Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has reportedly been chosen as the running mate of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement to newsmen issued by the Director-General of Ganduje’s Support Group, Suleiman Magaji.
According to the statement, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC picked Ganduje to run alongside Tinubu in the 2023 general election based on his loyalty to the ruling party, commitment and infrastructural development of his state.
The group admitted that the issue of religion was extensively discussed during the selection.
However, they stated that Nigerians are more interested in developmental stride rather than religious affairs.
Ganduje’s support group praised the APC NWC for picking the Kano State Governor for the vice-presidential ticket.
They urged APC members both in Nigeria and in diaspora to support the Tinubu/Ganduje ticket to emerge victorious in 2023.
“It is time we close ranks to ensure victory for all our candidates from the ward levels to the presidency,” Daily Post quoted group as saying.
The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has distanced itself from reports that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has been chosen to be Atiku’s running mate.
The party insisted that robust discussion among stakeholders will continue until the right person is chosen to create a winning ticket.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, was refuting reports of Wike’s emergence on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking on Arise News.
Ologunagbe said, “We have a process as a party, because we are organic. We follow through the processes. We recognize the importance of participatory democracy, ensuring that every stakeholder and organ of the party is involved in our decision-making process,”
He explained that, “This is the beginning of the process, consideration and advisory body need to get to the level where, in consultation with the presidential candidate, they will deliberate on who is most suitable.
“That process is ongoing, so any report of a particular candidate at this point is probably premature,” he said.
According to him, the National Working Committee of the party will be meeting today (Wednesday) at 11 am, to provide further input.
He said, “We do our things in processes, the process doesn’t just come like you press a computer and get an answer. We follow the process, because human elements are involved, with interests and concerns. We have considered all interests of the country, particularly in terms of unity and capacity,” he said.
On Tuesday, various reports emerged that Wike had been chosen from the committee set up by the party and scored 13 out of 17 to emerge as the running mate.
This was as the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, had said the party’s running mate would be announced by Thursday, a day ahead of the closing date as set by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Presidential flagbearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has defended his trip to Egypt, stating that the 3-day tour was already planned before the presidential primaries for political parties began.
He said it was good to learn firsthand about how an African country like Egygt boosted its electricity generation capacity within 4 years.
Obi’s reaction on Wednesday through Doyin Okupe, Director General of his Campaign Organisation, is against the backdrop of reactions to his trip when it was announced on Tuesday.
Obi had tweeted, “I just departed for Egypt on a 3-day visit as part of my detailed study of comparable countries to Nigeria. In Egypt, I am expected to understudy, among others, the Egyptian Power Sector, Education, Planning and Finance Sectors. –PO”
But presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, activist Aisha Yesufu, among others, have criticized the trip.
They tweeted that Obi’s trip was insensitive and proof that he is unprepared to govern the country whose general election is few months close.
But Okupe insisted on Wednesday that Obi’s tour was a good one for the country’s energy sector.
He stated via his Facebook page : “Peter Obi’s trip has been scheduled previously, even before primaries. His mission principally is to see the plants installed by Siemens, which doubled the generating capacity of Egypt in 4years. To hold talks directly with the company on what will be feasible for Nigeria and at what cost?”
Dangote Cement Shareholders up dividend by 25% to N20 per share
Shareholders of Dangote Cement Plc yesterday commended the Management of the company for an impressive performance despite the economic challenges in the year under review.
Unanimously, the shareholders approved N20 per share for the year ended December 31, 2021 as against the N16 paid in the preceding year. This represents a 25 per cent increase in dividend compared to the 2020 dividend of N16.00 per share, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to maximising shareholder value.
The shareholders gave their approval at the 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos. They commended the management for the impressive performance recorded in the year under review. They also applauded the company for its efforts in reducing unclaimed dividend of the company.
Dangote Cement in the year under review achieved its highest profit before tax in its history at N538.4 billion. Also, the Company recorded Group volumes of 29.3Mta, up 13.8 per cent. Exceptional EBITDA of N684.6 billion was achieved, up by 43.2 per cent owing to strong cost control measures.
Chairman of the company, Aliko Dangote, said that “Over the last decade, Dangote Cement has recorded exponential growth across all areas.”
According to him, Group volumes are now at almost 30Mta, our capacity has tripled to 51.6Mta and we export cement from five countries across Africa.
“As the volatile global environment propels us into a new era of uncertainties, we are fortunate that the last two years have taught us resilience, adaptability and grit. These values are what we need to face unpredictable times in the future.
