Senator Godswill Akpabio Joins Buhari To China.

President Muhammadu Buhari will Friday depart for China to participate in the 7th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) scheduled to hold September 3 - 4, 2018 in Beijing.

Saraki Officially Declares Presidential Ambition.

The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has officially declared his presidential ambition.  

Saraki, at the Abuja Sheraton Hotel on Thursday, made known his intention to run for the number seat of the Federal Republic of Nigeria amidst pomp and peagentry. 

At the said event, Saraki revealed that he has answered the call of the teaming youths to run for president.

“Accordingly, I hereby announce my intention to run for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the coming General Elections in 2019 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.”

Saraki arrived at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, where he met with “young politicians” and “aspirants” who are “interested in running for public office in 2019 under the newly signed #NotTooYoungToRun Act.”

Saraki formally declared his intention to contest the presidency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The Senate President, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress to the PDP, will contest the PDP presidential ticket with a former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; an ex-Governor of Jigawma State, Sule Lamido and a former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa.

Saraki, in a live Facebook broadcast said: “Up and down our country today, Nigerians are crying out for succour. Many of our children are hungry. Many people are dying of avoidable or otherwise treatable diseases.

“Many have fallen below basic living standards, and are now among the 87 million that sealed Nigeria’s position as the country with the highest number of people in extreme poverty. Our young people lack opportunities.

“The necessary education facilities and system to equip them for the future simply do not exist. We are not creating the jobs needed to usefully engage them in order to grow our economy. And too often, the youth feel shut out, prevented from having any say in the direction of this nation.

“The harsh conditions of extreme poverty faced by the people, fuels the state of insecurity all over the country. Hunger, lack of education and lack of opportunities push many Nigerians into criminal activities including terrorism.

“Many of our communities are paralysed with fear – due to incessant communal crises, kidnappings and other social ills, as well as the threat of terrorism. We are failing abysmally to tackle the problems of today and to prepare for the future.

“Our economy is broken and is in need of urgent revival in order for Nigeria to grow. GDP growth rate has declined. Diversification remains an illusion. Unemployment is at an all-time high. Businesses are shutting down.

“Jobs are being lost in record numbers, and the capital needed to jumpstart our economy is going elsewhere.

“Nigeria is perhaps more divided now than ever before. We are increasingly divided along regional, religious and ethnic lines. Nigerians are also divided by class, a festering gulf between the ‘Haves’ and the ‘Have-Nots’.

“The fault lines of this nation are widening to an alarming degree. We must do something fast, and we must be brave about it.

“We must ensure the security of lives in Nigeria. As things stand now, no one is safe in this country. No one feels truly safe. We must restore the sanctity of the rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions in order to build a just, fair and equitable society for all.

“We must rebuild the trust of our people in government. We need a new generation of leaders that are competent, with the capability to rise to the challenges of the 21st century. We must pull this country back together and rebuild, block by block, with dedication and commitment.

“You will agree with me that this is an urgent task that requires the concerted efforts of each and every one of us. If we look around today, what do we see? What is the condition of our citizens? Where are we as a nation? How are we perceived locally and internationally? Why are we not making the expected progress? Why are we not growing? There is no time to waste. The time is now, to come together to stimulate growth in Nigeria, especially in the national economy.

“The choice we face in the forthcoming election is either to keep things as they are, or make a radical departure from the old ways. To find a better way of doing things or keep repeating the mistakes of the past. To fix the problems or keep compounding them.

“It is with all these in mind, and taking account of the challenges that I have outlined, that I have decided to answer the call of teeming youth who have asked me to run for President.

“Accordingly, I hereby announce my intention to run for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the coming General Elections in 2019 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“I do so with the firm conviction that I have what it takes to secure inclusive growth for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“My Plan for Nigeria has inclusion in all aspects of the country’s affairs as a central pillar. Every citizen has the inalienable right to feel a sense of belonging, no matter their background or creed, or what part of the country they come from. No matter who you voted for or what your convictions are, government must work for you.

“Your generation does not deserve to live in the poverty capital of the world. It is no longer an issue of how we got here, but how do we get out of this situation?

“I promise you that I will lead the fight and employ every God-given resource available to us in turning things around. I am determined to grow Nigeria out of poverty. We will stimulate the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as one of the ways of energising the economy and to create wealth for our people, especially the youth.

