GRPolitics
Uche Nwosu Guber Bid, APC Group Warns Buhari Not to Support Him
A group known as the Imo APC Restoration Coalition led by Dr. TOE Ekechi, Okorocha’s former Commissioner for Information, has warned President Muhammadu Buhari not be associated with the 2019 governorship ambition of Governor Okorocha’s son -inlaw’s guber ambition, saying that it will be disastrous to his reelection bid in 2019.
The group said: “President Buhari must not have anything to do with Uche Nwosu’s governorship ambition, it will be a disaster and a colossal failure for a high flying cum performing Nigerian leader in the person of President Buhari’s presidential campaign to use an unknown figure like Okorocha’s Chief of Staff as a poster card for 2019 issues. We deplore it in its entirety”.
The group which made its Imerienwe declaration on March 7 lamented that the Governor has reduced the party in the state to one-man-party.
The group also noted that “Imo being the only APC state in the South East remains the barometer by which the entire party in the country and the Igbo nation in particular will be assessed and evaluated by the electorate hence our concern for us to do things accordingly so as not give the impression that our great party is a one-man-show that dwells on imposition, lawlessness and arbitrariness – factors that can reduce the party to nothingness!”
The group also clarified that they are not at war with Governor Rochas Okorocha, noting that they are happy with the level of acceptance and commendation from the members of the party, Imo people and some officials of the Okorocha government whom they urged to remain anonymous for fear of witch-hunt from the government.
The group regretted that they have been misrepresented by some officials of the state government, saying that “there are few misguided elements in the Imo State Government who truculently have been misrepresenting and misquoting our March 7, 2018 intervention”.
In a press release signed by its leader, Dr. TOE Ekechi and Barr Kingsley Ononuju (Secretary), the group said: “For the avoidance of doubt, we are not at war with His Excellency, the executive governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha’s government. We are not also a splinter group or a faction of the Imo State APC. Not at all.
“We are a group working assiduously to restore the image, integrity and confidence which the good people of Imo State hitherto had in our great party. We do not want the APC to be disgraced at the 2019 general elections.
“To that effect, we are tirelessly working to instill justice, fairness, equity and orderliness in the Imo APC; and we are anchoring our modalities in constitution, constitutionalism, good conscience and morality. It is our conviction that the way and manner Governor Okorocha is going about the installment of his son-law as his successor is riddled with confusion, coercion, disorderliness and largely dictatorial. As a loyal, committed as well as stakeholders group in the APC”.
They insisted that that Governor Okorocha’s endorsement of his son-inlaw, Uche Nwosu, for the 2019 governorship election in the state is a way of cowing other governorship aspirants in the party.
“We view the governor’s endorsement of Uche Nwosu as an insidious way of cowing other aspirants out of the race; and this is against Nigeria’s Constitution as well as APC’s Constitution.
“As we said before, we are vehemently opposed to an Uche Nwosu aspiring to the office of the governor of Imo State in 2019, not more when such an aspirant is openly being sponsored by a sitting governor!
“Our members see this act as inglorious, disdainful, rude, insulting, embarrassing, immoral and as we have clearly proved in the past, it is against the spirit and provision of APC Constitution”, said the group.
They also called on the Governor to “heed to our counsel and stop declaring war on members of APC Restoration Coalition. This, certainly, can only worsen affairs of APC in the state and also deny our party victory at the 2019 presidential, national assembly, governorship as well as State Assembly
elections”.
The Restoration Coalition added: “Our attention has also been drawn to the recently enthused comments of Owelle Okorocha whereupon he stated he would eventually be conducting LGA elections in June, 2018. Although, it has taken him over seven years to perform this election matter, we welcome the idea of a credible election conducted for the good of the grassroots and comprehensive growth and development of Imo local councils, what we do not welcome is an LGA election tailored to booster the charade called ‘Uche Nwosu for Governor 2019′”.
The group also said they “are not surprised we got positive engagements from appointees in the Owelle Okorocha’s government who did not mince words in their condemnation of the Uche Nwosu’s misnomer.
“We implore them that it is in our mutual ultimate interest for them to remain anonymous to avoid the now familiar intimidation, harassment or even outright sack by their principal as meted out to Ichie Best Mbanaso and Rt. Hon. Donatus Ozoemena, former deputy speaker.
“We do not view such appointees as men without courage but we see them as our political soul mates in another realm.
“We are aware of the irritating plan to make almost all the autonomous communities as ISIEC wards in the state. Herein lies the reason for the now much talked about Imo LGA June 2018 election. The idea is to elect councilors and chairmen as they will automatically become delegate members during the APC primaries and we call the Imo Assembly lawmakers not to pass the bill when it comes before them into law”.
The Coalition also noted that “Just recently, the governor has been linking President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 electoral fortunes to Uche Nwosu as can be seen in the Project New Nigeria. This is just a mere propaganda. The exact situation is that Uche Nwosu’s candidacy will portray President Buhari’s re-election in bad light.
“If after dissecting the composition, caliber and pedigree of our members, the governor and his circles still believe we are being sponsored, then it simply shows that Owelle Okorocha suffers from a groundswell of disconnect from his subjects and people around him.
“We must put it on record that the Imo APC Restoration Coalition, both as a group and individually, is not sponsored, founded or funded by anybody or group. We are not working for anybody or group and we are not fronting for anybody either just as we are not a stooge to any politician. If any credible and responsible body or group that fancies and identifies with our dreams and ideas comes forward for a working relationship, why not, we shall consider them.
“Equally, let it be on record that we are not waging any zonal battle. You can confirm that our membership is drawn from all the three geo-political zones in the state. Let us use this opportunity to commend our brothers and sisters from Orlu zone.
“They are our pillars and backbones in this battle against unprecedented imposition. There are indeed men and women from Orlu zone and we salute their candour, courage, patriotism and statesmanship. We also thank our other members from Okigwe and Owerri zones respectively.
“While we prosecute this agendum within the ambit of the law, we shall strive to be as civil as possible even avoid name calling and character assassination, we therefore urge the governor and the state government to be law abiding in their responses to our submissions and to avoid threats, intimidation and harassment against our members as it is currently the case. Whereby he thinks otherwise, we assure him that we have enough arsenals to hold the governor accountable.”
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.
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