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Atiku’ll Rescue Nigeria from APC’s Misrule – PDP

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By Jude Opara, Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja & Yagana Ali, Yola


The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has been described as a national project firmly built on equity, fairness, justice, and which enjoys the acceptance and support of all Nigerians, in the collective resolve to rescue the nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).


The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization, which stated this in a statement yesterday, appealed to Nigerians and lovers of democracy to join forces with Atiku and his running mate, Dr.
Ifeanyi Okowa, to save the country from its current drift by coming out enmasse to elect them on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

The Campaign salute Nigerians for their overwhelming support for Atiku and the PDP as being demonstrated by the unprecedented overflowing crowd at campaign rallies and solidarity in all PDP’s engagements across the six Geo-Political Zones ahead of the election.
Spokesman for the campaign, Kola Ologbondiyan, said such massive support and organic followership not only point to the confidence and trust Nigerians across board has in Atiku Abubakar but also showed that the APC and its Presidential Candidate had no foothold in any part of the country.
“This is because Atiku Abubakar stands out as the candidate with the blueprint, most preferred programs and a readiness to lead our nation to the path of unity, national stability and economic recovery
“Atiku in his Marshall Plan has showcased the readiness to unify our nation, guarantee her security, revive the economy and steer her away from the looming danger of crisis, brawling and rioting into which she has been sunk by the APC
“The Atiku/Okowa Campaign urges Nigerians to rekindle their hopes in line with the Atiku Call for a Government of National Unity (GNU) under his leadership as the elected President so as to revamp our national productivity, restore our dignity and take back our pride of place in the comity of nation as one of the largest and strongest economies of the world,” Ologbondiyan said.

Five Political Parties in Adamawa Collapse Structure for Ex-VP
Former Vice President and the presidential candidate of the PDP Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has promised not to disappoint Nigerians if elected the next president of Nigeria in the forthcoming general elections.
The PDP presidential hopeful stated this at Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola in an event marking the grand finale of the PDP campaign after a successful tour across the country.
He revealed that a similar opportunity was presented to him under the platform of the party in 2019 but couldn’t succeed and urged the people to take up this opportunity not to fail the state and the party in the forthcoming elections.
He promised to ensure he work towards actualizing his promise of restructuring the country and improving Nigeria’s economy and the education sector among others.
He acknowledged the passion and giant strides of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in the development of the state especially his investment in the education sector saying that the Governor has done well and urged the masses in the state to vote him for another term in office to continue the good works.
He called on the people to take up the opportunity given to him and Adamawa State to produce the next president of the country by going all out next week to vote for him and all other candidates of the state.
In his speech, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri said that Atiku is the right leader for the country and outshines all other candidates from other people’s parties have come up with 5 importanagendasda that will make Nigeria great.
On his part, he said he will continue to work towards maintaining peace, unity, and development of Adamawa State across all sectors of the state economy.
While addressing the people, the National Chairman of PDP Senator Iyorchia Ayu revealed that in all the states visited their candidate is widely accepted and thanked the people of Adamawa State for coming out en-mass to show solidarity for their son.
He stated that the strength of the PDP and its candidate has collapsed other opposition parties having produced a qualified candidate who is battle ready to change the narratives.
According to him, Atiku is the most qualified among all other aspirants vying for the office of the president in the scheduled 25th general elections.
He said Atiku is the only candidate capable enough to address the division in the country and unite the people and restore the lost glory of the country APC’s bad leadership.


In their separate remarks the Director General and Chairmen of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council Governors of Sokoto and Akwa Ibom States, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Udom Emmanuel respectively appealed to the people not to risk the chance of the state to produce Nigeria’s next president.
He said aside been the son of the soil, nationally Atiku and his running mate Okowa are the only ones competent to lift Nigeria from the misrule of the present administration under APC.


According to them, other candidates’ chances are dead on arrival saying that the PDP party is sensitive in the choice of its candidate who according to them has the blueprint and showcases national unity and development that Nigerians need in this critical period in the nation’s history.


Earlier before the grand finale, the PDP presidential candidate and his entourage paid royal homage to Lamido Adamawa, HRH Alhaji Mohammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa, and seek his support and royal blessings.

