Politics
Lawan joins presidential race, picks APC 100m nomination forms
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has joined the crowd of aspirants jostling to pick the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket to fly the party’s flag in 2023 general election
Lawan said his main objective of seeking to be President is to improve on President Muhammadu Buhari’s achievements.
Surrounded by Deputy President of the Senate, Omo-Agege, chairman of Senate’s Committee on Appropriation, Jibril Barau, Senator Sabi Abdullahi and a host of others, Lawan expressed the belief that he would win the presidential primary election of his party and move ahead to win the general election next year.
The nomination form was obtained on his behalf from the APC earlier by a group of supporters led by Sam Nkire.
Nkire had told reporters that his group had the approval of Lawan to obtain the form.
“We are not here on our own, we have his backing. Even though friends and brothers contributed to purchase this form for him but he has given us the go ahead”, said Nkire.
He said there was nothing wrong for the APC to pick its presidential candidate from the North if the PDP did so.
Lawan in his acceptance speech said,
“Over the last seven years, we have been participants in the administration of our country at the national level of All Progressive Congress, APC. Our President, Muhammadu Buhari will be completing his tenure on May 29, 2023.
“I want to pay special tribute to what the President and APC administration have done so far for the development of our country.
“I have listened to various calls from all parts of our dear nation, Nigeria for me to show interest to run for the office of the president of Nigeria.
“I took my time to pray to almighty God to guide me. I took my time to consult very widely Nigerians from all parts of the country to ensure that I get the understanding of the citizens of this country on whose behalf we will by the grace of God win the election and run the administration.
“Nigeria needs to be taken to th next level, we know what we have been able to achieve as an administration and as a political party and we know where we are supposed to take this level to eventually.
“I want to commit myself to this call and to this movement of Nigerians from all works of life, rich, poor,North, South, East, West, Male, female, young and old. This is not my journey it is our journey.
“This is our journey because every hand must be on deck for us to achieve exactly what we need to achieve”
He said though he is joining the race lately and the field is already full of other aspirants, “I want to at this point assure Nigerians that the APC is a very beautiful bride and that is why we have many aspirants.
“I will play the game by the rules. I am not going to circumvent any rule, I am going to respect my party and listen to the leaders of this party because that is our platform in the first place.”
He however indicated that he will spare no moment going from door to door to ensure that he get the votes when the national convention to elect the presidential candidate for our party will hold.
“I place my trust fully, totally and completely in the Almighty God that he will bless us, bless this movement and this journey.”
He also appealed to all Nigerians that they are seriously committed to taking Nigeria to the next level from where it is today or where it will be from the 29th of may 2023.
“It will be at a very solid point then only needing to be improved and consolidated.”
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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