News
Atiku Best Choice For Edo People- Obaseki
…Asks Them To Reject Same-Faith Presidency –
… Says ‘PDP candidate will fast track Benin port, fix Benin-Auchi Road, others’
… urges youths to shun violence in Saturday’s poll
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged Edo people to come out en masse to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Saturday’s presidential election, noting that Edo State and its people will benefit tremendously from an Atiku presidency.
Obaseki, in a state-wide broadcast on Thursday, said the election of Saturday offers us a golden opportunity to vote out the All Progressives Congress (APC) government and vote in a president and party at the centre that will benefit Edo people.
Noting that the policies of the APC-run Federal Government have continued to limit and frustrate the government’s efforts at pursuing life-changing projects to boost the state’s economy and improve the livelihoods of the people, Obaseki said an Atiku-led federal government will boost the delivery of the Benin port and the Benin Enterprise Park projects, among other projects which have the potential to transform Edo into the most vibrant sub-national economy in West Africa.
He said, “My dear good people of Edo State, I want to sincerely thank you for your cooperation and support these past six years. With your support, we have been able to undertake several developmental projects despite the challenges we face as a nation.
“On Saturday, February 25th, we will be going to the polls to elect a president and those who will represent us in Abuja. This election is very significant and will mark a watershed in our democracy.
“Since you elected me as your governor in 2016, I, with my team, have totally dedicated ourselves to the service of Edo State. We have built hundreds of kilometres of roads across the three Senatorial Districts of the state. We have invested significantly in education, particularly in basic education through our EdoBEST programme and are beginning to reap the fruit of this investment in our children.
“Through EdoJobs, we have created over 200,000 jobs in agriculture, production, technology, and entertainment.
“Because of the importance of electricity to our development, we were able to attract investors to the Azura 450MW project and the Ossiomo IPP. With available electricity, we are lighting up our cities and attracting manufacturing companies into Edo.
“The Edo State Oil Palm Programme, where we have attracted several large-scale international and domestic companies to estate farming, is now the reference in agriculture in Africa. More Edo citizens are now investing in agriculture.”
Obaseki added, “We have attracted global retail chains, with sprawling new malls opening in the state; this is in addition to several top-class hospitality and entertainment businesses. Benin Airport has become the third busiest in the country in terms of passenger traffic and consequently, our hotels have an occupancy rate averaging not less than 80 percent daily.
“In the area of security, working closely with our communities, we have been able to make Edo a much safer place to live. To sustain the current peace, we will need help from a central government that can secure itself.”
The governor continued, “As we continue to strive in Edo, unfortunately, we have not seen a corresponding move from the Federal Government. On the contrary, the policies of the APC-run Federal Government have continued to limit and frustrate our efforts. The economic policies of the Federal Government which I have complained about have created inflation and hardship for our people.
“The Federal Government has been unable to repair many Federal roads, which crisscross Edo State. Benin-Auchi Road, which runs from the South to the North is an example of how the inaction of the Federal Government has badly affected the economic life of Edo people.
“The election of Saturday offers us a golden opportunity to vote out the APC government and vote in a president and party at the centre that will benefit Edo people. With a PDP-controlled central government in Abuja, Edo will benefit tremendously.
“I have had one-on-one meetings with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, our presidential candidate and he promised to complete the Benin-Auchi Road. Additionally, he assured me of his support for the delivery of the Benin port and Benin Enterprise Park projects, which have the potential to transform Edo into the most vibrant sub-national economy in West Africa. Given the progress we have made on these projects, I believe it would be best for us to have a President that can help fast-track their delivery in good time. Also, to be able to fully complete other lofty projects we have started in the state, the importance of being in full alliance with the central government is critical. This is why the PDP presidential candidate is the best choice for Edo people.”
He further noted, “My people, just look at the state of Benin-Auchi Road, Benin-Agbor Road, Benin-Sapele Road and many more. All these are Federal Roads that have totally collapsed due to years of abandonment despite their strategic importance to our country. All efforts to get the Federal Government to fix them have fallen on deaf ears. This is why we need our party to be in charge at the centre so that the federal government will be more responsive to our needs.
“If my party, PDP, were to be in charge, they would not have abandoned us and left Edo people to suffer, as is the case today. Let us not be deceived. Anyone apart from Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as president would mean that we will suffer for at least another four years.
“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is the only Presidential candidate in this election that has openly taken a position on the issue of devolution of power. Devolution of power to the constituent parts of Nigeria will cede more resources to the states and local councils, which will consequently increase the flow of funds to Edo to enable us continue to work for the people and improve their lives.
“Edo State, being a predominantly Christian State and also with a responsible and accommodating Muslim population will abhor the emergence of a same-faith presidency. We must therefore do everything within our power to make sure this does not happen.
“We must also not forget that the Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, is very close to us in Edo.
“Aside from being the Governor of Delta State – our sister State from the Bendel family – he attended Edo College in Benin City and has maternal parentage from Orhionmwon Local Government Area.”
According to him, “Our PDP senatorial candidates are very strong and experienced politicians, who with their ranking status in parliament will attract resources and projects to Edo State. For the sake of Edo State, we should vote for them.
“Similarly, most of our House of Representatives candidates have represented us in the House of Assembly. We know them and they have proven track records.”
“Politics is about interest and one question I believe all Edo people must ask themselves is: what is the interest of Edo State in this election? I call on all Edo people, our fathers, mothers, youths, women, and the elderly, to come out en masse to cast your votes.
“As you cast your vote, remember that a PDP government will serve the best interest of Edo State and its citizens.”
The governor, while urging voters in the state to shun violence, added, “Let us shun all acts of violence and other actions that will disrupt the voting process. I trust that we will all act responsibly and adhere to the guidelines specified by the electoral body so that we can have a peaceful, fair, and credible voting process.”
By Kassim Omomia
The House of Representatives Committee on Steel has assured that it will effectively oversight all subsidiaries, agencies, especially research and development centres conneted to Ajaoukuta steel company and Steel development in the country, in order fulfil the long dream of making Nigeria a global steel producer
Chairman of the House Steel Sub- Committee on National Metallurgical Development Centre, NMDC , Hon Abdulmaleek Danga, stated in Jos during an oversight and investigation of petitions of contracts allegedlly awarded, paid- for, but not completed
He stated that the current Committee on Steel in the National Assembly was committed to ensuring proper oversight of steel devevelopment related agencies and research institutions so as to make Ajaokuta work this time around
Hon Danga told staff and top management cadre led by the Director General of the National Metallurgiical Develoomemt Centre, Professor Linus Asuquo, that the Committee was at the Centre in Jos, to carry out a thorough oversight and investigation , following a petition
He reminded the management , staff and Unions of the NMCD of the importance of the establishment of the Centre as a critical support base to sustain Ajaokuta Steel company
“We are here. We will do a thorough job here to sustain Ajaojuta and make it work. This place, (NMDC) must work first before we go to Ajaokuta”
Adressing the petition, Hon Danga pointed that with the avalanche of petitions against the NMDC, the place cannot work
He noted that petitions without facts and figures are retrogresive and create backwardness and stunt growth of any organisation
He noted that even though petitions have become the order of the day in our public life, they are undesirable, create backwardness ,stunt growth and as well create impressions that government agencies are wasting resources, especially when the petitions are without facts and figures
He added that the House was set to ensure the sustenance of NMCD and other ancillary steel agencies. so that Ajaokuta which is so dear to the current government can come on full stream
The subcomittee oversighting NMCD,Jos, which also included Honourable Ayuba Danba, Hon Domimic Okafor,embarked on a facility tour of the massive centre after a thorough session with management, top Staff, contractors, visiting the various departments, laboratories and workshops and projects executed by contractors especially those disputed in the petitions currently investigated by the sub-committee.
The Committee also addressed some aggrieved union leaders, who laid siege on the committee members in one of the sections of the Centre to express their grievances and alleged mismanagement of the Institute by the Prof Asuquo management
Hon Danga, however, appealed to both sides to work harmoniuosly , so that the current efforts of reviving Ajaokuta are achieved by the House of Representatives Committee on Steel and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to the lawmaker, there is a noticeable lack of communication between the management and some critical stakeholders in the institute, which can result to misunderstanding, misconception about the Centre ,and thus, the avalanche of petitions
“Please work together, so that the current administration can revive Ajaokuta and make Nigeria a steel producing country, which is a dream long sought” he, advised
About 1000 Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, under the auspices of Coalition Of Civil Society Organisations, CCSOs, on Saturday Faults President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Economic Team and called for immediate reconstitution.
Expressing deep concern and worry over the state of the economy and escalating fuel prices compounding the hardship of Nigerians despite the recent protest, the groups said Tinubu must act now to avert disintegration.
The groups said the current situation across the country has cast doubt on the competence of the Tinubu economic team and called for urgent review.
The CCSOs in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that the plight of Nigerians is sinking low and their patience is wearing off following the deteriorating economy.
The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, which is becoming increasingly unbearable for millions of citizens.
“It is evident that the recent hike in fuel prices and the unstable exchange rate are the direct results of economic mismanagement by those responsible for overseeing our nation’s financial policies. The ripple effects of these failures are being felt in every household across the country, worsening poverty and crippling economic activity.
“The floating of the Naira, which was initially sold to Nigerians as a means of stabilizing our currency, has done little to prevent the continued devaluation of the Naira. In fact, the exchange rate disparity has widened significantly, with the Naira losing value daily, impacting the cost of living, basic commodities, and inflation.
“While this policy was expected to ease foreign exchange pressure, it has instead deepened economic challenges due to poor implementation and lack of strategic foresight.”
