TheNewsGuru

Tag: Re-election

  • 2019: I’m not seeking re-election for personal gains – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated that the driving force for seeking public office should be to serve the people, improve their lives and not for frivolity or personal ambition.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Malam Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.

    The statement said that Buhari made this known at the All Progressives Party’s (APC) Ward Congress held at Bayagida Model Primary School, Daura, Katsina State on Saturday.

    The president also maintained that the passion to serve and see real changes in the lives of Nigerians informed his choice to join partisan politics in the first place.

    He said the zeal inspired him to contest elections in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015.

    Buhari said that his decision to seek a second term in office was borne out of a deep passion to serve Nigerians, and not for personal gains.

    He noted that his administration had already started the process of ensuring fairness, justice and equity, in spite of challenges, and would work hard to consolidate on the gains.

    “I am not in politics for fun, frivolity or to amass wealth, I have always been driven by a deep sense of commitment to make a difference to lives of our people.

    “After my retirement from the army, or forceful retirement, I sat back and watched as events unfolded on the political turf, and realised the country needed an intervention for fairness, justice and inclusion of Nigerians in the issues that affect their lives,’’ he added.

    The President called for patience, maturity and orderliness as the 2019 elections’ calendar begins to unfold.

    He urged political parties, candidates and the electorate to put the country first and always remember that “victory ultimately belongs to God.’’

    He said: “After going to the court so many times to challenge results of elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011, and going up to the Supreme Court, I concluded that ultimately it is God who determines who will win elections, and in 2015 I got here.’’

    In his remarks, Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina state said the process of electing the leaders of the party at the ward level was hitch-free, orderly and based on the constitution of the APC.

    “What we have here are our leaders that were chosen based on consensus and we are happy that it reflects the will of the people and the APC constitution.

    “We followed the process to also ensure that there is affirmation,’’ he said.

    The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Ward Congress, who is also the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq urged the party leaders to remain loyal and live up to expectations.

  • 2019: Why Buhari should forget seeking reelection – CNPP

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has described as ‘disappointing’ the declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari to seek reelection in 2019.

    It noted that the president had nothing to show for Nigerian to vote him back to office in 2019.

    Recall that president on Monday declared his intention to run for the presidency a second time in 2019 after his initial silence.

    While reacting to the president’s declaration, the CNPP in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Willy Ezugwu, said Nigeria should be thinking of electing a patriotic politician who understands economic dynamics and inclusive governance.

    “It is disappointing that the President will choose to declare for a second term at when the security of lives and property of Nigerians cannot be guaranteed. The President’s declaration of intention to run at this time is the height of insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians who are suffering under his administration as he has nothing concrete in terms of achievement to show Nigerians.

    “Today, we can count businesses that have either collapsed or are operating under the worst economic condition in history of our dear country, with no single high profile conviction in his so-called anti-corruption war in three years.

    “His anti-corruption campaign has obviously be turned into a blackmailing tool aimed at painting one political party black, while anyone accused of corruption that joins the All Progressives Congress (APC) automatically becomes a saint and must be protected to enjoy his loot. That is not war against corruption,” the statement said.

    It added that Nigerians at this time should be moving with the global tide by thinking of electing a successful patriotic man or woman as president.

    “Re-electing the incumbent is to vote for continuity of failure as the first term in the office is usually the time to win the confidence of the electorate but Mr President has performed so woefully in security, nation building, provision of infrastructure, employment generation, name it to seek re-election. His government has failed all-round.

    “We, as Nigerians, have experimented enough in the last three years. The hungry and jobless citizens can no longer endure, and cannot afford to see another four years of this failed administration after 2019,” the CNPP said.

  • 2019: GDI mobilises Rivers indigenes in diaspora for Wike’s re-election

    Grassroots development initiatives (GDI) has appealed to the indigenes of Rivers State In diaspora to come home en masse to participate in the 2019 general elections and vote massively for the continuation of the progressive and all-inclusive government of Governor Nyesom Wike.

    At a meeting of Nigerians in diaspora held at Kempton Park, West Street in Johannesburg, South Africa, the convener of GDI, Pastor Egba B. H Egba said that the group is particularly happy with Governor Wike for making River State the first destination for foreign investments in Nigeria. “His all inclusive developmental projects have made considerable impact on the economy of the state.

