PDP Speaks On Emergence Of Wike As Atiku’s Running Mate
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied reports that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has emerged as the running mate to the party’s flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, made this known in an interview on Arise News on Wednesday.
It was earlier reported that the PDP committee set up to recommend a Vice-presidential candidate for Atiku has reportedly picked Wike as his running mate.
While picking Wike as its first option, the panel said the governor as the vice-presidential candidate will do better for the ticket than his other challengers.
Other candidates considered for the PDP presidential ticket are Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State.
But according to Ologunagba, the report that Wike had been chosen as the running mate to Atiku is just mere rumour and speculation.
He stated that the PDP would announce the running mate to its presidential candidate after the panel constituted to look for a suitable candidate is done with its assignment.
The PDP spokesman said the party would let Nigerians know who has been chosen as Atiku’s running mate at the appropriate time.
Ologunagba added that the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) will be meeting this morning (Wednesday) on the choice of a suitable candidate.
He said: “We have a process as a party, because we are organic. We follow through the processes. We recognize the importance of participatory democracy, ensuring that every stakeholder and organ of the party is involved in our decision-making process,”
“This is the beginning of the process, consideration and advisory body need to get to the level where, in consultation with the presidential candidate, they will deliberate on who is most suitable. That process is ongoing, so any report of a particular candidate at this point is probably premature.
“We do our things in processes, the process doesn’t just come like you press a computer and get an answer. We follow the process, because human elements are involved, with interests and concerns. We have considered all interests of the country, particularly in terms of unity and capacity.”
2023: NNPP Speaks On Proposed Alliance With Labour Party
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has denied media reports that it is mulling an alliance with the Labour Party (LP).
Recall that the Spokesman of the National Consultative Forum, Yinusa Tanko, had said there are plans to merge the LP and NNPP to defeat the two major political parties in 2023.
In an interview on Arise TV on Monday, Tanko said merging the two parties will be beneficial to their Presidential candidates, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso respectively.
Tanko said that the two former Governors have exhibited character, resilience, and determination while working closely with the disadvantaged.
He, however, urged Nigerians to support Obi and Kwankwaso if the talk about merging the two political parties come through.
Reacting, the National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Agbo Major, said the party is not in any alliance talks with anybody.
In a chat with Daily Trust, Major said the NNPP will be fielding its presidential candidate and whoever wants to join the party can do so
“We are fielding our presidential candidate and whoever wants to join us can do so,” he said.
Speaking further, Major said that the party had not chosen anybody for the Vice President slot, adding that the nominee will definitely be a Southen Christian.
Police Discovers Sex Slave Camp, Rescues 35 Girls In Anambra
Police operatives in Anambra have rescued 35 teenage girls from a sex slave camp in the state.
The spokesman for the state police command, Toochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Awka, said the girls aged between 14 years and 17 years were allegedly being used as sex slaves in the camp.
He added four of the victims were heavily pregnant.
Ikenga added that the girls were rescued from a hotel in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
He said: “The police operatives combed the hotel on June 13 and rescued the girls who were being used as sex slaves, prostitutes and baby producers.
“The operatives rescued 35 girls and four of them are pregnant. The victims shall be handed to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for their welfare and rehabilitation.”
The spokesman revealed that three persons were arrested in connection with the crime while three pump action guns, seven cartridges and cash were recovered during the operation.
Ikenga added: “The police arrested three persons and also recovered N877,500.
“The suspects will be charged in court after investigation.”
Lai Mohammed Gives Update On Plans By The Federal Govt To End ASUU Strike
The federal government has stated that while it has not given up on attempts to end the lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the issues involved are very complex.
This was made known on Wednesday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed who addressed newsmen after the weekly federal executive council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He assured that a lot of effort are been put in behind the scene to ensure ASUU ends the strike and the students are able to return to school.
Mohammed spoke after questions from newsmen on the approval given by the government on the approval of e-learning centres while government-owned universities are closed.
In his words, “And then the other question has to do with the with ASUU strike. I think if I remember this e-learning, I think it has to do more with primary schools and not universities.
“And I don’t think because we’re having challenges with the university lecturers, we should stop primary school students in continuing with their education.
“And I wish that the ASUU issue is as simple as many of us think it is. I don’t think it’s that simple. But I want to assure you that a lot is going on behind the scenes.
