Osinbajo To Represent Buhari In Presidential Debate — Adesina Speaks At Last!

 

Nigerian Presidency has reacted to speculation that President Muhammadu Buhari would be represented by his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in the debate slated for January 19 by the Nigeria Election Debate Group.
Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media, said his principal is yet to take a decision on whether he would take part in the debate.

Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), had said Vice President Osinbajo could represent President Buhari at the presidential debate if that was what the Federal Government wanted.
Osinbajo To Represent Buhari In Presidential Debate — Adesina Speaks At Last!By Adedoyin Gold on 01/04/2019 0 COMMENTS

Nigerian Presidency has reacted to speculation that President Muhammadu Buhari would be represented by his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in the debate slated for January 19 by the Nigeria Election Debate Group.



Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media, said his principal is yet to take a decision on whether he would take part in the debate.

Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), had said Vice President Osinbajo could represent President Buhari at the presidential debate if that was what the Federal Government wanted.

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According to him, the debate was not about eloquence but what the political parties had to offer the country if elected.

However, with less than three weeks to the presidential debate, Adesina said President Buhari was still contemplating whether or not to appear at the debate.

He said Nigerians would be informed in due course when the president takes decision on this.

“When it gets to that decision, Nigerians will know what his decision is. We will surely cross the bridge when we get there,” Adesina told Daily Independent.

Abuja Court To Grant Accelerated Hearing To Sowore's Suit Against NEDG/BON Debate

An Abuja High Court has decided to grant accelerated hearing to a suit filed by the African Action Congress (AAC) and its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, against the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG), Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) and Mr. John Momoh, Chairman of BON, challenging the party's exclusion from the presidential election debate organised by the respondents.

Eddie Emessiri, Executive Secretary of NEDG, had earlier claimed that "character and popularity" led to Sowore's exclusion from the debate. However, he had later claimed that "lack of funds" was the reason for restricting the presidential debate to just five candidates.
Sitting in Court 14 of the FCT High Court, Jabi, on Monday, Honourable Justice D.Z. Senchi listened to a motion ex parte for interim injunction to restrain the defendants from organising or holding the January 19, 2019 presidential election debate without including the AAC among the political parties selected to participate in the debate.

A statement by Rachel Onamusi-Kpiasi, Director, PR, Media and Communications of the Sowore 2019 Campaign/African Action Congress, noted that after listening to submissions made by Inibehe Effiong, the National Legal Adviser of the AAC, the court ruled that the urgency of the case warranted an accelerated hearing of the suit to allow all parties in the suit to state their cases before a decision could be made.

He, therefore, adjourned the case to January 8, 2019 for hearing and also ordered that all processes in the suit must be filed before the next adjourned date and that no application for extension of time will be entertained by the court.

Representing AAC in court were the party’s National Legal Adviser, Inibehe Effiong; his co-counsel, Mr. Seprebofa Oyeghe; AAC Deputy National Secretary, Dr. Joshua Adeoye; AAC National Organizing Secretary, Philip Oshiokhue, and other members of the party.

My Two Graduate Children Don’t Have The Money To Buy Cars, Says Peter Obi

Peter Obi, vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says two of his children who are graduates and are already working do not own cars yet because they cannot afford one.

Speaking in Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State during a lecture organised in his honour by Agulu Peoples Assembly on Thursday, Obi said his children still board buses and tricycles for public transport.

He explained that even though “some people don’t like it”, this will not change as his children must make the money to buy cars for themselves rather than expect him to buy for them with his own money.

“I have two graduates who are working, a boy and a girl, and the two of them don’t own any car because they haven’t made enough money to buy a car,” he said.

“They were here for the Christmas, and I was talking to some people about them and the person said he saw my son and that he always jumps on buses and tricycles.

“Some people don’t like it that way. They believe I am rich and that my children should not be trekking, and that they should be provided cars. But I believe they do not have the money, so they have to trek.

“Who will give them cars — is it me? My money is my own, so they should work for theirs.”

Obi described himself as incorruptible, saying he wasn’t contesting to make money but to join in the building of a better Nigeria.

“I have been five years out of government, and no one has come to say any one naira was missing in government under my watch. EFCC can come and probe me if they like, I am not afraid,” he said.

