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2019: Buhari ’ll Seek Re-Election – SGF …‘North Won’t Vote For Buhari’ …Emulate Zuma, Resign, ADP Tells President

Published

8 years ago

February 16, 2018

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha yesterday affirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari will seek re-election in 2019.
He stated that there is no alternative to Buhari, stressing that other presidential aspirants have nothing to offer.
The SGF spoke at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, while addressing a rally organised by the Democratic Youth Congress led by its National Chairman, Kassim Mohammed.
The group had urged President Muhammadu Buhari to declare his intention to contest in the 2019 elections.
Mustapha said, “We do not have an alternative to President Muhammadu Buhari for now. I will present your entire message to him. I congratulate you for your support for President Muhammadu Buhari to run in 2019.”
The SGF, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Gideon Sammani, said Buhari was widely known for his stance against corruption and indiscipline, noting that many people feared him because of his uncompromising position on graft.
Mustapha argued that it was the corrupt individuals that were against the President because they were apprehensive they may be brought to book.
He added, “We all know that Buhari is transparent, honest. He has come with the change philosophy. He has lived for this, to bring change to this nation. Since his military days, he stood to fight corruption, indiscipline.
“Many people fear him because he does not compromise corruption and corrupt people are afraid that they will be brought to book. And those who have already looted the treasury of this nation are followed by the security agencies. By the grace of God Buhari will not relent in this fight.”
”He will continue; The politics of this nation is no more the politics of money or do-or-die politics. Anybody who wants to lead this nation must make sacrifices. Buhari has already transformed and changed the image of leadership and that of our leaders this country, both locally and internationally,” the SGF noted.
The convener of the rally, in his remarks, stated that his team was ready to work for Buhari’s re-election in 2019, adding that they were working with over 15 state governors to actualise the goal.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Satumari Kudla has declared that President Muhammadu Buhari will not get any vote in the North, come 2019.
Kudla, who gave reasons for his declaration said Buhari’s government has been tested and has failed, adding that Nigerians have come to the understanding that the former ruling party is the “strongest party”.
Speaking with newsmen, the APC chieftain said, “Everything that is happening today is to the advantage of the PDP. The party respects the rule of law and gave an opportunity for freedom of expression.
“Just like someone said, ‘you are free to say what you want to say and you are also free after you have said it’. We cannot say the same of this present government. There is the freedom of speech. But it depends on what speech that is made and by whom. Freedom after your speech is no longer guaranteed in this government. PDP is the only party that is national in character and composition.
“Just like the issue you raised on statements made, they may not have understood the complicity when they were making those statements. Otherwise, someone would not say that if there is no electricity after certain period of time ‘you should stone them.’ That it is only a bad government that won’t be able to provide electricity in six months. We are running to almost 25 months and nothing is being done differently. So, the lack of appreciation may have made those people to say that, and it was out of bitterness and anger over certain things. We are only talking to Nigerians to weigh the difference.
“Most of those people may not return to the position they are occupying because the election of the president was predicated on three major things in 2015. The first is that he was not tested. He was only tested when he was military Head of State. Two, people experienced PDP and not APC. Another issue is that of tribalism. The North felt short-changed following President Umaru Yar’Adua’s death, whom they saw as an extension of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, who was responsible for the victory. The last issue is religion. Buhari is a Muslim. So, in 2015 election, there was no sentiment that was not thrown into the election to the extent that some of the Muslims in the North were seeing him as their candidate. I am not going to blame him also. Even some Christians saw Dr Goodluck Jonathan as theirs. The issues led him to get those votes.
“2019 may be different in the sense that we have tested his (Buhari) governance, and we know how it is. Again, the PDP, which is the strongest party, has announced that their candidate would emerge from the North. It is going to be North versus North, and not South versus North. The last is that the candidate that will emerge on the platform of the PDP, from the North will also be a Muslim. All the states in the North that gave him (Buhari) high votes will not return the same thing next year.
“For instance, in Kano, where Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, comes from, the votes are likely going to be divided into two. Also, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau is also a factor in Kano. So, if they come together, there might not be two million votes coming from Kano for one party.
“I also heard that Senator Ahmed Makarfi has closed ranks with former Vice President, Namadi Sambo in State, and the reaction of southern Kaduna to the way issues of insurgency and attacks on their people was handled by Governor Nasir el-Rufai is not going down well with them, and they form a major block of votes. So, Kaduna may not give Buhari the kind of votes he got in 2015.
“In Bauchi, we hear ‘8 o’clock’, what that means is that on Election Day, the party would be voted out because they don’t like their Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, and it is rubbing off on their love for the president. Going to Sokoto, we do not know where Governor Aminu Tambuwal is at the moment. But his name is being featured as a likely candidate that may come to PDP or form the ‘third force.’ We hear story about him being tipped as a possible presidential candidate. Recall that when Buhari was in London, the members of the cabal saw him as a disloyal member of the party. He is seen as not being loyal to Buhari. Should he move, he is most likely to move to the PDP. And Attahiru Bafarawa, whether you like it or not, is a factor.”
In another development, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to emulate the immediate past President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, who resigned over his recall by his country’s governing party, the African National Congress (ANC).
In a statement, yesterday, the Lagos spokesperson for ADP, Prince Adelaja Adeoye, noted that Buhari should go because Nigerians are tired of under-development under him.
ADP said, “ANC is a party of notable politicians who cannot be intimidated by their president or other elective leaders, unlike Nigeria’s governing All Progressives Congress (APC) filled with sycophants.
“Party leaders have turned themselves to “yes men” for a president they are supposed to hold accountable, make sure he delivers and ensure that he does not derail the country’s democracy,” Adeoye said.
The party recalled that it had made several calls, counselling the president to quietly step down and allow another Nigerian with the capacity to govern.
Adeoye stressed further that the widespread violence, ethnic clashes, and unabated spread of poverty due to the bad economy in the country is alarming.
ADP hailed South Africans “for speaking in one voice and not allowing politicians to divide them with religion or ethnicity because no matter where a bad leader comes from, all citizens suffer the misrule.”
It said Nigerians have a lot to learn from Zimbabwe, South Africa and other countries who changed leaders that have disappointed them.
“President Buhari should see his position as a privilege to serve; it is not his birth right. If the same people who shouted “Sai Baba” and elected him are saying enough is enough, he should heed their calls and not turn himself into a sit tight leader.”
ADP charged credible and competent Nigerians to begin to show interest in 2019 election, and warned INEC that any conduct below free and fair polls in 2019 would be resisted.

