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Niger Delta Youths Hail NNPCL Over Gains Of Pipeline Surveillance Contract, Pass Vote of Confidence in Kyari

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Niger Delta youths, under the aegis of the Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Groups, has backed the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to ensure a brighter future for Nigerians.

The Coalition also, unequivocally, expresses its unwavering support and confidence in the leadership of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the able stewardship of Mele Kyari.

At a press conference in Warri, Delta State on Friday, the Coalition, which is made up of several Niger Delta groups, highlighted some of the gains of the pipeline surveillance and enumerated the giant strides of the Mele Kyari-led management of NNPC Limited.

The National Coordinator of Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC), Comrade Israel Uwejeyan; the National President of Isoko Youth Forum, Prince Brozie Utomodo; the Convener of South-south Youth Vanguard, Barr. Preye Oporomo; and Mr. Valentine Ugboli, National Coordinator of Niger Delta Youth Movement for Youth Empowerment, were among prominent Niger Delta youth leaders at the briefing.

The Niger Delta youths maintained that unified efforts will continue to ensure that the benefits of the pipeline surveillance contract are maximised for the well-being of all Nigerians, explaining Kyari’s endorsement was founded on the remarkable strides achieved through the pipeline surveillance contract, which has proven to be a game-changer for Nigeria.

They said “We, the Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Groups and The Niger Delta Youth Congress, wish to unequivocally express our unwavering support and confidence in the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the able stewardship of Mr. Mele Kyari.

“This endorsement is founded on the remarkable strides achieved through the pipeline surveillance contract, which has proven to be a game-changer for our nation, Nigeria.

“The pipeline surveillance contract has yielded manifold benefits, foremost among them being its significant impact on our oil production capacity. By ensuring the security and integrity of our pipelines, this initiative has bolstered our oil production, contributing positively to the national economy.

“Furthermore, the contract has been instrumental in curbing the menace of oil bunkering, a plight that has plagued our region for far too long”, the youths of the oil-rich region said.

According to them, “the reduction in oil bunkering not only safeguards our precious resources but also has a far-reaching positive effect on the environment, mitigating the devastating ecological consequences of oil spills. Niger Delta Youths Pass Vote of Confidence In Mele Kyari

“Perhaps most importantly, the pipeline surveillance contract has become a wellspring of employment opportunities for the youth of the Niger Delta region.

“It has created both direct and indirect jobs, offering our young people a chance at meaningful livelihoods, thereby reducing the allure of illicit activities driven by unemployment.

“It has come to our attention that there are individuals engaged in orchestrated protests against the leadership of the NNPC and the pipeline surveillance contract.

“We wish to emphatically state that these dissenting voices are in the employ of oil thieves and bunkerers who seek to disrupt the progress we have made, It is essential to recognize that dissenting voices, often driven by vested interests, should not deter us from the path of progress.

“The Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Groups remains committed to working hand in hand with the NNPCl and all stakeholders to build a brighter future for the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. Our unified efforts will continue to ensure that the benefits of the pipeline surveillance contract are maximized for the well-being of all Nigerians.

“Finally, we want to also appeal to the Leadership of the NNPCL to carry the Isoko Ethic Nationality along in the Pipeline Surveillance contract as the Isoko people are major oil producers, and their commitment to maintaining peace and safeguarding oil facilities is evident through years of responsible coexistence with the industry.

“Their track record in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of oil and the safety of critical infrastructure is commendable. We believe it is both fair and just to recognize the Isoko ethnic nationalities by involving them in pipeline surveillance contracts.

“Doing so would not only reward their years of dedication but also strengthen the bond between the oil industry and the local communities”, the youth groups said.

Law and Order, News, Politics

10th NASS: Northern Elite Concensus Favours North for Senate Presidency, Insists On Independence for Legislature

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A meeting of Northern Nigerian elite and other critical components of the Northern society has reached a consensus that the North having played the most significant role in the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at February presidential elections, becomes the automatic claimant to the position of the Senate President.

The elite consensus was reached in Kaduna at a colloquium organized by the Democracy Watch Initiative with the theme “Inclusive Participation for sustainable Democracy” under the Chairmanship of former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Various speakers at the event which was attended by several civil society, women, youth and trade groups, concluded that the northern voter has done his job and it is now payback time.

