PRESS RELEASE
20TH FEBRUARY, 2023
The attention of the Delta State PDP Campaign Council, has again been drawn to another diatribe sponsored by the sinking and shameless All Progressives Congress (APC), with the headline: “The growing rage against PDP in Delta State,” written this time, by two hack scribblers with the names – Ted Uwadiusor/Anthony Arugba.
The Deputy Director, Media/Publicity of the PDP Campaign Council and State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, reacting, described the write-up as the job of two hatchet men who, just like their colleagues in the past, made meaningless marks with their messy write-up.
The PDP notes that the headline given to the write-up exposed the writers as impetuous fellows who produced a dirty and disorderly work, produced largely from the figment of the imagination of their sponsors.
Discerning Deltans and other observers have since seen that what was put out was a potpourri of lies against the truth and reality on ground.
Indeed, the first lie is the headline which gave the impression that there’s extreme anger against PDP in Delta State. If anything, the growing rage is in fact against the APC, who Deltans have come to know as a lack-lustre party, one that cannot be trusted and believed, and one that lacks true progressive credentials. It is the reason the APC has become the most dumped and abandoned political party in Delta State, by ex-faithful that have now seen the light and made bold to walk away from the drowning political party. And the PDP has been the greatest beneficiary of those dumping the hapless opposition party.
Yes, pieces of evidence abound across all the 270 Wards and 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State, of how erstwhile faithful of the APC jumped ship and by sheer determination crossed over to the PDP. They did this through an open, public declaration of their decision and spiced with the reason they took such a decision. A few examples will suffice:
In Ward 5, Ekwukwu Agbor, Ika South, on November 11, 2022, the former Chairman of the APC in the Ward, Mr. Onyeme Libenson along with his supporters dumped the APC and embraced the PDP. Libenson said: “I have seen the good work being done by the PDP. Our women, traders are doing well because they are receiving help from the PDP administration. Our youths are receiving empowerment from the PDP administration in Delta State. APC has no administration. If APC wins again, things will be difficult for people in Nigeria. Buhari has failed; even the broom, APC symbol has become firewood.”
At Umunede Ward 11, Ika North East LGA, APC Ward 11 Chairman, Mr. Abel Adagbor openly dumped the party and embraced the PDP. He said the APC was not on ground in the Local Government Area.
At Ndokwa West LGA, Ward 1, Eke market, Kwale, the Integrity Ladies led by Philomena Ojeje dumped the APC openly and embraced the PDP. She said: “APC are liars and big deceivers. There’s no road in APC.” Also at Onicha-Ukwuani Ward 5, Chigwe Ojodume, while decamping from the APC said he had been suffering in the APC. “I have returned to the PDP; this broom will be burnt. Now I throw away this broom that should go away with all the bad things associated with it,” he said.
At Ughelli North LGA, Chief Osiobe and his followers dumped the APC for the PDP. Osiobe said: “I am here today to tell you that there’s no other party than the PDP. We are here to tell you that the PDP will win across board in 2023.”
Just on Saturday, February 18, former Secretary of the APC in Delta State and foundation member of the party, Nick Ovuakpore who renounced his membership of the APC openly during the PDP Presidential Campaign Rally at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, received his PDP membership card from the party’s Chairman in Oyede Ward 12, Isoko North LGA, Mr. Joel Orute.
Receiving his PDP membership card, Mr. Ovuakpore promised to bring electoral value to the PDP, saying: “It is incumbent on me to deliver my Unit and Ward to the PDP. I am from Unit 005 of this Ward. The result from my Unit will prove my mettle. I assure you that I will win my Unit and Ward for the PDP in the coming elections.” He described the APC as crisis-ridden and that the party stands no chance at the polls.
The forgoing exposes the lie put up by the political jobbers in their reckless write-up.
The points of eulogies made to try to shore up the image value of the APC Delta State Governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has long been deflated and flattened by several write-ups on him that abound in the public domain, that it will be superfluous to warrant repeat here. Except to state that Omo-Agege has no electoral value in the Gubernatorial contest, one being a loner and a soldier without troops. He is on his own, especially as it is said that a tree cannot make a forest.
Incidentally, Omo-Agege’s attack dogs have their focus on His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, who is already on a pedestal higher than Omo-Agege. The one that Omo-Agege has to contend with is the indomitable Delta State PDP Governorship candidate and Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Oborevwori is a tested politician, and grassroots mobiliser; he is street-wise, a quality that Omo-Agege lacks, yet, one among many other qualities that endeared Oborevwori to the PDP family and Deltans in general. He is the man that Ovie Omo-Agege has to contend with.
So, all the fuss for which he is sponsoring hack writers to do against Dr. Okowa is all misplaced aggression. Governor Okowa has already gone past the position that the APC Governorship candidate seeks. Okowa has his eyes on a higher position.
Omo-Agege is therefore advised to face the consequences of his imminent defeat by the one that is already well-positioned to deliver to him that electoral uppercut. That person is Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Ukodo of the universe and Delta State PDP Governorship candidate in the forthcoming March 11th, 2023 election.
With the above, we in the PDP Campaign Council dismiss the silly, poor, and messy message in its headline as a shameless hoax.
VOTE FOR THE UMBRELLA!
VOTE PDP ALL THE WAY!!
PDP! Power to the people!!!
Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza,
Deputy Director,
Media/Publicity Committee,
Delta PDP Campaign Council and State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.
2023: CAN MEETS GOV AKEREDOLU, DENIES ENDORSING ANY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
- ••Supports Governor’s Stance On Devolution Of Powers, Rotational Presidency
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State Chapter has debunked reports making the round that it has endorsed a particular Presidential candidate.
Members of the Association in the State led by the Chairman, Rev. Fr. Anselm Olorunfemi Ologunwa made the clarification during a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure, on Wednesday.
The Christian body said its association is a neutral , apolitical and non-partisan body which allows individual Church members to join the political parties of their choice.
The Chairman said:”As the clock ticks towards the Presidential and National Assembly elections
holding this Saturday, it is pertinent for us as CAN to interact with you and put the records straight against the backdrop of some rumours flying around that CAN has endorsed a particular presidential candidate for the election.
“Dear Mr. Governor, of a truth and in all sincerity, the Christian Association of Nigeria has not and will not endorse any candidate for the election. Those peddling such rumours are mischief makers who wish to tarnish the reputation of the association. We at CAN, have not and will not adopt any candidate for elections for the following reasons.
