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Group backs Osinbajo’s interest, says declaration not an affront on Tinubu
A support group, The Osinbajo Think Tank has applauded the declaration of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to succeed President Mohammadu Buhari, describing him as the preferred Presidential candidate under the All Progressives Congress.
The Spokesman of the group, Olugbenga Olaoye said this today, while fielding questions on Arise Television, in Lagos state.
Olaoye noted that Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s cognitive experience in the corridor of power for seven years, coupled with his unbeatable CV are part of the needed criteria to deliver better democratic projects for Nigeria and Nigerians.
Responding to a question “if Osinbajo’s interest to contest would not be seen as betrayal to his political head, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is also nursing a presidential ambition”, Olaoye said Osinbajo’s interest in the Presidency is not in any way an affront.
Mr. Olaoye said “the Osinbajo Think Tank group believes that the declaration of the vice president to have a shot at 2023 presidency, does not translate to betrayal or affront, rather it has opened the political space where true Patriots, like him would likely align with and vote for him in the 2023 Presidential Election regardless of any party affiliations”.
He however maintained that before Osinbajo’s declaration, Nigerians had seen the signs that he is likely to be the one to continue from where President Mohammadu Buhari stops.
“Osinbajo’s declaration is a bid to continue where the present administration has stopped. He is intellectually sound, and I am certain, he will right every wrong when he gets there. He has thorough understanding of national issues vis-a-vis complexity, endowed abilities and the right temperaments to equitable, just and peaceful solution”, Olaoye said.
He noted that Osinbajo is the man whom the cap fits at this time in the history of the Nation, adding that he has a mandate to take Nigeria to the promised land, in an atmosphere of peace, happiness, safety and plenty.
Olaoye said “this puts PYO ahead of all aspirants from and geopolitical zones of Nigeria including Southwest”.
Speaking further, Olaoye said with Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s interest in the 2023 Presidency, Southwest has a brighter chance to produce the next president.
Olaoye said, “Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as at today, survey shows the most preferred candidate among all those who have declared interest in the Presidency”.
“His, is the only declaration that has brought out an ecstatic excitement amongst the people”, he added.
He added, with the declaration of Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who he noted is eminently qualified, “it is glaring that the nation is getting ready for a breakthrough”.
“PYO is a formidable member of the All Progressives Congress. Nigeria at this time needs someone who is intellectually capable, articulate and able to inspire Nigerians.
He has proven to be an embodiment of loyalty and through his various roles in different national and international engagements, Osinbajo, no doubt is a round peg in a round hole”, Olaoye said.
Mr. Olugbenga Olaoye, an Oil and Gas magnate who also maintained that Osinbajo has enjoyed support from over four hundred groups across the nation, even before his declaration, insisted that Osinbajo’s declaration is in view of moving the nation forward.
“From an independent analysis, I can categorically say that Osinbajo has been the preferred candidate within the rank and file of the ruling APC.
He therefore appealed to party leaders, not to win the battle and lose the war, by ensuring the party fields a generally acceptable candidate like Yemi Osinbajo in the forthcoming general elections.
According to him, Osinbajo’s distinctive competence, nationwide popularity, intellectual capability which nobody can doubt stands him out and makes it difficult for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other aspirants to beat.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
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