Former Governor of Enugu State, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, has made a public appeal to the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to withdraw his petition against the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He urged Obi to join him in the task of making a new nation and align with the ebullience and conviviality of welcoming Tinubu's victory to the Office of the President of the greatest black nation on earth.

Obi had filed a petition to challenge the victory of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress in the 25 February election. Obi, who came third in the election, alleged that the election was characterized by various irregularities, including the non-qualification of Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, to contest the election. Obi also stated that Tinubu failed to win the majority of the lawful votes cast in the election and just as he could not secure one-quarter of the legal votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In response to Obi's petition, Nnamani said that Obi knows he has neither the spread nor national appeal to win the Presidential election, and what he is doing with the petition is "bad belle, petulance and demarketing." Nnamani believes that Obi's petition is ego-driven and a joke carried too far. His attempt to highlight non-electoral issues is trying to embarrass the President-elect.

Nnamani advised Obi to come down from his high horse to allow sedate minds to negotiate on behalf of the Igbo and South East for a safe landing to include their stake in the national Palavar and share of the accruals of the commonwealth. He believes that it's time for the Igbo to confront reality and align themselves with the mainstream to participate in making a new Nigeria. They cannot afford to be consigned to the backwoods of history.

Above all, Nnamani's public appeal to Obi to withdraw his petition against the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a call for unity and national development. He believes that the Igbo and South East can only bargain for their share of the accruals of the commonwealth by aligning themselves with the mainstream and participating in making a new Nigeria. It's time for the Igbo to confront reality and join the task of making a new nation.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has accused certain politicians of using politics to create discord among Nigerians. During a visit to Onitsha to celebrate the Sallah holiday with the Muslim community, Obi donated food and beverages to them while praying to Allah to accept their fasting and sacrifices and grant them a good life. He reiterated that Nigerians are one and that divisive politicians who want to reap where they did not sow try to divide citizens along tribal and religious lines.

Obi emphasized that the only thing that divides Nigerians is politics, as some politicians engage in divisive campaigns to secure votes during elections. He noted that he has never discriminated against anyone on the basis of religion and will never do so, citing his business that is run by a northerner from Kano who is doing well. He called for unity and brotherhood among all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion, and urged politicians to avoid using politics to divide the people.

Obi, who served as the governor of Anambra State, recounted how he rebuilt a mosque that was demolished at some point during his tenure and assured members of the Muslim community that they are part of the state and that no one can stop them from living there and carrying out their businesses. He added that he lives in Onitsha and is available to help in the areas of healthcare and education, which he is passionate about.

The Chief Imam of Onitsha Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdulraman Imam, commended Obi for being the only governor in the state who visited members of the Muslim community at every celebration to felicitate with them. He highlighted Obi's commitment to rebuilding the mosque and sponsoring many members of the community to Mecca, even though he is a Christian. The secretary and spokesperson of the Hausa community in Onitsha, Barr Mahmud Imam, also conveyed the community's support for Obi, stating that they voted for him in the past and would continue to pray for his success because his capacity to lead is not in doubt.

Peter Obi's visit to the Muslim community in Onitsha to celebrate the Sallah holiday underscores the need for unity and brotherhood among Nigerians. His call for politicians to avoid using politics to sow seeds of discord and his commitment to promoting education and healthcare are vital for the growth and development of the country. Obi's past actions, such as rebuilding the mosque and sponsoring members of the Muslim community to Mecca, show that he is a leader who is committed to the well-being of all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion.

The Labour Party in Nigeria is facing a crisis as the National Executive Council (NEC) suspended the Acting National Chairman, Lamidi Apapa, and five other members on Tuesday. The reason for the suspension is alleged anti-party activities that were not specified. The other affected members are Alhaji Saleh Lawal, Rawland Daramola, Prince Reuben Favour, Samuel Akingbade, and Mohammed Akali.

The NEC also upheld the decision of the Akure convention, which expelled the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Arabambi Abayomi. Apapa and the five others took over the affairs of the party on April 6, 2023, following a Federal High Court ruling that restrained Julius Abure from parading himself as the chairman of the party. Seven members of the party's NEC announced Apapa as the acting chairman of the party, replacing the suspended chairman, Abure.

