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March 15, 2024
Press Statement
… Insists Akpabio Must Step Aside
…Urges President Tinubu to Review 2024 Budget
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) slams the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the Senate for seeking to use diversionary press statements to suppress the demand for an open investigation into the alleged improper insertion of N3.7 trillion for non-existing projects in the 2024 budget.
The PDP asserts that from the incoherent, knee-jerk and dismissive statement issued by the APC leadership in the Senate on Thursday, March 14, 2024, it is clear that it is jittery that an open and detailed investigation into the allegation will further expose the perpetrators and how money was allegedly shared among APC lawmakers.
The press statement further confirms the presence of an APC budget cabal in the Senate and that the Senator Akpabio-led APC leadership is insensitive and does not care about the welfare of the Nigerian people.
It is highly provocative that at this time when Nigerians are passing through severe economic hardship, the APC leadership in the Senate is busy defending and frustrating investigation into allegation of massive manipulation and looting of resources meant for the wellbeing of the citizens.
The Akpabio-led APC leadership in the Senate ought to know that no amount of threats, harassment, suspension of whistleblowers and attempts to blackmail the opposition through diversionary press statements and sponsored articles in a section of the media can suppress the demand for an open investigation into the alleged budget padding which is already in the public domain.
The PDP and Nigerians are however not deterred by attacks by the APC leadership in the Senate which is a clear case of corruption fighting back in the face of public scrutiny.
More importantly, the failure by the Akpabio-led APC leadership to allow for investigation into the budget padding allegation constitutes a huge smear on the image of the Senate and destroys its rectitude and integrity to perform its Constitutional duty to investigate and oversight other public institutions; a situation that spells doom to our Constitutional democracy if not immediately checked.
If Senator Akpabio has nothing to fear, he should immediately recall Senator Abdul Ningi and allow for an open and detailed investigation into the allegation of discrete insertion of N3.7 trillion into the 2024 budget.
Our Party, standing shoulder to shoulder with Nigerians, insists that Senator Akpabio should step aside and allow for a credible investigation, as he cannot be a judge in this matter.
The PDP also calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore the integrity of the 2024 budget by immediately ordering an open investigation into the alleged insertion as well as a holistic review of the budget.
Furthermore, the PDP stands by its demand that Senator Akpabio should report at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation into the alleged looting of N108 billion belonging to the people of Akwa Ibom State and the N86 billion alleged contract scam under his watch as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs respectively.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
March 17, 2024
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Gov. Peter Mbah on Birthday
…Says He’s an Insightful Leader
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah as he celebrates his birthday today.
Dr. Mbah is a courageous, humble and compassionate leader; an insightful administrator, who continues to commit his recourses, experience, skills and leadership capacity towards the unity, stability and development of Enugu State and the nation, Nigeria.
Through the years, as a Lawyer, Entrepreneur, Chief of Staff and later Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State; member of various sensitive Government Councils including the Enugu State Security Council, the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee among others; and now the elected Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Mbah continues to exhibit expectational commitment towards the growth of the nation.
The PDP particularly celebrates Governor Mbah for his visionary leadership with which he is further transforming Enugu State with massive infrastructural, citizen empowerment and human capital development in critical areas including healthcare, education, agriculture, roads, housing, water resources, manufacturing among others in line with the manifesto of our great Party, the PDP.
On this special day, the PDP congratulates Governor Mbah and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health and vigour in the service of our fatherland and humanity.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
March 17, 2024
Press Statement
PDP Urges FG to Immortalize Late Olubadan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calls on the Federal Government to immortalize the late highly revered royal father, the Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II for his outstanding contributions to national unity, security, political and economic development of our country.
The Party deeply commiserates with Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Seyi Makinde the Royal Family, the Olubadan in Council, the Ibadanland and the entire people of Oyo State for the passing of the Olubadan, describing it as a huge national loss.
