Clement Nwabuko

Total Post: 253

Ejike Ugboaja FC Embarks On Community Service In Abuja

Ejike Ugboaja FC Embarks On Community Service In Abuja

As part of their efforts to giving back to the society, the players and management of Ejike Ugboaja Football Club of Abuja on Friday embarked on a community service of cleaning Wuse market. They also donate money/provisions to the less privileges.

The exercise which took place in Wuse market attracted lots of attention as it’s served as the first in it’s kind.

Speaking on why the club embarked on such community service of cleaning the Wuse market and it’s surroundings, the chairman of the club, Ejike Ugboaja said, the exercise became possible in order to prepare the minds of the players on what to expect if they live the shore of this country to ply their trade abroad as professional footballers.

He also said, he introduced it because he felt it was right to start doing so having spent over 12 years playing basketball abroad and engaging in such activities on a regular basis

“I think what I am trying to achieve is that whenever the players are across the globe, they will always remember to return back to serve their community back here in Nigeria.
“The community service we embarked upon today (Friday) was good because most of us sports men and women who have played abroad this is exactly what we do there and so I felt Ejike Ugboaja FC should start doing it here.
“It’s not only representing the country in international competitions that matters but what we did was to also clean the capital city of Nigeria because that gives the upcoming players sense of patriotism and belonging,” he said.

2022 Children’s Day: Nigerian children face increased vulnerabilities, deserve more care, support – NHRC

2022 Children’s Day: Nigerian children face increased vulnerabilities, deserve more care, support – NHRC

Abuja – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government at all levels to prioritize the protection and care of children, especially those facing challenges like child labour and trafficking, no shelter, hunger, out-of-school situation, poor antenatal and postnatal care, orphans and vulnerable children syndrome, etc, to avoid further violation of the rights of this vulnerable group.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN, who stated this as the Commission joins the rest of Nigerians to mark the 2022 Children’s Day cerebration, noted that the country has a lot to do in terms of protecting the rights of the children by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable them to realize and maximize their opportunities in life.

“We cannot allow our children to wander the street, face the challenge of kidnapping, malnutrition, trafficking, drug use and addiction, recruitment into terrorism, violent crimes, sexual and other forms of assault and forced/child marriages, if we really want the best for them”, Ojukwu said.

According to the Chief Human Rights Officer, our children have great potentials and can contribute to national actions for the common good of humanity and our country, and this will only happen when they are given the necessary care and support.
Incidentally, the theme of 2022 Children’s Day celebration, “Strengthening Supportive Systems for the Protection of the Nigerian Child; A Wake Up Call”, challenges the relevant authorities to put in place the necessary mechanisms that will enhance the protection of children in Nigeria.

“The Commission acknowledges the historic adoption by Member States of the United Nations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child ( CRC) which makes it an obligation for member states to take all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures to implement the core principles of non-discrimination, devotion to the best interests of the child, the right to life, survival and development”, Ojukwu stated.

The Commission therefore commends the federal government for the passage of the Child Right Act 2003 and its adoption across the country except in few States that are yet to adopt this legislation.

“The Act which states that the best interest of the child shall remain paramount in all consideration of issues affecting children. It also incorporates all the rights and responsibilities of children and consolidates all other laws relating to children and specifies the duties and obligations of parents and authorities”, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria added.

As a Commission, the Executive Secretary stated that a lot of interventions have been made in support of the Child’s Rights across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, aside from successfully handling complaints on violations of the rights of the child.

To this end, the Commission urges governments and all stakeholders to further commit themselves to addressing critical issues such as poverty, quality education, access to health care, sexual and gender based violence, child labor and trafficking and all harmful practices that affect our children.

The Commission further wishes to use the opportunity to call for the adoption of the child rights law in the outstanding states as well as the adoption of a policy for the protection of civilians including children especially in periods of conflict, insurgency, terrorism and large scale atrocities and criminalities like NIgeria is presently undergoing. It is also inevitable for all MDA’s to mainstream human rights and the interest of children into all migration issues as our commitment to achieving the objectives of the Global Compact on Migration, the Learned Senior Advocate further stated.