“I am not here to campaign to my people because I come from here and you know what I did in Anambra. Just give me the opportunity and we will change Nigeria, and the country will start working again.”

NASS bye-election peaceful in Kwara

…Lai Mohammed, REC, others hail poll conduct

The National Assembly bye-election took place in Kwara state under a

peaceful atmosphere as votes conducted themselves in an orderly

mannner.

Security personnel were stationed at various polling units and

strategic locations to monitor the conduct of the poll.

The seat of the Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Isin/Irepodun Federal Constituency of Kwara state became vacant late September this year following the death

of Princess Funke Adedoyin who represented the constituency.

There was massive turn out of voters in most polling units in communities in Oke-Ero Local Government Area.

Voters who came to polling centres with temporary voter’s cards could not however vote as card readers did not authenticate their cards.

Speaking with reporters after casting his vote at Oro ward II, Onikoyi polling unit, Oro town, minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, hailed the conduct of the election, saying that he was impressed with massive turn out.

The minister, who expressed the APC to win the election, said that people of the area were mobilized before the poll.

Also speaking at Ajase Ipo ward 1, in front of Olupo palace, the PDP stalwart and commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Demola Banu, who said that the election witnessed impressive turn out of voters,  however said that people complained of malfunctioning of card readers in some

areas.

Traditional ruler of Odo-Owa in Ekiti local government area of the

state, Oba Joshua Akinyemi Adimula, condemned use of only card reader

machine, saying that alternative of manual accreditation ought to be

allowed.

He said insistence on the card reader alone denied many people of the

right to vote. Chairman of the local government, Joseph Oni, who voted in his Idofin-Igbana community expressed satisfaction with turn out of voters

and the conduct of the election.

Oni, who said that there was no vote buying or any other malpractice

in the exercise, explained that replacement of the machines were made

by INEC officials where card readers were not functioning properly.

There was however a clash among party supporters in Ekan-meje community but security agents quickly came in to douse tension.

Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kwara

State, Alhaji Attahiru Madami, commended voters in the ongoing

by-election into the Irepodun/Isin/Oke Ero federal constituency of

federal House of Representatives for their peaceful conduct.

Madami, who spoke with reportes at Osi 07 Unit 0001, S.D.A school,

Osi in Ekiti local government area of the state noted that “The electoral process as been so peaceful, perfect and encouraging. In fact, I am highly impressed and it is my hope that Nigerians will emulate Kwara State in future elections.

“Card readers are functioning well and security agents are in full charge. It is my advice that politicians are to accept the outcome of the polls humbly and with the spirit of sportsmanship.”

Alsi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Kwara State, Senator Simeon Ajibola, has disclosed that the outcome of the ongoing by-election in Ekiti/Irepodun/Eke Ero/Isin federal

constituency would determine its credibility.

Ajibola, a former senator representing Kwara South senatorial district in Abuja stated this while speaking journalists in Ìsapá town, Ekiti Local government area of the state.

He noted that “there was massive turnout of voters, INEC officials

arrived with the voting materials and security agencies have really

performed excellently well” even as he expressed optimism that APC will the poll.

Wike: No Regrets Supporting Tambuwal, But I'm Now With Atiku

"I supported the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal fully. I have no regrets for my support for Tambuwal. But the party has made a choice and as a loyal party man, I stand by the choice of the party. I will support His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar to victory in 2019. That is what is called party loyalty," Wike said.

Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State, has said he has no regrets supporting Aminu Tambuwal, Governor of Sokoto State, but will work towards ensuring that Atiku Abubakar, who eventually clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket, wins the 2019 general election.

He said he stood his ground on ensuring that Rivers State hosted the national convention of the PDP, stating that his decision was premised on the fact that Rivers State remains the home of PDP since 1999 and has made the party proud.

He also praised the efforts of Uche Secondus, National Chairman of the PDP, stating that it was because of him the party is "alive today".

Wike, who called on Nigerians to support the candidature of Atiku, campaigned against the present administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that "If this same government returns in 2019, then Nigerians are digging their graves. The suffering now will be a child's play. That is why we must work for the good of our people".

According to a statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media, Wike spoke at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday, during a Special Thanksgiving Service for the successful hosting of the PDP national convention.

He said: "I supported the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal fully. I have no regrets for my support for Tambuwal. But the party has made a choice and as a loyal party man, I stand by the choice of the party. I will support His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar to victory in 2019. That is what is called party loyalty.

"We must put our heads together to ensure that this bad government is sacked. We must ensure that this bad government goes in 2019. If this same government returns in 2019, then Nigerians are digging their graves. The suffering now will be a child's play. That is why we must work for the good of our people."

He also noted that the PDP will win in Rivers State, "despite the evil machinations of the APC Federal Government", stressing that he would "complete his mission in Rivers State through a resounding victory in 2019".

In his address, Secondus thanked the state government and people of Rivers State for hosting the "most successful convention in the history of Nigerian party politics", just as he charged security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work towards free and fair elections in 2019.

BREAKING: Obasanjo's Endorsement Of Atiku 'A Complete Non-Event', Says Buhari Campaign Organisation

"We are inclined to dismiss this gathering and “endorsement” as a complete non-event, but we feel we have a responsibility to Nigerians to remind them of the character and antecedents of these individuals, lest they take Nigerians for granted and see all of us as fools," it said. We do not intend to dwell on all the unprintable things touching on the lack of character, lack of integrity and corruptibility of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that Chief Obasanjo has repeatedly and consistently told the whole world about up until few weeks ago. These are well-documented and circulated for Nigerians to remember."

The Buhari Campaign Organisation has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as “complete non-event”.

On Thursday, Obasanjo endorsed Atiku, saying he had learnt his lessons, had reinvented himself, would not be President of just a section of the country, and that he understands the economy better than President Muhammadu Buhari. This is despite several years of demonizing Atiku, notably calling him disloyal and corrupt.

But, responding in a statement by Festus Keyamo, Director of Strategic Communications, the Buhari Campaign Organization said it was “bemused and amused that a character who intends to be President of Nigeria has, for the past eleven years, consistently begged for 'forgiveness' from a man who has consistently and unequivocally called him a very corrupt fellow”.

It said it did not intend to “dwell on all the unprintable things touching on the lack of character, lack of integrity and corruptibility of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that Chief Obasanjo has repeatedly and consistently told the whole world about up until few weeks ago”, as these are “well-documented and circulated for Nigerians to remember”.

The organistaion acknowledged Obasanjo’s constitutional right to support anyone of his choice, but drew attention of “all God-fearing Nigerians to a character who would use the name of God in vain and in a flip-flop manner in just a matter of weeks”. 

“Where is the shame? Where is the honour? Where is the pride?” it asked.

THE FULL STATEMENT

PRESS STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION ON THE SO-CALLED ENDORSEMENT OF ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR BY CHIEF OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

Our attention has just been drawn to the so-called endorsement of the candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party for the forthcoming 2019 Presidential Election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, by former President Olusegun Obasanjo today at his Presidential Library Complex in Ogun State.

We are inclined to dismiss this gathering and “endorsement” as a complete non-event, but we feel we have a responsibility to Nigerians to remind them of the character and antecedents of these individuals, lest they take Nigerians for granted and see all of us as fools.

We do not intend to dwell on all the unprintable things touching on the lack of character, lack of integrity and corruptibility of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that Chief Obasanjo has repeatedly and consistently told the whole world about up until few weeks ago. These are well-documented and circulated for Nigerians to remember.

However, we are bemused and amused that a character who intends to be President of Nigeria has, for the past eleven years, consistently begged for “forgiveness” from a man who has consistently and unequivocally called him a very corrupt fellow. We wonder what type of character would not vigorously confront his accuser with facts to show his innocence, but would rather consistently ask for “forgiveness” from him.

The desperation to get the endorsement of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo by the PDP and its candidate is a clear sign that they want to return us to our sordid past where a few people decide who should govern us. In 2014/2015, President Muhammadu Buhari and his team, out of respect and convention, paid courtesy calls on prominent individuals and statesmen in the course of their campaigns when they visited cities in which these individuals lived. However, Nigerians should note that President Buhari was NEVER reported to have groveled and “begged” ANYONE for forgiveness, just to be endorsed as a Presidential candidate. Ultimately, he relied on the people of Nigeria to decide his fate. President Buhari would continue to rely on the endorsement of the people of Nigeria to be re-elected.