“And I think probably the Minister of Education will be better positioned to give the details. But like any government, if we’re not concerned, we would not set up all the committees which have been working. If we are not concerned, we will not be looking for means to even assuage the feelings of the Union.
“We’re worried, we’re concerned, and we’ll continue to work towards finding an early resolution of the problem.”
This position comes after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday noted that it is waiting for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to respond to its demands.
It was earlier reported that ASUU leadership met with the renegotiation committee headed by Prof. Nimi Briggs on Monday.
The federal government committee met with the union to discuss the continuation of the renegotiation of the FGN-ASUU 2009 agreements.
The President of ASUU, Emmanuel Osodeke, who spoke with Punch at the meeting disclosed that the union is waiting for the government to respond to its demand discussed with the committee.
He said he can’t sure that the strike will be called off yet until they get a response from the federal government.
The latest ASUU strike commenced on February 14, 2022, the lecturers have vowed not to return to the classes except the government meets their demands.
Tinubu: APC May Not Win Without Muslim-Muslim Ticket – Orji Kalu
The Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu on Wednesday spoke on the All Progressives Congress fielding a Muslim/Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election.
According to Kalu, the ruling party will find it difficult to win the presidential election if it fails to present a Muslim as its Vice Presidential candidate.
The former Governor of Abia State while addressing newsmen at the National Assembly on Wednesday said APC will be in trouble if it does not field a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Kalu while speaking on the controversial issue said “If I were in Bola Tinubu’s shoes, I would go for a Muslim-Muslim ticket; the most important thing is for the party to win.
“This is Orji Kalu’s opinion, and I’m saying you can also play the Christian Christian ticket depending on the scenario because if we don’t play Muslim-Muslim, we are in trouble. It will be most difficult to win the election because the only thing left for Tinubu is to play Muslim-Muslim.
“I know the church I go to, the Catholic, may condemn this, but I don’t see anything wrong in a Muslim-Muslim ticket, just like there is nothing wrong in a Christian-Christian ticket also; it only depends on the condition.
“The condition we find ourselves in today is that you can’t play two minorities. Tinubu is a minority Muslim from the South, and if you put a Christian, it’s a minority Christian from the North. We can’t play two minorities; it’s difficult.”
Lawmaker Urges House Of Reps To Over Ride Buhari’s Veto On Electoral Act
Rep. Ben Igbakpa (PDP-Delta) has moved a constitutional point of order, urging the House to override President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto over the delay on 2022 Electoral Amendment Act’s section 84 (8).
Igbakpa proposed the resolution during a plenary session in Abuja on Wednesday, citing a matter of national importance.
The Electoral Amendment Act was recently changed by both chambers of the National Assembly, and the parliamentarians returned it for the President’s assent after amending section 84 (8).
The purpose of the clause was to enable statutory delegates vote in political party primaries.
On May 11, the House of Representatives passed Section 84(8) of the Electoral Amendment Act of 2022, allowing statutory delegates to attend political party conventions and congresses.
After debating a bill proposed by Rep. Abubakar Fulata, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, the House changed the clause.
The current version, signed by the President in February, made it illegal for statutory delegates to vote in party primaries.
During its recess, the House called an extraordinary session to alter Section 84 (8) of the Electoral Act 2022.
Legislators, governors, ministers, and the president, among others, were unable to participate in the recently ended party primaries due to the lack of statutory delegates.
This was not unrelated to the president’s refusal to sign the 2022 Electoral Act as revised.
The Speaker of the House of Reps, Femi Gbajabiamila however, asked that the motion should be put on notice.
Investors Lose N182.3bn As Massive Sell-Off Grips Nigeria’s Capital Market
Investors in the Nigerian capital market lost N182.3 billion following the dip in equity capitalization by -0.63% at the close of trading on Wednesday.
The loss which was induced by a massive sell-off among investors, brought down the total investment at the bourse to N28.45 trillion, down from N28.63 trillion posted on Tuesday.
Similarly, the All-Share Index was down by 338.24 basis points to close at 53,113.64 compared to 52,775.4 achieved the previous day.
Investors traded 188.09 million shares worth N2.36 billion in 4,890 deals on Wednesday.
This, however, fell short of the 299.99 million shares valued at N3.09 billion which exchanged hands in 5,394 deals on Tuesday
Tripple G led the gainers with 9.20 percent to move from N0.87kobo to N0.95kobo per share.
