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2019 ElectionS : We Have No Anointed Candidate – ACF

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By our correspondents

Urges candidates to abide by Abuja Peace Accord

The apex northern socio-cultural organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), yesterday declared that it was not supporting any presidential candidate in the 2019 general election.

Addressing the presidential candidate of  People’s Trust, Mr Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, and his entourage during a visit to ACF headquarters in Kaduna, acting chairman of the forum, Alhaji Musa Liman, explained that all the presidential candidates had the fatherly and motherly blessings of the ACF.

Liman said: “In our non- partisan disposition, we do not align ourselves with any individual or political party. Rather, we strive to weigh the scale on what is good for the North in particular, and the overall good of the nation. We are not supporting any presidential candidate in 2019, because about four or five candidates are from the north.

“I understand that you have availed yourselves to contest for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2019 under the platform of the People’s Trust(PT). I feel quite enthused to acknowledge the emergence of new breed politicians like your humble self vying for the various elective offices in our nascent democratic dispensation which, by and large, has the potential to engender healthy political process as we strive to consolidate on the achievements recorded so far.”

The ACF appealed to leaders of various political parties to ensure that they live by the letters and spirit of the Abuja Peace Accord put up by the National Peace Committee under the former Head of State, Gen.Abdulsalam Abubakar,(rtd) which they all signed and pledged to uphold.

The forum also urged the candidates to run issues-based campaign and to refrain from all forms of incitement, be it religious, tribal or ethnic both by themselves or agents acting on their behalf.

It said: “We urge you to seriously commit yourselves and your political parties to peaceful campaign and strict adherence to the Peace Accord

“As you are fully aware, previous elections were marred by violence caused by the behaviour of some members of political parties and their supporters. We cannot afford to have a repeat of such in 2019.”

The northern socio-cultural  group also called on the  electoral body and the security agencies to show neutrality in the discharge of their duties in order to ensure free and fair polls.

“In this respect, we appeal to the police and other security agencies involved in ensuring peaceful election to live above board and maintain neutrality in the performance of their assignments.

“We equally call on INEC to be an impartial umpire in the conduct of the 2019 general elections and ensure that a fair level playing ground is provided to all political parties and their candidates,” the forum said

…Rice farmers pledge N1.77bn to president’s campaign

The president of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Aminu Goronyo and the president of the Fertilisers Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), Thomas Etuh, have jointly promised to raise the sum of N1.77 billion to boost the President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2019 general election.

This is as the president has ordered the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to commence the restocking of all strategic grains reserves in the country following the devastating flood that ravaged some parts of the country.

The president, who gave the order while speaking at an event organised by the rice farmers in honour of beneficiaries of the Anchor Borrowers Programme at the State House on Wednesday,  said the directive had become imperative following the completion of a comprehensive survey of damage done to farmers and fishing communities in the riverine areas as a result of flood disaster.

According to him, the report indicated that over 160,000 farmers and 70,000 fishermen were affected by the disaster.

“For about three months, the National Food Security Council working with the National Emergency Management Agency conducted a comprehensive survey of the farmers, fishermen and livestock owners affected by the flood disaster,’’ he said.

Buhari, who was honoured at the event with an award of excellence for his administration’s favourable policy that had impacted positively on the country’s agricultural sector, pledged that all the affected persons would be compensated to mitigate their losses.

He thanked the organisers of the event and assured them that the federal government would continue to implement policies and programmes meant to uplift the standard of living of the Nigerian farmers as well as boost food sufficiency in the country.

President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria commended the Buhari administration for introducing the Anchor Borrowers Programme, which was inaugurated by the president on November 17, 2015, in Kebbi State, saying that many of the farmers had been uplifted by it.

 

“Mr President, with the Anchor Borrowers Programme, many farmers have improved inputs especially fertilizers, seedlings, water pumps etc.

“Farmers are benefitting from your administration because rice farmers have transmitted from poverty to wealth,’’ he said.

To this end, Goronyo, announced that the 12.2 million rice farmers had pledged their support for the re-election of President Buhari.

According to him, the farmers have contributed N100 each, amounting to N1.22billion, to boost the Buhari/Osinbajo campaign for the 2019 presidential election.

The president of the Fertilisers Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), who also spoke at the event, lauded President Buhari for his efforts in the revitalisation of the nation’s fertiliser sector.

He announced the contribution of N570 million by the association  towards ensuring the re-election of the president in 2019.

The CBN governor, Emefiele, in his contribution, said the Anchor Borrowers Programme had remained the most successful agricultural programme in Africa.

According to him, many African countries are now understudying the programme with a view to replicating the success in their countries.

“The programme is changing the narrative of agricultural investments in Nigeria.

“It has brought the era of food security and sustenance, leading to a cut in forex being used for importation of rice and other food items into the country,’’ he said.

He stated the programme had received support from stakeholders across the country including state governors.

The CBN governor revealed that the bank was also in partnership with other commodity associations who were working to reduce importation bills and to create jobs.

On his part, the minister of agriculture and rural development,  Audu Ogbeh, noted that Nigeria remained the world largest producers of maize, cassava, yam and other staple foods due to the progressive agricultural policies and programme of the Buhari administration.

 

 

 

 

Politics

Hon. Zubair Feeds 300 Widows in Olorunda LCDA

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Hon. Zubair Feeds 300 Widows in Olorunda LCDA

…as APC Apex leader, Dr. Ajose, LGA Chairman, Alhaja Adeshina Others applaud her exemplary virtue and kind-hearted role in the LCDA 

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

It was another colourful and well attended political gathering yesterday at the prestigious Ola-Oki School of Health Auditorium, Ibereko Olorunda LCDA in Lagos state as the former Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Nurat Olayinka-Zubair hosted over 300 widows and aged in the LCDA as she presented them food items and cash gifts to cushion the current economic hardship as part of efforts to celebrate her political associates and mark her birthday anniversary.

