Ekiti election: SERAP sues INEC for failing to prosecute vote-buyers

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for “failing to prosecute those suspected of vote-buying and electoral bribery during the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election.”

According to reports, .

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1189/2022 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to seek and obtain detailed information about reports of vote-buying by the three leading political parties in the 2022 Ekiti State governorship election.”

SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to promptly and effectively prosecute those arrested, and to bring to justice anyone who sponsored, aided and abetted them.”

SERAP is arguing that, “Vote buying is a threat to fair and representative elections. Vote buying amounts to undue influence and improper electoral influence.”

According to SERAP, “Wealthy candidates and their sponsors ought not to be allowed to profit from their crimes. Arresting and prosecuting vote buyers will end widespread impunity for vote buying ahead of the February 2023 general elections.”

SERAP is arguing that, “Vote buying encourages poor governance and weakens citizens’ capacity to hold their ‘elected officials’ accountable for their actions.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “Vote buying undermines the ability of INEC to discharge its responsibilities under Section 153 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), paragraph 15(a) of the third schedule of the Constitution, and the Electoral Act 2022.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “Corruption of the ballot box intrudes on the freedom of Nigerian voters to make up their own minds. Vote buying and other forms of electoral corruption freeze out the less wealthy candidates and parties.”

SERAP is arguing that, “When political candidates or their sponsors decide to buy the support of the people rather than contest fairly for their votes, there are possibilities that such candidates and sponsors will show a disregard for democratic rules and a disposition to adopt illegal means becomes inevitable.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “Vote buying is entirely an act of election malpractice connected with vested interest since an election can be said to be free and fair when it is devoid of vote buying.”

“Ending impunity for vote-buying and electoral bribery would contribute to free and fair elections. A corruption-free electoral process is essential for building public confidence in the electoral process, and the credibility and legitimacy of the 2023 elections.”

“One of the people’s most sacred rights is the right to vote. INEC has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to ensure the effective exercise of the right of all eligible voters to participate in their own government in free and fair elections.”

“Preventing and combating vote buying and electoral bribery would advance the people’s right to vote and to participate in their own government, as well as bolster the ability of INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional and statutory mandates.”

“Many years of allegations of vote-buying and electoral bribery and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined public confidence in the electoral process.”

“Prosecuting allegations of vote-buying and electoral bribery would be entirely consistent with the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the country’s international human rights anti-corruption obligations.”

“Agents of the three dominant political parties in the state, namely All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), were reportedly involved in buying votes across the state, and voters offered as high as N10,000 in exchange for their votes.”

“The Nigerian Constitution provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”

“Section 145(2) of the Electoral Act provides that, ‘a prosecution under this Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it.’”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

24/7/2022

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS MIKE AWOYINFA AT 70

President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with frontline journalist, editor and author, Mike Awoyinfa, as he turns 70.

The President recalls with delight the more than four decades Awoyinfa has devoted to journalism, informing, educating and entertaining the public with the best of prose and literary prowess, plying his trade with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Concord Press, The Sun Newspapers, and publishing the Entertainment Express, among others.

He equally salutes the journalist’s foray into book writing, and encourages many more journalists to toe the same path, “since books virtually live forever, and reading makes a full man.”

President Buhari congratulates the Awoyinfa family, the media profession at large, and specifically the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), on the landmark occasion.

He wishes Awoyinfa longer life in good health, “and greater contributions to a profession he loves so much.”

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

July 24, 2022

July 23, 2022

Press Statement

2023: PDP Has Valid Governorship Candidate in Delta State

…As Party Charges Deltans to Disregard Social Media Speculations

The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to speculations in a section of the social media that our Party had disobeyed an Order of Court with regards to our Governorship candidate in Delta State and that our Party do not have a candidate for the 2023 Governorship election in the State.

For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP makes it abundantly clear and states in very precise and categorical term that our Party had not disobeyed any Order of Court and we have a valid Governorship candidate for the Delta State governorship election in 2023.

However, in the interest and due information of our teeming supporters and the general public, our Party clarifies as follows;

In line with the new Electoral Act, submission of names of candidates is no longer physical but by electronic transmission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Under the electronic process, INEC grants access to its portal to political parties to electronically upload its candidates’ information/particulars; which access for governorship candidates closed on Friday, July 15, 2022.