Vote for Tinubu, He’s Reliable, Buhari Woos Voters
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, sent a message home from Addis Ababa, saying he is fully aware of the hardship of some policies of government and vowed to take appropriate action, while also urging Nigerians to vote for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While making the disclosure in a statement, Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to Buhari on media and publicity, stated: “In the campaign message to voters, the President specifically called on “our traditional rulers, religious leaders and parents to warn their followers and wards alike, to not allow themselves to be used by a few to foment trouble”.
Buhari’s message, as contained in the statement, was concise and to the point: “I want to assure you that the Government has taken adequate security measures to allow everyone to come out and cast their votes. I am therefore appealing to everyone to give them the necessary support.
“Fellow Nigerians, I want to use this opportunity to thank you again for electing me to be your President on two occasions.


“I am not a contestant in this election, but my party, the All Progressives Congress, has a candidate in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As I mentioned before, Tinubu is a true believer in Nigeria who loves the people and the development of our country.


“I am calling on all of you to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is reliable, and I trust he will build on our achievements.


“Finally, I am fully aware of the current hardship you are facing as a result of some policies of the Government which are meant to bring overall improvement to the country.


“I am appealing to you to exercise further patience as we take appropriate measures to ease these hardships. God willing, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.”

Obey Supreme Court Order on Old Currency, APC Governors Tell Malami, CBN
Apparently worried by the crisis that has rocked the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the new monetary policy introduced by the Federal Government, the Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) were yesterday locked in a meeting at the National Secretariat of the party, after which they urged the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, to ensure that the interim order of the Supreme Court on the Naira redesign is complied with by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).


“I’m sure you are quite aware of the fact that a meeting comprising the APC governors was held today and the leadership of the NWC of our great party this afternoon and we had discussion and at the end of the discussion, we have resolved as follows and this resolution is without prejudice or whatsoever to the case that is lying at the Supreme Court at this point in time. This has to do with the issue of currency redesign.


“We note very seriously that the programme and its implementation is causing tremendous difficulties to the people of Nigeria and to the national economy.
“That we urge the Attorney General of the Federation and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to respect the Supreme Court order of Interim injunction which is still subsisting.


“That the meeting is urging his Excellency, Mr. President to intervene in resolving issues that are causing this great difficulties to the economy”.
On the surprise entrance of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National Chairman said; “Tinubu’s visit is a normal visit.


“Are we on the same page with the governors and the party? We are. The Governors Forum, the National Working Committee of the party, we are on the same page”.
Also speaking, Chairman of the PGF, Atiku Bagudu said the governor’s are comfortable with the position of the their colleagues that have gone to the Supreme Court to force the continuous use of the old Naira notes.


“Once the Chairman spoke, the governors and the party are one and the same. And I am very proud about the conduct of our campaign by our Presidential candidate.


“The Director General of the campaign and indeed, governors and the candidate across the country have been doing a tremendous job of mobilizing the Nigerian populace and we are very, very impressed with the support of the majority of Nigeria”.
Earlier in his opening remarks, National Chairman Sen. Adamu said the meeting became important following the recent developments in the country. He also said that the meeting does not warrant apportioning blames, rather a forum of finding a common front for the overall interest of the country.
“You will recall the recent developments that have necessitated the need for this invitation.


“We do not want to sit in judgment or anybody in regard to where we are today in the country as it affects our great party.
“I thought the best thing to do is to get all those who are holding forth in their respective positions and who were elected on the platform of the party to get together and have some interaction so that we can have a better understanding of what situation we are in. “That is the essence of this invitation”.
It could be recalled that Tinubu had earlier claimed that the new Naira policy was introduced to stop him from winning the election and only last week after President Muhammadu Buhari announced that the old N500 and N1,000 notes are not to be used in the country again, Governor Nasir El-Rufai later that evening gave a counter directive to residents of Kaduna to continue to use the currencies pending the decision of the Supreme Court.


The governors who attended the meeting include; Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Sani Bello (Niger) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti).
Others are; Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Mohammed Matawalle (Zamfara), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Yahaya Inuwa (Gombe), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Senator Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi).
Also, Imo and Katsina sent their deputies while eight states; Borno, Ogun, Kano, Ondo, Ebonyi, Cross River and Kwara were absent.

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NNPCL Reduces Petrol Price to Match Dangote’s N899 Per Litre

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By David Torough, Abuja

In what appears like a marketing war, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the petrol pump price from N1,020 to N899 per litre.

