Television Nigerian

AMBASSADOR to the Benin Republic, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd), says he has no intention to delve into partisan politics.

The former Chief of Army Staff also disassociated himself from the calls for him to contest the next presidential election and campaign posters that have followed.

In a statement signed by Brigadier Gen Sani Usman (rtd), Buratai said he is content and committed to national service in his present capacity as envoy to Benin Republic.

“The attention of His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), Nigeria’s Ambassador to Republic of Benin and former Chief of Army Staff, has been drawn to calls and dissemination of campaign posters calling on him to join partisan politics and contest for Presidential candidature of one of the political parties by some persons,” the statement said.

He, however, pledged absolute loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve.

“It is essential to state that the Ambassador has never indicated interest, discussed with, or directed anyone on such matters. Therefore, such calls and posters should be discountenance as they did not emanate from him, nor is he interested in them. It is entirely the handiwork of some people for reasons best known to them.

“His Excellency wishes to reiterate his contentment and commitment to national service in his present capacity as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic. He remains loyal and eternally grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve. He, however, wishes to thank all well-meaning persons, friends and well-wishers who showed concern over this development”.

Citizens Network for Peace and Development (CNPD), a group of professionals and business entrepreneurs, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to support former President Goodluck Jonathan’s bid for the presidency of Nigeria in 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Former President Jonathan should abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join Buhari’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to return to power next year, according to the group.

Mr. Raphael Okorie, the CNPD’s National Coordinator, stated this to journalists in Abuja on Sunday.
Okorie said the group was ready to mobilise at least eight million citizens to return Jonathan to Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of power.

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He said the group was pleading with the former president to accept the offer to serve and rescue Nigeria at this crucial moments because of his track records in office.

The CNPD said it was lending its voice to “the increasing calls by various groups on the need for former President Jonathan to run for office”.

He said: “We call on none other than our father and incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, who has done so much in his few years in office to throw his support behind the candidature of Goodluck Jonathan, should he accept to vie for the office of president.

“Coming at the heels of the end of his tenure, we are confident that Jonathan more than any other candidate will ensure continuity, stability and fair play across the polity. We say to Mr. President that you have sacrificed so much for this nation.

“We are ready to mobilise no less than eight million Nigerians towards the 2023 polls. We say so with all sense of responsibility.

“Barely a year from now, an opportunity to go to the polls to vote beckons. Nigerians will once again be presented with the chance to choose from the usual political class or from a tested, trusted and responsible leader.

“Nigerians will be accorded the opportunity to decisively address the security and economic challenges of our dear nation.

“Taking the right step forward towards returning Nigeria to the path of peace, growth and development that is what the Citizens Network for Peace and Development pursuits vigorously.

“The Citizens Network for Peace and Development has always been an active, impartial and largely apolitical entity made of members drawn across religions and ethnic nationalities and regions of the country.

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“Our vision is to promote peace and development in Nigeria which is hinged on two principles, mutuality and inclusivity geared towards a strong and virile nation.

“Nigeria at this point in her history, good leadership is very crucial to sustaining the strides achieved by the previous presidencies.

“The leadership requirement to move Nigeria forward is nothing short of a nationalist, knowledgeable, one who is tested and trusted, one who is a visionary, strong and committed to the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria deserves a leader who is respected even beyond our borders. One who is passionate and one who puts the interests of the citizenry above his own.

“We have carefully scanned the political firmament in search of a credible, knowledgeable, selfless, trusted and patriotic candidate to occupy the exalted position of President of Nigeria.

“It is not in doubt that Nigeria is at a crossroad between discontent, fear and suspicion and the propensity for peace, reconciliation and hope.

“Our searchlight has fallen on none other than former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. His antecedents speak volumes. His compassion and passion for peace and Nigeria’s development cannot be overlooked.”

The group noted that those who vigorously criticised the Jonathan administration usually misunderstood his conciliatory and transformative approach to governance.

It said the former president’s critics had since realised that his patriotism and love for Nigeria is unflinching.

It said: “Jonathan had shown that the interest of Nigeria comes first. This was demonstrated by his actions during and in the aftermath of the 2015 elections, specifically the historic phone call he made to President Mohammadu Buhari.

