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I Was In Kano When Senator Ogembe Was Attacked, Says Bello

Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has denied any involvement in the attack on the senator representing Kogi Central, Mr Ahmed Ogembe.

Senator Ogembe was said to have arrived in the state last week and organised an empowerment programme which was disrupted by some hoodlums.

Governor Bello, who condemned the attack on Thursday, faulted allegations that he masterminded the incident, saying he wasn’t in Kogi the day it happened.

“First of all, on that day, I was in Kano,” he said in a phone interview on Politics Today. “I had just received a message of a senator coming home to do empowerment; the next thing was the crisis that ensued.”

Amid the political crisis in the state, the governor said the police have begun investigations into the incident while a lot of arrests have been made.

Reacting to the lingering disagreement between him and another lawmaker in Kogi, Senator Dino Melaye, Governor Bello blamed the rift on his refusal to waste the available scarce resources of the state.

“We are aware of a particular senator who wants elephants to be shared in Kogi State and I refused.

“The people of the state must have value for the lean resources that we are generating, and we are receiving; if that is his problem, so be it,” he claimed.

Meanwhile, some senators had reportedly accused the governor during plenary of introducing policies that could degenerate into a political issue if not properly handled.

He, however, took a swipe at the lawmakers for failing to address national issues such as passing the 2018 Appropriation Bill presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly in November 2017, among several others.

In his words, Governor Bello said: “We have some (men) who are just making the Red Chamber a laughing stock. We have a national budget – up till now, no mentioning of it.

“We have a lot of appointments made by the Federal Government into various parastatals and agencies of government. Today they are lying in the minutes, none is being cleared and several other issues. So when we are talking about threats to democracy, I think they should ask themselves.”

Katsina APC Vows To Win 2019 Election

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC Katsina State chapter has vowed to produce more votes than any other state in the country come 2019.

The State Governor, Aminu Masari, made this known during a special grand rally organized by the state chapter of the party.

The event was aimed at receiving hundreds of thousands of decampees from major opposition parties across the three senatorial districts of Katsina state, the rally witnessed the attendance of high ranking persons from the three senatorial districts which are Katsina, Daura and Funtua Central Senatorial Districts of the state.

Decampees from across different political opposition parties in Katsina state among which are former chairmen, former councillors and chieftains have relinquished their respective positions from their respective political parties.

The governor announced that the Katsina state chapter of the party is not only sure of winning the 2019 general elections but working to make sure that not less than 80-90% of the registered voters vote for the APC particularly President Muhammadu Buhari.

Popular among them are Senator Ibrahim Ida of the Katsina central, Hon. Ya’u Umar Gwajo -Gwajo of Daura, the Katsina North and Engineer Nura Khalil of Funtua, the Katsina South.

These decampees are generally considered by both the National and the State chairmen of the ruling APC as full members and that from today they have become on equal footing with each an every member of the party.

PDP Is Dead And Buried – Oyegun

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Oyegun, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State is dead and buried.

The National Chairman warned the APC in Katsina not to give anybody a single vote apart from the APC, come 2019 elections.

“We have a President who is single-minded, focused, determined and has rebuilt the foundation of the nation destroyed by the PDP”.

He made this known in Katsina while receiving hundreds of thousands of decampees from major opposition parties across the three senatorial districts of Katsina state, the rally witnessed the attendance of high ranking persons from the three senatorial districts which are Katsina, Daura and Funtua Central Senatorial Districts of the state.

The Decampees from across different political opposition parties in Katsina state among which are former chairmen, former councillors and chieftains have relinquished their respective positions from their respective political parties.

In an interview with the decampees’ leader, Senator Ibrahim Ida, he described his being in the PDP as a mistake.

He says he was convinced of the need to embrace the truth and that the APC is the best party of today to join.

The efforts being made by President Muhammadu Buhari, to turning around the misfortunes of Nigeria to fortune, like fighting corruption, insurgency, terrorism and kidnapping all because of the common man are some of the initiatives which impressed the decampees.

They equally believe that from 1960 to 2015 non of either the military or civilian leader introduced interventions and support for the weak, old and the young more than Muhammadu Buhari.

