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Give Me APC Ticket And I’ll Deliver Benue In 2023, Says – Gemade

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Give Me APC Ticket And I’ll Deliver Benue In 2023, Says – Gemade
Senator Barnabas Gemade, the former Minister of Works and Housing, has told the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue that if he is allowed to fly the party’s flag for the 2023 governorship elections, he will deliver the state to the party.

 

Gemade, a gubernatorial aspirant on the APC platform in Benue, revealed this during a visit to the party’s secretariat in Makurdi to inform party officials about his ambition.

 

In a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, and made available to our Reporter in Makurdi on Sunday, Gemade stated that the APC must field credible candidates like him in order to win elections in 2023.

 

Gemade, a former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), assured the party’s State Executive Committee that if he is chosen as the party’s candidate for the 2023 elections, he has the ability to win the governorship election.

 

He explained that he had many opportunities to become governor in the past, but he preferred to support younger candidates, adding that now was the time for him to take the helm and ensure the state’s development.

Read also: Benue South Gives Reasons Why It Should Produce Governor In 2023

As a result, Gemade has charged the APC in Benue leadership to ensure a level playing field during the party primaries, arguing that transparency in the process would ensure that those who lost in the primaries would band together in support of the party’s emerging candidates.

 

Comrade Austin Agada, the state APC Chairman, reiterated in his response that the party’s leadership would strictly adhere to the APC’s constitutional provisions in carrying out her responsibilities.

 

He assured Gemade that the party was fully prepared to usurp power in the state from the PDP administration in 2023.

 

Dr. Steven Tsav, State Deputy Chairman; Barr Vincent Uji, State Vice-Chairman Zone A; James Tor, State Vice-Chairman Zone B; and Pinot Ogbaji, his counterpart in Zone C, were also present at the meeting.

 

Others include Comrade Daniel Morgan Ihomun, State Publicity Secretary; Awuese Torhee, State Woman Leader; and Hon Hangeior Akaan, Financial Secretary.

Benue South Gives Reasons Why It Should Produce Governor In 2023

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Benue South Gives Reasons Why It Should Produce Governor In 2023

MAKURDI – Stakeholders in the Benue South senatorial district (Zone ‘C’) have urged the state governor, Samuel Ortom, and other key players in the state’s political landscape to ensure that the state’s next governor emerges from the zone in 2023.

The stakeholders, led by the Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM), made the call last weekend when they marched peacefully to the state government house in Makurdi to press their demands.

The group, led by Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Monday Morgan, noted that Zone ‘C’ had yet to produce a governor 46 years after the state was established, necessitating the need to support someone from the region for the position.

“Nasarawa state rotates its governorship among the three senatorial zones; Plateau, Kogi, and Taraba state do the same, and all the adjoining North-Central states do the same,” Morgan said in delivering the Zone ‘C’ message to Governor Ortom. Why is it that the state of Benue refuses to abide by democratic norms?”

He went on to say that the people of the area were fighting for the job because “the time has come for our man from Zone ‘C’ to mount the instrument of power in Benue state beginning in 2023.”

“We know you (Ortom) as a man of conscience, a man who has the courage to do the unexpected to bring people together. We know you to be a person of integrity and fairness, and we believe that no matter how much pressure you face, you will not yield to forces that believe one tribe should rule in perpetuity.”

Governor Ortom, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Benson Abounu, responded by saying that the people’s wishes and aspirations were just, right, and proper.

“Your aspirations are just because Benue state will be a place where every citizen of the state will have a place that he can call his own under my watch,” he says.

Read also: Residents Flee as Ebubeagu Operatives Invade Imo Community, Kill Many, and Raze Market

“My administration, which is founded on God, has always sought fairness, equity, and justice, and it is in this regard that I have worked to make history on various fronts in Benue’s 46-year history.”

“One of them is the appointment of a female as the Head of Service (HoS) of Benue State, and she came from Zone ‘C’. It is in this spirit that I made history by appointing a person from Zone ‘C’ as Chief Judge of Benue State for the first time in the state’s history.

