Gentlemen of the press,
We welcone you all to this press conference put together to clarify where Ndigbo stand with regards to the up-coming gubernatorial and state assembly elections holding this Saturday and also to throw clarity to some issues that concern Ndigbo here in Lagos.
We, as Igbos living in Lagos made up of traditional rulers, market leaders, Market women, youths, civil society organizations, town unions and other categories of Igbo population in Lagos state as follows;
- That we endorse and pledge support to the incumbent Governor of Lagos, His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his re-election bid. Our support for him is anchored on his performance, competence, cordial relationship with Igbos and his grand vision for Lagos, which has greatly favoured Igbos in the last four years.
Among all contestants for the tasking office of Lagos state Governor in the coming election, Sanwo-Olu is the best; tested and capable so we urge all Igbos to vote for him on Saturday for the continued benefits of Ndigbo.
- We state unequivocally that Lagos is neither an Igbo State nor a no-man’s land, as some provocatively state. Although Lagos was a former federal capital, it wholly belongs to Yorubas. We therefore dissociate ourselves from any claim that contravenes the fact that Lagos is a Yoruba state and emphatically state that Igbos are not subscribers to the weird position, marketed by mischief makers that Lagos is a no-man’s land. And we pray that we may never use our mouths to say that Lagos is no man’s land because Lagos is not a no-man’s land. It is Yoruba land.
- We state that a lot is at stake given the investment of our people in Lagos. Only a thoughtless tribe without minds of their own will toil with their destiny. Ndigbo will never toy with their destiny, their interests, their investment and their security in Lagos by going into any needless confrontation with the Yorubas who have been very accommodating, very hospitable and very cosmopolitan to Igbos in Lagos. While we thank the Yorubas for their understanding, we ask them to see those who want to instigate a fight between Yorubas and Igbos for their devious and selfish political interests, as not representing the Igbos as we urge Igbos to reciprocate this tolerance by voting for Sanwo-Olu and APC House of Assembly candidates this Saturday.
- We want the Yorubas to Equally understand that In last week’s presidential election, our son Peter Obi was on the ballot and that this generally drew the sentimental support of many Igbos, who voted for him. The result has shown that while majority Igbos voted for their son, majority Nigerians voted for our President-Elect. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While this is understandable, we urge the Yorubas not to see the voting pattern last Saturday as an act of hostility but of democratic choice. This Saturday, Nigerians will vote on the governorship, election and we see it as a great opportunity for Igbos in Lagos to show that we are not political enemies of the Yorubas by voting en mass for Gov. Sanwo-Olu as no Igboman is contesting for the governorship of Lagos. Igbo should show love to Yoruba by voting Gov Sanwo Olu
- We note that our South East region is troubled and has become a hotbed of insecurity and not safe for Ndigbo for a long time now. In this period. Lagos has absorbed millions of Igbos and their businesses fleeing from the insecurity in the South East. Gov. Sanwo-Olu has been particularly accommodative and the Yorubas have been magnanimous in taking in these Igbos. The governorship election is a payback time and Igbos should be careful not to show themselves as hostile and aggressive guests to Yorubas as that will spell doom for millions of Igbos, living peacefully and safely in Lagos and doing their businesses without let or hindrance. Let us vote Sanwo-Olu because he represents the interests of all Lagosians.
- We want to assure the Yorubas that Igbos are not greedy as to plot to take over Lagos as some miscreants and hoodlums intent on causing crisis, are saying. We want Yorubas to know that those provocative statements and boasts are not by true Igbos. That such expression of ingratitude are made to drive wedges between the harmonious understanding Igbos enjoy with Yorubas in Lagos for over a century now. We want to assure Yorubas that Igbos are very much committed to this beneficial relationship and would do nothing to harm it. We will use the next Saturday election to demonstrate our commitment to this understanding and further cement our relationship with the Yorubas by voting massively for Sanwo-Olu who we project to enjoy massive victory in the gubernatorial election this Saturday.
