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Uche Nwosu Guber Bid, APC Group Warns Buhari Not to Support Him

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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.”

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

GRPolitics

With Commitment, Resilience We’ll Defeat Banditry and Terrorism – Badaru

…it is time to end it…Reports SANDRA ANI

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Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called  on the Nigerian Airforce to intensify the use of their various platforms to bring an end to banditry and terrorism.

According to the Minister, you are key to this this fight and we must put our acts together on your active component to end this war.

In a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike, director information and Public Relations, Badaru said this during his operational visit to the Air Component Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA at Katsina state on Monday 18th November 2024.

The Honourable Minister appreciated the heroic Air warriors who has continued to shine as beacons of hope, courage and resilience which is an inspiration to Nigerian people.

Furthermore, “the Minister opined that their efforts are yielding positive results as farmers are gradually returning to their farms, schools are reopening, businesses are picking up and Nigerians can now sleep peacefully.”

According to the Minister, the President and commander in chief of the Armed forces Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has expressed confidence on their unwavering loyalty, perseverance and professionalism. He recognizes the personal sacrifices you make every day to keep our country together.

It is pertinent to know that the President has provided the Nigerian Airforce with state of the art Aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance their attack capabilities. With the induction of these new platforms including the   T129 Attack Helicopter, ” I am confident we will make Mr President and Nigerians proud.”

Consequent to this, ‘it is no coincidence that I am here today to flag off this critical phase of the Operations’. “I therefore urge you to synergize with the ground forces and other stakeholders to ensure maximum effect from these combat enablers” Badaru said.

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni continued his operational visit by also going to sokoto to inspect the combat readiness of the platforms and also toured the new site where the permanent base of the newly established  Airforce component of military operations against banditry and terrorism  and facilities will be built at Sokoto Airport.

In his remarks, the chief of the Air staff ,  Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, appreciated the Minister’s servant leadership style which is an inspiration to all. For him , the T129 Attack Helicopters will transform our operational capabilities to those who think they can destabilize our nation.

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Jigawa Youth Agenda Refutes Allegations Against Badaru

By, Al-Amin Aliu, a Public Analyst

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Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar
Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar

The Jigawa Youth Agenda has vehemently denied the unfounded allegations made by a mysterious group claiming to represent APC youth in Jigawa State against Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.

After thorough investigations, it was revealed that this group is not officially registered with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa and seems to have been hastily formed to spread misinformation and disrupt party unity.

The Youth Agenda are in solidarity with Minister Badaru Abubakar as they reaffirmed its unwavering support for Minister Badaru Abubakar, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the APC and Nigeria. His leadership and commitment are indisputable, from his transformative tenure as Governor of Jigawa State to his current role as Minister of Defence.

The them, Minister Badaru has done excellently well and the highlighted his key schievements to include but not limited to the following:

– Strengthening National Security: Minister Badaru Abubakar has enhanced Nigeria’s military capabilities, ensuring protection of lives and property.

– Forging Strategic Partnerships: He has fostered vital alliances with global defence organizations to bolster Nigeria’s security and modernize defence infrastructure.

– Promoting Youth Empowerment: The Minister has launched initiatives focused on education, employment, and entrepreneurship in Jigawa State.

– Advancing APC Unity: Minister Badaru Abubakar promotes unity within the party, fostering collaboration across Jigawa and nationally.

The so-called APC Youth Group’s allegations are an attempt to create division within the united APC family. The Jigawa Youth Agenda urges APC members and the public to disregard these unfounded claims and focus on strengthening party unity and ideals.

Minister Badaru Abubakar’s legacy remains a source of pride for Jigawa State and Nigeria. His dedication to national development, APC principles, and the Tinubu administration demonstrates his integrity and effectiveness. The Jigawa Youth Agenda urges Nigerians to recognize his achievements and support his efforts to build a stronger, more secure nation.

The Jigawa Youth Agenda reaffirms its full confidence in Minister Badaru Abubakar’s ability to lead and contribute positively to Nigeria’s development. Together, let us reject misinformation and uphold APC unity and progress at state and national levels.

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Unmasking the Campaign of Calumny against Dr Bello Matawalle

Writer: Habib Usman, writes from Abuja

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Bello Matawalle

Recent protests and allegations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, have stirred controversy.

Organized demonstrations outside the Department of State Security (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, filled with hired crowds by APC AKIDA sponsored by Tijjani Ramallan and the Zamfara state government with unsubstantiated accusations, reveal a calculated attempt by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to discredit Dr. Matawalle.

This orchestrated campaign, fueled by political motives and a desire to undermine Matawalle’s position, demands closer scrutiny.

Reports indicate that these so-called protests are not spontaneous outcries from Zamfara’s citizens but rather an agenda-driven spectacle designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.

According to sources, the protestors arrived in approximately 12 long buses, clearly organized and funded to create an image of discontent aimed at the minister.

The protestors, reportedly waving placards accusing Matawalle of colluding with criminals, are part of a broader strategy to mislead the public and manipulate the narrative around Zamfara’s complex security situation.

