Why we didn't attend Arise TV town hall meeting - Tinubu, Shettima – Newstrends
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Why we didn’t attend Arise TV town hall meeting – Tinubu, Shettima

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Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, have cited hectic campaign schedules and resolve not to give any television station preference among others as reasons for their absence at Sunday’s town hall meeting of presidential candidates in Abuja.

The event was organised by Arise TV and the Centre for Democracy and Development, in partnership with Vanguard Newspapers, Premium Times, Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, and Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ.

Three presidential candidates, Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian People’s Party, NNPP, and Chief Kola Abiola of the People’s Redemption Party, PRP attended the meeting.

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP flagbearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is out of the country, was represented by his running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

Explaining Tinubu’s absence, the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, in a statement by its Chief Spokesman, Mr Festus Keyamo, said “Tinubu did not attend the Presidential Debate organised by ARISE TV on Sunday, November 6, 2022, for the following reasons:

“Firstly, many radio and TV networks in Nigeria have indicated interests to host such debates and out of deference to other TV and radio stations, our candidate will not be making selective appearances in some networks, whilst ignoring others. As President of Nigeria, by the Special Grace of God, he intends to treat all persons and businesses fairly and equally.

“Secondly, the busy and hectic campaign schedules of Asiwaju Tinubu will not permit him to honour all such invitations by different radio and TV networks, hence our decision for him not to start with one TV station and later ignore others.

“Thirdly, our candidate had long before now realised the importance of speaking directly to Nigerians and shortly after unfolding his Action Plan as President embarked on Town Hall meetings beginning with his interaction with the Business Community and other stakeholders in Kano followed by the Town Hall meeting and presentation by experts last week in Lagos. “Tomorrow (Monday), he will be interacting with Agro and Commodity Groups in Minna, Niger State.

“Whilst we thank Arise TV for the invitation, we want to assure Nigerians that we shall continue to hold these debate groups and Nigerians in high esteem. Nigerians will hear from our candidate loud and clear through other forums.

“Lastly, out of profound respect for Nigerians, we urge all our party structures and supporters at the grassroots to continue to organise town hall meetings to educate Nigerians on the Action Plan of our candidate as we believe a grassroots-approach to reach Nigerians will also be more profound.

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Abia deputy gov candidate, lawmaker dump PDP

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Abia deputy gov candidate, lawmaker dump PDP

Dr. Jasper Uche, the 2023 Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, has officially tendered his resignation from the party.

In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Umuaku Ward in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Uche’s decision to step down was clearly stated. The letter copied to both the PDP Chairman of Umunneochi LGA and the State Chairman of the party, reads:

“This is to notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from today.

“Kindly note that this decision was taken after extensive consultation.

“I thank the party for giving me the platform, which culminated in my nomination as Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 general elections”.

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In a related development, Hon Ikechukwu Nwabekee, a former member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Osisioma Ngwa North constituency, has also chosen to sever ties with the party.

In a letter directed to the party chairman of Amasaa Ward 5 in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, Nwabekee stated:

“Kindly note that the decision is taken after extensive consultations and out of deep personal conviction.

“The firm resolve to withdraw my membership is without prejudice to my friends, associates, and numerous supporters who might have different opinions, as I seek for new challenges.

“I thank the party for giving me a great platform to perform, including rising to the position of Chief Whip Abia State House of Assembly,” Nwabekee added.

Abia deputy gov candidate, lawmaker dump PDP

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BREAKING: Again Rivers Assembly passes new law without governor’s consent

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BREAKING: Again Rivers Assembly passes new law without governor’s consent

Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday ignored the state governor Siminialayi Fubara’s consent in passing a new law.

The lawmakers specifically passed the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment)Bill, 2024 into Law

It is the third time in three months that the state assembly would override the governor.

In March, the assembly had ruled against Fubara to enact the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Service Commission Law.

It took same measure in April by passing the local government amendment bill into law despite the refusal of Fubara to give his assent.

The lawmakers also threatened to take stringent measures against the governor “if he continues to flout the laws of the state”.

The assembly said it acted in consonance with the provisions of Section 100 (5)of the 1999 Constitution voted, and with a two-third majority votes passed the bill into law.

The lawmakers had passed the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment)Bill, 2024 on the 26th of March, 2024, and transmitted it to the governor for assent, which he declined.

Speaking on the bill , the speaker, Martin Amaewhule, said it was to secure taxpayers’ money and ensure that it is not spent on frivolities and twisted contracts.

Amaewhule condemned a situation where due process is relegated to the background, contracts awarded without legal backing and the state being governed in a “dictatorial panache”.

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Edo 2024: Muslims demand fair representation in govt

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Edo 2024: Muslims demand fair representation in govt

In anticipation of the upcoming governorship election slated for September 21 in Edo State, the state chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called for the fair representation of Muslims in the state’s governance.

Mallam Abdulazeez Igbinidu, the Chairman of Edo State’s NSCIA, voiced this demand during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City. He emphasized the inadequate representation of Muslims in the state’s governance structures.

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Addressing the attendees, Mallam Igbinidu highlighted the purpose of the meeting, which aimed to collectively address the concerns of Muslims regarding the conduct of the upcoming governorship election.

He stressed the necessity for equity and fairness in representation within the state’s governance framework to ensure that Muslims are adequately represented.

The call for equitable representation underscores the importance of inclusivity and diversity in governance, reflecting the need for all population segments to be adequately represented in decision-making processes.

Edo 2024: Muslims demand fair representation in govt

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