“And, for the first time, an Igede man was appointed as the Auditor General of Benue State, indicating that my administration values inclusivity; that everyone, including Zone ‘C,’ deserves a place of belonging.” As a result, when it comes to deciding who will be Governor in 2023, I will continue to advocate for fairness, equity, and justice.”

Governor Ortom reminded AVM Morgan that when he led members of BRM to him earlier, he told them that the process of electing a Governor is not solely his responsibility.

“There are factors to consider, and you must consult widely,” he said, “and there are two fronts to consult: one is the traditional kingdom, and the other is the political class.”

“You must meet with the political class; you must meet with the traditional kingdoms’ leadership, and you must recognize that this is not a one-man show, so you must continue to meet with these people, and one of these institutions is the ‘Ijir Tamen,’ Tiv land’s highest decision-making body.”

“In the name of fairness, equity, and justice,” Ortom said, “you must eat and allow your brother to eat; in Tiv language, it is known as ‘ya, na angbian.’

Read also: Buhari issues warning to APC leaders, as Nigeria’s ruling party splits

Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Prince Onu, said that politics is a numbers game, and that the people of Benue North-East and Benue North-West senatorial districts have numerical strength.

In the interest of equity and fairness, he argued that the two senatorial districts should support Zone ‘C’ to produce the next governor, adding that the zone would not fail the state.

“Politics is a numbers game,” he says, “and our brothers in Zones ‘A’ and ‘B’ have the numerical advantage.” So, what are your expectations? Political ideology is based on numerical strength, which they possess.

“All we have to do now is negotiate for power; to extend hands of fellowship and friendship to them and ask for power, and we assure you that the people of Zone ‘C’ will not fail Benue state.”

Buhari issues warning to APC leaders, as Nigeria’s ruling party splits

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Buhari issues warning to APC leaders, as Nigeria’s ruling party splits

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop calling each other names and backstabbing each other.

The ruling party in Nigeria has been factionalized ahead of the March 26 Convention, with Yobe State Governor Mai Buni insisting on remaining the National Chairman.

Sani Bello, his Niger counterpart, now leads the APC, causing a schism among governors, lawmakers, other chieftains, and members.

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If the APC is to continue on its path of victory and dominance across the country, Buhari told the party’s warring factions to remain steadfast and united.

“Learn lessons in disunity, mismanagement, and corruption from the once-powerful Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), now enfeebled and adrift,” the leader told members.

In a statement, presidential spokesman Garba Shehu quoted his principal as saying, “They failed in 16 years in power and a failure as opposition.”

“Yes, we have a right to our own dissent and intra-party strife.” These are found in all political parties, both left and right, around the world.

“However, parties splintered by competing egos are doomed to suffer the worst possible outcome,” the President warned.

“As the country prepares for the long road to the 2023 presidential election, we all expect a robust debate on the issues that matter, and what’s going on in the APC should reflect that, not the infighting we’re seeing.”

Read Also:  Stop backstabbing your colleague, Buhari warns APC Governors

Buhari warned against more distractions in the run-up to the election of new leaders.

He went on to say that the APC did not begin on a note of power arrogance, but rather as a vehicle to bring development to all people without discrimination.

Residents Flee as Ebubeagu Operatives Invade Imo Community, Kill Many, and Raze Market

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Residents Flee as Ebubeagu Operatives Invade Imo Community, Kill Many, and Raze Market

Residents of Amankwo, in Imo State’s Orsu Local Government Area, have fled the community following an attack by members of the Ebubeagu security outfit, who killed an unknown number of people.

The governors of the South-East region unveiled Ebubeagu in April 2021 to aid in the fight against insecurity.

Read Also:  In Kaduna, bandits attack mosque, kidnap 24 people

On Monday, security personnel were said to have stormed the Amankwo community, shooting sporadically.

Local residents claim that local security operatives also set fire to a market in the Nkwo-Idemili community.

During the attack on the community, a couple was said to have been killed.

According to reports, the incident caused widespread panic, with residents fleeing to neighboring villages for safety.

“On Monday, Hope Uzodimma’s so-called Ebubeagu descended on my community’s market, torching and razing the market’s timber section.

“The attack lasted until last night (Thursday) and claimed the lives of a couple and many others. The town is now deserted.

Read Also:  Koshoedo, the PDP’s Deputy National Secretary, congratulates Gov. Makinde, Olubadan.

“This happens on a daily basis in all of my Orsu local government’s neighboring towns. Fear grips the entire population. Please join us in pleading with the government to end the siege and the senseless killings,” a local said.

I’m part of Umahi’s ordeal, we’ll make it to the Supreme Court: Wike

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I’m part of Umahi’s ordeal, we’ll make it to the Supreme Court: Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike claims responsibility for David Umahi’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, which resulted in his dismissal as governor of Ebonyi state.

Mr Wike, who made the remarks at the commissioning of the 3.4-kilometer eastern bypass in Port Harcourt on Saturday, also promised to take the case to the Supreme Court if necessary.

“Be assured, Governor Umahi, that the PDP will take this matter all the way to the Supreme Court,” the Rivers state governor promised.
Mr Wike stressed that Mr Umahi’s political harlotry had consequences that would serve as a deterrent to other political office holders fond of defecting to other parties, noting that it was the first time the issue of defection would be contested in court.

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“This is the first time,” Mr Wike said, adding that “nobody has gone to court to seek interpretation of a governor who has defected from one party to the other.” As a result, people think it’s new, and they wonder if you can remove a governor.”

“It is better for the court to make a pronouncement,” the governor says. Everyone will need to be cautious.

“If you give someone an umbrella, the next day he will defect.” When the EFCC arrives, he will say, “Let me join them so the EFCC does not go against me.”

“You carry another party’s vote and join another party.” Is it possible to transfer votes? Leave the seat if you’re defecting.

“And this will checkmate the majority of these political harlots, who will never sit still, always looking for excuses.”

“You can’t take our property and tell us we have to shut up.” How can we keep our mouths shut? Those who are behind it say as much. We’re working on it.

“I’m involved if your friends don’t want to tell you.” As a result, no one should threaten us. You are not a friend of ours. You do not belong to our political party. Mr Wike said, “Leave what belongs to our party.”

Read Also:  Biafra: Kanu’s family speaks out about IPOB’s leadership

The governor and his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, were removed from office on Tuesday by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court’s Abuja division for defecting to the ruling APC.

Mr Umahi, on the other hand, asked the court on Thursday for a stay of execution, directing them to vacate their offices due to their defection.

Army graduates, supports 559 repentant Boko Haram Members

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Army graduates, supports 559 repentant Boko Haram Members

The Nigerian Army’s Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) has graduated and equipped 559 members of the outlawed Boko Haram and Islamic West African Province (IWAP) who have renounced violence (ISWAP.)

Carpentry, welding, tailoring and barbering were among the skills taught to the graduates, two of whom were from Chad.

Sixty-three people were trained in barbering; 76 people were trained in shoemaking; 175 people were trained in welding; 167 people learned tailoring; 56 people learned carpentry, and 22 people were trained in laundry services.”

General Leo Irabor, the head of Nigeria’s military, praised them for laying down their weapons and urged them to fulfill their oath of allegiance, warning that returning to their old ways of life might be resisted with greater force if they try to return.

Read also: APC national convention: Orji Kalu faults Salihu Lukman

As part of the OPSC’s De-radicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) program, low-profile combatants are provided with psycho-social/psycho-spiritual therapies and vocational training.

According to the army chief, OPSC has trained over 1,000 reformed boko haram members since 2015, of which 984, including 16 foreigners, have been able to successfully reintegrate.

This non-kinetic strategy, which has been implemented by the Federal Government, has had a positive effect on military operations in the North East, he said.

The defense chief warned the graduates, noting that their immediate communities may be reluctant to accept them back, “I can assure you that if you remember and practice everything you learned during the DRR program, you will overcome these challenges.”

Instructed the recipients not to sell the tools and supplies given to them.

APC national convention: Orji Kalu faults Salihu Lukman

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APC national convention: Orji Kalu faults Salihu Lukman

According to Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, the Chief Whip of the 9th Senate of the National Assembly, the former Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Dr Salihu Lukman, has made false and unfortunate claims about his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni, to scupper the party’s planned national convention. On March 26, the APC will hold its national convention.

“I have read the unfortunate accusations leveled against me by a former Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Dr Salihu Lukman,” Senator Kalu said in a statement he signed yesterday.

To undermine the party’s national convention on March 26, some party leaders, according to a statement attributed to Lukman, are working with the chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni.

Sen. Uzor Kalu has actively supported His Excellency, Mai Mala in undermining the decision to organize the party’s national convention, he noted specifically. “”There are other party leaders including Sen.

The ex-governor of Abia State said that he felt it was necessary to correct the impressions that Lukman was trying to project.

At no time have I been involved in any collaboration or collusion to ensure that attempts to organize the APC national convention have been blocked,” he said, recalling that on December 15, last year, he had made an appeal to the party and the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee members to postpone the party’s national convention that had been originally scheduled for February.
That’s why I said that holding the convention in February would lead to implosion because we hadn’t resolved our minor differences at Congress.

The emergence of factions, which prevented the party from winning in so many states in the previous elections, was a concern of mine. As a result, I requested that the crisis be resolved peacefully before the convention could take place. There is no leader who would allow such a calamitous event to happen again.

My support for the party goes beyond the fact that Gov. Mai Mala Buni happens to be the party’s chair.” In addition to being the party’s chairman, Buni is a longtime friend of my family and I can’t turn him down because he’s currently dealing with difficult circumstances. For the past 25 years, we’ve been close friends and family.”

The Senate’s Chief Whip acknowledged that Buni has done a great deal for the party, pointing out that his sterling leadership qualities have helped “stabilize our great party across the six geopolitical zones, with high-profile defections in our favor.”

Read also: IGP honest businessman for donating N132m in vehicles to police

Due to the current state of affairs, Kalu issued the following statement: “I am calling on party leaders and stakeholders to exercise caution in their public statements in order to avoid further polarization. Disagreements and disagreements are common in even the most harmonious of families.

“The APC is a large party with many caucuses. Our caucuses include governors and legislators as well as business leaders, young people, and women, among others As a general rule, these caucuses should be considered at all times.

Mai Mala Buni or Abubakar Sani Bello, whoever is in charge of the party in the future, I will always give the party my full support and drive for stronger growth.” So, “I encourage Mr. President to listen to both sides so that we can win as a party together,” I say.

China injects more positive energy into global economic development

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China injects more positive energy into global economic development

According to a government work report presented at the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) on March 5, China’s economic growth target for 2022 is around 5.5 percent.

This target, according to the international community, is science-based and reasonable, and it mirrors China’s initiative. It will assist in guiding public expectations, boosting confidence, and fostering development consensus, as well as promoting China’s high-quality development.

While working to achieve the growth target, China will continue to contribute to global recovery and growth.
When assessing China’s contribution to the global economy, the rate and increment of economic growth are important factors to consider.

Read Also:  Nigeria’s problems can be traced back to European Colonial Masters: Ganduje

China’s GDP reached 114.4 trillion yuan ($17.7 trillion) in 2021, according to the yearly average exchange rate. It is estimated that it accounts for over 18% of global GDP. The country’s domestic value added surpassed $3 trillion, a record in the history of global economic development.

Increasing China’s GDP from 114.4 trillion yuan to 114.4 trillion yuan by 5.5 percent in 2021 is equivalent to achieving 7.4% growth five years ago or 10.5 percent growth ten years ago. The 5.5 percent growth rate will make a significant contribution to global economic growth.
To assess China’s contribution to the global economy, it is necessary to consider both the quantity and quality of its economy.

Global recovery is currently being hampered by a number of obstacles, and the process of global development has been severely hampered. It is a common task for all countries to provide people with a greater sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security through development.

For the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) and beyond, China is fully, accurately, and comprehensively implementing a new development philosophy that emphasizes innovative, coordinated, green, open, and shared growth, as well as making high-quality development a theme of economic and social development.

The country has worked hard to change its growth model, optimize its economic structure, and shift growth drivers, thereby facilitating and energizing global development.

According to an international expert, China’s commitment to a path of high-quality development, despite its population of 1.4 billion people, is an important contribution to global economic development and reflects the country’s major country responsibility.

To assess China’s contribution to the global economy, one must look at the country’s growth and interactions with the rest of the world.

China is expanding its economic opening to more sectors in order to create a world-class business environment based on market principles and the rule of law. China is actively integrating itself into the global economy and continuously promoting win-win results through its own development, having reached $6 trillion in foreign trade for the first time, breaking new records in foreign direct investment inflow, and signing over 200 cooperation documents on the Belt and Road Initiative with more than 140 countries and 32 international organizations.

Meanwhile, China is a staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system, which is centered on the World Trade Organization (WTO). It is actively negotiating and signing more high-standard free trade agreements and regional trade agreements, as well as building a fairer, more just, and more reasonable global governance system, all of which contribute to the world economy’s strong, balanced, sustainable, and inclusive growth.

Read Also:  CNG mourns death of Emmanuel Yawe, expresses condolences to ACF

Clearly, China is facing greater risks and challenges in its development, including the ongoing pandemic, a sluggish global recovery, commodity price volatility, and an increasingly complicated domestic and external environment. The country’s economic fundamentals, on the other hand, remain unchanged, implying that long-term growth is possible.

The country will undoubtedly be able to withstand downward pressure and maintain a stable economic operation, as well as inject more positive energy into the global economy in order to make it more stable, healthy, and sustainable.

IGP honest businessman for donating N132m in vehicles to police

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IGP honest businessman for donating N132m in vehicles to police

Mr. Usman Alkali Baba, the Inspector General of Police, has praised Alhaji Najib Ja’afar Koguna, a Kao-based businessman, for donating six lorry vehicles worth N132 million to the Kano police.

During the presentation and commissioning of two lorry vehicles he donated to No. 9 PMF Squadron, Hotoro, Kano, Alhaji Koguna, chairman and chief executive officer of Tipple K Investment Limited, was given the honor.

He promised to donate two lorry vehicles to Kano state police headquarters in Bompai and another two to Zone one headquarters in Kano during the ceremony.

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba (psc, NPM, fdc), who was ably represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone One, Kano, Sadiq Abubakar Bello (psc), commended the Commanding Officer of the SquadronACP Shuaibu Bello for his giant strides in his place of duty in his address.

Read Also:  CNG mourns death of Emmanuel Yawe, expresses condolences to ACF

“The donation of these new vehicles would no doubt enhance the operational capacity of the squadron by making man movement in response to incidents easier and faster,” IGP Usman Baba said.

“Aside from bolstering the squadron’s operational assets and alleviating logistical issues, this gesture will go a long way toward fostering police-community relations, which is one of the administration’s key policing initiatives. As a result, it is my humble belief that the people of Kano state will soon see an improvement in the state’s police service. I want to express my gratitude to Alhaji Najib Ja’afar Koguna, the chairman/CEO of Tripple K. Investment Limited, for donating these vehicles. We also appreciate Kano state government’s efforts to repair a Mercedes lorry truck and provide other assistance to Nigerian police at various levels throughout the state.”

He urged the Squadron’s officers and men to be more committed to their duties, ensure vehicle maintenance, and respect and protect Nigerians’ rights in the discharge of their duties in accordance with international best practices.

“Upon assumption of office,” ACP Bello said during the event, “I discovered that most of the operational vehicles are unserviceable and grounded due to logistic problems.” This was a significant challenge for me because operations are impossible to carry out without adequate and effective logistical support. In light of the foregoing, I needed to think outside the box and focus on the principle and practice of community policing, which is emphasized by the current administration of the Nigeria Police Force, and thus engaged the squadron community policing partners to address the issues.”

“Sequel to the engagement of the community policing partners, and after having appreciated my effort in the speed with which I activated some unserviceable vehicles, equipment, and general renovation of the squadron,” ACP Bello continued, “I am glad to inform you that the chairman of Tripple K. Investment Limited, Alhaji Najib Ja’afar Koguna, has promised to donate two lorry vehicles to the squadron.” His promise came true today, and the two vehicles, each valued at N22 million, have arrived for presentation and commissioning.

Read Also:  Nigeria’s problems can be traced back to European Colonial Masters: Ganduje

“Equally, I’d like to recognize and appreciate the efforts of Hon. Baffa Dan’Agundi, the Managing Director of KAROTA, who voluntarily carried out the general repairs and overhauling of the Kraz Troop Carrier vehicle, which had been out of commission for over 13 years.”

Also, His Highness, Oba of Yoruba in Kano, Engr. Oba Murtala Alimi Otisese, provided the Squadron with a 20 KVA generating set for administrative work and pumping portable drinking water to the barracks community, which I acknowledge and appreciate.”
ACP Bello also expressed gratitude to Ambassador Murktar Gashash, Special Advisor to Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje on Security Matters; the Managing Director of GEREWA Oil Mills LTD, Hadejia Road; the Managing Director of Triacta Construction Company, North-West Office, Kano; the Regional Manager Olam Nigeria, Mr. Idris Fadile; the Managing Director, PAL Pharmaceutical LTD, Kano, Pharm. Ogbuji Eugen

Stop backstabbing your colleague, Buhari warns APC Governors

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Stop backstabbing your colleague, Buhari warns APC Governors

President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned the Progressive Governors and other leaders of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) against backstabbing their Colleague, ahead of the March 26 national convention.

The President was apparently referring to the recent outing in the media by some Governors, who resorted to name calling and use of ungentlemanly words against one of their own, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.

Buni is the current Chairman of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), who is being embattle by his colleagues.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, had on Wednesday, during a Channel Television program, lambasted Buni for working to scuttle the proposed national convention of the party.

Arakunri Rotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State also took his turn, referring to some Governors and other supporters of Buni as “Yahoo Yahoo Boys”.

In a strong worded statement through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Garba Shehu, on Saturday, Buhari warned of the consequences of such outing in the media by leaders of the party.

“President Muhammad Buhari warns the leaders (and membership) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from name-calling and backstabbing ahead of the oncoming March 26 Convention, remain steadfast and maintain its unity if the party is to continue in the path of victory and its dominance at all levels throughout the country”, the statement reads in part.

Buhari drew the attention of the Governors to the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was in power for 16 years, to learn from their activities.

“President Buhari asks the members to look at the once-powerful, ”main opposition” Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now enfeebled and adrift and learn lessons in disunity, mismanagement and corruption”, it said.

The President also warned that, “parties splintered by competing egos destine themselves to the worst possible fate”.

He recalled that the APC started out with a confidence of victory and the party today enjoys that confidence in nearly two-thirds of the 36 states.

Yet, he noted, “this is a party that has been in existence barely for eight years, becoming the dominant party because it has thrown open its doors to defectors from other parties, big and small.

“This alone, addition to the fact we didn’t start on the note of arrogance of power, nor see government as a vehicle for self-aggrandizement, to be held at all costs, but a vehicle to bring development to all without discrimination-political, ethnic or regional to our dear country made this success possible”.

The party, he went on to note, “is proud of the fact that in its short period of existence, it has won two general elections decisively and despite losing a few states in 2019, it steadfastly expanded its pan-Nigerian outlook with significant defections of the opposition Governors and parliamentarians into its fold.

”Given all that is at a stake, we can expect contests into offices as we are now faced with to be heated although candidates and their promoters for party offices are not so much debating policy differences but differences of management, personality, character, and suitability for the most important leadership roles in our country and therefore the continent.’

“It is equally clear that over the last week or so, the internal management affairs of the APC have been afforded generous media coverage – over and above its importance to the voters of Nigeria.

“It is important to ask what benefits the poor are getting during the period of intense negative coverage.

“When precisely the party’s convention is held and who is the party’s chairman is hardly a matter for the average voter: vastly more important is who convention delegates will elect as the party’s flagbearer in the coming weeks to take forward the party’s platform to the people in the general election in February next year.

“It is therefore important for the media to put such matters into perspective. No one is debating policy differences here. That is for the general election. None of the declared aspirants and any of those that may step forward will change because of who may be in the party in the chairman’s seat. It is essentially the same party.

“Of course the media are welcome to comment on the content of the character of the potential APC candidates; discuss their suitability for leadership; scrutinize their offer to the membership. But to focus on the routine internal divisions and magnify them into what they have become today is a waste of everyone’s time, amounting to no more than a discussion over seating arrangements”.

This is not what Nigerians talk of in their communities. They have an inclination only for things that matter.

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