Politics
Patriots urges APC to adopt Ogbonaya Onu as consensus standard bearer
The patriots For Dr Ogbonaya Onu have asked the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to put its best foot forward by adopting Dr Ogbonnaya Onu as its consensus. presidential standard-bearer in its legitimate quest to retain power at the centre post-2023.
Led by Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday the group said Onu is not only acceptable to the Ndigbo and APC but to all Nigerians due to his broad and sterling appeal for which the majority of voters will coalesce.
The university Don said they are a group that is interested in galvanizing the effort of well-meaning Nigerians for the actualization and emergence of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu as the elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2023.
Professor Fawehinmi observed that the worthy course if left to slide can only be actualised in the next 16 years with the sustenance of the current democratic dispensation.
“The Patriots called on all eligible Nigerians to massively vote for Dr Ogbonnaya Onu in the forthcoming elections to enable him to take over the mantle of leadership of Nigeria to pilot its affairs to the promised land as there is nothing as powerful. and an idea whose time has come”.
“Nigeria at this perilous time needs a detribalized leader that will foster unity, put the interest of all Nigerians above sectional interest, fight endemic corruption frontally, tackle widespread insecurity pervading the land headlong and prosper the lives of its citizenry through economic emancipation and job creation.
Read Also >> Brave Taxi Driver Rams Into Bandits Blockade, Kills Three In Niger
“Amongst the contenders that have openly declared their intentions to contest, these requisite attributes stand Dr Ogbonnaya Onu out as most formidable with sterling performance over the years.
“Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has been an indigene of 3 South-Eastern States (IMO, Abia and Ebonyi) at different times. During his tenure as the first civilian Governor of the old Abia State in 1991, he meritoriously served as the first Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Elected Governors.
“As Governor, he promoted national unity by abolishing the State of Origin Syndrome and appointed non-indigenes to key political and administrative positions in the State. “As Chief Security Officer, he worked with the security agencies and community leaders to restore peace and safety in Abia State, then challenged by unprecedented security concerns.
“He promoted the rule of law in the conduct of government business by emphasizing transparency, discipline and punctuality and mobilized the people of Abia for sustainable development through various infrastructural, educational, health and social welfare programmes.”
He added that Rotational Presidency has always carried with it a strong moral force that can threaten the sovereign integrity of Nigeria.”
Fawehinmi said it is also a pragmatic means formally adopted by political parties prior to Nigeria’s independence to stabilize the Country’s democracy from Cleavage along ethnoreligious lines as it creates a sense of belonging for all tribes.
“Since the advent of the fourth republic, apart from the South-East and North-Central, other geopolitical zones of Nigeria have had a shot at the presidency.
“The pros of zoning clearly outweigh its cons and jettisoning it will be a dangerous precedent for the country’s nascent democracy and an affront on the collective will and peaceful coexistence of its people. “Egalitarianism cannot thrive when a major segment of society is nursing a feeling of discontentment.
“Dr Ogbonnaya Onu’s election will assuage the feeling of real or perceived marginalization among the Ndigbo that constitute about a quarter of the Country’s population, and guarantee their full re-integration into the post-civil war Nigerian state.
“It will end their agitations for socioeconomic and political emancipation as happened to the militancy struggle in the South-South with the election of Dr Goodluck Jonathan as President in 2011.
“It will give the civil war veterans including former Heads of State a sense of fulfilment, to see their dream of a truly unified Nigeria which they have fought for, materialize in their lifetime.
“A multicultural and pluralistic society like ours needs a technocrat and nationalistic leader 4 like Dr Ogbonnaya Onu that can be entrusted with its unity and treasury, to provide a transformational leadership devoid of sentiments and rancour.
“He has never had a brawl with the anti-corruption and security agencies, and this gives him the moral justification to fight corruption. Dr Ogbonnaya Onu prefers meritocracy to nepotism as a way of earning the confidence of the people and has a demonstrable capacity to work with every Nigerian irrespective of religious or tribal persuasion.
“His political sagacity, requisite experience, managerial acumen and comportment will earn him the respect of the government and people.
“Therefore, we make a clarion call to all political and opinion leaders as well as ail well-meaning Nigerians to synergize, pull resources together, build bridges across party lines and rally support from their various regional interest groups for Dr Ogbonnaya Onu.
“He has been projected as the ideal President for Nigeria come 2023 as he belongs to an endangered species of statesmen who can galvanize all facets of this country and provide the much needed modern-day progressive leadership. The election of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu as President will sustain the existence of Nigeria as an indivisible entity.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has announced its decision to back Northern candidates in the 2027 general elections, citing the urgent need to address the worsening socio-economic and security challenges facing the region.
In a communique issued after its National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, the forum expressed deep concern over the economic state of Northern Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, attributing the region’s struggles to flawed governance and poor policy decisions.
READ MORE: JUST IN: FG Dissolves Nnamdi Azikiwe University Governing Council, Removes VC
The ACF criticized the Federal Government’s economic policies, describing them as detrimental to the livelihoods of Northern citizens.
According to the communique, signed by the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the policies have compounded the already dire economic conditions in the region.