“First, CAN as an umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria is a neutral, apolitical and non-partisan body which allows individual church members to join the political parties of their choice. Since we have members belonging to different parties, it is thus illogical to adopt a candidate and direct our members to do so.
“It may interest you our dear Governor to note that even at the national level, CAN did not adopt any candidate let alone the state chapters. Therefore, Ondo CAN stands by the national leadership of CAN and remains neutral.
“Second, your government has maintained a robust and symbiotic relationship with CAN and we cannot afford to sacrifice that on the altar of politics.
“Therefore, it is only plausible for us to maintain neutrality at elections while we continue to support your government and its laudable programmes geared towards improving the lives of the citizens.
“In reality, Ondo State CAN is fully in support of Mr. Governor’s stance and bold steps on national issues, including fiscal federalism, devolution of powers, rotational presidency among others.
“We note that this your stance is hinged on your firm belief in equality, Justice , and fairness as the basis for our continued existence as a nation call Nigeria. Thus, your administration and our association remain partners in progress.”
Responding, Governor Akeredolu thanked the Christian leaders for their prayers and supports for his administration.
The Governor noted that the CAN leadership has done the right thing by staying neutral in election matters, adding that the Church is not meant to play politics but pray for the people and the country.
Governor Akeredolu, through the CAN members, expressed his appreciation to all Christian bodies in the State for their prayers and good wishes at all times. He urged the CAN members to convey his appreciation to all Churches in the State.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
February 22, 2023.
2023: ONDO ARTISANS DECLARE SUPPORT FOR TINUBU, OTHER APC CANDIDATES
- ••As Gov Akeredolu Harps On Continuity Of APC Administration At The Centre
- ••Says Strategic Support Of His Administration Has Grown Artisanship
Artisans in Ondo State under the umbrella of United Artisans have unanimously declared total support for the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC ) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They made the declaration at the 2023 Artisans’ Day celebration held at the International Culture and Events Centre, (The Dome) Akure on Tuesday.
The Artisans, led by their President General,
Mr. Daisi Komolafe, promised to deliver over 80 per cent votes for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and all other APC candidates come Saturday’s General Election.
Komolafe described the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration in the state as most friendly.
He noted that the Akeredolu led government has been making life comfortable for members of the group through the various supports and opportunities that have improved incomes and productivity.
Addressing the Artisans, Governor Akeredolu called on the people in the State to vote wisely and conduct themselves within the ambits of the law.
The Governor, who harped on continuity of the APC administration at the centre, enjoined the people to vote Tinubu, assuring that their efforts will not go in vain.
He promised that the APC Presidential candidate will promote good governance and alleviate the suffering of the masses in the country.
Governor Akeredolu appreciated Artisans in the State for their unflinching cooperation and support for his administration since inception. He charged them to sustain it by voting massively for APC in this Saturday’s elections.
The Governor assured that his administration will continue to invest in infrastructure and harness windows of financial opportunities for the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State.
He said:”For the State to grow into a fairly industrialised entity, the need for the active participation of the various artisan groups cannot be overemphasised. There is no gainsaying the fact that various artisanship skills play significant roles in productivity.
“It is obvious that artisanship in Ondo State is growing at a remarkable rate, due to strategic support of our administration in harnessing the potential of the teeming youths through entrepreneurial development and training in various vocational skills. It will be recalled that the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Skill Acquisition Centre, Ile-Oluji, which is equipped with modern technology, was established for this purpose.
” It is heartening to state that the Centre has catalysed Human Capital Development in the State. This is one of the initiatives that led to the creation of Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) to tackle the challenges being faced by our entrepreneurs as well as Micro and Macro businesses in the State.
“Let me use this opportunity to express our appreciation to artisans in the State for their support and cooperation with the State Government. You have indeed been a reliable partner. Your support and commitment in the payment of your taxes and levies is very much appreciated. The support given to our administration is a demonstration of your agreement to work with government.
” Let me assure you that your efforts will not go in vain. The N-CARES Programme from which many of you have benefitted under our administration as well as other windows of funding have been made possible as a result of the cooperation of various stakeholders on artisanship development.
“We have continued to have the belief that our plans and projections should showcase our actions and accomplishments. To this end, I want to assure you that our administration will continue to attract entrepreneurial and empowerment opportunities from within and outside the State towards artisanship development.
“As you join other patriotic Nigerians to exercise your franchise on 25th February and 11th March, 2023, to decide the fortune of this country for the next four years, I enjoin you to vote wisely and conduct yourselves within the ambits of the law. I need not delve into the utmost desirability for continuity in administration. Let me assure you that we shall not disappoint you in all that we do for the good of the mass of our people”, the Governor stressed..
Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Akinwumi Sowore, commended Governor Akeredolu for recognizing the vital roles of artisans in the overall development of the state.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaiye; the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji Yayi Akorede; State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Summy-Smart Francis appreciated Governor Akeredolu for his unwavering support given to artisans in the state.
Engr. Adetimehin, who described Governor Akeredolu as a lover of the people of the state, further solicited more support for the Governor to enable him do more for the State.
He used the opportunity to enjoin the artisans to vote overwhelmingly for the Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all other candidates of the party in the Saturday’s general elections.
The APC Chairman said Tinubu will bring peace, progress and development to the country, adding that he has the capacity and competence to turn around the country.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Traditional rulers including the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Akorede; among other dignitaries.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
February 21, 2023.
PRESS STATEMENT
Governor Akeredolu To Address Ondo People Tomorrow
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON will tomorrow, Thursday, February 23, 2023 address the good people of the State in a Statewide Broadcast at 7 am.
The State Broadcast will be aired live on OSRC TV, Orange 94.5 Fm, and Sunshine 96.5 Alalaye FM.
Television and radio stations in the State are enjoined to hook up to the State owned media outlets for the broadcast.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
February 22, 2023.
ONDO DEEP SEAPORT POLITICS, TINUBU AND THE IMPERATIVE OF VOTING APC
By Richard Olatunde
This Saturday, the Nigerian electorates will march to the poll to elect the next President to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari whose tenure expires on May 29, 2023 after spending two – terms of eight years.
Beyond the sentiments and heated arguments that have dominated the polity since the campaigns were launched, it is important to understand the issues in the election and benefits of voting the right political party, particularly as it concerns our dear Sunshine State.