Apapa has recently been criticized and accused of being planted in the party by the ruling All Progressives Congress as a mole. In response, Apapa denied the accusations on Channels Television's Sunday Politics program and claimed that he was a founding member of the Labour Party and enjoyed the support of its supporters as the new leader. He maintained that he was not being sponsored by opponents to destroy the party and that he would not do such a thing as a foundational member of the LP.

According to Apapa, since a court has ordered four national officers of the party, including Abure, to stop parading themselves as such, his move is in the right direction. He refuted the allegations that he was being sponsored by opponents to destroy the party. He maintained that he would not run down the party, and nobody was sponsoring him.

The crisis in the Labour Party appears to have deepened with the suspension of Apapa and the five other members. It remains to be seen how the party will resolve the crisis and move forward. The NEC's decision to uphold the expulsion of Comrade Arabambi Abayomi indicates that the party is taking a strong stance against those who engage in anti-party activities. It is uncertain what the future holds for the Labour Party, but it is clear that the current situation is not conducive to its success.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has stated that he would not accept any offer to be part of Bola Tinubu’s Government of National Unity. Tinubu, the president-elect and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have been dragged to court by Obi over the outcome of the February 25 election. The camp of the APC candidate had hinted that the former Lagos Governor would form an all-inclusive government to carry all his opponents along in his government.

Obi was asked what he would do if he was called upon to be a member of Tinubu’s Government of National Unity while featuring on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday. Obi responded by saying that he was still challenging the process of the election and the declaration. He added that the process of the election should be put right first before anyone could talk of the Government of National Unity.

According to him, the process of the election was more fundamental than what follows after the election. He stated that he was challenging the process and the declaration and that until things were done rightly, he could not encourage what should not be encouraged. Obi said that he would be shocked if the court upholds Tinubu’s election when asked whether he would accept the outcome if it was not in his favour.

Obi believes that the judiciary will do the right thing. The former Anambra State governor stated that issues about the election would be sorted out in court. He added that the country could not continue with the situation and that it would stand that it is a corporate criminalized country if the court upholds Tinubu’s election. He stated that people were talking about structure when they talked about fraud and criminality. He emphasized that the country needed to unbundle criminality for the sake of its children.

Obi concluded by stating that the first thing he wanted to see was that the process was right. He added that until they got it right, then they could talk about a government of national unity. Otherwise, they would be encouraging what they should not encourage. He stated that he was challenging the process and declaration, and that until they got it right, he could not talk about Tinubu’s Government of National Unity.

Senator Ishaku Abbo, who represents Adamawa North Senatorial District, has commented that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not authorized to declare the collated results of the Adamawa State governorship election null and void. During an appearance on the ‘Sunrise Daily’ breakfast show on Channels Television, the senator referred to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and stated that the electoral body’s announcement was insignificant.

According to Senator Abbo, the result of the election has already been announced by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), and it is out of INEC’s hands to nullify it. He also referred to Section 149 of the Electoral Act of 2022, which states that any defect or error arising from any actions taken by an official of the Commission remains valid unless it is challenged and declared invalid by a competent court of law or tribunal.

The lawmaker emphasized that challenging an already announced election result would be futile, while accusing the ruling party in the state of electoral infractions. Senator Abbo’s statements suggest that he believes INEC has limited powers in nullifying the election results in Adamawa State, and that any defects or errors arising from actions taken by an official of the Commission would remain valid unless otherwise challenged and declared invalid by a court or tribunal.

In commemoration of the World Teachers Day on October 5, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a special salary scale for teachers in the country

He also increased the number of years of service from 35 to 40.

Mr Buhari said this in Abuja on Tuesday during the celebration of the 2020 World Teachers Day.

The education minister, Adamu Adamu, who represented President Buhari, said the implementation of the new salary scheme is to encourage teachers in delivering better service.

The 2020 theme of the World Teachers’ Day is Teachers: leading in crisis, reimagining the future.

He said teachers have the power to shape and reshape the lives of young people and help learners to enhance their potentials.

“Only great teachers can produce excellent people and students that will make the future of our country great. A positive or negative influence of a teacher on any child will have an effect on that child. Therefore the federal government is ensuring quality education to access,” he said.