APC Looking For Support With Nothing To Show, Says Secondus

The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has challenged the All People’s Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to show Nigerians evidence of its developmental impact on the country within the last three years.

Speaking as a special guest at the commissioning of the 8.4 kilometers reconstructed Ughelli-Afiesere-Ofuoma, road project in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta state, Saturday, Secondus noted that the APC had not only failed to fulfil its campaign promises to Nigerians but had succeeded in inflicting untold hardship on the people because they took over power at the centre using propaganda.

“I believe and as the whole country can see that while we are here to commission projects that are directly affecting the lives of the people, the other party is somewhere up-north looking for support with nothing to show.

“I believe that at this stage for three years, the Federal Government should show clearly what they have done like what we have witnessed here today.

“They should go to commission projects and not to look for support and people who will decamp,” he added.

Secondus, therefore, praised Okowa’s efforts in developing his state, noting that he has proven to be among the best governors in the country.

He also encouraged Deltans to intensify their support for him.

In response, Governor Okowa thanked the Governor, while noting that the construction of roads will have a multiplier effect on the economy and engender ethnic integration among groups in the state.

“This is one of the several roads of over 150 of them we are constructing across the state with several of them around the riverine areas.

“We believe that we need to continue to open up our communities to connect themselves and to connect outside the states,” he said.

Meanwhile the APC in the state has launched the one man one vote campaign stating that the era where politicians manipulate elections dishonestly for personal gain is over.

The aim, according to the party, is to sensitize the people against rejecting any attempt by corrupt politicians to coheres them on selling their votes.

Speaking to journalists at the end of the event, Delta state APC Party chieftain and governorship aspirant, Dr Cairo Ojuogbo faulted the frequent visit of the PDP national chairman to Delta state insisting that Okowa’s administration has done nothing to improve the welfare of an average Deltan.

Ojuogbo said; “one man one vote campaign is a process of burying the PDP style of electoral malpractice in Delta state. The delta state government under the administration of Okowa, has no capacity to govern so we must take power back from Okowa.

“They don’t have ideas and that is why you see that the government is a government of nepotism and misappropriation of the state funds through an inadequate budget. But the APC has gotten a better program to move Delta state forward just like the peer states”.

Furthermore, he assured the people that the arrangements on ground would not be abused if voted into power.

“I am not contesting this election because I am from Delta north neither am I claiming superiority over any person. I believe the APC must take power so that there will be change in Delta state.

“The party is supreme, therefore, there must be synergy between the government and the party from the ward level to the state level and that is the way to go”.

“The gubernatorial aspirant further called on all Deltans to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in order to elect candidates of their choice to represent them at all levels of government”.

Abdullahi Adamu Accuses Senators Of Sabotaging APC Govt

Embattled Senator Abdullahi Adamu has accused the Senate of sabotaging the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmaker who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District made the allegation in a statement by him on Tuesday.

He is one of the lawmakers who opposed the amendment of the election sequence by members of the National Assembly, a development that has sparked mixed reactions in the country.

Advising his colleagues, Senator Adamu said: “I believe we need to retrace our steps and reconsider our stand as legislators on matters of public interest. Our party, APC, has the majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, yet we hold the executive prisoner of politics that are unhealthy for the polity.”

“It is such a terrible irony that we sabotage our own government by refusing to do our part in support of the executive; appointments requiring Senate approval are held up. The consequence is that the public has nicknamed the president and his administration go-slow,” he added.

The senator reminded the lawmakers that Nigerians gave them the mandate to deliver, noting that the government has no reason why it cannot acquit itself and fulfil the yearnings of the people with APC’s control of the executive and the legislative.

He, however, alleged that the lawmakers are “consumed with sabotaging the administration and stabbing one another in the back.”

“We forget that in less than a year from now, we shall be required to seek the people’s revalidation of our mandate to sit in these hallowed chambers. What shall we tell them?” Adamu asked.

The Senate and the House of Representatives had agreed to change the sequence in which elections are conducted such that the National Assembly election will come first, followed by governorship and state Houses of Assembly, and finally the presidential poll.

