Politics
Presidency: Udom promises to revive economy, create wealth, employment
Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State has indicated he wants to be President of Nigeria in 2023, to revive the economy and create wealth and job opportunities for Nigerians.
He said due to the existing vacuum between the older and the younger generation, he felt challenged to offer himself for service to rescue and restore the country to its past glory.
Udom gave the indication on Saturday in Jos while on a consultation visit to the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State on his 2023 presidential aspiration
He explained that his decision to start his consultation from Jos was deliberate, stating that it will enable his campaign to flow seamlessly from there to other parts of the North.
The Akwa Ibom Governor decried the collapse of infrastructure across the country, adding that it is taking its toll in a negative manner on the economy and well-being of Nigerians.
He expressed regrets over the collapse and relocation of many industries from Nigeria, a development which he said has compounded the economic woes of the country.
According to him, he will perform better at the national level having put up an outstanding performance as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
The Presidential aspirant listed coconut and it’s bye products, which Akwa Ibom is working on to export and earn foreign exchange as one of the major achievements of his administration.
“Akwa Ibom is producing and exporting syringes.
“Akwa Ibom runs the most efficient airline in Nigeria, which Nigeria as a country has not been able to do. And no nation can develop without a national carrier.
“As industries are packing up in other parts of the country, I can list at least 22 industries springing up in Akwa Ibom.
“The best flour is produced in Akwa Ibom,” he added.
According to him the country is more divided today along religious and tribal lines that ever before in the history of the country saying that he has built enough bridges across the Niger to reverse the situation and ensure a cohesive and prosperous nation.
“The new generation of Nigerians we yearn after will be made possible by me.
“We flare gas, yet we have power problems. I have the ideas and will initiate policies that will solve our power problems.
“I understand the language of investors. I will attract them to rescue and restore Nigeria,” he promised.
He reiterated the need to “link hindsight with hindsight and then foresight” to solve the power problem and other problems militating against the country.
Going down memory lane, he recounted how Jos was the place to be but lamented that insecurity has changed all of that.
Udom said he has the answer with the right policies and right people in place to restore a lasting peace to Jos and other parts of Plateau State when he becomes the President .
“God is looking for someone to partner with, I believe someone like me is ready for that partnership,” he said.
Responding, former Governor
Jonah Jang advised the national leadership of the PDP to zone the presidency to the South.
He said PDP’s headache would have been substantially reduced if that had been done since.
Jang congratulated Udom for taking the bold step to come forward.
He hinted that he too had offered himself for service as president in the past, observing that the situation now is worse.
Despite that, he advised that
the country must continue to uphold democracy.
“I am a strong believer in democracy but, unfortunately,
the wrong people kept coming
into office.
“I saw so many things going wrong and believe the problems are not insurmountable.
“I cannot see how Buhari can sleep with his eyes closed with the killings around, hijacking trains and nothing being done?
“The soldiers of our own days would not have tolerated this.
“We need to take over the nation first. How do you repair the economy with the nonsense going on?
“It is God that anoint president. It is not by power or by might,” he said and then pleaded that the PDP Constitution be respected.
“Zone the presidency to the South. President Buhari is finishing two terms of eight years, ” he added.
Earlier, a former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam had introduced Udom to Jang and other leaders and delegates of the PDP in the state.
He described Jang as father of PDP in Plateau State and the only person who had been governor in three different states: Gongola, Plateau and Benue.
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.”
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News10 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu