Politics
PDP, Atiku condemn Kagara abduction
The Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday expressed worry over the spate of abduction in the country.
It particularly condemned the killing of a student and kidnapping of 42 other persons at the Government Science Secondary School, Kagara, Niger states by bandits.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, also called on the Federal Government to rise to the occasion and defend Nigerians from assault by bandits and kidnappers.
The PDP in a statement signed by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, urged security forces to rescue the schoolchildren unhurt.
The statement read in part, “Nigerians were jolted by Tuesday’s coordinated bandit attacks, kidnapping and killings in several communities in Niger state.
“Bandits were reported to have on Tuesday, moved from village to village, supported by a helicopter, as they pillaged our compatriots, sacked major highways and held communities in Niger State hostage for several hours without any counter attack.
“The PDP describes as revealing that while the people of Niger state and Nigerians in other states were under attack by bandits, All Progressives Congress, APC leaders, including those in Niger state, were busy pursuing their party’s phony membership re-registration exercise, instead of rallying security and rescue efforts for the people.
“The lethargic stance of the APC administration towards the fight against banditry further validates reports in the public space that the bandits are connected to the APC and enjoying cover under the ruling party.
“This probably explains why the APC never raised a strong voice against what has become a national calamity. Instead, APC leaders are patronizing the bandits and making excuses for them.
“The public space is awash with reports that many of these bandits terrorizing Nigerians were political mercenaries brought in by the APC from neighbouring countries to help it enforce the rigging of the 2019 elections, but which the APC and its leaders failed to settle after the elections, leaving them to unleash their frustrations on innocent Nigerians.
“Our party charges the APC to speak out on these reports and take immediate steps to settle their political mercenaries, return them to wherever they brought them from and bring an end to these gruesome attacks on Nigerians. “While commiserating with the victims of the Niger attacks, the PDP tasks the security forces to go after the bandits as well as rescue the Kagara school children before any harm comes upon them.”
Meanwhile, Atiku has also condemned the Kagara abduction, saying in a statement he personally signed that “the spate of insecurity in Nigeria is now beyond alarming. It has got to crisis levels, especially when it involves children and other minors.”
He said, “Now is not the time for fingers to point in blame. Our nation needs solutions. And we have now seen that paying ransoms and allowing criminals to profit from their criminality is not a solution. When you reward crimes, the end result is more crime.
“The only long term solution to the insecurity challenge Nigeria is facing is to end the reign of impunity. The Federal Government must enforce the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against abductions and kidnappings, by apprehending the criminals, trying them and making an example of those convicted, to serve as a deterrent to others.
“Also, we must be proactive. We cannot wait for these abductions to happen and then go into reactive mode.
“I therefore call on the Federal Government to declare all secondary and primary schools in the affected states and zones, as federal protected zones, and post armed military personnel at all schools for 24/7 protection.
“If it is not feasible to have armed military guards in all schools, then each state should as a matter of urgency replicate the civilian Joint Task Force idea that has worked so well in Borno, and deploy them to each school, along with men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“What we must not do is do nothing. History may forgive us for making wrong decisions, but we will never be forgiven if we carry on business as usual.
“As a nation, we must be willing to provide the same level of security that we provide for the schools that the children of the elite attend, for schools that the children of other classes of Nigerians attend.”
Politics
El-Rufai speaks on report of defection to PDP
El-Rufai speaks on report of defection to PDP
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dismissed claims that he has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A close associate of the ex-governor informed Channels Television that the allegations are baseless and the work of detractors. The aide emphasized that El-Rufai, as a prominent political figure, would not join the PDP without making such a decision public.
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El-Rufai also addressed the speculation on his verified X account, formerly known as Twitter, urging the public to ignore the rumors and asserting that legal action has been initiated against those spreading falsehoods.
“Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai posted on Sunday.
El-Rufai speaks on report of defection to PDP
Politics
Delta Gov Oborevwori under fire for hobnobbing with APC
Delta Gov Oborevwori under fire for hobnobbing with APC
In Delta State, some PDP elders have queried Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over alleged anti-party activities.
The elders under the aegis of ‘Concerned Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State chapter, urged Oborevwori to either confirm or deny rumours of his alleged romance with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group, in a statement by Mr. Theophilus Ekiyor, Mr. Ochuko Oghenekome and Mr Ezekiel Chukwudi, also urged the governor to either confirm or deny his defection plan.
The statement reads in part: “The rumour mills are agog with stories of your intention of cross-carpeting to the ruling party at the centre, the APC
“You have been secretly romancing top aides to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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“Top presidential aides and allies of the president are now working to facilitate a meeting between you and President Tinubu on this self-seeking agenda.
“Your ultimate goal, as pointed out by those close to you, is to obtain approval to join the APC. In this regard, we are deeply troubled by these flying and unconfirmed rumours.
“We, therefore, demand prompt clarification from you to put us in the picture.
“A delayed response could be considered as glaring evidence of your compromised position.”
However, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Festus Ahon, dismissed the query, which he attributed to opposition politicians in the state who are afraid of the governor’s landmarks.
He said: “Those people are not from the PDP. They are elements who want to heat up the polity. The governor is comfortable in his party and has no plan to defect to the APC.”
Delta Gov Oborevwori under fire for hobnobbing with APC
Politics
CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term
CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has sounded a warning over the fractured state of Nigeria’s opposition parties, cautioning that their lack of unity could allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, the organization expressed fears that Nigeria may drift towards a one-party state if opposition parties fail to align their efforts.
“The opposition parties are currently working at cross-purposes, scheming to undo each other ahead of the 2027 presidential election,” Ezema said. “This lack of unity and focus is detrimental to the democratic process and the future of Nigeria.”
The CNPP also advocated for a rotational presidency, emphasizing the need for each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to have a constitutionally guaranteed turn at the presidency. The group believes such a system would promote fairness and ensure stability.
“The presidency must rotate between the northern and southern regions to ensure equitable representation,” Ezema stated. “This is crucial for the long-term stability of our nation.”
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The CNPP underscored the importance of unity among opposition parties if they hope to challenge the APC effectively. “The opposition that can win the 2027 presidential election must be united, strong, focused, purposeful, and daring,” Ezema stressed.
“They must demonstrate a commitment greater than what the APC displayed in 2014.” he noted.
Ezema further described the APC as “a very hard nut for the opposition to crack,” warning that a divided opposition would make the ruling party’s victory inevitable.
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s New Year message, the CNPP urged the President to go beyond rhetoric. “Words alone are not enough. The President must take concrete steps to address the pressing issues facing the nation,” Ezema said
The CNPP called on opposition parties to bury their differences and form a united front to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. “Unity is not just desirable; it is essential,” Ezema concluded.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the CNPP’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved and the urgent need for political cohesion among opposition parties.
CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term
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