Concluding: We totally and unconditionally declare that Igbos in Lagos will come Saturday, vote for the re-election of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and APC state assembly candidates and we urge every Igbo man in Lagos to do so for our overall interest.
Thank you all for your time.
Signed:
- Peter Claver Oparah,
- Kelvin Nwoha
- Chima Ukwandu
GOV AKEREDOLU FROWNS AT REJECTION OF OLD NAIRA NOTES BY TRADERS, ARTISANS, OTHERS IN ONDO
- Says It’s Disobedience To The Law
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, has decried the rejection of old naira notes by a large section of traders and business owners in the state.
The Governor said the rejection of the old one thousand naira, five hundred naira and two-hundred-naira notes is a flagrant disobedience to the law.
Governor Akeredolu in a statewide broadcast on Thursday explained that rejecting the old naira notes will inflict and sustain a needless pain on the people and customers.
He noted that the matter of legitimacy and return into circulation of all old naira notes in the nation’s economy has been settled permanently by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
According to the Governor, the Apex Court had ruled that the old currency notes must remain as a legal tender in exchange of goods and services in the nation.
Governor Akeredolu appealed to the people to embrace and accept the old notes alongside the new notes as stipulated by law.
The Governor also commended Commercial Banks within the State for receiving and paying with the old notes.
He appeal to the Banks to increase the circulation of all currencies at their disposals and devise a more effective way to decongest the banks, especially at the ATM cash points.
“It is therefore of great concern to me today, that a large section of our people in the state, particularly traders in our markets, taxi and bus drivers, barbers, auto mechanics and artisans are rejecting the old naira notes thereby inflicting and sustaining a needless pain on their fellow citizens and customers. This is unfortunate and unexpected. It is a flagrant disobedience to the law and the Central Bank directives.
“I, therefore, wish to inform you that the rejection of the old one thousand naira, five hundred naira and two-hundred-naira notes by us will do us no good. It will stifle our local trade and business transactions, weaken our economy and cause us great harm and avoidable troubles.
“I hereby use this opportunity to appeal to you all, my good people of Ondo State, to embrace and accept the old notes alongside the new notes as stipulated by law. Let us not create a needless tension over the matter. Please collect, spend and exchange the old notes without let or hindrance.” He said.
The Governor urged all media organisations in the state, as well as all traditional rulers, community leaders and opinion molders to assist Government in educating the people, especially at the grassroots on the need to embrace and accept the old naira notes.
His words:”It is imperative that I address you today because of the need to halt a self-induced pain currently being experienced by us all in the state. This is on account of the circulation and use of the old naira notes in our economy.
“Credible information reaching me indicates that quite a large number of residents of the state are denied the use of the old currency notes issued by the Central bank of Nigeria.
“This comes in form of rejection of the old notes as legal tender and means of exchange for goods and services particularly by traders, artisans, transporters, farmers and a large percentage of the operators of the informal sector of our economy in Ondo State.
“This development is unfortunate, undesirable and uncalled for. This is because the matter of legitimacy and return into circulation of all old naira notes in the nation’s economy has been settled permanently by the Supreme Court of Nigeria and also backed up by the appropriate instruments of implementation by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“Our people will recall that the Apex Court, in its recent judgement had among others, ruled that the old currency notes must remain as a legal tender in exchange of goods and services in the nation.
“For avoidance of doubt, the judgment ordered that both the new and old notes should not only coexist but be accepted and used side by side by all Nigerians until the end of this year when the proper elimination and substitution of the old currency notes would have been completed.
“The implication of the Supreme Court judgement is that it removes the daily pain, discomfort and trauma being faced by the people of this country occasioned by the scarcity of the new notes.
“It is also geared towards ensuring stability, strength and vitality for our economy, particularly the informal economy which involves, on daily basis, the largest number of our people at the grassroots.
“If we may recall that from the onset of the Federal Government’s policy of Naira swap, our position as a state, was clear and unambiguous. We not only condemned the idea and process of implementation of the policy, we also canvassed for its total abrogation, given its timing and methodology.
“We insisted on the need for the Federal Government to resolve the introduction of the cashless policy in favour of the common man. We did this because we believe the fundamental objective of Government must be to see to the welfare and security of the people at all times.
“It is not to inflict or add more to their pains. We believe the people must be happy and free to live their lives legitimately without any pain, discomfort or trauma.“
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
March 9, 2023.
BEING A STATEWIDE BROADCAST DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE ARAKUNRIN OLUWAROTIMI ODUNAYO AKEREDOLU, SAN, CON, ON THURSDAY 9TH MARCH, 2023.
My dear good people of Ondo state
It is imperative that I address you today because of the need to halt a self-induced pain currently being experienced by us all in the state. This is on account of the circulation and use of the old naira notes in our economy.
Credible information reaching me indicates that quite a large number of residents of the state are denied the use of the old currency notes issued by the Central bank of Nigeria. This comes in form of rejection of the old notes as legal tender and means of exchange for goods and services particularly by traders, artisans, transporters, farmers and a large percentage of the operators of the informal sector of our economy in Ondo State.
This development is unfortunate, undesirable and uncalled for. This is because the matter of legitimacy and return into circulation of all old naira notes in the nation’s economy has been settled permanently by the Supreme Court of Nigeria and also backed up by the appropriate instruments of implementation by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Our people will recall that the Apex Court, in its recent judgement had among others, ruled that the old currency notes must remain as a legal tender in exchange of goods and services in the nation.
For avoidance of doubt, the judgment ordered that both the new and old notes should not only coexist but be accepted and used side by side by all Nigerians until the end of this year when the proper elimination and substitution of the old currency notes would have been completed.
The implication of the Supreme Court judgement is that it removes the daily pain, discomfort and trauma being faced by the people of this country occasioned by the scarcity of the new notes. It is also geared towards ensuring stability, strength and vitality for our economy, particularly the informal economy which involves, on daily basis, the largest number of our people at the grassroots.
If we may recall that from the onset of the Federal Government’s policy of Naira swap, our position as a state, was clear and unambiguous. We not only condemned the idea and process of implementation of the policy, we also canvassed for its total abrogation, given its timing and methodology. We insisted on the need for the Federal Government to resolve the introduction of the cashless policy in favour of the common man.
We did this because we believe the fundamental objective of Government must be to see to the welfare and security of the people at all times. It is not to inflict or add more to their pains. We believe the people must be happy and free to live their lives legitimately without any pain, discomfort or trauma.
It is therefore of great concern to me today, that a large section of our people in the state, particularly traders in our markets, taxi and bus drivers, barbers, auto mechanics and artisans are rejecting the old naira notes thereby inflicting and sustaining a needless pain on their fellow citizens and customers. This is unfortunate and unexpected. It is a flagrant disobedience to the law and the Central Bank directives.
I, therefore, wish to inform you that the rejection of the old one thousand naira, five hundred naira and two-hundred-naira notes by us will do us no good. It will stifle our local trade and business transactions, weaken our economy and cause us great harm and avoidable troubles.
I hereby use this opportunity to appeal to you all, my good people of Ondo State, to embrace and accept the old notes alongside the new notes as stipulated by law. Let us not create a needless tension over the matter. Please collect, spend and exchange the old notes without let or hindrance.
While the Commercial Banks within the State must be commended for receiving and paying with the old notes, I would also like to appeal to them to increase the circulation of all currencies at their disposals and devise a more effective way to decongest the banks, especially at the ATM cash points.
In conclusion, I appeal to all the media in the state, as well as, all our traditional rulers, community leaders and opinion moulders to assist Government in educating our people, especially at the grassroots, on the need to surmount this avoidable threat to our economy and livelihood.
