Clement Nwabuko

Total Post: 253

I have what it takes to succeed Buhari as President – Lawan tells Niger delegates

I have what it takes to succeed Buhari as President – Lawan tells Niger delegates

Abuja – The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan said on Monday that he has all it takes to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari whose tenure comes to an end in May 2023.

“I am equipped. I have experience enough, I have what it takes to be Nigerian President after President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office,” Lawan said at Minna in Niger state while addresing the All Progressives Congress(APC) delegates from the state.

Lawan and his campaign team met the State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, the delegates to the upcoming APC Presidential primaries and later paid homage to the Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Farouq Bahago.

According to the statement released by Ahmad Lawan Presidential Campaign Organisation signed by Ola Awoniyi and made available to Peionews, Lawan solicited the votes of the delegates against the background of what he has to offer, his vast experience in governance and the stability that he brought to the parliament.

“For the last three years, I have been the Senate President. I have been able to work very well with all my colleagues regardless of their political parties.

“We have been able to make the Senate very stable, peaceful and very productive and today, we have been able to make so many laws because we are at peace.

“It is that type of stability, that type of peace, that kind of unity that I want to bring into the Villa by the Grace of God next year.

“I am running for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because of what I believe in. For me, mandate is service.

“Having served in the Legislature and having been working with Mr President as the Senate President, I therefore get close to governance, a very good participant in governance at the national level.

“I am equipped. I have experience enough, I have what it takes to be Nigerian President after President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office.

“At my age, and I’m a very young man. I’m only 63 years, in between the old and the new. I believe that I can carry the young. And the young is the centre piece of my policy.

“But first let me tell you what I want to do for us. Security. We all know that Niger state has been at the receiving end of insecurity and I know how hard our friend, our Governor has been working to secure the lives of the people of this state.

“The Federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has been doing a lot. We have conquered the Boko Haram in the north east. But we still have challenges in the northwest, in this part of north central.

“It is my intention to continue to work with our President to fight insecurity in every part of Nigeria until he finishes his tenure by the Grace of God on the 29th May, 2023.

“It is my intention to start to serve as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to build on the succeses that our President would achieve when he will leave office.

“I believe that we need to consider the architecture of our security system. I believe in citizens participation in security. You and I, report what you see to the relevant authourities.They say if you see something, say something. If you see bandits, inform the appropriate authourities.

“I want to see a situation where citizens who volunteer information are protected. I want to see a situation where our traditional rulers, the traditional Institutions play a role in securing our communities. They use to do it before. We can bring them back to do it. There is nothing more important to us today in Nigeria than security. That will be my priority.

“I also want to build on the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari on the economy of Nigeria. I believe that it is still not yet what we want but we are better than many countries.

“Finally, Niger state is an Agricultural state. I want a situation where at least every geo-political zone will have one crop that will be nurtured for production, for processing and for marketing.

“That is to say that it is not enough for us in Niger state to produce yam only. We should produce the yam, process the yam and sell with a higher value.I believe that this is one way to deal with the youth unemployment,” Lawan said.

In his response, Governor Sani Bello thanked the Senate President and his team for the visit.

“I think he has laid out his plans for Niger state for you delegates to consider. So that you give him your mandate to represent our party at the next presidential election.

“I don’t need to say much. You all heard when he started. He has been in the National Assembly since 1999. I don’t think anyone has broken that record yet in Nigeria,” Governor Bello said.

The Senate President was accompanied on the trip from Abuja by former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, Ambassador Sam Nkire, Navy Commodore Mohammed Barau, mni and Engineer Isa Ahmed.


Delegates Confirm Ortom As PDP Senatorial Candidate For Benue North-West

Delegates Confirm Ortom As PDP Senatorial Candidate For Benue North-West

Abuja – Delegates from the seven local government areas that make up Benue North West senatorial zone have endorsed Governor Samuel Ortom as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in next year’s general election.

The Governor was in March this year  endorsed as the sole PDP senatorial candidate by the stakeholders from the zone to contest the Senate seat.

Speaking to journalists shortly after he was declared winner by the returning officer for the election at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, Governor Ortom expressed appreciation to the people of the zone for always standing with him.

According to the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur made available to Peionews, Orrom said he was pleased to be given another opportunity to serve the state at the Senate at the expiration of his tenure as governor.

According to the Governor, the people of State, especially the people of Benue North-West, have demonstrated an  uncommon support to him, pointing out that “i have nothing to pay back than to remain their loyal servant, to give all to their service, ” Governor Ortom stated.

