POLITICALLY, PETER OBI IS BIGGER THAN KWANKWASO – BUHARI’S EX-AIDE
POLITICALLY, PETER OBI IS BIGGER THAN KWANKWASO – BUHARI’S EX-AIDE Former media aide to ex-President Muhammad Buhari, Bashir Ahmed, has asserted that Peter Obi is politically bigger than Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. Recall that both Peter Obi and Kwankwaso were presidential candidates in the 2023 general election on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) and theNew Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). However, in a post via his X handle on Saturday, Ahmad, an indigene of Kano, asserted that Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, is politically bigger than Kwankwaso, a former governor from his home state. Ahmad backed his claims making reference to the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, where Obi garnered more votes than Kwankwaso. He wrote: “Even though I have never been a Kwankwasiyya loyalist, but I have always admired and respected Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and see him as one of the progressive political figures we have in this country. However, I do not agree with his recent statement during his interview in Kano, where he claimed to be politically bigger than Peter Obi. “Looking at the results from the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi garnered 6,101,533 votes and led in 11 states, demonstrating significant national support. In contrast, Senator Kwankwaso secured 1,496,687 votes and led in just one state, Kano. “These numbers clearly suggest that, at least in the context of the 2023 election, Peter Obi has significantly more political influence across the country. “So, Peter Obi is bigger than Rabiu Kwankwaso, politically.”
PRESIDENT TINUBU SET TO REVEAL LIST OF SACKED, NEW MINISTERS
PRESIDENT TINUBU SET TO REVEAL LIST OF SACKED, NEW MINISTERSMultiple sources within the Presidency have revealed that President Ahmed Tinubu has completed the selection process, identifying which ministers will be retained and which will be dropped.The much-anticipated announcement is expected to be made on Thursday night, shortly after Tinubu arrived in the United Kingdom for his two-week annual leave.The looming reshuffle comes in the wake of significant economic hardship and nationwide protests experienced last August.President Tinubu has faced mounting pressure from both within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the broader public to remove underperforming ministers.Despite periodic warnings from the president regarding performance standards, his cabinet had largely remained intact, with the only notable change being the suspension of Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in January 2024.During a three-day retreat for cabinet members and presidential aides last November, Tinubu established a Central Delivery Coordination Unit, led by his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman.This unit is tasked with evaluating the performance of ministers and other senior government officials, using periodic reports to inform decisions about cabinet membership.“If you are performing, there’s nothing to fear. If you miss the objective, we’ll review it. If no performance, you leave us. No one is an island, and the buck stops on my desk,”the president emphasized during the retreat.Following a year since his cabinet’s inauguration in August, the anticipated reshuffle promises to bring about more than just portfolio changes.Sources indicate that some ministries, such as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, may be abolished, while others could be split or merged to enhance efficiency.Although officials who spoke to our correspondent remained cautious and requested anonymity due to a lack of authorization to discuss the matter, they confirmed that the president initially planned to release the new cabinet list on Thursday but opted to take more time to finalize his decisions.“We are just waiting for the go ahead. All I know is that we are waiting for him to send the new names of those he wants to drop and those he wants to appoint.“We have been expecting them since yesterday (Thursday). I am not sure of any specifics regarding names for now.“The last I know, he (the President) said he wants to sleep over the list again before he releases it. Maybe he still wants to change his mind about some names,”a source said.Another source, who asked not to be named, said,“I’m surprised the list did not come out yesterday (Thursday). That thing is almost finalised already.”Similarly, another official debunked reports that lobbyists crowded the President’s residence in the UK.“That’s not true. You know there would be speculations all over the place. Do they know where he is? Even if they know where he is, can they access him?“Some say lobbyists are just visiting him from left, right and centre. But on this trip, he will likely undergo medicals, too. The way he is resting now, no one can see him just like that. They won’t allow people to access him like that. I can guarantee that,”said the source.Multiple sources within the Presidency disclosed to Saturday Punch that the president has completed the selection process, identifying which ministers will be retained and which will be dropped.The much-anticipated announcement is expected to be made on Thursday night, shortly after Tinubu arrived in the United Kingdom for his two-week annual leave.The looming reshuffle comes in the wake of significant economic hardship and nationwide protests experienced last August.President Tinubu has faced mounting pressure from both within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the broader public to remove underperforming ministers.Despite periodic warnings from the president regarding performance standards, his cabinet had largely remained intact, with the only notable change being the suspension of Dr. Betta…
JONATHAN CAUTIONS JUDICIARY, POLICE OVER ROLES IN RIVERS CRISIS
JONATHAN CAUTIONS JUDICIARY, POLICE OVER ROLES IN RIVERS CRISISFormer president, Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned the Judiciary and the Police over their roles in the crisis in Rivers State, warning that the political crisis may collapse Nigeria like the collapse of the Old Western Region. Jonathan stated this on Saturday in a statement he signed saying the unfolding political crisis is a source of concern. Jonathan said he’s “aware that the local government election that took place in Rivers State on October 5, has been a subject of great interest to political actors.” He stated that the political happenings in Rivers State in the past days are a “cause for serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy and all actors within the peace and security sector of our nation.” Elections, he said, are the cornerstone of democracy because they are the primary source of legitimacy. “This process renews the faith of citizens in their country as it allows them to have a say on who governs them.” The former president said every election is significant, whether at national or subnational levels as it counts as a gain and honour to democracy. He stressed that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, to work towards the promotion of a sound democratic culture of which periodic election stands as a noble virtue. He emphasised that “democracy is our collective asset, its growth and progress is dependent on governments commitment to uphold the rule of law and pursue the interest of peace and justice at all times. “Institutions of the state, especially security agencies must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.” There’s heightened anxiety and fear over the conduct of the LG elections which are underway following warning and opposition from the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his associates who control the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party. The state governor, Sim Fubara vowed to hold the election even though the PDP, of which he is a member, and the All Progressives Congress are not participating. A video of the election in one of the polling units sent to THE WHISTLER showed men in police uniforms storming a unit and carting away election materials. They dispersed voters and election officials after shooting in the air. The political struggles between Fubara and Wike have sent fears that there could be a breakdown of law and order which could impact Nigeria’s revenue, as Rivers is one the major producers of crude oil. Jonathan emphasised that Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta and a threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region. “Let me sound a note of caution to all political actors in this crisis to be circumspect and patriotic in the pursuit of their political ambition and relevance,” Jonathan warned. He also “called on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to take action that will curb the proliferation of court orders and judgements, especially those of concurrent jurisdiction giving conflicting orders. This, if not checked, will ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail our democracy. “The political situation in Rivers State, mirrors our past, the crisis of the Old Western Region. I, therefore, warn that Rivers should not be used as crystals that will form the block that will collapse our democracy. “State institutions especially the police and the judiciary and all other stakeholders must always work for public interest and promote common good such as peace, justice and equality,” Jonathan said.
APP SWEEPS LG ELECTION IN RIVERS
APP SWEEPS LG ELECTION IN RIVERS Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has regained control of the Local Government structure as his loyalists who contested elections under the Action Peoples Party (APP) have won all but one of the 23 chairmanship positions. Chief Election Officer of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, declared the result in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday night. Wike had temporarily taken control of the local government structure after his loyalists emerged winners of the disputed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congress which held last month. However, not giving up the battle, Fubara directed his loyalists to defect to APP to contest the election. Apparently realising the influence of state government on LG elections and their outcome, Wike’s men had pulled out of the exercise, which was challenged in court, but Fubara vowed to go ahead. The election held amid rancour and pockets of violence following withdrawal of the police to provide security. Enebili said the announcement of Etche, the only Local Government Area where chairmanship result has not been declared, would be made later. Meanwhile, the PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers have cautioned against the declaration of results of the LG elections. At a separate press conference on Saturday, Victor Giadom, APC chairman in the South-South, said the party boycotted the election because of discrepancies with the existing laws. “The entire process of the local government election in Rivers state is in conflict with the laws of the land —If the process is done according to law, my party will participate in the election,” he said. Tony Okocha, former Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers, also warned against declaring the results. “We are amused that even after the receipt of the judgment, Governor Siminalayi Fubara broke into the gates of RSIEC and chased away police officers deployed in RSIEC to ensure compliance of the judgment,” Okocha said. “We caution against any announcement or any attempt to announce fictitious individuals as elected chairmen in the local government area. “Doing so is a clear-cut recipe for chaos and unrest. The governor’s attempts to enthrone his proteges into the councils will not work.” On his part, Aaron Chukwuemeka, Rivers PDP chairman, said announcement of the results could incite violence. “We can’t support or promote lawlessness or impunity in any form whatsoever, even though we are the ruling party in Rivers state.” “The proper court judgments must be obeyed as we cannot choose or pick which order of court to obey or not to obey. “We want to caution that any attempt to announce any result whatsoever will be an invitation to violence and will be properly resisted as no election held in the Rivers state on the 5th of October 2024 as ordered by the courts,” he said. Earlier, Wike supporters had protested against the election which they declared as illegal.