We have no other space to call our own but this state of ours, let us do everything to make her prosper.
Thank you and may God bless you all.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES VP OSINBAJO AT 66
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with Vice President Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo, GCON, SAN on the occasion of his 66th birthday, March 8, 2023.
The President equally felicitates with the entire Osinbajo family, wishing them many happy returns, as their son, husband and father turns another year, in good health and sound mind.
President Buhari lauds the sterling service the celebrant has provided to the country, as an academic, Attorney-General of Lagos State (1997-2007), and Vice President (2015 till date).
He applauds the deft way Osinbajo, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has combined scholarship with governance, and pastoral work, commending such dedication to the younger generation whom the Number 2 man serves as a torchbearer to.
President Buhari wishes the Vice President and his family joyful celebration, and greater grace ahead.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
March 8, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI CALLS ON NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA TO SUPPORT TINUBU’S GOVERNMENT
– Commends their contributions to national development
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Doha, Qatar, called on Nigerians living in the country to support President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he takes over the reins of government on May 29.
Speaking at a Town Hall meeting as part of his visit to the State of Qatar, President Buhari said his administration set forward to emplace credible, transparent and fair elections which will conclude on Saturday, March 11, with the Governorship and State Assembly elections. He therefore called on them to “support the incoming government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, so that Nigeria will continue to be the beacon of hope and prosperity in our continent and an example for other African countries to emulate.”
Speaking further, the President acknowledged the noble roles that Nigerians in Diaspora all over the world have been playing in the development of Nigeria, adding that his administration had approved a National Diaspora Policy, and supported the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) all the way to develop programmes for the engagement of Nigerians in the Diaspora for the ‘ambassadors’ to contribute their quota towards the development of their fatherland.
In his remarks, the Nigerian Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Yakubu Ahmed congratulated Buhari President on conducting successful Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 25, 2023. He said the process has proven that Nigeria’s democracy is indeed strong while praying for an equally successful Governorship and State Assembly elections.
Ambassador Ahmed informed the President that Nigeria and the State of Qatar have maintained brotherly bilateral relationship since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2013 noting there are currently about 7,000 Nigerians residing in Qatar, and gainfully engaged in diverse areas of human endeavours.
“I’m proud to inform you, Your Excellency that majority of our nationals in Doha are professionals who have excelled in their chosen careers, playing critical roles in healthcare, safety, oil and gas, aviation, construction, among other sectors,” he added
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian community in the country, Dr Arabo Ibrahim, a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, said he had every reason to thank the President especially for restoring peace in the North-eastern part of Nigeria. “Our people were chased out of Mubi in Adamawa State by Boko Haran terrorists, peace is back. Now we go there and sleep peacefully. There is a lot of food now. People from the neighboring countries even come to buy food in Nigeria,” he added.
Another member of the community, Professor Akintunde Akinade, also thanked President Buhari for conducting an electoral process “alluded to as one of the best. We have gone through elections many times before and we all know what it’s all about. This is an election where money has taken a back seat. We’re very grateful to see what has happened this time in the presidential election. Thank you for bringing sanity to the country and the electoral process. We wish that this would continue.”
He equally lauded the President for the infrastructural revolution in the country, his anti-corruption war, keeping Nigeria together as well as his well-known democratic crusade in Africa. “I really want to thank you for your unwavering critique of African Presidents that really want to stay in office forever. I wish you a well-deserved rest,” he added.
The event was put together by the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 8, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISERATES WITH VICTIMS OF LAGOS AUTO SPARE PARTS MARKET
President Muhammadu Buhari has learned with deep sadness the death of a 65-year-old security guard, the loss of personal property and means of livelihood of some hardworking Nigerians at the Akere Spare Parts market in the Apapa Ajegunle area of Lagos State.
The President’s deepest sympathies are with the traders and their families, who bear the brunt of this unfortunate incident and are at crossroads of what to do after this temporary setback.