2023: Engineer Sule wins governorship primary election

2023: Engineer Sule wins governorship primary election

Abuja – Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has emerged winner of the 2023 governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Engineer Sule scored 698 votes to beat his rival, Dr Fatima Abdullahi, who got 3 votes.

In a victory speech shortly after he was declared winner at the Lafia City Hall, Thursday, the Governor thanked God for the peaceful nature of the exercise.

He expressed satisfaction that Nasarawa State has once again demonstrated the ability to carry out such exercise peacefully, hopping that the forthcoming general election will also be conducted peacefully throughout the state.

Engineer Sule thanked the delegates for not only taking part in the exercise but for their patience.

He particularly thanked his rival, Dr. Fatima Abdullahi, for her performance during the primary election, especially against the rumour that she was stepping down from the contest.

Engineer Sule commended her for making a move that will serve as encouragement especially for women in the North, to seek to occupy elective positions.

“My happiness is that you have gone through the exercise and have gained the experience. And now I have no doubt in my mind that should you come out in 2027, the performance will be different,” he said.

The Governor equally thanked the chairman of the election committee, Ambassador Ahmed Isa Ibeto and members of his team, for the smooth conduct of the governorship primary election.

A visibly excited Engineer Sule, thanked the people of Nasarawa State, promising to continue with the laudable development initiatives of his administration.

“My number satisfaction is that Nasarawa State has again proved that we can carry out any exercise in peace. And I am hoping that the general election will also be conducted peacefully,” he stated.

Earlier, Dr Fatima Abdullahi, ex-wife of the National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, congratulated Engineer Sule on his resounding victory at the polls.

Dr. Abdullahi acknowledged that, through the exercise, the people of the state, have decided that the incumbent should continue with the good work that he started.

She explained that she joined the race as a face of hope for the youth and women, especially the Northern Nigerian woman whose participation in politics has been poor and whose involvement in governance has been low, despite being the highest voters especially in Nasarawa State.

Dr Abdullahi declared her support together with that of her teeming supporters, towards the victory of the Governor during the general election.

Announcing the result shortly after the votes were counted, Chairman of the 2023 APC Governorship Primary Election Committee in the state, Ambassador Ahmed Isa Ibeto, declared Engineer Sule winner having polled 698 votes.

With this development, Engineer Sule has cleared the path for a second term in office, ahead of the coming general election, where he will recontest against Hon David Ombugadu of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Killing Of Fatima, Four Children Worst Forms Of Criminality And Human Rights Violation – NHRC

Killing Of Fatima, Four Children Worst Forms Of Criminality And Human Rights Violation – NHRC
  • … Calls on Police, Others to Apprehend Killers and change The Narratives

Abuja – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned in strong terms, the killing of a pregnant woman, Fatima, and her four children in cold blood in Anambra state, describing it as one of the worst forms of criminality and human rights violation, which has needlessly portrayed Nigeria in a very bad light.

The Executive Secretary (ES) of the Commission Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN stated this in Abuja while reacting to the unfortunate killing of the innocent woman and her children in their fatherland.

According to the statement signed by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the E.S noted that the country for some time now has been replete with negative stories of killings, kidnappings, armed banditry, rape, etc, “all happening on a daily basis as if the perpetrators do not have human conscience or feeling anymore”.

Mr. Ojukwu further decried that the incessant killings as gross violations of the right to life and dignity of human person, all guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other national and global regional human rights instruments which Nigeria has enacted or is a party.

“These senseless killings are not acceptable and we as a Commission condemn it and urge the that citizens must engage and collaborate with the law enforcement agents, by providing them with the necessary information that will assist them to fish out those behind these heinous and dastardly acts and ensure that they are prosecuted and possibly punished in accordance with the law”, Ojukwu stated.

He further tasked the Police, to as a matter of urgency, carry out a comprehensive investigation into the killing of Fatima and her children with a view to serving justice on all the parties involved. “We are keenly monitoring the Police investigation in this case to ensure that those who are behind this inhuman and wicked act are quickly prosecuted and consequently punished in accordance with the relevant national, regional and international laws.

The Chief Human Rights Officer tasked the law enforcement agencies, particularly the Police and DSS to rejig their strategies and deploy intelligence-led security to get to the root of this instant killing and lots of other killings, such as Deborah Samuel’s among others.