Interestingly, just a few weeks ago, specifically on the 4th of August, 2018, Chief Obasanjo was widely reported to have said “God will NEVER forgive me if I support Atiku for President”. Whilst we acknowledge the constitutional right of the ex-president to support anyone of his choice, we draw attention of all God-fearing Nigerians to a character who would use the name of God in vain and in a flip-flop manner in just a matter of weeks. Where is the shame? Where is the honour? Where is the pride?

When a person invokes the curse of God upon himself if he does a particular thing, like Obasanjo has done, and then deliberately does that particularly thing and calls on Nigerians to follow him to receive his curse, Nigerians must flee in the opposite direction. We urge Nigerians NOT to follow this character to receive the curse he invoked upon himself.

We are also constrained to ask Chief Obasanjo about his Coalition For Better Nigeria, otherwise known as Third Force. We hope it is doing well.

We also note with interest the full participation of some “men of God” in the entourage of the Peoples’ Democratic Party for this political re-alignment. We are glad that they have publicly declared their partisan interest and urge all Nigerians to see all their previous, present and future attacks on President Buhari from their pulpits in the context of partisan politics and not in the context of nationalistic or altruistic commitment. We wish them well.

Finally, we see this gathering as a confederate of desperate power-mongers and questionable characters who wish to return us to the era of unbridled corruption. It is significant that the meeting was held in a building which has become the symbol of corruption of the Obasanjo years, where a sitting President collected monies from known government hangers-on and contractors to build a “Presidential Library” in clear violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. We hope President Obasanjo would one day return Governor Ayo Fayose’s Ten Million Naira to that building as Fayose has requested. It is a significant reminder of the difference between the past and the present.

Nigerians would soon be called upon to choose between returning us to the era of corrupt Presidents and their deputies or continuing on this path of transparency and people-oriented Government.
Thank you.

Poor Turnout Of Voters, Confusion As Plateau Holds LG Elections

Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who went round some polling units in Pankshin, Mangu, Bassa, Langtang North, Langtang South and Shendam local governments, observed that the voter turnout was very low.

A poor turnout of voters has been observed in most polling units in Plateau as the state holds elections into its local government councils.

The elections are holding in 14 out of the 17 local governments with Jos North, Jos South, Riyom and Barkin-Ladi left out.

Governor Simon Lalong had hinged the decision to leave out the four local governments on “prevailing security situation’’.

Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who went round some polling units in Pankshin, Mangu, Bassa, Langtang North, Langtang South and Shendam local governments, observed that the voter turnout was very low.

At Youth Centre polling unit in Pankshin central, NAN found less than 10 prospective voters on the queue as at 11.10 a.m.

The situation was the same in the two polling units of Nerr in Pankshin, where NAN met less than a combined total of 12 voters milling around and waiting for the electoral officers.

NAN also found that there was tension in six wards in Pankshin following claims that the electoral officers brought duplicate copies of results sheets.

The wards included Dopkai, Kangmun, Jibilik, Jibam, Kagu ang Jing.

Mr Godwin Nanchin, PDP Organising Secretary in Pankshin Local Government, told NAN that the ploy was to enter results in the duplicate sheets to deceive the electorate at the polling units.

“The results they want will then be entered in the original sheets and announced as authentic,” he said, and vowed that his party would resist such move.

But Mr Jerry Audu, PLASIEC’s Assistant Electoral Officer in Pankshin, told NAN that the distribution of the duplicate copies of the results sheets was not deliberate.

“The duplicate results sheets did not come along with other results materials, but we have sent for the origin results sheets and shall distribute them to the affected wards as soon as they are received,” he told NAN.

At Central Primary School, Langtang South, NAN found a few voters waiting for electoral voters as at 11.20 a.m.

One of the prospective voters, an elderly man, who gave his name as Nimfa Jan, told NAN that he had been waiting since 7.30 a.m.

“I have been waiting and will continue to wait. We are told that the electoral officers are on the way. We hope they will come soon,’’ he said.

Some people, who spoke with NAN, however said that they were not aware that elections into local government councils were being held.

