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2023: Why Politicians, Associates Halt 2023 Moves

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2023: ATIKU AND THE AGE OF METHUSELAH POLITICS

Why Politicians, Associates Halt 2023 Moves

 

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2023, The pervasive atmosphere of uncertainty in the country as a result of the rising levels of insecurity may have forced politicians and their associates to temporarily put on hold, political discussions and moves about the 2023 election, especially in the public sphere. According to the timeline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the presidential election is expected to hold on February 18, 2023.

 

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Why Politicians, Associates Halt 2023 Moves

However, the electoral body is expected to conduct the Anambra State governorship election in November and a couple of other off-season governorship elections next year, before the 2023 general elections.

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Lately, the upsurge in insecurity in the country has raised concerns and fuelled tensions in many quarters, necessitating some stakeholders to express fears that the 2023 general elections may not hold unless the government nips in the bud, the scourge.

According to data by the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), a project of the Council on Foreign Relations’ Africa Programme, in the first six weeks of 2021, lives of no less than 1, 525 persons were lost across the country. On Saturday, Ahmed Gulak, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was shot dead by gunmen while returning to Abuja from Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The killing of the former presidential aide sparked outrage across the country and also forced the House of Representatives to postpone the planned zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution scheduled for Owerri on June 2 and 3. And 72 hours after Gulak’s murder; the Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Security, AIG Christopher Dega (rtd), was shot dead in Jos, the capital of Plateau State. Dega, a former Commissioner of Police in Borno and Edo states, was said to have been murdered by three yet to be identified gunmen in an isolated restaurant at Bukuru, Jos, at about 8.30 pm, having just arrived from Makurdi in Benue State only a few hours earlier.

Since the March 31 attack on a campaign rally by one of the leading candidates in the Anambra guber election, Prof. Charles Soludo, in which three policemen were killed, the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor has virtually ‘disappeared’ from the campaign trail.

Speaking with New Telegraph, a Senior Aide to a 2023 presidential hopeful from the South-West said the nation is bleeding and it will be insensitive to go full-throttle

in politics at the touchy period of insecurity in the country.

He said: “First, you must know that INEC has not opened the space for a political campaign, but all that is being done are behind-the-scene meetings and follow-ups. “Some of the meetings may have to be limited especially as it concerns physical meetings because nowhere is safe again, not even Abuja where the next-door neighbour, Niger, is already crying.

“We have few scheduled physical meetings and events, but I doubt if we will honour it because one needs to be careful and sensitive as well,” he said. Speaking with New Telegraph, President, Rights Monitoring Group, and Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, Mr. Olufemi Aduwo, said the current situation in the country is not conducive for open political conversation for 2023. He said: “We are in a very trying period in this country and all hands must be on deck to find solutions to these challenges that aimed at throwing us under the bus as a nation. “I think it is too early in the day, though, some have started moving around, but it might be insensitive on their parts to do that.

Can anyone go to Benue to consult for 2023 when women, children are being killed and harassed by herdsmen there?” Some of the gladiators, hoping to succeed President Buhari within the APC and PDP folds, have mainly announced their ambitions through campaign posters sponsored by either cronies or support groups on the various social media platforms.

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Wike’s Loyalist Nwanosike Leads Thugs To Disrupt PDP NEC Meeting

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Wike’s Loyalist Nwanosike Leads Thugs To Disrupt PDP NEC Meeting

 

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Samuel Nwanosike, the chairperson of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Thursday, reportedly led thugs to disrupt the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.

Nwanosike, who is the chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, is a loyalist of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Among many other things, a potential sanction for Wike was expected to take the front burner at the party’s NEC meeting over allegations of anti-party activities.

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However, Nwanosike reportedly tried to force his way into the venue and came along with hoodlums. His intent, it was gathered, was to create chaos and halt resolutions by the NEC.

 

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APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup …recommends full investigation

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APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup ...recommends full investigation

APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup
…recommends full investigation

 

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A political interest group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the purported sacking of the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Umar Ganduje.

The group under the umbrella of APC National Vanguard described the sacking as a political coup orchestrated by desperate individuals outside the party who are envious, and felt threatened by Ganduje’s rising profile.

