Soludo Fumes As Gunmen Kill Soldiers, Others In Anambra

THE Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has condemned the recent killing of soldiers and other civilians by gunmen at Umunze.

  Soludo, in his reaction to the attack, said: “Going forward, our actions will show as these people must surely pay for this heinous and repulsive attack.”

  While confirming the incident, the state Police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, did not disclose the number of casualties, but said there were shootings in Umunze.

  Ikenga said the details had not been received, adding that the incident happened between 12 midnight and 1.30pm, adding that the Command had deployed its operatives to secure the area, assuring that those responsible for the attack would be apprehended.

Obi: There Is No Ideological Difference Between Atiku And I

THE presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has said there is no ideological difference between him and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar.

  Obi, when asked the difference between the two of them during a television interview on Wednesday, September 28, especially as they both belonged to the PDP before Obi’s recent defection to the LP, he said there was none.

  Obi, who was Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, won by President Muhammadu Buhari, said their ideologies and beliefs are not different, adding that Nigerians are left to choose who they trust most out of the candidates contesting next year’s presidential election.

  He stated: “I have said it before, there is no different ideology between all of us who are running. Our politics has not matured (to a point) where we have different ideologies, beliefs and everything. We are at what you can call developmental level.   

  “So, there is not much difference. What we are competing today or what Nigerians think is the choice before them now is of all these people promising the same thing, who can we trust? So, what we are selling now is trust and character.”

  Asked if he did not trust Atiku when he was his running mate, Obi answered: “I did,” adding, however, that that was in the past and he would not like to dwell on the past.

 “That was yesterday, the past. So, for me, the past is gone. We are dealing with the future. Things have gotten worse. And at this stage, I think we can solve the problem. I don’t want to go into the past,” he stressed. 

No Going Back On Getting AK-47s For Amotekun In Ondo, Akeredolu Replies Presidency

THE Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, of Ondo State, on Wednesday, September 28 responded to the Presidency on the use of automatic weapons for regional and state security outfits.

The Presidency on Tuesday, in a statement by Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said it had not granted approval for the use of arms and ammunition for any state or regional security outfit, adding that no state has been authorised to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.

  The Presidency also said only the National Security Adviser (NSA) was empowered to authorise the use of arms and ammunition by security outfits, following proper clearance by the President and Commander-In-Chief.

  But reacting Akeredolu, through his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, asked the federal government where the guns seen with Katsina State vigilantes in a viral video came from, querying: “Who approved their use? Were the guns returned to the armoury after use?”

  In the statement, titled, ‘Akeredolu resolve is to spare no effort in protecting the people,’ the governor said the reasons adduced by Shehu for the continued refusal to approve of the use of sophisticated weapons by state security outfits can no longer be plausible in the face of increasing security challenges being faced by the people.

  He reiterated his determination to go to any length to protect the people of his state, exploring all available legal and constitutional means to secure the state and its people.

  The governor noted that Shehu’s assertion on the use of automatic weapons by state security outfits betrays the current realities across the country, adding: “His attempt to justify the use of AK-47 by the vigilantes of Katsina State for training stands logic on its head.

  “The report that went viral showed the Katsina State vigilante training with AK47. This is the same weapon which approval has vehemently been refused for the use of Amotekun Corps and other state security outfits.

  “The questions Governor Rotimi Akeredolu asks are: Where did the guns come from? Who approved their use? Were the guns returned to the armoury after use? The AK47, as seen from the report, was about usage. If not, what purpose does training with the guns serve?

  “It is rather suspicious that Shehu elected himself as the spokesperson for the Katsina State Government, whereas the Katsina State has not come out openly to deny the statement of Akeredolu on the use of AK47 by vigilantes of Katsina State during training.

  “Akeredolu has reiterated that state security outfits, backed by law, whether in Western Nigeria, Katsina, Borno, Benue or any Northern State, must have access to the same sophisticated weapons that the criminals have. It is time to face down these enemies of the people.

  “It is illogical to continue to fight hardened marauders who bear sophisticated weaponry to kidnap and maim our people with bare hands. We cannot fight armed enemies of the people with our bare hands.

