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Atiku Remains Best Option for 2023- Imasuangbon
Prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo state, Kenneth Imansuangbon, tells Adibe Emenyonu that out of all the political parties’ presidential candidates, PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, has all it takes to lead Nigeria after President Muhammadu Buhari
Another election is around the corner to elect a new president by February 2023. Who among the presidential candidates do you think will carry the day from your own assessment?
This election is not about Tinubu, it is not about Atiku, neither is it about Obi. It is an election for Nigerians. Who will carry the day is Atiku Abubakar, Atiku is prepared.
For 30 years he has been wanting to be president. He already has the blue print. It is not just a wake up thing that one person will just come up to say he wants to be president.
Besides, he is psychologically, emotionally and spiritually prepared to serve now as president. Even now, the mood of the country supports Atiku’s candidacy.
Secondly, Atiku is exposed and experienced. Thirdly, he is a man of courage who will not be afraid to take the decisions for the good of the country.
Again, he is somebody who can assemble a team. We saw what he did as vice president under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Then our economy was one of the best in the world and Africa.
He was head of the Economic Team. Since that era, the economy has been down.
So economically, Atiku knows what to do. He is from the private sector as well as one who has experience of how the presidency is run.
He knows the right doors to knock at the right time and the keys. What this means is that from day one, he will hit the ground running. The country is sick and cannot afford to have a neophyte to lead the country and build infrastructure.
Atiku is one who will give us a true federal structure and reset the agenda for the economy and make our borders safe. We need a man who is experienced and whose name will open doors for the country; one who will not be intimidated and confused on how to run the country effectively.
If you put another candidate there, from day one, he will fall sick and go to London for treatment. Am sorry to say, you know one presidential candidate is sick even though I am not his doctor but he is a sick man. A man who cannot hold the flag of his party firmly, am afraid if made president cannot hold the future of his country effectively.
We saw what happened when President Buhari handed the party flag to him at Eagle Square, he couldn’t hold it and the President had to assist him to hold the party flag.
_Giving the political arrangement between North and South, a northerner by next year would have finished eight years, don’t you think it is wrong for the PDP to have fielded Atiku ?_
It is turn of the North in the sense that since 1999 to date, the South have had the presidency more than the North. Yar’Adua did just two and half years. Add that to Buhari eight years is 10 and half years. But Obasanjo did eight years and Jonathan almost six years equal 14 years. So let the North complete their turn. Even if it is the turn of the South, definitely, the South West have no business contesting. It should have been either the South East or the South South. Therefore, it is wrong for someone to say ‘Emilokan’. Why would someone even say it is his turn. Turn to do what? Sincerely speaking, if it is 10 or 20 years ago, well and fine if that should be the argument. So equity and justice demand that the North should complete their turn.
Saying the North should complete their tenure, don’t you think the turn of the South would have been taken should Atiku win and spend another eight years?
If Atiku wins and spend eight years, it will be the turn of the South. So the South should wait for their turn.
What if he fails to win the election?
Atiku will win
What gives you the confidence?
This is because there is no candidate that matches his credentials.
Talking about credentials, he is the least qualified among the top four candidates like Obi, Tinubu and Kwakwanso.
Atiku’s credentials are insurmountable. When I talk about credentials, am not referring to paper qualifications but ability to bring people together, assemble the right team from across the country and give everyone a sense of belonging.
Presently, we have cries of marginalisation and nepotism from different groups against the present administration. So, I assure you that when Atiku comes in, all this will be a thing of the past.
Obi is a social media president. Election is not based on social media but on reality. The mode of the country cannot produce Obi. I must tell you his time is futuristic. But Atiku’s time is now. Obi is for the future.
What do you mean that the mood of the country does not support other candidates but Akitu?
Today, there is insecurity everywhere. There is economic downturn, education at its lowest ebb, nepotism and lopsidedness in appointments.
And you think Atiku is the only one who can fix all these?
Atiku I bet you is the only candidate who can solve these problems. Tinubu and Obi lack the knowledge.
You claim Atiku has the ability to turn the economy around. As Chairman of Economic Team during Obasanjo’s time, he was accused of using that position to corner some national assets to himself. Do you think such a man can be trusted?_
That is not true. It is like me who has been in private business and when I come into government I will be accused of corruption. It doesn’t make sense. It does not add up.
Atiku said right from childhood, he has been in business. A man who has been in business since childhood knows how to make money.
But he was in Customs and was also a vice president?
Even at that he has never been tried for fraud. Those claiming he is corrupt has no basis. He is one of the few Nigerians that is not corrupt. People say all manner of things out of envy and jealousy. You remember Atiku’s role trying to stop Obasanjo’s third term bid. Those not happy with that are the ones clamouring that Atiku is a thief.
But opinions are rife that he blocked the third term bid because of his interest to succeed Obasanjo.
That is not true. I have known Atiku for a long time. The man is clean and passionate about Nigeria. He is also a true democrat. He does not talk much. He is a brain. He is decisive and loves the country. He is the kind of person the country needs now.
A man who can build a university is not a small person. Does the APC candidate have university? He is just there collecting tax in Lagos State. I run a group of schools in Abuja. My students in Pacesetter are everywhere making wave in their chosen career. That is through riches. It is not when you collect tax from people you say you are rich.
The presidency of Nigeria is for a pan-Nigerian and a patriot like Atiku and not for “Emilokan”. Atiku has been in business. From customs to business, from there to vice president and back to business. He knows the country in and out.
Coming back to Edo politics, although the governorship election will come in 2024. What is your stake when that time comes?
Yes, you are correct. The Edo governorship election is in 2024 which is still far but I am going to be in the race when the time comes.
How prepared are you?
Very prepared!
Courtesy Thisdaylive
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.