The President is equally concerned that a similar fire incident occurred at the popular Balogun market a few weeks ago, calling on relevant authorities to take precautions to stem the tide.
While the full extent and cause of the damage is being assessed, President Buhari commends the Lagos State Fire Service for responding to the incident, salvaging a nearby filling station with a 33,000 litres PMS tanker, amongst other adjoining buildings.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 8, 2023
Rivers Guber Election
Vote PDP’s Sim Fubara For Youth Empowerment, Free Health Services, Peace, Prosperity Of Rivers State – Obuah
…Says, Sim’s Candidacy Is Divine
The Director-General of the Rivers PDP Campaign Council, Bro. Felix Obuah has called on the good people of the State to go to the polls on Saturday, March 11, 2023 and vote for Sir Siminalayi Fubara of the PDP, assuring that their votes would bring about sustainable peace, economic growth, youth empowerment, free healthcare services for pregnant women, aging mothers and all round prosperity in the state.
Speaking ahead of the governorship polls which hold on Saturday, March 11, Bro. Obuah said the opportunity has again presented itself for Rivers people to prove that no other party exists in the state other than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Bro. Obuah told Rivers people that Sim, when voted into office would focus on engineering the reindustrialization of Rivers State with appropriate policies, scale and institutional measures in partnership with the private sector as the propelling force for economic growth and development.
“Sim Fubara would build on the gains of the Wike administration. He will develop a 10-year reindustrialization master plan to provide the road map for achieving the industrial transformation of the state while encouraging private investors to take over and revive state companies”, Bro. Obuah said.
He noted that because the PDP is a party whose foundation is rooted in God, their choice of candidates has always had the backing of God.
“This assertion was proven with the choice of Governor Nyesom Wike in 2015, and you could see that despite the battles he went through, God preserved him, and the result is the all-round prosperity which his administration has brought to the State.
“God has once again given us a man, Sir Sim Fubara. This is another opportunity Rivers people should grab with two hands by filing out in their millions to vote for Sir Sim Fubara. A vote for Sim is a vote for continuity and consolidation of the gains brought by Governor Nyesom Wike”, Bro. Obuah stated.
A vote for Sim is a vote for peace, progress and more developments in Rivers State”, Obuah declared.
Bro. Obuah told people of the state to use the expected election of Sir Sim Fubara as a show of appreciation to Governor Wike for the great works he did for the state, for the eight years mandate given to him.
Bro. Obuah who was the immediate past State Chairman of the PDP as well as former Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) said by turning out en masse on Saturday to vote for Sim Fubara, this generation of Rivers people would be writing their names in gold and posterity would continue to celebrate them.
He also charged the electorate to vote for all PDP House of Assembly candidates on the ballot, stressing that as a family, the executive and the legislature in the state are like brothers of same parents who speak and understand one language.
Jerry Needam
Secretary, Directorate of Publicity
& Communications
Rivers PDP Campaign Council.
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Dum Dekor Appeals To Ogonis To Vote Siminalayi Fubara
With three days to the all important Governorship and State Assembly Elections in Rivers State, the member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dukor has appealed to Ogonis to troop out en masse and vote for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
He said it is crystal clear from all indices that Sim Fubara is a divine choice for Rivers people, adding that his candidacy satisfies both the upland and riverine requirements in the State.
Reeling out strong reasons why Ogonis should vote for Sim Fubara, Dum Dekor said: “Sim is our brother from Opobo and Opobo is in the Rivers South East Senatorial District. He has supported and touched the lives of many Ogoni people even from his days as a school teacher at Eleme.
“Sim is humble and well educated. He has no issues with anybody in Ogoni and Rivers State at large. He will bring development to Ogoni which is something we have been yearning for. Sim definitely stands out among the other governorship candidates.
“As each of the other candidates in the race has one or two scores to settle with people, Sim has nothing against anyone.
Sim Fubara is Godfearing, charismatic, pragmatic, peaceful, impeccable, resourceful, dependable, compassionate, dedicated to service, humane and a careful talker who chooses his words. Sim Fubara does not have the ‘boys’ like many other governorship candidates”.
The federal lawmaker urged the Ogoni people to use their votes to prove to Sim Fubara that he is indeed one of their own.
“If we say that Ogoni is PDP and PDP is Ogoni, then another opportunity has come for us to make it real. We should cast all our votes for Sir Sim Fubara on Saturday”, he said.
Dum Dekor also appealed to Ogonis, especially the people of Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency to vote for the PDP House of Assembly candidates in Khana Constituencies 1 and 2, as well as that of Gokana Constituency.
“From Gokana Constituency, we will vote for Dumle Maol. He is a tried and tested lawmaker who has proven his mettle as an able representative of Gokana people. He should return to the Assembly.
“The good people of Khana Constituency 1 and 2 should vote massively for Hon. Mrs. Barile Nwakoh and Barrister DineBari Loolo, for Khana Constituency 1 and 2 respectively. They have been carefully chosen because we believe in their capacities to deliver. Give them your votes and be rest assured they won’t disappoint us”, Dum Dekor assured.
Signed:
Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor Media Team
‘Lagos is operating far below its potential’, Funso Doherty shares #WithChude
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Funsho Doherty sits with Chude Jideonwo, host of #WithChude on a Lagos Election Special, Eko l’ on pebi, featuring the leading candidates in the Lagos Governorship election, asides the incumbent Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was unavoidably unavailable for the interview.
On the interview, Doherty discusses the gaps in the current leadership in the state and what he wants to do differently.
“My overall sense is that Lagos is operating far below its potential. Lagos is blessed with a lot of natural advantages relative to other cities in Nigeria. The managers of this city have been entrusted with a lot. If I look at the last 23 years that Lagos has been governed by essentially one ruling entity, even though you have had different governors, I think of where we are relative to where we could have been, and the difference is very wide”.
Reacting to the claim that overpopulation makes it difficult for the current government to do more than is presently being done, he said, “I think that is a narrative, I don’t think there is evidence to support it. Yes, we have a large population but remember that Lagos’s budget this year alone is about 1.7 trillion. I think that there is always an explanation for why we are where we are and there will always be some ground that you cover as a result of just time passing, to the extent that you spend 1.7 billion in passing. You will do some things but the question is are we doing the right things? Are we getting value for the resources that we are spending? What is the overall outcome for all of what we are doing, is the society becoming more equitable, or are the resources of the society becoming more and more concentrated?”
Doherty also shared from his TIGER agenda on what he plans to do when in office, “One of the first things that we will do is, we will unwind the revenue collection agreement that the government have with the AlphaBeta agency, we think that it is something that doesn’t happen in a modern society like Lagos. We don’t see the reason why you should have a small group of people with limited transparency accounting for the revenue and keeping a share of those revenues. For the transportation project, the rail project has been on for almost 16 years, there is no reason why that should be, and there is no transparency around those things. A large public works project like that should be in the public domain, and people should know. When we come into office, we will open it up and share the information with Lagosians and understand what the issues are. And we will ensure that the project is delivered or amended as needed”.
On the evidence to back the perception that Lagos has been being ruled by the same entity for the past 23 years, he shared, ‘I think there are significant arrangements that you can point to, and the AlphaBeta arrangement is one of them, that is something that originated from one administration many years ago, I don’t think any governor that comes from the platform of the ruling party can do anything about it when they come. This thing that I talk about is even in the Agbero space, some of the actions that were taken in the issue with NURTW the other day and how that was handled, you can see that there is a coziness in that relationship that goes beyond the person that is currently occupying the seat. Even some of the actions of the governor in relating to whom we might think of as the principal – Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The other day, our governor was in Chatham House answering questions for ex-governor Tinubu. There is perception and reality and all of them apply in this case’.
