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2023: Okowa, Ibori, Other PDP Stalwarts Plot APC’s Collapse in Delta
Pro-Omo-Agege Group, Others Join Ruling Party
Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Chief James Onanefe Ibori and others on Saturday pledged to work harmoniously to ensure the victory of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s general elections. They sued for a united front among among members to enthrone peace and understanding in the battle ahead.
Both Senator Okowa and Chief Ibori spoke during the party’s mega rally held in Asaba the state capital on Saturday.
Okowa assured members of the ruling PDP in the state of free, fair and transparent primary elections ahead of 2023 general elections.
He affirmed that PDP remained one united family and assured that leaders of the party would ensure that primaries for all elective positions were free and credible.
He said that the massive mobilisation for the rally showed that PDP was ready to rescue Nigeria from the ruling All Progressives Congress and advised aspirants in other political parties not to waste their money to contest elections in Delta.
“I give thanks to God for what is happening here today and I thank our leaders in the PDP, our state and local government executives, our youths and women for the massive mobilisation for this rally.”
“It is the grace of God and through their hands that we have mobilised to make a statement today across Nigeria that PDP is prepared to take over this nation.
“One good thing about us in the PDP is that we are one family, we are not like the other people where one man takes it all. Here in PDP, we are one family.
“We work as a family with the love God but in the other parties, they are always fighting themselves,” he said.
He thanked Deltans for their great support and cooperation with his administration.
He said that the PDP was able to retain its dominance in the politics of Delta with the unflinching support of the people.
“It is because you have always supported us that is why when we win, we win very well. We won well in 2015 and in 2019, and in 2023 we will finish work again.
“We are advising those who want to run in other political parties not to waste their time and money because there is no space for them in Delta”.
Okowa remarked that his administration had done quite a lot since inception, explaining that he had appointed many youths into government and that never in the history of the state had youths been so appointed into various offices in the state. Speaking also, former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, lauded Governor Okowa for his leadership of the state and the party, and declared that he would continue to support him to succeed beyond his tenure as governor of the state.
“I thank you for the job you are doing in Delta and at the national level for the benefit of Nigerians. I most especially thank you for what I am seeing here today because you have done very well in Delta State and I cannot be more proud that you are our governor today.”
“You are leading us very well and it is our duty, and we are all committed to say that you will finish very strong and at the end of the day we will all gather to thank God for you.”
“From what I can see here, you have provided an atmosphere for a free and fair contest and you have provided an atmosphere for people’s aspirations to be heard without intimidation whatsoever.”
“Of a truth, this was the philosophy behind the formation of this great party when I said in 1998 that democracy is about opening up the space and environment for everybody to aspire to whatever he or she believes in and I thank you for continuing with that vision.”
“I want to thank you on behalf of teeming members of our party thank you and pray that God will continue to guide you as you lead us in the years ahead,’’ Ibori said.
He added that he personally didn’t “believe that your leadership will terminate at the end of your tenure as governor; I don’t believe that.
“I have come to say that you have earned your strides and your strides will continue to carry you on by the grace of God.
“On behalf of my one vote, my unit in Ogharefe, Ethiope West Local Government Area, I want to commit and dedicate myself to the service of PDP Delta State and Nigeria at large”.
Chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Kingsley Esiso, while welcoming the defectors said that the rally was primarily organised to welcome decampees from APC and other political parties.
Esiso said that the massive exodus from APC was a testimony that the party has failed Nigerians in all ramifications.
“I can tell you that the primary purpose of this rally is to reduce the opposition party in Delta State by 90 per cent.
“My heart is full of joy and a testimony that APC is a failed political party and the people of Delta have come to realise that APC has only come to bring us economic hardship, poverty, banditry, kidnapping and failed promises.
“It is therefore not a surprise that every reasonable member of the APC is jumping ship to join us. Today, we are harvesting many of their leaders from different local government areas and we are celebrating this victory for our great party,” he said.
Other leaders who spoke at the rally included, Deputy Governor, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu, Senator James Manager and former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Stella Omu. Those who defected to the PDP, were led by former Chairman of APC in the state, Chief Cyril Ogodo. He pledged to work for the PDP to ensure that APC was no more in the state.
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has charged government officials to remain close to the grassroots and ensure constant engagement with the people, noting that such connection is key to responsive governance. Ododo gave the charge during the State Executive Council Meeting held in Lokoja on Monday.