The NHRC Boss is using the opportunity to advise the citizens against any form of ethnic or religious intolerance and divisiveness which he noted are enemies of inclusiveness, national cohesion and development, recalling that Nigeria has had a regrettable history of civil war that came with unimaginable loss in terms of human and material resources, “so we must collectively say no to violence to sustain our unity as a country”

In the same vein, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria warned those championing different ideological and political causes, to always put the security of Nigeria first above any other considerations, saying that “we must first of all be alive peacefully as citizens before we agitate for one interest or another, and always bear in mind that setting the Country on the path of violence and disunity will rather worsen or complicate our problems”.

Lastly, he expressed the heartfelt condolences of the Commission to the family of the victims and urged them and their community members to remain calm and never resort to taking laws into their hands, believing that justice will be done at the end.


PDP congratulates Uba, Ortom, applauds Benue over success of state congress

PDP congratulates Uba, Ortom, applauds Benue over success of state congress

Markurdi – Benue State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has congratulated Rt. Hon. Titus Tyoapine Uba, over his emergence as Governorship Candidate of the party at its State Congress held in Makurdi.

The Benue State House of Assembly Speaker won the majority of votes cast by delegates at the gubernatorial primary election of the party held at the Aper Aku stadium on Wednesday and was declared candidate for the governorship election scheduled to hold in 2023.

In a statement signed by the state publicity secretary of PDP, Bemgba Iortyom Wednesday night, the party described as credible, the result of the election in which Engr. Uba scored 731 votes out of a total of 851 accredited votes to emerge victorious over the incumbent deputy governor, Engr. Benson Abounu with 81 votes, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar 2 votes, Barr. Paul Angya and Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha with a vote each, and Engr. Benjamin Akaakar with no vote in the field of 6 aspirants.

“The party acknowledges and deeply appreciates the sacrifice and magnanimity shown by the other aspirants who stepped down from the race to fast-track a rancour free process of nominating a Guber Candidate.

“Those noble party stalwarts who sacrificed their ambitions and at the venue of the primaries openly professed deference to the supremacy of the party, include, Chairman of the Forum of PDP Governorship Aspirants, Barr. Chille Igbawua and 7 others, among them Mrs. Susan Nguveren Waya.

“Our great party specially appreciates its leader, His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom, national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, former Senate President, Dr. David Mark, Senators Gabriel Suswam, Emmanuel Orker-Jev and Abba Moro, BoT member, Mrs. Margaret Icheen, Members of the House of Representatives, the State Assembly, the G-14 and G-9 groups of elders as well as stakeholders of the party.

“We hail the resilience and undying faith of our teeming members in the state, being it the spine of the party, which has seen it emerge victorious from one election year to another in the state since it was founded in 1998”, the statement added.

It further stressed that PDP in Benue state remained reliant on the unity of purpose among its leaders and members, “such as has engendered a mature internal democracy culture, the sort that gave birth to the free, fair and transparent primary election today which, surely is the envy of our opponents, yet unattainable to them”.

Obi Dumps PDP, Begins Coalition Talks With Kwankwaso, Others

Obi Dumps PDP, Begins Coalition Talks With Kwankwaso, Others

Presidential hopeful and former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, has dropped out of the presidential race of the PDP amid talks with the Rabiu-Kwankwaso-led New Nigeria Peoples Party, the Labour Party and the Social Democratic Party.

It was learnt that Obi’s defection was part of a grand plot to form a coalition that could defeat the All Progressives Congress and the PDP.

In a letter of resignation addressed to the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the former governor said he was happy to have contributed to the growth of the PDP.

He further stated that recent developments within the party had made it impossible for him to continue in the race.

The letter read in part, “I am writing to intimate you of my resignation from the PDP which was conveyed to the Chairman of Agulu Ward 2. Anaocha LGA Anambra, effective Friday 20 May, 2022. Consequently, I am by this letter informing you of my withdrawal for the PDP Presidential Primaries.

“It has been a great honour to contribute to nation-building efforts through our party. Unfortunately, recent developments within our party make it practically impossible to continue participating and making such constructive contributions.