The late Olubadan live a fulfilled life as a legend; a magnificent and compassionate king who with penetrating wisdom and transcendental glory bestrode life like a colossus, defied impermanence, gained immortality even in the mortal realm and etched his indelible footprints on the sand of time.
He was an incorruptible personality, an inexhaustible reservoir of our cultural heritage, interminable source of wisdom and vision; and who with great virtuousness led his people and made innumerable contributions towards the peace, unity and stability of our dear nation; legacies that will remain evergreen in the annals of Nigeria.
The PDP stands with Governor Makinde, the Royal Family, the Olubadan in Council and the people of Ibadan and prays that we all receive comfort and fortitude at this critical moment.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF NIGERIAN SOLDIERS ON A PEACE MISSION TO OKUAMA COMMUNITY IN DELTA STATE
On Saturday morning, the Nigerian people and I woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of our brave military personnel during a rescue mission in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, were ambushed. A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives. One civilian was also killed.
As the Commander-in-Chief, I join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers.
I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.
This incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the line of duty. I salute their heroism, courage, and uncommon grit and patriotism.
As a nation, we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our nation safe, strong, and united. The officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of our fatherland.
Members of our armed forces are at the heart and core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act.
The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.
My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquillity in every part of Nigeria.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep members of our armed forces safe.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU PRESENTS APC FLAG TO SENATOR OKPEBHOLO, SAYS PARTY ON THE PATH TO VICTORY IN EDO GUBER
President Bola Tinubu says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is on the path to victory in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.
President Tinubu expressed the optimism on Monday in Abuja during the presentation of the party’s flag to the Edo gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Honourable Dennis Idahosa.
Addressing a gathering of party stalwarts led by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, at the State House, the President pledged that the party would stand with the candidates ”like the wall of Gibraltar.”
”If you are happy; we are happy. If you are determined; we are determined. We are going to work with you. We are going to stand with you like the wall of Gibraltar. That is all I can assure you. The party is supreme, but victory is superior and very important,” the President said.
President Tinubu commended the leadership of the party in Edo for their efforts towards the success of the candidates and the party.
He particularly lauded Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of the state, for his exemplary leadership.
”Distinguished Senator and our flagbearer, we are putting you forward in order to hold the party in trust for us and achieve victory for us. You and your running mate have been described as giant killers, and you have worked tirelessly with the party leadership,” he said.
The President, while inviting Edo State woman leader, Lady Betty Okoebor, to speak on the party’s readiness for the election, reiterated that with the strong support of women, victory is assured.
”If the women say we are going to win, then we are good to go because they constitute the largest number of voters and the most dedicated,” President Tinubu affirmed.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the APC emphasized the unity of purpose within the party towards achieving victory in the election.
”Our candidate is soft-spoken, focused, and an achiever. He is a product that is highly marketable, and I am confident that with him as our flagbearer, we will bring Edo back to our party,” Dr. Ganduje said.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 18, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW ALMAJIRI EDUCATION COMMISSION LEADERSHIP TEAM
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new leadership for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education.
Brigadier-General Lawal Ja’afar Isa (Rtd) is now to serve as the Chairman of the Board of the Commission, while Dr. Idris Muhammad Sani is to serve as the Executive Secretary/CEO.
General Ja’afar Isa is a respected leader and previously served as the Military Administrator of Kaduna State from 1993 to 1996.
Dr. Muhammad Sani holds master’s and doctorate degrees in Islamic Studies. He was the Director-General, Al-Iman School Lafia; Commissioner, Basic/Secondary Education, Yobe State; Chairman, Nigerian Arabic Language Village, Borno State; Member, Nasarawa State Government Committee on Enlightenment Campaign, and Secretary-General, Association of Private Schools in Nasarawa State.
The President expects that the new appointees will bring their vast experience into the management of this critical Commission, which impacts the very core of society, by ensuring that his administration’s drive to guarantee Nigeria’s out-of-school children the most comprehensive education is realized in the superseding interest of the nation’s future.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 18, 2024