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Category: Politics Lite

  • I will support Jonathan’s 2027 presidential ambition with my blood – Gov Bala Mohammed

    I will support Jonathan’s 2027 presidential ambition with my blood – Gov Bala Mohammed

    The taste of the pudding, the saying goes, is in the eating. So, it is no surprise that former FCT Minister and Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed vows to throw his full weight behind his former boss and erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan, should the latter choose to join the  presidential race in 2027.
    Mr. Mohammed, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Governors’ forum, said if Dr. Jonathan were persuaded to contest in the 2027 presidential election, he would support the ex-president.
    “With regard to your call for me to present myself, I am still contemplating my chances as the leader of the opposition. I know there are good leaders within the PDP, especially my boss, Goodluck Jonathan.
    “I have always said that as long as Jonathan is around, I will not present myself for leadership of this country unless he decides not to run. If we can persuade him to come forward, I will support him with my blood. Out of modesty, he is still not ready.
    “I hope you will meet him and encourage him to run,” the Bauchi governor stated while responding to a group urging him to run for president in 2027.
    Citing Dr. Jonathan’s experience and inclusive approach to economic reforms during his tenure, Mr. Mohammed said he was optimistic Dr. Jonathan would perform better than President Bola Tinubu if elected.
    “He will do a better job because he has the experience. We know the prices of things. We know the level of inflation. During Jonathan’s regime, he was inclusive, addressing issues like the Almajiri system and creating initiatives for unemployed youths,” Mr. Mohammed explained. “His (Jonathan) leadership recruitment was exemplary. We need leaders like him—young people with energy, foresight, and drive.”
    Dr. Jonathan, was Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015.
    However, his government was largely characterized as corrupt and weak by an opposition that has turned out to be worse.

  • APC tackles Bauchi Governor For Attacking Tinubu

    Ever in denial of their policy flipflops, the Bauchi State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has called out Governor Bala Mohammed for criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies.

    In a veiled attempt to deflect the subject matter, the party attributed the governor’s attack of the Federal Governments unpopular policies to the judgement of the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to local governments across the federation.

    It pointed out that “the judgement has denied the governor free money the governor and his puppets have been feeding fat on,” a decision that APC believes has curbed the governor’s access to funds previously used for personal gain.

    Recall that Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the main opposition party, had criticised the president’s policies in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests, saying he is implementing policies that are inflicting hardship on the people.

    Reacting to the governor’s criticism of the Tinubu-led administration, the party, in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by the State APC Publicity Committee Chairman, Malam Saadu Umar, argued that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, both the nation’s economy and Bauchi State have seen significant improvements through the implementation of various projects.

    Malam Saadu Umar countered Mohammed, stating that challenges are inevitable in any nation.

    He added that it is unreasonable for the governor to blame President Tinubu for the removal of the fuel subsidy, a policy he supported as a minister in President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    “While there are challenges, President Tinubu’s policies are yielding positive results. For example, these policies have significantly increased the monthly allocations Governor Mohammed receives, with his administration having collected over N87.4 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between January and June,” the statement read.

    APC mentioned that President Tinubu had provided over N135.4 billion to state governments last December to assist the poor and vulnerable, stating that an additional N438 billion was recently allocated to combat hunger in Bauchi and other states.

    Nigeria's H1 2023 foreign trade data raises questions about economic balance

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

    The party accused Governor Mohammed of mismanaging public resources, stating: “Rather than paying the recently mandated N70,000 minimum wage to Bauchi workers, Governor Mohammed has spent over N11.6 billion on a questionable financial consultant by June this year. Another N9 billion was paid to the same consultant last year.

    “Instead of addressing workers’ welfare, the governor has spent over N33.5 billion on overhead costs for his government house and office.”

    APC further accused the governor of distorting public spending by focusing on projects like flyovers instead of addressing citizens’ needs, such as the payment of gratuities to pensioners.

    Finally, APC urged President Tinubu and the National Assembly to remove governors from overseeing local government council elections, arguing that this is the only way to ensure free and fair elections at the local level.