This pricing competition emerged in the downstream sector emerged on Saturday after NNPCL reduced its depot price of petrol.

This just few days after the Dangote Refinery reduced its price to N899.

The new price indicates a reduction of N141 or 13.

56 percent, from N1,040 per litre it sold to customers living in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), the price reduction was based on regional pricing scheme.

The association said under the arrangement, it would sell for N970 per litre in parts of the South South region.

A statement signed by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, and quoting a document released by NNPCL’s Commercial Department, said marketers could offtake products based on the regional pricing scheme.

The document indicated that marketers would buy the product at N899 per litre in Lagos State, matching the price offered by the Dangote refinery a few days ago.

Marketers purchasing from its Warri, Oghara, Port Harcourt, and Calabar depots would pay N970 per litre to offtake products.

The statement read, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has taken a significant step in response to the competitive impact of deregulation in the downstream sector.

“The company recently reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit from N1,020 to N899 per litre.

“The price reduction by NNPCL is seen as a response to the competitive impact of deregulation, which has led to increased competition in the downstream sector.”

However, the NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, declined to speak when contacted.

But Obele noted that the price reduction by the national oil firm was a response to the competitive impact of deregulation, which had led to increased competition in the downstream sector.

He expressed optimism that PMS prices would drop further before the end of January 2025 given the global decline in crude oil prices and the naira’s recent gain against the dollar.

Obele described the trend as a price war and emphasised that the price reduction by the Dangote refinery and the NNPCL demonstrated the benefits of competition. He advocated the immediate privatisation of government-owned refineries.

The move is expected to spark a price war among oil marketers, ultimately benefiting consumers.

In his reaction, National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, said Nigerians would get fuel at cheaper rates once the marketers start taking the product at the reduced rate from NNPCL.

“The two most critical stakeholders in the sector have already reduced the rate, which is a very good development for us.

“So once we start taking fuel at the reduced rate, we are going to reduce our price too. We will also apply the price reduction percentage of the NNPCL,” he stated.

Also, the National Publicity Secretary of IPMAN, Mr Chinedu Ukadike, expressed satisfaction with the price reduction.

According to him, the price adjustment underscores the benefits of healthy competition brought about by the deregulation of the downstream sector.

“It’s a welcome development. And that is the duty of deregulation. Once the competition is held, there will be constant reduction in price of fuel,” Ukadike said.

He attributed the price drop not only to NNPCL’s readiness for the deregulated pricing regime but also to a reduction in the foreign exchange rate.

“As we continue to have multiple choices, we will also have multiple chances of continuous reduction. So IPMAN is very happy, and as we are buying the product cheaper, we will also see it cheaper to the consumers,” he added.

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Tinubu Cancels Engagements after Stampedes Kill 39

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By Johnson Eyiangho & Laide Akinboade Abuja

Following the tragedies that followed attempts to distribute food to Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu yesterday cancelled all his official events in Lagos, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta to mourn the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra.

Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi, his spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement.

Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State Government and chiefs from the state, were already seated when the president cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.

Commiserating with the victims of the incidents in Anambra and the FCT, Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.

Tinubu said local and state authorities should no longer tolerate operational lapses by organisations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities.

No fewer than 39 Nigerians have lost their lives following stampedes during food-sharing events in Okija, Anambra State, and Maitama, Abuja during the weekend.

In the struggle to get ahead and obtain the free food items distributed by organisers, the residents trampled upon one another, leading to the deaths.

While 10 residents died in Abuja, 29 were reported killed in Anambra.

These stampedes came days after a similar incident occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where 35 children lost their lives and several others were left critically injured during a funfair.

Similarly, 10 persons were confirmed dead at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja in a stampede, where a food outreach was held on Saturday.

It was gathered that the incident occurred around 6am during an annual charity event organised by parishes of the Catholic Church to distribute foodstuffs to the poor and the vulnerable in the community.

An eyewitness said the crowd remained orderly until around 5am.

He said, “Many people came from Mararaba, Nyanya, and Mpape areas to benefit from the church’s food distribution.

“To be honest, the church didn’t anticipate the size of the crowd that showed up. Although there were two security operatives on duty, they couldn’t manage the growing crowd effectively.

“Initially, everyone was orderly, but as the day broke, the number of people doubled. In their desperation to get the rice first, people began pushing and shoving.

“Before we knew it, we started hearing cries for help from those who had fallen or sustained injuries. The police came to rescue those injured and dispersed others who waited behind with the hope that the distribution would continue.”

 In Anambra, no fewer than 29 persons have been reported dead and many others injured during a stampede that occurred at the gate of the Charity Event at the Obijackson Centre in Amanranta, Okija, Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.

It was also gathered that the stampede, which occurred at the venue of the sharing of palliatives, including 25kg bags of rice, vegetable oil, and money, was a result of poor crowd control.

It was learnt that the victims, particularly elderly women and children, were trampled upon as they struggled to gain entrance amid a large and uncontrollable crowd.

It was observed at the scene that many shoes and slippers belonging to the victims were littered on the ground in front of the gate as security operatives battled to control the surging crowd, who were still forcing their way onto the premises.

Despite the stampede and the tragic incident, the sharing of palliatives continued, with beneficiaries going home with 25kg bags of rice, vegetable oil, noodles, and cash gifts from the foundation.

The palliatives were being donated by a notable member of the community, Chief Ernest Obiejesi (Obijackson), on behalf of the Obijackson Foundation.

Eyewitnesses at the venue said many who collapsed were rushed to hospital, while those who died were taken to the morgue.

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, confirmed the incident.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, also mourned victims of the stampedes, describing the development as a reflection of poverty and systemic failure.

Obi, in a tweet on his official X handle at the weekend said the desperate quest for survival in the harsh economy drove the people to the extremes in search of food at the cost of their lives.

He said, “While I will not cast blame, but instead appreciate the organisers of these respective events for their kind gestures in providing palliatives and support to society, especially the poor, these tragedies reflect the systemic failures that plague our society.”

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the widespread food stampede in the country as a testament of an alarming level of misery, poverty, hunger, starvation, sense of hopelessness and desperation for survival by the citizens under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.

The party said it was devastated that the APC-led administration had wrecked the nation’s once thriving economy and pushed millions deeper into abject poverty and hunger with many citizens, not being able to afford their daily meals, now resorting to desperate measures including slavery mission abroad and fighting for crumbs for survival.

In a statement by its Spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, yesterday lamented the tragic stampede at private events in Oyo and Anambra states as well as Abuja which claimed the lives of more than 60 vulnerable citizens including children in their desperate struggle for food as a result of the pervasive hunger in the land.

The statement called on Nigerians to hold the Tinubu-led APC administration responsible for the remote cause of those tragic occurrences for which it must recompense.

The PDP accused the APC of false performance claims including empty assurances of food sufficiency while deliberately failing to make the required investments to boost the productive sector, particularly in agriculture and food production.

It demanded the immediate review of all the ‘suffocating economic and tax policies’ of the APC administration which it said are bringing misery and death to Nigerians daily.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed deep concerns over the unorganised distribution of palliatives and relief items across Nigeria during the festive period.

The Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IG had ordered the Commissioners of Police in the affected states to investigate the deaths for possible legal actions.

He stated that the organisers of this charity are liable for criminal offences, citing relevant provisions in Nigeria’s Penal and Criminal Codes.

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Tinubu Orders Investigation into Ibadan Stampede Incident

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By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic incident at the Children’s funfair in Ibadan, which resulted in the loss of lives and injuries.

Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement stressed the importance of determining whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful development, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.

The president, who expressed profound sadness over the tragic incident on Thursday, extended condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the grieving families who have lost their beloved children.

The statement read, “In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event.

“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly. He emphasises that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.

“The President urges the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.”

The president wants a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues.

He called on event organizers to prioritize the safety of all attendees, especially children, just as he stressed the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the utmost safety of all participants.

According to the president, “Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives.”

So far, police have confirmed that 35 children died while six others were critically injured.

According to a statement by the Oyo State Police Command through the spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, yesterday, the organisers of the event, including the main sponsor, Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and her media partner, Agidigbo FM, the principal of the school, and five others, have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.

The police stated that the event was organised by the Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, without proper permission or safety measures in place.

The police said they have commenced an investigation into the incident and have promised to bring those responsible to justice.

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