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FPN To Mobilise Nigerians For Jonathan’s Victory
The Freedom Party of Nigeria (FPN), has pledged to mobilise votes for President Goodluck Jonathan in addition to capturing four states in April general elections.
The FPN had earlier adopted Jonathan as its Presidential candidate for the polls.
Chief Frank Ohwofa, National Chairman of the party, made the pledge in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Ohwofa said the party had the capacity to reach all Nigerians, to ensure that Jonathan was elected as the next President, considering his leadership credentials and style of governance.
He said FPN did not join other political coalitions in the adoption of Jonathan, adding that the party was independent.
“We will ensure adequate mobilisation of voters for Jonathan because we are compatible with his style of leadership.
“The FPN is not in alliance with other parties for any coalition arrangement and we are standing as an independent entity, devoid of any coalition arrangement,’’ Ohwofa added.
The National Chairman gave assurance that FPN would spring surprises to Nigeria even as it was one of the newly-registered parties.
He said it would at least capture four states in the next elections, naming Delta, Bayelsa, Imo and Oyo states as its strong holds.
Ohwofa added that FPN was not supporting the entire PDP, stressing that it was only supporting Jonathan because of his rich leadership credentials.
“I want to assure Nigerians that our party will spring surprises in the next elections even as a new political party.
“I also want people to get it clear that FPN is not supporting entire PDP, but Jonathan, due to his rich leadership qualities and experience,’’ Ohwofa stressed.
He decried the rate at which INEC was listing and de-listing names of many candidates, saying it was a clear legal matter.
He advised the Commission to adhere strictly to law in the administration of electioneering.
He said the FPN would not accept failure from INEC, adding that the commission had been given adequate support by government and entire Nigerians.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.