With reference to Delta State, our Party duly submitted and uploaded the name of Oborevwori Sheriff Francis Orohwedor as the Delta State Governorship candidate of the PDP onto INEC Portal on Friday, July 8, 2022.

On July 18, 2022, three days after the closure of access to the INEC Portal, our Party and INEC received a Court Order directing the substitution of the name of Oborevwori Sheriff Francis Orohwedor with another name. However, given the closure on July 15, 2022, our Party had no access to the INEC Portal

Subsequently, the PDP and INEC were served with Court of Appeal processes comprising; Notice of Appeal, Motion for Stay of Execution and Records of Appeal filed by the candidate whose name was initially uploaded by the Party onto the INEC Portal.

It is instructive to state that under the INEC guideline, the last day for effecting any change of names of candidates for the 2023 general election is September 28, 2022.

For emphasis, the PDP currently has a candidate for the 2023 Governorship election in Delta State. If there be any change drawing from the outcome of the judicial processes, such will be duly and appropriately reflected in compliance with the Order of Court. The PDP as a law-abiding Party has always and will continue to comply with Orders of Court in every matter and situation.

Our Party therefore urges our members, teeming supporters and the people of Delta State to disregard the speculations and remain focused on the platform of the PDP in their determination to consolidate on the achievements of the Governor of Delta State and our Vice-Presidential Candidate, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

The PDP is fully prepared for the 2023 general elections in Delta State as well as across the nation and will emerge victorious at the polls.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

GOV AKEREDOLU AT CAMBRIDGE, DECRIES SPATE OF ABANDONED PROJECTS IN NIGERIA

• Charges Universities To Acquire New Knowledge On Megaprojects

Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has decried the spate of abandoned projects in Nigeria.

Governor Akeredolu said abandoning projects at this critical period in the economic life of the country is not cost-effective.

The Governor, who identified corruption, resource control, project goals, contractor selection and supervision as some of the major challenges behind abandoned projects, noted that a reasonable government must work towards achieving a successful completion of projects in its state.

Governor Akeredolu spoke on Saturday at the First Business Doctorate Degree of the University of Cambridge Graduation Ceremony held at the University’s Arms Hotel, United Kingdom.

The Governor, who was a guest speaker, described Megaproject as an excellent accelerator if properly planned and executed.

Governor Akeredolu spoke on the topic: ”The Paradox Of Abandoned Megaprojects In Nigeria.”

He said: ”The Ondo State Government, under our leadership, has completed several megaprojects. These projects exacted considerable pressure on the severely lean resources of the State. These megaprojects have gobbled billions of Naira.

“While some have been completed and delivered, several others, some of which are complex, may take over five years or so to be completed. Our administration has continued to construct roads, bridges, among other infrastructures.

“We made a solemn pledge on assumption of office that we would complete all projects abandoned by our predecessors in office. We are not unaware of the acute paucity of funds for the execution of projects.

“We are, however, poised to fulfill our promise as best as the financial situation permits. We intend to complete all projects in the lifetime of our government. We do not intend to handover any abandoned project to our successor.

“Megaprojects, such as the Ore Bridge, provide the necessary support for government deliverables and economic transformation, which is readily discernible in our GDP. So, where it is properly planned and executed, megaproject is an excellent development accelerator.

“Given the resources such a project can take, abandoning projects at this critical period of our economic lives is not cost effective. The challenges are not only limited to developing countries as over £30 billion (British pounds) has been spent on the Cross-rail Project in England without completion. This is a terrible example of a project going bad in developed countries.

“Specific to Nigeria and as pointed out in the thesis, just three abandoned projects equal 60% of our national debt. The Lagos-Badagry Express Road, the Ajaokuta Steel Project, and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Project. At all times, the Federal Government abandoned 60% of every project and the Nigeria National Library, where over N200 billion has been spent, is abandoned. The project is on the 5th floor of a 13-floor building project.

“The Federal Government has been on site for over 25 years without meaningful progress. Again, the megaproject takes around 10% of global GDP and over $9 trillion yearly. It is the case that Universities globally should rise to the challenges of acquiring and engaging new knowledge on megaprojects.”

The Governor also congratulated the Billionaire businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, who obtained the Doctor of Business Degree of the University.

“I am told it is the first time the University of Cambridge will be awarding her first Doctor of Business Degree in the last over 800 years.” Governor Akeredolu said.

