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2023: Timi Frank Warns Buhari, INEC Against Polls Shift

*Says free, fair election a worthy legacy to leave behind

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Sunday, advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to contemplate or accept any recommendation to shift the forthcoming polls.

Frank who made this plea in a statement in Abuja, also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not to add to the current harrowing experience of Nigerians by shifting the polls.

He said the call became necessary following clandestine efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its 2023 Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to have the elections postponed because of imminent failure staring at them in the face as February 25, 2023 approaches.

He accused Tinubu of having allegedly mobilized the media and Civil Society Organizations in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with huge sums to begin editorial campaigns and protests respectively to call for the postponement of the presidential elections using the excuse of fuel and Naira scarcity.

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, called on Buhari not to succumb to the blackmail of APC and Tinubu who are presently using the APC Governors to prevail on him to shift the polls just like they pressurized him to make Tinubu to emerge as the Presidential candidate of the party.

He insisted that the only legacy Buhari will leave for Nigeria is to keep to his promise to conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent 2023 general elections notwithstanding the efforts being made by Tinubu through the APC governors to make him do otherwise.

He reminded Buhari that already, Tinubu has openly campaigned that the APC Government had failed saying that it is only by insisting on the conduct of free, fair and credible elections that will redeem his image.

He said that Tinubu and APC are seeking postponement of the elections to enable them perfect their rigging strategies ahead of the elections just like they did in 2019.

Frank said: “Buhari has promised Nigerians and the world to bequeath free, fair and credible as his legacy. He must not allow the APC Governors and the behest of Tinubu to sway him to do otherwise.

“You need to prove Tinubu wrong that your government has not failed by making sure the forthcoming general election is free, fair and credible.

“The international community is waiting to see if you will keep to your promise or you deceived them with your promise to ensure holistic electoral reforms in the country.

“Nigerians are ready to go to the polls to correct the evil policies of an uncaring administration as Tinubu has confirmed in order to free themselves from hardship deliberately inflicted on them through clueless leadership.

“This is a better time to hold this election to enable Nigerians to choose whether to remain in Egypt with APC’s Pharaoh or to cross over to the promised land with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

He called on INEC to resist any overtures to postpone the elections. He said do so would be resisted by Nigerians who are already fed up with the present administration and are waiting to take them out of office with their Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

THE DESPERATION OF ATIKU AND THE CONSEQUENCES TO THE NORTH

-By Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba

It is so pathetic and hypocritical that the Atiku Abubakar that had consistently said the presidency was the turn of the north since 2014, has not bought his way to jettison the PDP zoning he had insisted must be followed when it was in favour of the north. And he as a northerner, Fulani and a Muslim is now desperately canvassing and plotting the possibility of taking over from another northerner Fulani who is also a Muslim man, without caring about the consequences to the north.

However, despite the fact that it’s obvious Atiku knows the consequences, but chose to ignore it due to his inordinate ambition; it’s important to clearly state that:

After eight (8) disastrous years of a northerner, Fulani who is also Muslim man; for another northerner Fulani and Muslim man to take over immediately will definitely result in the following:

A confirmation that the north assume they are the “born-to-rule” and other tribes are mere slaves or glorified second class citizens.
A total breakdown in anything that has to do with political alliance between the north and the south, which will clearly manifest in future elections.
Total collapse of trust between the north and the south, since it would have been so clear that despite the north holding to power more than the south during the military era, they have decided to play on the intelligence of the south during the democratic administration, using rotation as a tool when it favours them and jettisoning it when the rotation now favours the south.
Complete collapse of the rotational system resulting in avoidable unhealthy rivalry even in all major political parties in Nigeria.
The serious challenge that will bring about selfless and unbreakable alliance between the South East, South South and South West that will eventually results in the south also retaining power for minimum of sixteen (16) uninterrupted years or even more.
In summary it is obvious that Atiku Abubakar actually does not care about the political future and image of the northerners and has decided to sacrifice them on the altar of his desperation to achieve his inordinate ambition at all costs.