  • Hunger Protest: Hoodlums invade Offices in P/Harcourt

    Hoodlums, involved in the widespread hijacking of the #EndBadGovernance protest, attacked the headquarters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers State on Tuesday, destroying a giant Billboard and the entrance gate.

    There have been demonstrations across various states since last Thursday, with protesters expressing dissatisfaction over the nation’s economic challenges.
    The hoodlums were said to have invaded the party’s secretariat located along Port Harcourt/Aba road, pulled down the giant billboard, and vandalized the entrance gate and canopies providing shelter to security operatives.
    In an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of APC in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, condemned the incident, stating that the destruction was sponsored by people afraid of the party’s rising profile in the state.
    He alleged that the attack was premeditated to get at President Bola Tinubu and make Rivers State the epicenter of protest.
    Okocha said they are not scared to name the sponsors and called on the Rivers State Police Command to beef up security around and within the party’s secretariat.
    He said, “Today, the issue on point is the vandalization of the APC Secretariat situated at Port Harcourt/Aba Express Road in Port Harcourt by hoodlums who were sponsored by a source we have identified. We are not scared to name the source because the situation has become very political. Of course why is it that it’s only APC that was isolated for destruction?
    “But the million of those attacks will not stop us in APC from speaking for the people of Rivers State. It will not stop us from being diametrically opposed to a government that is clueless. It can’t stop us. When the Rivers State House of Assembly was pulled down, it did not stop the Assembly from sitting.
    “I am aware and we were briefed that there are plans to make Rivers State the epicenter of protest for obvious reasons. One reason is that they need to get to Mr. President that Mr President does not seem to be supporting them.”
  • Form Government Of National Unity Or Resign –  Ex-APC Chieftain

    Form Government Of National Unity Or Resign –  Ex-APC Chieftain

    “In truth you have united Nigerians with your bad government and hunger.”
    In a scathing open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, former National Welfare Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has called for some radical changes in the Nigerian government.
    Onyeagucha, who gained prominence as a pro-democracy activist and previously participated in high-profile protests, criticized the current administration’s handling of national issues.
    The letter, dated August 5, 2024, comes amidst widespread protests against hunger and poor governance, which began on August 1.
    Onyeagucha asserted that the president’s recent address to the nation exacerbated public discontent, stating, “Your contempt and or ignorance about the level of hunger and anger against your administration was perfectly captured in your Broadcast to the Nation on Sunday, 4th August 2024. Your broadcast to the Nation has added serious fuel in the flame.”
    In his letter, Onyeagucha presented President Tinubu with two stark choices: “You should dissolve your Government immediately and proclaim the formation of a Government of National Unity,” he writes. “I pray that God will touch Nigerians to accept this option in the light of the contempt which you displayed against Nigerians in your Broadcast.”
    Alternatively, Onyeagucha suggested, “You should resign as President and proceed immediately on Exile to enable Nigeria start on clean slate again.”
    He warned that failing to act on these options could lead Nigeria into severe political, economic, and social crises, stating,
     “Your failure to consider any of these options would very likely drive Nigeria into a Political, Economic and Social crisis of huge proportion.”
  • Protest:Senator advices looters and vandals …assures constituents of responsive representation

    Protest:Senator advices looters and vandals …assures constituents of responsive representation

    By Caroline Ameh

    Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC Jigawa North West) on Monday in Abuja, has expressed worry over looting and vandalism being inflicted on public and private properties by violent protesters in some parts of the country.

    In a personally signed statement, Senator Hussaini specifically berated those who turned national protest against perceived bad governance into looting and vandalism of public and private properties in Jigawa State.

    He said though he was affected by the violent protest but not deterred from giving the people of Jigawa North West, quality and responsive representation in the Senate through development-driven legislation.

    The statement reads in part: “I feel deeply touched by the unfortunate incidences across the nation resulting from the national protests by some Nigerians ostensibly in the exercise of their legitimate concerns on the state of the nation, on 1st August, 2024.

    “My thoughts and sympathies go to the people of my senatorial district, Jigawa State and Nigerians whose lives were lost and property vandalized and looted by miscreants under the guise of a national protest against perceived bad governance.