He noted that the incredible performance of Dr. Jimoh at the University of Cambridge comes with hard work and commitment to primary goals, adding that the business mogul has invested time in the institution.

Richard Olatunde

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.

July 23, 2022.

Wike: I will speak on Atiku soon

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has promised to speak soon on recent happenings in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike contested for the presidential ticket
of the party but lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Since then, there has been no love lost between the duo, especially since Atiku picked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as his running mate.

Wike, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said it had become pertinent for him to speak and reveal to Nigerians all that had transpired in the PDP since the emergence of Atiku as the presidential candidate of the party.

“On Atiku, I will speak soon and Nigerians will know the actual truth of all that has transpired in the PDP in recent times.”

GOV AKEREDOLU MARKS 66TH BIRTHDAY WITH SPECIAL HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Thursday marked his 66th birthday with a special holy communion service held at the Chapel of the Epiphany within his residence at the GRA, Ijebu Owo.

The wife of the Governor, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who also celebrated her birthday yesterday, attended the holy communion service as well as other members of the Akeredolu’s family.

Members of the House of Assembly, Commissioners, Heads of Security Agencies, Council chairmen, political associates and others were also in attendance.

The Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Right Reverend Stephen Fagbemi, in his sermon titled “Living A Purposeful Life” congratulated the governor and applauded him for redefining governance in the state.

In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu, who was full of gratitude to God for His grace and mercy, said God has been merciful to him and his family in all ramifications.

He took time to sing various songs of praise to God for His protection and goodness towards him, his family and siblings in general.

“We want to thank God for His grace, thank God for His mercy. We cannot ask for a better thing. God has been faithful to us. Is it the children He has blessed us with, is it the grandchildren,” the Governor said.

The Governor, who described his siblings as a very strong pillar of support, noted that he is proud that he has a good and supportive family.

In the area of governance, Governor Akeredolu emphasised that God has always been with him since he assumed office as Governor of the state despite numerous challenges.

He appreciated the support and cooperation of members of the State Executive Council, party members, heads of the security agencies among others, saying their supports have greatly assisted him in the development of the state.

The celebrant, who believes that it is God who gives position to man, equally thanked God who has been directing the affairs of the State, even as he prayed for more divine guidance.

Richard Olatunde

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.

July 21, 2022

Atiku replies Tinubu, says ‘My university attendance is a matter of verified record’

We Challenge Bola Tinubu To Take The Hot Seat

We were rather amused to read the knee jerk response from the Tinubu Campaign Organisation to the wave making interview granted by Waziri Atiku Abubakar to Arise TV on Thursday, July 21, 2022.

Mr. Tinubu has not sat down to do any prolonged interview for obvious reasons. Nigerians have seen him talk in public and can themselves gauge the reason why he is mortified to do so.

Nevertheless, I will now take the issues in their statement one after the other.

* The Tinubu campaign exposed its gross desperation and vacuousness by citing the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) 1999, to declare Waziri Atiku Abubakar’s stance on engaging in a side business while he was a young custom officer as a breach of the law. It is pertinent to educate the Tinubu campaign organisation that Nigeria is not under a military regime and our Constitutions are not retroactive in nature.
* Again, the Tinubu campaign betrayed either dishonesty or lack of attention to detail by claiming that Atiku Abubakar said oil contributed 20% of Nigeria’s GDP. That is a lie. What the Waziri said is as follows:
“Oil only maybe accounts for about 20% of our GDP”.

* The use of the word maybe by the Waziri was in reflection to the different figures given. While the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics states a figure close to 10%, other multilateral organisations have given a much higher figure of between 15-20%. So, while the jury is still out, it is right to qualify the contribution of oil and gas as a maybe. However, we do like to point out that Waziri Atiku Abubakar mentioned both the PDP and the APC during the interview and did not forget the name of his own party.

* It seems the Tinubu campaign organisation (can a disorganised body be called an organisation?) does not know the meaning of rotation of power and micro zoning. So, we will gladly educate them. Rotation of power refers to a constitutional provision where power is zoned between North and South. Micro-zoning refers to a non constitutional idea, where power is zoned not between North and South, but amongst geo-political zones. We hope this cures the political illiteracy of the authors of that document.