Learn Africa gained N0.13kobo to move from N2.37kobo to N2.50kobo per share.
Unity Bank’s share was up by 2.13 percent to end trading with N0.48kobo from N0.47kobo per share.
AIICO gained 1.56 percent to close at N0.65kobo from N0.64kobo per share.
Livestock’s share appreciated by 1.33 percent to rise from N1.50kobo to N1.52kobo per share.
Meyer topped the losers’ chart after shedding N0.31kobo to drop from N3.10kobo to N2.79kobo per share.
Linkage Assurance share dropped by 8.93 percent to end trading at N0.51kobo from N0.56kobo per share.
UBN lost N0.50kobo to end trading with N6 from N6.50kobo per share.
International Breweries share dropped from N7.35kobo to N6.90kobo per share after losing N0.45kobo during trading.
First Holdings lost N0.60kobo to drop from N10.50kobo to N9.90kobo per share.
UBA led the day’s trading with 36.41 million shares valued at N278.55 million.
GTCO followed with 24.38 million shares valued at N531.29 million.
First Bank Holdings traded 17.62 million shares worth N175.82 million.
Sterling Bank sold 14.28 million shares worth N21.91 million, while Zenith Bank traded 12.84 million valued at N286.83 million.
Atiku: PDP NWC Backs Panel Report, Endorses South-South Governor For Running Mate
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national working committee (NWC) on Wednesday backed Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State as the vice-presidential candidate of the party for the 2023 elections.
It was gathered that the PDP NWC wants Wike to be the running mate of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
According to TheCable, NWC members voted 13-3 to endorse the report of the panel which had earlier nominated Wike for the VP ticket.
Sources revealed that members of the PDP NWC has also communicated their decision to Atiku Abubakar.
An advisory panel set up by the PDP to help select Atiku’s running mate had voted in favour of Wike over Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State.
Recall that Wike had joined the race for the PDP vice-presidential ticket after losing to Atiku Abubakar in the opposition party’s presidential primary.
Reports revealed that Wike had secured 13 votes out of 17 members of the panel to emerge the selected running mate.
This platform however learnt that the final decision on the running mate will be take by the party’s presidential candidate.
Umahi Suspends Ebonyi Finance Commissioner For Alleged Incompetence
Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has suspended the state’s Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Okechukwu Orlando Nweze, for alleged incompetence.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday in Umuahia.
He said the governor directed the commissioner to hand over all government property in his possession to the permanent secretary in the ministry before the close of Wednesday.
The statement read:
“His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, has directed indefinite suspension of Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Okechukwu Orlando Nweze with effect from June 15th, 2022, for his incompetence and inability to discharge his duty effectively.
“In the light of the above, Mr. Orlando Nweze has directed to handover all government property in his possession to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development before the close of work on Wednesday 15th June 2022.”
APC Cannot Lose 2023 General Election – Adamu Boasts
All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Abdullahi Adamu has assured that the ruling party will conduct itself well for the forthcoming general elections in accordance with international best practices.
This is as the party stalwart boasted that APC cannot afford to lose the 2023 general election to the opposition.
Adamu said the ruling party currently has a 43 million membership base and hence it cannot lose the elections.
Adamu made the assertions in a statement handed to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday (yesterday) through his Special Assistant on Media, Muhammad Nata’ala Keffi.
The APC national chairman was with the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Joanna Tarnawska earlier today in his office in Abuja.
Speaking during the reception of the diplomat, Adamu said the APC was sure to win the 2023 general elections which will be held in a fair and just manner.
He stressed that the party have won the heart of Nigerians and has now a large support base enough to win the forthcoming polls.
Meanwhile, the Polish Ambassador had in her remark said that her country was interested in political developments within Nigeria and will like to see a peaceful transition to another president after the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari ends next year.
She also called on the APC to create opportunities for women and young persons to participate in the political terrain. Ambassador Tarnawska explained that her country is hoping to improve bilateral diplomatic relations between Nigeria and itself, particularly economically.
Tarnawska stated that Poland understood and sympathized with the challenges Nigeria was facing especially in the area of security, noting that her country had faced similar challenges in the past. She, therefore, hoped that the visit will be another layer of a constructive relationship between Poland and Nigeria.
Responding to her comment, Adamu said APC was conscious of the effects of developments in Nigeria on other African countries. He informed the Ambassador that because of the opportunities created by the APC, a woman gubernatorial candidate had emerged from the party in conservative northern Nigeria.
