Category: Politics

Governor Nyesom Wike and his colleagues in the Integrity Group, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, Abia State Governor Mr. Ikpeazu Okezie, Enugu state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi were in Ibadan on Thursday to rally support for the re-election of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who is seeking a second term in office.

The four governors, who are members of the G-5 governors in their separate remarks, declared their support for the re-election bid of Governor Seyi Makinde at the flagg-off of the governorship campaign at Mapo Hill, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The governors, however, in their separate remarks kept silent on the presidential candidate to support in the forthcoming presidential election.

Addressing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, commended Governor Makinde for fulfilling his 2019 election promises to the people by transforming the state in terms of economy and infrastructures.

Wike was quoted as saying: ” vote all Senatorial, House of Representatives, House of Assembly candidates but Makinde will tell you the presidential candidate to vote for when the time comes.

Governor Seyi Makinde in his remarks expressed his appreciation to the people and party faithfuls for entrusting the destiny of the state under his care assuring that more developmental projects and programs will be witnessed in the state if reelected for another term of four years.

Makinde, who boasted of jerking up the state’s internally generated revenue from about N1.7 billion to N3.8 billion as at November ending, 2023 among other achievements promised to do more for the people of the state.

Highlight of the event was the official presentation of PDP flag to Governor Seyi Makinde and all other candidates on the platform of the party in the forthcoming general elections.

PDP stalwarts and members of Atiku/Okowa presidential campaign organization including former Minister of state for FCT, Chief Jumoke Akinjide and other leaders from the south west zone of the party all attended the event in Ibadan

The supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar today trooped out in thousands in Oyo State to express their solidarity for him.

Recall, there has been lingering crisis in PDP following the group of five governors’ insistence that the party’s chairman, Iyorcha Ayu tenders his resignation after the primary election that produced Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.

The walk which took off from Total Garden, Secretariat road in Ibadan saw the supporters of Jumoke Akinjide, Deputy Director-General Atiku campaign Council, Women Affairs, Wole Oyelese, former Mines and Power Minister, Ashim Gbolarumi, Former Oyo state Deputy Governor and a host of others routing for Atiku’s election, moving to Agodi Gate, locking down the streets to Itutaba,Oje,Isale Alfa, Beere to Mapo as the people were addressed at different junctions.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide stated the objectives of the “freedom walk” as creating awareness for the people of the state on why Atiku is the best for the Presidential job.

She used the ocassion to call the attention of party members to tommorow’s PDP gubernatorial campaign flag-off in Oyo State and directed that members should troop into the venue while also imploring them to stand against Makinde and his G-5 allies should they use the campaign venue to pronounce support for any presidential candidate other than Atiku Abubakar.

Oloye Akinjide catalogued the woes that have bedevilled the people of Nigeria under the APC administration for the past eight years—-the inflation rates, insecurity, economic downturn, removal of foods from homes and what have you, and the need to have an Atiku who has stated several times that he already has his bill to restructure Nigeria.

The PDP stalwart told the traders who besieged the campaign at Oje market that Atiku as a former customs officer understands how it pinches them when borders are closed by the Buhari government and knows how to alleviate the problem.

She reminded the people that Atiku has always been a friend of the Yorubas as his actions to make it possible for Abiola and Olusegun Obasanjo to win elections in 1993 and 1999 respectively are there as historical evidences. Party supporters, especially women chanted and danced gleefully to the music of Taye Currency, the Fuji maestro, in support of Atiku’s presidential election bid.

Security Agencies, the Police, Civil Defence Corp, Road Safety, DSS, all maintained an unprecedented security network to make the “freedom walk” a success.

The erstwhile Minister of Aviation and the Director of Digital Media to presidential candidate of APC in 2023 general elections, Femi Fani-Kayode has condemned allegation made by Gov Nyesom Wike that some APC governors in the North had been having meeting with the presidential candidate of PDP, Waziri Atiku Abubakar in Dubai.

Fani Kayode in a statement made available through his official Twitter account as read in part:

“In the light of the fact that Governor Nyseom Wike of Rivers state, a leading member of the G5, has claimed that some APC Governors are meeting with Waziri Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP, in Dubai and elsewhere (an allegation which I cannot possibly confirm or deny), I am constrained to make the following submission.

“For those that may be attending such meetings or are considering the possibility of doing so kindly consider the following.

“A violation of the sacred covenant and betrayal of the honorable commitment of a power shift to the South in 2023 will take us back to the June 12th 1993 crisis and will have grave consequences for democracy and our national unity. Nigerians were NOT born slaves and will NEVER be slaves.