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“He has indeed proven to be a peace maker and patriotic. He epitomises a true defender of democracy.

“His exemplary display of political solidarity and commitment to the progress of Nigeria has earned him crucial international roles as special envoy, mediator and resource person in global governance and security.

“Presently, the distrust in the polity requires a tested Nigerian like Jonathan to bridge the gap and foreclose any suspicion as is the case with some of those that have indicated interest in occupying Also Rock come 2023.

“We do not need a leader who is coming onboard with hangers-on who at best will constitute themselves into a nuisance and unwanted distraction. We do not need a leader whose history is chequered with more questions than answers and we certainly do not need a leader whose ambition is just to be president and nothing more.

“We need a leader who is a true democrat. A leader who is acceptable by all. One who appeals to the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the Muslim and the Christian, the Northerner and the Southerner.

“A leader who is enlightened, respected and loved. A leader who is proactive, strong and principled.

“A leader who values the sanctity of human lives. A leader who fully understands the trappings of power and knows not to abuse the privilege.

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“A leader who is tolerant and experienced. Nigeria deserves a leader who is detribalised and ready to work for the common good of all.”

The state government of Enugu has declared Wednesday, February 23, a work-free day as residents of the state vote in local government elections.

Markets and offices would be closed, and movement of people and vehicles would be restricted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the exception of those on essential duties.

Steve Oruruo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, stated this in a statement.

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“The Enugu State Government (ENSG) wishes to inform the public that Local Government elections will be held across the State on Wednesday, February 23, 2022,” it reads.
“Consequently, the Government has declared a statewide work free day on Wednesday, February 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow the people exercise their constitutional suffrage.

“During this period, markets and offices shall be closed and movement of persons and vehicles restricted, except for those on essential duties.

“All residents legally qualified to vote are therefore encouraged to go to the polls and cast their ballots.

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“The State Government, in its unflinching commitment to safeguarding and strengthening our democracy, has made requisite arrangements to guarantee a hitch-free process.”

Senator Gershom Bassey, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, has promised to establish a ” Cross River State Security Trust Fund” if he is elected governor in 2023.

Bassey made the promise over the weekend when he hinted at the contents of his state blueprint. He said the policy was necessary because it would go a long way toward addressing the state’s insecurity.

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Bassey’s promise to secure the state comes at a time when travelers and maritime business activities in the waterways between Calabar and Oron have been jeopardized by kidnapping and pirate activities, as well as a general state of brigandage throughout the state.
Bassey who represents Cross River South Senatorial District, and also doubles as the State’s National Assembly Caucus Chairman, said, a “State Security Trust Fund will adequately equip our security agencies and amplify their efforts, promote adequate investment in the security infrastructure, technology, equipment and training. Also provide an effective sharing formula of security votes….

“It is going to be zero tolerance policy on crime in the state and a significant crackdown on all the criminal activities that threaten the peace and security of the people, their property and effective governance.”

Continuing, the governorship aspirant said, “We all know there have been serious security issues in our state over the past seven years therefore peace and security is crucial for our state moving forward. Security begins with the grassroots. We must involve and fund all aspects of the grassroots including traditional rulers and Institutions and whatever it takes to ensure there is a safe secure and peaceful environment in the entire state.”

He said the state would also collaborate with the federal government, and advocate the proper demarcation of boundaries where community clashes persist, promising also to create active integration of grassroots involvement into the security architecture of the state.

He said the security template which the current administration in the state headed by Governor Ben Ayade inherited from the administration of Governor Liyel Imoke, was abandoned hence the prevalence of insecurity in the state.

He said having served as Chairman of the Strategic Policy Advisory Committee for Liyel Imoke, security in this state was okay.

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“The way they handled security in this state was a very simple template, and it worked. Was there kidnapping under Donald and Liyel? The thing worked. But you have a governor that has come in, and taken a simple template and complicated it…. they (Ayade’s administration) have taken a very simple template, and complicated it. And here we have problems today. Using my house as an example, I am a victim. I was a victim of EndSARS. Why would EndSARS even happen in Calabar? If you were following the security template, that would not have happened,” Bassey said.