Hon. Gana calls on Nigerian women to Vote Tinubu as GIDA GIDA Northern Women support Group for Tinubu/Shettima unveils campaign materials

By Emmanuel Daudu, Abuja

Hon. Barr. Aisha Galadima Gana, the Jekadiya Alikalain Nupe, Chairman Niger State Law Reform Commission, in an exclusive interview with newsmen on Saturday after the unveiling ceremony of campaign materials of the GIDA GIDA Northern Women support Group for Tinubu/Shettima described the February general elections as a turning point for the Nigerian women knowing the stuff and love Ahmed Bola Tinubu has for Nigerians and the Nigerian women particularly.
“Tinubu and Shettima are people I know too well, they are great technocrats in the political space. Their wealth of knowledge can be a turning point for Nigeria and Africa at large. Nigerians should believe in them, trust them with their votes and see what happens in the next few months after the elections.

“This set of pairs are best hands for Nigeria and its economy. Let’s all vote APC at all levels in the general elections”, she said.

However, she assured Tinubu and Shettima of victory using the GIDA GIDA campaign strategy stating that women in the country are already a block vote.

The support group while unveiling its campaign materials during the weekend at the National Women Centre, Abuja urged Nigerian women to remain resolute in ensuring that Ahmed Bola Tinubu becomes the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking also at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Her Excellency, Pauline Tallen while speaking to women stated that Nigerian women should understand the dynamics in politics and should be strategic enough to retire to their sundry villages weeks before the election.
“24 hours to election is very strategic and is capable of faulting the long-made labour and as such this time is critical for our candidate’s success. I have been in politics for 40 years now. I grew from being a Councillor to where I am today so I know what I am talking about.

“We should all go back home and tell our people that Tinubu is the best candidate for Nigeria. I know the power of women and we have so much leverage on all the women in this country to make Bola Ahmed Tinubu the next President of this great nation”, she added.

Similarly, the Director General, Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir while addressing the media after the program expressed optimism on the victory of Ahmed Bola Tinubu stating that he is the most credible candidate for the Presidential contest.

However, she urged the women to make use of the platform, “Gida Gida” to ensure that the house-to-house campaign strategy within the 19 States of the north is passionately carried out as stipulated in the aims and objectives of the group’s official documents.

2023: Don’t Enslave Yourselves With Your PVCs – Prince Adebayo To Nigerian Voters

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo has urged Nigerians not to use their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to enslave themselves.

Adebayo said this at the weekend during his speech at the SDP presidential/gubernatorial flag-off in Ogun State.

The presidential candidate told the crowd at the venue of the rally that their brain is the most important they have going into the elections, saying it will guide them to make proper use of their PVCs.

He asked, “People have told me that the most powerful instrument in democracy is PVC. Do you agree?”

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To that, the crowd chorused a ‘YES’. Adebayo, however, responded by saying “you are wrong”.

He continued, “The most powerful instrument in politics is your brain because you can have PVC and vote against your own interest.

“You can use PVC to enslave yourself. You can even sell your PVC which is worth more than N30 billion, you can sell it for N10,000.

“So PVC is not your solution, it is good to have it. Your sense is your solution. So after dancing, you go back home and ask yourself ‘these people that I met today, are they sincere? Do they understand my situation? Do they understand how to run a government? Do they have the fear of God and the love of man? Do they have a conscience?’

“Don’t look at my face. I can get somebody to put powder on my face and I will look very nice.

“Don’t look at my poster because that poster is the work of a photographer.

“What you should look at is how can I use 2023 to change my life history, to serve under a government run by human beings for human beings?

“Because when human beings are running a government, you will have water to drink, you will have a house with ventilation. Seven people will not be packing into one room. You will have a gainful job that when you get your employment, you will not call any family member for support again in your life.”

The SDP presidential candidate then noted that the electorate need to be wise as they are the ones in need of an improved way of life and not the politicians, whom he described as deceptive.

He said, “Politics is not for politicians and politics is not entertainment.

“We can dance, we can do whatever but at the end of the day, when you finish dancing the politician will enter his Mercedes (Benz) and go to his mansion. You will enter danfo (public buses that are often rickety) and go to your house without light.

“As you are dancing, the politician’s money is in the bank, immediately he enters his car he will call his bank manager, how many millions there?

“You will be looking for money to buy garri, so, you have to understand that whatever is wrong with Nigerian politics, it is not wrong with the politician.

“That is why a politician who is in (state) House of Assembly wants to promote himself to the House of Reps. The one in the House of Reps wants to promote himself to the Senate.

“The one in the Senate wants to promote himself to governor. Governor wants to go to National Assembly; some governors want to become president. So, whatever happens to Nigeria, the politician is getting promotion.

“When are you going to get your own promotion? So the only thing you can do is to understand your politics.”

He urged the people not to be deceived by leaders who claim there is no money in government.

He said, “When your governor says there is no money in government, he is lying to you. If there is no money in government, 25 vehicles will not be following one governor.

“If there is no money in government, the governor after one year, he will resign and go home. Why is he doing four years and still coming back again if there is no money there?

“So they are saying there is no money for you. The politicians, I have been mixing with them, their life is very comfortable”, Prince Adebayo said.

Group lauds  CDS resolve on the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria

The Alliance for Protection of Democracy (APD) has thrown it’s weight behind the statement credited to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, where he dismissed the thought of any possibility of the military taking over power in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abuja, the CDS further said that democracy has come to stay in the country.

Gen. Irabor had also assured that the Armed Forces would work solidly behind the Nigerian Police Force, which is the lead security agency to ensure safe, free, and fair general elections in 2023.

“Let me say, democracy has come to stay. I mean, the government of the people, by the people, and for the people in Nigeria has come to stay. That is an assurance, and then of course for the elections, I am sure you know, that the police are on the lead,” the CDS stated.

In a statement on Monday, the Alliance for Protection of Democracy said the assurance coming from the topmost person in the Armed Forces of Nigeria is a big relief for those who are giving negative narratives on the outcome of the elections.

The statement by APD Secretary, Bimbo Salau said the statement by the CDS will not be taken for granted because he (Gen. Irabor) kept to his words to degrade insurgency and has continued to carry men and officers of the Armed Forces along in ensuring their unalloyed loyalty to the constitution.

“This is not the first time the CDS has
reiterated their support for the success of the elections. This is indeed commendable.

“This statement is a message to those who want to cause trouble that they will “land in hot soup” by daring the resolve of the CDS and military to ensure democracy is sustained in Nigeria.

“Nigerians must support the AFN and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful general elections. We can’t afford to add to the current security challenges.

“We in APD commend the CDS and the AFN for unwavering disposition towards sustenance of democracy in our country. Without doubt, Gen. Irabor is showing the way forward positively for his troops”

NAOWA Organises Fitness Event To Commemorate Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2023

As part of activities marking this years Armed Forces Rememberance Day 2023 , the President Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association ( NAOWA) Mrs Salamatu F Yahaya, organised sporting activities as part of efforts to commemorate the activities in rememberance of fallen heroes on the 14 January 2023 at Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment Indoor Sports Hall Abuja.

The President NAOWA stated that the aim of the fitness event was to strengthen the bond and resilience among NAOWA and other sister Associations. She therefore urged all participants to always be involved in sporting activities to stay fit and healthy. She mentioned that the nation appreciates the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and fallen heroes. she further stated that ” when you celebrate people, it shows their services are recognized”

It will be recalled that this year’s activities kick started on Friday 6th January with Juma’at Prayers followed by Church Service on Sunday 8th January 2023, and ended today 15th January 2023, with the Military Parade, laying of wreath at the National Cenotaph Abuja.

During the event, a novelty handball match was played between NAOWA and Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) were NAOWA emerged as winners which ended 2-1.

Present at the sporting event was the President POWA Hajia Hajara Alkali baba, representatives of DEPOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA and Wives of retired senior officers.

