By Kingsley Okoye

A House of Representatives candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Eti Osa Federal constituency, Lagos State, Femi Oladehin, has urged Nigerians to vote for credible candidates who can deliver results.

Oladehin made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, ahead of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.

“Nigerians should look beyond the narrative that politics is reserved for the dirty-minded, ” he said.

The seasoned investment banker said he was running to deliver “purposeful representation” for the people of Eti Osa constituency.

According to him, after years of failed promises, Eti Osa deserved a candidate who will focus on the constituency’s needs and attract increased federal presence.

Oladehin said he joined politics to make the difference from the current crop of leaders in the country.

“The more candidates who can impact the lives of the people stay away from politics, the worse it becomes with our current crop of leaders.

“I threw my hat into the mix because I do not want to sit back quietly and let incompetent people ruin the country.

“We keep saying politics is a dirty game, but the guy who makes a decision is a politician. You can build the best business in Nigeria, and a bad government policy can destroy that business overnight.

“Politics is dirty, depending on how you play it. But we must change the narrative that says that politics is for dirty-minded people.”

Oladehin stressed that his vision for the people was better than his opponents, and that he would work tirelessly to ensure that the government implemented policies that would benefit the people.

He emphasised that he was the candidate to vote for if people wanted someone who would serve their interest and ensure real empowerment, rather than giving out money or JAMB forms for their kids without any real empowerment.

“I have been in the private sector for 32 years, and I hope that people will say that I didn’t use the time to enrich myself undeservingly. I focus on results and try to make sure the results speak.”

He added that his choice of running under the flag of the ADC was rooted in his preference for progressive politics.

Oladehin noted that politics should be seen as the platform for making important decisions that affected people’s lives and businesses.

“I have always had a thing for progressives, and I chose the ADC because it has not been tainted with corruption like the two major parties in Nigeria.

“There is no way you’ll emerge from that process of those two parties without you being tainted by their dirty politics.

“Eti Osa is regarded as a major economic corridor in Lagos and Nigeria.

“So, my goal is to sponsor laws that increase federal presence in Eti Osa and improve the deployment of federal resources to the development of the constituency and protection of the interests of youths, women, and vulnerable members of society.

“We must nurture and protect the digital economy to create jobs for our youths.

“We must also develop Federal Government-funded technology hubs that will provide gainful opportunities for people. This is one of my focus areas for the Eti Osa federal constituency,” Oladehin said.

According to him, politicians need to change the mentality that it is the turn of anybody to occupy leadership under democracy, and allow the best candidate to emerge and lay the foundation for a Nigeria which everybody will be proud of. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Prof. Razaq Abubakre

By Razak Owolabi

Prof. Razaq Abubakre, former Vice-Chancellor, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin says Nigeria needs a strategic leader like Sen. Bola Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate, in these turbulent times.

Abubakre, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja said that among other things, Tinubu had a strategic outlook on the unity of Nigeria.

He said the presidential candidate knows the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s diverse cultures and regional comparative advantage for sustainable development.

The former Vice-Chancellor said that as a principled leader, Tinubu was the only political candidate that has been consistent.

Abubakre added that the presidential candidate also has a cosmopolitan outlook.

“Tinubu is the only primary contestant among the top four candidates who had worked for global multinational firms such as Deloitte in the USA and Exon Mobil in Nigeria.

“Tinubu’s transferable skillsets from his work at renowned multinational companies include his appreciation and pedigree in championing processes, good governance, efficiency and effectiveness required to transform Nigeria for the better.

“This had helped him to be prepared for the leadership requirements of being a successful President of a diverse Nigeria; for example, Tinubu appreciates the power of equity, inclusivity and diversity,” he said.

Abubakre said that through Tinubu’s strategic leadership, he will unlock win-win public-private partnerships for innovative solutions to Nigeria’s many challenges.

He said Tinubu has a unique track record of always being ahead of his time; for example, via his decision to invest Lagos State government resources in Econet which he said has multiplied many folds in return on investment for the state.