HEAVY GUNFIRE AT WIKE’S WARD AS RIVERS LG ELECTION TURNS VIOLENT
HEAVY GUNFIRE AT WIKE’S WARD AS RIVERS LG ELECTION TURNS VIOLENT The ongoing local government elections in Rivers State have descended into chaos, with heavy gunfire erupting in the Rumuepirikom community, hometown of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike. It should be noted that Wike, a former governor of the state, is at odds with the present governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who, against the odds, has gone ahead with conducting the grassroots elections. Eyewitnesses report that unidentified individuals stormed the area, warning residents to stay indoors. As electoral officers arrived at the ward in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, armed men, suspected to be political thugs, launched a violent attack. At least one person has been rushed to a hospital after sustaining a bullet injury.
CONFUSION IN PDP OVER RIVERS LG ELECTION
CONFUSION IN PDP OVER RIVERS LG ELECTION The crisis rocking opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affected its position on the Local Government election in Rivers State. While the National Working Committee of the party has asked members of the party to take part in the election, the state chapter of the party gave a directive for them to shun the exercise. The different positions reflect the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who have been at each other’s throat in recent times. Wike had taken control of Rivers PDP after the congress held last month. However, not giving up the battle, Fubara reportedly directed his loyalists to defect to Action Peoples Party (PDP) to contest the election. Apparently realising the influence of state government on LG elections and their outcome, Wike’s men had pulled out of the exercise, which was challenged in court, but Fubara vowed to go ahead. In a statement issued late Friday, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, charged the people of Rivers to assert their sovereignty and constitutional right by coming out en masse to vote in the election. “The PDP insists that the right to civil control of democratic activities in Rivers State as a federating unit belongs to the generality of the people of the state and such right, including participation in Local Government Area election cannot be abridged or appropriated by any person, group or organization under any guise whatsoever. “The Party maintains that the people of Rivers State are ready for election; the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission had also announced its readiness, preparedness and possession of necessary operational materials to conduct the election in line with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court and no court under the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) has power to stop elections. “For avoidance of doubt, Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that “Nothing in this section shall empower the courts to stop the holding of primaries or general elections, under the Act pending the determination of a suit. .“The PDP calls on Nigerians and the International Community to hold the APC and the Inspector General of Police responsible should there be any breakdown of Law and Order in Rivers State at this time. The Inspector General of Police should note that he is duty bound under the Constitution to provide the enabling and secure environment for the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election irrespective of where he stands as an individual.” However, Chukwuemeka Aaron, PDP Chairman in Rivers, asked members of the party not to participate in or allow the conduct of local government election, At a briefing, Aaron said: “The PDP, having reviewed all the cases relating to the local government elections, concludes as follows: We cannot support or promote lawlessness, or impunity in any form whatsoever even though we are the ruling party in Rivers State. “The proper court judgment must be obeyed as we cannot choose which order of the court to obey and not to obey. We, therefore call on the Rivers State Governor who incidentally is a member of our great party, the PDP, to obey and comply wholly and strictly with the judgment of the Federal High Court in line with our character and ethics of our party, the PDP and suspend the planned October 5 Local Government elections in Rivers State.” He commended the Nigerian Police for standing by the Federal High Court judgment, cautioning that announcing election results despite the suspension would be considered an invitation to violence. “We also call on our members and indeed the law-abiding residents of Rivers State to defend the rule of law by ensuring full compliance…
EXPLOSION ROCKS RIVERS APC SECRETARIAT HOURS TO LG ELECTION
EXPLOSION ROCKS RIVERS APC SECRETARIAT HOURS TO LG ELECTION There is tension in Rivers State as individuals suspected of arson reportedly detonated explosives at the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday morning.Naija News reports that the APC is the principal opposition political party in Rivers State. The state is preparing to hold its local government elections today, Saturday, October 5. However, just a few hours before the exercise, the secretariat of the APC located in Port Harcourt was reportedly attacked. According to Leadership, video clips obtained online indicate that the incident, believed to involve dynamite, caused damage to the main gate and the security post of the APC secretariat, as well as to portions of a nearby building. In a brief message sent to journalists in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, the chairman of the party’s caretaker committee, attributed the attack on the secretariat to supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Okocha wrote: “At the wee hours of Saturday, pro-Fubara civilian soldiers detonated dynamites at our office. “The second attempt to set it ablaze was foiled as the security at the gate quickly put out the fire.” The APC had previously declared its intention to abstain from the local government elections scheduled for this Saturday throughout the state. In a surprising turn of events, the ruling party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron, also announced its decision to refrain from participating in the election.
