GRPolitics
2019: Coalition of 30 Parties Moves Against Buhari
As the battle for the 2019 elections gathers momentum, over 30 political parties and coalitions of association have insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress would not be re-elected.
According to the presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party in the 2015 elections, Chief Martins Onovo, with the coalition of the various groups and most importantly the alliance of the 30 parties, the APC government will terminate in 2019.
The parties involved in the merger plan, according to Onovo, include Labour Party (LP), Alliance for Democracy (AD), Democratic Peoples Congress (DPC), Action Alliance (AA), Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA), Young Democratic Party (YDP), Democratic Alternative (DA) and National Conscience Party (NCP).
Others are Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP), Better Nigeria Peoples Party (BNPP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), People for Democratic Change (PDC), United Democratic Party (UDP) and National Action Congress (NAC).
He said former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s damning verdict on President Buhari set the tone for the current shift with his letter three weeks ago. In the letter, Obasanjo accused Buhari, among other things, of “nepotic deployment bordering on clannishness, the President’s poor understanding of the dynamics of internal politics which has led to wittingly or unwittingly making the nation more divided and inequality has widened and become more pronounced. It also has effect on general national security. The third is passing the buck,” for which he said he should not be re-elected.
Already, the Nigeria Intervention Movement believed to have been midwived by Obasanjo, has been launched in Abuja and Ogun State and it is currently calling for membership across the nation.
It is said to be reaching out to some Nigerians like the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Col Abubarkar Umar Dangiwa and Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Prof. Pat Utomi, General Alani Akinrinade.
At the launch last week were former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke, and the convener and former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who promised that the group constitutes the Third Force for the betterment of Nigeria.
Over the weekend, the former President, who wrote a letter to President Buhari listing 11 infractions, was slated to visit South Africa as part of his campaign to ensure that neither the APC nor PDP is elected into office in 2019.
Similarly, the Citizen’s Movement for Good Governance in Nigeria (@RedCardMng) under the leadership of former Education minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has been mobilising Nigerians to register and obtain their voter’s card with which they can vote out this government in 2019. Besides, there is Movement for Fundamental Change.
Onovo said everything Obasanjo said resonated with all Nigerians, adding that with the current movement, it is certain that APC won’t be re-elected in 2019. “It is about leadership and once the various movements and leaders take the lead, as opinion leaders, the government will be voted out in 2019,” he said.
He added that Obasanjo’s group is popular and necessary, but it is not a political party. “All the alternative platforms are welcome, but you cannot be an alternative to a political party, if you are not one. To contest and win an election, they must register as a political party, which I think is too late in the day, or fuse into existing one.
“Over 90 per cent Nigerians agree with and endorse the problems list by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and that is an indication that we are united in purpose.
“If you have read the book, ‘The Problem with Nigeria,’ written by Prof. Chinua Achebe in 1985, you will agree that the problem with the country is leadership. Once the leaders of the various 30 political parties go to their respective towns and moblise people, the election will be won and lost,” he said.
PDP Chairman, South-West, Mr. Eddy Olafeso, said that much as the former President plays a major role in Nigerian politics, his option is not one that can help Nigeria at this state.
“Time is not on their side because we have about 10 months to presidential election, But as it is often said in politics, ‘never say never’. But I am not optimistic about how far they can go. To us in the PDP, they are not a source of major concern. Rather, right now, we want to consolidate on our achievements and rebuilding efforts of the last two years and make great success in the next elections.
“In advanced democracies, there are usually two major parties and that is very clear in Nigeria. You see, you can criticize and in democracy there is freedom of association, but I see these people as opportunists.” Olafeso said.
However, Publicity Secretary of the APC in Lagos State, Chief Joe Igbokwe, said the various movements and coalitions are vehicles to nowhere. He acknowledged, however, that Nigerians are going through some tough times but added that the APC government is fixing the problems and will earn re-election in 2019.
•Source: New Telegraph
GRPolitics
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts of the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Guards Brigade in safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 West African Social Activity (WASA 2024) held in Abuja, the Minister stated, “Your loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication in executing your Presidential security duties, coordinating ceremonial parades, and managing operational challenges are commendable. Your proactive approach in addressing security threats has ensured the safety of the Presidency as well as that of citizens, visitors, and diplomats alike. I urge you to continue embodying compassion and empathy in your operations, striving for excellence in all your responsibilities.”
The Minister highlighted that the WASA event serves as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as showcased by the personnel and families of the Guards Brigade. “The traditional dances and local delicacies on display tonight not only enhance our appreciation of our diverse cultures but also play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and distinct identity,” he added.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon the Guards Brigade to uphold the trust placed in them by consistently meeting the challenges of their duties and ensuring that the flag of the Nigerian Armed Forces continues to fly high.
Earlier, Major General Adebisi Onosayan, Commander of the Guards Brigade, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the Brigade’s operations, training, and welfare. “Thank you, Your Excellency. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their relentless guidance and support. We pledge our unwavering loyalty and readiness to contribute effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings,” he emphasized.
General Onosayan further noted that the 2024 WASA highlights the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Nigerian people, resonating with the ethos of the Nigerian Army. “This event provides an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances, traditional cuisines, languages, attire, and ethnic groups of our great nation in a relaxed atmosphere,” he stated, adding that today’s event marks the Brigade’s Grand Finale.
GRPolitics
Matawalle Commends President Tinubu for Positive Economic Reforms
…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefits all Nigerians.
In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, according to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director information & PR at the Ministry, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.
Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.
He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.
Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.
The Honourable Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle has disclosed that the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a lot in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other groups that are enemies of the Nigerian State since the advent of this administration but a lot of these success stories are not in the public space due to security reasons so as not to expose the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces who are in the forefront of this fight to danger.
According to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director, information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Dr. Matawalle disclosed this during the engagement with the Special Assistant to President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) Hadiza Bala Usman with the Ministry of Defence when she presented the 1st – 3rd Quarters 2024 Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverable at the Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister also informed the SA to Mr. President that before now, the Nigerian airwaves was always full of news of oil theft, bunkering, piracy and all forms of kidnapping.
But since they assumed office, the country has recorded low occurrence and reduced reports of those activities just as he assured Nigerians of their resolve to do more to make our society safe for all.
Matawalle assured Hadiza Bala Usman of early submission of achievement data to her office for their reviews.
In a similar development, the SA to President advised the Ministry of Defence to put out more data into the public space to avoid doubts and negative feedbacks on the successes achieved by our Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.
Adding that, regional tour of the troubled areas could be conducted to carry out on-the-spot interviews and first hand assessment of rescued individuals whose response will serve as raw and real data to the populace and as evidence that government is not resting on its oars.
Speaking further during the review of the Q1 – Q3 Report, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni gave a detailed submission on the achievements of the Ministry and promised that the Ministry will do more to surpass previous quarter’s report as he poured encomium on the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs for their consistency and tireless efforts in making Nigeria a peaceful and safe place.
Dr. Kana tasked the Directors of the Ministry not to relax in their quest to give their best to the service of our dear country.
NUJ at 70: Private Broadcast Members Congratulate Union
MTN Go MAD Campaign Inspires Aba’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
We’re Confident in the Super Eagles – Karl Toriola
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