The Governor also pledged his commitment to continue doing his best in service to the people of the State, saying “The interest of the people will always be my priority.”

He commended the successes recorded in the conduct of the party’s primary elections into the State Assembly and House of Representatives, stressing that this was the result of the series of meetings and consultations that were held to guarantee the success of the primaries.

While commending the electoral panels for carrying out a diligent exercise, he noted that no aspirant who lost out protested  because the exercise was free and transparent.



2023 NASS Poll: Hon. Cornelius Nnaji Renominated PDP Candidate

2023 NASS Poll: Hon. Cornelius Nnaji Renominated PDP Candidate

Abuja – Honourable Prince Cornelius Nnaji has been renominated by his constituents to fly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag in the 2023 National Assembly election.

Honourable Nnaji who is currently the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Institutional Reforms and Freedom of Information, (FOI) represents Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in the Green Chambers of the National Assembly.

He polled 73 votes to defeat his opponent, Engineer George Ugwu who managed to secure 3 votes on Sunday’s PDP primary election

The wide margin according to the Chairman of Isi Uzo Local Government, Barrister Obiora Obeagu was a proof of the trust reposed on him by the people of Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency.

“We believe in his quality representation in the House and that’s why our people have overwhelmingly endorsed his recommendation”. Barrister Obeagu further stressed.

Honourable Nnaji within the last three and half years in the House of Representatives, has attracted several impactful projects to the benefits of his constituents.

He has also engaged several youths as personal staff who are handsomely remunerated directly from his earnings monthly.

Rep Nnaji has also assisted others to secure employments in public service while some have as well benefited from his empowerment programmes.

Honourable Nnaji who was emotionally touched by the overwhelming supports from his constituents promised to redouble his efforts if he eventually wins his return bid at the general election.

HON. NNAJI WINS PDP NOMINATION FOR NKANU EAST/WEST FED. CONSTITUENCY

HON. NNAJI WINS PDP NOMINATION FOR NKANU EAST/WEST FED. CONSTITUENCY

Honourable Nnolim Nnaji was on Sunday elected the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) flag bearer for Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency of Enugu State.

Honourable Nnaji who is currently the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation pulled a total of 78 Votes out of the 81 total Votes cast to clinch the ticket.

His main opponent Honourable Uche Nwobodo trailed with 3 votes thus making it obvious that Honourable Nnaji who had represented the Constituency from 2019 to date was overwhelmly endorsed by his constituents.
Hon Lawrence Ezeh who was also contesting for the seat had earlier stepped down for Honourable Nnolim Nnaji and asked his supporters to transfer their allegiance to him.

Honourable Eze had hinged his decision to step down for Honourable Nnaji on the premise that Honourable Nnaji had given the people of Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency a quality representation.

Honourable Nnaji who was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2019, has been very vibrant both at the plenary and Committee level.

His astute representations and determination to make an impact no doubt elevated him to the position of House Committee Chairman on Aviation.
Within his short stint as a first timer to the Green Chambers, Honourable Nnaji has been able to do so much to lift his constituents.

Apart from the monthly empowerment he does for the down trodden on a monthly basis, Honourable Nnaji has within the first four years in the parliament built several class room blocks and sponsored three private Bills one of which had gone through public hearing.

He has donated transformers, constructed roads and given scholarships to indigent constituents and provided employments for several others.

Honourable Nnaji however expressed appreciation to his people for the overwhelming endorsement promising to do more if he eventually wins the election to represent them.

He urged them not to rest on their oars as the battle ahead was still very stiff and tough adding that victory to him was just
a stepping stone for the race.

Foreign Airlines Should Engage Nigerians As Cabin and Tech Crew – Nnaji

Foreign Airlines Should Engage Nigerians As Cabin and Tech Crew – Nnaji

House of Representatives Committee on Aviation will audit the foreign airlines that are operating into the country to ascertain the number of Nigerians they employed as part of their cabin staff and technical crew (pilots and engineers).

The Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Nnolim Nnaji who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja said, ” the parliament would also be interested in finding out the percentage of their tickets that are sold by local travel agents and at what commission “.

Honourable Nnaji stated that the audit would be done through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) adding that, “if it is discovered that Nigeria is being shortchanged in any way we will not allow it”.

He noted that the country has been over generous to the airlines with unrestricted access to the Nigeria travel market which they must reciprocate by engaging indigenous pilots, engineers and licensed cabin crew into their technical staff.

“Most of the foreign airlines are granted multiple entries points into the country so as Representatives of the people we will be interested in knowing how such gestures reflect in our economy and labour force

“It is equally important that we know the percentage of their tickets that are sold by our local agents so that we ensure that what obtains in other climes are same here”. Honourable Nnaji further stressed.

