary session by the delegates, that(implentation) is when we can be at peace.

    “When I saw all the work — the contributions of these two elders—and look at it, they died three days apart, I am not afraid to say we are going to take over from where they started,” George said.

    According to him, it has become imperative for the nation to look at the report right now” that the ship of the state seems to be drifting in terms of economy, politics, security and others”.

    He said that the current system and constitution had become incapable of fulfilling the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Nigeria.

    “It’s not working. It has never worked and it will never work.

    “I am challenging Mr President, release that report in the memories of these two old men because they contributed the best that God has given them.

    “The constitution we are running is defective. It is so military in its is set up. Everything ends with only one man at the Aso Villa as the President,” he added.

    According to him, the most worrisome part  of the constitution is that that  concerns local government administration.

    He added: “What has the local government got to do with the President of Nigeria?

    “Lagos, the most populated state has only 20 LGs and Ogun that is not even up to half of Lagos also has 20; Kano has 44, Jigawa created out of Kano ,has 27, these are inadequacies.

    “Now, every local government at the end of every month collects allocation from the federation account.

    “These were things that were discussed openly at that conference.

    “And these two patriots fought for a new constitution capable of fulfilling the yearnings and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.

    “We can have the United States of Nigeria, reduce the power at the centre. We need devolution of power which the duo advocated before their  passing”

    He said that implementing the Confab would  help resolve numerous challenges facing the country ,including corruption, nepotism, sectionalism and  poverty.

    On security and economic challenges, George urged the President not to relent on  efforts to tackle hardships and security threats.

    According to him, there is also an urgent need to reform the electoral process so  that elections would reflect the will of the people.

    Speaking of recent defections of  some PDP’s bigwigs to  the ruling APC, the PDP chieftain noted that he was yet to fathom what genuinely attracted the defectors to APC.

    George,however,said there was an urgent need to  resolve all internal crises in PDP to build confidence in the party.

    Urging PDP leaders to shelve personal ambition and work for the national interest of the party, George said, “PDP is not finished.”.

  • Leave PDP immediately – Bode George fires at Atiku, Wike

    Leave PDP immediately – Bode George fires at Atiku, Wike

    Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, says former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, must leave PDP immediately over alleged  anti-party activities.

    George, in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos,  said, “the party is being embarrassed by the open display of affinity by the duo to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”.

    He  accused  the two PDP  chieftains of   hobnobbing with opposition elements, saying they could not continue to claim membership  of the main opposition party with their recent actions.

    “What exactly is going on? Anybody who is tired of PDP should leave and join another party. Enough of this embarrassment.

    “As a founding elder of this party, I will not watch while some people openly disrespect the party. It is impossible,” he said.

    George queried why Atiku ,along wuth others, visited former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna.

    George  also faulted what he called the open endorsement of President Bola  Tinubu by some  PDP governors and PDP leaders ahead of 2027.

    He said: “Nigerians are yearning for change, which only the PDP can offer because ours is the only organised party.

    “This is the time for the national leadership of PDP to take decisive steps to save our great party.

    “As a founding member of our party and statesman, I call on other elders of our party to call Atiku and Wike to order, as the two are not bigger than the PDP.

    “They cannot continue hobnobbing with enemies of our party and think I will keep quiet.

    “The truth must be told every time without minding whose ox is gored. This is the time to save our party from those undermining PDP from within.”

    George also faulted the involvement of Atiku in the coalition to unseat  Tinubu.

    According to him,  if Abubakar is working on  a coalition with others because of 2027, he should do that outside the structure of the party.

    He said: “You cannot be within and be working against the interest of this party. We will never allow that

    “This is the time for our party leadership to wield the big stick because nobody is more powerful than the party.

    “The moment we remove the liabilities in our party, we will be in a formidable position, as an opposition party, to take over power from APC at the federal level in 2027.”

    Also speaking on current economic challenges, George advised Tinubu to create a Special Fund account where Managing Directors of banks will deposit, at least, N20 billion each annually to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

    He alleged that bankers were part of the professionals who created economic hardship in the country.

    George queried the source of the billions of naira declared by banks as profits yearly.

    “There is what is called round-tripping. There is also insider abuse, hidden and fraudulent charges. All these are targeted at Nigerians.

    “You can’t see a bank MD in the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, United Arab Emirates in private jets every other day.

    “Here, our Bank MDs not only charter private jets but own jets. Where are they getting the money from to maintain this type of luxury and lifestyle?

    “The government must look into this. Now that Tinubu is trying to lessen the burden of Nigerians, these bank MDs should be made to pay not less than N20 billion each into this special intervention fund account.”

    He urged the President to  tackle insecurity  and deal with other threats to development.

  • Why I can never leave PDP – Bode George

    Why I can never leave PDP – Bode George

    A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) says he can never leave the party for any other one, no matter the challenges in the party.

    Bode George spoke in an interview with NAN on Sunday on Lagos.

    NAN was reacting to the leadership crisis in the party and how some old members are leaving the party,citing internal wranglings.

    George said the present problems in the party would be resolved and that the party would get stronger .

    He said he strongly believed in the ideology of the party,adding that no other political party had the strong principles as PDP or practised strong internal democracy like the party

    “I can’t leave PDP ,I can’t .Look,every other party is like a miniatured congregation of strange bed fellows.

    “They do not have the principles that we have in the our party.So why would I leave reality for others?I would rather go home because I believe so much in the principles of the party

    “A rolling stone gathers no moss.If we have crisis in the party,we will stay there and resolve it,we are going nowhere “he said.

    He said those leaving PDP over challenges in the party were not committed to the party in the first place.

    George said some of the heavyweights who left the party had since realised that the PDP was the only party practising true internal democracy.

    He said the failure of late Chief Alex Ekwueme ,a foundation member,to get the party’s presidential ticket on  two attempts meant PDP was not built around individuals.

    Speaking on whether the party missed defected chieftains like Mr Peter Obi and Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, presidential candidates of the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) respectively,  George said that the party did not miss anyone.

    He said what had been missing  were the selflessness,dedication and progressive politics of  founding fathers .

    The PDP chieftain said that individual interests should be subsumed under the interest of the party for the PDP to rise above its challenges.

    George stressed the importance of unity, and legacy-building in political leadership, citing  “exemplary conduct” of  Ekwueme,.

    According to him, Ekwueme contested with President Obasanjo and he declared he lost.

    Lauding Ekwueme’s steadfast commitment to democratic principles and party unity, George said, “He never, at any time ,raised his hands to demonise or destroy the party.”

    George said Ekwueme was selfless and  made sacrifices for the good of the party.

    He said consensus-building, dialogue and discipline were key to the stability of the party.