It said that the attempt to sack Ganduje as the National Chairman of the APC is a direct assault on the democratic principles and what the party stands for.

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The group said: “We understand that such calls and attempt to illegally sack the chairman can only be contemplated by anti-democratic forces and those who seek the fall of the APC party.

“It is most unfortunate that they are hiding behind the façade of being democrats when in reality they abhor the very tenets of democracy, which is why they are keen on using crude tactics to cause disarray, and unsettlement within our prestigious party.

“We warn those outside the APC party who desperately want to rejoin the party to do so in the most honorable and civilized manner. Resorting to devilish, demonic, and dubious means to achieve their goals is not only unacceptable but also undermines the principles of democracy and fair play.

“It Is a clear violation of our party’s constitution and an affront to the democratic principles upon which our great nation is built. We stand firmly behind Alhaji Ganduje and affirm our unwavering support for his leadership.

“His dedication, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of the APC have been instrumental in our party’s success and growth. His Excellency, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, has been an exemplary leader within the All Progressives Congress.

“Under his leadership, the party has made significant strides in advancing its agenda, promoting good governance, and delivering on its promises to the Nigerian people. His rising profile is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to the party’s ideals.”

The group called on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to call his dogs to order. It said: For those that have hired themselves out as mercenaries to threaten Nigeria’s democracy and causing strife within our noble party, you should be ready to face the sword of justice soonest.

“The governor needs to understand that oppression of the weak is the bane of Justice and Democracy in any country. We implore him to step down if he has nothing in his head other than witch-hunting, and playing divisive politics in Kano State.

“He should hand over government to a competent hands if he’s not ready to embrace following due process of justice, other than using rascality, impersonation, and manipulative tactics to fight opposition.

“We call on all members of the APC, at all levels, to rally together in support of Alhaji Umar Ganduje and to condemn this act of political sabotage.

“Our unity and solidarity are paramount in these challenging times. It is only by standing together, hand in hand, that we can overcome any attempts to divide and weaken us.

“In conclusion, we reiterate our condemnation of the purported sack of His Excellency, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, as the National Chairman of the APC. We expose the legal loophole in the alleged suspension, highlighting the fact that those who addressed the press conference are not card-carrying members of our party.

“Which in regards of this revelation makes the purported suspension null and void, and would have no any effect on the National Chairman.

“We further express our happiness at the good news that, the Ward and Local Government Executives having identified the persons involved in this unfortunate situation, have already prepared to charge them to court for impersonation and calculated attempt to embarrass and dent the image of the Party and that of the National Chairman.

“We also issue a stern warning to those outside the APC who seek to rejoin the party, urging them to do so in a manner that upholds honor, civility, and the democratic values we hold dear.”

 

APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup
...recommends full investigation

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda – Governor Fubara

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Housing Agenda - Governor Fubara ...As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda – Governor Fubara
…As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

 

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The Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says Rivers State will fully support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).

 

 

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Housing Agenda - Governor Fubara
...As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

He disclosed this on Wednesday, 10th April, 2024 when the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo paid him a visit in continuation of the agency’s consultation with State Governors towards the Renewed Hope Agenda programme of President Tinubu.

Hon. Ojo, in his address to the governor, commended him for the great sense of focus he has displayed in governance within the short period he assumed office.

The FHA Chief Executive listed out the Governor’s infrastructural development, timely payment of pensioners, and enhanced security in the state, among other things, as the areas he has made instant marks in the state.

The MD informed Governor Fubara that the main reason for the visit was to bring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda message on Housing to Rivers State, which is all about providing affordable houses to Nigerians, pointed out that the state is the thirteenth he is visiting with his team in under one month.

Hon. Ojo reiterated Mr. President’s determination not only to tackle the nation’s housing deficit, but giving Nigerians affordable and livable houses. According to him, “We bring you Mr President’s mandate of Renewed Hope, which is affordable housing. Right now, in Nigeria, we lack adequate shelter, which is why the President has chosen us to help tackle the issue.”