The House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Aviation emphatically stated that if it was found out that the foreign airlines were not engaging Nigerians as part of their technical and cabin crew the committee would seek to correct it so that young Nigerian professionals could be employed.

NHRC Chairperson Commends Officers Of Kuje Correctional Service During 2022 Facility audit

Abuja – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended officers of Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command for the professional manner with which they interact and take care of the inmates, saying that such attitude will go a long way in reforming the character of those in the custodial facility.

The Chairperson of the NHRC Governing Council, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman who stated this when she led a delegation of the Commission on the 2022 Audit of the Custodial Centre, in Kuje, Abuja observed that the officers have made a difference by connecting to the concerns and needs of the inmates under their care.

The audit exercise which is nationwide was flagged off by the Chairperson Governing Council of the NHRC on the 12th of May, 2022 at the Nigerian Correctional Service Headquarters, Abuja.

The Chairperson who was visibly elated with the attitude of the workers towards the inmates noted that the impression an average Nigerian allegedly has about those in uniform is the application of force, adding that it is not the case with Kuje Correctional Service, “but here there is mutual respect between the officers and the inmates which is good for the entire system”.

Earlier, top officers of Kuje Correctional Service took the visiting team of the NHRC round the different segments of the facility, including health centre, kitchen, recreation center, cells, skills/vocation centre, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study centre and places of worship for the inmates, etc.

The Deputy Controller Corrections In-Charge of Kuje, FCT Command, Ibrahim Shehu told the Chairperson and her team that the Correctional Centre was built in 1989 with 560 capacity but now habours 926 inmates.

Continuing, the Deputy Controller stated that inmates that are awaiting trial are 740 while the number of convicts and lifers are 186 and 28 respectively.

Throwing more light on some of the vital statistics of the Kuje Correctional Service, he said that inmates in the facility are between 18 years and above, while the cost of feeding per inmate is N750 daily as against N450 previously.

On some of their major challenges, the top Corrections Officer disclosed that they do not have enough office accomodation and that they occasionally experience logistical problems leading to delay in conveying inmates to the courts in FCT, which according to him are usually sorted out eventually.

The audit exercise is carried out annually on all Correctional Service facilities and other places of detention to ensure that they are operated in line with the international best practices.
The 2022 exercise is taking place simultaneously across the states of the Federation.

Deborah Samuel: IPCR Sues for Peace, Condemns Killing.

Deborah Samuel: IPCR Sues for Peace, Condemns Killing.

… Calls on relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to book to serve as deterrent to others

Abuja – The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) condemns the killing of Deborah Samuel, a student of College of Education, Sokoto, on Thursday 12 May, 2022 over alleged blasphemous statement against the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

The IPCR calls for calm and sues for peaceful co-existence among citizens, stressing that we are brothers and sisters and as such should be living together as siblings devoid of violence and hate.

Commending the Sokoto State Government for measures already taken to address the situation, the Institute calls on the state government not to relent or relax its efforts to ensure peace is restored in the state.

The Institute further appeals for tolerance, as that is the only way peaceful co-existence and harmony can be guaranteed, noting that the country has gone through several challenges and in this period of electioneering, what Nigeria need more is tolerance and peace if the nation must move forward.

The Director-General, Dr. Bakut Bakut, emphasizes that all hands must be on deck to assist the nation to achieve its desired peace. Nigeria cannot afford another difficult circumstance that will further strain the nation’s fragile security situation.

The Director-General cautions promoters of hate and violence to desist from such as Nigeria is not known for fighting inter-religious war. He calls on all relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to book to serve as deterrent to others, who may want to toe such criminal and violent paths.

Deborah Samur: Bring Killers Of Female Student In Sokoto To Book – NHRC Charges Security Agencies

Deborah Samur: Bring Killers Of Female Student In Sokoto To Book – NHRC Charges Security Agencies

… Says no law in the world justifies the killing of any person without due process of the law

Abuja – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned the killing of a second year student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Ms Deborah Samuel over alleged blasphemy.

The Governing Council of the Commission while reacting to the killing said that there is no law, either secular or religious in a democratic society, anywhere in the world that justifies the killing of any person without due process of the law.

The Governing Council of the Commission, while urging all persons to exercise tolerance over religious matters also tasked the relevant authorities particularly the Police to thoroughly investigate and prosecute the culprits who have been reportedly arrested as well as put necessary mechanisms in place to effect the arrest of every other person allegedly involved in the gruesome murder, with a view to bringing all perpetrators to book and preventing future occurrence. It stated that the consequence of inaction now by the law enforcement agencies could lead to a recurrence In the near future.

