Politics
Kogi Guber race: Faleke’s sudden withdrawal shocks followers
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
SUDDEN withdrawal of Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, member of the House of Representatives, from Kogi State governorship race has shocked his followers who had earlier shelve their ambitions for him to clinch the ticket.
A Frontline member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajia Hadiza Ibrahim disclosed this at a Press Conference on Monday in Lokoja.
Hajia Hadiza said she had genuine desire to provide a people-oriented leadership and had the ambition to contest the governorship seat of the state as she had done in 2015 and 2019.
“You will recall that I have been in the race for the esteemed seat of Governor of Kogi State from 2015 to 2019 for which I participated in the primaries.
“In 2023, I have also been in the race for the Governorship of Kogi State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but had to shelve it to better the chances for Rt. Hon. Faleke.
“My ambition is borne out of the genuine desire to provide a people-oriented leadership that will ensure the provision of the needed gains of democracy to our people in line with their wishes and aspirations.
“However, I reasoned that that desire can only be attained when it is not in conflict with my political leader, Hon. James Faleke, who is my political mentor and teacher.
“Having worked so closely with him on the political front for years, I consider it an affront to be in the same contest with him. A student cannot know more than the teacher”, she said.
Hajia Hadiza therefore expressed shock that Rt. Hon Faleke, Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman, House committee on Finance withdrew from the Kogi governorship race without the faintest inkling of his supporters.
“To my surprise, I got to know this morning that Faleke has withdrawn. I won’t have stepped aside if I knew he was withdrawing. My people love me and I have no cause not to be in the race”, she asserted.
Hajia Hadiza, flanked by some other members of the party, however, called on the party to extend the sale of Nomination and Expression of Intent Forms for the party’s April Governorship Primaries to enable her join the race.
“If they can extend the date, I will pick my forms and join the race”, she said. (Ends)
Politics
Kogi State PDP applauds Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s milestone in office
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has celebrated the achievements of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as she marks her one-year anniversary in office. The party praised her dedication to transformative leadership and her efforts to uplift the lives of her constituents.
In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Tijani Umoru, the PDP highlighted Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s commitment to good governance and the delivery of democratic dividends.
“Senator Natasha exemplifies the values of the PDP through her dedication to the welfare and development of her people,” said Tijani. “In just one year, her work has shown how effective representation can positively impact the lives of her constituents.”
Tijani described her as a “distinguished leader” who has brought meaningful changes to the Kogi Senatorial Zone. He noted that her service has reaffirmed the PDP’s role as a driver of progress and prosperity in Kogi State, adding that her leadership promises a new era of development for the entire state.
The party also expressed its confidence that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts will continue to foster hope and progress across communities, reinforcing the party’s vision for a brighter future.
The PDP concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and good governance, as well as its belief in a prosperous future for Kogi State under its leadership.
Politics
Atiku Abubakar outlines what he would have done for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms
***Calls for Strategic Planning and Empathy
Former Vice President of Nigeria and 2023 Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Atiku Abubakar has shared his vision for a reformed Nigerian economy, detailing what he would have done differently to address the country’s current economic challenges.
Responding to public interest in his approach, Abubakar outlined a detailed strategy focused on economic stability, institutional reforms, and social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking through his chief spokesperson Mr. Paul Ibe, the former vice President emphasized the need for better planning and strategic reform implementation.
“Rather than focusing on me, Nigerians should be asking what President Tinubu can do now to alleviate the pain caused by his economic policies,” he stated. However, he expressed hope that some of his ideas might inspire solutions for Nigeria’s economic struggles.
Reeling out his strategy that included Comprehensive Economic Planning and Sequencing of Reforms, Abubakar underscored the importance of a well-coordinated reform strategy.
He argued that implementing major fiscal changes, such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, all at once was too abrupt for Nigeria’s economic environment. “We would have sequenced our reforms to achieve fiscal and monetary alignment and avoid overwhelming the economy,” he explained.
He also dwelled on the need for transparent communication and public engagement highlighting the need for open communication with the public, stressing that public trust is essential for successful reforms. “Transparent communication with the public is essential to build public trust, which is important to ensure that citizens understand what the government is doing,” he said.
“One of Abubakar’s priorities would have been to establish robust social protection programs to shield low-income Nigerians from the impact of economic reforms. “Our reforms would have a human face,” he stated, outlining plans for a social safety net that would provide financial support and economic opportunities for the most vulnerable.
On specific Measures to Boost Economic Development Abubakar proposed the creation of $10b Economic Stimulus Fund to support small businesses across Nigeria.
The fund, he said, would empower MSMEs and support youth employment through targeted skills-to-job programs.
Abubakar’s plan included creation of an Infrastructure Development Unit directly under the presidency to coordinate infrastructure projects across the country.
“The IDU would work with ministries to oversee a $25 billion Infrastructure Development Fund to speed up projects in transportation, energy, and communication.
“To address Nigeria’s currency challenges, Abubakar advocated for a managed-floating exchange rate, rather than a fully flexible rate.
He argued that such an approach would help maintain currency stability while avoiding the pitfalls of a fixed rate system.
Abubakar reiterated his stance on subsidy removal, arguing for a gradual, phased approach that would allow the economy to adjust. He proposed reinvesting the funds saved into healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure, while increasing domestic refining capacity to reduce dependency on fuel imports.
In conclusion, Abubakar expressed hope that President Tinubu’s administration would consider some of these ideas to address the nation’s economic issues, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve leadership that prioritizes their well-being. “I believe that our sacrificial investments today will form the foundation for tomorrow’s development strides,” he said, affirming his commitment to a vision of “a New Nigeria.”
Culled from Everyday.ng
Politics
Obi Congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump, Hails Democratic Process
The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has sent a message of congratulations to Donald Trump on his recent election as the 47th President of the United States.
In a statement by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POM Spokesman Ibrahim Umar Obi expressed hope that Trump’s victory would serve to strengthen democracy worldwide and foster greater peace and stability across the globe.
He commended both American electoral officials and the citizens for their role in ensuring a successful election process.
“Your victory is a testament to the resilience of democracy and the collective voice of the people,” Obi stated. “We look forward to seeing how your leadership will contribute to deepening democratic values and promoting peace.”
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