  “It is our firm belief that the government has a fundamental duty to protect the people. It is a task that must be accomplished without excuse.”

  The statement recalled that the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum, 19 Northern State Governors and Northern Traditional Rulers Council had at various times and fora, called for the establishment of state police in the country, which it said should be heeded and change effected where necessary.

  “Every governor swore to an oath to protect the state and the people. The sub-national must be allowed to put in place security forces as a counter-balancing force to face these marauders who have unchecked access to sophisticated weapons.

  “It is high time we tackled these conflict entrepreneurs and restore the confidence of the people. We cannot do the same thing time and again and expect different result.

  “Akeredolu is irrevocably committed to the security of the people, particularly his state. He will continue to speak up in defence of the people. He is very much committed to the realisation of constitutional amendment to reflect the current realities,” the statement said. 

Nnamani Listed In APC, PDP Campaign Councils

THE senator representing the Enugu East senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, has been listed as member of presidential campaign councils of both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

  The former governor of Enugu State was listed in APC’s presidential campaign council to mobilise voters for its candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in his district.

  His inclusion initially elicited reactions from party stakeholders, who thought it must have been in error, but a statement on Monday in Abuja by the council’s Director Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that Nnamani’s inclusion was deliberate.

  The lawmaker has also continued to make posts in the favour of Tinubu.

  Nnamani was on Wednesday, September 28 also listed in the PDP’s presidential campaign council of its candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

APC Crisis: NWC Writes Tinubu, Demands Of Campaign List Withdrawal

THE brewing crisis within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) came to the open as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), chaired by its National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, wrote the presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, demanding immediate withdrawal of the list of members of his (Tinubu’s) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

  At the end of a five-hour meeting of the NWC in Abuja on Wednesday, September 28, the NWC, in the letter, titled, ‘Release of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council List,’ regretted that the list was released without recourse to the party’s national leadership, urging Tinubu to restrain the PCC from going ahead with its planned activities, warning that any sign of disarray in the party’s ranks would undermine the spirit and ethos of the campaign and give an undue alarm to faithful members and followers across the country.

  The NWC stated that the withdrawal of the list would assure the leadership of Tinubu’s respect and disposition towards the party, as well as his magnanimous spirit of cooperation towards achieving victory together with the NWC.

  It regretted that the council and Tinubu breached the agreement with the party’s leadership by releasing the campaign list without consulting the party, noting that as leaders, they owe it a duty to provide guidance by example to the rest of the party, including the PCC, to abide by agreements and adhere strictly to the work ethos that has been adopted by all of them.

  The letter read: “On behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I present my compliments to Your Excellency and have the honour to convey to you, in truth and respect, the Committee’s opinion and position regarding the above-mentioned subject matter, with a view to having a clear understanding about the respective roles and responsibilities of the principal organs of the party charged with the duties of conducting the campaigns in the forthcoming general elections.

  “This correspondence has become necessary in view of developments that took place over the last few days around the purported appointments into the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) that was announced precipitately by officials of the Council without making recourse to the NWC for approval.

  “All along, the NWC had been disposed towards the campaign in a cooperative spirit that is driven by the overall interest of the party and the singular desire of victory for our candidates, in the persons of your esteemed self and your running mate.

  “At the same time, such a development would undoubtedly come as ‘Manna from Heaven’ for the opposition parties, whose only desire, when all else fails, is to see the introduction of rancour, division and disinclination in the leadership of our great party.

  “I am sure Your Excellency will agree with me that this is an eventuality that we must do all in our power to prevent from happening. You will also agree that we owe it a duty as leaders to provide guidance by example to the rest of the party, including the PCC, to abide by agreements and adhere strictly to the work ethos that has been adopted by all of us.

  “It is only by doing so that we will establish the premise for victory and gain the trust and confidence of our dear countrymen and women.

  “Without further admonishment or complaints, I wish hereby to call upon Your Excellency to restrain the PCC from undertaking solo projects of this nature, and agree to work with all stakeholders towards taking our party to victory.