“The Commission used the opportunity to condemn all acts of religious extremism in the country and appeals to all parties in this matter as well as the concerned public to remain calm even in the face of this provocative and dastardly act, while awaiting the report of the Police investigation into the incident, adding that two wrongs cannot make a right”

Lastly, the Council expressed it’s heartfelt condolences to the family of the late victim, Deborah and other families who had lost their loved ones under similar conditions, assuring them that the Commission will work with relevant bodies to ensure that justice is served in such cases.

Sack Ministers For Withdrawal Of Resignation – NEBPRIL Tells Buhari

Sack Ministers For Withdrawal Of Resignation – NEBPRIL Tells Buhari

Abuja – Network for Best Practice and Integrity in Leadership (NEBPRIL), has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack all political appointees who declared intention to leave his government on account of 2023 political ambitions, in order to avoid unnecessary distractions and conflict of interest in the remaining days of his administration.

NEBPRIL described the withdrawal of resignation letters by some ministers who had earlier resigned from the cabinet to pursue political aspirations as unethical, deceitful and self-serving.

It said further that President Buhari should be wary of such characters and intent of those appointees, as their decision to remain in his government in such controversial circumstances, may not be borne out of patriotism or a true desire to serve, but a deceitful ploy to pursue self interest that might hurt the integrity and productivity of the government.

The group commended the President for the courage to ask those that wanted to contest the coming 2023 elections to leave his government before May 16, 2022, a directive that subsequently forced many of the appointees who had been grandstanding that they were at Liberty to keep their appointments while still junketing about in pursuit of their political ambitions, to resign last week.

In a statement by NEBPRIL in Abuja, on Sunday, May 15, 2022, signed by its Chairman, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, a former member of the House of Representatives, the civil society group reiterated that it was sheer deceit for public officials to play hanky panky with their otherwise positions of trust.

“The earlier refusal to resign, or the selfish and shameless withdrawal of resignation and recanting of political ambitions by some of the ministers and other appointees, do not only offend the sensibilities of the people, it’s also a clear violation of the provisions of the Nigerian constitution. And this must not be allowed to stand, as it would amount to enabling unethical practice, bad behavior and impunity in our democracy and governance in Nigeria.

“Section 306 (2) of the Constitution stipulates that ‘The resignation of any person from any office established by this Constitution shall take effect when the writing signifying the resignation is received by the authority or person to whom it is addressed or by any person authorised by that authority or person to receive it.’

“So, until the affected ministers are reappointed by the President as required by section 147 of the Constitution, and their names submitted to the Senate for fresh screening and confirmation, they remain impostors and should not carry out any responsibility on behalf of government. That’s the law and we must learn to obey and protect our laws in order to deepen our democracy.”

Ogene queried: “What did the affected ministers leave in government that they want to go back to fetch? Are they recanting their political ambitions based on conviction, or is this a ploy to recoup the huge political expenses they had incurred, as many of them had already distributed branded exotic cars to oil the wheels of their aborted political aspirations? Some others have coerced kith and kin, captains of industry and desperate political contractors to raise funds, ostensibly in pursuit of their wilfully terminated aspiration.

“Would it not be tantamount to grand advance fee fraud, to deceitfully take money from hapless citizens, when they knew, ab initio, that they won’t run a full race?

“Do they consider the sensibilities of the people who their actions may be offensive to, or do we take it that they don’t care about public perception of themselves and the government they serve?

“We think it’s high time government appointees stopped taking Nigerians for granted,” NEBPRIL said.

Taraba: APC swears in four new LG party Chairmen

Taraba: APC swears in four new LG party Chairmen

Abuja – The Taraba state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi has sworn in and inaugurated four party local government Chairmen for Takum, Ussa, Ibi and Wukari local government areas of the state.

El-Sudi who supervised the oath taking and inauguration of the officials at the party secretariat in Jalingo noted that he was following the directives given to him by the national secretariat of the party.

He said that following the inauguration of the new officials, those who were previously elected and sworn in and replaced and could no longer parade themselves as party officials.

“In a bid to correct the anomaly that ensued at our national convention, I wrote to the national secretariat to seek for the authentic list of delegates from the National secretariat. The national secretariat gave me a list of new people from these four local government areas and I am obliged to work with them.

“I will have to swear them in as demanded by our constitution. Whoever is not comfortable with this should please lias with the national secretariat for clarification. I am only following the order given to me” he said.