“I want to see the youth play major roles at all levels, not only in government but also in the private sector and indeed in every area of Nigerian life. This will be a government driven by youthful energy, innovation and a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit.

“Nigerian youth will be given all the opportunities to realise their potential to the full within a national framework that guarantees inclusiveness. For youth who have ideas and capacity, we will make sure that there is funding for their ventures; and we shall build on the Made in Nigeria legislation as part of our job creation drive.

“My plan is to secure Nigeria by redesigning our national security architecture, while adequately equipping our security agencies to fulfil their primary role of protecting lives and property.

“I will address our infrastructural deficit through aggressive financing initiatives including mutually beneficial PPP arrangements, regular floating of bonds and other financial instruments, which will ensure stable, adequate and reliable funding to see to the completion of core projects especially road, rail and power.

“My plan is to protect all Nigerians and defend their constitutional rights and freedoms. I will stand for and uphold at all times the principle of the rule of law, which is the bedrock of democratic governance.

“Ours will not be a selective fight against corruption. The emphasis will be on strengthening institutions, with a particular focus on deterrence. We cannot afford to compromise our institutions with proxy wars against perceived political opponents. We see the fight against corruption as crucial to Nigeria’s economic development.

“I offer leadership driven by empathy. Where leaders are responsive to the citizens. Where they know that government cares. We will not be indifferent or turn a blind eye to the real concerns of our people. Every single Nigerian life matters.

“For me, the leadership we deserve is one that will be a source of pride to all Nigerians, one that will be respected and admired in Africa and around the world. It should be a leadership that can hold its own and stand tall anywhere in the world. That is the type of leadership I offer.

“As a former two-term Governor and currently President of the Senate by the grace of God, I believe I possess a unique blend of executive and legislative experience to push for and implement reforms that will deliver real improvements in the daily lives of our people. I know what it takes to create jobs and grow the economy. I can make the tough decisions when it matters. I will spearhead a new agenda that can transform the lives of ordinary Nigerians in real terms.

“Believe me when I say that it will not be business as usual. This will be a dynamic government of action that will pursue the growth of Nigeria with doggedness, determination and conviction. I will lead a result-driven administration. We shall set targets with clear timelines to ensure that anticipated deliverables are met. You can benchmark us and hold us accountable. In short, I assure you that I will deliver on all promises. What I envision is a new chapter in governance in this country. We will be driven by what is best for Nigerians.

“I have deliberately chosen the opportunity of being here with you, my Number One constituency who I see as the future of our great country, to make my intention known. I believe the Nigerian youth are critical to rebuilding and growing the economy, and restoring our national pride.

“I therefore ask you and all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with me in this noble cause.

“My brothers, My sisters, Let’s Grow Nigeria Together.”

Gov. Udom’s Many Dead on Arrival Projects. .Did The Projects Ever Manifest In Akwa Ibom?

There is intense uproar about this issue in Akwa Ibom state, and it is becoming very contemplating in many circles. The variables emanating from Governor Udom’s phantom projects are seemingly becoming the talk of town, and expediently need to be looked in to. In retrospect, what are the verifiable truths about Udom Emmanuel's nine industries for which he is substituting bold-face lies? Can we adjudge the following without being biased or judgmental?

Armoured Vehicle Assembly Plant in Itam.

This has been DOA, dead on arrival. Misguided, misconceived, it has not gone beyond groundbreaking. 

LED Lighting Factory in Itam.

Equally misguided and misconceived. Equally is the DOA on ground-breaking. 

Peacock Paints.

Taking late Dr Clement Isong's achievement in vain, the purported revival of this iconic industry by Udom Emmanuel has been an excuse to plunder public funds. The so-called revival has not matched either in volume or range of output, what was achieved over *30 years ago. Even at that, the products are not in the market where even if it were, it would be competing, unfavourably we should add, with the output of over 300 local producers. A whole state government should do better but under Udom, it hasn't. 

Toothpicks and Pencils Factory.

The less said about this disgraceful effort the better. Or perhaps more should be said to expose the abysmal incompetence of Udom Emmanuel. Fraudulently conceived and poorly executed, this factory is typical of Udom's so-called industrial development programme.  Inappropriate equipment was ordered without a thought to where it would be housed. On arrival, a warehouse was hurriedly borrowed without a proper lease agreement. The factory was commissioned and allegedly put into use only to be shut within a few months. Some 24 months later, the government is desultorily trying to put up a building for it in Itam. No prize for guessing: a failed project without any product in the market.