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, in his address delivered virtually, noted that some people voted because of convictions over qualities of candidates, some because they were induced; some along faith lines and others along party lines.

The result, he said, was that the North was the only region that gave all the candidates huge votes and made the difference in terms of who became elected at presidential level.

“The northern voter has done his job,” he said.

He advised individuals and groups lobbying for positions for northern legislators to be conscious of a number of things.

“First, the best thing is to respect the independence of the legislature and allow members to choose their leaders,” he said.

Hakeem warned that the North does not want just any legislator from the North to become Speaker but one that should have the highest personal integrity and a good idea of how his position can help him.

“All of them contesting should submit to a process by which their fellow contestants nominate them and then support.

“The same thing should be done at Senate level.If they who know each other better than us cannot decide who will serve our interests as Northerners best, then we stop campaigning for all of them.

“We do not want legislators who want to be in positions of power to fulfill personal ambition,” Hakeem Baba-Ahmed said.

Another speaker, Prof Abubakar Abdulllahi, while supporting the calls for the North to be compensated, said democracy is never given its taken and who ever came in come with his interest.

“People have to negotiate with you for votes and for sharing of positions,” he said.

Other speakers, Dr Sadiq Gombe, Prof Abubakar Jika jiddere all agreed that the North should be the rightful claimant to the senate president position.

They however all concur on democratic election as the best and only acceptable means of credible leadership selection and called on the political parties particularly the ruling APC to respect democratic values and allow the legislators choose leaders for themselves.

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Emefiele: SSS Derailing From Its Statutory Role To Becoming A Tool In Hands of Desperate Politicians – CNPP, CSOs Tell Nigerians

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By Adejoh Bilkisu

The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria, the Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) warned the Department of State Services (DSS) otherwise referred to as the State Security Services (SSS), and politicians against throwing Nigeria’s economy into further woes over alleged terrorism charges against the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Backing civil society groups alleging that the DSS is orchestrating plans to arrest and remove the CBN Governor for at least 60 days until after the general election next year, the CNPP and the CSOs described it as a move by desperate politicians who want to receive and spend money without any traces.

The coalition made this known during a press conference organized by CNPP in conjunction with CNCSOs in Abuja, led by the National Convener and the CNPP Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu.

The claims of the SSS in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/2255/2022 between State Security Service and Godwin Emefiele were made with the sole purpose of forcefully and wrongfully removing the CBN Governor from office, they said.

“This alleged plot is coming immediately after the redesign of the naira notes and the review of the cash withdrawal limits for both individuals and organisations.

“We have all hailed the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria such that even the corrupt politicians who are opposing the cash withdrawal limits acknowledge that it is the way to go but that the timing was wrong. They also sort to get wavers for election spending.

“Why are they looking for wavers? They want to use our stolen commonwealth to buy our votes.

“In view of the current revelation, we are afraid that the State Security Service is derailing from its statutory role to becoming a tool in the hands of desperate politicians. This is dangerous for the country and must be discouraged at any cost.

“Those who wants to receive and spend money without any traces are those who have been kicking against the cashless policy of the CBN.

“If you have legitimate money, why are you afraid to wire the money through bank transfers? Why are you afraid of cash withdrawal limits?

“There is no limit to the amount you can transfer through the bank but because they are having our stolen money, they don’t want to make traceable transactions and that is the sin of Godwin Emefiele.

“That’s why they want him out of the way before the election so that someone who can do their biddings is appointed to reverse the cashless policy implementation”, Ezugwu added

The groups urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the CBN Governor never to relent in their efforts to place Nigeria among the best 20 economies in the world in line with the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“We assure Mr. Godwin Emefiele that Nigerians on the streets, who are in pains of starvation and hunger due to the continued looting of public funds meant for their well-being by some politicians, are standing with him and will vehemently resist any attempt to derail the cashless policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria”, he pledged

Chief Willy Ezugwu commended the Federal Government on the exemplary leadership with the ban on cash withdrawals from public accounts.

“The stoppage of cash withdrawal from all public accounts is another legacy in the war against corruption and electoral fraud by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“The ban on cash withdrawals and subsequent directive to public officers to immediately open domiciliary accounts in foreign and local currencies ahead of the commencement of the cash withdrawal policy will deepen the gains of the cashless policy of the federal government through the CBN”, the CNPP and the CSOs said.