 “Our national challenges are deep-seated and require that we each make profound sacrifices towards rescuing our country. My commitment to rescuing Nigeria remains firm, even if the route differs. I wish to thank you personally for your graciousness and leadership. I wish you well and best of luck in the service of country.”

Obi, who enjoys massive support from the youths, had purchased the N40m form of the PDP and was screened to participate in the primary against 14 others on Saturday.

However, it had been difficult for him to bring many of the delegates to his side.

“We are in talks with Labour Party, SDP and a few others. We will announce our new party in the next 24 hours. It will be a party that is also youth friendly since we have discovered that the youths form the bulk of our supporters,” said an associate of the former governor.

Another source, however, told The PUNCH that the plan was to form a coalition that could defeat the two major parties.

“There is a plan for some major parties to form a mega party although this is coming quite late. Discussions are still ongoing but Obi is expected to be the Presidential candidate. Kwankwaso is also part of the discussions. Everything will be clear by Thursday,” said a chieftain of the PDP.

Attempts to get a reaction from the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, proved abortive as he did not respond to repeated calls.

Why We Invaded Okorocha’s Maitama Home – EFCC

Why We Invaded Okorocha’s Maitama Home – EFCC

Abuja – Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has given reason why it’s operatives invaded the home of Senator Rochas Okorocha.

The Commission said the move followed the refusal of the former governor to honour invitations after jumping the administrative bail earlier granted him by the Commission.

Recall that the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on May 24, 2022, arrived at the Maitama, Abuja home of a former governor to effect his arrest.

The Commission disclosed this via it’s Facebook page on Tuesday shortly after the news of his house’s siege by the EFCC went viral on social media.

EFCC had on January 24, 2022 filed a 17-count criminal charge bordering on diversion of public funds and properties to the tune of N2.9billion against Okorocha.

The case was assigned to Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja but attempts to arraign Senator Okorocha were twice stalled owing to the absence of the ex-governor who evaded service of processes.

At the last adjourned date, March 28th, 2022, Justice Ekwo before adjourning until May 30th, 2022, had warned that it was “the last adjournment I shall grant in this matter”.

In the circumstances, the Commission is left with no option than to effect the arrest of Senator Okorocha and bring him to trial.

Engaging Journalists To Promote Reconciliation, Reintegration And Transitional Justice Will End Cycle Of Violence – NHRC

Engaging Journalists To Promote Reconciliation, Reintegration And Transitional Justice Will End Cycle Of Violence – NHRC
  • …Takes them on project training

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has stated that engaging journalists has become necessary to promote the whole idea of Reconciliation, Reintegration and Transitional Justice as this will bring an end to the cycle of violence, particularly in the North East where insurgency and counter insurgency measures have occasioned the need for peace building in various communities.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN) who stated this in Yola, Adamawa state during the opening ceremony of a training programme for Media Practitioners on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in three North East states, namely Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, noted that Chapter 2 of the1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) recognizes the role of media in national discussion.

The Executive Secretary who was represented at the occasion by the Project Coordinator, Mr. Hilary Ogbonna recalled that journalists were earlier engaged in Media Advocacy and Messaging last year, adding that the job is not over since the media still have more work to do in telling the affected communities and victims that they are not abandoned.

Continuing, the Chief Custodian of Human Rights in Nigeria restated that engaging journalists has become necessary to promote the whole idea of Reconciliation, Reintegration and Transitional Justice in such a manner that the offended communities and victims could begin to see the rational for forgiveness and apologies, from the victims and repentant Boko Haram combatant respectively.

This, according to the Executive Secretary, will bring an end to the cycle of violence and enable the society to have peace and move forward.

The NHRC Boss therefore stated that the media remains “an essential partner in promoting reconciliation and transitional justice in the North East, saying that no effort should be spared in building the capacity of media professionals to embrace and perform this role effectively”.

“The Pilot Project was to initiate community-led process for nonjudicial transitional justice and reconciliation as a foundation for reintegration and post conflict recovery in the North East”, Ojukwu added.

In his opening remarks, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Adamawa state, Samuel Yaumande Esq commended the NHRC for chosing the nonjudicial process to pursue the issue of reconciliation, reintegration and transitional justice in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, advocating that the project must be owned and supported by the communities, in order for it to work effectively.