This orchestrated misinformation aligns with the ongoing media offensive spearheaded by Governor Lawal who has now recruited Tijjani Ramallan and his cohorts. Despite lacking concrete evidence, the governor has been on a persistent media campaign, linking Matawalle with criminal elements and falsely alleging his complicity in the state’s banditry crisis.

However, these accusations have repeatedly failed to withstand scrutiny, as underscored by a recent ruling from the Kano High Court.

The court issued an interim injunction barring Governor Lawal and his associates from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle, stating that any further defamatory actions would be illegal until a substantive hearing on the matter.

The court order highlights the groundlessness of the governor’s claims and serves as a reminder that accusations against public officials must be substantiated by evidence, not driven by political vendettas.

By pursuing a smear campaign against a fellow public servant, Governor Lawal risks destabilizing not only his state but also the critical national security efforts in which Matawalle is involved.

Such actions could divert attention and resources from urgent security issues, ultimately harming the very citizens the governor purports to defend.

The governor’s tactic of repeatedly visiting media houses to disseminate misleading information about Dr. Matawalle has sparked concern among political observers and security experts alike.

His attempts to block Matawalle’s reappointment appear to be rooted more in political rivalry than in any genuine concerns about Zamfara’s security. It’s no coincidence that this intensified campaign began just as discussions about a potential cabinet reshuffle surfaced.

Dr. Matawalle’s growing influence, coupled with his steadfast loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has evidently made him a target for those who feel threatened by his rise.

For Nigerians, it is crucial to separate truth from politically motivated propaganda. The allegations against Dr. Matawalle are part of a coordinated campaign to undermine a dedicated public servant who has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s defence apparatus.

As the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle plays an essential role in shaping security policy, a responsibility he takes seriously and executes with distinction.

The public is advised to view the recent protests and media blitz with caution. It is imperative to consider the context: Governor Lawal’s relentless pursuit to discredit Matawalle, despite the court’s injunction against these defamatory efforts. Rather than yield to such divisive tactics, Nigerians should remain vigilant, prioritizing the integrity of national discourse over political maneuvering.

In conclusion, let us reject efforts to smear individuals serving in crucial roles, particularly when these efforts lack factual foundation and threaten to undermine national security. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, deserves due process and an unbiased evaluation, free from political interference.nmasking the Campaign of Calumny Against Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle

Recent protests and allegations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, have stirred controversy. Organized demonstrations outside the Department of State Security (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, filled with hired crowds and unsubstantiated accusations, reveal a calculated attempt by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to discredit Dr. Matawalle. This orchestrated campaign, fueled by political motives and a desire to undermine Matawalle’s position, demands closer scrutiny.

Reports indicate that these so-called protests are not spontaneous outcries from Zamfara’s citizens but rather an agenda-driven spectacle designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation. According to sources, the protestors arrived in approximately 12 long buses, clearly organized and funded to create an image of discontent aimed at the minister. The protestors, reportedly waving placards accusing Matawalle of colluding with criminals, are part of a broader strategy to mislead the public and manipulate the narrative around Zamfara’s complex security situation.

This orchestrated misinformation aligns with the ongoing media offensive spearheaded by Governor Lawal.

Despite lacking concrete evidence, the governor has been on a persistent media campaign, linking Matawalle with criminal elements and falsely alleging his complicity in the state’s banditry crisis.

However, these accusations have repeatedly failed to withstand scrutiny, as underscored by a recent ruling from the Kano High Court.

The court issued an interim injunction barring Governor Lawal and his associates from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle, stating that any further defamatory actions would be illegal until a substantive hearing on the matter.

The court order highlights the groundlessness of the governor’s claims and serves as a reminder that accusations against public officials must be substantiated by evidence, not driven by political vendettas.

By pursuing a smear campaign against a fellow public servant, Governor Lawal risks destabilizing not only his state but also the critical national security efforts in which Matawalle is involved.

Such actions could divert attention and resources from urgent security issues, ultimately harming the very citizens the governor purports to defend.

The governor’s tactic of repeatedly visiting media houses to disseminate misleading information about Dr. Matawalle has sparked concern among political observers and security experts alike.

His attempts to block Matawalle’s reappointment appear to be rooted more in political rivalry than in any genuine concerns about Zamfara’s security. It’s no coincidence that this intensified campaign began just as discussions about a potential cabinet reshuffle surfaced.

Dr. Matawalle’s growing influence, coupled with his steadfast loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has evidently made him a target for those who feel threatened by his rise.

For Nigerians, it is crucial to separate truth from politically motivated propaganda. The allegations against Dr. Matawalle are part of a coordinated campaign to undermine a dedicated public servant who has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s defence apparatus.

As the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle plays an essential role in shaping security policy, a responsibility he takes seriously and executes with distinction.

The public is advised to view the recent protests and media blitz with caution. It is imperative to consider the context: Governor Lawal’s relentless pursuit to discredit Matawalle, despite the court’s injunction against these defamatory efforts. Rather than yield to such divisive tactics, Nigerians should remain vigilant, prioritizing the integrity of national discourse over political maneuvering.

In conclusion, let us reject efforts to smear individuals serving in crucial roles, particularly when these efforts lack factual foundation and threaten to undermine national security. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, deserves due process and an unbiased evaluation, free from political interference.

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