The Lumine News

Category: Politics

  • Communique Issued By The PDP Governor’s Forum At The End Of Their Meeting In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, January 17 2022

    COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF THEIR MEETING IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, JANUARY 17, 2022.

    The PDP Governors’ Forum held its regular meeting crucial to the sustenance of our Democracy on Monday, 17th January, 2022, at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, the first in the new year. The meeting once again reviewed the state of the States, the state of the nation and THE PDP and issued the following Communique:

    1. The PDP Governors congratulated the entire PDP family for conducting a smooth and credible National Convention that led to the emergence of the highly acclaimed Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayu-led National Executive Committee and commended the new PDP NWC for hitting the ground running with respect to repositioning the PDP into a credible vehicle for RESCUING and REBUILDING Nigeria which has been battered by bad economy, insecurity, unemployment and other social ills by the incompetent and inept APC Administration.

    2. The PDP Governors requested the National Assembly to quickly conclude deliberations on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill either by overriding Mr President’s veto or deleting areas of complaints. The meeting advised that the option of sustaining Mr President’s veto would lead to a quicker resolution and would deny Mr President the opportunity to once again truncate a reformed Electoral jurisprudence for Nigeria. An early concluded Electoral Act is vital for credible elections.

    3. The meeting lamented the continued state of insecurity in the country, the persistent and ceaseless flow of Nigerians’ blood on a daily basis in many parts of Nigeria, the near collapse of the security situation in Nigeria. The strategies to confront terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminals is still a major problem of the APC administration.

    4. The meeting expressed regrets that Mr President is unwilling, from his recent comments discountenancing the proposals for state policing, to participate in reviewing the structural problems of tackling insecurity in Nigeria and urges Mr President to reconsider his position and consider decentralisation and restructuring of the security architecture as the most viable solution, together with proper arming, funding and training requirements for Security Agencies.

    5. The Nigerian Economy has continued to deteriorate and Nigerians have become numb and accustomed to bad economic news as exemplified by the inconsistent and differential exchange rate regime, high interest rates, unsustainable unemployment figures and borrowing spree some of which have not been applied to important projects, and other bad economic indicators. In particular, it is clear that the APC Government is a massive failure when compared with the records of PDP in government. The PDP handed over a $550 billion economy (the largest in Africa), but under APC, Nigeria is the Poverty Capital of the world. In 2015, under PDP, the exchange rate was N198 per Dollar, it is now under APC almost N500 to a Dollar; In 2015, unemployment rate was 7.3% under PDP, it is now 33%, one of the highest in the world under APC; In 2015, the Pump price of Petroleum was N87 per litre, it is now N165 per litre and climbing under APC. Debt Servicing now under APC takes over 98% of the Federal budget. The tales of woe is endless.

    6. The PDP Governors noted that the management of our Oil and Gas resources, the administration of Federation Account remittances have remained opaque, confusing and non – transparent. In addition, the transition to NNPC Ltd under the Petroleum Industry Act has not been properly streamlined to ensure that the interests of all the tiers of Government are protected, consistent with the 1999 Constitution.

    7. The meeting urged eligible Nigerians of all walks of life, particularly the Youths, to register en masse with INEC to exercise their franchise in the 2023 general elections. It further noted that the next election is a very consequential election that should be used to end the dominance of very youth unfriendly APC Government; a government that had the arrogance to deny Nigerian youths of the use of TWITTER, a business friendly tool for the young, for over a year. The youths should empower themselves to determine who leads them.

    8. The PDP Governors congratulated the Chief Host, His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, for the very high standards of hosting and for the great leadership performance he has entrenched in Rivers State.

    9. The PDP Governors wished Nigerians and PDP Members a happy new Year.

    In attendance are:
    Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR- Sokoto State – Chairman
    Gov. Udom Emmanuel – Akwa Ibom State – Member
    Gov. Sen. Douye Diri – Bayelsa State – Member
    Gov. Samuel Ortom -Benue State -Member
    Gov. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa – Delta State – Member
    Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi – Enugu State – Member
    Gov. Nyesom Wike, CON – Rivers State – Member
    Gov. Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde – Oyo State – Member
    Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri -Adamawa State -Member
    Gov. Bala Mohammed -Bauchi State – Member

  • KJ Jeddy-Agba Declares Intention To Contest Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency Election

    By Elijah Ugani

    A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Prince KJ Jeddy-Agba has declared his intention to contest the Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency Election comes 2023.

    KJ Agba made the declaration on Saturday 15th January, 2022 at his hometown, Utugwang – Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, when he consulted his ward, Utugwang Central.

    Declaring his intention, Mr KJ Jeddy-Agba noted that he understands the plight of the constituency in relation to the need of the 21st century representation.

    His words “Our people are predominantly farmers, all we need to do to set priorities, engage relevant stakeholders with the view to provide support through legislation that will have direct impact on the citizenry in line with the demands of the 21st century.

    “You cannot do a particular thing using same method over and over and you expect a different result.

    “We have to as a matter of expediency change our approach and strategy if we must get it right. A time has come for us to collectively rise to the challenge of the moment with the view to provide alternative leadership to our people.

    “Recall that in 2019, when the governor, Sen Prof Ben Ayade was still in our party, I had come and informed you of my intention to contest for this same office. I had done my consultations and was ready for the party primaries, only for the Governor to invite us for a meeting and read the Riot Act to us, and declared automatic ticket for all sitting House of Reps members.

    “The leader of our party in Cross River Northern Senatorial District today, is Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe. Unlike when you cannot predict the governor having some vested interest, the filed is opened for all those who are interested in serving in this capacity. I can assure that I have paid my dues in the party having served in different capacities and contributed to sustaining the party”

    Responding, the ward Chairman of Utugwang Central, Mr Ajima Ewhe Odey commended Prince KJ Jeddy-Agba for the bold step to indicate interest to serve his people at the green chambers of the National Assembly.

    He used the opportunity to pledge the support of the entire PDP family in Utugwang Central to the ambition of their leader, Prince KJ Jeddy-Agba. He charged other members to become ambassadors of the KJ Jeddy-Agba aspiration.

    Prince KJ Jeddy-Agba is the son of the longest serving Monarch in West Africa and younger brother of the Minister of State for Power, Prince Gody Jeddy-Agba OFR. He was a member of the Cross River State PDP Caretaker Committee, after the defection of the governor to the All Progressive Congress APC last year that midwieved the current State Executive Committee of the party.

    KJ Jeddy-Agba had contested election in 2010 for the position of the senate with Sen Ben Ayade and came third in that election. He also contested for the PDP ticket for House of Representatives with Hon Legor Idagbo as incumbent, where the incumbent was given automatic ticket.

    KJ Jeddy-Agba believes that his political network span across the three Local Government Areas that makes up the constituency, and he is confident that he will get the party ticket in a free and fair primary election to face other candidates from other political parties in the general election.

  • PDP State Working Committee Upholds Committee Report, Reaffirms Mr Patrick Kayang Position As Substantive Chairman Of PDP Obanliku Chapter

    PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY CROSS RIVER STATE

    12th January 2022.

    Press Statement.

    PDP State Working Committee Upholds Committee Report, reaffirms Mr. Patrick Kayang position as Substantive Chairman of PDP Obanliku Chapter

    Arising from the State Working Committee meeting of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, held on the 12th of January 2022 and chaired by the State Party Chairman, Hon. Venatius Ikem, the SWC members of the party upheld the Committee report on Obanliku Local Government Area. The Committee has Chief Austin Edibe (Vice Chairman North) as Chairman, Mr. Francis Ekeng, (State Organizing Secretary)as Secretary and Amb. Joe Esse (Assistant Secretary North) as Member.

    The Committee report which was presented by the Vice Chairman North, Chief Austin Edibe recommended the upholding of Mr. Patrick Kayang as substantive Chapter Chairman of Obanliku . A motion for the adoption of the Report was moved by the State Youth Leader, Mr Boniface Brown and seconded by the State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi. The Motion was later countered by the State treasurer, Ntol Jack Robert and supported by the Financial Secretary, Chris Edadi. Following the counter-motion, the State Chairman called for voting over the Committee Report.

    Eight (8) out of Thirteen (13) members of the SWC present voted in support of the report while two (2) members absconded during voting. Following the result of the voting, the State Working Committee members upheld the report of the committee and consequently reaffirm Mr Patrick Kayang as substantive Chapter Chairman of Obanliku LGA.

    The SWC expressed the hope that this will finally lay to rest the issue of the replacement of the Obanlikwu Chapter Chairman, Mr. George Kayang one of only two chapter Chairmen who left the Party in solidarity with Governor Ayade’s defection.

    The working Committee also commended the Obanlikwu Chapter for remaining resolute in the past several months despite challenging infiltration of the chapter by busy bodies who had nothing to do with the replacement of their chapter Chairman. The Chairman of the Party Barrister Venatius Ikem also informed members of the SWC that he had extended an invitation to the Councillors in Obanlikwu Local Govt Council, who recently decamped back home to PDP to a meeting with the State Working Committee of the party to share solidarity with them and reassure them of the party’s appreciation for their exceptional courage as well as protection from the Council Chair person who is reported to daily harrass them with a view to intimidating them to return again to the APC.

    We urge all party faithful in Obanlikwu, to remain committed to the overall interest of the Party, even as we work assiduously and collectively to rescue, rebuild and restore Cross River State.

    God bless Cross River State.

    Signed:
    Prince Mike Ojisi
    (State Publicity Secretary)

  • Koko Dan Set To Purchase Nomination Forms For Cross River Youth Vying For Elective Offices In 2023

    The factional Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC, Cross River State chapter, Mr Koko Dan popularly refered tohto aspas share the money has pledged to purchase nomination form(s) for all Cross River State youths between the ages of 25 to 45 years who are desirous of taking up leadership position from councillorship to senate comes 2023 and constraint by finances, irrespective of political parties.

    Koko Dan, made this pledge known on his verified Facebook page today, January 13th,2023.

    His exact words “Agents of socialization sometimes referred to as institutions, work together to influence and shape people’s political and economic norms and values. Such institutions include, but are not limited to: political parties, families, media, peers, schools, Money, religions, work and legal systems.

    “In the past two decades, youthful contents have taken over major parts of innovations in the media, social enterprises, and above all self consciousness accompanied by trend.

    “In Nigeria the youthful campass over time are relegated to the background and in real estate of affairs the youths does the real thing echo from the back while the aged takes the glory in the open scene.

    “Vehemently, getting into politics is now the hardest line to step over because the aged have made politics too expensive for the youths and sometime reference the youths as inexperience but turn around to relying on the youths for content development,the meeting from point one to point two, the explicit formula of affairs and the sound echo from the strength of our youthfulness!

    “How do we achieve our interest considering the cost implication of running an election?

    “Ladies and gentlemen, I am playing one role. The other roles we shall do them together.
    Are you age 25-45 and will love to run for office in 2023 in Cross River State and don’t have Money to proceed?

    “Councilor, local Government Chairman,State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and The Senate ?

    “I will buy the form for you to participate. Irrespective of political party.
    Remember, platforms divides us but interest keeps us together. Guys, let’s marry what keeps us together.

    “I respect personal interest. One of those youthful ambitions have always been a gold mine for successful innovation, eg, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Julius Malema, Senator Isiaka Aboh etc.

    “I thank you for your attention and your opinions are welcome!

    “Happy new year!!!.

  • APC Dispels Rumors Of The Suspension Of Its Planned National Convention

     

    The general public is advised to completely disregard fake news on the reported suspension of the planned National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) till June, as reported by some media outlets.

    Dates for Party activities such as meetings, Primaries, Congresses, National Conventions are communicated through well-known official channels and not through ‘sources’.

    The faceless authors and sponsors of fake news on APC activities, in this case the planned National Convention are simply bent on causing confusion and formenting crisis through misinformation. We should not enable them.

    As a focus-driven, process-oriented political party, the APC Caretaker Committee under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni will not be distracted by self-serving antics of these sponsors of fake news. The APC Caretaker Committee is already embarking on nationwide consultations with Party stakeholders to prepare the ground for a rancour-free National Convention. To this end, the sub-committee on budgeting and other substructures will be set up in due course.