“Dangote Cement remains the leading cement company in Africa, well-positioned for a positive and sustainable future. We are resolute in transforming Africa, while creating sustainable value for our stakeholders.”
Dangote said in January 2022, the Company completed the second tranche of its buy-back programme as Dangote Cement has now repurchased 0.98 per cent of its outstanding shares, saying this share buy-back programme reflects the Company’s unwavering commitment to creating value and identifying opportunities to return cash to shareholders.
He also noted that “We began operations in our new 3Mta Okpella plant in Edo state in 2021, where we are successfully ramping up production and have contributed to creating a new industrial hub.
“We are actively deploying our alternative fuel strategy across all countries of operations, to optimise energy efficiency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and ultimately reduce CO2 emission. Whilst we focused our efforts on meeting the robust demand of our local market in Nigeria, at the expense of our export markets, we still made significant progress in our cement and clinker exports.
“In 2021, we exported seven ships of clinker out of Nigeria and exported cement from five of our operations. Our vision is for West and Central Africa to be cement and clinker self-sufficient, while making the regional and continental free trade agreements a reality.”
He added that along with the Company’s focus on strategy, it made progress on the effectiveness and diversity of its Board with the appointment of Ms. Halima Aliko-Dangote to the Board as a Non-Executive Director effective 26th February 2022, bringing female Board representation to 27 per cent, from 20 per cent in 2020 in addition to the six different nationalities and five independent non-executive directors on our Board.
He emphasised “We continue our sustainability and governance efforts with our 7 Sustainability Pillars – ‘The Dangote Way’. The 7 Pillars: cultural, economic, institutional, financial, environmental, operational and social, provide the appropriate framework in which we have embedded our corporate values and strategic objectives.”
He said “Our strategy in 2021 focused on energy transition, which is a crucial enabler of sustainable development and climate resilience on the continent. We have increased our focus on alternative fuels in our energy mix. We are actively investing in installing mechanical multi-fuel systems that can process diverse types of wastes.”
Outlook for Dangote Cement in 2022, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement, Michel Puchercos said “Our goal to be the partner of choice for those transforming Africa, while creating sustainable value for our stakeholders remains firm and clear.
“Despite operating in a challenging and fast-moving environment, Dangote Cement consistently delivers superior profitability to the shareholders. The robust demand experienced across the continent despite the COVID-19 related challenges, confirm the powerful potential of these markets.”
Supporters and stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress were treated to a hilarious session when the Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, officially referred to Governor Dapo Abiodun as the ‘Eleyi of Ogun State.’
This was even as the party’s presidential flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, labelled Oyebanji as the ‘Emi Lokan of Ekiti’ who would perform beyond the expectation of his people.
The banter took place at a political rally where the Ekiti governorship candidate of the APC, Biodun Olabanji, was unveiled to the electorate ahead of the June 18 election.
After Fayemi’s hilarious jab, a blushing Abiodun was seen giggling as party leaders patted him on the back in a jovial manner.
Tinubu had on June 3 set the social media on fire when he vented his frustration during a presidential campaign in Abeokuta, saying it was through his efforts that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), made it to Aso Rock after failing thrice.
He also pointed at Abiodun whom he described as ‘Eleyi’ absentmindedly as one of the products of his political hard work.
“Look at this one (Eleyi) seated behind me, Dapo, he wouldn’t have become governor without my support,” Tinubu had stated.
Tinubu made the statement while addressing the APC delegates in Ogun State.
His outburst evoked mixed feelings from Nigerians, with many loyalists of the party including the National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, saying the remarks were meant to slight the president and Ogun State governor.
24 hours after the drama, the Bola Tinubu Media Campaign Team dismissed insinuations that the presidential candidate disrespected the Ogun State governor.
The Director of the BAT campaign team, Bayo Onanuga, said that the comment was “mischievously interpreted.”
Genesis Global Ikeja Invasion: Renowned Televangelist Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe Takes over Ikeja Lagos With Miracles and Prophetic Deliverance
+ Begins Ikeja Outreach with Mind Blowing Testimonies
…Dare Justified, Segun O2 and Rain Dazzles Faithful at the Maiden service in Ikeja
– Prays For Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and entire Nigerians as Election Draw Nearer
The significant date 12th june 2022 will ever remain a memorable day in the life of Christians faithfuls that join famous global Accurate seer, the Senior Prophet of Genesis Global churchProphet Israel oladele Ogundipe as he invades Ikeja Lagos as he opens another outreach in the capital city of Lagos.
The service which was well attended by over 2million faithful at the Temporary church located at Plot 6 Agidingbin opposite Chicken Republic witnessed prophetic praise and worship and Prophetic Declaration by the Man of God Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe
Earlier in his sermon, Guest preacher Pastor David who spoke on series prophetic declaration, God is the supernatural Builder explained that except the lord build the house the labourer are labouring in Vain, Pastor David explain further, that Genesis Global in Ikeja has been built on a solid rock, therefore no forces can bring it down, the man of God has carefully seek the face of God before beginning the outreach, says whatever God built no one can pull it down, Genesis Global has come to stay in Ikeja, no forces of enemies can pull it down why because God purpose on the good people of Ikeja and Nigeria as a whole must surely come to pass Pastor David concluded
While making prophetic declaration at the official opening of the Ikeja Outreach, the Oracle of God and senior Prophet Genesis Global Prophet Isreal Oladele declared that within 72 Hours what almighty God showed him in the place of Prayer will manifest in the Life of all that witnessed the maiden service of Genesis Global In the name of Jesus Christ.
The man of God also used the service to Pray for the stability in Nigerian Politics saying that The Flag Bearer of APC at the just concluded APC presidential Primaries Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proved himself capable as the Former Governor of Lagos State but with Prayers by all faithful for a divine wisdom he will definately meet the yearning and expectation of the people with Prayers
It will be recalled that Prophet Isreal Oladele remains one of the famous Global Prophet with Accurate Prophesy and humanitarian Philanthropist across the globe.
The Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina has accused the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church, David Oyedepo of harbouring hatred for the president.
Recall that the cleric had stated that the Buhari government deceived Nigerians with talks of fighting corruption but was not making the country better in any way.
He added that the government claims to be fighting corruption, yet its officials are also corrupt.
Oyedepo shared his disappointment with the Buhari-led administration during a church programme, Special Prayer for The Nation, on Monday.
Adesina while reacting to Oyedepo’s statement said the cleric doesn’t understand the difference between the Accountant General and the Auditor General of the Federation.
He further stated that Oyedepo can’t even get his facts right.
The spokesman in a post on his Twitter account wrote, “The bishop at Ota can’t even get his facts right. Blinded by hatred for PMB, he says Auditor General stole N80bn.
“Pity! He doesn’t know the difference between Accountant General (only alleged) and Auditor General. Like OBJ said long ago, we should begin to ordain our bishops.”
Nigerian publisher, Omoyele Sowore has thrown a jab at the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
In a video shared on his social media page, Sowore said the Labour party has become an orphanage for homeless politicians, stating that it didn’t take long for Peter Obi to join the party.
Sowore said the Labour Party should not have someone like Peter Obi in its company recalling how the former Anambra State Governor managed workers’ strike for 13 months.
According to the publisher, Peter Obi left the opposition Peoples Democratic Party because they outplayed him with transactional politicking.
He said: “I said the Labour party has become an orphanage for politicians that are homeless, it didn’t take long, for Peter to run there when he became homeless. Labour should not have such a man in its company, somebody who managed 13 months of strike, workers strike in Anambra state, the reason Peter Obi left PDP was because they outplayed him with transactional politicking.
“Where is the structure of Labour party? You should ask yourself, in 2019, the Labour Party presidential candidate got 5000 votes, I was allocated 33,000 votes so even if you are going to look at the structure, the structure that delivered 33,000 votes is probably better and bigger than that of 5000 votes.
“You said you were governor, did you build any school or university? Hospital or quality roads. We are not here to do any religious politics but for the liberation of the people.”
The camp of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu have narrowed down on the former governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima as the Vice Presidential candidate for the party.
While the camp of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar have narrowed down on the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa for Vice President.
Much attention has been paid to the choice of the vice-presidential candidate since the major political parties held their presidential primary.
It is believed that the choice of the vice-presidential candidate would have a major say in the victory of political parties in the 2023 general election.
Naija News had earlier reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission fixed June 17, as the deadline for candidates to submit the names of their running mates.
Sources that spoke with Daily Trust on the pressing issue disclosed that Shettima who played a key role in the campaign of Tinubu has been penned down.
The source said, “Asiwaju is comfortable with Senator Shettima, not only because of his contribution towards his emergence but he feels the former Borno governor is acceptable to all in the country because he has built bridges across all the divides in the country when he was governor and also when he went to the National Assembly as a senator.”
Another source in the presidency disclosed that Shettima has the support of three Governors in the ruling party in the North East.
