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2023: Diaspora Group Roots For WikeTo Be Atiku’s VP
A Diaspora support group, THE DIASPORA SUPPORT (TDS) based in the United Kingdom (UK) has said that with the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 presidential election, it has become imperative for the party stakeholders to put heads together and work for the emergence of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, as the vice president.
The group noted that other than Wike as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political party may have edge over PDP at the general election.
The group made the plea in a statement signed by its Convener, Hon. Yunana Shibkau; Head Strategy, Hon. Osamudiamen Aghedo; and Head, Nigeria’s Strategy and Mobilisation,Prince Madiba Ibrahim Lapinni, yesterday.
According to the Diaspora Support Group, “The opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party has conducted its presidential primaries in Abuja; with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar emerging as the presidential flag-bearer of the party.
“This, no doubt, is a step toward addressing the series of challenges that threaten the very existence of the nation to its foundation. The present precarious state of the nation calls for a tough measure to address it, and make life more meaningful to the entire citizenry.
“Much as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the flag-bearer, it thus behoves on all the party stakeholders to put heads together and work for the emergence of Chief Nyesom Wike with the vice president ticket to compliment the renewed journey of taking Nigeria to the Promised Land.
“Our national politics must evolve to the point of getting and doing the best for Nigeria. We must work to elect capable leaders, who can make a difference in leadership delivery for the betterment of the people. We congratulate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and hereby pledge to work with and compliment his administration in the critical areas of security, development and the unity of Nigerians when elected president in 2023.
“The presidential primaries have come and gone, not without the bad blood and acrimonious ethnic tendencies it has generated. To mismanage this victory through wrong choice of vice president is to signal the death knell for PDP and give the ruling party an undue leverage to coast to victory again.
“We appeal to all PDP members to come together in the interest of the party and Nigerians who have placed their hopes of restoration and renewal on the PDP. We call on all stakeholders of the PDP to consult widely and support the emergence of ChiefNyesomWike in a joint Atiku-Wike Ticket.
“We shall continue to work with all stakeholders to help Nyesom Wike realise the vice presidential slot so as to work for the development of Nigeria.
“Unfolding events in the nation, particularly on the political scene regarding the concluded Peoples Democratic Party primaries and the implications of its conduct to the security and socio-economic situation in Nigeria, today, prompted our response and the input to ensure the best for the peace, progress and prosperity of Nigeria.
“Our organisation, THE DIASPORA SUPPORT (TDS), is an international lobby group and non-governmental organisation, established with the objective of promoting national unity, peace, development and credible leadership across the world. We operate with secretariat at the United Kingdom and other liaisons across the world.
“While we have other nationals, the majority of the group is of Nigeria origin, and thus, has focal representatives in Nigeria. In bid to fulfill the objectives and goals of our organisation, we have several credible local and international organisations, which we work or collaborate with and such collaborations have been very rewarding and fruitful”, the group said.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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