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President Tinubu will Win second Term – Sen kalu

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APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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Chairman of the South-East Development Commission ( SEDC ),Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, says that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will complete his two terms in office considering the level of success he recorded in bold economic, social and political policies.

The Abia-North Lawmaker stated this on Tuesday while fielding questions from the Senate Journalists, who ambushed him at the lobby of the National Assembly.

Among other responses, the former Senate Chief Whip faulted narrative of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election given by the former military president Ibrahim Babangida in his autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service describing IBB’S account as incomplete.

According to the former Abia Governor Babangida failed to mention the names of the Principal Actors that led to the annulment of the election widely adjudged as the freest, fairest, and most credible poll in the history of the country, that Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola, was the winner.

Giving more reasons why believed that President Tinubu will win a second term in office in 2027, Kalu pointed out that the ruling Party the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) remains firm in its decision to cede its 2027 Presidential Ticket to Tinubu in line with the zoning arrangement to maintain a North-South power balance.

Additionally Kalu mentioned the economic reform Policies of the President which he said iis already delivering positive economic results.

Using the Manufacturing sector as an example Kalu stated that the cost of production had reduced to 18.5 percent from 23 percent which it was last year.

He said; ” The good news is that we shall win again and President Tinubu will return.

“To be honest with you Asiwaju will win, many Presidents in Nigeria who have not done very well—I won’t call any names and they won their second term. We are appealing to Nigerians to support us.

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“We are not going to ruffle ourselves with the APC convention. We have only one Presidential candidate which is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“In line with democratic ethics we are not looking for any other person or candidate but the problem of Nigeria is that you people don’t like to consolidate gains of reforms.

Asking Nigerians to exercise more patience with the administration, Kalu said the stability in the exchange rate is also another indication that the President’s reforms are yielding positive results.

“It might be very difficult today, very hard and people are complaining but the reform is trickling down, somebody just told me this morning that the Dollar is 1490, so the reform is working but we should be patient.

“I am a manufacturer and I can tell you that Manufacturing costs have gone up, last year it was 23 percent but early this year it has gone down to about 18.5 percent. You can confirm from the The Lagos Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (LCCCI) what I am giving you is the real fact.

“I believe that there is hope in these reforms. It is difficult everywhere in the world but the most important thing is that initially they were done in a hurry now the President is taking time with his economic team and you can see that the President is making wilder consultations.

Speaking on a recent Book released by former Military president Ibrahim Babangida, Kalu stressed that he anticipates a second edition as IBB’S account of June 12 failed to capture the entire events that led the annulment of the 1993 Presidential elections.

Though Kalu appreciated the President for admitting that Moshood Abiola was the true winner of the election, he however said that the former Military president ought to have mentioned the names of those behind the annulment including the courageous role played by the then National Electoral Commission (NEC), Humphrey Nwosu.

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He said; “Ibrahim Babangida is my Master and everybody knows and I am going to visit him very soon and discuss with him.

“I am waiting for the second edition. The first edition did not reveal all the realities of what happened, especially when it concerns Humprey Nwosu and INEC.

Babangida should tell us , not only Abacha, he should mention names of those who stopped him from declaring Abiola as the winner.

“I was there and I know what happened, he published a second edition and mentioned their names and Nigerians will know what really happened.

Kalu also thanked Babangida for erasing the false narrative that the Igbo Tribe orchestrated the 1966 coup events that led to the military mutiny that ousted the then civilian administration led by Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa.

“Because people are thinking that Babangida lied but I am very grateful the coup they called Igbo coup has been clarified , although I don’t need Babangida to tell me that the Coup was not executed by the Igbos , that is why I am a true Nigerian.

“That coup was a Nigerian coup planned and executed by the Military and some people failed to do their job and their Igbos are bearing the brunt and that is not fair to the Igbos.

Following the confession of Ibrahim Babangida, Kalu appealed to President Tinubu to accord the Late Presidential Candidate Moshood Abiola full Presidential honours.

Kalu urged Tinubu to swear in Abiol as the duly elected President of the June 12 , 1993 Presidential election in Postmortem and including the inclusion of his Presidential portrait among other Past Presidents of the Country.

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According to Kalu through such the Abiola family will be healed and compensated from the electoral tragedy which befell them and the nation.

“Abiola won the election and there is no doubt about that , I want them to put Abiola’s picture where other former President’s pictures are placed. I will appeal to President Tinubu to swear him in Postmortem.

“I am thankful to President Buhari who gave him the National Award but he should be sworn in Postmortem so the family will be healed and given the rights they give to former President’s.