It is believed that he supported President Muhammadu Buhari’s programmes and policies while he was governor of Borno.
The source said, “Buhari is not averse to the candidature of Shettima.
“The former Borno governor has been one of the frontline supporters of the president. He brought serious votes in 2015 and 2019 for the success of the president not only in Borno but in other North-East states. Also, the three governors in the North East (Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe) are all sympathetic to Shettima’s candidature.
“Specifically, Zulum has said he is not interested in becoming the running mate. When Tinubu visited Maiduguri last month, Zulum pleaded that Shettima is considered as the running mate.”
According to him, if considered, Shettima will make the “Tinubu presidential ticket inclusive, demographically sensitive and politically correct.
“Shettima ensured the reign of religious harmony in Borno State and spent more than a billion naira to rebuild churches destroyed by the Boko Haram terrorists and singlehandedly sponsored more Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem than Christian Benue, Plateau and Taraba.”
There are, however, speculations that three governors from the North-West geopolitical zone, the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu and the Governor of Jigawa State, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar are also eyeing the seat.
The source added, “But the fact is that the APC is looking at the direction of the North East to produce the running mate to deplete the chances of PDP candidate Atiku.”
However, some elements of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) are planning to meet President Buhari to recommend the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami or the minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika as Tinubu’s running mate.
The source said, “The CPC elements are planning to approach President Buhari to seek for his intercession to endorse either Abubakar Malami or Hadi Sirika as the running mate.
“But there is the high probability that the president will repeat what he did ahead of the APC special convention; he will listen to all but he will most likely allow the candidate to have a say in who he wants to work with…They would collectively work in producing the right candidate who will bring votes and acceptability because the ultimate goal is for the APC to retain power.”
It is believed that Tinubu would meet with President Buhari tomorrow on the issue of running mate is among the issues to be discussed.
A further report revealed that the running mate to late MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993, presidential election, Babagana Kingibe has forwarded three names to Tinubu.
The names forwarded are Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum; the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed and a liaison officer to the National Assembly during Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam.
A source close to the presidential candidate said they were shocked when Kingibe forwarded the names through Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu.
The source said, “It is true that three names have been forwarded by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe to Governor Atiku Bagudu for onward delivery to Asiwaju for consideration for the office of the vice president.”
Another source said they are still trying to find out on what grounds Kingibe was nominating anyone.
The source said, “Even though he is reportedly part of the cabal, what is in the open is that they have a different candidate for the presidency who did not win…We are therefore appalled that he has nominated some people to Asiwaju considering that he is not holding any position. We suspect that he is not alone in the move.”
On the part of the presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku is expected to nominate the Governor of Delta State, Okowa for the position of vice president.
It was gathered that a committee constituted to assist Atiku in searching for a suitable running mate, chaired by General Aliyu Gusau, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), has submitted its report.
It is believed that the committee has recommended Okowa as well as two others, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel for consideration.
The source, however, said the former vice president is more comfortable with the Delta State governor given the role he played during the party’s presidential primary.
The source disclosed, “Okowa mobilised resources for us during the primary. He is the preferred contender even though others are making case for Wike and Udom.”
The running mate to late MKO Abiola in the 1993 presidential election, Babagana Kingibe, has revealed why he served in the Sani Abacha government.
In a chat with reporters in Maiduguri on Sunday, Kingibe said his decision to serve in Abacha’s government was due to his love for national interest and not personal gain.
He stated that he jettisoned his own personal interest to serve in the regime of the late dictator, adding that his decision was in line with the teachings of the Islamic faith.
He said: “When we think of the collective good there are times when we have to sacrifice personal interest and join hands in rebuilding society and bringing peace and harmony to our people: I have addressed this issue of why did I join Abacha’s government and so on.
“I know we won the elections on June 12, 1993, I know that injustice was done when those elections were annulled but there is always one guiding principle in my public life which is that the national interest supersedes any other consideration and all my actions have been informed by this consciousness of what is best in the national interest.”
Kingibe commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State for the June 12 celebration in the state to mark the new Democracy Day.
He said the celebration signifies love and solidarity towards him as a son of the soil and a key player in the events of that year.
He said, “I don’t think the celebration on the actual 12th of June 1993 was any greater than the celebration of the first democracy day on June 12; And for that I have to thank the Governor who gave the leadership, thank the people of Borno not only for celebrating June 12 as democracy day per se, but I know that they also had in mind that one of their own, their own son was also a critical player, I appreciate the confidence and love.”