The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as death trap of indebtedness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, which also they claimed had slowed down importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, hence the current shortage of PMS across the country.
“Of equal concern is the precarious position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which finds itself in a debt trap, with global suppliers of petroleum products losing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its obligations.
“Reports have shown that NNPCL has accrued debts totalling over $6 billion, causing petrol supply shortages. International suppliers are now reluctant to continue providing fuel on credit, exacerbating supply chain issues and pushing up the price of petrol at the pump”, they claimed.
The CSOs also asserted that, “We hold the managers of the Nigerian economy responsible for these disturbing developments. Their inability to provide sound policies and long-term solutions has left the nation in this predicament.
“It is clear that there is no cohesive strategy to address the rising debt, the growing imbalance in the foreign exchange market, or the country’s heavy reliance on importation for petrol supply. The recent hike in fuel prices reflects the collapse of responsible economic management and accountability.
“Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these failures. Businesses are shutting down, transportation costs have skyrocketed, and citizens are spending an increasingly larger percentage of their income on basic necessities. This state of affairs is unacceptable.”
The group therefore placed some demands; Immediate intervention from the government: There needs to be a comprehensive and transparent plan to stabilize the Naira, restore confidence in the petroleum supply chain, and negotiate a restructuring of NNPC’s debts to ensure continuous fuel supply.
“Accountability for economic mismanagement: Those responsible for the reckless management of our foreign exchange policies and NNPC’s debts must be held accountable. The government must also disclose its plan to mitigate the rising fuel costs and economic burden on Nigerians.
“A return to sound financial policy: The floating of the Naira has proven ineffective under current conditions. We call for a re-evaluation of monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.
“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations reiterates that without immediate corrective measures, the economic situation will continue to deteriorate, leading to further hardship for the average Nigerian. The government must act decisively and responsibly to reverse this downward spiral”, they added.
…..Says They ‘re Bunch of Hypocrites,
By Sim Omo
A group known as Patriots of Nigerian Democracy has lambasted the 2023 Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and other leaders of the party for saying they will take over Lagos State in 2027.
It will be recalled that Rhodes-Vivour while speaking to journalists in Umuahia, Abia State capital at the end of LP’s extended stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday said that they will take over Lagos.
“LP is now well structured, not just to win but to take power in 2027. What we have come to do here in Umuahia is to bring everybody on the same page. We are set for new victories in 2027.
“I believe Labour Party will win Lagos State more convincingly in 2027. Since after the 2023 elections, work has not stopped; we have not gone quiet. Every day, we are getting stronger and stronger.
“So, we are not just going to win but stand up and take power”, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour had said in Umuahia.
Reacting to the statement, the group said that LP leaders are a bunch of hypocrites who pretend to be on the side of the people but neck deep in their selfish interests.
The statement jointly signed by the President of the group, Comrade Olaolu Esan and the Secretary, Engr. Abdullahi Rabiu recalled that LP and its supporters recently attacked the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu for urging the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC), vowing that the ruling party will win the State in 2027 in a viral video.
“All hell was let loose recently when the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu in a video that went viral called on the Governor of his own Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti to rejoin APC.
“Kalu came under heavy criticism and attacks by LP and its supporters. They criticized him for speaking his mind. They made Nigerians to see him in bad light as if what he said was a taboo.
“But here we are. Just about one or two weeks afterwards, the same LP leaders assembled in Umuahia, the Abia State capital to issue a quit notice to APC in Lagos.
“So, where is their nobility? Where is their shame? They abandoned governance for politics of 2027. How does that make them the “Saints” of the Nigerian politics? Are they for the people or against the people?
“We had thought that the LP leaders gathered in Umuahia to discuss the biting economy and the solution. We had thought they gathered to tell Nigerians how they will entrench good governance in Abia State but didn’t know their meeting was about strategies to take over Lagos, an APC controlled State. We have waited for Abia Governor, Dr. Alex Otti to call Rhodes-Vivour to order or to at least tell him, it is not yet time for politics but more than 24 hours, none of the LP’s leaders has done that.
“We want to say that this is very unfortunate. It simply means that politicians irrespective of their political parties and leanings are all one and same. They always think about the next election and not about good governance. They are always after their personal agenda and selfish interests.
“If this will be tolerated, it simply means that the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kalu is vindicated. Labour Party supporters owe the Deputy Speaker a collective apology for attacking what he said and saying what they attacked. This is hypocrisy.
“Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s comment indicates and gives a feeling that the media attacks on Kalu were actually sponsored even though it was highly unnecessary. LP leaders can’t be a bunch of hypocrites.
“Our concerns are good governance and the welfare of the Nigerian people. While we are not saying that politicians should not “battle” themselves over 2027, they must ensure that Nigerians get the dividends of democracy. Good governance should not be sacrificed on the altar of politics. Nigerians should not be shortchanged in anyway rather their lives should be improved by every means possible. That is our position”, the statement stated.