Syringe Factory.

A mum and pop operation; probably a money laundering scheme, by Udom Emmanuel's Turkish business partners. For all the noise, this is a plastics company, pure and simple. Imported moulds are used to blow plastic resins for the plastic parts of the syringe. The hypodermic needles are imported and packaged for sale at higher than import prices. Even the packaging is brought in from out of state. Zero local content, limited employment generation. It is not doing well and may soon pack up shop.

Electricity Meter Factory.

This nothing to do with Udom Emmanuel, as Godswill Akpabio set the stage for this investment by buying into Port Harcourt Distribution Company, during the privatisation of DISCOs. Owned by the operators of PHDC, the electricity distributors, this is an assembly operation, pure and simple. Not one component is manufactured in Nigeria. This is precisely the sort of industries we had before under our import substituting industrial programme in the 60s, 70s and 80s, that failed woefully. No self respecting leader should be advertising this sort of operation as an achievement. But that is Udom Emmanuel for you. Clueless.

Tomato Industry.

A farm or industry, nobody can say. If a farm, it will be a high cost one, given the kind of sums we have heard bandied about as the cost of the imported green houses, imported equipment and imported experts. If the products are in the market, only Udom's cook is using them. As for industrial processing, we'll believe that when we see them in operation. We can hazard the view now that the present green house operation will not produce enough to feed an economic-sized plant. If in doubt, ask Dangote. As for the much-ballyhooed AKEES, tomatoes business, well, nobody is talking about the millionaires allegedly created by that exercise in public deception, alternative facts or no. 

Rice Mill.

A scam, as reported by Dr Dele Sobowale in a widely circulated on-the-spot assessment a few weeks back. 

Fertiliser Blending Plant in Abak.

The biggest alternative fact of all. And that is saying something. A packaging operation commissioned and passed off as a blending one. At the cost of $5million in bank guarantee that exposes all of us in Akwa Ibom. Besides,Udom Emmanuel didn't facilitate that investment, Godswill Akpabio did. 

Coconut Oil Processing.

Misplaced, misguided and misconceived. Nothing exposes the quality of thinking and vision that undergirds Udom Emmanuel's government than this misadventure. And as if to prove it, the coconut plants have stubbornly refused to grow.

Mexican Cattle Ranch in Uruan.

Another stop in Udom Emmanuel's reenactment of Don Quixote's tilt at windmills mistaken for heathen enemies. Again, more evidence of thoughtlessness. 

Unlike Udom Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom people live in the real world of his nonperformance. They pay the price, a very high price, for living in that world. They need a governor that comes from the world of reality; the reality of poverty and joblessness, a governor who will relief them of these real burdens by building real industries, by creating real conditions for the people to flourish. Udom Emmanuel and his world of alternative facts must be done away with and the deadline for doing so is but a few months away.

-Sylvester Inyang.

Music House, The Aare and Lessons of History.

The recent “partial demolition” of the popular Music House, owned by the ace Juju-Gospel crooner, Yinka Ayefele and the events that followed thereafter readily bring something to mind – the reign of the legendary Aare Momodu Obadoke Iyanda Asubiaro Latoosa.

Akwa Ibom APC Post-Congress Leadership Tussle Resolved.

The leadership tussle that resulted from the State Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has been resolved.

SARAKI, DAVID MARK TO FACILITATE TOTAL RECONCILIATION IN OSUN PDP- ADAGUNODO

Osun state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Hon Soji Adagunodo has assured members of the party of the readiness of the National and state leadership of the party to ensure that no one is left behind in the  reconciliatory process ahead of the governorship election.

Sen. Akpabio's Defection Not Due To Any EFCC Investigation.- Clement Ikpatt.

As fear and desperation grip the Akwa Ibom state PDP over Sen. Godswill Akpabio's upcoming defection to the APC, there have been mixed reactions registered all over the print, electronic and social media. Also, there are jitters, panic, confusion, suspicions, fury, rumours, denials, begging, spins, even silence in Udom Emmanuel's camp.

All Hail The New Aare Soludero, Bayo Adelabu.