President Muhammadu Buhari, however, wrote to the lawmakers to inform them that he has declined his assent to the amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act.

The letter read by Senate President Bukola Saraki on Tuesday, the President noted that amendment to the sequence of the election in section 25 of the Principal Act may infringe on the constitutionally guaranteed discretion of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise, undertake and supervise all elections provided in section 16(a) of the constitution.

Al-Makura Vows To Ensure Free Nasarawa LG Polls

Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura has vowed not to tamper with the independence of the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC).

The governor made the pledge on Monday during the inauguration ceremony of the chairman and members of the state electoral body.

The inauguration, which held at the Council Chambers of the Government House in Lafia, the state capital, is in line with the preparation for the local government elections slated for May in the state.

Addressing the newly NASIEC officials, Governor Al-Makura noted that adequate provision has been made to ensure the polls are conducted successfully.

He also called on other political parties to participate fully in the elections without any fear of partisanship and assured them of responsiveness on the part of the state government.

Read the governor’s full speech below:

It is with a heavy heart and great sense of loss that I am performing this exercise in view of the recent demise of the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON. However, exigencies of office dictate we act in order to ensure that governance processes and conventions be carried out, as at when due.

This, we believe, is more fitting, a farewell, to the late Governor. Hence, I am addressing you today on this occasion of the swearing-in of the Chairman and Members of the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC), a Permanent Secretary in the Nasarawa State Public Service, as well as Interim Management Committee Chairmen of Keana and Keffi Local Government Councils.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it would be recalled that the tenure of the erstwhile Chairman and some Members of the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) expired, thereby creating a vacuum and the necessity to fill the existing vacancy therein. Accordingly, by the powers conferred on me, it became imperative to reconstitute the Commission.

In this regard, I submitted names of nominees to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly for confirmation as Chairman and Members of the electoral body in the State. I need to express my appreciation to the Right Honourable Speaker and Members of the House for their speedy consideration of the appointees.

This, no doubt further demonstrates our enduring partnership towards fulfilling our collective responsibilities to the people. It is my hope that this relationship will continue to flourish.

Let me point out that we made meticulous consultations with regards to consideration of the backgrounds, wealth of experience and track records of the appointees. It is my belief that these appointees have met our set criteria.

While congratulating the Chairman and Members of NASIEC, therefore, I charge you to justify the confidence reposed in you, considering the fact that your appointment came at a time the State is preparing to conduct the Local Government elections in May 2018. In other words, you must exhibit honesty and integrity in your conduct.

As you settle down to this onerous task, remember that the first assignment before you are to organize a free, fair and credible election that is in line with the Law and best practices. Accordingly, I call on you to ensure a level playing field for all the would-be candidates to be fielded by the registered political parties in the State.

Let me place on record that Government would not interfere with the independence of the State electoral body in the due discharge of its responsibilities. I, therefore, call on all political parties to participate in the electioneering process without any fear of partisanship. To underscore our commitment in this direction, Government is providing the necessary enablement to facilitate the smooth preparation and conduct of the May 2018 election.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me state that, as part of this occasion, a new Permanent Secretary has also been sworn-in to fill existing vacancy in the Civil Service. It is also aimed at strengthening the machinery of Government towards effective and efficient service delivery. I must reiterate to our new Permanent Secretary that public service is public trust.

I, therefore, charge you to uphold the virtues of this Administration anchored on accountability, transparency, probity in the management of public funds and, above all, loyalty. You are enjoined to work in synergy with your colleagues and other political appointees, as well as your subordinates in the implementation of Government policies and programmes.

You will be surprised that we are swearing-in Interim Management Committee Chairmen of Keana and Keffi Local Government Councils respectively, while we are holding elections in May 2018. This is to avoid having a vacuum in these Local Government Areas for smooth Administration in the affected councils.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me take the liberty of this occasion to comment on the tenure of Local Government chairmen and councillors in the State. You are already aware of the controversy surrounding the tenure of elected Local Government officials which the previous Assembly fixed for only two years which was not helped by several court decisions on the issue.