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CNPP, CSOs Vow To Mobilise Against Politicians Plotting To Truncate CBN’s Cashless Policy

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… Commend President Buhari for Backing CBN’s Cash Withdrawal Policy

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of Coalition Of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have vowed to mobilise Nigerians against politicians working to truncate the country’s progressive efforts towards full cashless economy.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for standing with the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and his management team, the groups gave insights into the reasons why political office holders are voicing out against the recently revised cash withdrawal limits by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The CBN had recently announced a review of the existing cash withdrawal limits in a memo which showed that individuals would be limited to N100,000per week in over-the-counter (OTC), point-of-sale (POS), or automated teller machines (ATM) withdrawals, while corporate bodies or organisations will be limited to N500,000 per week effective from January 9, 2023.

At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the CNPP and the CSOs led by the Secretary General of the umbrella association of registered political parties and political associations, Chief Willy Ezugwu and the national Secretary of the CNCSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha, spoke extensively on the reasons why politicians are against the cash withdrawal limits and the benefits of the policy, especially in view of a national war against corruption and vote-buying. CBN cashless policy

They recalled that “Since the policy was made public, many Nigerians have shared divergent opinions on the development but as civil society organisations, there is need to properly interrogate the policy and draw some lines.”

According to them, it became necessary to properly interrogate the policy in national interest, harping on the need to “go deeper into the entire cash-less policy of the federal government since its inception due to misconceptions and misunderstanding of the recent development.

“For the purpose of insight, by law, Section 2 (b) of the CBN Act clearly mandates the Central Bank of Nigeria to solely “issue legal tender currency in Nigeria.” The CBN regulates the volume of money supply in the economy in order to ensure monetary and price stability in line with Section 2 (a) of the Act.

“Specifically, the Currency Operations Department of the CBN is responsible for currency management through the planning, procurement, distribution, processing, reissue and disposal of banknotes and coins.

“It was in the exercise of its unambiguous legal duties in Section 2 of its establishment Act thatthe CBN in 2012 introduced what is today known as cash-less policy which led to the application of aspects of the policy beginning from January 1, 2012 in Lagos State, which was tagged Cash-less Lagos.

“As specified by the CBN as far back as 2012, the cash-less policy is aimed at placing Nigeria among the best 20 economies in the world before the year 2020. This is a target that was never met. We’re in 20222. Is Nigeria now among the 20 best global economies? But the CBN informed the world that Nigeria would commence the process of changing to a cash-less economy by January 2012 and complete the process in 2020 to be among the best economies.

“So, why are people complaining about the timing of the implementation of the new cash withdrawal limits when the CBN is running behind it own scheduled implementation target?

“Only a mischievous person will be complaining about the timing of the review of the cash withdrawal limits because we should be applauding Mr. Godwin Emefiele as the CBN Governor for daring to move Nigeria’s economy into top 20 best in the world after over seven years of stagnancy.

“First of all, part of the 2012 cashless policy was conceived to reduce the amount of Naira notes and coins (that is cash) used for business, though not to eliminate their usage in line with Nigeria’s vision 20:2020. If so, why should politicians or anybody be complaining about the current reduction in cash withdrawals even when the CBN is two years behind its own target?

“Also, the cash-less policy, among other gains, is to help the Central Bank and commercial banks better manage our economy to ensure that Nigeria’s Monetary Policy works.

“Now, is Nigeria’s monetary policy working? The answer is NO! Why then are we seeing governors, like that of Adamawa State talking against the CBN Governor and his management team who have vowed to speed up the implementation process for full launch of Nigeria’s cashless policy, two years behind schedule of placing Nigeria among the best 20 economies in the world? It is because many of our current leaders don’t mean well for the country.”

Arguing that the full implementation of the cash-less policy of the CBN was eight years behind the planned 2014 deadline, they noted that “the CBN ran the pilot cash-less policy in Lagos State from January 2012 while the policy took effect in states like Rivers, Anambra, Abia, Kano, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the 1st of July, 2013.

“The policy was to be fully implemented nationwide on July 1st, 2014. This means that the full implementation for cashless policy was supposed to take place eight years ago. Does it make sense for any politician who mean well for Nigeria to complain about the timing?

