Politics
Jubiliation as Shaibu emerges as candidate in a PDP parallel primary
Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP,) on Thursday, Feb. 22, held a parallel Congress that produced the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, as the winner of a factional PDP primary election.
While some delegates were being accredited to proceed to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium venue of the primary election, another set of delegates met in a facility in Commercial Avenue where they announced Shaibu as the elected candidate of the PDP.
Shaibu was declared the party’s candidate for the September 21, 2024, governorship election with 301 votes out of the total number of 559 votes cast at the primary.
The first set of delegates claimed that they went to the venue for accreditation but were chased away by security agencies. They also alleged that the list of delegates published by the national leadership of the party was not the authentic one, alleging that they saw names of people from Bayelsa state and names of people who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Declaring Shaibu winner of the election, Bartholomew Moses said “During the counting of this primary election, Philip Shaibu has a score of 301 votes and therefore, we hereby declare Philip Shaibu as the authentic elected candidate for this election in the PDP”
The exercise was barely over when gunmen alleged to be personnel of the Edo State Security Network, ESSN, invaded the venue. They were dressed in vigilante outfits and came in several vehicles including two black unmarked Toyota Hiace Truck, an unmarked white Sienna, a white Hilux and several other vehicles.
They were shooting sporadically into the air and the people scampered in different directions for safety.
Before the election, the delegates led by Festus Owu had protested at the deputy governor’s official lodge where they complained to him that they had been disenfranchised.
Speaking to the protesting delegates, Shaibu said “I appeal to all of you to be peaceful I don’t want anybody to be injured, I don’t want anybody molested and I am happy the way you have conducted yourselves peacefully and have come to report to me that you were not allowed to be accredited but I want to tell you that no one man can determine the destiny of a people and by the grace of God they cannot disenfranchise you people. The law is clear that you people are the authentic delegates. Now that they have pushed you away, they want to go and replace you but I assure you that your vote must count, they cannot change and replace your names. I assure you that I will take your protest to the committee that is coming but you must remain peaceful in everything you are doing.”
Speaking to journalists later, Shaibu said, “I saw the crowd outside and I asked who they are and they said they are delegates, I said they should be directed to the venue of the accreditation but they said they were protesting because they have been sent away from the venue of accreditation and they won their election and they have their results. The election will hold and if a winner emerges with fake delegates, the election will not see the light of the day but if a winner emerges with the authentic delegate, there will be no problem, I am sure.”
As Gov Soludo Welcomes Moghalu with Warm Gesture at Public Event
In a lighthearted moment at a recent event, Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, spotted Labour Party governorship candidate, Dr. George Moghalu, in the audience. Soludo, known for his wit, took the opportunity to welcome Moghalu to the stage, saying, “My brother, you’re welcome. I heard you’re contesting for something, but it seems like there’s something you’re shying away from.”
The crowd erupted in laughter as Soludo continued, “Forget it, we know ourselves. After you finish your ‘rigmarole,’ you can come to me; we’re both brothers.” The comment was met with applause and chuckles from the audience.
What followed was even more telling of their relationship. After stepping down from the podium, Soludo walked over to Moghalu, and the two shared a warm moment, laughing and shaking hands. A photo of the encounter has since circulated, showcasing the cordial relationship between the two figures.
The exchange has sparked interest in the dynamics between Soludo and Moghalu, particularly given their political affiliations. While Soludo’s comments seemed lighthearted, they may also hint at a deeper connection or understanding between the two leaders.
May 21, 2019
Sahara Reporters, New York
News
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of February 2019.
Jamil Sarham, general officer commanding 6 division of the Nigerian army, has said Nyesom Wike Offered him billions of Naira in bribe to compromise the governorship elections in the state.
Aminu Iliyasu, the division’s spokesman, Sarham said governor Wike decided to witch hunt him when he turned down the offer.
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of Febuary 2019.
Denying the allegations, Sarham said: “Wike’s resentment against me is based on my choice of professionalism and integrity over the billions of naira offered me by the Rivers state governor to compromise the 2019 general election,” the statement read.
“My refusal to be bought over and the rejection of the hefty offer is the genesis of Wike’s hatred and vociferous criticisms of me.
“On the mischievous accusation against Maj. Gen. Sarham of leaking proceedings of State Security Council meetings to criminals in Rivers State, Mr. Wike knows well that Maj.-Gen. Sarham is not a member of the Rivers State Security Council, neither has he ever approached the gates of Rivers State Government House, since his assumption of office as the GOC, 6 Division.
“Mr. Wike only came face-to-face with Maj. Gen. Sarham on the 15th of January, 2019, during the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to challenge Wike to provide the public with any evidence of such meetings, with Maj. Gen. Sarham in attendance. Wike’s allegation against Maj.-Gen. Sarham’s selfish involvement in illegal oil bunkering is another reckless, spurious and mischievous accusation.
“Hence, Headquarters of 6 Division wishes to request the Rivers governor to take the most civilised way of putting up a petition to the relevant authorities, to make a point.”
Culled from Sahara reporters archive
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja, Nigeria, to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, holding in New York, United States of America.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), on Sunday in Abuja.
Ekwutosblog reports that the session will hold between Monday, September 22 and Sunday, September 28.
Nkwocha said Shettima, who is representing President Bola Tinubu, at the global event, would deliver Nigeria’s national statement and join other dignitaries at the UN high-level general debates, among other side events.
He revealed that the vice-president would announce Nigeria’s new Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs, under the Paris Agreement at this year’s UN special event on climate.
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