“We are in government to serve the people, and that means staying connected to their needs and aspirations,” the Governor said. As part of efforts to boost the local economy, the Governor also directed all government officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics as a show of support for indigenous industries. He encouraged Kogites to take pride in local products and lead a cultural and economic renaissance from within. Also Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the administration is committed to making governance more visible and impactful. “Governor Ododo is driving a government that listens, learns, and leads from the grassroots. His directive on Made-in-Kogi fabrics is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” Fanwo said. On infrastructure, Fanwo disclosed that perimeter fencing at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara is 90% completed, while both male and female hostels have been completed and are already housing students. Similar projects at the Kogi State University, Kabba, are progressing satisfactorily. To improve public safety, the Council also approved a bill to restrict the movement of heavy trucks during peak hours. Another bill was approved for the establishment of the Kogi State Agency for Climate Change as part of a forward-thinking response to global environmental challenges. In a separate briefing, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, announced that the Ododo administration has fully liquidated N98.8 billion in debts inherited from previous administrations within just 15 months. The breakdown includes,N8 billion in bonds from the Idris Wada administration,N50.8 billion salary bailout from the last administration,N10 billion ECA-backed infrastructure loan,N15 billion infrastructure loans from Zenith Bank and another N15 billion from UBA Plc.“This is a landmark achievement. His Excellency Governor Ododo has demonstrated fiscal discipline and commitment to economic recovery. Within 15 months, we have cleared N98.8 billion in inherited debt,” Idris said.He added that Fitch Ratings has upgraded Kogi State’s credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’, with a stable outlook, citing prudent financial management. As of September 30, 2024, the state’s debt profile stands at N40.5 billion, placing it on a strong path to debt sustainability.
France is to ban smoking in public outdoor spaces, including beaches, parks, school zones, bus stops and sports facilities starting July 1 as part of a nationwide effort to protect children.
Health Minister Catherine Vautrin said where there are children, tobacco must disappear.
She added that plans to lower the nicotine content in vaping products and reduce the number of flavours available.
“Anyone who violates the new smoking ban will have to pay a fine of 135 euros (153 U.
S. dollars).“The regulation is to be monitored by the municipal police.
“My goal is both simple and deeply ambitious: to ensure that children born in 2025 become the first smoke-free generation,” the minister said.
The new nationwide smoking restrictions, many of which were already in place at the local level, are designed to support that vision, she said.
However, outdoor seating at cafés and the use of e-cigarettes is exempted from the ban, but young people should no longer smoke outside schools.
The minister said that the size of the area around schools where smoking would no longer be permitted in future was still being determined.
The regulation should also prevent pupils from going outside the building to smoke.
In 2023, 15.6 per cent of 17-year-olds said they smoked, compared to twice as many 10 years earlier.
Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in France, responsible for 75,000 deaths annually or more than 200 per day, the health minister added.
Vautrin noted that it has been proven that prevention reduces the risk.
She also noted the economic toll, with cancer costing the country 150 billion euros per year.
Vautrin emphasised that the right to smoke is not being abolished.
“People are free to smoke at home or in designated areas. But that freedom ends where a child’s right to clean air begins.” (dpa/NAN)
Gov. Yahaya of Gombe State has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the implementation of viable social and economic reforms geared towards repositioning Nigeria for sustainable development.
The governor felicitated with the President and his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima on the occasion of their second anniversary in office.
Yahaya, in a goodwill message by his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, said Tinubu’s bold reforms would reposition Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth.
He described Tinubu’s two years in office as those of courage, bold reforms, and purposeful governance under its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“President Tinubu has taken decisive steps to reposition Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth,” he said.
Yahaya said that Tinubu had initiated viable infrastructure development projects such as the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Road, as landmark efforts to bridge developmental gaps and stimulate the economy.
According to Yahaya, these projects, along with other strategic interventions in energy, agriculture, transportation, and the digital economy, are gradually laying the foundation for a more prosperous and resilient Nigeria.
He acknowledged Tinubu administration’s renewed drive to tackle security challenges, describing the intensified campaign against insurgency, banditry and criminality as “commendable.”
Yahaya, who is also the Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF), also applauded the president’s inclusive and consultative leadership style, fostering national unity and renewed confidence in governance.
“The Northern region is already feeling the ripple effects of Tinubu’s policies through the improved Federal Government collaborations, increased access to social investments, and targeted empowerment programmes for youths, women and vulnerable groups.”
He further prayed for continued divine guidance, good health and greater wisdom for Tinubu as he steers the nation toward peace, equity and development. (NAN)
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