* The rude response also accuses Waziri Atiku Abubakar of having “limited education”. Atiku Abubakar has an earned Masters degree from Anglia Ruskin University. We challenge any of the present Presidential candidates to present an equal or higher degree. Moreover, his university attendance is a matter of verified record. Can we say the same about some other persons?
* On President Lincoln, we are afraid the poor student of history is the Tinubu campaign disorganisation. Yes, it is true that Lincoln ran for President with his name on the ballot twice. But he ran at other times, and failed to get his name on the ballot.

* In conclusion, we would like to challenge Bola Tinubu to subject himself to an hour long interview, like the Waziri did, and if he is able to be as articulate and mentally present as our candidate, then he can talk. Until then, we will only want to remind him and his yes men that they are not in a position to point fingers when they have not sat on the hot seat.

Paul Ibe
Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar
Presidential candidate of the PDP and Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007
Abuja
July 23, 2022

WE ARE SHOCKED BY ATIKU’S LIES, IGNORANCE ON ARISE TV –  TINUBU CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION

Says Mr Presidential candidate: Lincoln did not contest US Presidency five or six times

The Bola Tinubu Campaign Organisation has picked holes in some facts stated by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). That was the interview he granted Arise Television.

“We have watched Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s interview on ARISE Television and were extremely shocked by the many lies and ignorance displayed by the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate.” The organization stated in a statement signed by its Director, Media & Communication, Bayo Onanuga.

“In the interview, Alhaji Atiku exposed himself as a man who is not prepared for the job he is applying for and a man who cannot be entrusted with our commonwealth. He was flippant in his response to important questions about his record of service and how he made money while serving in Customs. He muddled up facts and exhibited befuddling absence of mind.”

Here, according to the organization, are takeaways from what it called “the bungled interview”:

PDP candidate is a lawbreaker: It was most shocking Atiku admitted that he cheated the system for decades and engaged in gross misconduct as a government worker. As a customs officer at the Idi-Iroko border, Atiku revealed that he ran a commercial taxi service, claiming ‘there is no law stopping public officers from doing business in Nigeria”. He punched harder, claiming there is no conflict of interest in doing so.

We found this to be untrue.

Every officer in the civil service is expected to comply with a code of conduct and service rules which bar civil and public servants from engaging in private business while in government employment to the detriment of the service he/she is employed to render to the public. The 1999 constitution further codifies this in Part I, Fifth Schedule, Section 2 (b).

It says a public officer shall not, except where he is not employed on a full-time basis engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade. The rules however allow a public officer to engage in farming.

We wonder which rule or which law Atiku was relying upon for his gross misconduct as a public officer. It is our considered view that Atiku gamed the system all through his career in public service, culminating in his founding of the Intel Logistics along with Late Shehu Yar’Adua and some Italians, even while he was still in the employment of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Poor Knowledge of key sectors of the economy: We also found it surprising that the PDP presidential candidate does not know the contribution of the oil and gas industry to Nigeria’s GDP. He claimed the sector represents 20% of our national GDP whereas it is below 10 per cent and it is still falling owing to the growth of the non-oil sector under the current All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

False Data from Egypt: Atiku Abubakar wanted to impress his audience with his supposed knowledge of international affairs. He ended up embarrassing himself with false data he cited from Egypt. We found his claim that Egypt has 2 million police officers on the streets to be untrue. Various sources put the number at about 500,000 for a population of 104 million and not 80 million as falsely claimed by Atiku.

Rotational Presidency: Asked to justify why the PDP jettisoned Section 3c of its constitution which enshrines power rotation between the North and South, Atiku tried to fudge his answer by focusing on Governor Nyesom Wike and his effort to reconcile with him after he, a northerner snatched the presidential ticket that ought to have been taken by a southerner. While Atiku was playing to the gallery on APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, he didn’t see seeking to be President after 8years of a President from his part of Nigeria as politics of exclusion.

Probed further, Atiku provided several contradictory answers. In one breath, he said power rotation is not in the constitution. In another breath, he said the PDP has never “micro zoned any position’. Then he admitted that the party has always rotated power between the North and the South. Atiku’s justification as to why he became PDP’s presidential candidate, instead of a southerner is a perfect example of ellipsis: “In politics”, he said, “We negotiate power through negotiations(Sic)”. Whatever that means.