Just as a reminder, it was Atiku Abubakar who, when he insisted it was the turn of the north, quoted John F. Kennedy that, “those who make peaceful change impossible will make violent change inevitable.”

And in 2014 when former president Goodluck Jonathan was about to complete six years as a president and was seeking for one more term that he was constitutionally entitled to, Atiku Abubakar insisted it was the turn of the north. And he (Atiku) did all in his power to frustrate him (Jonathan) as he led five governors to storm out of Eagle Square. He then sponsored them to form New PDP (NPDP) before they moved to All Progressive Congress (APC) to support Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner to emerge as president in fulfilment of the turn of the north.

Again in 2109, Atiku insisted it was the still the turn of the north that the north is entitled to eight (8) uninterrupted years as president. Hence he offered himself to contest under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to serve the term of the north according to the constitution of PDP on power rotation. In agreement with the gentleman principle of power rotation between the north and the south, we massively supported Atiku Abubakar in 2019 to complete the tenure of the north. But his fellow Fulani man defeated him and continue to complete the eight (8) years for northerners.

Despite that it was the same Atiku Abubakar that was screaming that it was the turn of the north and the north had consistently occupied Aso Rock it in the last two administration; the same Atiku Abubakar has in 2022 used his dollar power to conner the leadership of PDP and bought over the delegates of PDP to still take PDP presidential ticket when it’s now the turn of the south.

The questions to ask Atiku Abubakar and all of the people promoting him are:

After eight (8) disastrous years of a northerner, Fulani man and a Muslim, are they assuming that the northerners remain the so called “born to rule”?
Are they insinuating that the Southerners are totally subdued slaves, especially the South East people that have not ruled Nigeria since the first Republic?
Do they want people to believe that there is no Southerner that is good enough to also be the president of Nigeria at this time?
If by mistake Atiku Abubakar, a Northerner, Fulani and a Muslim becomes the next president after eight (8) years of a northerner, Fulani and a Muslim; can there ever be political alliance between the north and south again; since the northerners would have succeeded in confirming the notion that they believe they are the “born-to-rule” while others are second class citizens?

In conclusion, it is now the turn of the south and precisely the South East that has not produced any president since the first republic. And the South East has credible candidate, a man of integrity who has vast understanding of the myriad of problems befalling Nigeria and how to tackle them towards the birth of a new nation.

Come onboard and let’s rescue our beloved country together through ballot revolution on Saturday 25th February, 2023. We can do it.

SIGNED:

Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba,
Candidate for House of Representatives,
Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency
Of Kogi State.

Elections: Ebonyi Indigenes Condemn Attack On APGA Guber Candidate, Demand Redeployment Of Police Boss

*Restates call for disbandment of Ebubeagu

The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural In the Diaspora (AEISCID) has said that it condemns strongly the reported assassination attempt on the life of the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state, Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh, describing the attack as ‘cowardly.’

Prof. Odoh’s convoy was attacked while returning from a campaign rally at Ezzaegu community, Ishielu Local Government Area of the state when it was ambushed by an unmarked Sienna bus stationed near the popular Rest House just before the Enugu/Abakaliki Federal Highway.

In the process, the governorship candidate lost his driver who was hit by bullets and the assailants also set ablaze the backup Toyota Hilux vehicle before making away with some valuables.

Reacting to the development through a statement signed by its President General, Amb. Pascal Oluchchukwu, Saturday in Abuja, the association urged the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, to order immediate probe on the assassination attempt on the life of a frontline governorship candidate.

The Ebonyi indigenes also demanded immediate redeployment of the State’s Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Garba and also the disbandment of the Ebubeagu militia in the state.

According to AEISCID, Ebonyians and indeed Nigerians should hold governor Dave Umahi responsible for whatsoever happens to Professor Odoh or any other governorship candidate of the opposition political parties for that matter in Ebonyi state.