“An Atiku Presidency woul represent a violation of that sacred covenant and would be manifestly unjust to the people of the South.

“There can be no peace where there is no justice and there can be no unity where there is no peace.

“If Waziri Atiku Abubakar, a Northern Fulani man from Adamawa state, emerges as President in February, Southerners would then be forced to ask themselves whether we are equal partakers in Nigeria and whether we really have a place and stake in the nation.

“Nothing would confirm the notion that we are nothing but second class citizens and slaves more than an Atiku Presidency given the fact that we would have just finished 8 years of Northern Fulani rule under President Muhammadu Buhari.

“If it had been a non-Fulani from the North that was contesting on the platform of the PDP it would have been easier to accept but to have a Fulani to Fulani succession is unacceptable just as it would have been unacceptable for President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is a Yoruba, to have been succeeded by another Yoruba man or for President Goodluck Jonathan, an Ijaw, to be succeeded by another Ijaw man.

“In any case this whole ugly and unfolding scenario begs for an answer to a wider question, namely should the South be denied the Presidency for the next 8 years having not had it for the last 8 simply because we come from the “wrong” part of the country?

“Whether you stand with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as I do, or with Mr. Peter Obi, as my friend and brother Bashorun Akin Osuntokun does, is neither here nor there because for either of the two to win there must be a power shift, the North must be ready to let go of power and an Atiku Presidency must not be allowed to see the light of day.

“They say politics and democracy is a game of numbers and this is true but it must also be guided by justice, decency, principle and honor.

“We are free to make our choices about who to support but let those choices be bound in equity, justice and fairness.

“The tyranny and injustice of the so-called majority cannot be visited on the so-called minority without consequence.

History proves that and posterity will confirm it.

“In the light of this I say, in the name of God and for the sake of our collective future, let power shift from the North to the South next year, let us avoid the ugly conundrum of perpetual Northern rule and let us, in peace, love and unity, rebuild the bridges of trust between our people and heal our land.

“Whether Northerner or Southerner Nigerians are ONE but to confirm that we must pass the baton of leadership between North and South in an equitable, reasonable and just manner.

As we enter the New Year kindly ponder on this matter.

“The consequences of getting it wrong would be dangerous, dire, too hard to bear and too troubling to enunciate.

“Let us hope and pray that sanity prevails”.

The leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo has said Nigeria “will be in trouble” if the electorate elects anyone outside Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in respect of the 2023 election.

ODUDUWA NEWS reports that Adebanjo said it is only in the spirit of fairness and equity that Nigerians elect Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, as the nation’s next president.

“If they vote outside Obi, Nigeria will be in trouble. Anything outside Obi, we are in trouble,” Adebanjo quoted as saying.

Speaking on why Nigerians should not vote for Bola Tinubu (All Progressives Congress, APC) and Atiku Abubakar (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP), the elder statement said: “How are you going to justify Tinubu when Obasanjo had spent eight years? Or how do you justify Atiku when another Northerner (President Muhammadu Buhari) is leaving the place? That’s the crux of the matter.

“The South-West has done, South-South has done, is South-East not part of Nigeria?”

We read with amusement the endorsement of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his New Year message on Sunday.

Following calls by journalists from various media houses who asked for our reaction we decided to make this preliminary statement, though we didn’t consider the so-called endorsement to be of any value.

We respect the democratic right of former President Obasanjo to support and endorse any candidate of his choice in any election.

Except that he made it known formally in his new year message, any discerning political watcher in Nigeria knows that Chief Obasanjo’s preference for Peter Obi is expected. He had earlier stated his position at various public events, the last being at the 70th birthday anniversary of Chief John Nwodo, former President of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Enugu.

We make bold to say that our party and candidate, Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not lose sleep over Obasanjo’s move, as Obasanjo is notorious for always opposing progressive political forces, as he did against MKO Abiola in 1993.

The endorsement is actually worthless because the former President does not possess any political goodwill or leverage anywhere in Nigeria to make anyone win a Councillorship election let alone win a Presidential election. He is a political paperweight.

He is also not a democrat anyone should be proud to be associated with.

We recall that in 2003 and 2007 general elections when he was a sitting President, Obasanjo used all the coercive instruments of State at his disposal to railroad people into elective offices against the will of Nigerians as expressed at the polls. In 2007, he declared the polls a do or die affair after he failed in his bid to amend our constitution to have a third term.

From our records, President Obasanjo has not successfully made anyone win election in Nigeria since then.

Not even in Ogun State can anyone rely on his support or endorsement to become a governor or Councillor.