Atiku ever an expert in not telling the truth also did not come clean over his once-upon-a-time preference for a same-faith ticket. In 1993, after Atiku and Kingibe lost to MKO Abiola in the SDP presidential primary in Jos, Atiku was the choice of the Yar’Adua camp to become Abiola’s running mate. Abiola overlooked him and picked the more cerebral diplomat and bureaucrat, Babagana Kingibe. In all the tonnes of biographies written about him, there was nowhere he said he opposed Shehu Yar’Adua’s support for his candidacy as Abiola’s VP. He was not against it, since it favoured him. Now, it is politically convenient and opportunistic for him to oppose the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.

Political Credentials: Most reprehensible were Atiku’s lies about how many times he ran to become the governor of Adamawa or the old Gongola State.

Mr Presidential candidate, in case you don’t know due to your limited education, you run for an office, only, when you are on the ballot in an election. Your signifying interest in an office does not mean the same as running for the office. From available records, the first time you contested the governorship election in your state was in 1999. Your name entered the ballot for the first time and you won.

Poor grasp of history: Atiku Abubakar also exhibited poor Knowledge of history when he claimed that Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s famous leaders contested the presidency five to six times before he eventually won.

This is a beer parlour tale that has been recycled over time. Lincoln contested the U.S. presidency twice. He ran in 1860 and 1864 and won both, before he was assassinated on 15 April 1865.

The false story about Lincoln’s failed presidential bids sprang from his previous failed state and national elections, in his state of Illinois. They were not the same as America’s presidential election.

According to historians, Lincoln lost his first election in 1832 for the Illinois state legislature. In 1834, he ran again and won.

In 1843 he ran for Congress. He lost. Three years after in 1846, Lincoln ran for Congress again – this time he won and went to Washington. From established history, in 1848, Lincoln ran for re-election to Congress and lost. In 1854, he ran for Senate of the United States. He lost. Lincoln also made another failed bid for U.S. Senate from Illinois in 1858. He lost to Democrat Steven Douglas.

We conclude that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is ill-prepared to be President of Nigeria if he could bungle a Television interview that was planned well ahead of the day and time the duo of Dr Reuben Abati and Ms Tundun Abiola conducted it.

We expected the PDP presidential candidate to be well informed on any issue before coming on national television to expose himself to avoidable ridicule.

Bayo Onanuga

Director, Media & Communication

Tinubu Campaign Organisation

July 23, 2022

2023: Osun victory signposts PDP’s rescue mission determination – Okowa

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, said the party’s victory in Osun governorship poll was a pointer to its readiness to rescue the country from mal-administration and government insensitivity.

The governor stated this while addressing PDP faithful at a mega rally at Ozoro, on Saturday, and affirmed that PDP remained the only party that could return Nigeria to better days.

He assured that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, PDP was strong, virile and united in the state, adding that what was playing out was democracy-in-action.

“I am glad that some of our friends have come to join us in this revolution to rescue Nigeria.

“The victory of our party last week Saturday in Osun is just the beginning of the revolution to rescue Nigeria and to return us to the path of growth.

“In the last seven years, it has not been too well with us as a nation, but we know that God has come to our rescue and it’s just for the PDP to take it and run with it;  that sign has already started with our victory in Osun.

“Last Saturday, you listened, you watched and you waited for the result in Osun S. We went to the heartland of the APC in Yoruba land to make a statement and to God be the glory.

“They did not give PDP a chance; the APC thought it was a done-deal but God showed His mighty hand and when the results started coming, it was unfortunate for the APC.

“That is just the beginning and I must thank Nigerians who have come to realise that something has gone wrong and that we need rescue and there is only one party that can rescue Nigeria as at today and it is the PDP,” the governor said.

He pointed out that PDP was the only party with the most experienced candidate and urged Nigerians to support the party’s rescue mission.

According to him, when you look at all the persons they have brought out, you can see the distinction; we need a man who is calm with a lot of experience; somebody who knows what to do from day one.

“And, if you look at it very well, only one man fits the bill and that’s why we are talking about the ‘Atikulate Revolution’.

“I heard some people saying that PDP is dying in Delta State and I wonder why they are deceiving themselves.

“We are not boasting but on the day of election, our people will come out and vote and in the  next election we are going to win all available seats –  from the Assemby to the Presidential.

“In 2019 they got two local government areas but in 2023 we will win the entire 25 local government areas.

“Whatever is going on in the party today is a normal democratic process; so, there is nothing to worry about, no cause for alarm and no cause to fear,” he stated.