“We at AEISCID vehemently condemn this dastardly and cowardly attack as one now too many. We consequently invite the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba to order an immediate probe this attempt on the life of a frontline Governorship candidate like Odoh. This is about the seventh time we are reading about such unwarranted attacks on Professor Odoh and his teeming supporters just because they have chosen to remain of the APGA and not of Governor Umahi’s APC.

“We recall that his convoy was also fired at in Iboko, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on October 20th last year by the same Ebubeagu militia. On 24th December, the Party’s supporters were attacked by the same notorious Ebubeagu operatives at Ugwulangwu, Onicha Local Government Area of the State after a campaign visit to the area.

“To that end therefore, this group wants the IGP, Ebonyians and indeed Nigerians to hold Umahi responsible for whatsoever happens to Professor Odoh or any other candidate of the opposition political Parties for that matter.

“While we formally call on the IGP to quickly order an unbiased and uncompromised probe into the attack, we demand the immediate redeployment of the State’s Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Garba and also the disbandment of the rampaging Ebubeagu militia which has since become a personal vendetta tool in the hands of Governor Umahi against his perceived opponents. The IGP should immediately set up a special crack team to retrieve from the Ebubeagu militia, all weapons and armouries in their possession before they plunge the State into a full-scale war. They cannot be allowed to continue to work as oppressive tools in the hands of the incumbent government in Ebonyi.”

While commiserating with Prof. Odoh and his APGA family, the group warned the state government to desist from desperate politicking capable of plunging the state into anarchy.

“Democracy is and remains about the freedom of the people to make their choice of leaders according to instrumentality of the ballot. The will and choices of Ebonyi people must be respected and no candidate deserves to die or be killed just because he belongs to another political party.

“For if Elechi was that tolerant to have allowed an Umahi he never wanted to succeed him prevail, Umahi should know that Ebonyians are wiser than before and he and his puppet APC candidate, Nwifuru cannot, we repeat can never shoot their way to through the ballot. They should market their ideas, views and governance perspectives to Ebonyi electorates who should be at liberty to accept or reject them at the polls as we are certain they will.”

Akwanaja: No Harm Must Befall Ortom, SOKAPU Warns

*Says Sanusi should stop being tribal champion

By;. MIKE ODEH JAMES

While condemning the alleged mysterious killing of pastoralists in Nasarawa State last week, the Southern Kaduna People’s Forum (SOKAPU), has warned that no harm must come to the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, following a letter written by a group of Fulani leaders, insisting on Ortom’s role in the alleged killing.

SOKAPU expressed this is a statement signed by its spokesman, Luka Biniyat, made available on Friday February 3, 2023.

“Sanusi wields a lot of influence on the Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir el-Rufai. But, el-Rufai has continued to show lack of capacity or will to protect or care for the people of Kaduna State, especially from the carnage carried out by armed herdsmen who are also referred to as “bandits.” Why Sanusi decides to put his gaze on Ortom in far away Benue State (away from the scene of the killings in Nasarawa State), when Kaduna, his second home is flowing with the blood of innocent citizens from barbaric herdsmen attacks, surely smacks of a worrisome agenda against Ortom.

“Therefore, Southern Kaduna, which is a formidable part of the Middle Belt, hereby wants to affirm that if harm happens to Ortom, we know who should be held responsible,” it said.

SOKAPU said that is very concerned about a well packaged bouquet of deadly accusations leveled against a great son of the Middle Belt, Samuel Ortom, the indomitable Governor of Benue State – by a highly connected and powerful anonymous Fulanigroup led by the former Emir of Kano, Alh Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

“Let it be put on record that SOKAPU condemns unreservedly the murder of innocent citizens or any human being resident in Nigeria irrespective of race, tribe, religion or region.

“Southern Kaduna has had more than it can handle from such cruelty especially in the past eight years, so we know what mass murder of harmless law abiding citizens means.

“The 24th January 2023 bombing of Akwanaja village, Doma LGA of Nasarawa state against targets which Fulani leaders said were innocent herders has been massively reported in the mass media,” it said.