News

Nigerians Hit As Iran Rains Missiles On UAE

Published

3 days ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates, at the weekend.

This raised fresh fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation.

The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed last Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.

In a statement posted on its official X handle, the ministry said its air defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones during the latest assault on March 14.

It added that the attacks left six people dead and 141 others injured, including foreign nationals.

“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.

“Since the onset of this blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran,” UAE added.

According to the ministry, those killed in the attacks included citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

“Although the authorities did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, the ministry said the injured victims were from several countries, including Nigeria.

Others affected include residents from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The list also included Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.

The Tide reports that this development has sparked concern among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens live and work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and trade.

Data from Nigeria’s diaspora commission shows that the UAE remains one of the largest destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, particularly in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

The Nigerian government had in recent years raised concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens in the country following diplomatic tensions and visa restrictions affecting Nigerians.

Saturday’s attacks have now heightened anxieties within the diaspora community, especially as the Gulf region faces growing military confrontations.

In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country remained fully prepared to confront any threats to its security.

“The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities,” the ministry said.

In a separate update, the ministry noted that its defence systems were still actively intercepting missiles and drones.

“UAE air defences are dealing with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,” it said.

Regional media reports indicate that the attacks form part of a wider escalation of hostilities between Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East.

According to Al Jazeera, Iran has continued sustained missile and drone strikes across the Gulf despite protests from neighbouring states.

The strikes were said to be in retaliation for military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian positions in the region.

Tehran targeted several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, late on Friday and into Saturday.

The attacks also caused infrastructural damage in parts of the UAE.

Meanwhile, Iran’s elite military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that US interests in the UAE would remain legitimate targets.

Iranian state media reported that the group issued the warning after US forces attacked Iranian-controlled islands.

The IRGC specifically mentioned ports, docks and military installations linked to the United States as potential targets.

It also urged residents in the UAE to evacuate areas around ports and military facilities to avoid civilian casualties.

Security analysts say the growing exchange of threats and strike across the Gulf could destabilise the region’s economic and aviation activities if the conflict escalates further.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

News

Fubara Swears in Five New Commissioners …Says Their Best Is Needed for Rivers Dev

Published

3 days ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the five new commissioners sworn-in last Wednesday to put in their best for the development of the State.

Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in of the commissioners at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.

This followed the successful screening of the five commissioners by the Rivers State House of Assembly, last Tuesday.

The five commissioners are Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.

The Tide reports that the governor had sent nine commissioner-nominees to the Assembly for screening, but the Assembly confirmed only five nominees and rejected the nomination of four over various allegations.

Those rejected by the Assembly are Prof. Dantonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Demua, Mr. Tamuno Williams, and Otonye Amachree.

The governor congratulated the new commissioners on their appointment, noting that their thorough screening by the Rivers State House of Assembly was a proof of their capabilities.

He urged them to deploy their wealth of experience in various fields and put the State on a fast lane of development.

“Ordinarily, I am supposed to charge you on your responsibilities and how to operate. But that has been taken care of by the screening at the Assembly.

“I believe that going through one of the most rigorous screenings, it is enough to say that for those of you who succeeded, you are fit and ready to deliver to our dear State.

“So there is no further charge. The screening was the charge, so I wish you the best as I don’t expect anything less than the best from you,” Fubara said.

News

Navy Destroys Illegal Refinery In Rivers, Intercepts Stolen Fuel In C’ River

Published

3 days ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, destroying a reactivated illegal refinery site in Rivers State and intercepting suspected stolen petroleum products in Calabar, Cross River State.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement released in Abuja, yesterday.

Folorunsho said personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, destroyed a reactivated illegal refinery site at Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He said the action followed credible intelligence that a previously dismantled illegal refining site had resumed operations.

According to him, an Anti–Crude Oil Theft team deployed to the location discovered that the dismantled refining oven had been reconstructed.

“Further exploitation of the area led to the discovery of additional refining equipment and storage facilities containing about 3,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” he said.

Folorunsho added that the illegal refining infrastructure, including ovens, storage tanks, hoses, connected pipes and newly acquired metal components used for illegal refining, was destroyed in line with operational procedures.

He said personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, in another operation, intercepted about 3,950 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products at the Nigerian Ports Authority area in Calabar, Cross River State.

He said the interception was based on credible intelligence on suspected siphoning of petroleum products from vessels berthed at the port.

The naval patrol team, according to him, swiftly deployed to the area and traced the illegally siphoned products to a trailer park within the port facility.

“On sighting the naval patrol team, the suspected perpetrators fled the scene, after which the area was cordoned off and the illegally siphoned products secured,” he said.

Folorunsho said further inspection led to the recovery of about 3,950 litres of Automotive Gas Oil stored in drums and jerrycans, which had been evacuated to the naval base for further necessary action in line with extant regulations.

He noted that the successes aligned with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to intensify operations against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes across Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Folorunsho reiterated the Navy’s commitment to sustaining the operational tempo of Operation DELTA SENTINEL through intensified surveillance, patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage.