News

Sallah: Buhari, Wike Recommit To Good Governance

Published

4 years ago

June 5, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, have recommitted to the delivery of democracy dividends and good governance to Nigerians and Rivers people, respectively.
The president particularly assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, that his administration will do everything possible to protect them despite the fact that Abuja residents voted against him.
Speaking while receiving residents of the FCT that paid him Sallah homage at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday, Buhari, who jokingly described Abuja residents as unnecessary evil for not voting for him in the February 23 Presidential election, stated that he would continue to protect the seat of power because any negative thing that happens to the place would also affect him and the entire residence.
In a Sallah Message, last Monday, Wike felicitated with the Muslim community on the celebration of the Id-el-Fitr, and urged Muslims to pray for the unity and peace of the nation as they celebrate.
Wike congratulated all Muslims for successfully completing this year’s Ramadan Fast.
The governor called on the Muslim faithful to use the Id-el-Fitr celebrations to re-dedicate themselves to the ideals of peace, security and friendship.
He assured that the state government and security agencies have put in place security measures to ensure a peaceful celebration of the Sallah.
Wike urged Nigerians to promote religious tolerance, adding that such virtue would ensure peace across the country and enhance national development.
He assured the Muslim community and all residents of the state government’s determination to improve the lives of her citizens.
Wike also commended the Muslim community in Rivers for their consistent support for his administration.
However, the Muslim Community in Rivers State has stated that the victory of Governor Nyesom Wike during the last Governorship Election has positioned the state for greater development in the next four years.
Speaking during a Special Sallah Homage to the Rivers State Governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Islamic Leader of Rivers State, Nasir Awelebe Uhor said they were confident that Wike would consolidate on the gains of his first term.
He said: “On behalf of the State Muslim Community, I very heartily congratulate the governor on his re-election.
“This victory has positioned Rivers State on the corridor of further development. We pray God for the safety of the governor and key leaders of his administration all through second term”.
He said that Rivers State has a governor with a burning desire and commitment for development as depicted by the state-wide roll-out of projects.
While thanking Wike for involving the Muslim Community in governance, he urged the Rivers State governor to continue to include them in the governance process.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike assured that his administration would continue to carry all groups along, irrespective of their religion and ethnic background.
He said: “I believe that whether you are Christian or Muslim, we are one. You must support the government to fight insecurity and promote peace.
“It requires the effort of everyone for us to have peace. We should work together for the good of the state”.
He stated that promoting religion and ethnicity hampers development, adding that efforts should be geared towards development.
Wike explained that the Rivers State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board was dissolved because of division and the illegal sale of pilgrimage slots.
On his part, Buhari also pleaded with political leaders especially his supporters not to complain against his administration to avoid sending negative signals that would make his government unpopular.
According to him, “I want to appreciate the number two man of the country (Prof. Yemi Osinbajo) because he knows what we are going through very quietly. I am very pleased that you came with this very powerful constituency…
“I appeal to you to remain exemplary so that those under you will know that the country is doing very well. If you break down and complain, the impact will reverberate all over and then, government will not be popular and whatever efforts we are making will not be appreciated. “I have just spoken to the senator on my left (Philip Aduda) and I told him that his constituency did not vote for me. So, I was very pleased that when they made the arrangement they put him very far away from me. I have all the results of all constituencies.
“I am not threatening FCT because to make FCT secure is to make myself secure and the Vice President. I think they are necessary evil that that was why they decided to vote for PDP.”
Recalling the tortuous journey he went through before he was elected after three attempts, Buhari said, “During my long journey to this place, 2003, 2007, 2011, those were interesting political developments that enabled me visit all the local governments in this country, all 774 local governments.
“First port of call whenever I visit any local government was to visit the community leader for understanding and support. I am very pleased that Nigerians understand me that although I was a governor, minister of petroleum and one time head of state, people know I don’t have a lot of money to give.
“So, when I went round, I smiled and greeted them and I think it has helped. Because by the time I went to campaign for my second and last term constitutionally, I visited all the states this time around, some two states in a day, I thank God for giving me the stamina to do it.
“What impressed me most was the turn out in all the states and FCT. The number of those who turned out is more than what anyone can afford to pay or force to come and listen. So, I am very pleased that a lot of Nigerians have voted me, sympathized with me for what I went through between 2003 and 2019.
“I went to court up to Supreme Court and in 2011, I went to court for eight months. And in the last one, God answered our prayers and gave us victory, and brought in technology through the permanent voters card, (PVC) And INEC said whoever is aggrieved should go to court.
“You all know as much as I know that most of my supporters are looking for the next day’s meal, we don’t have money to give. In 2011, I said ‘God dey’, in 2015, God brought technology PVC and that is how we won.
“I thank you very much for those of you who suffered very much to support me. And I congratulate you for being happy that I made it and I assure you that I will continue to do my best in spite of the toughness of my neighbours.”
Also speaking, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo said that Nigeria was on the threshold of greatness, stressing that the security and religious challenges presently facing her was evidence that something great was coming.
Osinbajo said,” First let me congratulate you on this very solemn occasion that marks the end of the Ramadan.
“I want to say that God almighty has been extremely good to you and to our government. I recall about two years ago when I had to host this particular event because you were away on medical leave at the time.
“But God has been so good, not only did he bring you back healthier than when you left, but has also been gracious enough for you to have a second opportunity to lead our great. I thank the almighty God for you and for all of us who have been a part of your government and who have been a part of what God has done in our midst.
“The period of the fast is always a very good time because first of all, usually all of my friends, who are usually very badly behaved, behave themselves much better. I pray and hope that the good behaviour that they maintain during the fast will continue even for the next four years and beyond because I think we all need that.
“Our country as it is today is at a threshold of greatness, you have said so many times. Any situation where something great and something important is about to happen, usually you will have very many and negative opposing voices that want to keep that thing from happening.
“I believe that our country is at a threshold of the breakthrough that we have been praying for and hoping for all these many years. And this is why many challenges are going on: Challenges around security, religion, people who are stoking up embers of religious and ethnic divisions and all that.
“But this gathering is one of those gatherings that we are at liberty, political leadership, religious leadership to demonstrate to our people that this country is a country of one people, the Nigerian people. They may be different in their faith; ethnicity but we are one people. We are one and united people.”
The Vice President commended leaders that attended the homage that had become a tradition during festive period, adding, “We will come together, Christians, Muslims, and people of different faith to demonstrate that this country is a united country. And that those who will want to stoke up ambers or division we will not allow them to do so.
“So, I want to urge all our leaders here that we must not allow the rhetoric of religion to supersede the rhetoric of unity. We must also speak up; we must seek ways that will unite our country.
“We cannot keep quiet because there are so many negative statements being made every day and sometimes we ignore those statements and say these are people who have no understanding. But if we allow these negative statements to continue, then they will define our country and will define the situation of our country.
“As I have said, our country is destined for greatness and I pray that the almighty God will lead us to that greatness. And as we move day by day towards that greatness, those who want to bring us down that God almighty will prevent them from doing so.”
Osinbajo commended Buhari for the leadership he had shown in the past four years and in his second term.
In his remarks, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Christian Oha, prayed that all the sacrifices during the Ramadan will be acceptable by God.
He congratulated the President for the success of his inauguration which marked the beginning of his second term in office.
“We pray that Almighty in His infinite goodness and mercy, continue to grant you good health and wisdom as you steer our country back to the path of social harmony, security and economic recovery.
“The people of the FCT stand solidly behind you as you begin this task and pledge our support and cooperation in the coming years ahead.
“We do this sir, because we are a grateful people. Over the last four years, the FCT has benefited immensely from your wise and believe divinely inspired leadership. We have enjoyed peace and the social intervention programmes have filled the gaps in our educational system and provided succour for thousands of our people.
“We in the FCT will continue to do our part to ensure that you succeed in your second term in office starting of course with first celebration of our Democracy Day on the 12th of June, 2019.
“Our people have been mobilized to be exceptional hosts to the hundreds of foreign guests who we know will honour the invitation to be here and felicitate with us.
“On this day as we celebrate the end of Ramadan, we pray that almighty Allah blesses and sustains you and your family; we pray that your administration succeeds in all that it has set out to do and above all, we pray that our country Nigeria, under your watch remains a great prosperous and indivisible nation.”
Those present at the homage were, Murshid of Abuja Central Mosque, Prof. Shehu Umar Galadanci, who prayed the Muslim; the former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Others were, the IGP, Mohammed Adamu; the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; and the Director General of Department for State Service (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi; Civil Defence FCT Commandant, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Jalal Arabi; Senator Philip Aduda; the former minister of communication, Adebayo Shittu as well as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

News

TPP Africa Set To Honour Sanwo-Olu, 13 Others

Published

4 hours ago

March 21, 2023

The Tide

The Peak Performer (TPP) African is set to honour the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111; Chairman, Shoreline Energy Group; Agbaoye Kola Karim; the Publisher/Chairman of ThisDay Newspaper, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Plc, Dr Benson Uwheru; and others, on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at the Muson Centre in Lagos.

The honourees are exceptional leaders on the African continent who are being celebrated for their performance as industry leaders, culture shapers, and game changers in transformational leadership in their respective spheres as peak performers.

According to the organisers, others among the 100 personalities to be honoured from Nigeria are: the Chairman, Shoreline Energy Group, Agbaoye Kola Karim; Group CEO of The Guardian, Lady Maiden Ibru; Ex-Chairman, KPMG Africa, Mr. Kunle Elebute; Founder, Stanbic IBTC Group, Mr. Atedo Peterside; and Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru.

Others honourees are: the Country Managing Director, Access Bank (Rwanda), Mr. Faustin Byishimo; Managing Director, CLM Africa, Mr. Mbulelo Clive Khoza (South Africa); Ghanaian celebrity blogger, Mr. Ameyaw Debrah; MD/CEO, United Bank of Africa (Sierra Leone), Mr. Mohammed Alhaji Samoura; CEO, MOREM Consulting & Advisory Services Limited, Mr. Mohammed Gillen (The Gambia); and CEO, Enterprise Group, Keli Gadzekpo (Ghana).

The awards covering 14 categories, range from TPP Elite, TPP Hall of Fame, and TPP Legacy to Excellence, across multiple professions and sectors in the African continent.

According to the Editor-in-Chief of TPP, Dr Abiola Salami, “A panel was set up to select the nominees who are captains of industries.

Salami informed that the selection involved a rigorous process of sifting from the 1,683 entries that was received from various leaders and sectors across the continent before the 100 TPP emerged.

He noted that these 100 recipients are being honoured for their commitment to excellence and sterling contributions to greatness in diverse sectors on the African continent.

Abiola noted that having worked with leaders over the past decade, they have discovered that to inspire growth across the continent, the authentic African story should be told by spotlighting credible leaders with admirable skills on the continent.

Therefore, the quest to find credible leaders resulted to the call for the nominations of Peak Performers on the continent late last year, leveraging the 27 skills in Xceptional Leadership TM.

Meanwhile, TPP 100 recognition comes alongside the debut of The Peak Performer (TPP) magazine, a premium African thought-leadership publication that delivers content online and offline.

According to him, The Peak Performer magazine will be available in both print and e-version.

According to the performer strategist, “leadership development and leadership branding are two strategies global leaders leverage to record outstanding results. This is what we are birthing in Africa with The Peak Performer”.

He explained that the magazine features inspiring stories and experiences of leaders in sectors ranging from technology; problem-solving and change; leadership and entrepreneurship; environment, social and governance; personal growth and transformation; people, productivity and synergy, among others.

“All these align with our resolution to build Africa, one mind at a time,” he added.

He explained that Peak Performing Africa started unofficially in 2012 with CHAMP, a full-service consulting firm trusted by high-performing business leaders for providing workforce development, advisory services, and executive coaching for C-level executives.