According to SOKAPU, the Air Force authority has owned up to the bombings and defended its action.

“But if indeed those killed in the bombing are innocent herders, justice must take its course and full restitution paid their families,” the statement said.

The group recalled that on the 30th January 2023, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, wrote and signed a strong worded letter laced with allegations and threats against Gov Ortom to President Muhammadu Buhari and the letter found its way into the Press.

“For the former Emir of Kano and top Fulani elites to go far fetched in trying to rope Ortom into the incident is preposterous and unfortunate.

“As it appears, the major sin of Governor Ortom is the Open Grazing and Livestock Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law which is enforced by the Benue State Livestock Guards.

“Since the courageous enactment of that law in 2017, Gov Ortom has not only come under a blitzkrieg of verbal attacks by disgruntled Fulani leaders and groups, he has suffered and survived several attempts on his life. His accusing fingers over such murderous plots have been towards those that are in absolute rejection of the “anti-open grazing” law of Benue State.

“If a state government enacts a law that every resident of the state is bound to abide by, no ethnic group has the exclusive right to disrespect such a law no matter how privileged and protected it may be. The most civilised thing to do is to follow the democratic process of reviewing the law or repealing it,” it argued.

SOKAPU therefore, said that it expects Sanusi and his tribal leaders to encourage his kinsmen to respect the laws of Benue State as long as they are on Benue State soil, while seeking for legal ways to amend or repeal any law they find objectionable to the interest of their people.

“What SOKAPU finds curious and very surprising is that Sanusi who has portrayed himself as a nationalist of some kind, has reduced himself to a narrow champion of his tribesmen.

“We say this because Sanusi has made Kaduna his second home since his dethronement as the Emir of Kano in March 2020, but has never made a comment on the mass killings of the people of Southern Kaduna and Hausa and law abiding Fulani in Kaduna State. In June 2022, we reported with prove how killer herdsmen on over 150 motor bikes attacked some communities in Adara Chiefdom in Kajuru LGA in Southern Kaduna as a low flying Air Force gun-mounted plane assisted the invaders. 32 innocent farmers were killed in the attack and scores were kidnapped.

“This is just one of such attacks in which we have accused a rogue section of the military of connivance. As a statesman which Sanusi has been trying his best to portray, we would have expected him to lend his weighty voice in criticising such criminality and asking for justice even if it is not with the zest and commitment he is putting on the Akwanaja bombing,” it stressed.

The group said that it stands in solidarity with Ortom and the People of Benue State.

“We also call for full investigation into the Akwanaja bombing. We also ask that same be extended into similar bombings that have taken place in Southern Kaduna,” it said.

Rev Emma Magba Explain Why He Is Contesting

FEW DAYS TO THE RESCUE DAY FOR NIGERIA: ON 25TH FEBRUARY, 2023.

No 4 and 5 of the 30 Reasons That Made Me Surrender Myself To Serve As Member House of Representatives

NO 4:

TO STAND FOR NIGERIANS

It makes me sad whenever I see video on social media of our lawmakers screaming before camera as if they are helpless and calling for Nigerians to rescue them. And I keep asking myself if our parliamentarians still have the knowledge of their power as vested on the National Assembly by the constitution.

When elected as a member of House of Representatives, I will always stand for Nigerians, be proactive and ensure the right things are done at the right time. And before situation gets out of control, I will move the motion to invoke the power of the House.

NO 5:

CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS FOR MY PEOPLE EACH YEAR, FROM MY FIRST YEAR IN THE HOUSE.

As I have said before, that each member of House of Representatives is allocated N100 million per year as constituency allowance for the purpose of carrying out constituency projects.

When elected into the House of Representatives, I will ensure the money is judiciously utilized to carry out projects that will be very impactful to my people each year. And at different parts of the two Local Governments that make up my constituency.

Also I will directly engage the right people from my constituency in recommendation, implementation and supervision processes of each of the projects.