We pity Peter Gregory Obi as we are confident that Chief Obasanjo can not win his polling unit and ward in Abeokuta for Obi in the coming Presidential election on 25 February, 2023.

Chief Obasanjo’s endorsement is not a political currency Mr. Peter Obi can spend anywhere in Nigeria because he is not a political force, even in his part of the country.

Chief Obasanjo similarly endorsed Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party candidate in 2019 against President Muhammadu Buhari. Atiku was walloped by Buhari with a wide margin in the election.

History will repeat itself in February as our candidate Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu will equally beat Obi by a large margin.

We take a particular notice of the part of the endorsement statement where Chief Obasanjo said none of the presidential candidates is a Saint.

We want to state here that Chief Obasanjo is not a good judge of character. He is a man who considers only himself as the all-knowing Saint in Nigeria.

Over the years, Chief Obasanjo has also convinced himself that integrity, honesty and all good virtues begin and end with him.

PRESS STATEMENT

OBASANJO’S ENDORSEMENT OF MR. PETER OBI IS WORTHLESS

We read with amusement the endorsement of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his New Year message on Sunday.

Following calls by journalists from various media houses who asked for our reaction we decided to make this preliminary statement, though we didn’t consider the so-called endorsement to be of any value.

We respect the democratic right of former President Obasanjo to support and endorse any candidate of his choice in any election.

Except that he made it known formally in his new year message, any discerning political watcher in Nigeria knows that Chief Obasanjo’s preference for Peter Obi is expected. He had earlier stated his position at various public events, the last being at the 70th birthday anniversary of Chief John Nwodo, former President of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Enugu.

We make bold to say that our party and candidate, Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not lose sleep over Obasanjo’s move, as Obasanjo is notorious for always opposing progressive political forces, as he did against MKO Abiola in 1993.

The endorsement is actually worthless because the former President does not possess any political goodwill or leverage anywhere in Nigeria to make anyone win a Councillorship election let alone win a Presidential election. He is a political paperweight.

He is also not a democrat anyone should be proud to be associated with.

We recall that in 2003 and 2007 general elections when he was a sitting President, Obasanjo used all the coercive instruments of State at his disposal to railroad people into elective offices against the will of Nigerians as expressed at the polls. In 2007, he declared the polls a do or die affair after he failed in his bid to amend our constitution to have a third term.

From our records, President Obasanjo has not successfully made anyone win election in Nigeria since then.

Not even in Ogun State can anyone rely on his support or endorsement to become a governor or Councillor.

We pity Peter Gregory Obi as we are confident that Chief Obasanjo can not win his polling unit and ward in Abeokuta for Obi in the coming Presidential election on 25 February, 2023.

Chief Obasanjo’s endorsement is not a political currency Mr. Peter Obi can spend anywhere in Nigeria because he is not a political force, even in his part of the country.

Chief Obasanjo similarly endorsed Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party candidate in 2019 against President Muhammadu Buhari. Atiku was walloped by Buhari with a wide margin in the election.

History will repeat itself in February as our candidate Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu will equally beat Obi by a large margin.

We take a particular notice of the part of the endorsement statement where Chief Obasanjo said none of the presidential candidates is a Saint.

We want to state here that Chief Obasanjo is not a good judge of character. He is a man who considers only himself as the all-knowing Saint in Nigeria.

Over the years, Chief Obasanjo has also convinced himself that integrity, honesty and all good virtues begin and end with him.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, in the early hours of Sunday, welcomed the first baby of the year 2023, at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Okeyard, Ise-Ekiti.

The first baby, Adeyemo, was the second child of a 38-year-old bricklayer, Mr Adeyemo Gbenga, and his 32-year-old wife, Mrs Adeyemo Oluwatoyin.

Mrs Yetunde salami, Officer in charge of the health facility, stated that the mother was delivered of the baby at exactly 12:00 am through normal delivery, without any complications and weighed 3.0kilogram at birth.

Presenting the gifts, the First Lady congratulated the parents for the bundle of joy and urged them to train up the child in a godly way.

Dr. Oyebanji called on all mothers to take good care of their children by laying a healthy foundation for them through exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. She also charged them to ensure that they receive all the necessary immunisation at the appropriate time.

“There is nothing I can give that can be enough for the upkeep of the baby but just to start up. Parental effort towards every child’s upbringing is quite imperative and such should be done with conscious effort,” she added.

She appreciated the officials of the health centre for good work being carried out and urged them to continue in that direction.

In a similar development, Dr. Oyebanji also donated gifts and cash to a mother of triplets at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, Ado-Ekiti.

According to the Chief Medical Director, CMD of the hospital, Prof. Kayode Olabanji, the mother gave birth to the triplets on December 28 and had been in the intensive care department of the hospital.

The babies, two girls and a boy, were born to the family of Mr and Mrs Toba Owoeye.

The parents of the triplets pleaded with the Qife of the Governor to consider them for a job, saying the family is not capable of taking care of the triplets.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has openly endorsed the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, ahead of the February presidential election.

Obasanjo made this known in a new year message titled “My appeal to all Nigerians particularly Young Nigerians.”The former president noted that none of the presidential candidates is a saint, but when compared on the knowledge, discipline and what they can offer, Obi has an edge.

“None of the contestants is a saint but when one compares their character, antecedent, their understanding, knowledge, discipline and vitality that they can bring to bear and the great efforts required to stay focused on the job particularly looking at where the country is today and with the experience on the job that I personally had, Peter Obi as a mentee has an edge.

“Others like all of us have what they can contribute to the new dispensation to liberation, restoration and salvaging of Nigeria collectively. One other important point to make about Peter is that he is a needle with thread attached to it from North and South and he may not get lost. In other words, he has people who can pull his ears, if and when necessary.

Needless to say that he has a young and able running mate with clean track record of achievement both in public and private life,” Obasanjo said in a letter personally signed.

As the world celebrates new year today, a member of the House of Representatives representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency, Honourable Shina Peller, has expressed confidence that 2023 wil be a year of breakthroughs for Nigeria.

Honourable Peller made this known in his new year goodwill message to Nigerians, where he added that generations yet unborn shall be told stories of historic events that would occur in 2023, but that only if the present generation can leverage the golden opportunity the year 2023 presents.

Also, Honourable Peller, who is the senatorial candidate of Accord party for Oyo North in the forthcoming elections, stated that it is civic responsibility of every patriotic Nigerian to make 2023 count by electing competent, patriotic, selfless and innovative leaders across political parties that will ensure a functional system for Nigeria.

The Ayedero of Yorubaland stressed further that with numerous natural and human capital resources available to Nigeria, the country is unarguably destined to be great, but that Nigerians only need to make the resources count.

The message as made available to ODUDUWA NEWS by his Press Centre, Kola Popoola read in full:

“MY 2023 GOODWILL MESSAGE

“Happy new year fellow Nigerians. We should count it all joy to have witnessed the first day of 2023, for many could not partake of this new dawn.

“The year 2023 presents a golden opportunity for our dear nation. It will be a year of breakthroughs for Nigeria. Generations yet unborn shall be told stories of historic events that would occur – but only if the present generation can make a bold statement.

“As we head to the polls in the coming months, it is our civic responsibility to make 2023 count by electing competent, patriotic, selfless, and innovative leaders across political parties that can deliver a functional system – contributing their quota to a better Nigeria.

“I believe that destiny, opportunity, and time are inextricably linked together. And 2023 presents to us a great opportunity to vote for public officers that can identify with the plight of the people – as the outcome of the polls would determine our collective future.

“With numerous natural and human capital resources available to us, it is not debatable that Nigeria is destined to be great; we only need to make it happen.

“We mustn’t fail to take advantage of this golden opportunity to vote right because if we get it wrong the unborn generations won’t be happy with us.

“It is my greatest hope that we have transparent and credible polls that would reflect the true wishes of Nigerians.

“Once again, Happy New Year to every one of us; I pray that we witness many more of it on earth. Amen!”

The Governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON have extended his GRACE AND MERCY to seven inmates of the Correctional Center serving various terms of imprisonment and ordered their release to mark January 1st 2023 NEW YEAR CELEBRATION.

The Governor in exercise of power conferred on him by paragraphs (a) (c) and (d) of subsesection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) directed the Controller of Nigerian Correctional Service in Ondo to release and set free, the said seven (7) inmates in the facilities of the Correctional Center in Ondo state.

The decision of the Governor was pursuant to the recommendation of the state Advisory Council on prerogative of Mercy that the inmates have undergone reformation at the Correctional center and they are of Good conduct.

The Governor also reduced the period of imprisonment of Eleven (11) inmates. Seven (7) of the inmates sentenced to death by hanging have their conviction reduced to life imprisonment while the years of imprisonment of the remaining Four (4) inmates were reduced.

The Governor urged the released inmates to see their release as another chance to live a good life devoid of crime. The Governor called on the good citizen of Ondo state to avoid any act of discrimination against the released inmate and integrate them back to their communities.