Abubakre also praised the presidential candidate for the commencement of development of the light rail project and electricity projects when he was the governor of Lagos State.

On Tinubu’s consistency he said he had never decamped from his political party and did not sell out to former President Obasanjo when the pressure was on.

“He also did not compromise in 1993 after MKO’s mandate was usurped when many others sold out to Abacha by taking up political positions in his cabinet.

“On the contrary, he put his life on the line and fought for the enshrinement of democracy in the latter and the separation of powers (federal and state) for the former.

“Indeed, as narrated by Governor Wike of Rivers State, Tinubu stood his ground with his unalloyed support for President Buhari’s second term bid despite the irresistible entreaties from the opposition camp in 2019,” the emeritus professor said.

He said Tinubu is an idea whose time has come and if elected president of Nigeria, will activate his global network to address Nigeria’s hydra-headed challenges.

Abubakre said some of the challenges Nigeria faces that Tinubu can address include unemployment, weak institutions, limited infrastructure, low government revenue, high cost of business operations and Nigeria’s poor reputation globally.

He said that for example, he can inspire Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute more to nation-building.

“As he did in Lagos through his 25 years of the infrastructural development plan, he and his team can develop a Marshal plan that will be the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialisation and development of the country’s competitive and comparative advantage.

“As he has done with his support for the Lagos – Kebbi Rice project synergy at Imota, he will help unlock scarce value e.g. via a better supply chain for business.

“This is by unleashing the exponential continental benefits of the African Free Trade Continental Agreement to harness symbiotic synergies across the African continent and for the benefit of Nigeria and the world,” Abubakre said.

He said Tinubu will create the enabling environment to encourage and leverage the power of Nigerian youths to position Nigeria as the regional ICT powerhouse.

Abubakre said the presidential candidate will do this by equipping the youths with the skillsets and creating an ecosystem for them to thrive more in the Internet of Things, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Metaverse and Quantum Computing areas.

He asserted that Tinubu will create an enabling environment for Nigerians to demonstrate their world-acclaimed excellence in the field of learning, hard work, dexterity and tested leadership in the community of nations.

“Tinubu, despite his age and because of previous landmarks and erudition in administration, could win the presidential poll of a developed country.

“Just like Barrack Obama did in the USA or just like Rishi Sunak in the UK, purely on his merit resting on his trajectory,” the former Vice Chancellor added.

Prof. Razaq Abubakre, an indigene of Osun State was also a former Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission.

He has a First Class degree from the University of Ibadan and was a Commonwealth scholar for his doctorate, which he bagged at SOAS, University of London.

Abubakre was the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria’s (MSSN) national president from 1974-1975.

His achievement includes the construction of the MSSN Secretariat in Ilorin, uniting the Muslim students and fostering better cooperation with the Christians. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Kelechi Ogunleye

West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has sensitised Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on electoral activities.

WACSOF National Coordinator, Mr David Olatunji, addressing IDPs at Durumi areain Abuja, said that the programme was structured to encourage youths to come out en-masse to vote for their preferred presidential candidate.

Olatunji advised the residents, who he described as violence-prone people, to avoid being used as tools by politicians to disrupt the electoral process.

“We know that people will come with their money and resources to bribe the less-privileged and uneducated ones to influence their choice of votes, hence the need for this sensitisation,” he said.

According to him, Durumi and Area 1 of the FCT are hot spot areas, based on past experiences during elections.

“We have youth representatives from Area 1 and nearby communities here and hope they serve as ambassadors to promote peace as that’s what we seek to achieve during this programme,” he said.

Mr Oluwasegun Oyedijo, WACSOF Youth Team Lead, said that there was the need to sensitise those at the grassroots on how to properly vote.

“We have decided not to stay in the heart of town for this sensitisation but to come to the grassroots to ensure they shun violence.

“It is wrong for someone to be used negatively as long as election is concerned, so we expect them to be positive and embrace peace,” he said.

Oyedijo educated the participants on the right finger to use in voting as he urged them to vote for the candidate of their choice with the aim of having a better Nigeria.

An IDP, Thomas Yakubu, said that the programme has educated participants on the right finger to use in voting.

Yakubu said that many were unaware of the voting process but knew that all they needed to vote was their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

“We have been advised to vote freely for those we want to lead us as a nation.

“Most people know who they want to vote for in their minds, so we will stay away from trouble during the election,” he said.

Gloria Isah, a resident at the camp, said that she is sure that the turnout for this year’s election would be massive.

Isah said that the major topic of discussion within her community was how determined everyone was to exercise their voting rights.

She said that the sensitisation programme was apt to avoid violence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Vincent Obi

By Alex Enebeli

Frank Nweke Jr, the governorship candidate of APGA in Enugu state, on Tuesday promised the complete handover of mission schools to their respective churches for effective management.

Nweke said this during the interactive session for candidates in Enugu organised by the Politics Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu and the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC).

The session took place at the Holy Ghost Cathedral Enugu and hosted by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship, C.V.C. Onaga.

According to Onaga, the session is the latest in a series of engagements with the party candidates organised by the church to educate their members on political matters.

Nweke noted that schools performed better under the administration of the churches, adding that his administration would ensure that the best education was provided to children in the state.

He stated that the partnership would encompass the provision of financial resources needed for the running of the schools, teachers training and welfare and the development of effective curriculum.

Going further, he declared that free and compulsory Primary education would be a priority for his administration across the state as it is the foundation of all learning.

On the welfare of teachers and other personnel in the sector, Nweke said he would sustain prompt payment of salaries and the introduction of benefits to attract high performing individuals to the profession.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has enjoined Nigerians to be patriotic, peaceful and display true sportsmanship as they exercise their civic rights to vote.

Jonathan made the call in a message to Nigerians released by Mr Ikechukwu Eze, his Communications and Public Affairs Adviser, in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that in recent times, West Africa and a few other nations in the continent have witnessed a crisis of democracy that led to unconstitutional change of governments, which derailed their democratic quest for peace and development.

He said that NIgerians must not allow elections to be a source of violence and anarchy.

“We must desist from the temptation of yielding to those desirous of making our communities and states, theatres of conflicts for their selfish ends.

“Let us realise that the primary purpose of democracy is to uphold the freedom and dignity of citizens and deploy the instruments of governance toward advancing and improving the well-being of our people.

“We should strive to consolidate the gains we have recorded in our democracy in the last two decades by ensuring that the elections are peaceful, just, and fair,” Jonathan said.

He also urged politicians to eschew hatred and violence, be circumspect in their actions and work towards consolidating the nation’s democracy.

“Power is sought and held in trust to be selflessly exercised in the interest of the people and seeking it at all costs negates this ideal and projects politicians in a bad light.

“Let us eschew hatred and violence and display true sportsmanship, during and after the poll.”

Jonathan, who said that the future belong to the youth, advised them not allow themselves to be used as agents of destruction and violence.

“This election provides you with the opportunity to be key partners in the nation-building process by electing leaders of your choice.

“Those you can hold to account, those you trust to defend your future and guarantee unity, peace, and prosperity in our great country.”

The former president said that 2023 election means so much to all the citizens, describing it as a moment of truth and courage.

“Democracy has put our fate in our hands. It has given us power, the power to make the right choices, determine our future, and shape our destiny.

“I urge you all to make your respective choices in the best interest of our land. Let us make our choices peacefully and respect the choices and rights of others.”

Jonathan also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other critical stakeholders to be professional, civil, and non-partisan as they carry out their duties during the election.

“This way, we can deepen citizens’ faith in our democratic process and minimize the likelihood of electoral violence,” Jonathan said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Angela Atabo

Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF),has tasked Nigerian politicians to uphold the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process toward a credible 2023 general election.

Dr Arome Salifu, the Executive Director AYGF said this at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

“The foundation believes that credible elections are a fundamental requirement for strong democratic governance and respect for human rights which are critical for sustainable development and lasting peace,” Salifu said.