Kalu urged Nigerians to protect the Nation’s democracy, he also paid solidarity to the Nigerian Army for the sacrifices while calling for investment in the Agricultural sector as well as the elimination of Terrorists occupying the Nation’s land areas.

Kalu discouraged the disbursements of cash grants to individuals to solve the economic challenges;

“The Nigerian democracy has come to stay and I am very grateful to the Nigerian Army and their sacrifices. Some of them are being killed in the battlefield trying to safeguard our Nation.

“We must go back to Agriculture to make progress. We must retrieve our lands occupied by bandits and other Terrorists. Dashing of money should stop. We should put those money to Agriculture and other productive ventures, Kalu said.

When asked for his opinion of the face off between Senator Natasha Akpoti and the Senate President Godswill Akpabio over sitting arrangement, Kalu declined to comment saying that the incident was a matter that will be settled within the Senate Chambers as it would be an error to discuss such matter in public.

 

 

 

 

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Bamidele: N’Assembly Prevented Descent to Anarchy in Rivers

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Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
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….Says parliament should be commended, not vilified

 

The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele on Saturday defended the decision of the National Assembly to ratify the proclamation of state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, noting that they should be commended and not vilified.

As a responsible and responsive parliament, Bamidele argued that an emergency “is an extraordinary measure, and it must be treated as such in the interest of peace and without subjecting to the scrutiny of some parochial interests.”

He made these clarifications yesterday at the 29th convocation of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State where he was decorated with a honorary degree, Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa.

Bamidele received the honour yesterday alongside Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji and Chairman, Governing Board, Bank of Industry, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, thus making it the third honorary doctorate he had received between January 2003 and March 2025.

The convocation was attended by President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jubril Barau; Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Lola Ashiru; Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, among others.

Giving insight into the patriotic interventions of the National Assembly, Bamidele observed that the proclamation of emergency rule in Rivers State and its ratification by the National Assembly significantly eased political tension in the state.

But for this laudable decision that prevented further descent into anarchy in Rivers State, the senate leader said the National Assembly “has been subjected to all forms of toxic criticism that do not portray us well before the comity of nations.

“What exactly do we want as a people? A federation that functions for all? Or a federation that relapses into an intractable crisis? We must recognise that emergency rule is an extraordinary measure, and it must be treated as such in the interest of peace and security.

“As stipulated in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Assembly is required to provide its details. The provisions of the 1999 Constitution cannot be interpreted casually without proper understanding of the Nigeria Interpretation Act. 2004.

“As a responsible and responsive parliament that sees peace and stability as a catalyst of growth and development, we were inaugurated into office to promote a nation that works for all and that guarantees the peaceful coexistence of all.

“This desire defines our resolve to ratify the proclamation of the state of emergency in Rivers State with far-reaching provisions. One of such provisions is the constitution of the National Peace Committee to midwife the peace process between the Executive and Legislature in the state.

“We should be commended for this laudable initiative and not be vilified by some political actors, who do not bother about what happens to our national security, but about their parochial interest. Regardless of their unpatriotic moves, we firmly stand for the peace and stability of Nigeria.

“We shall continue to leverage the Authority of the National Assembly to guarantee her peaceful co-existence. Our decision, as an institution, is taken purely in the national interest. If any interest is unsatisfied with it, they can as well seek redress in the law court,” Bamidele reflected.

He expressed grave concerns about a barrage of attacks that the opposition parties are viciously launching against the National Assembly, noting that the reasons for such attacks “are purely based on emotion and not reasons; sentiment and not substance.

“Regardless of baseless and needless attacks our critics are throwing at the National Assembly, we are undeterred because we are truly on a rescue mission. The essence of the mission aims at bringing our fatherland from the abyss of regression to the path of progression through the enactment of pro-people legislations and by cultivating strategic collaboration with other arms of government.

“Collaboration, in this sense, does not suggest the erosion of the independence of the National Assembly for any reason. Rather, in reality, it reinforces the spirit of interdependence that constitutional democracy entails in order to resolve hydra-headed issues that often clog the mechanism of accountable governance,” he clarified.

Bamidele, therefore, revealed that the National Assembly more than before “is now focused on building a federation that enjoys internal stability and that rests solidly on the rules of law through the instrumentality of legislation, oversight and representation.

“We are also committed to creating a system that will enable quality education; that will guarantee limitless placements for all our graduates; that will prioritise access to decent houses nationwide; that will significantly reverse our nation’s reports of untold misery and that will, most importantly, remove all barriers to gender inequality.

“How can our nation attain this lofty status without a strategic collaboration being forged among various arms of government? This is the exact question that our hardened critics have failed to ask themselves. Anyway, we have left them to their politically motivated attacks.

