Politics

2019 ElectionS : We Have No Anointed Candidate – ACF

Published

6 years ago

December 21, 2018

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.

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JANDOR Splashes N100 Million on distribution of Rice to APC Executives Across all wards and 57 LGA/ LCDAs for Sallah Celebration

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Eschew Desperation, Cleric Tells Nigerians Politicians As Olumoh Holds 34th Ramadan Edition Lecture for Late Father

Published

3 months ago

March 19, 2025

august24admin

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Muslim clerics have tasked politicians to tone down on their desperation for power by all means, at the 34th Sheikh Sadallah AbdulSalam Olumoh Jokogbowo Ramadan lecture series in Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency on Sunday.

The guest lecturer Sheikh Ahmod Anofi Al-Mubarak who spoke extensively on the topic: “Destiny” at the Ramadan lecture organized by Honourable Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh the member representing Ajeromi Ifelodun constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, counselled all public office holders and intending aspirants not to see the race as a do-or-die-affair but to always succumb to the will of God in all their cravings.

Sheikh Al-Mubarak also declared that, “Conspiracy remains the root of all political issues, we ought to succumb to what destiny has in stock for us, especially that which is orchestrated by Allah because there is nothing, we can do about it.

“Try to consult God through prayers and whatever he has destined don’t influence anything in the contrary.

“You politicians are fond of doing that, having tried to attain a height repeatedly in politics without much success, you would not accept what destiny has tossed your way, you often try to force it, this most times end up badly”.

The cleric further admonished them to always create time for those who had supported their cause in time past, with the understanding that God loves one who is just in his or her dealings with his fellow human being.

Hon. Olumoh in a chat with newsmen also expressed the importance of the Ramadan lecture held in memory of his late father, stressing that the essence of the period is forgiveness and charity.

“This is the 34th edition and we are practising what the period is meant for- the spirit of forgiveness and giving.

“Today we have empowered over a thousand people with cash of ten thousand naira each, ten people will be given generators, also we will be giving grinding machines and hair dryers to some of our constituents.

“It could not be displayed because of the crowd but it will be distributed as we move on.

“Also, here we have a dedicated party member who we have given a motorbike this is coming as a reward of his hard work and commitment to the cause of the party, we have tried to touch our party people and constituents at every point in time even during stakeholder’s meetings.

A stakeholder within the Ajeromi Ifelodun polity of Lagos State, who also doubles as a Governor Advisory Council (GAC) member Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa hinted that every Muslims should endeavour to take seriously the teachings of the holy prophet, while adding that the words of the prophet remain a guiding light for our day to day living.

“It is a source of inspiration to all, bringing them closer to Allah. I earlier corrected an impression here that the word of Allah is key, though money is important too. So, with that correction taken and some adjustments made it is a good gathering.”

Speaking to the lecture Olumoh hinted that: “As a Muslim we all believe in destiny, as dictated by Allah that we all believe in what we have destined.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day and for you to become somebody you must work towards achieving it.

“I didn’t come to the House of Assembly by Accident I have tried severally, to be a member of the House of Assembly since 2011and eventually I came in 2019 because it was destined for me to be there.

“I was persistent in my request for me to become a representative of my people so.

“I was well prepared for it to ensure that they get the dividend of democracy so, I believe in destiny and that whatever comes to you positive or negative is from almighty Allah.

“We ought to pray for Allah to give us what will benefit us in life and that is good destiny.

Olumoh further counselled constituents to keep hope alive stressing that things will take shape very soon given the well piloted reforms and economic policies of the Tinubu led government.

“My plea to the constituents is to be patient with the government it will go round, the economy might be what it is yesterday but we can now see the difference of the reforms initiated by our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Prices of fuel is going down likewise that of foodstuff, so we know that we are getting there gradually, restructuring is taking effect and I am very sure we would all benefit by the special grace of God.”

The incumbent federal House of Reps members Hon. Paul Kalejaiye was also present at the Ramadan lecture.

A former Federal House of Representatives member Hon. Kolawole Taiwo however commended the lawmaker for keeping up with the culture breast taped by his late father Muslim cleric, adding that he had contributed immensely to developmental strides in the constituency.

Colleagues of Honourable Olumoh present at the lecture includes: Hon Noheem Adams (Eti-Osa 1) and Hon. Nureni Akinsanya (Mushin 1) who took turn to harp on the importance of the gathering stressing that Nigeria and Lagos state needs prayer to ensure stainable peace and development across all facets of live.

His Royal Majesty Oba Atanda Amore Tijani Oluwa Apapa kingdom Ajeromi also lend his voice on the impact of Ramadan, “It teaches us how to live amongst ourselves in peace.

The essence of the month of Ramadan is to revive our soul towards the ways of Allah.”

The council chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun local government Hon. Fatai Ayoola was quick to add that being our brother’s keeper and deviating from all forms of vices, is the essence of the month.

“You have to appreciate your neighbours be in good terms with them and give assistance to the needy. This is a yearly thing that Olumoh kept running the way he met it with those who have been to the House of Assembly before him.

“We all should be prayerful and expect the best from this polity.”

In the words of Okeowo the Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA it is a time to put everything aside in reverence of Allah, he urged people in the locality to embrace peace at all times and to worship God in spirit and truth.