Our interest in who is elected must be driven by our thirst for development. Our recent experience in the nation has further established the importance of building economies in our domain.
Our national gaze must reflect fundamental changes. Our desire to build economic prosperity in our State must fire our decision to make a healthy choice. We must take the surest route to the harvest place.
In Ondo State, our Deep Seaport is the fast – lane to economic prosperity. Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration has expended efforts on actualising the dream of the Port Ondo. The Governor has repeatedly promised to give his all in ensuring that the people of the state ultimately enjoy benefits of the project. The Deep Seaport is a generational heritage. It will bequeath a self-reliant economy and secure a glorious and prosperous future for the generations yet unborn.
Among the three notable Presidential Candidates eyeing the presidency, the only one who has promised to develop the Port Ondo is the former Lagos State Governor and Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. During his campaign in the State in January, Tinubu said: “We will definitely develop Ondo Deep Sea Port.”
In Ilaje Local Government Area, the State has the deepest natural draught with the longest coastline in the West African sub-region, with the capacity to harbour any ship in the world. When the project comes to fruition, Ondo will become a nerve centre for socio-economic activities.
No doubt, if this project is actualised, it will improve the State economy and provide jobs for the good people of the state. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) will shore-up and the lives of the people will be significantly improved. This will change the story of the Sunshine State forever.
In order to realise this noble aspiration, our people must make deliberate decisions on the future of the State. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the economic benefit of the Deep Seaport. It is a terrain he has navigated in Lagos State. He developed Lagos as one of the biggest economies in Africa. The APC Presidential candidate has the capacity and ability to develop the Ondo Deep Seaport, if elected.
Port of Ondo, according to Governor Akeredolu, is undoubtedly the much needed key to unlock the socioeconomic potentials of the Sunshine State as over Five Hundred Billion Naira investment inflows will come with the project.
The Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari had granted approval for the development of Ibom Deep Seaport, Badagry Deep Seaport among others. The politics behind the delay in declaring the Port Ondo is yet to be understood. In Ondo, you do not need to dredge. The coastline has a natural draught. This uniqueness should be enough to earn the state the much needed port declaration.
Our hope now rest on the shoulders of Asiwaju Tinubu’s presidency. He has promised. The ball is now in our court to deliver impressive votes that will show our seriousness and justify our quest for self – reliance. Governor Akeredolu has done his part. The Outline Business Case (OBC) highlighting the implementation plan of the port has since been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
Our time to make the right choice is now. Our decision must reflect our desire to build a greater future for the state and our children. This is a matter of shared interests and our economic well-being. This is an important moment in our national history. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the right choice for us in Ondo State.
Remember, Tinubu is our quickest route that leads to the harvest place. Come Saturday, let’s vote APC!
We must all resist the orchestrated conspiracy that was hatched to scuttle the victory of the ex- Lagos State Governor. Those who conspired to use fuel and naira scarcity to infuriate Nigerians hoping that it will lead to massive vote protest against the APC must be disappointed.
ATIKU ABUBAKAR IS INCONSISTENT AND OPPORTUNISTIC
We have observed the treacherous and shifting positions of Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar since the current currency crisis caused by the Central Bank started.
In line with his well-documented inconsistencies and unreliability, Atiku has advanced several contradictory positions, in the fruitless hope of gaining political advantage from the crisis.
We note that Alhaji Atiku and his hopeless party first hailed the CBN policy to high heavens when they initially thought it was a policy deliberately designed to stop Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from becoming the next elected president of Nigeria.
Atiku called on President Muhammadu Buhari and CBN Governor to ensure strict implementation of the policy and the deadline of 31 January because in his and party’s short-sightedness and gross miscalculation, Tinubu was the prime target.
Atiku’s position exploded on his face when the unintended consequences of the CBN policy manifested in its full ramifications and crippled the entire populace.
Atiku capitulated and sought to claim some credit by asking the CBN to ‘slightly shift’ the deadline of 31 January 2023.
The CBN and the FG to which Atiku and his party have suddenly become the cheer leaders listened to all the voices of reason and shifted the deadline for the currency swap till 10 February.
On 1 February, Atiku took another public position, asking the CBN not to shift the deadline again
“There should be no further postponement of the new Naira regime after the expiration of the February 10 deadline. The vote riggers are seeking to push the CBN to extend till after the election when they would have achieved their evil plots. The CBN and the Presidency should be steadfast. The merits of the new Naira policy far outweigh the little inconvenience we are experiencing”, he wrote in a widely circulated statement
As all Nigerians can now attest, the 10 February deadline also proved grossly inadequate. Governors of the APC challenged it in the Supreme Court and got an interim order asking the CBN to allow the old N200, N500 and N1,000 notes to remain legal tender with the new notes.
Amid the widespread misery and the currency scarcity that the Naira swap policy created for Nigerians, Atiku’s position proved once again an egregious miscalculation and clearly anti-people
But with just five days away from the presidential election, Atiku wants to cash in on the mood of the country with his latest faux empathy. He is now asking CBN to allow Nigerians to deposit their N500 and N1000 old notes in commercial banks, after thousands of desperate Nigerians jammed the CBN offices in Lagos and other places, hoping to deposit their old currency and get the new notes.
It is generally a bad time for poor and hapless Nigerians as currency scarcity has become the norm. The chameleonic politician forgot that he once described the suffering our people are going through some ‘little inconvenience”.
We recognise Atiku’s desperation to be President and like chameleon, this unprincipled and unstable politician will change positions on any issue as long as he thinks it will help his perennial ambition.
Nigerians should run away from Atiku. A man like the PDP candidate with no strong conviction and strength of character cannot offer the kind of leadership our country needs.
Nigeria needs a consistent and steady leader who will stand firm and upright when it is convenient and when it is not convenient. Asiwaju Tinubu is that kind of leader and he has demonstrated that by his principled stand on the current crisis. He has also offered a six-point solution to get the country out of the current morass.
Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media & Publicity
APC Presidential Campaign Council
February 20, 2023
February 22, 2023
Text of Press Conference by the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Debo Ologunagba, on Issues Relating to the February 25, 2023 Presidential Election
Why Nigerians Will Not Vote for APC, Tinubu
Gentlemen of the Press, we have invited you today to thank Nigerians for the massive support that our Party and Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar continue to receive since the commencement of campaigns for the 2023 general elections.
Last Saturday, the Grand Finale of our Presidential Campaign Rally held in Yola, Adamawa State. The unprecedented crowd and the excitement by Nigerians from across the country demonstrated beyond measure, that majority of the people have settled for Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria.
Through the course of the campaign, Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, H.E Ifeanyi Okowa energetically traversed the nooks and crannies of our country, engaging various segments of Nigerians in diverse fora; consultative meetings, interactive sessions, Town Hall meetings, faith-based platforms, media interviews and political rallies articulating their plans, solutions and selling the message of hope to Nigerians.
Atiku Abubakar continues to demonstrate that he is a Pan-Nigeria leader with the required experience, capacity, integrity, stamina, presence of mind, commitment, sense of duty and readiness to lead our nation at this critical time.
In contrast however, the failed All Progressives Congress (APC) and its embattled Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in their vacuity, arrogance and entitlement mentality treated Nigerians with unpardonable disdain by refusing to engage the people in interactive sessions, debates and media interviews. This is a clear indication that the APC and its Presidential Candidate are incapable and have nothing to offer Nigerians.
While Atiku Abubakar continues to engage Nigerians on issues that are critical to our nation; including National Unity and Stability, Security, Restructuring, Infrastructural Development, empowerment of the people through diversification, Asiwaju Tinubu abdicated because he has no solution to the myriads of problems brought upon our nation by the APC which he admitted to have brought into office.
Since his emergence as the Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Tinubu and the APC have not been able to engage in campaign on issues rather their focus have been on individuals and irrelevances, even display of unseriousness and comics.
Nigerians can recall Tinubu’s display of pitiable incapacities, including difficulty with coordination and articulation, apparent memory problems, incoherencies and blunders for which he has become a butt of joke among our youths.
This explains why the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign continues to flounder as it grapples and struggles with messaging and direction. It would be recalled that at the beginning of the campaign, Asiwaju Tinubu who cannot point to any development project or programme he initiated and executed in his eight years as Governor of Lagos State, attempted to appropriate the achievements of his predecessors and successors in office.
When that failed, the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign came up with the promise to continue on the “legacies” of the Buhari-led APC administration. When they realized that such was a serious pitfall given the massive failure of the administration where Asiwaju Tinubu holds sway as leader, they resorted to a desperate attempt to dissociate Asiwaju Tinubu from the APC administration.
However, Nigerians cannot be fooled as they can clearly remember the deep involvement of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the current APC government wherein he publicly boasted that he single-handedly installed the Buhari administration.
In this regard Nigerians will also recall that key figures in the failed APC administration were nominated and installed by Asiwaju Tinubu; namely the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who is also the head of National Economic Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minister of Power, Work and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Kemi Adeosun, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, the Minister of Solid Mineral, Kayode Fayemi, as well as the former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Babatunde Fowler, whose tenure was tainted with alleged looting of billions of naira including a N9.2bn alleged fraud linked to the Lagos State revenue case in which a company reportedly associated to Asiwaju Tinubu was also named.
When the attempt to dissociate the APC Presidential Candidate from the current APC government failed, the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign took steps to stall the Presidential election by calling for postponement of the polls; resorting to incitements, orchestrating violence and hiring some APC State Governors to lead the charge to overheat the polity to make it appear unconducive to conduct elections with the view to truncating our democratic process having realized that the APC and its Presidential candidate have been rejected by Nigerians as a result of their monumental failures.
This Presidential election is about the issues that affect Nigerians on a daily basis and a simple comparison of statistics from 1999 to 2015 under the PDP and from 2015 to 2023 under the APC shows that the lives of Nigerians have been massively discounted as evidenced by the facts below.
The PDP handed over a $550 billion economy (largest in Africa and 26th globally) to the APC in 2015. Today Tinubu’s APC has ruined the economy and turned our nation into the poverty capital of the world where over 100 million Nigerians can no longer afford their daily meals.
This is compounded by a debt accumulation by the APC government from N12 trillion in 2015 to a staggering N44.06 trillion today; inflation rate rising from 9% in 2015 to over 22% in 2023 and an exchange rate of about N197 to a dollar under the PDP to over N750 to a dollar today with a consequential negative effect on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises which were forced to close down resulting in massive unemployment from about 8% in 2015 to 37% in 2023.
The life discounting experiences were worsened by the harsh economic policies of APC which saw the pump price of fuel rising from N87 per liter under the PDP to about N400 to N500 per liter in various parts of the country today.
Today, under the APC, a bag of rice which sold at N7,500 in 2015 under the PDP now sells for almost N50,000; a measure of garri which sold at N100 in 2015 now sells for over N450 while a measure of beans which sold at N250 in 2015 now sells for over N1000 under the APC. The list is endless.
Under the APC, Nigeria became the second most corrupt country in West Africa and 154 out of 180 in Global Corruption Index with APC leaders allegedly stealing over N15 trillion oil revenue meant for infrastructural development in the country.
On security, under the APC, our country became one of the most dangerous places to live in the word; ranked 4th in Global Terrorism Index report; third country with the highest level of terrorism after Iran and Afghanistan with over 55,430 Nigerians killed by terrorists and criminal gangs between 2015 and 2022 according official reports.
These are the issues on the ballot in this election. Nigerians are invited to take these into consideration as they go into the polls this Saturday. These issues relate to the safety and wellbeing of our citizens, the future of our children and the continued corporate existence of this country.
It is therefore clear that any vote for the APC and its Presidential Candidate is an endorsement of corruption, incompetence, insensitivity, lack of leadership and arrogance in failure.
A vote for APC will be a support for insecurity and acts of terrorism; mass killings, poverty, hardship and infrastructural stagnation. Above all, it will be a vote for a bleak future for our children and future generation.
Thank you and God bless Nigeria
I’LL NOT JOIN APC IN SPITE OF ITS SUPPORT FOR POWER SHIFT-WIKE
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated that he will never join the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite its governors commendable stance on zoning the presidency to the South.
The governor, who described the insinuations that he will defect to the APC as speculative, maintained that he remains an unrepentant member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Governor Wike stated these at the 114th quarterly general meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt, the State capital on Monday.
He informed the council ahead of Saturday ‘s presidential election, that he will be voting for only the candidate that can guarantee the unity of the country.
“I am not a member of APC and I will not be. But, they have made me to recognise that they are the heroes of this country. The governors came out to say look, for the unity of this country, presidency should go to the south. The governors of APC said the way the county is, they want the unity of this country and therefore, the presidency should go to the south.
“They could have as well said no, it doesn’t matter. As governors we have the number. We can still say it should remain where it should remain. But they didn’t do that. They said the way we are seeing this country we want everybody to be together.
“Let no one say because I have the population, therefore, you will continue to dominate. In dominating you need peace, without peace you cannot govern.”
Speaking on the crisis in PDP, the governor stated that Rivers State has helped to sustain PDP right from the era of former governor, Dr. Peter Odili down to his administration. Therefore, he insisted that it is absolutely wrong for a section of the country to deny other people the opportunity to participate in presiding over the affair of the nation.
“We are all Nigerians and we want the unity of this country. We want Nigeria to move forward as a united country. Rivers State has always been in support of one Nigeria and we’ll continue to support one Nigeria. But in doing that, we believe in equity, we believe in justice, we believe in fairness. As the governor of this State, I will vote for the unity of this country. I will vote for anything that will unite Nigeria.
“I will not support anything that will divide Nigeria. And that is what necessitated the principle of live and let’s live. If only one person continues to live, things will not be good. It’s not about party, it is about Nigeria. I am a member of Peoples Democratic Party, unrepentant member, who in fact, built this party when people ran away.”
He explained that the reason why he has been one of the arrowheads of those agitating inclusivity in PDP, is because of his belief in the unity of the country. According to him, a strategic State like Rivers, cannot be relegated to play second fiddle in the country.
Governor Wike said though he does not encourage traditional rulers involvement in politics, he however, urged them to support the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, who he formally presented to the council, for the continuity of the developmental stride recorded by his administration since 2015.
“In the next few months, I will be former (governor). But former in a big way. My transition will be smooth, there will be no crisis. Don’t make mistake to go and vote for another person. You want to distort everything we have done, and then our state will go backward. Let’s allow continuity.”
The governor declared that in over seven years of his administration none of the twenty-three local government areas of the State can claim they were neglected in terms of project execution.
Governor Wike assured the traditional rulers that no project awarded by his administration including the reconstruction and dualisation of the Emohua/Abalama-Tema road as well as the Ahoada/Omoku road, will be abandoned.
The Rivers State governor promised to give all State recognised traditional rulers official vehicles before he leaves office.
The chairman of the Rivers State council of traditional rulers, His majesty king, Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, Amanyanabo of Opobo, thanked the governor for the respect he has accorded the council since his assumption of office.
The king informed the governor that members of the Council, in a representative meeting, have resolved to support any governorship candidate of his choice that will carry on with the developmental blueprint of the state as laid down by him.
Ahead of the general election, the king has urged political actors and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully so that the citizens can still have a State to cherish after the elections.
“They should also note that, nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any resident of this State. We must remember that political parties are only vehicles by which people access political offices.
“They are not permanent. Politicians can change parties anytime depending on changing circumstances. We, therefore, appeal to our politicians to eschew violence and stop using our youths as cannon fodder. Let the peace we are enjoying under this administration be sustained.”
February 20, 2023.
LATE DAME OROMA NMERUKINI LIVED FOR GOD, ADVANCED HUMANITY – WIKE
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Friday joined members of the Chief Nmerukini’s family to pay last tribute to Dame Oroma Nmerukini, who died at the age of 61 after a protracted illness.
Dame Oroma Nmerukini was wife of Chief Azubuike Nmerukini, former Chairman of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission and the funeral service held at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Mile 2 Diobu in Port Harcourt.
In his tribute, governor Wike expressed the condolences of the State government and people of Rivers State, his wife and children over the irreparable loss suffered by Chief Nmerukini and his extended family.
Governor Wike described late Dame Oroma Nmerukini as a virtuous and a blessed wife who lived for God and humanity.
“As a devout Christian, she dedicatedly served God. As a wife, she loved and cared for her husband. As a mother, she loved and ensured the children got the best care and attention.
“As a leader, she inspired the youths and contributed to the progress of her community.”
Governor Wike said the death of Dame Oroma Nmerukini was a great loss, not only for Chief Nmerukini and his children, but also to her community.
According to Governor Wike, late Dame Oroma Nmerukini served the Church faithfully, touched the life of many people with her generosity, care for others and was compassionate.
“We will all miss her. We, therefore, encourage you to be comforted by the unconditional love she shared, her contributions to community development, and her service to the Church of God and humanity.”
In his sermon, Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North, Right Reverend Wisdom Ihunwo, who preached on the topic; “God knows all” admonished the congregation to conduct their life in manners that pleased God
Bishop Ihunwo wondered why people appear like devout Christians outwardly while neck deep in sin and act wickedly forgetting that whatsoever any person sows will be what such person shall reap.
Since, there is nothing hidden away from God, Bishop Ihunwo urged the people to live godly, prepare to meet their creator with pure heart because they shall account for how they spent their time on earth.
Bishop Ihunwo also spoke of Dame Oroma Nmerukini as a woman who has a good heart, touched by the pains of others and helped always, and made peace with God before she gave up the ghost.
February 21, 2023
Press Release
Presidential Election: It’s Time to Pay Back APC, Tinubu for Misrule- Atiku/Okowa Campaign
Charges Nigerians
The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization charges Nigerians to see the February 25, 2023 Presidential election as an opportunity to deal the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a devastating electoral punch for the anguish, pain, sufferings, mass killings and untold hardships they visited on Nigerians in the almost eight years of the APC calamitous administration.
The Atiku/Okowa Campaign urges Nigerians to recompense the APC with a humiliating defeat for its wickedness by voting enmasse for the Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who embodies the hope for a new lease of life in our country.
Our campaign stresses that Nigerians cannot afford to gloss over the horrible experiences which they have been made to endure in almost eight years of APC, the administration which Tinubu claimed to have unilaterally foisted upon our country.
Nigerians should approach the ballot box with a determination to repay the APC and Tinubu for the devastation they caused our country by opening her to terrorists and marauders to kill and maim our compatriots, rape our women and took Nigerians into slavery in their own country; the APC took pleasure in watching the killing of innocent Nigerians, including the massacre of our youths during the EndSars Protest of October 2020; the APC also turned our nation into a large killing field, brought a near fascist regime and foisted a terrible siege mentality on the people.
Nigerians must go to the presidential election with the consciousness of how the arrogant, abusive, insensitive, corrupt and incompetent APC and its Presidential Candidate viciously pillaged our national patrimony, turned our revenues generating agencies into their cash cows, wrecked our once robust economy which was hitherto rated as one of the fastest growing in the world, ruined our productive sectors, took away jobs from our youths and turned our nation into the poverty capital of the world, where over 100 million Nigerians can no longer afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life.
Our citizens must remember how the APC plundered our national treasury, imposed policies that ruined the value of our Naira, imposed heavy taxes and unjustified increase in tariffs for essential goods and services, triggered astronomical rise in the cost of food and indispensable commodities, reduced the purchasing power of citizens, unimaginably turned industrious Nigerians to beggars and brought so much anguish that Nigerians resorted to suicide and slavery mission abroad as options.
In the almost seven and half years of the APC administration, Tinubu and his co-travellers in the APC are reported to have used his various Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) companies to fritter over N14 trillion from our revenue generating agencies, part of which have been used to acquire choice property apart from those stashed away in vaults and bullion vans for vote buying purposes.
The Atiku/Okowa Campaign urges Nigerians to bear in mind how corrupt APC leaders pillaged our petroleum sector, through very fraudulent subsidy regime and criminal increase in pump price of fuel through which trillions of naira meant for our developmental needs; healthcare, education, security, housing, employment and critical infrastructure was diverted to APC interests including cronies of the APC Presidential Candidate.
Nigerians must on February 25 remember that the APC and Tinubu are responsible for the hunger, starvation and devastation in the land.
Under the PDP, a liter of fuel which sold at N97 now sells between N400 to N500 in many parts of the country, a bag of rice which sold for N8000 now sells for N40,000 and above, a measure of beans which sold at N250, now sells for N1000, a measure of garri which sold for about N100 now sells for N450 and above, a liter of kerosine which sold for N150 now sells for above N1000 a liter, a bottle of palm oil which sold for N300 now sells for N1,200 under APC anti-people policies.
These are the legacies of Bola Tinubu which he wants to perpetuate and worsen if
elected as President.
It is therefore instructive for Nigerians to observe that the APC Presidential Candidate is at the center of all the woes that characterized the APC administration. He is the initiator and architect of the anti-people policies of the APC administration that have brought pains and hardships to Nigerians.
This informs why Tinubu has not been heard forcefully condemning the mindless killings, the harassment of Nigerians including the media as well as the massive corruption in critical agencies where his cronies are in charge.
Our campaign cautions that Nigerians must note the simple fact that Tinubu has nothing to offer and this accounts for his inability to debate or engage with Nigerians all through his rowdy campaigns.
From Tinubu’s trajectory since 1999 as Governor of Lagos State and now the leader of the vicious APC, it is clear and abundantly so that Tinubu’s approach to governance has been self-serving.
It is also important to point out that any vote for APC and its Presidential Candidate amounts to invitation to more suffering as well as an endorsement of corruption, oppression, treasury looting, land grabbing and the agenda to turn Nigeria into Tinubu’s fiefdom where compatriots stand the risk of losing their lands and resources therewithin.
Moreover, Nigerians must awaken themselves to the reality that Tinubu has not made any quality promise to secure their votes except the tragicomical banters of balablu.
Our campaign therefore calls on Nigerians, including those whose loved ones fell victim of the mindless killings, those maimed as victims of rape, kidnap and arson attacks, those whose families gave up on life and took the supreme option, those suffering all forms of social dislocations occasioned by the compromising of national security by the APC; those whose jobs and means of livelihood were taken away; families who cannot afford their daily meals as well as all Nigerians who are suffering one form of anguish or the other because of the misrule of the APC to stand up, unite and resist the APC by voting for Atiku Abubakar on February 25, 2023.
This election is a referendum on the eight years of the APC, a government that Tinubu claimed to have personally installed under which Nigerians have suffered untold hardships.
The 2023 Presidential election is a grand opportunity for all Nigerians to liberate themselves from the atrocious APC by voting enmasse for Atiku Abubakar, who is leading the charge in the mission to rescue, recover and rebuild our nation from the misrule of the APC.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
Spokesperson
Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization
February 20, 2023
Press Statement
Atiku Will Defeat You Any Day, Any Time, Atiku/Okowa Campaign Tells Tinubu
… Says Postponing Election Will Not Halt APC Candidate’s Defeat
The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization counsels the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign to end its furtive scouting for the postponement of February 25 presidential election as Nigerians are ready to go to the polls on Saturday to vote in Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Our Campaign and, of course, the generality of Nigerians reject the pressure by the jittery and deflated Tinubu/Shettima Campaign for the postponement of the election.
We hold that the demand for postponement by the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign is a ploy to further create confusion and derail the electoral process having become terrified by the looming devastating defeat that awaits Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) at the polls.
The Atiku Campaign reminds the Tinubu Campaign of how its chief campaigner, a hate-inclined governor of a prominent North West State was said to have been humiliated at the last Council of State meeting where he reportedly went to push a failed memo for the postponement of the election for some few weeks.
Our campaign has also been reliably informed that this APC governor is demanding the postponement because the APC Candidate, Tinubu, cannot by any measure win election, given his overwhelming rejection by Nigerians.
It is pathetic that after its defeat at the Council of State meeting, the Tinubu Campaign is still perching around media platforms and seeking for the postponement of the elections.
It is imperative to note that having been stunned by the rejection at the meeting, the Tinubu Campaign had resorted to inciting violence, making wild, unfounded and reckless accusations, posting incendiary remarks, attacking prominent Nigerians, blackmailing and seeking to compromise our democracy institutions in order to heat up the polity and make it appear unconducive for elections to hold on February 25, 2023.
The Tinubu/Shettima Campaign must accept the reality that the train has already left the station and Nigerians have since made up their minds to elect Atiku Abubakar as next President.
The firm decision by Nigerians to elect Atiku on February 25 cannot be swayed by the shenanigans of the APC and Tinubu Campaign.
Our Campaign however charges Nigerians to remain at alert and united as they get ready to come out enmasse and vote for the PDP at the Saturday, February 25, 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan,
Spokesperson,
Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization
February 19, 2023
Press Statement
Let’s Join Forces to Save our Nation, Atiku/Okowa Tells Democrats
The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization has called on Nigerians, all lovers of democracy and believers in our nationhood to join forces with its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar and running mate, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to save our country from its current drift by coming out enmasse to elect the duo on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
The Campaign salutes Nigerians for their overwhelming support for Atiku Abubakar and the PDP as being demonstrated by the unprecedented overflowing crowd at our campaign rallies, deluge of goodwill, prayers and solidarity in all our engagements across the six Geo-Political Zones ahead of the election.
Such massive support and organic followership not only point to the confidence and trust Nigerians across board has in Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, but also show that the APC and its deflated Presidential Candidate have no foothold in any part of the country.
The candidature of Atiku Abubakar is a national project firmly built on equity, fairness, justice and which enjoys the acceptance and support of all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity and creed, in the collective resolve to rescue our nation from the woes of the harrowing misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This is because Atiku Abubakar stands out as the candidate with the blueprint, most preferred programs and a readiness to lead our nation to the path of unity, national stability and economic recovery
Atiku in his Marshall Plan has showcased the readiness to unify our nation, guarantee her security, revive the economy and steer her away from the looming danger of crisis, brawling and rioting into which she has been sunk by the APC
The Atiku/Okowa Campaign urges Nigerians to rekindle their hopes in line with the Atiku Call for a Government of National Unity (GNU) under his leadership as the elected President so as to revamp our national productivity, restore our dignity and take back our pride of place in the comity of nation as one of the largest and strongest economies of the world.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
Spokesperson
Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organisation
APC, Tinubu Are Hypocritical, Plotting to Scuttle 2023 Elections, Atiku/Okowa Campaign Raises Alarms
…Commends Nigerians for Resisting Tinubu’s ING Scheme
The Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization alerts Nigerians that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization are manipulating the polity and creating situations for crisis with the objective of scuttling the 2023 general elections and turning our nation into a war zone, having come to the conclusion that he (Tinubu) cannot win in the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.
Nigerians must know that the APC and its Presidential candidate, Tinubu, are the real enemies of our country; they are the manipulative “assailants” who parade as the comforters; the same hands that play the war drums but pose the peace makers; the very harbingers of evil who parade as the Messiahs, but busy laying traps for our democracy and pushing Nigerians to insurrection just to achieve the selfish Emilokan ambition of ruling Nigeria.
The questions begging for answers which these anti-democratic elements are evading are: what was their response when ASUU went on strike for 8 months? Where were they as insecurity continue to ravages our dear nation? Why did these APC governors shy away from the problems of unemployment, poverty and socio-economic development in this country? What were their responses to the issue of corruption in which they have played leading roles. The ignominious video of pocketing the dollars easily come to mind here.
The APC and Tinubu had in the last few weeks deliberately orchestrated a biting cash crunch in the country so as to make Nigerians to suffer, issuing treasonable statements with the notIon of pushing the citizens to insurrection while their Campaign exploits the situation to unleash thugs to attack innocent Nigerians, destroy corporate and personal property just to overheat the polity and truncate the elections.
It is stunning that the APC and Tinubu, whose Presidential Campaign is behind the scarcity of Naira notes having intercepted and warehoused the new currency for the purpose of vote buying and refusing to turn in the about N1 Trillion Naira old notes stolen from government and stashed in secret vaults, are shedding crocodile tears and pointing accusing fingers at others.
This unbridled treasury looting by some APC leaders is directly responsible for the economic misery, escalated insecurity and social instability that bedeviled our nation and brought untold anguish to Nigerians in the last seven and half years of the APC administration.
The money stashed by these APC leaders are reportedly stolen from budgeted allocation for critical sectors including security, education, healthcare, power, road infrastructure and allotments for oil subsidy in addition to over N1.8 trillion allegedly stolen by APC interests from various federal revenue generating agencies in the last five years.
Part of the stashed funds are also reported to be diverted billions of naira repatriated funds, diverted Covid 19 intervention funds, unaccounted foreign loans as well as the stolen N500 billon Social Investment Programme fund as revealed by First Lady, Aisha Buhari.
While Nigerians were suffering from the illicit theft of the humongous resources by these APC hypocrites, what was the attitude of the sudden Messiahs?
How did they respond to the closure of our universities for almost a session?
Today, APC and Tinubu are attempting to use the economic misery he and his party created to further manipulate Nigerians in an attempt to wantonly destroy our national unity and democratic order.
Our Campaign stands with and commends Nigerians for their resolve to withstand the plot by the APC and its Presidential Candidate to disrupt the 2023 general elections and foist an undemocratic situation of an Interim National Government on our nation.
The Atiku/Okowa Campaign, once again, commiserates with the families of our compatriots who lost their lives in the battle to protect and preserve our democracy from the evil designs of the APC and its Presidential Candidate.
Nigerians have rejected the APC and Tinubu ahead of the elections. They (Nigerians) have demonstrated their readiness to vote out the APC on February 25, 2023 and not even the brawling, threats, manipulations, incendiary comments as well as treasonable pushing of the people to violence can deter them from this firm decision.
Our Campaign however charges the Federal Government to track and recover all the monies hoarded by Tinubu as well as these APC leaders and channel such towards the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
Spokesperson
Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organization
ADP, YPP, PRP, APM COLLAPSE STRUCTURE FOR TINUBU IN SOUTH-WEST STATES
- As Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, youths drum support for APC candidates
- We cannot experiment with Lagos, says Governor
Ahead of Saturday’s presidential election, political parties in four states in the South-West have collapsed their structures to work for the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the poll.
The political parties, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Action Democratic Party (ADP), who are members of the South-West Alliance of Registered Political Parties said they decided to collapse their political parties’ structures to ensure Tinubu’s victory in Saturday’s election.
The decision of the political parties to work for Tinubu’s victory was announced by the Lagos State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mobolaji Olusegun of YPP during the Lagos Youth Stakeholders Parley organised by the Office of the Lagos APC Youth Leader at Ikeja on Wednesday.
He was accompanied by Osun State IPAC Chairman, Simon Adebayo of APM; his Ogun State counterpart, Samson Okusanya of PRP and IPAC Chairman in Oyo State, Apostle Dare Ojo of ADP, who also expressed their party’s decision to collapse their structures and support Tinubu to be the next President of Nigeria.
The Lagos IPAC Chairman, while speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said the political parties resolved to support and work for Tinubu’s victory in Saturday’s presidential poll because they believed he is the best candidate.
“We have all decided to collapse our structures to work for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. We are supporting Asiwaju’s mandate and we are going to work toward his victory as the next president of Nigeria,” Olusegun said.
Speaking at the event attended by thousands of youths, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged the youths and other Nigerians, especially those who are of voting age to vote for the APC presidential candidate during Saturday’s election, noting that Tinubu is the best among all the presidential candidates based on his antecedents, record of achievements and laudable programmes, which have been copied by many states.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamazat said Nigeria needs a bold and courageous man like Tinubu to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said: “To rebuild this country, we need somebody who has vision, boldness, courage and is ready to fight for the interest of the people. We need credible leaders in our country. What we need is a man like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who has the courage and boldness to make decisions and stand by them. Asiwaju is taller than all the other presidential candidates because of his vision.
“We need somebody who can think outside the box to protect all of us. I believe that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima are good combinations based on their past records and what they achieved in their respective states – Lagos and Borno when they were governors.”
Sanwo-Olu while canvassing for the continuity of the ruling party in Lagos State, urged electorates to re-elect him and vote for all APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections based on records of performance and delivery of good governance and dividends of democracy to Lagos residents by APC.
“We cannot experiment with Lagos State. We need people who can shape our life at the top,” the Governor advised.
Also speaking, Lagos East APC senatorial candidate, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and the party’s candidate for Lagos West senatorial district, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, urged the youths to come out in large numbers to vote for Tinubu and other APC National Assembly candidates on Saturday.
Abiru and Adebule also called on Lagos residents to re-elect Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat during the gubernatorial polls, and also vote for all the APC House of Assembly candidates during the March 11 elections.
Speaking earlier, Lagos APC Youth Leader, Dr. Muritala Seriki, also drum support for Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, and other APC candidates ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging all the youths to vote for them.
He assured the youths that they will benefit a lot from Tinubu’s presidency because he has a comprehensive programme as slated in the Renewed Hope manifesto for youths on employment and empowerment.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
22 FEBRUARY 2023
PRESS RELEASE
I’LL WORK HARD TO MAKE NIGERIA BETTER, TINUBU PLEDGES AS APC WINDS UP PRESIDENTIAL RALLIES IN LAGOS
- Pres. Buhari, APC Governors attend party’s grand rally
- Streets in Lagos erupt in political carnival, as thousands accompany Tinubu’s motorcade from airport
The nationwide presidential campaign rallies of All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, peaked in Lagos State – the political base of the ruling party’s presidential standard bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The metropolis witnessed what appeared to be its largest political parade; elegantly dressed residents and party supporters trooped into streets with various shades of campaign banners, dancing and chanting APC slogans. They walked to the rally ground – Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere – to wait for the presidential candidate and members of the campaign council.
Tinubu, who flew into Lagos from Abuja, was received by a tumultuous crowd of residents, and rode in a large motorcade from the airport through the city. The crowd grew stronger as the political procession moved from Ikeja to Oshodi, Mushin and Ojuelegba.
The physical presence of President Muhammadu Buhari sent a message of reassurance to the crowd of party supporters that thronged the rally ground.
The campaign’s grand finale was attended by all APC Governors, Senate President, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, APC National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, members of Lagos State Executive Council, party leaders in Lagos and other States in the Southwest.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while declaring the rally open, said the sight of a massive crowd that accompanied APC presidential candidate’s motorcade to the stadium further demonstrated Lagos remained a stronghold of the progressives, thanking Lagosians for supporting and keeping faith with the party.
Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu had not only traversed the country to canvass for the support of all Nigerians, the Governor said the candidate had shown his commitment to lead the country on a new path to peace, stability and prosperity.
He said: “From Ikeja down to this rally, we witnessed overwhelming show of support and love for Asiwaju on the streets, which is an acknowledgment of the love Lagos people have for the City Boy (Tinubu). Thank you Lagosians for believing in the progressives party and for rising to receive our leader.
“On Saturday, we have another opportunity to consolidate the support which you have shown our party. I urge you all to troop to your polling stations and massively vote for the man who has the capacity to bring the country to another level of development. With your support, I have no doubt APC will be victorious.”
Tinubu, apparently moved by the massive turnout at the rally, said he heard the message from the electorate “loud and clear”. He expressed his readiness to offer his intellectual ability to lead the country and chart a new future for the youth.
The APC presidential candidate described the level of support he received throughout the electioneering “as extremely remarkable”, pledging to deploy his physical and mental energy to work out his vision for Nigeria and renew the citizens’ hope.
He said: “I am coming to give Nigerians renewed hope, because there is hope in the country. The level of support I have received throughout the campaign is extremely remarkable. I assure you all that, as you work hard for my victory, I will work hard for Nigeria.
“I will sustain that hope by prioritising your wellbeing at all times. Those who are feeling helpless today will have their expectations revalidated. All the agenda set out in our manifesto will be pursued vigorously with all our energy.”
Explaining why the choice of his running mate, Tinubu said Sen. Kashim Shettima stood out among the list of qualified party members he had in mind. Aside possessing knowledge, attitude and capacity, Tinubu said Shettima faced Boko Haram crisis as Borno State Governor with perseverance, determination and grit to overcome the challenge, while protecting citizens of his State from the effects of terrorism.
The APC presidential candidate expressed gratitude to Buhari for allowing internal democracy within the party and freedom to choose the party’s flag bearer.
Tinubu said: “Mr. President, thank you in a million time. You set our feet on the path to the future, to work on and achieve greatness because it is desirable for Nigeria to be great.
“You said, for anyone to succeed you, he or she must work and follow the guidelines for nomination and that the primaries must be very transparent. You said our party will be a shining example like dew on the mountain.”
Buhari raised the hands of Tinubu and Shettima in demonstration of his commitment to APC victory at the election.
Director General of APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, hailed Lagosians for trooping out for the rally, saying: ”The crowd that welcomed us looked like we were already celebrating the victory of our party.”
Lalong said a new president was already in place, adding that the country was only waiting for the presidential election to ratify the party’s victory.
He thanked Nigerians in advance for electing Tinubu.
APC chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, said the party and its standard bearer traversed the length and breadth of the country, and organised successful campaigns.
“By the feelers we got across the country, we are sure of victory. I believe by this time on Saturday, we would be celebrating. The die is cast; Tinubu will be sworn in May 29, 2023,” Adamu said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
21 FEBRUARY 2023