News

NDLEA Arrests 2 Members Of Afro-Europe Cartel

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2023

The Tide

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disrupted the activities of a drug syndicate that operated between Nigeria, East Africa, and Europe, with the arrest of two members of the cartel.
The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Babafemi said that the NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos made the arrest and foiled the attempts to traffic the drugs.
He said that the operatives at the Lagos Airport had on Monday March 13 intercepted a member of the drug syndicate, Ejezie Ifeanyi, during screening of inward passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight from Malawi via Addis Ababa at the arrival hall.
Babafemi added that a search was conducted on him, saying that it was discovered that one of his two bags had a false bottom concealment.
He said: “During preliminary interview of the suspect, he confessed that a member of the syndicate was waiting at the airport car park to pick him.
According to him, an immediate follow up operation led to the arrest of Franco Chukwu, who was waiting in a grey colour Mercedes Benz C180 coupe, marked EKY 973 GQ to receive the drug consignment.
“After his arrest, a proper search of the bag was conducted before the two suspects leading to the recovery of 3.00 kilograms of heroin.
“Findings revealed that the drug syndicate networks operate between Nigeria, and Malawi, Mozambique in East Africa and Europe.
“Chukwu who lives in Lagos is responsible for the recruitment and coordination of the activities of mules on behalf of other members of the cartel based in Mozambique and Malawi, another set operates from the South-Eastern part of Nigeria, “ Babafemi said.

News

Sanwo-Olu, Makinde, Buni, Abiodun, AbdulRazaq Win Second Term Election …As INEC Declares PDP’s Eno Governor-Elect in A’Ibom