Watch out for number 6 and 7 of the reasons why I desire to represent you as Honourable member of the House.

Support Yours Sincerely,

Rev. Emmanuel Sunday Olorunmagba

For House of Representatives,

Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency

Of Kogi State.

Under the platform of National Rescue Movement (NRM)

ACF Backs Removal of Subsidy as Solution to Fuel Scarcity

…Commends Kyari Led NNPCL Management

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has thrown its weight behind the clamour for removal of subsidy as the only remedy for recurring fuel Scarcity across the country.

According to the northern based political and socio-cultural organization, the best way for the National Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)to make fuel available always is to removed subsidy completely.

The Secretary-General of ACF,Murtala Aliyu, who disclosed this in an interview said ,”For as long as we continue to import fuel, we have to subsidize it and doing so, will certainly make government resources to continue to be limited .

He vehemently kicked against the idea of borrowing money to pay for subsidy, adding that government has been shying away from the issue of subsidy and this is where the problem resides .

He further explained : “We all know that Petrol; diesel , kerosene and gas are all utilities . Like we buy firewoods, pay for water and pay for electricity, if we want to use it, we should pay for petrol too.It will definitely put cost on transportation, and other things but, that is the reality of the situation .

While noting that If subsidy is removed,there would be enough resources to provide for security of lives and property of the citizens; education, health care etc, he expressed strong support for open market for marketers to do the importation and sell freely.

” I am sure if this is done, the rate will crash because ,products will be are available . And certainly, issue of price hikes will be over. Let the market forces of demand and supply determine price of goods and services .” He stated .

Meanwhile ,he urged the Management of Engineer Mele Kyari led Management of National Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to intensify efforts to ensure the recent fuel queues at filling stations across Nigeria disappear .

On the performance of NNPC under Mele Kyari ,the ACF Scribe said ,” If you’re talking about the performance of the NNPCL or the oil sector generally, I think since the Buhari administration came up, we have had less problem with fuel queues until recently .

He therefore urged the leadership of NNPCL to redeem the good image hitherto achieved in recent years as a company with improved performance and ensure that the issue of long queues in the filling stations are addressed immediately.

Fielding question on issue of oil discovery in the north, the ACF Scribe, said there is not exciting the news of about oil discovery in the north .

He explained: In the first place ,the issue of discovering oil should not a competition matter ,but something that the whole country should be happy with .

“I can tell you that if for any reason we discovered oil anywhere Within the country, we should all be happy because, it’s an additional resources that will help provide more jobs ,lead to sustainable growth and development .

“If there is oil in commercial quantity found inland ,it should not be used for export,but processed for internal consumption.

“We can have modular refineries all around to produce the crude oil discovered in Gombe and Bauchi states .And where there is gas, we should use it for generation of energy instead of looking at it from the export dimensions. And if it becomes abundant ,even our neighbours can now benefit.”

While stating that discovery of oil in the north is a positive thing, he advised, “It shouldn’t be about export or 13 per cent derivation,but about the fact that there is enough resources for the country,for the population to enjoy .

“We in the ACF are not expressing undue excitement about oil discovery in the north.”

“People look at things politically ,they think north needs to also measure up because the see you as not producing anything . If you at the Nigerian GDP ,Oil is responsible for less 10 per cent, Which means there is something else keeping the country together like Agriculture.

“Secondly , agriculture provides more employment than any other sector which means they engage the economy more the oil sector .

“I think not just oil any other resources that help could help the teeming masses to more comfortable and wealthier. ,I think government should embark on exploration of such resources.”

Atiku Approves Appointment Of Engineer Omoyibo’s As Foundation’s Delta Patron

By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna

In view of his patriotic zeal and philanthropic large heart, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar GCON has approved the appointment of Engineer Daniel E. Omoyibo as the Delta State Patron of the Atiku Care Foundation.

A statement signed by the Director Media and Publicity, Atiku Care Foundation, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday January 26, 2023, this was made known by the Foundation’s Director General, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, same day.