The governor thanked PDP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for nominating him as his running mate, and assured him that Deltans would support the Atiku-Okowa ticket.

“We thank God that a very experienced presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, picked one of your own as his running mate and we give God the glory.

“When it’s time for campaign we will come out to campaign but one thing is that Atiku has done well for the people of South-South, South-East and the people of South-West because we stand for all and he has done well for us.

“2023 is about the youths and women of Nigeria and we cannot continue to suffer and stay hungry. We must definitely move forward,” he stated.

Welcoming party faithful earlier, the state’s Chairman of PDP, Chief Kingsley Esiso, said the primary purpose of the rally was to receive defectors from other parties.

He said that Nigerians could no longer tolerate a party that had divided Nigeria along ethnic, religious and regional lines.

“People are hungry and angry, and in the midst of that, APC showed its desperation and insensitivity by coming up with a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“In Northern Nigeria, Christians constitute no fewer than 40 per cent of the population, yet APC said they couldn’t find a Christian to be vice-presidential candidate.

“Nigerians will not answer them, we will wait till 2023 and answer them with our votes using our PVCs.

“Our people have seen with their eyes what Governor Okowa has done in Delta,” he said.

On the governorship tussle in the state, Esiso urged party faithful to remain calm, adding that INEC had asked stakeholders to maintain calm until the entire court processes were exhausted.

“As the state Chairman of this great party, it is my responsibility to educate our people on developments in the party.

“Some weeks ago our party conducted one of the freest and fairest governorship primaries in Delta state and a candidate emerged and our party has dutifully submitted the name of that candidate.

“It is our responsibility to stand and defend the outcome of that primary. The issue before the court has nothing to do with the integrity and credibility of that primary.

“By the action of INEC yesterday(Friday), we have been told in PDP to wait patently for the outcome of the court judgement,” he stated.

The rally was attended by, Minority Leader of House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu, Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, among others.

The defectors to the PDP, who were in large number were led by Chief Fred Obe and his Grassroot Unity Movement; Chief Solomon Omene, Chief Gladys Agba, Amb. Nwaham Iwendi and APGA State Secretary, Chief A.T. Okrakpo among others.

They apologised for contributing to the emergence of a tyrannical party in APC and pledged to be part of PDP’ rescue mission.

Akeredolu Hails Jimoh Ibrahim As He Bags University of Cambridge Doctor Of Business

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has congratulated and commended billionaire business mogul, Dr.Jimoh Ibrahim CFR on his new academic feat as he was awarded Doctor of Business by University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

According to the records, Ibrahim received the first Doctor of Business degree to be awarded by the university since it was established in 1209.

In his address at the graduation ceremony and faculty launch in honour of Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim held at the University of Cambridge Arms Hotel, United Kingdom, on Saturday, revealed that Ibrahim’s dissertation was on “How Megaprojects Are Damaging Nigeria And How To Fix It.”

He also disclosed that the All Progressives Congress’ senatorial candidate for Ondo South in the forthcoming general elections “completed the degree in record six months before the university’s four years.”

In the dissertation, Ibrahim was able to identify 11,886 abandoned Nigeria Federal Government projects.

According to Akeredolu, “Specific to Nigeria and as pointed out in the dissertation, just three abandoned projects equal 60 percent of our national debt. The Lagos-Badagry Express Road, the Ajaokuta Steel project, and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Project(SURE-P) project.

“At all times, the Federal Government abandoned 60 percent of every project and the Nigeria national Library where over N200 billion has been spent, is abandoned.”

Expressing his excitement about the record being made by the Ondo State-born business mogul, Governor Akeredolu said: “It is not only a matter of great joy, the event marks a significant punctuation in the history of our dear state and country, that a prominent citizen of Ondo State and Nigeria is the first person. To be admitted to complete the degree of Doctor of Business from the Judge Business School.”

Akeredolu, therefore, appreciated the University of Cambridge “for the incredible opportunities given to Dr. Jimoh to be the first in the Business doctorate programme of the university, as I’m told, the first in 800 years.”

He disclosed that his administration and the nation at large would exploit and explore Dr. Ibrahim’s newly acquired knowledge.

“We return home with joy and an excellent opportunity to improve megaprojects knowledge with new skills acquired by Dr. Jimoh, which, once put into use in our country, will surely change the narratives.

……………………………………………………………………………..

EBIRERI HENRY OVIE

08036977194

henryebi@yahoo.com