“This does not suggest we are afraid of criticisms as the foremost democratic institution. We are not and we will never be because we believe democracy naturally thrives on public criticism. But such criticisms must be constructive and well structured with the intention of providing alternative, credible and patriotic initiatives, “Bamidele observed.

Also, at the convocation, Pro- Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Akin Oyebode acknowledged the contribution of alumni of the institution toward its development, saying the alumni plays significant roles in giving support to their alma mater in many institutions all over the world.

He specifically spoke about how the alumni association facilitated the donation of two medical hostels (male and female) through Senator Bamidele.

He added that the alumni through Senator Bamidele ensured construction of another two medical hostels, a mini stadium to the university and the construction of two kilometres road linking the alumni village with the college of medicine, as well as the 500 capacities CBE Centre and FM Radio Station.

In his own address, the Vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Ayodele said he was elated about the recent ranking of the institution as Nigeria’s best state university by the Times Higher Education.

Ayodele, also, noted that the success of the institution could be linked to improvement in the monthly subvention of the university from N260 million to N410 million monthly.

He commended the contribution of alumni association to the rapid development of the institution through strategic collaboration with Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

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Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Honored with Chieftaincy Title In Iyin Ekiti

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The Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaiye, has conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Oluomo of Iyin Kingdom on the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of the community.

Speaking during the conferment ceremony, Oba Ajakaiye lauded Senator Bamidele’s unwavering commitment to the growth and progress of Iyin Ekiti, particularly highlighting his instrumental role in the establishment of the Federal University in the area.

The monarch described the senator’s efforts as invaluable, noting that his dedication had significantly impacted education, infrastructure, and overall community development.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Monisade Afuye, also commended Senator Bamidele for his relentless efforts in fostering the progress of the state.

He described him as an illustrious son of Ekiti, whose contributions had greatly benefited the people.

The governor urged the residents of Iyin Ekiti to continue offering their support and prayers for the senator, emphasizing that leaders like him deserved encouragement to keep working for the collective good.

In his response, Senator Bamidele expressed deep gratitude to the Oluyin, the chiefs, and the entire people of Iyin Ekiti for the honour.

He reaffirmed his dedication to the community’s development, stressing that his numerous projects and interventions were not motivated by a desire for recognition, expressing his commitment to improving the lives of the people.

The event, which drew dignitaries from various sectors, showcased the senator’s enduring impact on the community and reinforced his status as a key figure in Ekiti’s socio-political landscape.

 

 

 

 

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Rivers: “We’ll Not Hesitate To Enforce The Law,” Ibas Warns As He Unveils Mandate

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Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd)
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The Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has warned against the destruction of national infrastructure in the name of agitation in the state.

“We will not act arbitrarily but will not hesitate to enforce the law where necessary; let no one be in doubt. We will uphold justice and fairness, but we will also ensure that civil order prevails,” Ibas said while pledging his commitment to promote peace and stability in Rivers state.

Ibas who was speaking at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, stated that his role in the state was primarily to ensure stability, peace and security.

“My responsibility is primarily to ensure stability, peace, security, and the general well-being of Rivers people.

“I accepted this call not for personal ambition, but out of an abiding commitment to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the state,” he said.

He said that the political crisis in the state, which deepened divisions among the people, forced him to accept the call to serve.

“The impasse of nearly two years in Rivers has paralyzed governance and desecrated democratic institutions in the state.

“The development has also threatened security and undermined the economic and social fabric of the state.

“As a son of the Niger Delta, I cannot afford to ignore these realities, I recognise the weight of the moment, the expectations of the people, and the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.

The retired navy chief urged Rivers people to remain law-abiding, peaceful and optimistic, saying, “I urge you to set aside your differences and work together to rebuild trust, restore stability and protect the future.

Ibas stated that the task ahead was the responsibility of every stakeholder in the state, and called for meaningful inputs from all and sundry.

“We are together in this, all Rivers people, elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, leaders of faith, youth, women, media and civil society.

“I extend my hand of fellowship to every son and daughter of the state regardless of political affiliation, political status, political leaning, ethnicity or creed.

“I assure you that Rivers will move forward once again and reclaim its rightful place as the oil and gas capital of Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

The sole administrator warned against the destruction of national infrastructure in the name of agitation, saying that such an attitude is inimical to the growth of the country.

“We will not act arbitrarily but will not hesitate to enforce the law where necessary; let no one be in doubt. We will uphold justice and fairness, but we will also ensure that civil order prevails,” he said.

He charged the security agencies to remain neutral, respect the rights of the citizenry and do nothing to escalate tensions.

President Tinubu had on Tuesday suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor, Ngozi Ordu, and members of the state Assembly, citing the prolonged political crisis in the state as his reason.

Consequently, the President appointed Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State.

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