The Adamawa state top government Official who declared the training open also tasked journalists to be at the centre of promoting the peace project even as he promised that relevant department of his Ministry would be willing to work together with any partner that supports reconciliation and peace building in the state.

Similarly, in her goodwill message, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Humanitarian Services, Adamawa state, Aishatu Bibi Umar Rilwanu stated that security is one of the major priorities of the state government, and that serious efforts are being made by the goverment to ensure that displaced persons are successfully reintegrated into their various communities.

Several papers were presented at the event which was attended by scores of journalists. They include Presentations on the Transitional Justice Project : Milestones, Plans and Expectations (Labaran Babangida, NHRC), Framing Speech: Role of Media in Peace Building, Reconciliation and Transitional Justice in Post Conflict Societies in West Africa (Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze, Executive Director of West Africa Network for Peace building), Transitional Justice: Meaning and Approaches (Hilary Ogbonna, Senior Human Rights Adviser, NHRC).

Others are Role of the Media in promoting people centred approaches to reconcilation and reintegration in post conflict North East (Dr. Jude Momodu, Director, Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Modibbo Adamawa University of Technology and Building Community Confidence and Resilience in the Process of Reception and Reintegration of Deradicalised Ex- Boko Haram and other Returnees (Dr. Saheed Owonikoko, Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Modibbo Adamawa University).

The project is being carried out with the NHRC with the support of the UNDP and European Union.

States Groan Over Delayed Revenue Sharing, FAAC Meets Today

States Groan Over Delayed Revenue Sharing, FAAC Meets Today

Abuja – The Federation Account and Allocation Committee meeting initially scheduled for last week will now hold on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Chairman of the Finance Commissioners Forum, David Olofu, and the Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Fidelis Tilije, disclosed this in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Monday.

But Olofu, who is also the Benue State Commissioner for Finance, added that the delay in holding the FAAC meeting had affected the activities of many states including payment of salaries and capital expenditures.

FAAC, which is headed by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and whose members include state Commissioners of Finance, states’ Accountants – General, Accountant – General of the Federation and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance meet every month to share revenues among the federal, state and local governments.

The FAAC meeting was scheduled to hold on Wednesday and Thursday last week, but the Federal Ministry of Finance, in a statement on Wednesday by its director of Home Finance, Stephen Okon, said it had been postponed indefinitely.

The postponement of the meeting, which the ministry said was due to certain circumstances came a few days after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, over an alleged N80 billion fraud.

On Wednesday, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, announced an indefinite suspension of Idris without pay.

When contacted on Monday, Olofu, who declined to comment on Idris arrest, said that the delay in the sharing of this month’s allocations had affected most of the states of federation of meeting their obligations.

He stated, “We are holding FAAC meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, adding, ‘the delay has affected government activities.

“We have cash group plans at states, those cash group plans have not been met, so that has put in the cooler all plans of cash group and they have yet to be met including payment of salaries and capital expenditure because over 28 states in the country rely on federal allocation except Lagos and Rivers. In fact, no other states again, all other states depend on allocation,” Olofu said.

On his part, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance, Akin Oyebode, said the delay in the FAAC meeting brought to the fore the need to ensure fiscal federalism.

The commissioner, who said that Nigeria was producing less crude than OPEC quota and spending heavily on pipeline security and infrastructure, said, “Despite the huge spending on security, we are still unable to secure our pipelines, we can see heavy theft of crude oil, that should concern anyone.

“Despite significant investment in agriculture, agriculture is still growing at 3 per cent per annum. We should be asking questions about how do we invest in storage and irrigation which are the big drivers of productivity in agriculture, which is the mainstay of our economy. These are conversations we should be having.

“We should be having conversations about how do we decentralise our grid infrastructures, how do we put in the grids that we need to deepen and increase electricity generation. We need conversation around even fiscal federation – is the current revenue sharing formula the right one?

“Oil production has dropped to about 1.4 million barrels per day and we are spending hugely on subsidy. Not only are we earning less from crude, we are actually spending more to import refined products. At the end of the day, we are going to end up with the position that subsidy is simply not sustainable and something has to be done.

“, I think, in the spirit of fiscal federalism, the states should be given the choice whether or not they want the subsidy for the refined products being sold in their state.

