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Tag: President

  • Ekweremadu insists on single term for president, governors, others

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Wednesday, proposed that governors and president spend only a single term of six years in office.

    Ekweremadu shared his thoughts on his social media handles, revealing that many nations across the world had adopted the single term presidency until their democracies were matured enough to transit to other options.

    “In the 1970s, many Latin American democracies faced the same challenges we face in Nigeria today. As many of them transited from military and autocratic regimes to democratic regimes, they discovered that the politics of succession, including incumbents’ penchant for self-perpetuation, overheated their polities and threatened their democracies. They adopted the single term presidency until such a time their respective democracies matured and stabilised.”

    He added that the proposal was shared in the national assembly, however, it wasn’t well received: “In Nigeria’s case we proposed a single term for the President and Governors with several transitional options during the constitution amendment exercise in the 7th National Assembly.

    Unfortunately, it was misunderstood by various political and sectional interests for various reasons and the proposal did not succeed.”

    Sharing his stance, Ekweremadu said: “However, I strongly believe a single term of five or six years for President and Governors, even if for a stipulated period as was the case with several Latin American democracies, is something Nigerians should revisit after the 2019 general elections. This will substantially reduce the political tensions and executive excesses that come with self-succession.”

    See his post on Facebook below:

  • Why I may consider running for president in 2019 – Al-Mustapha

    Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, says he will join the presidential race if prevailed upon by Nigerians to do so.

    Al-Mustapha, a retired major, gave the indication Wednesday in Kaduna in an interview shortly after a meeting with United Christian Leaders Eagle Eye Forum which backed him to join the 2019 presidential race.

    “I am not going to announce myself contesting for a presidential seat, but if people say so that, is the wishes of the people.

    ”I am not a power tasty person, if I am, I would have lost my personality long before now, but when people gather to speak and the decision is by them, then it is a call to serve,” he said.

    According to him, his focus is the protection of the right of Nigerians as provided under the law.

    Al-Mustapha also spoke on the security situation in the country and called for the reintroduction of toll gates, which he described as an effective buffer of uncovering illegal weapons and movement of criminals.

    He also called for the overhaul of the Police Act to strengthen policing at the local level in the country.

    Al-Mustapha particularly said local government councils must be allowed to work effectively, so as to tackle local challenges including security.

    He described the efforts of the EFCC in fighting corruption “as a small monkey given a thread to arrest an elephant, but abandoned it and is busy destroying the animal kingdom.

    “If you have to fight corruption in Nigeria, you have to tackle it from multifaceted angles; the EFCC is not strong enough to fight corruption.

    “It requires a bigger body that has the capacity of intelligence that can reach out to the international community to get our stolen funds stashed abroad and equally prosecute rather than relying on the regular Police to do that.”

    On the Abacha loot, the former CSO to the late Head of State said, he knew nothing about it.

    “The fact that some of Nigerian leaders were corrupt does not mean that everyone that serve in government is a thief. Some of us can stand and challenge any institution or individual any day any time.

    “Stealing is not what you require, but its service to the nation that matters. Any money that you steal not to render service to the people makes the owner an illiterate, vision less storekeeper.”

    Earlier, Chairman of the United Christian Leaders Eagle Eye Forum, Aminchi Habu, said the forum, after critical analysis and observations has endorsed Mr Al-Mustapha to contest in the upcoming presidential election in 2019.

    He said the forum will stand with Mr Al-Mustapha once he makes up his mind to run for the presidency because of his integrity.

     

  • 2019: Why I am not desperate to be Nigeria’s president – Atiku

    2019: Why I am not desperate to be Nigeria’s president – Atiku

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he is not desperate to be the nation’s number one citizen in 2019.

    Atiku, a presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who noted that he would not leave the party even if he lost the primaries, said he would have become president in 2003 if he were desperate.

    Addressing reporters after meeting Benin monarch Oba Ewuare II, as part of his nationwide consultation tour, Atiku said he stepped down for the late MKO Abiola because of the country’s interest.

    He said: “What do you expect my critics to say? I can run as many times as I want. I am fit and qualified and I still have ideas to put this country in the right path. What is wrong in trying again and again?

    “I am not desperate to become president. If I were desperate, I would have taken the presidency in 2003. If I were desperate, I would not have stepped down for Abiola. I have the interest of this country at heart.”

    Oba Ewuare II said he would pray to God and his ancestors for the emergence of leaders, who would cater for the poor.

    He urged politicians to tackle insecurity, saying Nigeria would remain underdeveloped if security matters were not prioritised.

    The monarch, who spoke when Atiku visited his palace, said Nigeria would remain indivisible despite the security challenges.

    A woman, Grace Osagie, collapsed at the Benin Airport while waiting for the arrival of Atiku.

    The woman slumped while standing in the sun alongside other PDP supporters to give Atiku a rousing welcome.

    Sympathisers poured water on her to revive her.

    Atiku later met Edo PDP delegates at the party secretariat.

  • [TRENDING VIDEO] Prophet reveals identity of Nigeria’s next president, says his name begins with ‘S’

    [TRENDING VIDEO] Prophet reveals identity of Nigeria’s next president, says his name begins with ‘S’

    A South Africa-based Nigerian prophet and general overseer of Freedom For all Nations Outreach, Pastor Samuel Akinbodunse, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to step down while hinting at the next president in 2019.

    In a trending video, Akinbodunse in the video said the next president of Nigeria is a young person whose name begins with “S”.

    In his words: “Nigeria, your next president is a youth. I don’t want to care about whatever anyone may say, your next president is a youth. God has left fathers and God has located a youth. I see a name starting with “S”. I see a chair and I see “S” sitting on the chair. And the country becomes peaceful. If you know Obasanjo, tell Obasanjo, God said he must use all the resources he has to support this elected youth by God. The same way Samuel supported David.”

  • 2019: How I will lead Nigerians if elected president – Kingsley Moghalu

    Professor Kingsley Moghalu has said he will continue to hold town hall meetings to engage directly with the Nigerian people, including at the grassroots, even after he becomes President in 2019. He said he will not only be sending a representative.

    He made this known during a seminar he conducted on “The Nexus between Youth Civic Participation and National Development” on August 2, 2018 at the Julius Berger Hall, University of Lagos, to engage students and volunteers for his “To Build A Nation” (TBAN) movement.

    Moghalu made a case for inclusive participation in the political affairs of the country, as he said, “Politics matters! It decides who decides your destiny. The government of the day decides the state of healthcare, provision of jobs, and security of the lives of citizens and property.”

    The presidential aspirant on the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), stated that it is “the collective task of all citizens to rescue Nigeria from political tyrants in 2019.” Furthermore, he added that 2019 is not just an election but an historic choice — “a choice between recycled politicians and inclusive government of newbreed, visionary leaders and young people.”

    Earlier in the day, the former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria gave a remarkable charge that saw the audience respond in uproarious applause at the National Young Leaders Summit 2018 in honour of Comrade Ahmed Ojikutu’s 40th birthday celebrations.

    Speaking on the current on-going mass defections, Moghalu said “politicians are going into a political grazing reserve and we will lock the door behind them. Their movements are not done with the interest of the common man but for selfish reasons.”

    The former United Nations (UN) official said the youths will decide the destiny of Nigeria come 2019. He said the instruments to effect that change is the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and voting carefully.

  • BREAKING: Obasanjo spits fire, says ‘God will never forgive me if I support Atiku for president’

    Contrary to popular developments in the Nigerian political space of a mended relationship between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his erstwhile vice and a presidential hopeful under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the former Nigerian leader has cleared the air that his views about Atiku remain unchanged.

    The former president in clear terms he won’t support Atiku’s presidential bid.

    Obasanjo who spoke in a bare-it-all manner with Premium Times shortly after his arrival from Kigali on Friday afternoon said he would never pitch his tent with Atiku politically.

    “How can I be on the same side with Atiku?” Obasanjo asked. “To do what?”

    “If I support Atiku for anything, God will not forgive me. If I do not know, yes. But once I know, Atiku can never enjoy my support,” he added.

    Obasanjo rejected all notions that his remarks could be deemed too personal, coming as 2019 presidential campaign gathers steam with Atiku amongst the front-runners.

    The pronouncement comes barely two weeks after Atiku declared his intention to run for president, touting his pro-business credentials and lambasting President Muhammadu Buhari for his handling of the country’s security situation.

    Before then, the former vice president, who has unsuccessfully run for the top office multiple times, spent the past few months criss-crossing the country as part of a strategy aimed at broadening his appeal amongst politicians and the electorate.

    It also comes a little over a month after the two met at an event in Abuja and shook each other’s hands before photographers, days after reports said Obasanjo was under pressure to back Atiku.

    “I do not have personal grudges with anyone,” Obasanjo said. “If you do not do well for Nigeria, you do not do well for all of us.”

    “It is not a question of working with or not working with an individual,” he said. “If you are working for the good of Nigeria, I am working with you. If you are not working for the good of Nigeria it does not matter who you are I am not working with you.”

  • Bodyguard punches old man for getting too close to president [Video]

    Bodyguard punches old man for getting too close to president [Video]

    In a trending video, a bodyguard of the Ghanaian president, Nana Akufo-Addo, was seen punching an elderly man, who was approaching the vehicle of the president.

    The man was seen running towards the convoy of the president with his hand outstretched as though aiming for a handshake from Akufo-Addo. However, he was met with a feisty blow by the security guard, reports Adomonline.

    The man landed flatly on the ground before he was helped back to his feet by observers.

    It is unclear where this incident happened but the video suggests it took place on one of the nationwide tours by the President.

    The President has been on a nationwide tour since June, visiting the Volta, Brong Ahafo and the Western Regions.

    See video as shared by Society Watch:

    https://youtu.be/hjmWWef6T9M

  • 2019: After consultations, Atiku declares for president tomorrow

    2019: After consultations, Atiku declares for president tomorrow

    After several months of consultations with critical stakeholders in Nigeria and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar will on Saturday, 21 July, make a formal declaration to contest the 2019 presidential election under the PDP.

    A press release from the media office of the former Vice President notes that Atiku will be making his declaration at a political rally in Yola, the capital of his home state of Adamawa.

    According to the press release, Atiku’s decision to join the presidential race in 2019 is in response to the yearnings of majority of Nigerians to enthrone a government that will fix the country’s broken economy, strengthen national unity and create much-needed jobs for Nigerians.

    “After extensive consultations with his family, Nigerians of diverse dispensations at home and abroad, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar has decided to make a formal bid for the 2019 presidential election race under the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”, the statement said.

    Atiku Abubakar has embarked on nationwide consultative visits to many states across the country where he met with stakeholders in the PDP. He has visited all but one of the states in the South-South geo-political zone, as well as some states in the South-East geo-political zone.

    Just this week, the former Vice President and leading presidential hopeful, embarked on visitations to states in the North-East zone where he met with stakeholders from Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba and culminating with a grand rally in his honour by the Adamawa State Peoples Democratic Party in Yola on Saturday, 21 July.

    The release, however, notes that the consultative visits to other geo-political zones of the country will continue in earnest after the formal declaration.

    It notes further that Atiku’s declaration today will be followed with the unveiling of a policy document that will give a clear direction to the solutions that the former Vice President hopes to bring to bear in governance if elected president of the country.

    “The campaign’s policy documents being baked by policy experts from diverse backgrounds and youth professionals across the country will be unveiled as soon as the process is concluded.

    “The policy document covers a large area of Nigeria’s national life including the economy, restructuring, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth and women development among many others”, the statement added.

    The statement thanks PDP stakeholders from states already visited for the warm reception accorded the former Vice President and his delegation and remarks that “Atiku looks forward to a robust consultation in visits to other states on his schedule.”

  • 2019: Okotie ready to run for President, begs PDP, APC for ticket

    2019: Okotie ready to run for President, begs PDP, APC for ticket

    Popular Nigerian cleric, Pastor Chris Okotie of Household of God Church International Ministries, has declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2019 general elections.

    Reports indicated that the cleric declared his intention to run for the 2019 presidential election during his church’s service on Sunday.

    Okotie called on Nigeria’s two political parties APC and PDP to adopt him as their presidential candidate.

    Speaking at a press conference in his church today, Okotie cited the dashed dreams and aspirations of the people having been confined to oblivion.

    “Some days ago, I wrote a letter to the chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Uche Secondus, asking them not to field any Presidential candidate, that they should adopt me.”

    Okotie reportedly noted that Nigeria is a crying nation that need liberation and that the solution to Nigeria’s problem does not lies on APC or PDP, adding, “This is the beginning of the complete turnaround of our nation”

    Okotie had been part of the three past presidential elections in the country.

    He first ran for the president under the banner of the Justice Party (JP), led by Ralph Obiorah. He contested again in 2007 on the platform of a party he founded, Fresh Democratic party, FRESH and lost to Umaru Yar’Adua in the May 2007 elections.

    He also contested against President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, but was not part of the 2015 presidential race.

  • Buhari congratulates Turkish President on re-election victory

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday evening spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Mr Recep Erdogan, via telephone, and congratulated him over his re-election.

    The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    The presidential aide stated that Buhari in the telephone conversation with Erdogan said he looked forward to the strengthening of relations between Nigeria and Turkey.

    President Buhari expressed the hope that the results of the recently held elections would strengthen democracy and lead Turkey towards more economic prosperity.

    He also welcomed his invitation to the July 9 inauguration but regretted his inability to be personally present.

    He told the Turkish President that he would be sending the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Muhammed Bello to represent him.

    Shehu observed that Presidents Buhari and Erdogan had enjoyed a great relationship and had met a number of times since their coming into office.

    President Erdogan emerged winner of the June 25 Turkish presidential election with 52.5 per cent of the total votes cast during the exercise.

    Erdogan’s closest challenger, Muharrem Ince, who got 31per cent, had since conceded defeat.