GRPolitics
Buhari, other APC Presidential aspirants to pay N55m for nomination form
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has proposed N55 million for the nomination and expression of interest forms for its presidential ticket.
Similarly, the national leadership of the ruling party proposed N22.5 million for its governorship ticket.
However, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party has rejected the proposals, as the NWC was asked to go and review the proposition downward. In the proposal, the nomination form for the presidency costs N50 million, while the expression of interest form goes for N5 million.
For the governorship ticket of the party, the nomination fee costs N20 million, while the expression of interest form cost N2.5 million. Also, other nomination and expression of interest forms for elective offices were reviewed upward.
For the Senate, the party proposed N7.5 million for nomination form and N1 million for expression of interest form whereas the nomination form was bought for N3 million and expression of interest form for N300,000 in 2014. In the proposal, the party’s NWC recommended N3.5 million for the nomination form and N350,000 for expression of interest form for the House of Representatives.
Speaking with journalists after the 6th NEC meeting in Abuja yesterday, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau said that the NWC was asked to go and review the fee downward.
Lalong also said the APC has adopted direct primary for the selection of its presidential candidate for the 2019 election. The party also opted for a flexible method for the conduct of its primaries for the states for the selection of its governorship, senatorial and other elective positions.
These were the positions of the party after NEC. President Muhammadu Buhari, so far, is the only aspirant that has signified interest in the party’s presidential ticket. The direct primary is likely to be a mere formality for President Muhammadu Buhari on September 19. Briefing journalists after the meeting, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state, said that the NEC resolved that the National Working Committee (NWC) should fix the cost of the nomination forms. The meeting, that started by 11:20a.m. when President Muhammdu Buhari arrived, ended at 3:30p.m. The President left midway into the meeting, leaving the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo behind.
The governor stated that the N21 million proposed by the NWC for the nomination forms was not agreed to by all NEC members, as the NWC members were asked to go back and review the opinion of NEC on the matter. Lalong said: “About two or three things were discussed. First, the document on the guidelines for the election; the mode of elections and, of course, the mode of funding and the necessity for unity within the party after the gale of defections.
“On the issue of defection, the party unanimously agreed that it was not affected us much, but has tightened the party more.
“On the mode of election, we all agreed that for presidential election, we are going for direct primaries, but for other elections, there are two options. But the general option is that we go for indirect primary.
“But any state that has a problem and wants to deviate from that is at liberty to write following the normal process with a resolution from their state executive seeking approval for a deviation from the agreed process.
“In the sequence of election, it was directed back to the NWC to look at the comments that were made and within those comments, address them in line with the Electoral Act and bring out a timetable for the sequence of election. The NEC has been given that power.” Lalong added: “On the issue of funding, a standing Committee was set to look at the proper funding for party generally.
“The constitution of the party provides for either direct or indirect primaries or consensus. But for the presidential election, we all agreed to adopt the direct option. “Also, a recommendation was made by NWC which was accepted that all the states should adopt the indirect mode of election. But there may be circumstances where it may be difficult in some of the states, looking at their peculiarities.
“If there are such difficulties, the state will now apply following due process after their stakeholders’ agreement, signed and adopted by simple majority of the party and the state executive, which will now be sent to the NWC for approval.”
On automatic ticket for governors and legislators, he said: “We didn’t discuss the issue of automatic ticket. But we discussed that patriotic and loyal members should be rewarded, but not necessarily with automatic tickets. “Some of our senators who are patriotic who were supposed to be taken away were all kept. We asked all the states to look at it and we find a way to reward them.
But for the election, the option is given to everybody to face election. So, there was nothing like automatic ticket for anybody. “We debated the cost of nomination and left it to the NWC to take into consideration some of the views expressed and come out with a reasonable figure. Any figure they bring out will be acceptable and we don’t need to come back to NEC to ratify it.” In attendance at the meeting were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, state governors, National Assembly members, NWC and NEC members.
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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