For all intent and purposes, this Administration notes that no meaningful socio-economic activities will take place within a span of two years. It is for this reason that Government recently submitted a bill to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly aimed at addressing the issue of tenure of our elected Local Government representatives to a three-year term. It is my belief that the amendment of the Local Government Law will put to rest the issue of tenure of Local Government officials in the State.

At this juncture, ladies and gentlemen, as we move closer to the May 2018 Local Government elections, I urge all and sundry to ensure that we participate fully in this exercise that will usher in elective officers at the grassroots. I urge you to conduct yourselves in a peaceful and orderly manner, not only during the electioneering campaigns but also during the conduct of the elections.

On this note, I once again congratulate the Chairman and members of NASIEC, the new Permanent Secretary and Interim Management Committee Chairmen of Keana and Keffi Local Government Councils. I welcome you on board to the service of Nasarawa State.

Buhari’s Administration Is Incompetent, Uncoordinated – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has yet again criticised President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, describing it as incompetent, disorganised and uncoordinated.

The criticism follows the President’s comments about the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, flouting his orders regarding the security situation in Benue State.

During a meeting with stakeholders in the state on Monday, the President said he was not aware that the IGP had left Benue for Nasarawa after he was ordered to relocate to the state.

Although the IGP visited Benue after the President’s directive, the state government accused him of spending only one day in the state after which he proceeded to Nasarawa state and spent several days there.

Through its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP on Tuesday said that President Buhari’s explanation on the IGP is also an admission that he has handed over power to a cabal that neither sought for votes nor were they elected by Nigerians.

The party said the President has irredeemably indicted himself adding that such “unpardonable slipshod” attitude to governance is directly responsible for his government’s wrecking of the nation’s once robust economy as well as other woes that have befallen the nation in his almost three years in office.

Furthermore, the party warned the APC and supporters of the President to take their minds off the Aso Villa ahead of 2019 election now that their leader and the sole candidate has practically admitted his incompetence to run an effective government as desired by Nigerians.

It also criticized the President for trying to pass the buck to the IGP, a development which it said further exposed his lack of direct commitment and concern toward the well-being and security of Nigerians.

Read the statement below.

“Nigerians have completely lost hope in President Muhammadu Buhari and his incompetent administration. By stating that he was unaware that the IGP only spent 24 hours in Benue state, Mr President has confirmed that he has not been effectively monitoring the handling of the security situation of our nation.

“This places a huge question mark on the regular assurances issued from the Presidency on security.

“For our party, PDP, the expression of President Buhari has once again vindicated our position that our nation has been placed on autopilot cruise with a cabal pretending to be managing our affairs.

“Indeed, Nigerians need to know; what exactly did President Buhari, as the Commander-in-Chief, do when he realized that the IGP did not carry out his orders? We demand a direct answer from the Presidency.

“The fact is that there is no sense of remorse by the Government as the President himself spent only two hours in Benue state without visiting the victims or even making any direct policy statement on those behind the killings and how to forestall future bloodletting. Rather, in the character of this government, Mr President engaged in yet another blame game instead of facing issues.

“If the Presidency is not committed to monitoring critical issues such as security, then Nigerians are no longer in doubt as to why other sectors, particularly our once robust economy, had gone comatose under the Buhari administration.

“Moreover, Nigerians are miffed that while the wailings over these daily bloodletting are yet to abate, President Buhari is busy announcing his plans to return to Benue to seek for another round of votes.

“This shows clinically that Mr President is truly not aware that Nigerians have since abandoned him in his state of unawareness.

“Nigerians can no longer bear with a government that cannot give directions to officials and monitor it through; a government that is so inept that it lacks the elementary proficiencies to initiate and implement effective policies and programmes for national cohesion and development; a government that lacks the basic skills to internationally engage and run a virile economy.

“We have a government that was so careless, that it even had names of dead persons in the list of appointees to federal boards.

“Again, we maintain that our nation has been on auto-drive under the APC and Nigerians cannot wait to end this nightmare come 2019″.

The party, therefore, called on other Nigerians to support their plans to return to power in 2019.