    “As one of the victims of the wanton destruction of property and looting in Jigawa State, I consider what happened as a manifestation of the unfortunate circumstances in which we found ourselves as a nation at this historic moment.

    “It is clear to all that the predictable negative consequences of the demonstrations do not in any way define the issues being canvassed by the organizers, instead they reveal the orchestrated intentions of mischief makers and the enemies of State to destabilize the polity for their selfish interests.

    “I wish to assure my constituents that I am not angry at what has happened to me personally and I cannot be DETERRED or DISTRACTED from my legislative service compact with the people of Jigawa North West Senatorial District.

    “In fact, I remain RESOLUTE and COMMITTED in serving my people more than ever before in the pursuit of effective legislation that will positively impact the people of my Senatorial District and Nigeria in general, under the legislative agenda of the 10′ National Assembly, headed by Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “.

  • Labour Party Reacts As Kenneth Okonkwo Dumps Peter Obi

    Labour Party Reacts As Kenneth Okonkwo Dumps Peter Obi

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    The Labour Party (LP), has reacted to the decision of veteran actor and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, to dissociate himself from the leadership of Peter Obi.

    Labour Party in a statement on Sunday while condemning the attack on Obi, said they are not surprised by Okonkwo’s decision.

     Okonkwo in announcing his decision on Sunday, said Obi lacks the capacity to rally the party and lead as expected.

    However, the party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said Okonkwo smuggled himself into the presidential campaign team of Obi during the 2023 elections, and they are not surprised by his decision.

    Ifoh added that Okonkwo is only seeking attention with his actions and Nigerians don’t need political jobbers like him.

    The LP statement further stated that the party is aware of the moles within its ranks who are sure to be exposed and fumigated.

    It also reaffirmed the Labour Party’s decision to stand with Peter Obi and present him as the party’s candidate for the 2027 elections.

    According to the statement, “If you recall, recently a former Director General of the party’s presidential campaign organisation resigned and rejoined the APC. Only last week, a former deputy Director General of the presidential campaign organisation also resigned and rejoined the APC.

    “Today, it is the turn of Mr. Okonkwo, a former member of APC, who smuggled himself into the presidential campaign, and his destination is already known to us.

    “Needless to say that Nigeria is not in want of political jesters and jobbers whose stomach are their gods. Labour Party is not perturbed by his decision to move on and in fact, we wish him well in his future endeavours, whether in acting, law practice, politics or otherwise.

    “We also wish to note here, that the party is aware of a few other persons who are planted as moles, who are presently instigating crisis within the party, and who have unsuccessfully attempted to hijack the party for the use of their paymasters. We urge them to act fast and do the needful before they are exposed and fumigated out of the party.

    “Labour Party is keeping to its decision to stand with Peter Obi as its leader and presidential hopefully come 2027 presidential election and we are not apologetical about that position.

    “Coordinated attacks from some quarters will not in anyway diminish the trust Nigerians, particularly, the Obidients and youths in Nigeria have in him. We know that with him, a new Nigeria will be possible. Nigerians spoke loudly in 2023 and they will speak even louder come 2027.”

  • BREAKING: Senate Confirms Ifeanyi Ubah’s Death

    BREAKING: Senate Confirms Ifeanyi Ubah’s Death

    The Senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah, is dead.

    Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death on Saturday, but did not give details.

    However, a source told Daily Trust that the lawmaker had flown to United Kingdom for a surgery.

    Ubah who until his death was a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), died at the age of 53.

    He was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil.

    Ubah was first elected into the senate under the platform of Young People’s Party (YPP) in 2019.

    He was re-elected in 2023 under YPP but defected to the All Progressive Congress after.

    In September 2022, Ubah escaped assassination when he was attacked by gunmen on his way to Nnewi in Enugwu-Ukwu in Anambra State.

    His convoy was shot at, and at least five persons, including two policemen, were killed.

    He survived as the vehicle he was riding in was bulletproof.

  • BREAKING:INEC can handle local government elections, says chairman Yakubu

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared it can comfortably handle the conduct of local government elections if the responsibility falls on it.