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2023

The Tide

The Governor of Lagos State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has won 18 local government areas out of the 20 LGAs of the state in the just concluded governorship and state House of Assembly elections.
The results were announced on Sunday by the Independent National Electoral Commission at its state collation centre in Yaba, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu who is seeking re-election is contesting against the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olajide Adediran popularly known as Jandor, and the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
The incumbent governor polled the highest number of votes in Lagos Island, Epe, Agege, Ibeju-lekki, Surulere, Ikeja, Mushin, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Apapa, Ifako-Ijaiye, Badagry and Lagos Mainland.
Other LGAs where Sanwo-Olu won include Alimosho, Ojo, Ikorodu, Kosofe and Oshodi-Isolo.
However, his opponent, Rhodes-Vivour, defeated the ruling party in Amuwo-Odofin.
The only result left is from Eti-Osa LGA which is yet to be released due to the election currently being held at the Victoria Garden City polling units.
Also, the Oyo State Governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Seyi Makinde, has been declared winner of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the State.
Makinde won 31 out of 33 Local Government Areas in the state, while his closest rival, Teslim Folarin of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won two local government areas.
Makinde, who was seeking re-election contested against a three-term Senator, Teslim Folarin of the APC and Adebayo Adelabu of the Accord Party, who was former deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Makinde polled 563,617 votes to defeat Folarin who garnered 251,230, and Adelabu who came a distant third with 38,757 votes.
The returning officer for the governorship election and a professor from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Olusola Kehinde, however, declared a 20-minute break before the declaration of the final result.
The announcement of the results was monitored by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Tella Adeniran, alongside heads of security apparatus in the state.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Governor and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s election, Dapo Abiodun, has been re-elected for a second term of four years.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Abiodun as the winner of the governorship election on yesterday.
Meanwhile, before Abiodun was announced as the winner of the poll, PDP collation agent, Sunkanmi Oyejide, cautioned the electoral umpire declaring the winner for the election.
Oyejide said the INEC should consider a clause in the Electoral Act (amended) that orders the commission to declare a rerun in the case of total rejected votes outnumbered the lead margin.
This was raised shortly after the Sagamu collation officer, Prof. Oluwagboyega Afolabi, presented the scores of the political parties in the council.
Afolabi had said that 15 polling units were canceled as a result of violence during the governorship election on Saturday.
The PDP agent, however, raised an observation against further submission of the copy of the results.
Oyejide said no fewer than 33,750 voters in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ikenne, Ijebu-North and Ogunwaterside were asking the commission to look into it.
He added that his party has a petition for the commission.
While raising the objection, Oyejide said, “The electoral act 2022, Section 24 Sub-Section three says where an election has commenced and there is reason to believe that there is or has been substantial destruction of election in a polling unit or constituency or it is impossible to continue with the election, occasioned by the threat to peace and security of electoral officials and materials.
“Electoral officials and materials should be underlined in the case of Remo where BVAS did not function and I argued it out. The commission shall suspend the election and appoint another date for the continuation of the election or the process.
“Secondly, if we invoke the principle of lead of margin enshrine in the electoral act 2022, the rejected votes according to results submitted to local government by local government are far higher than the lead of margin.
“This just to inform you when you are through with your final collation and what happened is found to be true that you will know that the election shall be inconclusive and a rerun should be ordered where necessary”.
The petition titled “Petition against deliberate disenfranchisement of a large number of voters in some local governments of Ogun state” dated March 18, 2023, was addressed to INEC National Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
The petition reads “We write to remind your authority of the above-mentioned issue.
“You will recall that the Commission is aware of the level of thuggery planned and orchestrated by the All Progressive Congress to unleash mayhem in some polling units across the state to destabilise innocent voters from freely exercising their voting rights as a result of planned and well-executed action.
“We are aware that the principle of margin of lead as established by the Commission in Section 24(3) is in effect, affected by the inability of the population greater than the reflected lead between the assumed winner of the election and the runner-up. Therefore, a re-run in appropriate to address this injustice.
“We, therefore, implore the Commission to evoke this principle and declare this election inconclusive.”
Reacting to the protest, the returning officer, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said the complaints have already been looked into.
Adebowale said, “I have tried to check our records and I want to say that everything he said is at variance with what we have as records.
“But, if it is found to be incorrect, INEC has seven days to review its decision.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also declared Mr. Umo Eno of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the governorship election held last Saturday in Akwa Ibom State.
The Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor, Nigerian Maritime University, Delta State, Prof. Emmanuel Adigio, announced the results at the collation centre in Uyo yesterday.
Adigio said Eno won in 29 out of 31 local government areas of the state to defeat Senator Bassey Akpan of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
He said that the PDP candidate scored 354,348 votes, beating his closet rival, Akpan who got 136,262 votes.
He also said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 129,602 votes, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) garnered 12,509 votes, while the Labour Party (LP) scored 4,746 votes.
The Returning Officer declared: “That the Pastor Umo Eno of the PDP having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared winner of the governorship election in Akwa Ibom State.”
The PDP candidate won in 29 out of 31 local government areas of the state while his opponent in the YPP, Senator Bassey Akpan, won in only two LGAs.
The local government areas won by the PDP candidate include Udung Uko, Uruan, Ini, Esit Eket, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, Etim Ekpo and 22 others while his YPP opponent won in Ikono and Ibiono Ibom LGAs respectively.
The PDP agent, Engr. Uwem Okoko, while commending the INEC for the improvement witnessed in the Saturday polls, also thanked Akwa Ibom people for voting for PDP in the state.
However, the YPP party agent, Mr kelvin Umoh rejected the results, alleging widespread violence, and intimidation that led to the alleged killing of his party supporters.
Umoh said, “It will be wrong for me to append my signature to the results sheets because there was widespread violence and intimidation.
In the same vein, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has been declared the winner of the 2023 governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).T
The governor won the poll to serve a second term of another four years in office under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).T
The governor beat the two-third requirement and won in all the 16 local government areas of the state in the election results declared by the INEC Returning Officer for the polls, Professor Isaac Itodo, theV ice Chancellor, University of Markurdi, Benue State.
Abdulrazaq polled 273,424 votes to beat his closest rival, Alhaji Yaman Abdullahi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 155,490 votes in the election.
The INEC had on Saturday night started the announcement of the 2023 governorship election results in the State with only three local government areas of Ekiti, Isin and Offa, with Governor AbdulRazaq winning the three LGAs.
At the resumed announcement of the election results yesterday morning, which lasted till evening, the APC governor also won in additional 13 local government areas.
Meanwhile, the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has been re-elected having won in all the 17 local government areas of the state with a total of 317,113 votes.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sharif Abdulahi, came a distant second with a total score of 104,259.
Announcing the results, at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Damaturu, the Returning Officer for the Gubernatorial election in the state, Prof. Umar Pate, the VC of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe state, said accredited voters are 459,492, valid votes 444,567 and total votes cast are 457,781.