  “It suffices for me to convey the general and overwhelming sentiment of the NWC with regards to the ill-timed and unfortunate release of the PCC list, which confounded rather than pleased the members and whose withdrawal will assure the NWC of Your Excellency’s respect and disposition towards the party, as well as the magnanimous spirit of cooperation towards achieving victory together with the NWC.”

Buhari To Akeredolu: No AK-47, Automatic Weapons For State Security Outfits

THE Presidency on Tuesday, September 27 warned states planning to acquire automatic weapons for their security outfits to discard the idea, saying the federal government was not prepared to give them the licence to do so.

  A statement by presidential spokesman, Mallam Shehu Garba, said: “The President wishes to strongly assert that there is no state, not Katsina, not any other state in the federation, that has been authorised to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.

  “Under this administration, the President has repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them. Where they fail to do so, the law enforcement agencies have been given clear directives to deal with any such outlaws.

  “Under the existing regulations, only the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) can issue such authorisation, upon proper clearance by the President and Commander-in-Chief, and as it is at this moment, no such approvals have been issued to any state government.

  “In the specific Katsina State often cited, Governor Aminu Bello Masari wrote to explain that the administration invited the Provost of the Civil Defence Training College in Katsina to train their vigilantes for a five-day period in the handling and operations of pump action rifles, the vigilantes were not trained to take over the responsibilities of the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, but to assist them.

  “The Presidency appreciates the active involvement of states with security matters. As they continue to expand their capabilities, as well as their active collaboration with law enforcement agencies of the federation, the joint efforts continue to yield good results, thwarting attempts of terrorists to wreak havoc and destruction on communities.

  “The President in particular has expressed happiness that in the last couple of years, security outfits mandated by state governments have been associated with several important initiatives and reports have reached him of acts of utmost bravery and professionalism. “He thanks them for their alertness that is helping to defeat nefarious plots against targets at grassroots levels. He, however, cautions against the politicisation of security.

  “Government at the centre, with a national mandate, cannot afford to alienate Ondo State or any other state for that matter on the important issue of security and urges leaders at various levels to exercise restraint in their speech, even as we are in a political season.”

Atiku Tells Igbo They Will Produce President After His Tenure

FORMER vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has told the Igbo that they can produce the next president after he must have completed his tenure, if elected in next year’s general elections.

  The PDP candidate said during the Southeast PDP Zonal Stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu on Tuesday, September 27, that he is the stepping stone for them to become president of Nigeria, adding: “I’ve had close relationships with the Igbo and this influenced my choices of Senator Ben Obi and Mr. Peter Obi as my running mates in my two previous outings as presidential candidate.

  “Again, I have chosen another great Igbo here (Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa) for the third time as my running mate. I have three Igbo children and I am saying this for the very first time in public. So, my relationship with Ndigbo did not start today.”

  Atiku expressed optimism that he would win next year’s presidential election, saying his great relationship with the Igbo would continue until they assume the presidency after his tenure.

  He promised to prioritise projects in the zone, taking a jab at the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government for discrimination against some parts of the country in terms of projects.

“The second Niger Bridge in Onitsha is not a favour to the Southeast, rather it is or should be seen as a favour to Nigeria, because it is not only the people of the Southeast that use the bridge,” Atiku said.

 He described the meeting as part of his consultation with leaders of the various zones to thank them for their support and listen to their various issues, noting that he would be meeting both in consultation and preparation of campaign.

  Atiku stated that the Southeast was the key contributor to the economic activities in the country, saying any government that wants to revive Nigerian economy and bring out opportunities must carry the people of the zone along. 

  “When you understand the importance of infrastructure for economic development, jobs and wealth creation, your focus will be on infrastructure development. The five priorities of my government are to unify the country, improve security, fix economy, restructure the federation and improve human capital development. This is the critical part that has great impact in our national development and improve quality of lives,” he said.

  He reiterated that every segment of the country required to be giving sense of belonging, adding: “Our country is in a bad shape and rescuing it requires proper preparation, as you know Southeast is close to my heart. You have supported me through thick and thin and I will always remember that your sons and daughters have played a very positive role in development of my life and country.

“They were key personnel who played important role in PDP when I was vice president and they will continue to excel in other role across the world.”