The FHA boss pointed out the strategic importance of Rivers State with its peculiar terrain to the economic life of the country and noted the need for affordable houses in the state for the good of the citizens.

The MD therefore told His Excellency, Governor Fubara, that the Authority has come to ask for land from Rivers State for the purpose of delivering the Renewed Hope Housing project.

Hon. Ojo explained to the Governor the new developmental inclusiveness policy of the FHA, where the Authority consults with the State Governments for inputs in designs before any project is sited. He said that the Authority would does not wish to stay in Abuja and design what they like for the people of Rivers.

In his words, the MD told the governor, “One of the reasons why we are here today is to solicit for land. We do not want you to just give us land. We want, like I said, to sit with your management team to come up with the right designs that will be tailored towards what the Rivers people need”.

Hon. Ojo also informed the Governor of the Authority’s Diaspora City initiative, where a certain percentage of the land given for projects would be dedicated to building for our diasporians and other privileged Nigerians. This, he said, would benefit our people in diaspora, some of whom have fallen into the hands of fraudsters in their quest to have befitting accommodation back home.

FHA, the MD told Mr Governor, is in advanced discussion with the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission and the Federal Ministry of Tourism towards this. He noted that with the Authority’s digitization, the Diasporians would have seamless transaction with FHA from the comfort of their respective locations and also be able to monitor and track their investments.

Hon. Ojo also told Governor Fubara that FHA wants to capitalise on the value chain of construction to help fight inflation in the country. He noted that by the time these sporadic massive constructions would start across the country, numerous direct and indirect jobs would be created.

The Managing Director equally informed the Governor that most of the contracts would be given to contactors from Rivers State. This, he said, apart from helping boost the state’s economy, would create a sense of ownership of the project, and the people would also know those to hold accountable.

The MD also emphasized the apolitical stand of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this project. Mr. President, he noted, sees this as a critical Nigerian project devoid of political colouration. He noted further that the FHA team has visited 13 states that are APC, PDP, NNPP, and Labour Party controlled, pointing to the non-partisan nature of the Renewed Hope Agenda programme.

On the designs and models of delivery, Hon. Ojo told the governor that the Authority remains resolute in the decision to consider Nigerians in the lower rung of the economy by building Studio, One Bedroom apartments, and carcass. He maintained that expensive finishing would not be imposed on Nigerians. FHA would do a prototype exterior, plumbing, and electricals, while respective allottees would do the finishing according to their individual tastes and resources.

Finally, the MD informed His Excellency that the Authority has ready off – takers for the project and would also like the collaboration of the State in profiling off-takers . “We will make you proud. We will come back to sit with you once you give us land. We will call you for the ground breaking, and President Tinubu will surely be your guest”. The MD concluded.

The governor, in his response, thanked the FHA team for coming to the state to discuss such an important issue of nation building. He thanked the President for the Renewed Hope initiative and expressed great concern over the issue of housing challenges in the country. In the Governor’s words, “I am really happy this evening not minding the timing, to discuss such an important issue of nation building”.

Governor Fubara noted that the issue of housing is becoming more challenging in the country due to high cost of living, and as such, all levels of government need to come down to tackle. “In our country today, because of the high cost of living, housing has become an issue, the medium income earner can not even afford them. All levels of government need to come down to tackle it.” He opined.

The Governor noted that his government is thinking along the same line with Mr President. He said that they are thinking of making provision for all segments of the populace, including the civil servants, traders, taxi drivers etc. He said that “…receiving a delegation from FHA is cheering to us. I want to assure you that we will be part of this project.” He noted.

The Governor expressed happiness for the proactive and business oriented disposition of the Authority’s presentation, and reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to work with FHA. In his words, “your demands are very simple. We are dealing with a team that is very serious to develop. They want the contractors to come from us. They want to partner us for off- takers. I want to assure you that we will work with you.”

Governor Fubara was also pleased with the Authority’s proposal to sit with the state for input in designs. He said it shows the seriousness FHA’s Management, that has great interest in its end product meeting the desires of those it is building for.

Finally, the Governor said, “I assure you of all the support you would need. Our message to the President is that we will support the project to be a successful legacy of his administration. ” He concluded.

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