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2019: Saraki Declares Against Buhari …Tambuwal, Turaki, Lamido, Dankwambo Pick Nomination Forms

Published

7 years ago

August 31, 2018

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has officially declared to run for the President of Nigeria during the 2019 elections.
Saraki made his intention known during a dialogue with youth and young aspirants, held at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, yesterday.
According to him, he possesses a blend of executive and legislative experience being a former governor of a state in Nigeria and now, the Senate President.
Saraki said, as such, he has all it takes to “push for and implement reforms that will deliver real improvements in the daily lives of our people. I know what it takes to create jobs and grow the economy. I can make the tough decisions when it matters. I will spearhead a new agenda that can transform the lives of ordinary Nigerians in real terms.”
Saraki said it would not be business as usual because his government will, if elected as president, “be a dynamic government of action that will pursue the growth of Nigeria with doggedness, determination and conviction.”
Saraki also said that he would lead a result-driven administration that would set targets “with clear timelines to ensure that anticipated deliverables are met.”
He said he would deliver on all promises driven by what is best for Nigerians.
Similarly, a Saraki Support Group, #SNIGERIA FIRST has pledged its support for the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, in the face of what it termed ‘hostility’ against him (Saraki).
The Kwara State chapter Coordinator, Damilola Damilare, in a statement issued, yesterday, said that Saraki had just declared to run for president, had been a victim of political battle since 2015.
They said that since he won the confidence of his colleagues to be the President of the Senate against the wishes of certain political gladiators, it had been one trouble after the other.
Saraki #SNIGERIA FIRST in their statement titled “Why We Support Saraki”, however, stressed that despite the challenges, their supports for Saraki remained unflinching in view of his numerous achievements.
Itemising the many achievements of the Senate’s President, #SNIGERIA FIRST said that Saraki continues to discharge his duties with a sense of purpose and efficiency.
“His keen sense of empathy, is one unique trait which sets him apart from other Nigerian leaders. This was exemplified by his empowerment of the neglected family of the late Nigerian football legend, Rasheed Yekini.”
He also paid a personal visit to the National Assembly staff that was injured during the mace theft drama.
“As a Senator in the 7th assembly, Saraki was one of the first sets of people to donate blood to victims of Nyanya bombing in Abuja, in 2014 and supported Ali Ahmadu, who was run over by Boko Haram to regain his feet and walk again,” he said.
The group describes as untrue certain allegations that had been levied on Saraki, including the view in some quarters that he underperformed as a two-term governor of Kwara State.
They insisted that Saraki even performed beyond expectation having received one of the lowest allocations from the Federal Government during his time as governor.
“He initiated one of the best diagnosis centres in West Africa. (Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre), he initiated one of the best agricultural initiatives in Nigeria (Shongai Farms) and he established the first State owned Aviation College in Nigeria (International Aviation College).
“He established the first state-owned football academy in Nigeria (Kwara Football Academy), the first community-based health insurance scheme in Kwara (Kwara Community Health Insurance Scheme) and the first state-owned university in Kwara (Kwara State University, KWASU).
“Under him, Kwara became the first state to complete the Nigerian Integrated Power Project in Nigeria. (NIPP),” Damilare said.
He argued that past administrations before Saraki built only 3 housing estates while Saraki built 10 and in all the three senatorial districts.
The group added that he initiated the clean and green program and bagged over 15 awards during his time as governor.
They insisted that the former Kwara Governor had the qualities deserving of a great leader, adding that he was an outstanding member of the 7th Senate who exposed the ‘biggest corruption scandal’ in the petroleum sector: the fuel subsidy scandal.
On his performance as President of the 8th Senate, the group said: “The 8th senate has passed more bills than any previous senate, it have resolved more petitions than all past senates combined, it broke the jinx on Petroleum Industry Bill and it supported and passed the Not-Too-Young-To-Run bill.
“The 8th Senate under Saraki opened the NASS budget for public scrutiny; it concluded the Constitution amendment, promoted the patronage of Made-In-Nigeria goods and legislated on numerous issues that affect the lives of Nigerians.
They therefore called on Nigeria to disregard the negative campaigns against the President of the Senate, urging them to balance every news with facts.
“All we ask is for all Nigerians to ignore sponsored lies and #KnowSaraki,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Wadata House, National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) witnessed a beehive of activities as top politicians thronged the headquarters with huge crowd to pick nomination forms to contest for the office of the president of the country in 2019.
Among political big wigs who arrived the party headquarters in Abuja yesterday, to secure party nomination forms were a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs and currents Chairman of former PDP Ministers’ Forum of Nigeria, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, led by the Director of Media and Publicity of Turaki Campaign Organization, Mr. Sola Afere.
Also at the party secretariat to pick nomination form was the incumbent Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, while former governor of Sokoto, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo and former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido picked their presidential nomination forms last Wednesday.
A prominent member of his presidential campaign organisation, who does not want to be named, disclosed this to newsmen, yesterday.
This is coming weeks after he declared that he had been under tremendous pressure to join the 2019 presidential race.
The source added that the governor was going to pick the nomination form with some of his supporters, adding that Tambuwal just returned from a foreign trip which is connected with his bid for the highest office in the country.
Tambuwal had in the past week stated that President Muhammadu Buhari was still being faced with health challenges and “is being held captive by a cabal that runs Nigeria for their personal interests.”

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

1 hour ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

1 hour ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

2 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor