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Jonathan urges Africa to strengthen democracy

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  • Buhari, others hail him at 63

 

President Muhammadu Buhari, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Ike Ekweremadu have hailed rejoiced with former President Goodluck Jonathan on the occasion of his 63rd birthday anniversary on Friday.

This came as the former president made a case for the consolidation of democracy in Africa, describing it as a leverage that could ensure that the continent’s future would be better than its past.

Jonathan noted that democracy might have its flaws but pointed out that various academic studies had demonstrated that the system of government “yields better economies, better health for its citizens and better respect for human rights.”

 

 

 

Buhari, in his congratulatory message, said Jonathan’s life of service has brought honour and goodwill to the country.

 

This is coming as Jonathan has made a case for the consolidation of democracy in Africa, describing it as a leverage that could ensure that the continent’s future would be better than its past.

 

The president’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari expressed appreciation to the former president for his dedication to service following his astronomical rise to the highest level of service and eventual emergence as ECOWAS envoy in recent times.

 

The president prayed God to grant Jonathan long life, wsdom and good health so that he can continue to serve humanity.

 

The statement read: “On behalf of the federal government and Nigerians in general, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 63rd birthday, November 20, 2020, congratulating him for a life of service that has brought honour and goodwill to the country.

 

“The President notes with appreciation the peculiar and remarkable climb of the former president on Nigeria’s political ladder, and dedication that has kept him working most recently as ECOWAS envoy to bring peace to the Republic of Mali.

 

“As the former Nigerian President turns 63, President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant Dr Jonathan longer life, good health and more wisdom to keep serving the nation and humanity.”

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has also congratulated Jonathan, as he clocks 63 years today, saying his efforts at promoting democracy particularly in Africa are impactful and commendable.

The former president’s “unique statesmanship and graceful disposition to issues” has also endeared him to democrats globally, Okowa said through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika.

He said that Jonathan’s bourgeoning role in entrenching democracy across Africa through his observer-mission activities was impactful and laudable.

Okowa also noted that the former president’s role in the peace process in Mali, describing it as “truly statesmanlike”.

Ekweremadu has also hailed Jonathan, for his democratic temperament and selfless leadership.

Ekweremadu commended the former President for not only the electoral reforms recorded under his administration, but also for providing the right democratic atmosphere to ensure that the reforms were implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies and stakeholders.

Jonathan in his keynote speech at a virtual conference organised by the Kofi Annan Foundation which focused on ‘Democracy in East Africa in the age of COVID- 19: challenges and opportunities’.

Jonathan further affirmed that it was no coincidence that the countries with the best human development index scores are all democracies, while the worst performers are not.

He said, “We have made enormous strides in Africa in terms of democracy. According to Freedom House, there were only two democracies in Africa in 1980; now there are no fewer than forty.”

Stressing that not all of these democracies meet the required standards, the former President however emphasised that they are mostly big improvements on what came before.

Comparing democracies to dictatorships, Jonathan stated that dictatorships around the world tend to underperform “because they are subjected to little or no accountability, either from a free press, an independent judiciary or a vibrant opposition.”

Jonathan noted that democracy “is fundamentally a competitive system, and competition keeps people, even politicians, on their toes”, adding that they are meant to be in power to serve their people and their countries, not themselves.

He said although democracy has its challenges in many countries, the aspiration to democracy has taken root, especially among our youth.

“From Washington to Abuja to Nairobi, democracy is always a work in progress, everywhere: each generation has to address the challenges left by its elders.”

 

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PDP attacks Rivers APC Chair Okocha over call for Fubara impeachment

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

PDP attacks Rivers APC Chair Okocha over call for Fubara impeachment

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rivers Star chapter has slammed the Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress, APC, over the call for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s resignation or impeachment.

Okocha, in a press conference on Monday, March 10 issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the governor to either resign or face impeachment.

Okocha accused the governor of mismanaging the state and alleged that Fubara’s administration had plunged the state into chaos.

He claimed that the Supreme Court, in its verdict, indicated that there is no functional government in Rivers State, citing multiple infractions by the governor, which he described as impeachable offenses.

Responding, PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Sydney Tambari Gbara, dismissed the ultimatum, saying Okocha is irrelevant.

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According to him, Okocha issued the 48-hour ultimatum “without giving any cogent reasons”, for the governor to resign or be impeached.

Gbara asserted that Okocha “is a character that has been known in Rivers State political scene as a man who speaks from the both sides of his mouth, makes derogatory or illogical utterances that are not always in line with current reality”.

The PDP claimed that nobody in Rivers State takes Tony Okocha’s “comment seriously anymore because of his past antecedents. He is irrelevant.”

“So therefore, this 48 hour ultimatum is obviously laughable and it is degrading our political landscape in Rivers State, bringing our state down as if we are mediocre and unserious people”.

Gbara, who accused Okocha of “trying to impress his pay master”, urged Nigerians, particularly Rivers people, to disregard the ultimatum.

“Governor Fubara is on top of the situation in Rivers State and he is busy commissioning projects. He has no time to listen to characters like Tony Okocha”

PDP attacks Rivers APC Chair Okocha over call for Fubara impeachment

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I’m still in APC — Fayemi

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi

I’m still in APC — Fayemi

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has dismissed reports suggesting that he has left the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming his commitment to the party.

In a statement titled ‘Nothing Has Changed’, Fayemi clarified that he remains a founding member of the APC and has not defected, contrary to circulating media reports.

Reacting via his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Fayemi stated: “My attention has been drawn to a story circulating on several online platforms regarding my defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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“As I have had cause to state in the past, I am a card-carrying foundation member of the APC, and this position has not changed.”

He, however, emphasized his continuous advocacy for greater internal democracy and inclusion within the ruling party.

“While I have been at the vanguard of the demand for greater internal democracy and inclusion in the ruling party, I believe it is still not too late for our party to change course and move towards greater inclusion and internal democracy,” he added.

Fayemi’s remarks come amid speculation about internal rifts within the APC, but his statement reinforces his commitment to the party’s progress.

I’m still in APC — Fayemi

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El-Rufai has strengthened our ranks – SDP chairman

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Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna state

El-Rufai has strengthened our ranks – SDP chairman

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Musa Gaban, has confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has officially joined the party.

Gaban described El-Rufai’s defection as a historic moment, emphasizing that it underscores SDP’s growing influence as a party committed to progressive governance, national development, and democracy.

“Today marks a historic moment as former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, officially joins the Social Democratic Party (SDP)!” Gaban announced.

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According to him, El-Rufai’s entrance has strengthened the party’s ranks and reinforced its position as a formidable political force in Nigeria.

“As a man known for bold reforms, governance excellence, and national impact, his presence will further energize our movement and inspire more Nigerians to join us in building a better future,” Gaban added.

Reaffirming the SDP’s commitment to integrity, vision, and transformation, the chairman urged Nigerians to align with the party, stating:

“SDP is the party that truly puts the people first. We welcome El-Rufai and encourage all well-meaning Nigerians to join the movement. The future is SDP!”

El-Rufai has strengthened our ranks – SDP chairman

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