LOCAL GOVT ELECTION GOES ON IN RIVERS STATE
LOCAL GOVT ELECTION GOES ON RIVER STATE The local government election in Rivers State is proceeding as scheduled despite calls from stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to suspend the process. Both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials have arrived at the Registration and Accreditation Centers (RACs) in some local government areas, including the Government Technical College in Ahoada East. The atmosphere in the state reflects typical election day conditions, with roads notably quiet, but with the absence of the Nigeria Police Force. Governor Fubara, speaking on Friday, reaffirmed his commitment to moving forward with the election, despite the Rivers State Police Command’s decision to withdraw from overseeing the process. The governor accused the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of attempting to undermine the election in favor of “an Abuja-based politician.” The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, emphasized that the election would proceed as planned, encouraging residents to exercise their voting rights in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- October 5, 2024
- 124 views
RUSSIA WARNS NIGERIA ABOUT US UK INTERFACE
RUSSIA WARNS NIGERIA ABOUT US, UK ATTEMPTS AT INTERFERENCE The Russian government has issued a fresh warning to Nigeria, alleging that the United States and the United Kingdom are attempting to interfere in the country’s internal affairs and sabotage its bilateral relations with Russia. This is as the Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement in the October 1st hunger protest that rocked the country. In a letter addressed to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia’s official Press Secretary, Yury Paramonov, stated that his country respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Russia has accused Western countries, particularly the US, UK, and Ukraine, of spreading baseless accusations about its involvement in the protests. The Russian Embassy cited statements by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko as examples of unfounded claims. “Statements by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko have shamelessly and baselessly suggested that the use of Russian flags during recent protests is evidence of Russia’s interference,and have further warned that this could happen again in the future.”” the Russian Embassy stated. The statement added, “The Embassy categorically rejects such accusations and reiterates that the Russian Federation neither had any involvement in the protests that occurred in the recent past, nor does it have any connection to any potential future demonstrations or unrest. “Russia has always respected the sovereignty of Nigeria. We strictly adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of independent states.”
TINUBU IS IDEOLOGICALLY SOMERSAULTING, SHOULD LOOK AT THE LETTER HE WROTE JONATHAN – FAROUNBI
TINUBU IS IDEOLOGICALLY SOMERSAULTING, SHOULD LOOK AT THE LETTER HE WROTE JONATHAN – FAROUNBI Nigeria’s former ambassador to The Philippines, Yemi Farounbi, has said the Bola Tinubu that he knew when he was Governor of Lagos and as a believer in a restructured Nigeria, is no longer the man who is President. Dr. Yemi Farounbi said President Tinubu is ideologically somersaulting. He advised the President to look back at the letter he wrote to former president, Goodluck Jonathan, in 2012 and compare it with his current policies that are responsible for the economic hardship in the country. The former Nigeria’s ambassador to The Philippines stated this on Friday while speaking in an interview with Channels TV. “If I have that opportunity, I am going to ask him (Tinubu) to look back at what he was. I am going to ask him to look at the letter he wrote to Jonathan in 2012. I am going to ask him to look at the cases he took to the Supreme Court on local governments. “I am going to ask him why is he ideologically somersaulting. Why is he not appearing as the Tinubu that we knew, why is not the Tinubu that was committed to the restructuring of this country, a Tinubu that was interested in a sovereign national conference, a Tinubu that was committed to true federalism?” Farounbi said. The former envoy added, “I’m going to ask him what had happened. Can he be true to himself? Let him be himself as he was in the past and I think that a lot of these problems will not be there.” Farounbi explained that the idea of a progressive is to be able to provide for the welfare of the people, to be able to provide food and jobs for the people.