Politics
2023: Only Elective Primaries Can Ensure Victory For PDP – Aspirant
Otunba Olanrewaju Jim-Kamal, one of PDP’s founding fathers in Lagos State, says only direct primaries can ensure victory for the party in the 2023 general elections.
Jim-Kamal, at his formal declaration on Tuesday for the governorship ticket of the PDP for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Lagos State, said subversion of people’s will in primary election had been affecting the chances of the party in previous elections in the state.
He told newsmen that he would not subscribe to any consensus arrangement where an aspirant would be made to step down for others or imposition of candidates.
“We have not been winning because Lagos PDP has always promoted imposition but our last elective state congress has brought in the light that we can get it right now.
“The best way to go in stemming all these problems is for the party to go for elective primaries in Lagos state like we did in the congress. I opted out in 2015 when I discovered somebody was to be imposed on us.
“Now that PDP has come to stay and the chances are brighter, we should not spoil it. Our primaries should be one man one vote. It should be a free and fair direct primaries,” Jim-Jamal said.
According to him, the PDP leadership must provide a level playing ground while party members are allowed to choose whoever they want to fly the party’s ticket.
Highlighting his agenda, Jim-Kamal, who noted that he was out to do the right things, said this included discussing issues capable of bringing in the change that would actualise the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
He said that his “governance of dynamism” would replace the outdated “progressivism” that had not brought real dividends of democracy to the masses.
“We are out to tell Lagos residents in particular and Nigerians in general the truth and nothing but the truth and then to discuss issues, debate issues and deliver issues through dividends of democracy.
“We are out to change the tide of events in Lagos state, to reduce the suffering of the teeming masses,” Jim- Kamal said.
The aspirant said he would pursue infrastructural and human capital development to curb most of the ongoing social ills in the society that are threatening security of lives and property.
“Infrastructure without giving the teaming youth free and compulsory education, free health, mass employment for youth, women emancipation, availability of subsidised food to our market women, modern day security network devoid of force and mass killing of innocent souls is a waste,” Jim-Kamal added.
He pledged to ensure automated free and compulsory e- education at all levels, automated free e-healthcare facilities, social security, mechanised food production, sports development, modern transportation system and restructuring.
Jim-Kamal said that teachers and school children’s welfare would be a priority, saying that ICT gadgets would be provided in schools for each teacher and students with free feeding.
According to him, intervention in healthcare would ensure provision of well-equipped health centre in each ward and general hospital in each local government.
He promised to create a ministry of internal security with three commissioners and three deputy commissioners managing each of the senatorial districts.
He said that 75 per cent of his cabinet would be for the youth and women comprising 35 per cent for women and 40 per cent for youths.
The aspirant said that he had mapped out designs for more bridges and 200-300 seaters high capacity buses to address gridlock in the state.
Jim-Kamal, who noted that his chances of winning the party’s ticket was bright, called on every stakeholder and member of PDP to be peaceful and remain united.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the PDP chieftain had made several attempts to contest different elective positions from 1988 when he joined politics.
Jim-Kamal, is a technocrat, former school teacher and the Chief Executive Officer of Arco Petroleum and Petrochemicals, Petroman and Petrochemicals and Nigerturk Construction International Company Ltd,, (A consortium of ten Nigerian and Foreign Companies)
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
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