GRPolitics
2019: Aspirants throw ‘debate challenge’ at Buhari
By Punchng.com
As 2019 general elections draw closer, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; a former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau; and other presidential aspirants interested in contesting in the election have challenged President Muhammadu Buhari.
The other presidential aspirants who have challenged the President to a debate are a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu; a former presidential candidate of the KOWA Party in the 2015 election, Prof. Remi Sonaiya; Publisher, Sahara Reporters, Mr. Omoyele Sowore; Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher; and Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies.
According to the presidential aspirants, if they emerge as their parties’ candidates for the next election, they will engage in any presidential debate they are invited for and would like President Buhari to make himself available for such debates should he also emerge as the candidate of his party, the All Progressives Congress.
Buhari had in 2015 shunned the last round of a presidential debate organised by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group, which was attended by the then President, Goodluck Jonathan (Peoples Democratic Party), Sonaiya (KOWA Party), Martins Onovo (National Conscience Party), Godson Okoye (United Democratic Party) and Chekwas Okorie (United Peoples Party).
But for the next election, Atiku said he would take part in any presidential debate if he emerged as the PDP candidate.
In a message on Twitter, he gave kudos to the Independent National Electoral Commission for recognising debates as a vital part of democratic process, saying “debates are a vital part of the democratic process.
“Our democracy and governance will be better enriched when voters have the opportunity to make the needed distinction in the offerings of those who apply to govern them.”
When asked if he would be ready to face other presidential candidates in a debate, including Buhari, if he emerged as the APC candidate, his media aide, Mr. Paul Ibe, said, “His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, will make himself available for a debate.”
Former Presidential candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, also said it was important for those seeking to occupy the office of President to participate in a debate.
This, he said, would go a long way in assisting the public to make informed choices about those who want their votes.
Shekarau, who is also seeking to contest for the Presidency on the platform of the PDP, spoke through his Media Adviser, Mallam Sule Ya’u Sule, on Friday, saying he was “prepared to participate in a presidential debate anytime anywhere.”
He said, “It is like attending a job interview, which will provide the prospective employer with an opportunity to assess individual candidates; Nigerians deserve to be given the opportunity to hear directly from those who seek their mandate to occupy the highest office in the land.
“If you will recall, His Excellency is not a stranger to debates as a trained teacher and public servant long before he became a politician. He has been involved in explaining and executing policies and plans on how to make this country better.”
Also, Moghalu, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Young Progressive Party, on Friday, expressed his readiness to confront Buhari in a debate ahead of the 2019 elections.
In a telephone interview with Saturday PUNCH, he said, “Yes, I am fully ready to face the President in a debate. Broadly, the areas that will be of interest to Nigerians are the economy, security, the fight against corruption, health, and education, among others.”
Moghalu, who expressed worry over the rising incidence of incessant killings and unemployment in the country, said his ambition to contest for the presidency in 2019 was borne out of the realisation that past leaders had failed.
Sonaiya, who has also expressed interest in contesting in the next presidential election, said if she emerged as her party’s candidate, she would “definitely participate in a debate,” adding that Buhari “should participate too as it is a duty; it is one of our duties to strengthen democracy.”
“If you talk about strengthening democracy and so on, this is one way to do so and I think that even if there is no law that compels a candidate to participate in a debate, every candidate should see it as a responsibility.
“It is one of the platforms to engage with the people. I participated in the debate the last time so there is no reason for me not to participate again,” she said.
According to Sowore, he cannot wait to debate with President Buhari on issues affecting Nigerians.
He said, “I can’t wait to debate with President Buhari, I think Nigerians are anxiously waiting for such an important moment in our political history. A popular debate will afford the President an opportunity to state to the Nigerian public where he thought he performed well and also present us an opportunity to lay before the Nigerian people our programmes of action to lift Nigeria to progress and prosperity.
“I decided to run against the President because I came to the conclusion that he has failed in every ramification and ought not to be re-elected to office again for another four-year term.”
Hagher, who hopes to contest for the presidency on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, said he was “ever ready” to have a presidential debate with Buhari, adding that “even if it is now, I’m ready for him. I don’t want to wait, let him come out, he is a colossal failure.”
Another presidential aspirant on the platform of the PDP, Adesanya-Davies, also said that she was ready to face President Buhari in a presidential debate should both of them emerge as candidates of their parties.
Adesanya-Davies told our correspondent that she would like to take the President up on issues concerning the economy, education and security, especially why the Christian girl, Leah Shuaibu, had not been released by the Boko Haram sect.
She explained that though the President did not participate in the 2015 presidential debate, Buhari should be able to be part of the 2019 presidential debate to explain certain things to Nigerians.
“Certainly yes; I am ready for a debate if I emerge as the candidate of my party; the PDP. I know that before the 2015 election, President Buhari did not go for any debate. He should not dodge the debate this time if he emerges the candidate of his party.
“He (Buhari) should not only be talking to me; he should be talking to the entire Nigerians. We need him to explain why he should be the President and also the Minister of Petroleum. Why did he give a person like Babatunde Fashola multiple portfolios when one portfolio is already difficult to handle?
“At such a debate, I will like to discuss the economy and education. We will like to talk about security; we have yet to find the Christian girl (still with the Boko Haram sect),” Adesanya-Davies said.
The presidential aspirant also queried the age and physical ability of the President, saying, “We will talk about the incumbent’s age and his health; why is he coming back again without considering his age and health?”
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.
Portugal Football Club Signs on 19-Year-Old Nigerian- born Footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
Spotify’s ‘Detty December’ Hub and Spotify’s ‘Songs of December’ now live
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