“This is not the first time the CBN is introducing cash withdrawal limits. The CBN, in 2013 introduced cash withdrawal limits in the pilot states mentioned earlier. The 2013 policy required a daily total limit of N500,000free cash withdrawals across all accounts for individuals and N3, 000,000 for corporate customers.

“It was at that time that the CBN introduced “alternative cash payments” systems, including Point-of-sale (POS) terminals, Mobile payment systems,Internet banking, Multi-functional Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Electronic Funds Transfer Systems, and Direct debits.

“These were part of the efforts to the CBN to meet its 2020 target for Nigeria to join the top 20 economies in the world.
We laid this foundation to remind us that cash-less policy was not introduced recently and that the implementation has been progressive since 2012 and was supposed to have been fully implemented eight years ago (2014)”, they said.

The CNPP and CSOs added that the recently reviewed cash withdrawal limits by the CBN was due since 2020 in line with the timelines on the full cash-less policy take-off nationwide.

“The critics have argued that there is no network in some villages. Now, to open account in a bank, you need a means of receiving transaction alerts and the most common is through our phone numbers.

“Today, the cheapest cell phone has enough computing power to perform digital bank functions for the poorest of the poor Nigerians. This is because the CBN introduced the USSD code for mobile banking and transactions without using internet.

“Many poor Nigerians cannot afford a smartphone, no doubt, but most Nigerians who opened a bank account have the cheapest phone for transactions.

“Therefore, for us, any politician using the poor citizens as a stumbling block for Nigeria to join the 20 best economies in the world in line with the masterplan for cash-less policy in the country, even when the CBN is eight years behind its 2014 schedule, is not sincere.

“Some of them were planning to buy votes in 2023 or they may be involved in some illegitimate businesses. This is because the CBN policy is only limiting cash withdrawals, not digital transaction limits. But because they don’t want any trace to their transactions, the corrupt political elites want to use the poor as a reason for their agitation to keep Nigeria backward economically”, they said.

On the new naira notes, they observed that “Since the unveiling of the newly redesigned naira notes, we have seen several videos of our mutilated banknotes in trailer loads.

“The naira notes were hoarded by individuals outside the banking system denying banks money to lend to customers for legitimate businesses. That is how they have been killing the economy”, the Coalition and the CNPP lamented.

Carpeting the the House of Representatives for calling for the suspension of the cash withdrawal limits, the CNPP and the CSOs said that the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and the apex bank’s management team should be applauded rather than victimisation.

According to them, “The height of the display of their ignorance of the progressive implementation of Nigeria’s cash-less policy which took effect in 2012 was the resolution by the House of Representatives last Thursday asking the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele to suspend implementation of the cash withdrawal policy.

“The House of Reps also demanded that Emefiele appearbefore the lower chamber of the National to explain to the House on the impact and significance of the new policy. To show that the lawmakers did not mean well, why call for a suspension of a policy that has not taken effect? The new withdrawal policy is the take effect in February 2023”, they added.

Commending president Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the policy, the CNPP and the civil society coalition said, “We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for standing with the CBN management and for endorsing the ongoing transition from cash-based economy to a cash-less Nigerian society.

“A full cash-less economy will be the best anti-corruption legacy of the President Buhari administration and Nigerians will be mobilised to vehemently resist plots to abort it in coming days”, the CNPP and the CSOs said.

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2023: Chief Sobomabo Jackrich Charges NRM Leaders To Be Extra Committed And Result-oriented in Degema

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Ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial election in Rivers State, governorship hopeful and candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), High Chief Hon. Amb Sobomabo Jackrich has charged the leadership of the NRM in Degema Local Government Area to be more proactive, committed, and result-oriented.

He gave the charge during a strategic meeting with leaders of the party in the LGA at his Usokun residence.

Addressing the party leaders, the governorship hopeful tasked them to own the RESCUE PROJECT by redoubling their efforts and commitment towards the task ahead of occupying Brick House come 2023.

He enjoined them to be wary of business-minded politicians who will surely invade their privacy with Greek Gift and fake promises as usual just to get their votes only to abandon them for the next four or eight years.

In his words, “this is their season of lies and deceits, I know them. When they come to you, please ask them what they have done for you before now. In my private capacity, I have built roads, provided water, electricity, assisted farmers, sponsored free skill acquisition program, given and still giving educational grants, given and still giving financial support as business capital, and so on, and have been doing this over time without even having any political ambition and not just in Political seasons.