    Egba who also doubles as the President of the Union of Rivers State Indigenes in South Africa and the founder of N. E. W. Prayer squad for the mobilisation of 1.8 million Christians for the re-election of Governor Nyesom Wike come 2019, commended him for the relief he has brought to Rivers State students who are on scholarship studying various courses abroad. “But for Governor Wike, many students would have been stranded”. Pastor Egba also commended the Governor for insisting that courses available in Nigeria would no more qualify for overseas scholarship. This has saved the state considerable cost

    Egba used the occasion to assure indigenes of Rivers State in the diaspora that His Excellency, Nyesom Wike will continue to keep the welfare of state indigenes at heart at home and abroad. The event was rounded up with those in attendance feasting on their favorite Nigerian delicacies as they shower praises to God for giving them Wike.

  • Buhari congratulates Putin on re-election

    President Muhammadu Buhari has extended “sincere congratulations” to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on his victory in the recent presidential election.

    The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement in Abuja.

    Buhari’s congratulatory message was contained in a letter on behalf of himself, the government and people of Nigeria.

    He noted that Putin’s “success for the fourth time in the election is a clear testimony of the confidence” Russians have in his leadership.

    The president also urged his Russian counterpart to “see this victory as a base to continue to promote international peace and stability.”

    Buhari assured Putin of “Nigeria’s commitment to a stronger and mutually beneficial relation with the Russian Federation under your watch.”

    He said he looked forward to continue working with the Russian leader “to strengthen our defence, trade and technical partnerships as well as promotion of private sector participation in all sectors of our economies.”

    The Russian Central Elections Commission said Putin scored 76.7 per cent of votes cast at Sunday’s presidential election to defeat his nearest challenger, the Communist Party candidate Pavel Grudinin, who received 11.8 per cent of the vote.

    Vladimir Zhirinovsky came third with 5.7 per cent.

  • Buhari congratulates Chinese President, Xi Jinping on re-election

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Chinese President Xi Jinping on his re-election as the President of the Peoples Republic of China.

    In a letter personally signed by him, the Nigerian leader praised his Chinese counterpart for his wisdom and vision.

    “On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I congratulate you most sincerely on your re-election as the President of the Peoples Republic of China.

    “Your re-election is an indication of the trust and confidence reposed in you by the people of China on your ability to bring your vision and wisdom to bear in the conduct of national and global affairs,” he said.

    President Buhari also looked forward to increased cooperation between China and Nigeria on one hand and China and Africa on the other hand.

    “It is my firm belief that your re-election will also bolster the existing mutually benefiting partnership between the Peoples Republic of China and Nigeria.

    “I look forward to meeting Your Excellency at the forthcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit in September 2018. I am confident that it will be a great success and good opportunity to draw up new levels of partnership between Africa and China,” President Buhari said.

  • {Photo] Shittu distributes Buhari’s re-election caps at FEC meeting

    Despite the controversies surrounding President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection bid, the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, on Wednesday, attended the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting with a bag full of President Buhari’s re-election campaign caps.

    Shittu distributes Buhari’s re-election caps at FEC meeting

    The caps were packed inside a big bag popularly known as “Ghana-must-go.”

    Shortly before the commencement of the meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the minister handed over the bag to the council’s secretariat staff members.

    The workers are the ones saddled with the responsibility of distributing council documents and other items to members.

    They were meant to distribute the caps to ministers and other council members in attendance.

    Shittu, who was wearing a suit, wore his own blue cap.

    The cap has the logo of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the inscription, “Continuity ’19: Muhammadu Buhari/Osinbajo” on it.

    Photojournalists ensured that they captured him while exchanging pleasantries with some of his colleagues.

    Recall that Shittu had, on Saturday, inaugurated the South West Zonal Office of Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organisation in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The caps he distributed at the council meeting were believed to be the souvenirs he produced for the Ibadan event.

    The distribution of the caps at the meeting came barely 24 hours after former President Olusegun Obasanjo advised Buhari not to seek re-election in 2019.

     

  • You were desperate for third term; Buhari also deserves re-election, Sagay replies Obasanjo

    You were desperate for third term; Buhari also deserves re-election, Sagay replies Obasanjo

    The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Itse Sagay, has said former President Obasanjo who was desperate for a third term in office in 2003 does not have the audacity to stop/advice President Muhammadu Buhari not to seek reelection if he so pleases in 2019.

    The presidential aid also described Obasanjo’s criticism of Buhari’s performance in office as ‘inappropriate’ and ‘insulting’.

    Recall that Obasanjo had in a statement released Tuesday urged the president not to seek re-election, saying he has performed below par since assuming office.

    The former president lambasted President Buhari, saying he should willingly decline calls for him to seek re-election from ‘sycophants’.

    However, in a swift reaction, Mr. Sagay accused Mr. Obasanjo of hypocrisy, saying the former president pursued a third term when he was in power.