Highlights of the event were blood pressure check, sugar level check, two minutes silence in honour of Fallen Heroes, Aerobics, Presentation of Medals, Souvenirs, and group photographs.

Born State Government Commends Military


…As OPHK Celebrates NASA 2022 in Grand Style

The Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum CON FNSE mni has expressed determination to continue to support the military in tackling the Boko Haram insurgents who believes in violent laws that are alien to Islam and humanity. The Governor who was represented by the Acting Head of Service, Barrister Mallam Fannami stated this in Maimalari Cantonment on Saturday, 14 January, 2023 on the ocassion of the combined Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI and 7 Division Nigerian Army Social Activities (NASA).

He said that the efforts of troops in OPHK has provided the enabling environment and support upon which the state government activities are thriving. While thanking the President Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for his support and commitments towards the fight against insurgency. He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for his doggedness and resoluteness in tackling the myriads of security challenges confronting the nation and therefore urged all troops not to relent in their efforts until Borno State and the entire nation is secured.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Theatre Commander (TC) Major General Christopher Musa said the NASA is an age long tradition inherited by the Nigerian Army from the precolonial era in the second world war during which indigenous NA personnel celebrate their cultural heritage at the end of every year in a conducive atmosphere to foster esprit-de-corps. He added that the event brings officers, soldiers, families and members of host communities together to celebrate and socialise especially, here in the North East where unprecedented successes has been recorded in the recent past.

In recognising the entire efforts in OPHK, the TC reiterated that all successes recorded within the period were made possible through the resilient and commitment of all officers, troops as well as the massive support from the federal and state government in providing all the necessary resources to combat the insurgents. He therefore, expressed his unresolved appreciation to the C-in-C for the opportunity to serve as the TC, the service chiefs for their outstanding support in the Theatre and also the confidence reposed in him to fly the flag this far.

During his closing remarks, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General Waidi Shaibu who refered to a maxim which states “A people without the knowledge of their past, origin and culture is like a tree without a root” stating that the Army way of life and nature of our job see soldiers being away from home for extended period of time at a long stretch. So the NASA offers the opportunity to reconnect with their traditions and culture. Thus, the combined HQ JTF (NE) OPHK and 7 Division NASA is a viable forum for officers, soldiers, families and friends to unwind and also show gratitude to the Almighty for seeing us through the past year despite the series of challenges we might have faced and also to prepare ourselves for the tasks ahead in this new year 2023.

The climax of the occasion were the cultural display by various traditional group, tug of war between the soldiers wives of 212 battalion and 333 Artillery Regiment, Comical entertainment, musical performance, presentation of souvenirs, buffets, and the lighting up of the burn fire shortly after the beating of the retreat to signify the end of the occasion.

Dignitaries that attended the occasion include the Governor of Borno state represented by the Acting Head of Service, Barrister Mallam Fannami, HRH, the Shehu of Borno ably represented by Lieutenant Commander Kyari (rtd) the Zanna Dashimma of Borno State, the Theatre Commander OPHK, Major General CG Musa, Deputy Theatre Commander, Major General MS Ahmed, GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General W Shaibu, Component Commanders of OPHK, Formations and Unit Commanders, Commissioner of Police Borno State Command CP Abdu Umar and Heads of other security agencies, troops with their families and members of the press.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: SDP Adewole Vows To Be A Committed, Galant, Caring Commander in Chief

In commemoration of the 2023 Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the president candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo has said that he promised to give the Armed Forces all the necessary supports to ensure the territorial integrity and security of the nation.

In a tweet to mark the day, the leading presidential candidate said, “I vow to dutiful and patriotic Nigerian Armed Forces, their families and Nigerians to be a gallant, committed and caring Commander in Chief to ensure that in doctrine, command and morale, we are always ready to protect territorial integrity and security. Victory comes from God!”

Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a yearly commemoration of the Nigerian armed forces’ participation in World Wars I and II, the Nigerian Civil War, and those who have served or are currently serving. It is held annually on January 15, the day the Biafra troops surrendered to the Nigerian Army, ending the Nigerian Civil War, in recognition of some significant historical developments. The primary purposes of the event are to honor and remember the Nigerian Armed Forces and the fallen heroes who gave their lives to preserve national unity.

First ever multi-sectoral delegation from Nigeria visits Dhaka

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen, MP a 17-member government and private sector delegation of Nigeria visits Dhaka, led by Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy of Nigeria.

The Nigerian delegation comprise government representatives from Economic, Trade and Investment department, Nigerian Communication and National Identity Management Commission, Education Department, High Commission of Nigeria based on New Delhi, private sector representatives from Nigeria-Bangladesh Trade and Technology Forum (NBTTF) and business persons. The Bangladeshi delegation comprise high officials of Commerce and Foreign Ministries.

The Nigerian delegation will have several meetings with government sectors like ICT Division, BTRC, Secondary and Higher Education Division, NEC, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, BIDA, BEZA and private sector representatives like Beximco, BGMEA and FBCCI. Today, the delegation visited Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum in the evening and paid tribute.

The delegation met with Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen, MP at State Guest House Padma. During the meeting, the Foreign Minister welcomed the first ever such multi-sectoral delegation to Bangladesh. Dr. Momen cited the remarkable achievement of Bangladesh during the last decade in the socio-economic sectors including women empowerment. He informed that Bangladesh is maintaining robust economic growth in spite of the existing global economic crisis. Dr. Momen briefed the Nigerian delegation about Bangladesh’s performance in digital sector especially, in the rapidly growing IT sectors and opportunities in the Bangladesh Hi-tech parks. 

The visiting Nigerian Minister referred to the remarkable achievements of Bangladesh in agriculture and other sectors. Mr. Pantami proposed that both countries may collaborate in freelancing areas and digital services such as national Identification documents. 

Both sides agreed to explore possibilities of contract farming in Nigeria by Bangladeshi farmers as well as collaboration in agro and food processing.

At the meeting, Dr. Momen pointed out that D-8 countries should accelerate efforts to increase mutual trade. He sought continued support of Nigeria on Rohingya issue.

The Nigerian Minister also had a brief discussion with State Minister Md. Shahriar Alam, MP when both sides reflected on ongoing bilateral cooperation, especially, the need of enhancing people to people contact.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Pantami had a bilateral meeting with Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, MP. The Commerce Minister hailed the Nigerian delegation in Bangladesh. He referred to the traditional relations between Bangladesh and Nigeria. He mentioned that the mutual trade between Bangladesh and Nigeria is steadily growing and Bangladesh government is making efforts to augment trade and commerce with Nigeria. Mr Tipu Munshi commented that huge potentials lie for cooperation in economic areas like manufacturing and garments industries. He underlined the importance of more contacts among the chambers and businesses of the two countries and suggested formation of a joint business council. Mr. Tipu Munshi referred to vision of the government for achieving a Smart Bangladesh by equipping the population with the digital knowledge.

Mr. Pantami praised the excellent economic growth of Bangladesh under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He cited Bangladesh’ excellence in IT and garments sectors.

At the meeting, both sides agreed to consider conclusion of agreement between the apex chambers of two countries. Both sides also agreed to establish cooperation in IT & ICT sectors. The Nigerian side mentioned that NBTTF is one such platform of cooperation. It was agreed that both sides would explore possibility of conclusion of framework agreement on FTA or PTA. 

The Commerce Minister sought continued support of the Nigerian government on Rohingya issue as well as at different UN elections where Bangladesh has launched  candidature. He proposed to the Nigerian government to establish a diplomatic mission in Dhaka.

Gunmen attack on CUPP spokesman: High Chief Peter Ameh condemns Attack

The attack and arson against the country home of Chief Barrister IKENGA UGOCHINYERE, the spoke person of the CUPP in Imo State today being the 14th January, 2023 by some unknown gun men is to say the least unfortunate, barbaric and a show of cowardice.

According to a press release signed by the National Secretary, CUPP, High Chief Ojonugwa Ameh on Saturday, said, the one attack too many sponsored against the person of Chief IKENGA UGOCHINYERE in a bid to silence his voice and stance on critical national issues, more particularly on democracy and the forthcoming 2023 general election.

“This attack as disguised as it is, points hand however to some well known anti democratic forces within the country and their arrow head in Imo State, it is more worrisome that such a mindless attack is coming at a time that the whole world has moved to an era of politics of engagement and contest of ideas, that some supposed leaders and their minions will descend so low to the point of bringing such a homongous magnitude of destruction of properties to an individual just for the single reason that he holds a different political beliefs and stance from theirs is hugely unfortunate, sad and unfathomable.

“I , on behalf of the leadership of CUPP and all persons of good will, conscience and Patriots in Nigeria condemn this attack in all of its ramifications and call on the security agencies to rise to the occasion to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly acts.

“We call on the government of President Muhammad Buhari, the Inspector General of Police and other relevant persons to ensure that nothing is left undone in their efforts to unravel the doers of these grave evil.

“I empathize with Chief Barrister IKENGA UGOCHINYERE and members of his household who are gravely affected by this callous and unreasonable act and admonish them to take solace in the fact that they suffered the attack on accounts of their stance with truth and democracy, knowing too well that the triumph of evil over good can only be temporary”.

I Won’t Step Down for Tinubu – Prince Adebayo

The Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adebayo Adewole has debunked rumours of a possible alliance with Bola Tinubu of APC ahead February 25 elections.

Prince Adewole Adebayo in a swift reaction on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 described the rumors as misleading.

He further stated that himself and his party (SDP) will never step down for or be in any form of alliance with APC or the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“It is fake news. This is not from the SDP. We will never be part of such an anti-people, unprogressive alliance. APC is definitely ruled out.

“We will never step down for or be in alliance with APC or PDP. SDP will contest the election till the end. We are working for victory. We are reaching out to the grassroots,” he said.

FG MOVES TO END OPEN DEFECATION

As part of efforts towards putting an end to open defecation in the country, the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr  Sunday Dare, has assured that his Ministry will continue to collaborate with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as other stakeholders in line with the commitment of the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign launched by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration in 2019.

According to Mohammed Manga, Director, Press and Public Relations
January on Thursday said, the Minister gave the assurance today in his office in Abuja, when the Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu paid him a courtesy visit.

Dare stated that Nigeria is ranked second among the nations in the world with the highest number of people practicing open defecation estimated at over 48 million, adding that the practice has had a negative effect on the populace and has therefore contributed to the country’s inability to meet up with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

He stated further that the abysmal ranking prompted Mr. President to describe the statistics on open defecation and access to pipeborne water services and sanitation as disturbing, thus declaring his commitment to implementing the National Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Action Plan in consonance with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Charter.

To achieve this policy objective therefore, Dare informed that his Ministry in 2021 held a nationwide Sensitization programme tagged, “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” Campaign which was carried out through lectures/training,  distribution of posters, installation of Bill boards/advertisements to educate Nigerians on the negative effects of open defecation across the six geopolitical zones, with youth as vanguards to help drive the campaign further.

Dare who identified the teeming Nigerian Youth as central to the realization of any policy objective of government, assured that his Ministry will partner with the Water Resources Ministry through the NYSC Scheme to further drive the policy objective using advocacy programmes.

Earlier, the Minister of Water  Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu stated that he was in the Ministry to seek collaborations on how to end open defecation in the country.

He called on all levels of government to continue to promote and priotise disease control and prevention through adequate and equitable access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services so as to curtail the spread of diseases while focusing on hygiene behaviour change interventions.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, called for collective approach in the fight against open defecation through Sensitization, advocacy and public enlightenment across the country.

Also speaking, the Acting Director General, National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Mrs. Christy Uba, pledged the total commitment of the Scheme to the campaign with a view to ensuring the realization of the policy objective on open defecation.