PDP Inaugurates Presidential Campaign Council On Wednesday

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would inaugurate its Presidential Campaign Council on Wednesday, September 28, the same date campaigns for next year’s general elections commence.

  PDP, in a statement by its National Organising Secretary, Umar Mohammed Bature, on Tuesday, September 27, invited the party’s former Presidents and Vice Presidents, governors and former governors, serving and former members of the BoT, serving and former members of the National Assembly, all members of NEC, stakeholders, the international communities, CSOs and the media to the event.

Court nullifies Ogun PDP Guber Primary, Orders Fresh Exercise

THE Federal High Court in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday, September 27, nullified the governorship primary elections conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, saying it was not in compliance with the Electoral Act.

  The court also ordered the conduct of a fresh primary election.

  The party’s May 25 primary election saw the emergence of two factional candidates- Ladi Adebutu and Segun Sowunmi- as the flagbearers of the party, but three members of the party- Taiwo Olabode Idris, Kehinde Akala and Ayinde Monsuri- subsequently dragged the party, Adebutu and INEC to court, challenging the authenticity of the delegates’ list used in conducting the primary election.

  The plaintiffs, in an Originating Summons filed by Dr. Kemi Pinherio (SAN), had approached the court seeking an order nullifying or setting aside the special state congress or indirect primary election held by the party on May 25 to choose the candidate, which the party intends to nominate or sponsor at next year’s governorship election in Ogun State, based on the list of delegates that were not democratically elected at the ward congress.

  They also prayed for an order of the court directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard or refrain from giving effect to the results of the alleged first defendant indirect primary election conducted on May 25, based on the list of ad-hoc delegates that were not elected at the ward congresses constituted by the party for that purpose.

  In his reaction to the judgment, Counsel to the plaintiffs, Thaddeus Idenyi, said the court nullified the election “because it was conducted using a list of ad-hoc delegates who were not elected. The implication of the judgment is obvious: The PDP will have to put their hats together and then conduct a fresh primary, as ordered by the court.

  “This time around, the court was specific that they have to use the list that has been certified by INEC, because after the primary, those lists were submitted to INEC as parts of its report of covering those ward congresses held, so the court has now said that is the list which must be considered in the conduct of the fresh primaries. So, the PDP had to just put their house together and use those lists to conduct a fresh primary.”  

  The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Akinloye Bankole, said the party would study the judgment before taking any step on it.

PDP Crisis: Ortom Denied Abandoning Wike

BENUE State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, has denied disagreeing with his Rivers State counterpart, Mr. Nyesom Wike, over their call for resignation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.

  Speaking with journalists on Tuesday shortly after presiding over PDP’s Benue North-West senatorial district caucus meeting held at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, Ortom insisted that he is still with Wike on the injustices meted out to him.

  He stated: “The news report is misleading. I just came back from London this morning with Wike and I still maintain my stand on what I said. I have not moved away from there. I still sympathise with Wike for the injustices meted out on him and our group.”

  “The party leadership has not been fair to Wike based on the activities that took place during the convention and after the convention. They have not been able to adequately deploy the internal conflict resolution mechanism of the party to resolve those issues. 

  “I still sympathise and stand with Wike and let the leadership of the party at the national level do the right thing. It is not too late to do so.

  “Politics is about interest and where your interest is not protected, you have the right to protest. We remain committed to the PDP, but still want the right thing to be done, so that everybody will be carried along.”

  Noting that it is not late to resolve the issues, Ortom further pointed out that with the interface he had with the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, he hopes that issues will be properly addressed, adding: “The issue in contention about the national chairman, the BoT was here some few days ago and we deliberated on the matter. They sought to know what my feeling was about the crisis and I told them the truth as far as I am concerned. 

  “I gave them my recommendations and I hope that justice will be done, so that our party will gain its position to take over power in 2023.”

  The governor said despite the crisis rocking the party at the national level, Benue State does not have any problem, noting: “From bottom to top, we are good to go, as far as our party is concerned. I am working for our candidates.”

  Ortom stressed that he cannot work against PDP and will support every candidate, saying: “That does not mean I am not aggrieved; Wike is aggrieved and I am aggrieved too.”