“In addition to this, I am the most accessible candidate. When they come with the money, eat it because it’s actually your money but do the right thing for your own good”.

The Rivers State Chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Hon. Ibiyekaribo Peters re-echoed the need for party leaders to be up and doing in their various wards and units as all Politics is local, adding that plans are in progress by the leadership of the party in the state to visit the LGA in the shortest possible time for the commissioning of the LGA party secretariat.

In their separate speeches, various LGA and ward leaders pledged their total support and commitment to the project, despite certain challenges which they see as surmountable for where there is a WILL there is always a WAY.

The meeting had in attendance all members of the LGA executives, Chairmen, secretaries, youth leaders, and women leaders of the seventeen (17) wards of the LGA.

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CNPP Congratulates Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi On Award of National Honour

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Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Enugu State Chapter, has congratulated the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (CON), who was confered the National Honour by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that the 11th of October, 2022, date of the award, “was like any other day to the citizens of Enugu State but for the Governor of Enugu state, it was a different day.”

In a statement jointly signed by its state Chairman, Dr. Afam Samuel Ani and the secretary, Aduaka Anthony, the CNPP stated that “it was a day of honour and reward for excellent services” as “the International Conference Center, Abuja, was agog with activities and our amiable Governor was among the dignitaries conferred with one of the greatest National Honours.”

According to the CNPP, the Governor’s “strides in the political arena started when he had his first shot as an administrator in the local government and later the Federal House of Representatives.

“His performance spoke for him and soon he was elected as the chairman of the House Committee on Maritime. His performance was outstanding and His Excellency spent 12 years in the Green Chambers.

“No wonder that when it became obvious that the mantle of leadership of Enugu state got to Enugu North Senatorial Zone courtesy of the policy of the “Triangular Equilibrium” in Enugu State, he was chosen to pilot the affairs of the state as His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi won overwhelmingly.

“On 29th of May, 2015,he was sworn as the Executive Governor of Enugu state. Every citizen of the state heaved a sigh of relief.

“On the 30th of May, 2015, His Excellency opened the doors of massive development and since then, he has written his name in gold”, the CNPP said.

The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the state added that the “roads, hospitals, judiciary, schools, security, tertiary institutions, rural electrification, payment of arrears of salaries owed by his predecessor, and prompt payment of salaries, among others in Enugu state are testimonies of the massive transformation that has taken place.

“Despite the the distraction by the enemies of progress, he continued with his good works.

“But no one knew that all these were being taken into cognisance by the powers that be in the nation’s capital.

“On 11th of October, 2022, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on our Governor the prestigious honour of the Commander of the order of the Niger (CON).

“The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, Enugu State chapter, (CNPP) sees this as a great honour well deserved.

“We rejoice with you on this great occasion. In fact, this is a “seal” of the numerous awards you have received for your good works in Enugu state.
CNPP Enugu state is saying,who Jah bless, let no man curse.

“To his Excellency, CNPP says that the cap fits you, and we pray for more, to shame the nay sayers”, the CNPP said.

Pledging its support for the Governor’s political future, the CNPP said that “2023 move to the Red Chambers”, apparently referring to the Enugu North Senatorial seat, will be “yet another cap coming”.

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Justwan Dezign To Host Fashion Exhibition In Abuja

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An Abuja based fashion house is up and driving a Creators Fair/Exhibition and Fashion show with Theme ‘AFROCENTRIC’ which will be held in Abuja.

According to the Chief Executive officer of the organization, Mrs. Justina Wanda, the event, which is the maiden edition, will be held in collaboration with other MADE IN NIGERIA Businesses.

The event will involve combining Afro Fashion/culture with displays, ranging from furniture, bags, Arts, prints, jewelries and lots more attractions.

She also disclosed that the fashion show will be exclusive with Classy Afro fashion brands exhibiting their products on the runway, she stated that her company will also launch a Maiden Magazine that will have annual information on African businesses.

“This show indeed is a must see for all African fashion and culture lovers”

The show is an innovation and creative thinking of a lover of fashion and an excellent imaginative mind in designs and concept, Mrs. Justina Wanda owner of Justwan Dezign Couture a Fashion Brand located within FCT Abuja, a designer and fashion lover that supports the continuous improvement of our African Cultural development.

