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Soyinka, Col Umar Dangiwa, Olisa Agbakoba, Tunde Bakare, Ghali Naaba, Oby Ezekwesili, Tawafa Balewa, Dosumu Awolowo to decide ‘3rd Force’ Consensus Presidential Candidate ……Initiates Alliance for the Defence of Democracy, ADD to launch nationwide protests next week against President’s infraction on the Nigeria’s constitution

Published

6 years ago

February 1, 2019

Sahara Weekly

PRESS STATEMENT

Friday, 1st February 2019

2019: New 3rd Force Coalition tasks Wole Soyinka, Col Umar Dangiwa, Olisa Agbakoba, Tunde Bakare, Ghali Naaba, Oby Ezekwesili, Tawafa Balewa, Dosumu Awolowo to decide ‘3rd Force’ Consensus Presidential Candidate

……Initiates Alliance for the Defence of Democracy, ADD to launch nationwide protests next week against President’s infraction on the Nigeria’s constitution

BEING THE COMMUNIQUE ISSUED THE END OF THE EMERGENCY NATIONAL CONSULTATION OF THE ‘3RD FORCE’ LEADERS AND ALLIES ON THURSDAY, 31ST JANUARY 2019 AT SHERATON HOTELS, IKEJA, LAGOS

Preamble:

Concerned by the current threats to Nigeria’s nascent democracy, national stability and credibility of the 2019 elections, especially as occassioned by the constitutional crisis foisted by President Muhammadu Buhari on the Judiciary, Leaders of thought, Presidential Candidates, Leaders of Political Parties, Civil Society and Labour Movements, Stakeholder and Allies of the third force movement in Nigeria converged on Thursday 31st January 2019 at the Banquet hall of the Sheraton Hotels Lagos to find political solutions to the lingering constitutional crisis between the Nigerian Presidency and Judiciary

After a thorough and painstaking analysis of issues involved in this heightening constitutional crisis and its impending implications and backlash on the credibility of the forthcoming 2019 elections the historic gathering took the following positions:

1. That President’s Muhammadu Buhari acted precipitately and in breach of the Nigerian Constitution to have suspended Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria without following due process of the law governing the suspension/removal of the CJN and therefore should in similar stroke ensure the effective reinstatement of the CJN to allow him face judicial investigation as provided by the constitution

2. That the 2019 elections tribunals constituted by Justice Tanko Mohammed purportedly acting as Chief Justice of Nigeria is null, illegal and of no effect to the extent of the foundational constitutional harakiri committed in his appointment as well as the erroneous rush to constitute the electoral panels. So the meeting demands their immediate disbandment for a lawful set of tribunals to be inaugurated to neutralise the suspicion that the Presidency is desperate to manipulate electoral justice ahead of the 2019 polls

3. Furthermore, to ensure effective political force for the 3rd force to be able to stem the brewing constitutional crisis threatening the base of Nigeria’s democracy and nationhood and to checkmate contrived antics of the ruling class to rigg the 2019 elections, stakeholders at the historic meeting decided to come together once and for all under the umbrella of a rainbow coalition named Alliance for Defence of Democracy, ADD to mobilise all allies and sympathisers of the new third force agenda in launching a major mass resistance against government’s impunity and infraction on the Nigeria’s constitution and to ensure future deterrence

4. The new Coalition also set up two major committees to facilitate the activities of ADD in the interim and to declare a nationwide mass protests for a date to be announced next Wednesday after a conveners’ tactical meeting in Abuja. The planned mass action is aimed at compelling the President to apologise to Nigerians and reverse his illegal action against the Judiciary and the rule of law

5. The group however proposed a Conveners Council of eminent leaders and political icons, who believe and are committed to producing a Credible Alternative Force in the 2019 elections. The body of eminent persons are

to be chaired by Prof Wole Soyinka, who will be assisted by a collegiate, which include, Col Abubakar Umar Dangiwa, Dr Olisa Agbakoba SAN, Rt Hon Ghali Umar Na’abba, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Dr Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, Dr Tokunbo Dosumu Awolowo, Mr Femi Falana. They are expected to serve as a panel of eminent jury that will endorse a consensus presidential Candidate from among fourteen Credible Presidential hopeful shortlisted by the forum to be adopted at a 3rd Force summit scheduled to hold on 12th February 2019 in Abuja

6. Outstanding and Credible Freshbreed Presidential Candidates and Political Parties so far shortlisted for consensus candidacy or alternatively electoral synergy/collaboration of the third force for 2019 elections are the following: 1. Olawepo Hashim, People’s Trust, PT, 2. Omoyele Sowore, African Action Congress, AAC, 3. Kingsley Moghalu,Young Progressive Party, YPP, 4. Ali Soyode, Yes Electorate Solidarity, YES, 5. Adesina Fagbenro Byron, Kowa Party, KP

6. Chike Ukaegbu, AAP, 7. Shipi Moses Godiya, All Blending Party, ABP, 8. Durotoye Olufela,

Alliance for New Nigeria, ANN, 9. Prof. Peter Nwangwu, We the People of Nigeria Party, WPNP

10. Ahmed Buhari,Sustainable National Party, SNP, 11. Tope Fashua, Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party, ANRP, 12. David Ize-Iyamu, BNPP

13. Donald Duke, Social Democartic Party, SDP, 16. John Dara, Alliance of Social Democrats, ASD

The meeting was moderated by Prof Anthony Kila who was elected as ADD Spokesperson and Dr Olu Agunloye, who became Chair, Contact and Mobilisation at national Consultative Meeting.

Signed

Prof Anthony Kila

08122222555

Spokesperson,

Alliance for Defence of Democracy, ADD

Business

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

Published

7 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Business

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.

Business

Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

In a show of solidarity, the Committee of Banks in Nigeria has extended a helping hand to victims of the September 2024 floods in Jigawa State. On Thursday, a high-profile delegation led by Dr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Committee and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), visited Dutse, the state capital, to present relief materials to the state government.

The donated items, worth several million Naira, included essential food supplies such as rice and cooking oil, along with mattresses and beverages. Dr. Alawuba highlighted that the gesture aimed to alleviate the hardship faced by flood victims and support critical institutions, especially public hospitals, in their efforts to assist those affected.

“We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Jigawa State during this difficult time. This donation is our way of expressing empathy and supporting those who have lost loved ones, properties, and livelihoods,” Dr. Alawuba stated.

The delegation included notable banking leaders such as Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna of Access Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji of Zenith Bank Plc, and Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank Plc, among others. Their collective presence underscored the banking sector’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.

Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi expressed profound gratitude for the donation, describing the visit as a rare and commendable act of compassion. He assured the delegation that the relief materials would be judiciously distributed to the intended beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in rebuilding lives and communities.

The Committee of Banks also reiterated their commitment to supporting Nigerians during emergencies, drawing attention to previous interventions, including relief efforts during the 2011 and 2013 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and security initiatives like the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

This humanitarian gesture reflects the collective resolve of Nigeria’s financial institutions to foster social and economic growth, making a meaningful impact in times of need.