GRPolitics
PDP moves to meet aggrieved APC chiefs
As politicking towards 2019 general elections gathers momentum, the Peoples Democratic Party has begun plans to meet aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress otherwise known as the New PDP.
Though the party has been meeting with individuals to form a coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress in the past, it was however gathered that the main opposition party had stepped up consultations following the open declaration by the members of the nPDP, who are in the APC, that the ruling party and President Muhammadu Buhari last week were marginalising them.
Some members of the nPDP being led by a former National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Kawu Baraje and a former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, had written a letter to President Buhari, demanding an urgent meeting with him.
In the letter, which was also sent to the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Baraje and Oyinlola said that the meeting with Buhari must hold within seven days.
Though Oyinlola had left the APC for the ADC, the national leadership of the PDP was said to have scheduled secret meetings with the aggrieved APC members.
The National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, confirmed the desire of the party to meet the aggrieved APC members to one of Punch correspondents on Sunday.
Apart from the aggrieved APC members, Secondus said in an interview in Abuja that the main opposition party would do everything legitimate with other opposition political parties, to wrest power from the ruling party .
He said, “Don’t forget that majority of those in the ruling party came from the PDP. They left us due to one disagreement or the other. These are eminent Nigerians who went to the APC, thinking that the APC would be a vibrant alternative and that those behind it meant well for everyone and the nation.
“However, events of the past years have shown otherwise. So, we are meeting with everyone soon. We have met some and we will also meet others. The meetings don’t need to be formal. We have known ourselves before and these people know that we won’t deceive them. Whatever we promise to do, we will do.
“Our former governors that left with their supporters are going to return to us. We will all come together to rebuild this damaged country.”
Asked when the meeting would hold and the venue, Secondus said, “We won’t give details. Political strategies are not achieved on the pages of newspapers alone. Just wait and see.”
But the Presidency on Sunday said it would not talk on the recent outburst of members of the nPDP bloc in the ruling APC against their alleged marginalisation by the present administration.
APC addressing party chiefs’ grievances – Presidency
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in an interview with one of our correspondents said the leadership of the ruling party was already addressing the issues raised by the aggrieved party chiefs.
He said it was, therefore, not appropriate for the Presidency to be talking on the matter.
“We are not talking on the issue. The party leadership is already addressing the issues raised, therefore, the Presidency will allow them to handle it. We won’t talk on the matter,” the presidential spokesman said.
APC crisis will be resolved soon – Osinbajo
However, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has assured all stakeholders that the crisis currently rocking the ruling APC will be resolved soon.
Osinbajo gave the assurance while speaking with journalists after the inauguration of President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone in Freetown on Saturday.
The transcript of the interview was made available to journalists on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande.
He said, “In politics, as you know, there will always be tensions. But the party is strong and the leadership and membership of the party are committed to ensuring that the party remains strong and continues to offer the hope and promise it has always offered and given to the people.
“I think a lot of the issues will be resolved as we go along. This is the normal order of things; there will be some disagreements, there will be those who may feel that they need certain preferences or certain things which may not have been done earlier on. I don’t think there is any major problem.”
Attempts to get a reaction from the spokesperson of the APC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, were futile.
Calls to his mobile telephone number indicated that it was switched off. A response to a text message sent to him on the subject was still being awaited as of the time of filling this report (8:37pm).
Source: Punch
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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