Information obtained by our correspondent indicates that the key organiser will, as part of a give-back-project of the company, train a few young girls and boys through her fashion academy targeted at fostering the love and use of our African fabrics in the fashion industry.

Activities for the event will run from morning to evening. The exhibitions will be 100% made in Nigeria products, we are expecting the FCT population and beyond to participate and attend this fair/exhibition which will display lots of unique Made in Nigeria products from all the vendors’.

Free Entrance Fee

Entrance fee for the fair is Free, the organisers assured.

“The fashion show will be exclusive and worth your time with Tickets for the event –
VIP access tickets -N100,000 Regular tickets- 10,000 each.

“The event will hold on the 10th of December 2022
Venue – Ladi Kwali Hall Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja.

“For sponsorship and participation in the exhibition  and fashion show kindly call 08175061080 or 08080343480 for more information”, the organisers stated.

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Bilateral Relations: Prince Adewole Adebayo Pays Visit To Chinese Ambassador

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Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has listed various ways in which Nigeria can work with China towards improving bilateral relations. He spoke on Thursday, 30th September, during a diplomatic engagement with the Chinese Ambassador, HE, Mr. Cui Jian Chun at the Chinese Embassy in Abuja.

Prince Adebayo noted that the belief of the social democratic party is that international relations of Nigeria must focus on countries like China who have become self-dependent after some years of underdevelopment, adding that these are countries Nigeria can learn from.

“China has been an example of how a developing country or what use to be an undeveloped country can within a short time rally its people together, become self-dependent, become a great power and our believe in the Social Democratic Party is that the international relations of Nigeria must focus on countries with similar experience, countries we can learn from”.

Still speaking, he says Nigeria and China can work together in creating more fairness and equity in the international system, in creating a balance in international trade relations, in the area of infrastructure development and also medicine, science and tech.

“China is world champion on infrastructure development, road, railway and port development and I think we have a lot to learn in terms of that.”

In the area of trade relations, Prince Adebayo says, “we believe that trade should be more balanced and countries of the southern hemisphere and other developing countries should be able to explore other payment systems”.

While welcoming the SDP presidential candidate and his entourage, the Chinese ambassador, Mr Cui Jian Chun says SDP is a well-respected party in Nigeria.

“You are welcome once again. Your party is a well-respected party in Nigeria. In China, whether small or big, every party is equal.”

Prince Adebayo was accompanied by Sen. Ugochukwu Uba, comrade Solomon Dalung, former Minister of youth and sports development, the national vice chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Alhaji Kani, Pst Ade Alabi of the presidential campaign office, Hon. Richard Oriri, SDP candidate for house of assembly, Benue state.

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Enugu IPAC Applauds Police Commissioner On Efforts To Sustain Peace, Threatens To Sanction Errant Members

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The Inter Party Advisory Council, (IPAC), Enugu State Chapter has commended the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ammani and other security chiefs in the state over concerted efforts to ensure that the peace of the state is sustained even as political campaigns are commencing.

The commendation was contained in a statement jointly signed by the state IPAC Chairman, Chief Edwin Alor and IPAC Secretary, Hon. Elvis Ugwoke, after an interactive session between the Enugu State Police Command, other security agencies and political party leaders at the Police Officers’ Mess, Agbani Road, Enugu.

IPAC Enugu State also disassociated herself from allegations of attacks and brigandage purportedly levelled against the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Enugu State by the State Labour party Chairman, Barr. Casmir Agbo.

The statement noted that “IPAC is a political association of all registered political parties. We are not opposition platform.

“We exist to promote the common interest of all the political parties”, IPAC leaders stated.

The association added that other political party leaders, including the deputy chairman of PDP, Hon. Innocent Ezeoha, the chairman of IPAC, Hon. Edwin Alor and other security chiefs have debunked the allegations as a pigment of the Labour Party chairman’s imagination.

IPAC then explained that “aside the report from the leadership of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) from Awgu Local Government Area against the unruly conducts of some labour party members in Awgu Local Government Area, we have not received any other report of attack, victimization or brigandage by any other party.

“IPAC is surprised at the comments made by the Labour party chairman.

“We are glad that as the campaign period commences, Security Agencies have enlightened us on how to conduct our campaigns in order to achieve rancour free campaigns.

“All the political parties are advised to make available to the security agencies and INEC their campaign programs in order to ensure that there are no clashes and to ensure that campaigns are issue based devoid of name calling, mud slinging and hate speeches”, IPAC advised.

Cautioning their members and supporters on the need for peace to prevail before, during and after the elections, IPAC said that the association has a duty to guide her members appropriately in adherence to relevant provisions of the law.

“We have a duty to guide our members appropriately in adherence to Section 227 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Sections 78 and 92 of the 2022 Electoral Act as Amended.

“Further more, IPAC has a code of conduct guiding the conduct of our members. We shall not hesitate to invoke the relevant provisions to sanction any member who is found to disregard the established rules”, the statement concluded.

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Ken Ikeh: APM Governorship Candidate in Enugu State Says It’s A Better Deal

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Former chairman of the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) in Enugu State and the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Barr Kenneth Ikeh has given insights into the preparedness of his party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The governorship candidate, who spoke in a chat with newsmen in Enugu also spoke on the need to trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its readiness to execute her constructional mandate of conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2023.

He vowed that his administration in the state “shall stop at nothing in ensuring that the people of Enugu State get a better deal come 2023 general election.”

According Barr Ken Ikeh, his party is a national party, which believes in equity and has a presidential candidate in the forthcoming February 2023 presidential election.

“APM is a national party who manifesto emphasizes service to the people with integrity and sacrifice.

“We cherish equity and social justice but we cannot sacrifice service to the people, the greater good of the people to a straight jacket zoning system that obstructs the emergence of people of high capacity and competence in the struggle for power.

“APM believes in the ability of any dedicated Nigerian irrespective of tribe or tongue to give good leadership to any part of the country.

“Therefore, the APM has prepared herself for the 2023 general election as you can see from INEC publications in respect of Presidency and National Assembly positions.

“Gladly, APM is the only political party that fielded a woman as her presidential candidate in the person of Her Excellency, Princess Chichi Ojei, a prominent Delta State born politician and astute administrator”, he said.

He said that he has presented himself to the people to serve the people, saying “I have also presented myself to serve the people of Enugu State and we shall stop at nothing in ensuring that the people of Enugu State get a better deal come 2023 general election.

“In the nearest future, APM will unveil her campaign Council members who shall prosecute her National and state campaigns”, Barr. Ikeh revealed.

On his party’s structure, the APM governorship candidate noted that “On the issue of structures, I tell you with sincerity that a good wine needs no bushing.

“We shall criss cross the length and breadth of Nigeria and spread the message of a new Nigeria anchored on social justice, empowerment and economic growth.

“We shall regenerate the can- do spirit of average Nigerian and together we shall see a new Nigeria in 2023.

“APM, her members and teeming supporters are ready, eager and willing to do everything within the law to ensure victory at the polls” he said.

On contentious issue of zoning and balancing political positions, which has become a big deal in some political parties, considering that he comes from the same senatorial zone as the incumbent governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, his party does not have zoning principle enshrined in her constitution, but conscious of the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) do not enshrine zoning principle in her constitution. However, APM is conscious of the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is our conviction that every society must develop some peculiar feature to sustain social justice and equilibrium.

“All positions in the public service are not contestable. Therefore, if a credibly competent leader emerges, distribution of the common good will be done in a manner that will secure the loyalty of all the various component units that make up the polity.

“Due to the prevailing sense of entitlement and acclaimed support of the establishment for some candidates, the APM will spring up a healthy surprise and present hope for all those who have been victims of the injustice associated with zoning principle as we can see it destroying the older political parties.

“Honestly, the vast Nigeria youths will be happy to embrace a pragmatic, sagacious and performing president from any part of Nigeria to succeed the current president of Nigeria”, he said.

While speaking on the level of trust in INEC to execute a credible 2023 general elections, Barr. Ikeh said, “I will give you a YES and NO answer.

“This is because INEC established by Section 153(f) of the 1999 Constitution is a constituted authority with clear mandates as earlier postulated. Therefore INEC should be trusted to be ready to execute her constructional mandate.

“However, with the various reports and allegations of distortion of the Register of voters from Omuma in Imo State and the summersault by INEC that election will not be electronically conducted but only collation, it waters down the extent of trust on can place on the process.

“However, I advise all Nigerians to be vigilant in order to ensure that nobody plays with their intelligence”, he said.