    Speaking to The Nation newspaper, Mr. Sagay expressed surprise at the content of Mr. Obasanjo’s letter, adding that then former president should learn to ‘respect other people’.

    “I saw Obasanjo’s comments and I could not believe my eyes, that a man who tried to get a third term is discouraging someone else from getting a second term. It doesn’t make sense,” he said.

    “I think Obasanjo should try and respect other people. He has achieved a lot. He is a great man and I respect him. But he should learn to respect other people and think of them as being, at least, as good as himself.

    “I think it is insulting for a man who wanted third term to tell somebody else not to want second term. It is most inappropriate, and for a former head of state to say so is most improper.”

    Mr. Obasanjo had in 2013 written a similar letter to former President Goodluck Jonathan, and later dramatically supervised the destruction of his membership card of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

    However, the presidency and the ruling APC are yet to reply Mr. Obasanjo’s letter as both presidential spokespersons have a maintained ‘a no comment’ stance on the matter.

  • 2019: APC appoints Okorocha South-East leader of Buhari’s re-election campaign

    The Southeast leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress has endorsed Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State as the leader of the Southeast Zonal Campaign Council of President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election bid.

    They also agreed to work together for both the success of Buhari and party in other elections in the zone.

    This was the outcome of the party’s meeting on Sunday night at the Abuja Lodge of the Imo State Governor.

    In a release signed by Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo on Monday, the APC Southeastern leaders agreed to set up Buhari’s campaign organisation in the zone, with Okorocha as the leader, while similar structures would be set up in the other four southeastern states.

    The release partly read, “The Southeast APC leaders have resolved that they would not allow the fate that had befallen APC in the zone in 2015 to repeat itself in 2019.”

    The meeting, which was said to have lasted for hours, ended on a convivial note.

  • 2019: NEC’s approved $1bn is for Buhari’s re-election – Fayose

    Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has alleged that the decision to withdraw $1bn from the Excess Crude Account to fight Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East region is a means by the All Progressives Congress-led federal government to fund President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election in 2019.

    The governor, in a statement on Friday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said, “For posterity sake, I wish to place it on record that I was not among the governors, who approved the withdrawal of almost half of our savings in the Excess Crude Account, which belongs to the three tiers of government to fight an already defeated insurgency.”

    According to the governor, since they said they have defeated Boko Haram, what else do they need a whopping sum of $1bn (over N360bn) for; if not to fund the 2019 elections?

    He said, “The APC promised to wipe out Boko Haram within six months, now it is 31 months and what the APC government is wiping out is the economy of Nigeria and the means of livelihood of the people.”

  • Kenya2017: Osinbajo, Obasanjo congratulate Kenyatta on re-election

    The Acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has congratulated President Uhuru Kenyatta on his re-election as President of the Republic of Kenya.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Kenyatta was declared the winner on Friday of with 54.27 percent of votes, beating his rival Raila Odinga who scored 44.74 percent.

    In a letter signed by the Acting President after the formal announcement of the election results over the weekend, and addressed to the Kenyan leader, he said, “I have the honour on behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to congratulate you on your successful re-election as the President of the Republic of Kenya.”

    Osinbajo noted that President Kenyatta’s re-election bears testimony to his selfless service to Kenya and to the giant strides he has taken in the transformation of the country in the last few years.

    “Permit me therefore to use this momentous occasion to reiterate Nigeria’s support and cooperation with Kenya in our collective determination to advance the development of Africa and its people,” the acting president noted.

    Osinbajo extended his best wishes to the people of Kenya on the successful conclusion of the August 8 general elections in the country and wished Mr. Kenyatta a very successful new term in office.

    Meanwhile, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has also written to congratulate Kenyatta on his re-election.

    Obasanjo’s letter, dated August 12, 2017, noted that last Tuesday’s election in the East African country is not devoid of “some elements of push and pull” associated with recent elections in the continent.

    He however said rather than see these issues as challenges, they should be used as an opportunity to “bind the wound and to unite a country divided by the electoral process.”

    “All friends of Kenya were anxious that there should be no similar violence that followed the election in 2008. So far, so good and thanks to God,” Obasanjo wrote.

    “May I crave your indulgence to suggest that for stability of democracy in Kenya and for the interest of the people of Kenya as a whole, that the allegations of manipulation of results in the process of transmission should be thoroughly investigated with an appropriate measures taken to ensure integrity of future elections, as may be necessary,” he added.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the country’s opposition has since rejected the result calling it a “charade” and a “disaster.”

    “We are not going to be party to it. Our issues have not been addressed. One can conclude they [electoral commission] are not keen on taking our concerns seriously,”said Musalia Mudavadi, a senior official of the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) and former Kenyan vice president.