The Delta State Government has said even though Federation Account Allocation A Committee (FAAC) does not hold its meeting, it will no affect Delta state finance.

The State Commissioner for Finance Mr. Fidelis Tilije, stated this on Monday in an interview with The PUNCH in Asaba, said that there will be FAAC meeting on Wednesday.

Commenting on the delayed FAAC meeting, A political economist and former presidential candidate, Prof Pat Utomi, urged States to create an environment for wealth creation rather than depend solely on the federal allocation.

He said, “States must focus more on creating the environment for wealth creation. If you go back to the late 50s and early 60s, most of the developments that took place in Nigeria are from the subnational governments. They collected the revenues, and send 50 per cent of it to the centre but the military ruined all of that.

“So, Nigeria became more focused on sharing revenues than on the fundamental way of governing, which is the production and taxing earned revenue. Whenever there is no revenue to share, the States are in complete trouble and they become bureaucracies that are unable to manage themselves because they are dependent.

“This is not the way they should function. I have in fact argued that local governments should be restructured as economic development areas rather than political drain pipes where a local government in Ogun will be struggling with the one in Oyo to offer better incentives for businesses to relocate so that they can benefit from the tax.”

A Professor of Economics at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof Sheriffdeen Tella, said that one of the reasons for the delay is likely the recent arrest and suspension of the Accountant-General.

He added that States should stop depending on the federal government and find a way to boost revenue.

Tella said, “I think the delay is caused by the action of the Accountant-General who stole money. He happens to be a major stakeholder in the meeting they are supposed to hold to decide on the allocation. It also exposes the States’ dependence on the Federal Government. That is not good enough because there is no State that cannot take care of itself if they are really working if the governors are thinking out of the box.”

He further said that this delay may lead to States being unable to pay salaries, adding that the States may also owe creditors and contractors, which may affect productivity levels.

“The major delay will be on salary payment. It would also be on paying their creditors and contractors. When this happens, it will likely affect productivity and reduce output,” Tella said.

NEC meeting fails to hold two consecutive months

He stated this as the National Economic Council chaired by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, failed to meet two consecutive months as most members, including contesting 2023 elections intensified their electioneering.

Impeccable sources close to council members who spoke to one of our correspondents anonymously affirmed that there has not been any sitting in April and May. More so, there were no prior announcements of suspension of NEC meetings.

According to the source, “Yes, there have been no meetings for two months now. Also, there was no official communication to members that the meeting won’t be held in the coming months.

“I believe everyone understands that this is an election season and they all moved on with their political activities.”

Punch

Women will be given equal opportunities as their male counterparts, says Amaechi.

Women will be given equal opportunities as their male counterparts, says Amaechi.

Abuja – Leading Presidential Aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said that if elected as the Nigerian President comes 2023, women will be given equal opportunities as men in his administration.
 According to the statement signed by RT Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi Media Office made available to Peionews, Amaechi stated this during his consultation visit to Benue, Gombe, and Katsina State.
 He said he doesn’t believe in the 35 percent affirmative action for women in politics because women are more competent and intelligent than men.
Amaechi, however, said that women delegates should get ready to vote him into power after he gets the party ticket. They should be rest assured that his administration would give women equal rights.
 “When we win, women will have equal opportunities as the men; there will not be 35 percent affirmative action for women. No, you are more intelligent than the men. Ask parents; if you have a boy and a girl, the girl develops faster than the boy and is more intelligent; eventually, the boy becomes the Oga of the house by tradition, not because he is more brilliant.
“Amina Mohammed was not selected because she was a woman; she earned it. Women are more qualified than men; whether you believe it or not, in our government, we will include women; just go and vote.
“We will give you opportunities like every other person in Nigeria to serve the country because you are equally qualified. So, there will be equal opportunities for both genders.”
 Speaking to the youths, he said that he became a Speaker at the age of 34yrs, stating that youths should join a party and be more active at the party level.
“I became a Speaker at the age of 34yrs, then there was no “Not too Young to Run Bill,” and I was given the opportunity, if youths are more committed at the party level, they will get more opportunities to serve,” he said.
 Various NGO and women groups had protested over denying women 35 percent affirmative action in party administration, leadership, and specific seats for women in the National Assembly.