Following the approval, the Induction ceremony of Chief Dr Engineer Daniel E. Omoyibo as the Delta State Patron of the Atiku Care Foundation has been held on January 26.

It explained that Engineer Omoyibo’s philanthropic legacies know no bounds, as it has touched several lives, near and far from him, even several he has never come in contact with.

“Engineer Daniel Omoyibo, Chief Executive Officer of Danmotech Ltd and Dantinajo Gold Resort Ltd is one man that is creatively passionate about providing jobs for both Isoko youth and adults in his home state Delta.

“His passionate drive in entrepreneurial legacies over the years has endeared the public, especially the less privileged to him,” the statement said.

According to the statement, His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar congratulated him for the approval as the patron of the foundation, while urging him to keep up the good work of tuching the lives of the downtrodden.

Atiku Approves Appointment Of Engineer Omotibo’s As Foundation’s Delta Patron

By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna

Following the approval, the Induction ceremony of Chief Dr Engineer Daniel E. Omoyibo as the Delta State Patron of the Atiku Care Foundation has been held on January 26.

It explained that Engineer Omotibo’s philanthropic legacies know no bounds, as it has touched several lives, near and far from him, even several he has never come in contact with.

“His passionate drive in entrepreneurial legacies over the years has endeared the public, especially the less privileged to him,” the statement said.

Alleged Perjury: Hon Uchenna Igwebuike Ekwe Heads To Prison

On Wednesday January 25, 2023, Hon. Uchenna Igwebuike Ekwe was arraigned at a Federal Capital Territory Magistrate Court, sitting in Abuja before Chief Magistrate Grade 1 in Charge No. CR/WZ11/485/2022 for offence bothering on forgery of documents contrary to Section 366 of Penal Code.

It woukld recalled that Hon. Uchenna Igwebuike Ekwe (Accused Person) and his cohorts, were alleged to have illegally facilitated the purported substitution of the name of Hon. Chukwuma Christopher Amadi, the former Senatorial candidate of Labour Party for Enugu West Senatorial District of Enugu State for the 2023 General Election.

Hon. Chukwuma Amadi filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1194/2022 Hon. Chukwuma Christopher Amadi Vs. Labour Party & Others, challenging the illegal substitution of his name.

The accused person in a feeble attempt to perpetuate the illegality, applied to be joined in the suit and to defend the illegal substitution, he was accordingly joined by the learned presiding Judge.

Hon. Uchenna Igwebuike Ekwe in his Counter Affidavit in opposition to Hon. Amadi’s suit, deposed to facts and attached fraudulent and spurious documents as exhibits purporting that Hon. Chukwuma Christopher Amadi voluntarily withdrew his candidature and personally submitted the letter of withdrawal to the National Secretariat of Labour Party.

Disturbed by the brazen illegality and desperation exhibited by Hon. Ekwe, Hon. Amadi wrote to relevant authorities which confirmed that the documents verified by Hon. Ekwe on oath and attached to his Counter Affidavit were fraudulent and did not emanate from them, hence the direct criminal complaint lodged by Hon. Chukwuma Christopher Amadi calling for the thorough investigation of the documents and prosecution of the culprits.

The discrete investigation of the complaint revealed a prima facie case of alleged forgery and dishonesty against Hon. Uchenna Igwebuike Ekwe hence, his arraignment in Court on Wednesday.

On being arraigned in Court, Hon. Uchenna Igwebuike Ekwe pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail by the trial court.

However, as at the time of filing this report, it is unclear whether Hon. Uchenna Igwebuike Ekwe has been able to fulfill the bail terms or remanded in prison till the perfection of the bail terms.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on November 24, 2022, declared the purported substitution of Hon. Chukwuma Christopher Amadi’s name as illegal, null and void and further held that Hon. Amadi remains the rightful Labour Party Senatorial candidate of Enugu West for 2023 General Election.