The statement reads, “Arewa people remain at a great disadvantage, being already worse off economically compared to other parts of Nigeria. While economic reforms are indeed desirable, they should not impoverish the same people they are meant to serve. Policies must have a human face.”
The forum noted that the North faces chronic food insecurity, limited educational and vocational opportunities for youth, and a heavy reliance on small-scale economic activities.
“Livelihoods are currently dependent on micro activities. The region faces acute and chronic food insecurity; its youths lack education and skills training. Daunting as these may be, they can be reversed. The time to think big is now,” the communique emphasized.
The ACF also addressed the pervasive insecurity in the North, warning that the situation has begun to erode public confidence in the government.
“Security is an irreducible minimum of human existence. In this regard, insecurity in its various manifestations remains the most worrisome challenge of Arewa people, that has even started to corrosively undermine the authority of government,” the forum stated.
It condemned the government’s response to the crisis, arguing that the Federal Government has failed to meet its primary duty of safeguarding lives and property.
“That those whose responsibility it is to provide security will be saying they are doing their best is unacceptable,” the communique said. “The minimum duty of government is to safeguard life and property, and doing anything less is a failure.”
The ACF faulted what it described as the “flawed leadership selection process” under the Tinubu administration, claiming it has elevated individuals without the requisite competence or experience to key positions.
It urged the Federal Government to “review, reassess, reevaluate, and re-order the direction of its economic policies with a view to giving it the needed human face.”
Looking ahead to the next general elections, the ACF pledged its support for Northern politicians who demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing the region’s challenges and fostering national development.
“Notwithstanding the parlous state of Arewa’s glaring economic conditions, the policies of the current Federal Government have continued to make matters much worse,” the communique stated.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has urged Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to prioritize completing ongoing projects and avoid leaving any abandoned during his second term in office.
Ganduje made the call on Wednesday at the APC’s national secretariat in Abuja after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented Certificates of Return to Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Adelami Olaide.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s re-election was marked by a sweeping victory in all 18 local government areas of the state during last Saturday’s governorship election.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Nigerian Beauty Queen, Chidimma Adetshina Quits Peageantry
Ganduje praised the outcome, describing it as a testament to the people’s confidence in the APC-led administration.
“I am happy about the landslide result. The election is not the effort of the elite and middle class alone; it is also through the effort of the grassroots,” Ganduje said. “Out of 203 wards, APC won 202, losing only one ward. This is a victory embraced by all.”
Ganduje highlighted the importance of continuity and urged the governor to leverage his experience from the previous administration led by the late Rotimi Akeredolu.
“As a deputy, you knew how projects were started by your late governor. You were part of it, also as a governor for 10 months, and now as a re-elected governor. For the next four years, you will continue,” he said.
“You know the terrains, geography, and physical landscape of all 18 local government areas. Use these insights to carve out projects that will improve the lives of the Ondo people.”
Meanwhile, Ondo APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, commended Ganduje’s leadership and strategic direction, which he credited for the party’s success in the election.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support for Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy, despite internal opposition from some party stakeholders.
“We have finally killed PDP in Ondo,” Adetimehin declared. “Most of the leaders of that party have defected to the APC. With the landslide victory in this election, it is clear to the whole world that there is no PDP in Ondo.”
He further described Ganduje as a mentor whose leadership had been instrumental in uniting the party and ensuring victory at the polls.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded Akeredolu and completed his tenure before securing re-election, has pledged to focus on delivering on his mandate and completing critical projects in his second term.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally issued certificates of return to Ondo State Governor-elect Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, following their victory in Saturday’s governorship election.
The presentation ceremony took place on Wednesday at INEC headquarters in Abuja, where the commission’s National Commissioner for Ondo State, Kunle Ajayi, handed over the certificates.
Biztellers reports that Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent governor, emerged victorious in the election, securing 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 117,845 votes.
Related News:
The results were announced in Akure on Sunday by the Returning Officer, Professor Olayemi Akinyemi, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja.
Election observers described the polls as peaceful and credible, commending INEC for improved logistical arrangements.
The event was attended by top APC officials, including the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other party members.
Ganduje hailed the outcome as a triumph for democracy in Nigeria.
“Since 1999, we have been enjoying democracy, and we always fine-tune it to ensure it is fair, free, and decent, so that it is the vote of the people that counts,” Ganduje said.
PDP Rejects Results
Despite widespread praise for the conduct of the election, the PDP has rejected the outcome, describing it as fraudulent. Its candidate, Ajayi, vowed to challenge the results in court.
Aiyedatiwa Pledges Better Leadership
Speaking after receiving his certificate of return, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the people of Ondo State for renewing his mandate.
“The mandate you have just renewed via your huge votes across 18 LGAs where we won convincingly has placed a burden on me to serve you better than I did before now,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa initially assumed office in December 2023 following the death of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Olajumoke Onibread Accuses Ex-Husband Of Assault, Career Sabotage
N1.7trn Loan: Atiku Blames NASS For Worsening Nigeria’s Debt Burden
Musa Joins Jaiz Bank As Ambassador
ICC Issues Arrest Warrants For Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Others
Fans Celebrate Davido As Nigerian Superstar Turns 32
CSR: Dangote Cement Fuels Education With Support Projects At Lagos Schools
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