A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Oyo APC guber hopeful, Bayo Adeabu has added another feather to his cap. As the Alado of Ado Awaye, Oba Ademola Olugbile, conferred on him the chieftaincy title of 'Aare of Ado Awaye'.

UCH Extols Tonu Anenih's Good Virtue At 85.

The University College Hospital, Ibadan has facilitated with the former Chairman, Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, the Iyasele of Esanland, on the occasion of his 85th birthday celebration today, August 4, 2018. 

3 Reasons Why I Want To Be Oyo State Governor.-Ex-CBN Deputy Gov., Bayo Adelabu.

A grandson of the late prominent politician/nationalist, Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu (Penkelemesi) and the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bayo Adelabu has reinstated his determination, commitment to serve the people of Oyo state.

Oyo Guber Aspirant, Seyi Makinde Splashes 50m On Bursary Scheme.

It was indeed an epoch event on Tuesday 31st July, 2018, at the prestigious Professor Emeritus Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, UCH, Ibadan, as a PDP governorship aspirant in Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde expended a huge sum of fifty million naira (50m) on Bursary Scheme Award.

2,500 indigent students of Oyo state across tertiary institutions, out of 10,000 that applied, benefited from this year's edition of the annual scheme, which has been in existence since 2006.

Former Minister of Youths and Sports Professor Taoheed Adedoja, who chaired the occasion, described the scheme as a life empowerment of the youths for self-development and the development of the  country, as the future of Nigeria lies in nothing than education. “PVC will qualify you to vote but PVC cannot empower you. It will only take care of 2019. Your PVC for life is education. This scheme is to empowering you for the future”, he told the beneficiaries. He also said inadequate funding of education is one the country's mistakes. "One of our mistakes in Nigeria is not giving priority to education. We budget high for defence but the rights of Nigerians to live in every part of Nigeria are not defended.

When the election is over, you keep your PVC it is the scheme and education that will take you where you should be. I believe that members of the board of trustees have put in machinery in motion to ensure that this scheme continues to do good to educational development in this country”, he stated.

In their remarks, Dr. Saka Balogun, a former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Oyo State and Elder Adeniji both commended Engr. Seyi Makinde's efforts on capacity building and for being consistent.

While speaking at the event, founder of the scheme Engr. Seyi Makinde said that the poor state of education in Oyo State could be traced to the fact that a very small fraction of the state’s budget goes to Education. "UNESCO advised that 26% of our budget should be committed to education. Last year, Oyo State budgeted ₦280 billion, 2.5% of it was for education”. He went on to say that if elected, “Oyo State will commit minimum of 5% in the first year up to 12% in the fourth year”, he stated.

Makinde also revealed that when he becomes governor of Oyo state come 2019, education wil be given priority. Education will rest on four legs: infrastructure, schools will have buildings, furniture and other facilities that will provide a conducive environment for learning. You will have people that will implement policies and impart learning those are teachers. Some of them are being owed. We will ensure that they are adequately motivated. We will take the issue of teachers beyond cosmetics. We will ensure that schools are adequately funded. All schools will be mega, not by selecting six or seven schools located on the main road. Our students will not learn using used tyres as chairs. They will learn in properly equipped schools and we will implement 30 students per class policy”.

Some of the dignitaries at the event include Engr. Akin Caleb; Busari Olayemi; Hon. Depo Oyedokun; Chief Adedeji Olajide Pedro; Alhaji Adebisi Olopeeniyan; Prof. Taoheed Adedoja; Senator Kamoru Adedibu; Chairman Omititun Christian Association, Chief Adekola; Chief Imam of Omititun Mosque, Alhaji Mojeed Lanase; Ahaji Olaniran; Dr. Remi Ayodele; Hon Samuel Adejumobi;Hon. Adelabu; Chief Bayo Lawal; State Exco of PDP in Oyo state; Engr. Lere Adigun; Prince Adebayo Adeyemi; State Secretary of PDP, Hon Wasiu Adeleke; Prince Segun Adeloore; Chief Samue Olawuwo; Chief Sunday Ogunlade; Surveyor Owolabi; Elder Adeniji; Mrs. Kemi Moradeyo; representative of Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Wahaba Atere; Pastor B.O Akanmu; Chief Jacob Adetoro; Mogaji Nureni Akanbi; Dr. Saka Balogun; Primate Ola Makinde; veteran actor and President of TAMPAN, Dele Odule who anchored the event and many others.