    Finally, the Party notes and appreciates the continued support of well-meaning members and leaders as the APC Caretaker Committee undertakes the immediate task of addressing contestations within the Party, litigations, fallouts of recently-conducted Congresses and generally reposition the Party ahead of the National Convention.

    SIGNED:
    Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe Ph.D
    National Secretary
    APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC)

  • PDP Rejects Enang Aboli’s Suspension, Says Abi PDP Should Not Be Pushed Too Hard

    The People’s Democratic Party PDP in Abi Local Government Council has condemned and rejected the purported indefinite suspension of Hon Enang Aboli and the relieved of Hon Smart Isogon of his position as Deputy Majority Leader.

    The two councillors refused to refused to join the APC and have continued to advocate for the PDP.

    In a release sighted by TheLumineNews and signed the Abi Local Government Chapter Chairman, Mr Victor Bassey, indicates that Abi is not a sole proprietorship of the APC.

    The release reads in full:

    Press Release

    The attention of the people’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abi Chapter has been drawn to the purpoted indefinite suspension of Hon. Enang Aboli and the relieved of Hon. Smart Isogon of his position as deputy majority leader
    During a plenary session held at the legislative chamber and was presided by the Deputy Leader of Legislature Hon. Princewill Kanu representing Usumutong/Abeugo today.

    The Abi PDP Chapter condemn and reject this devilish sponsored act and is unacceptable by the Party. We call on those behind this sponsored decision to immediately reverse it and allow peace reign in our Local Government.

    Abi LGA is not a sole proprietorship nor a sole property of APC. Let Abi PDP not be pushed too hard.

    Our warmest regards

    Sign:……🖊️

    Victor Bassey
    PDP Chapter Chairman
    Abi LGA

  • Abi Legislative Council Suspends Hon Enang Aboli Indefinitely

    By Evans Bassey

    The ABI Local Government Legislature has suspended indefinitely the Councillor representing Igbo Imabana Ward 1, Hon. Enang Aboli.

    During a plenary session held at the legislative chamber and presided over by the Deputy Leader of Legislature Hon. Princewill Nkanu representing Usumutong/Abeugo Ward, Hon. Enang Aboli was suspended following his violation of Section 34 sub 1&2 of the Local Government Law.

    In a motion moved by the majority leader of the house Hon. Sunday Ukata representing Afafanyi/Igonigoni Ward and supported by Hon. Efem Sunday representing Imabana Ward 2, both legislators established that Hon. Aboli Enang had persistently allowed his personal interest to override his official conducts.

    Similarly, Hon. Isogon Smart Okon representing Itigidi Council Ward and the Deputy Majority Leader of the House was relieved of his position as Deputy Majority Leader on the grounds he belongs to the opposition minority party in the State the PDP.

    The motion to relieve Hon. Smart was moved by Hon. Happy Ejom representing Ediba/Anong Ward and was supported by Hon. Monday Ubah of Ebom/Ebijakara Ward.

    Both Councillors were absent during the sitting were this resolutions were reached.

    A total of seven out the ten Councillors that make up the house were present at the plenary.

  • Chief Ernest Shonekan: The End Of A Democracy Traitor BY OMOYELE SOWORE

     

    When I learned of the death of Chief Ernest Shonekan today at the age of 85. I could not hold my anger at the reporting (including at Sahara Reporters) that claimed he was a “Nigerian leader.”

    Truth is that Chief Shonekan wasn’t a leader, he was a traitor who betrayed Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola and a betrayer of Nigeria’s quest for genuine democracy before and during the June 12 1993 era.

    Also, Chief Shonekan wasn’t an “Interim Leader” as reported in many news outlets, the illegal contraption he headed known as the “Interim National Government” which was put together by an equally evil traitor, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida was appropriately nullified by a Lagos High Court also in 1993 after he occupied the office of “President” only for 84 days.

    Nigerians should courageously address the sins of these bunch of wicked people when they are alive and when they die.

    The people of Chile recently treated the death of Lucía Hiriart, the widow of the Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet with scorn even though she died at the age of 99.

    #RevolutionNow

    -Sowore

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, OMOYELE SOWORE and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for.