GRPolitics
Igbo leaders queue behind Atiku/Obi for 2019 presidency
Igbo leaders comprising elders, traditional and religious leaders as well as women groups, yesterday endorsed the joint presidential ticket of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi.
In a five-point communique issued at the end of the summit with the theme “Ndigbo 2019 and Beyond” held in Enugu, the Igbo leaders said that the decision was based on the restructuring agenda put on the table by Atiku/Obi, which four zones of the country had agreed on.
The communique read by a legal luminary, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN said: “The Igbo people of Nigeria held a 1 day non-partisan and inclusive Summit convened by Elders, Traditional and Religious leaders on Wednesday 14thNovember 2018 to consider Ndigbo’s place in the polity especially in light of the forthcoming 2019 elections.
“The summit deliberated on the State of Ndigbo in Nigeria today especially after years of exclusion from the center. This country has never been so divided as it is today. We Igbos have always yearned for a level playing field with justice, equity and fairness.
“The Summit recognized the nomination of His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi Former Governor of Anambra State as the Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP and fully endorses this nomination. It was acknowledged that this nomination puts Ndigbo back in the center of governance. It is therefore important that Ndigbo should rally behind the Atiku/Obi ticket.
“We identify with the Atiku/Peter Obi ticket on the restructuring agenda as has been reiterated by 4 zones of the country namely: South South, South West, North Central and South East. We believe that as long as the federating units remain weak the center will continue to be weak. We equally move to appreciate the position of the Atiku/Obi ticket in promoting national unity.
“In conclusion, the Summit reiterated that the time is now for Ndigbo to mobilize and organize effectively to realize the Atiku/Obi ticket. We are not campaigning against anybody, we are simply campaigning for our very survival. Igbo votes must count wherever Ndigbo live in Nigeria.”
In welcoming the Presidential flag-bearer to the Summit, the Chairman of Ohaneze Worldwide, Chief Nnia Nwodo, thanked him for the choice of Obi as his running mate. He assured him that Obi was one of the best in Igboland who redefined governance in Nigeria through his seminal achievements as Governor of Anambra State by moving the state from the worst to the best in education, health, road construction and other sectors.
Atiku, who was accompanied by the National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Uche Secundus and other PDP big wigs such as Sen. Bukola Saraki, Aliyu Babangida, Ben Bruce, Gbenga Daniel, Tom Ikimi, and Dino Melaye, assured the Igbos that he would work towards their demands, which were already in his policy paper. He later paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, before departing.
Who is who in Igboland attended the event, some of whom are Theodore Orji, Azubuike Ihejirika, Mao Ohuabunwa, Ben Obi, Obi Alfred Achebe, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Okwy Nwodo, Emeka Ihedioha, Ebitu Ukiwe, Obi Umahi, Ben Nwabueze, Guy Ikoku, ABC Nwosu, Vincent Ogbulafor, Adolphus Wabara, Frank Ogbuewu, Ike Nwachukwu, Uche Azikiwe, Osita Chidioka, Onyema Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Walter Ofonagoro, Ndubisi Nwobu, Obiora Okonkwo, and Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa.
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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