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Atiku Emerges PDP Presidential Flagbearer …Wike Hails Former VP Over Victory …No Victor, No Vanquished -Secondus …As Nigerians Hail Atiku’s Choice
A former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, garnered 1,532 votes to beat 11 other presidential aspirants who contested for the flagship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the party’s special elective national convention held at the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Atiku, Vice President to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, polled almost 50 per cent of the entire 3,274 total votes cast during the PDP presidential primaries, which began last Saturday with accreditation of delegates but effectively commenced, yesterday, at about 1.20pm with announcement of the result at around 11am.
Atiku was trailed by the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambunal, who got 673 votes while the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki scored 317 votes for the third position in the keenly contested but transparent election.
Other aspirants include Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, 158; Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, 111; Sule Lamido, 96; and Senator Ahmed Makarfi with 74 votes.
The rest are Kabiru Turaki, 65 votes; Attahiru Bafarawa, 48; Jonah Jang, 19; David Mark, 36; and Ahmed Datti with five votes.
A total of 68 votes were voided of the 3,274 total votes cast in the election.
With Atiku’s emergence as the PDP’s standard bearer, he will now slug it out with the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, who was endorsed at the ruling party’s national convention held in Abuja, last Saturday.
The PDP flagbearer will battle Buhari in the February 16, 2019 Presidential election with other presidential challengers from other political parties.
Atiku, the Waziri of Adamawa, decamped from the APC this year following what he described as the failure of the party to fulfill its electioneering promises to Nigerians.
He has since then been a critical and opposing voice of the APC-led Federal Government and advocate of re-structuring of the Nigerian Federation.
Virtually all the other 11 contestants embraced and congratulated Atiku over his re-sounding and landslide victory.
Similarly, all the PDP governors, including Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, also congratulated Atiku for his victory.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has congratulated the candidate of the PDP for the 2019 presidential election, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
Wike personally extended his congratulations to the former Vice President after his election was announced by the Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
The Rivers State governor, who was in company of his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Emmanuel Udom assured that he will continue to work for the success of the PDP.
Wike thanked all PDP delegates and stakeholders for ensuring a successful and peaceful National Convention in Port Harcourt.
The former Vice President paid tribute to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for his personal commitment to the success of the party.
He also thanked the people of Rivers State for their support for the transparent process.
Similarly, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has said that in the just concluded presidential primary of the PDP, there was no victor and no vanquished.
Giving a speech after the declaration of Atiku Abubakar as the winner of the polls, yesterday, Secondus said that all the aspirants in the election won the election.
Secondus insisted that the process being free and fair, had all the aspirants contesting as brothers, adding that although a winner had been declared, the credibility of the process was a victory for PDP and all the aspirants.
He called on the aspirants to keep true to their congratulatory message to Atiku Abubakar, urging them to work together as one bloc to ensure that the PDP clinches power in 2019 and save Nigeria.
Secondus also used the opportunity to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “learn from the presidential primary of the PDP and know that election can be free and fair”
Meanwhile, the President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki who scored the third highest vote in the election congratulated Atiku Abubakar, pledging on behalf of all the aspirants to work with Atiku to actualise the goal of a PDP president in 2019.
Calling for an adjournment of the convention, Senator Abiodun Olujimi enjoined all parties to work as one to ensure the success of the PDP in 2019.
The convention was thereafter adjourned.
Earlier, ahead of the 2018 PDP National Convention, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike had welcomed all delegates of the party to the state.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, Wike assured the delegates of a memorable stay in the state.
He said: “The good people of Rivers State are most delighted and honoured to play host to the distinguished National Delegates of our great party as we elect our Presidential flagbearer this weekend and collectively work towards rescuing our nation from the brink of collapse.
“As we gather for this all-important national convention, I assure all delegates of our great party of their security before, during and after the convention. Working with the security agencies and other stakeholders, we will ensure that your stay in Port Harcourt is memorable. “
The statement further quoted the Rivers State governor as saying: “Once again, I welcome all delegates, journalists, observers and other visitors to Rivers State, the Treasure Base of the Nation. While you are here, enjoy the peace, love, cuisine, heritage and hospitality of Rivers State and her people.
“I pray for journey mercies as you return to your respective destinations. I welcome you.”
The National Convention of the PDP hold between October 6 and 7, 2018 at the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Also, the Senator representing Bayelsa Senatorial East District, Ben Murray-Bruce, has reacted to the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2019 general elections.
Atiku scored 1532 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Aminu Tambuwal, who polled 693 votes.
Reacting, Ben Bruce, who took to his Twitter page to congratulate Atiku on his victory, asked Nigerians to vote for the Turakin Adamawa come 2019.
According to him, a vote for Atiku will make Nigeria work again.
He wrote, “I am right here staring at my camera at Atiku, the next President of Nigeria
“Let’s Get Nigeria working again.”
A former aide on New Media to erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, while reacting on his official Twitter page, congratulated Atiku for the victory.
He wrote, “@atiku is the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by God’s grace!”
Also, the Publisher of the Ovation Magazine and former Presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, said ,”Congratulations to Turakin Adamawa, Waziri Atiku Abubakar on clinching the PDP Presidential ticket and salute his doggedness since his first appearance on the political stage 25 years ago against Chief Moshood Abiola, Babagana Kingibe and others.”
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, who took to his Twitter page to congratulate Atiku on his victory, asked the ruling All Progress Congress (APC), to get ready for war.
He wrote, “Congrats to the Waziri of Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar on a great victory. Now is the time for each and every one of us in @OfficialPDPNig to come together as a party and prepare for the presidential election. @APCNigeria get ready for war! @MBuhari prepare for your retirement!”
Similarly, Nigerians on social media have reacted to the emergence of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar as the People Democratic Party (PDP), presidential candidate.
Reacting, some Nigerians congratulated him, while others claimed President Muhammadu Buhari would win 2019 election because of Atiku’s alleged corruption cases.
Some of the comments read, @ileowokikiowo, “Let me be the first to congratulate Nigeria’s President @MBuhari for winning a second term in 2019. Nigerians won’t vote the PDP presidential candidate who is wanted in the US for corruption related activities. His fellow fraudsters have served their own term in US prison.”
@Nedunaija, “Atiku will spend the whole of this campaign season struggling to deny corruption allegations.”
@Elcruficixo, “Congratulations to H.E Abubakar @Atiku who wins the PDP presidential primaries with a vote of 1585. Actually, my second favourite candidate.”
@Stanleynwabia, “@atiku is already a billionaire business man; he won’t be coming as President to use Nigeria’s money for his UK Healthcare.”
@doctorchiemeziem, “Who Atiku picks as his running mate will make or mar PDP’s chances in 2019. If he can’t get an astute manager like Peter Obi on board, he should get Okonjo-Iweala or Femi Adesina on board let’s show APC what a national movement looks like.”
Goodluck Ukwe
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.