Report has it that, this is the seventh edition of its kind since she assumed office as Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation before and during the era of the present Council Chairman Honourable SAMOLA. 

In her welcoming address to the mammoth crowd, Zubair acknowledged each leader and guest with utmost respect adding that their support, advice, mentorship and prayers have made her to continue steering.

According to her, “I have invited you all here today to come and thank God for what he has done in my life, because this is a time and avenue to appreciate God and to continue to demonstrate the covenant I made with God even before I got appointment that I will continue to feed and support the widows and aged.”

Our correspondent gathered that over 300 widows and aged across the 5 wards in Olorunda LCDA received food items such as rice, garri, salt, tomato paste and cash from the celebrant.

Political gladiators and leaders of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) who attended the gathering applauded Zubair for her kindness, support and love for the party as they all expressed their promise to support her candidature during the forthcoming local government poll.

According to the representative of the Badagry APC Apex Leader, Dr. Sunny Ajose, who was ably represented by the Badagry Central Party Chairman, Alhaji Gafar Meyon, said this is commendable from a former office holder who is not currently serving. He added that what he witnessed here today will be reported to the party and leaders of the APC as he call on other political officer holders in Olorunda LCDA to emulate Zubair leadership style.

The second speaker at the gathering who spoke about Zubair’s unique and leadership style was Alhaja M.l Adeshina. In her words, she said, “I am a living witness to what zubair has been doing in Olorunda since the inception of its first edition up to this seventh edition, claiming that the empowerment program had brought succour to many homes and we need to support the program because this is coming from a woman.”

Also Speaking at the event, Alhaja Princess Kikilemo Pesu Ladipo said Zubair’s humility and generosity is second to none and this good act will take her to places because God will never undermine her intention.

On his own side, Hon. Ashade Joseph said what the celebrant did was purely human as he personally donated the sum of 20,000 Twenty Thousand Naira to support the good initiative and kind gesture of Hon. Zubair.

it will be correct to say, Zubair, a former supervisor for WAPA in the LCDA who work rigorously towards the success of the party during the last Presidential and Governorship poll in state is now vying for the ticket of the number one seat of OLORUNDA LCDA come 2025.

Highpoint of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake and presentation of the packed food stuffs to the widows. 

Special Guest at the event where senior staff of the Lagos state Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr, Ayo Afuwape; Olori Aholu Agano, The First Ajara Agamathen Kingdom, Dr. Chief Mrs. Busola Onilogbo Odedina, Senior lecturer from the Lagos State University, (LASU) Dr. Mrs. Fatimoh Abass, current Supervisor for WAPA in Olorunda, Hon. Chief Mrs. Taibat Abisoye and The LGA Woman leader of Olorunda LCDA, Mrs Esther Asade and other Wards Woman leaders.

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Politics

Wike and his T-Pain Collaborators playing politics with the suffering of Nigerians

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Wike and his T-Pain Collaborators playing politics with the suffering of Nigerians

…Atiku preoccupied with genuine issues affecting Nigerians

Our attention has been drawn to the recent remarks made by Mr. Nyesom Wike, which can only be described as another of his theatrical outbursts. Ordinarily, we would not respond, but we recognize that silence might be misinterpreted.

However, we remain calm, knowing that Nigerians are well acquainted with his antics, a lingering symptom of the bitterness he harbours from his defeat to the Waziri Adamawa at the 2022 party presidential primaries.

Mr. Wike’s comments are nothing more than a string of inanities, lacking substance and driven by personal grievances. If he truly believes Nigerians are content with the current state of affairs under the government he serves, it reveals a deeper truth: his priorities lie not with the people but with himself. This self-absorption is evident in his preoccupation with domestic affairs in Rivers rather than his ministerial responsibilities.

While he may seek to divert attention with his baseless rants, we remain focused on the genuine issues affecting Nigerians. It is clear that Mr. Wike is more concerned with self-interest than addressing the real challenges faced by the nation. In contrast, our commitment remains unwavering, centred on the welfare and progress of the people.

Mr. Wike appears to delight in conjuring fantasies, indulging in his imagination, and paying for live TV coverage to launch tirades against whomever he pleases. However, we shall not descend into the gutters where he feels at home. Instead, we prefer to rise above, maintaining our dignity while others revel in the mud.

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Atiku felicitates with Gowon at 90

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Atiku felicitates with Gowon at 90

DAN DENT

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has described Nigeria’s former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon as a refined and uncontroversial public figure with unwavering commitment to national unity and integrity.

In a statement on the occasion of Gowon’s 90th birthday anniversary on Friday, the former Vice President joins Nigerians and others to celebrate this great statesman who had demonstrated leadership acumen, finesse and sagacity in handling the Nigerian civil war.

According to Atiku, “healing the wounds of the civil war through national reconciliation was one of General Gowon’s greatest and indelible achievements.”

He explained that the introduction of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a shining example of Gowon’s commitment to national integration by encouraging our youths from different cultural backgrounds to interact with other people outside their own ethnic zones.

“Happily, the NYSC has gone a long way to encourage intermarriages, thereby breaking down the barriers of cultural, ethnic and religious prejudices,” Atiku added.

The former Vice President also recalled that the impact of General Gowon’s national development plan in building infrastructure to boost economic development is still visible on the ground.

Similarly, Gowon was instrumental in the founding of one of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has helped in forging socioeconomic economic and political integration in the sub region.

He further praised Gowon’s humility and integrity, saying that his modesty and simplicity are some of the remarkable virtues for which he is widely respected.

He prays to the Almighty God to continue to bless him with a longer life and good health in the service of humanity.

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