Mrs. Asabe Timkat, who runs a hair salon, told NAN that she was not aware of the election.

“It was just this morning that someone told me that elections will today. We normally get to know of these things when candidates campaign and disrupt traffic. I did not see anyone campaigning,’’ she said.

At Mangu, however, NAN found an appreciable turnout of voters, especially in the polling units located in the centre of the town.

NAN, however, learnt that there was confusion over allegations that the electoral officers had brought fake results sheets, with voters hurling accusations against electoral officers.

Our correspondent also found a sharp division among the voters with some of them insisting that the electoral officers be allowed to perform their duties while others insisted on sighting and snapping the results sheets.

Mr Ben Shignugul, PDP Vice Chairman in Plateau Central, told NAN that he was “very impressed with the turnout of voters’’.

“As you can see, many people are anxious to vote because the local government councils are very important to their lives.

“The councillors are seen as the commissioners while the local government chairman is seen as the governor, so the election and those elected mean a lot for them,’’ he said.

Shignugul, however, expressed fear that the right results might not be determined because of allegations that the electoral officers had brought fake results sheets.

He also alleged that the electoral officers had hinted that the results would not be announced at the polling units, ward or local government collation centres.

“What we are told is that the results will be collated and sent to Jos to be announced there. We think this is not right and shall not accept any foul play,’’ he said.

Shignugul said that many voters had abandoned their farms to cast their votes, and advised the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), to “do the right thing’’.

“We have resolved to resist anything suspicious here. We shall insist and persist until the right thing is done,’’ he said.

At Langtang North, NAN learnt that a commissioner in the Plateau government was allegedly arrested for being in possession of a ballot box stuffed with ballot papers already thumb-printed in favour of one political party.

“Some youths, on learning that the commissioner was thump-printing ballot papers, rushed to his house and forced him to bring out the box,’’ a source, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN.

Mr Domle Simon, PDP Vice Chairman in Plateau South Senatorial Zone, who confirmed the said arrest of the commissioner, claimed that the suspect, along with several others, had been taken to the Police Station.

NAN, however, could not obtain Police confirmation of the arrest as the spokesman of the Plateau Police Command, Mr Tyopev Terna, said he was still “waiting to be briefed’’.

In most local governments, however, NAN found that most business outfits, especially eateries, were in business, while the roads were busy as there were no restrictions in movement.

BY THE SUN NEWSPAPER

I Am Confident Of Victory In Taraba – Sen. Aisha Alhassan

Alhassan expressed the optimism on Wednesday in Abuja when she visited the UDP national secretariat with UDP Taraba State Executive to submit the state’s report to the party’s National Chairman, Mr Godson Okoye.

Sen. Aisha Alhassan, former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development and the governorship candidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Taraba, says she is confident of victory in 2019 general elections with her new platform.

Alhassan expressed the optimism on Wednesday in Abuja when she visited the UDP national secretariat with UDP Taraba State Executive to submit the state’s report to the party’s National Chairman, Mr Godson Okoye.

She said it was not the name of political party that mattered in winning elections but the structure and followership in any election.

Alhassan, a.k.a. “Mama Taraba’’, as well as her counterpart, the former Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, were disqualified by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship election Screening Committee before the just concluded primaries of the party.

Alhassan said she now had more followers in UDP than she had before because of the injustice that was done to her by APC, saying what APC did had turned out to be a blessing.

“APC is just like a platform like any other political party, you can win election on any platform as long as you have people from the grassroots and you have the structure.

“It is just the name of our platform that is changed. As far as we are concerned, the followership is still intact. In fact we have more followership now.

“Because of the injustice done to me by the APC, we have a lot of sympathies now.

“The request for the UDP membership card now is overwhelming. I have told them to get a big hardcover note book and just be writing the names.

“So far we have printed 120, 000 membership cards within two weeks. People are still asking for more.’’

She assured the party leadership that there was nothing to be afraid of about the coming elections in Taraba, saying UDP is well rooted.
Alhassan said that all her followers, supporters and key stakeholders left the APC to join her in UDP.

“All of us that nurtured the APC to where it was two weeks ago when we moved, completely left the party to the UDP.

“The executives and all that matter moved. The party has no structure any longer in Taraba.’’

The former minister said that if elected governor, she would promote peaceful co-existence among the people, just leadership and adequate security, saying without peace and security there would be no development.

Alhassan was accompanied by the party’s state officials and the 2019 general elections’ candidates in the state as well as a serving member of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Nura Danyoho.

Okoye described Alhassan as a seasoned politician loved by people of her state and Nigerians.

He pledged that the party would work for the victory of Alhassan and its entire candidates across the country in 2019.

Okoye said that Alhassan could have been the governors of Taraba in 2015, adding maybe it was not her time then.

“We believe that this time God will grant her victory because we believe in the superiority of God that it is her time.’’

Pastor Donatus Ozoemena, UPD governorship candidate, Enugu State, also said he did not believe that diversity was the major problem of Nigeria.

Ozoemena said that the U.S. was made up of people from different cultures and beliefs, yet they were still united.

“I came back home from U.S. with the belief that even though they say America is the greatest country on earth, Nigeria has more resources and more intellectuals that can beat U.S.

“I don’t believe that division is the major cause of the problem we are going through.’’

Ozoemena also said that UDP had strong structure to win Enugu governorship election.

BY THE NATION NEWSPAPER

House Will Resist Non-Use Of Card Readers For 2019 Elections, Dogara Vows

According to the Speaker, “The new Electoral Act amendment bill has provisions that are designed to guarantee free, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria, entrenches the Smart Card Reader and electronic transmission of results, among others,” adding that “the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supplementary budget bill must also be accorded expeditious consideration.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has vowed that the federal lawmakers will resist any attempt to continue to frustrate the enactment of the Electoral Act Amendment bill, particularly the use of card readers for 2019 elections.

Describing such move as an effort to erode the gains of the successes recorded in the 2015 elections, Dogara, in a speech to mark the resumption of the House from its annual recess, said the passage of the bill will address fears that some forces plan to manipulate the forthcoming elections by exploiting loopholes in the Electoral Act as it is presently.

According to the Speaker, “The new Electoral Act amendment bill has provisions that are designed to guarantee free, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria, entrenches the Smart Card Reader and electronic transmission of results, among others,” adding that “the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supplementary budget bill must also be accorded expeditious consideration.”

He assured the people that as soon as the assembly settles down to business, the INEC supplementary budget bill must be accorded expeditious consideration.

“The pending issue of the Electoral Act amendment bill, which was unfortunately vetoed by the president, must also be expeditiously considered and passed. The new Electoral Act amendment bill has provisions that are designed to guarantee free, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria. The amendment bill entrenches the Smart Card Reader and electronic transmission of results among others. Any further attempt to frustrate the passing into law of the bill, will be indicative of our desire not to improve on the successes of the 2015 general election as well as further fueling the fears that some, including our international partners, have about some forces who intend to manipulate the forthcoming elections by exploiting identified loopholes in the Electoral Act currently in force,” he stated.

We'll Support Any Presidential Candidate That Promotes Restructuring, Say Ijaw Youth

"The IYC, which is the umbrella body that shields all Ijaw youth all over the world, will mobilise its members, friends, well wishers and other great men and women of goodwill to support any presidential candidate that supports restructuring of this great country that is currently being managed and run with resources from the Niger Delta, while our great people are treated shabbily with so much disdain," the statement read.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has said it will support any presidential candidate that promotes restructuring in the 2019 general election.

The organisation also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to task the relevant agencies on the East-West road to release the needed funds to ensure the rehabilitation of the road.

A statement by Roland Oweilaemi, President of the IYC noted that the road had become a "death trap".

The statement read: “We want President Muhammadu Buhari to give directive to the Niger Delta Ministry and other agencies involved in facilitation of funds for the speedy completion of the East/West road that has become a death trap which claims innocent lives daily."

On whom the organisation would support for president in the 2019 general election, the statement continued: "On the recent conclusion of party primaries, the Council congratulates the presidential flagbearers of the various political parties in the forthcoming 2019 presidential election on their emergence as candidates of their political parties.

