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.



Boris Johnson Pictured Drinking at No 10 Lockdown Event by Ada Nkong

Boris Johnson Pictured Drinking at No 10 Lockdown Event by Ada Nkong

Boris Johnson has been pictured drinking at an event in Downing Street during lockdown.

ITV News has published four photos, saying they were taken on 13 November 2020 at a leaving do for the PM’s director of communications, Lee Cain.

The Metropolitan Police have issued fines relating to No 10 gatherings on that date.

A No 10 spokeswoman said the Cabinet Office and the police had had access to information, including photographs.

The BBC has been told that at least one person who attended has been fined by the police. Mr Johnson himself was not.
After the leaked pictures were published, Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner said the PM had “demeaned his office” and “the British people deserve better”.

She added: “Boris Johnson said repeatedly that he knew nothing about law-breaking – there’s no doubt now, he lied. Boris Johnson made the rules, and then broke them.”

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said the images show Mr Johnson “has taken the British people for fools” while the SNP’s Ian Blackford called him a “charlatan and a liar”
Source: BBC

Osaka knocked out in French Open first round by Anisimova

Japan’s Naomi Osaka crashed out of the French Open in a 7-5 6-4 first-round loss to American Amanda Anisimova on Monday.

This is coming a year after her dramatic withdrawal from the clay court Grand Slam tournament amid mental health issues.

Up against 27th seed Anisimova, four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka never looked comfortable on her least favourite surface as she struggled to control her powerful game.

The first three games all went against serve in a tense start but Anisimova held to go 3-1 ahead.

A backhand error by Anisimova allowed Osaka to level for 3-3, but a double-fault in the 11th game allowed Anisimova to move 6-5 up and she held serve to love to take the set.

Anisimova broke decisively for 4-3 in the second set as Osaka again double-faulted.

After a couple of match-points went begging, Anisimova finished it off with a stunning backhand winner down the line.

Osaka withdrew from the tournament in 2021 after boycotting post-match media duties for mental health reasons.

The Japanese at that time had revealed she had been suffering from depression for almost three years.

She returned to competitive tennis at the Tokyo Olympics after the saga cast a spotlight on players’ post-match media duties.

AC Milan win Serie A title after 11 years

AC Milan has completed its ascent back to the Serie A summit.

For the first time since 2010-11, the Rossoneri have been crowned Italian champions, outlasting rival and defending scudetto winner Inter Milan for the ’21-22 league trophy.

It has been a humbling decade for Milan, which has seen Juventus win nine straight titles before Inter ended a lengthy title drought last season. 

However, the red side of the San Siro is the one celebrating now, pulling even with Inter Milan for the second-most titles in Italian history, as both trail Juventus’s official tally of 36 with 19.

Manchester City Celebrates EPL Trophy into early hours of the Morning

It was celebration galore for Manchester City last night after emerging victorious for the Fourth time at the EPL.
City‘s celebrations continued long into the night after the incredible final day of the Premier League season saw them retain the title in a stunning fashion.

It appeared City were heading for a shock defeat at home against Aston Villa at 2-0 down with 14 minutes left to play, however City scored three goals in five minutes, with an Ilkay Gundogan brace and a Rodri strike, City  retained the Title at the Etihad Stadium at the expense of Liverpool.

According to Daily Mail, o celebrate their success after the final game of the season, City stars took to the Ivy restaurant in Manchester city centre where the first-team players, their WAGS and manager Pep Guardiola partied until 3am before leaving bleary eyed following the end of a gruelling campaign.
City manager Pep Guardiola said his side are “legends” after they secured their fourth Premier League title in five seasons.

This is Guardiola’s 11th trophy in six years since coming to England.

Liverpool won 3-1 at home to Wolves but that wasn’t enough to stop Manchester City defending their title.

The top two sides lost just five games between them in the league, all season.

City Forward Raheem Sterling, who spent three years at Liverpool, said Jurgen Klopp’s team had “pushed” City to achieve more success.

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.

Progess Emerges Winner of Nigerian Idol Season 7 by Ada Nkong

Progess Emerges Winner of Nigerian Idol Season 7 by Ada Nkong

The Nigerian Idol season 7 has been won by Progress .

He emerged at the Grand Finale which was broadcasted live onAfrica Magic stations on Sunday evening.

The host, IK Osakioduwa, announced Progress as winner after a close battle with Zadok.
The grand prize is worth N100m.

The top 12 contestants singing their hearts out on the live shows for several weeks to earn fan votes saw Progress and Zadok make it to finals.

D’banj and Simi, who are also judges for the show, performed on stage and thrilled the audience at the finals..

D’banj performed with the two finalists, while the season 6 winner, Kingdom Kroseide, performed with the other 10 finalists.
As the winner of the competition, Progress goes home with a cash prize of N30m, a brand new SUV, a Bigi-branded refrigerator and a year’s supply of Bigi drinks.
In addition,he gets to record an Extended Play album produced by a leading music producer in Nigeria and a music video, a weekend getaway from TravelBeta, and a DStv Explora fully installed with a 12 months premium subscription.

Roma Striker Tammy Abraham Breaks Serie A Record In Final League Game Of The Season with a Total of 17 Goals

Tammy Abraham wrapped up 1st season in Italy with 17 goals as AS Roma go into the Europa Conference League final with confidence after thrashing Torino 3-0.

Abraham left the Premier League to Serie A last summer, as he moved from Chelsea to join Jose Mourinho’s side, in a deal worth a reported £34 million.

Thomas Tuchel had dropped Abraham from the first XI when taking over from Frank Lampard in January 2021, and he was not in the squad for the Champions League final.

On Friday, Roma wrapped up their final game in the league with a 3-0 win over Torino, confirming their top six finish and a place in next season’s Europa League.

Abraham scored twice in the win, and his second goal, from the penalty spot, took his goal tally to 17, surpassing the record for most goals in a single Serie A season for an Englishman.

Speaking after the match, the 24-year-old spoke of his love for the club, saying, “I fell in love with this club on the first day and I’m always going to help the team as much as possible with my goals and assists.