The APC national chairman urged Poland and the international community to show more understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and electoral history.
He said Nigeria was a developing democratic nation and lessons are being learnt in electoral processes, pledging that the APC will continue to do everything to advance democratic practice in Nigeria.
Oyo House Of Assembly Moves To Impeach Deputy Governor, List Five Major Offences Against Him
The Oyo State House of Assembly has initiated steps to impeach the State Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan.
This follows the petition against him brought to the attention of the House by some members of the assembly during plenary on Wednesday.
Some of the offences listed against Olaniyan by the lawmakers include gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial recklessness, abandonment of office, official duty and insubordination.
Twenty-four out of the thirty-two members in the State Assembly signed the petition for impeachment against the Deputy Governor.
According to them, if the Deputy Governor fails to respond to the allegations against him, then impeachment proceedings will be initiated.
The petition titled “Petition and notice of an allegation of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan”, was read by the Clerk of the House, Yetunde Awe during the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin.
“Consequent upon listed below, we the under listed elected Honourable members of the 9th assembly hereby allege the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Eng. Rauf Olaniyan with the following allegations:
“Gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial recklessness, abandonment of office, official duty ani Insubordination and other offences.
“This is in accordance to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended in 2011. Section 188,” the petition reads in part.
The lawmakers, who signed the petition, included: Fadeyi Muhammed (Ona Ara), Onaolapo Sanjo (Ogbomosho South), Babalola Olasunkanmi (Egbeda), Adebisi Yussuf (Ibadan South-West I), Okedoyin Julius (Saki West) and Adebayo Babajide (Ibadan North II).
Others were: Kehinde Olatunde (Akinyele II), Olajide Akintunde (Lagelu), Mustapha Akeem (Kajola), Popoola Ademola (Ibadan South-East II), Owolabi Olusola (Ibadan North-East II), Olagoke Olamide (Ibadan North-East I), Olayanji Kazeem (Irepo/Olorunsogo) and Ojedokun Peter (Ibarapa North).
The remaining lawmakers were: Gbadamosi Saminu (Saki East/Atisbo), Mabaje Adekunle (Iddo), Oluwafowokanmi Oluwafemi (Ibadan South-West II), Akeem Adedibu (Iwajowa), Fatokun Ayo (Akinyele I), Rasak Ademola (Ibadan South-East I), Obadara Akeem (Ibadan North-West), Oyekunle Fola (Ibadan North I) and Adetunji Francis (Oluyole).
The Deputy Governor has seven days to respond to the allegations against him according to the House Speaker who noted that the petition met the two-thirds majority requirement needed to initiate such a step.
“The window of response takes immediate effect and lapses on Wednesday, June 22,” Ogundoyin said.
Mr. Olaniyan recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in what is believed to be a part of the cold war between him and Governor Seyi Makinde who has since picked another person as his running mate to seek re-election in 2023.
Ndigbo, Yorubas Are The Problem With Nigeria —Ezeife
Chukwuemeka Ezeife, elder statesman and former governor of Anambra State, has revealed that the disunity between the Yorubas and the Ndigbos is one of the major problems bedeviling the country.
Ezeife stated this on Wednesday, during an interview on AriseTV “Morning Show.”
He further insisted that the Igbo were not interested in becoming vice president of Nigeria in 2023.
“The Yoruba and Igbo are the main reason we have problems, we have to understand and love Nigeria together. Nigeria should take advantage of this period, Yoruba and Igbo should come together, and show that the Fulani is a minority but we need them.”
“There will be a three day prayer by Igbo to ask God to humble the Igbo and make this process come through for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Ezeife opined.
The former governor also slammed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for denying the South-East a presidential ticket, but expressed hope that with Mr. Peter Obi, something wonderful was about to happen in the country.
He remarked that Obi, the former governor of Anambra and Labour Party presidential candidate, would be a watershed moment for the country, as he believes meaningful change was on the way.
He said, “Nigeria playing politics without principle and conscience. We don’t want vice president. We are not unfortunate, nor regretting. Something has gone wrong with our leadership. But there will be a change because God desires greatness for Nigeria, God has taken over. It is over for PDP and APC. We are coming out of usual politics to something more developmental. Obi is a turning point, a change is coming.”