    The chairman of the commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said this on Thursday, July 25, when he appeared before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

    He said INEC has the capacity to handle the local government elections but that would only be possible pending when the law is amended to permit it to do so.

    He pointed out that the Commission had been conducting area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory which has been devoid of the problems associated with the conduct of local government elections.

    He pointed out some advantages of INEC handling elections to include that there are regular elections as when due, stability of tenure, and also that there has never been a caretaker committee in the FCT.

    He noted that there has never been a time one political party has won all the seats at the elections as is common in the states.

    He said if INEC handles the election, it would be better for democracy.

    He, however, said this can only happen if the constitution is amended to take the responsibility from state electoral commissions.

  • Why I Withdrew From Presidential Race – Biden

    Why I Withdrew From Presidential Race – Biden

    President Joe Biden of the United States (US) has explained why he withdrew from the November 5 election.

    Biden, 81, served as deputy of Barack Obama, during his two terms as America’s number one citizen.

    Like Obama and other Democrats, Biden lined up behind Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Presidential election won by President Donald Trump.

    Four years later, Biden defeated Trump who was seeking reelection. Then 77, he had made history as the oldest person to be elected into the Oval Office.

    However, his presidency has been marred with controversies, especially on account of ill-health and fitness.

    The issue reached its height after Trump defeated him by a wide margin in a presidential debate some weeks ago.

    Biden had consistently resisted pressure to quit until he announced it in a post on his X handle, on Sunday.

    While announcing his decision to step down, Biden said he would remain as President and Commander-in-Chief until his term ends in January 2025.

    Speaking in a televised address on Wednesday night, Biden said he ended his re-election campaign in a bid to save US democracy.

    According to him, he endorsed his deputy, Kamala Harris, to unite their fellow Democrats and the country.

    He said: “I revere this office. But I love my country more. I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.

    “That is the best way to unite our nation.”

    The US president said he believed his record warranted a second term, but “nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition”.

    He added: “The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.”

    Biden is the first sitting president not to seek re-election since 1968 when Lyndon Johnson halted his campaign as his popularity sank during the Vietnam War.

    Meanwhile, US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump launched a volley of attacks against Harris on Wednesday.

    In his first rally since Harris became the de facto Democratic Party nominee, Trump described her as a “radical left lunatic”.

    He also claimed that the US vice president was in favor of the “execution” of babies due to her position on abortions.

    “She is a radical left lunatic who will destroy our country,” the former president and Republican nominee said.

    So far, opinion polls indicate a tight race between the former president and Harris in a hypothetical match-up.

  • BREAKING:Reps pass bill seeking to raise 2024 budget by N6.2trn

    The House of representatives has passed a bill seeking to increase the 2024 budget by N6.2 trillion. 

    The bill passed third reading during plenary on Tuesday after Abubakar Bichi, chair of the committee on appropriations, moved a motion for consideration of the report at the “committee on supply”.

    The bill was introduced on July 17 following President Bola Tinubu’s request.

    This increases the 2024 budget to N35 trillion from an initial N28.7 trillion budget Tinubu signed into law on January 1.

    In December, the national assembly passed the 2024 appropriation bill, increasing its size from the N27.5 trillion proposed by Tinubu to N28.7 trillion.

    Out of the N6.3 trillion, N3.2 trillion is for infrastructure projects and N3 trillion is proposed for recurrent expenditure.

    Defending the president’s request before the house of representatives committee on appropriations on Monday, Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, said the N3 trillion is intended to cover the new national minimum wage.

    Bagudu said the proposed N3.2 trillion “renewed hope infrastructural fund” is “intended to provide equity contributions or counterpart contributions of the federal government projects designated as priority projects, as well as critical projects that needed more appropriation so that they would not suffer neglect”.

    The minister said the N3.2 trillion proposed for infrastructure projects will cover several road and rail projects, including the one linking Port Harcourt-Maiduguri, traversing Rivers, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and terminating in Borno state.

    The house also passed the 2023 Finance Act to impose a one-time windfall tax on banks’ foreign exchange (FX) gains.

    A windfall tax is a higher tax imposed by the government on sectors or businesses that have benefitted disproportionately due to favourable market conditions.