Mr Buhari also said his administration has resolved that quality education of teachers in terms of engagement of continued professional development has to be given priority.

“To address these challenges, my administration has approved the following for teachers and the teaching profession. In order to attract investment in the teaching profession, the quality of the introduction of the bursary award has been restored,” he said.

Source:Premiumtimesng

Governor Makinde of Oyo State, on Thursday, led top government functionaries and other members of the public in a ‘Democracy Walk’ in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 1.8-kilometre walk, who took off from the Government House arcade, Agodi, terminated at the Total Garden roundabout in the ancient city.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the walk, Makinde, who said that 60 years was very significant in the existence of a nation, added that the celebration of the diamond jubilee would have been held at a stadium but for the COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that a lot of Nigerians might not see anything good about the nation’s 60th independence anniversary, stating, however, that not everything was wrong with the country.

“Nigeria is surely doing certain things right. We should focus on those things we have gotten right and try to build on it.

“We should also not forget to make amends, where possible, on those areas we are falling short,” the governor said. He congratulated Nigerians, especially the people of the state, on witnessing the country’s diamond jubilee.

NAN reports that the walk attracted hundreds of Ibadan residents who joined the governor and other government functionaries.

NAN also reports that various voluntary organisations, such as Man ‘O War, Cyclists Association and some Ibadan-based NGOs, also took part in the exercise.

Buhari seeks stronger collaboration to end corruption.

For Nigeria to successfully win the war against corruption, all sectors must collaborate better in a bid to end the menace that has hindered the country from making progress and becoming a greater nation that would be the envy of Africa and the world.

President Muhammadu Buhari made the assertion yesterday while restating his administration’s commitment to end corruption in the country.

He, therefore, sought a stronger collaboration among all tiers of government to tame the menace ravaging the country.

President Buhari spoke in Abuja at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) second National Summit on Diminishing Corruption and launch of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy to mark the 20th anniversary of its establishment.

The Policy was put together by the ICPC, in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

The President also charged Nigerians to join the government in combating the menace and return the country to the values of honesty and integrity.

His words:

“As military Head of State, I fought corruption headlong and held public officers who abused their offices or misused public funds to the account.”

I introduced the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), one of whose cardinal objectives was to promote ethical conduct, integrity, and hard work.

“In 1984, I recognised, as I do now that corruption poses a clear danger to Nigeria, so, we cannot relent in efforts to eradicate it in all its ramifications. As I have often reminded Nigerians that if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.

“Also in my inaugural speech in 2015, I affirmed my administration’s determination to rebuild and reform the public service to become more effective and serviceable. I charged public servants to apply themselves with integrity to stabilise the system and solicited the cooperation of the legislature to maintain their brief of making laws and carrying out oversight functions.

“We must all join hands together to fight corruption and return to our traditional values of honesty and integrity. I hereby use the opportunity of this summit to launch the National Ethics and Integrity Policy as a fresh roadmap to return Nigeria to these critical national values.”

Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos State, has said that ‘Agberos’ cannot be banned in the state because they were “our brothers and cousins”.

‘Agberos’ in Lagos are notorious for charging taxes that are not remitted to the government, terrorising neighbourhoods, robbing passengers and rigging elections for corrupt politicians.

Hamzat, while speaking with journalists to commemorate his 56th birthday in Lagos, said the National Union of Road Transport Workers to which the touts belong, had the same legitimacy and backing of the law as the Nigeria Medical Association.

He said:

“We have all agreed that we live by the constitution and laws. The National Union of Road Transport Workers is actually a union recognised by law. I know some people say ban them, but the government must also be careful.

When you just say arbitrarily ban them, what stops you from saying I want to ban the Nigerian Medical Association? Do you understand? There are times government and NMA have issues; does that mean they should be banned? They are expressing their opinion.

“They might be wrong or right but they have the right to express those opinions. And then remember these people (NURTW) are Nigerians; they are our brothers and cousins. So, one of the things we have been telling them is that if you are the chairman in Ajeromi and we see that there are all sorts of contraventions in Ajeromi, we will remove you as a chairman. We are not banning your union but it means you are incompetent.

“So, that is the outcome of one of the meetings we had with them, that if there’s an infraction in any of the areas due to the executive in that area, then it should be dissolved. And then you know we complain about our society, why people fight on the road; we have all gone around the world and it is only here we see people fighting on the road and tearing clothes off themselves, why? That has to change, but changing that does not mean banning them.

“It is to make sure we find the time and interact with them, and say, ‘look this is how it works’. Remember during former (Governor Bola Ahmed) Tinubu’s administration when we started BRT; it was a tug of war, but we took the union to Colombia to see how the union there metamorphosed into owning the BRT and so a lot of those blue buses at that time were owned by the union.

“We said, ‘See you can send your children to school by this; this is a job you can say you are proud of.’ Surprisingly they paid back the loans for the buses quickly. The same thing is happening in the abattoir (business); people say they don’t want the machines, some of our brothers said it is un-Islamic that they want to kill the cow themselves. So, we went to Kenya and Tanzania and we saw Muslims killing in an automated way, and so they agreed. So, it is a matter of engaging people and letting them see the reason they need to change their attitude. That is our way of doing things, not just say put them away.”

President Muhammadu Buhari is delighted that the bond of friendship between Nigeria and The People’s Republic of China has continued to strengthen.

The President, in a letter of felicitation with President Xi Jinping on the occasion of the 71st Anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of China, and the country’s National Day, said though COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in the economies of the world, “it, however, gladdens my heart that despite this, our two countries have remained steadfast, and supported each other.”

President Buhari appreciated the government of China for being supportive of the infrastructural revolution of Nigeria.

Details of the letter:

“On the occasion of the 71st Anniversary of the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China, I send warm greetings to you on behalf of myself, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I rejoice with the Chinese people both at home and abroad on this happy occasion. Since the formal establishment of bilateral relations over 40 years ago, the bond of friendship between our two nations has continued to strengthen.

“Under the purposeful leadership of the Communist Party which you now head, China has been able to pull over 700 million people out of poverty in the last four decades. The Chinese experience on poverty reduction and positive economic growth will be instructive in our commitment to pull over 100 million out of poverty before 2030 as we implement our Agenda 2050 and the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2021–2025.

“The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused disruptions in the socio-economic plans of every country of the world. It, however, gladdens my heart that despite this, our two countries have remained steadfast and supported each other.

“Mr President, the Chinese government has been very helpful in the realisation of the developmental agenda of Africa, evident through the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation which is in its 20th year. You have also been supportive towards Nigeria’s infrastructural revolution for which I am grateful.

“As you celebrate on October 1st, which fortuitously is the same National Day as ours, the Government and People of China are invited to participate in the year-long activities that will mark the 60th Anniversary of the Independence of Nigeria.

“Once again, I wish you happy celebrations.”

The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Worldwide has warned politicians in Bayelsa State against resorting to violence, following the Supreme Court ruling which declared Douye Diri as governor.

IYC said desperate politicians bent on causing chaos due to the Supreme Court ruling should desist in the interest of the state and the entire Niger Delta region.

Recall that the apex court had sacked David Lyon of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the Governor-Elect of Bayelsa State while declaring Diri as winner of the election.

Diri was subsequently sworn-in as governor of the state.

Following Diri’s emergence, IYC alleged that some aggrieved politicians were planning a coordinated attack of oil installations in the state.

In a statement by its Secretary-General, Alfred Kemepado, the council urged those aggrieved to seek democratic procedures rather than resorting to violence.

The statement reads: “If any person or party feels aggrieved by the Supreme court judgments that consequently made Sen. Douye Diri Governor, such persons should approach the courts for redress or seek political solutions rather than indulge in any unlawful activity that could endanger life and property in any part of Ijaw land.

“All Ijaws are equal and have the right to aspire to become anything in Ijaw land. The IYC warns against incitement of the state and the region to violence because of politics, stressing that politicians are less than one percent of the population of ijaws who go about their lawful businesses daily.

“We also warn some persons to desist from activities that could put the state and the region in a bad light. Any person or group of persons, who make themselves available for paid violence in the Niger Delta is totally on the wrong side of history.

“We want to also caution the political class and paymasters of instability to desist forthwith as their selfish plots and activities are known to all.

“We stress that instead of plotting instability for the state because of self serving political ambitions, everybody should come together to build a more peaceful and prosperous Bayelsa State”.