He called on security agencies saddled with the responsibility of securing the country to intensify effort and do more to make the entire electoral process safe for voters, candidates, observers , media, and electoral officers.

He however, said that a peaceful, and credible election was not entirely the task of security agencies alone.

” INEC, political actors, and other stakeholders have a part to play; INEC must be seen as an umpire indeed and must ensure neutrality, credibility, and acceptability of the electoral process and it outcome.

“For the politicians, they ultimately desire to win the elections, they must do so within the annbiance of the law.

“The promotion political violence and the spread of disinformation and misinformation, including vote buying, hate speeches, and unguarded statements are capable of undermining the democratic process, public peace, and harmony.

“In few days to the end of the campaign ,politicians and their followers must promote their messages with a very high degree of responsibility toward ensuring that the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process is guaranteed,” Salifu said.

He urged them to eschew violence and avoid all forms of incitement incitement as tools for mobilsing and canvassing for votes.

Salifu said that Nigeria was faced with a pandemic of security threats across the six geopolitical zones, saying that credible, peaceful, and conclusive election would help to resolve the myriad of problems faced by the large population of youths and other citizens.

“Evidence has shown that a failed election could be detrimental to Nigeria and the West African countries.

“It is on this premise, we are hosting this press conference to draw the attention of critical stakeholders to the need to conduct a credible, peaceful, and conclusive general election.

“The global communities’ attention is on Nigeria as 93.4 million registered voters are expected to vote on Feb. 25 and March 11,” he said.

Salifu said that the 2023 general election was an opportunity for citizens to choose a leader with solid determination to steer the direction of the country.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efforts toward deepen democratic governance through transparent elections via its reforms.

He said the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the result viewing portal have implications for promoting transparency and trust in the electoral process.

Salifu called on youths and the citizens in general to remain ready, peaceful and desist from vote selling,urging them to be resolute to participate in the polls and vote for the growth and development of Nigeria.

“It is also imperative to call on the security agencies saddled with the responsibility of securing the country to intensify effort and do more to make the entire electoral process safe for voters, candidates, observers , media, and electoral officers,” he said.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

By Stephen Adeleye

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi, on Tuesday said a total of 1.6 million Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) have been issued to their owners in the state.

Briefing journalists on the commission’s preparations ahead of Saturday’s general elections, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi, Dr Hale Gabriel Longpet, said that the 1.6 million eligible voters were out of the 1.9 million residents who registered to vote in the election.

Lonpet said that the 1.6 million voters represent 84 per cent of the registered population in the state.

The REC commended the electorate in Kogi for their enthusiasm in coming out to collect their PVCs, and urged them to come out en mass to cast their votes on the elections dates.

“As part of our preparedness for the elections, we have so far collected 3,508 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which have been configured to be used in all the 3,508 Polling Units across the state.

“We have also received additional 282 backups BVAS to be used in case of any eventuality during the elections.

“It will interest you to know that we used some of the BVAS to conduct the recent Mock Accreditation exercise in the state to test the integrity of the BVAS, and they gave us excellent results.

“Except for a few cases were issues of the machine not recognising finger prints of some farmers was experienced , but by simply using Methylated Spirit solved it.

“One good thing about the BVAS is that it will help improve the transparency of election results and increase public confidence in electoral outcomes in the 2023 elections, ” he assured.

The REC further disclosed that deployment of election materials to the 21 LGAs of the state has been done and that more materials arrived CBN yesterday for collection by the commission.

He said that Ad hoc staff, Presiding and Assistant Presiding Officers, have been recruited and trained with practical demonstrations in their ability to use the BVAS for a successful and credible conduct of the elections.

He added that the training of technicians that would handle any challenge that might arise with the BVAS had also been concluded.

On security, Longpet said that the commission had held meetings with Heads of security agencies in the state, who had assured the commission of peaceful and violence-free elections.

While reiterating the commission’s preparedness and readiness to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the state, Longpet called on political parties, politicians and their supporters to ensure they abide by the rules and regulations guiding election conduct. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Benson Iziama