“Generally, the IYC, which is the umbrella body that shields all Ijaw youth all over the world, will mobilise its members, friends, well wishers and other great men and women of goodwill to support any presidential candidate that supports restructuring of this great country that is currently being managed and run with resources from the Niger Delta, while our great people are treated shabbily with so much disdain. Our people have been totally sidelined and excluded from adequate and commensurate benefits that are supposed to accrue to the oil and gas producing communities and areas.

“Our stand on restructuring is very simple. Let the component and federating units control natural resources in their respective domains, and let them in turn pay royalty to the centre as practised by America and other advanced democracies. By so doing, our great people who have shouldered the economic burden of this country since the discovery of crude oil and gas at Otabagi-Oloibiri in Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa State in 1956, will also have a sense of belonging as against the present situation where our people are wallowing in misery and abject poverty, while those who do not know the colour of crude oil are living in affluence.

"The IYC which is the mouthpiece of our great people will no longer support any government or leader that tries to pauperise or attempt to treat our people like second class citizens."

The group also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure it conducts "a free, fair and credible election in line with international practices", just as it noted that the charge to INEC "has become very imperative because of the activities of INEC with respect to the Ekiti and Osun states elections, where INEC that is supposed to be unbiased and neutral became more partisan than the ruling party".

Wike Suggests He Supported Another Aspirant But Vows To Ensure Atiku's Victory In 2019

"We are one family. You may support aspirant A or B, but once a candidate emerges, you owe it a duty to make sure your party returns to power. We are doing everything we can to ensure that we don't give APC any gap. They have failed Nigerians and we will take over in 2019," Wike said.

Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power in 2019.

He stated this while addressing journalists after a 'Thank You Visit' by Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate and former Vice-President at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday evening.

According to Wike, Nigerians have a duty to form a united front to "sack" the APC-led Federal Government.

He said although different party leaders supported different aspirants to secure the PDP presidential ticket, with Atiku's emergence as the party's presidential candidate, "all hands must be on deck for the good of the country".

He said: "We have no party that will salvage the country other than the PDP. A candidate has emerged and we owe it a duty to see that the party takes over from the most inefficient and ineffective party in control of the FG.

"We are one family. You may support aspirant A or B, but once a candidate emerges, you owe it a duty to make sure your party returns to power. We are doing everything we can to ensure that we don't give APC any gap. They have failed Nigerians and we will take over in 2019."

He said the successful hosting of the national convention in Port Harcourt proves that Port Harcourt is a peaceful location for national events.

"I am happy that the convention was successful and it went on without hitches," he said.

In his remarks, Atiku called on Nigerians to support the PDP.

Noting that "the entire country needs a new government", he said the country has gone through challenges and needs to chart a new direction in the interest of the people.

Atiku said it is time for the people of Rivers State to consolidate their support for the PDP in the state.

He said: "I came to personally congratulate the governor, people and government of Rivers State and also thank him for hosting a most successful convention."

Atiku was accompanied on the visit by former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Senator Sam Anyanwu, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Austin Opara and Edo State PDP Chairman Dan Orbih.

Wike received the PDP presidential candidate alongside the Rivers State PDP Chairman, Felix Obuah, Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, and Chief Sergeant Awuse.

Sowore To Nigerians: Don't Sell Your Votes For Money That Won't Last More Than A Day

“We know they have money, but when they come to give you, reject it because your destiny is more important than money. What were the occupations of these politicians before they got into office? How much did they earn as salaries? Where did they get the money from? Work to build a Lagos of your dreams that is not the estate of one man," Sowore said.

Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has cautioned the electorate against exchanging their votes for money "that will not last more than a day".

He stated this at a town hall meeting organised by Taiwo Ibironke, who is contesting for the Surulere Constituency 2 seat in the Federal House of Representatives on the platform of AAC.

The event held at 64A, Agebi road, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos.

He said: "Don't sell your votes for money that will not last more than a day; for Ankara of sorrow, or for things that do not translate to good governance for you."

He noted with dismay the emergence of old recycled leaders, whom he accused of "destroying the nation and its systems", stating that “When will it become your turn? Enough is enough. The highest they can do is what is visible to us from 1993 to date. This is the Nigeria of their dreams".

He continued: “We know they have money, but when they come to give you, reject it because your destiny is more important than money. What were the occupations of these politicians before they got into office? How much did they earn as salaries? Where did they get the money from? Work to build a Lagos of your dreams that is not the estate of one man. Lagos must be free; Surulere must be free; Nigeria must be free.

Taiwo Ibironke, who is contesting to represent Surulere Constituency 2 in the House of Representatives, called on the people to do the right thing, stating that if voted in, he would be "held accountable for every penny and opportunity in government”.

Kayode, one of the attendees, asked how possible it was to accomplish all the promises of the AAC, to which Sowore responded: "The old politicians cannot deliver because they have godfathers, who are waiting on the return on their investments. We don’t have godfathers; we have struggled for Nigeria’s freedom over the years. Check our antecedents, we are here to work and we have no one to repay, but you who voted us in”.

The Choice Between Buhari And Atiku Is One Between Light And Darkness, Says APC

"The choice between Buhari and Atiku is one between light and darkness; between positive change and business as usual; between transparency and under the table dealings," the statement read.

The All Progressives Congress has described the choice between its candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as one between light and darkness.

While congratulating Atiku's on his emergence as PDP's presidential candidate, which it described as keeping with its" belief in participatory democracy and the electorate’s right to freely choose from candidates in any political contest", it went on to describe Atiku's scorecard as "abysmally low".

This was contained in a statement by Yekini Nabena, acting National Publicity Secretary of the APC, on Monday.

The statement read: "In assessing candidates to be voted for during elections, Nigerians will normally consider the candidate’s background and antecedents. The pertinent question to ask about Atiku is what his scorecard in public office was? Regrettably, Atiku’s scorecard is abysmally low and he has proven to be an untrustworthy and unreliable character. A case in point is Atiku’s revealing altercation with his former boss President Olusegun Obasanjo which exposed the level of corruption Atiku was enmeshed in.

"In the international level, Atiku has been reportedly placed on the global watch list of the United States of America and has avoided travelling to the US to avoid arrest and prosecution over a money-laundering and corruption case in that country. Really, is this the character and antecedent of a candidate Nigerians will be proud to vote for as our President, come 2019?

"Compared and contrasted with President Muhammadu Buhari consistent and principled stance on party affiliations, since 1999, Atiku has moved around different political parties – PDP, ACN, PDP, APC and now PDP, all in his blind and desperate pursuit of his ambition – The Presidency of Nigeria. It is therefore very clear that if Atiku loses the presidential election in 2019, he will again defect from the PDP to another political platform."

APC also accused Atiku of using money to influence the PDP's presidential primary, an action which they claimed was contrary to the stance of Buhari who "does not spend a kobo on delegates".

The statement continued: "Atiku is known as a super-rich Nigerian who entrenched the undemocratic practice of buying votes of delegates. During the APC National Convention in 2014, he spent several millions of dollars to buy delegates votes and emerged third, after Buhari and Rabiu Kwankwaso. On Sunday, he reportedly bought over virtually all the PDP delegates and was declared winner of the PDP presidential primaries. With these huge expenses expended to secure the PDP ticket, how will Atiku recoup his “investment” if not from the public treasury should he win the Presidency?

"Our dear President Muhammadu Buhari does not spend a kobo on delegates as he banks only on his proven personal integrity. In any case how did a retired Customs Officer acquire so much wealth to fund his several presidential bids? The source of his wealth is very questionable and his financial resources are definitely ill-gotten.

"Nigerians have had enough of corrupt, cash and carry politicians. That was why in 2015 they came out en masse and elected a clean and transparent man in Muhammadu Buhari to clean the Augean stable. The candidature of Atiku Abubakar will bring back the undesired lots and their practices which Nigerians have long rejected and forgotten. The Nigerian electorate deserves to be given a choice of decency, integrity and honour and not dirt, corruption, and infamy. The choice between Buhari and Atiku is one between light and darkness; between positive change and business as usual; between transparency and under the table dealings.

"As we prepare for the forthcoming 2019 elections, one thing is clear. If the choice is between a presidential candidate/change agent who is rebuilding the country and refocusing our national priorities and attitudes on one hand, and another candidate who along with his gang of co-looters stole the country’s commonwealth and brought the country to its knees, that choice has already been made by the Nigerian electorate."