Politics

Click the image below to read the congratulating message of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, to the president elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on a PDF version.

Thousands of women professionals from Kogi Central Senatorial District, on Sunday, trooped out to express their gratitude to voters for turning out en masse to vote, overwhelmingly, for the All Progressives Congress’ candidates in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The women, who thanked Kogites and Governor Yahaya Bello of the State for the peaceful conduct of the election, said the ‘Thank You’ road walk became necessary in order to demonstrate that women in Central and in the state, generally, were solidly in support of the Governor for giving them the share of voice they had been clamouring for, for years, and to urge him to do more.

Led by notable women professionals in the district, the Kogi Central women took off from Okene Local Government Secretariat, walked through the newly built Reference Hospital, down to Total filling station and back to the Secretariat, chanting “thank you and victory songs” as they marched through the streets.

The Kogi State Coordinator, APC Professional Women Council, Hajia Rekiyat Onaivo, while speaking during the walk charged Kogi women to replicate their last outing by coming out en masse to vote for APC candidates in the State House of Assembly election, next Saturday.

She said the large turnout during the last presidential and National Assembly election was an indication that women in Kogi central appreciated Governor Yahaya Bello’s result-oriented women inclusive governance.

Onaivo Sanni, who is also the Executive Director Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA), enjoined women to support the current administration to enable it deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state, assuring that the Senator-elect, Abubakar Sadiku Ohere, would give good representation at the National Assembly.

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ) Anne Olurinde, who also joined the walk, commended the state government for making the state’s resources work for the people, noting that the infrastructure projects undertaken by Governor Bello’s administration were unprecedented in the history of the state.

She said Kogites had enjoyed peace since the Governor assumed office and that, though journalists must be neutral, they also owed the state and the entire nation the duty of responsible journalism devoid of unfounded panic reporting.

“We monitored the elections, and considering what Kogi State elections have been like for decades, we can conveniently say it was very peaceful. The elections were free and fair,” Olurinde said, while urging aggrieved parties to seek redress in court to maintain peace.

“We refuse to be willing tools in the hands of politicians who are always painting one-sided picture of happenings in the state with sensational social media posts for selfish interests,” the NAWOJ Chairperson added.

“As the Chairman of the National Association of Women Journalists, Kogi State Chapter, I want to say we are very happy with the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello. He is undoubtedly the only governor in Nigeria that has given women the strongest voice in governance. There are so many awards in this regard to attest to this.

“His ADC is a woman, his SSG is a woman, HOS is a woman, and all the vice chairmen of local governments are women, among other top positions. I understand there are over 30 very senior female appointees currently. Don’t forget that he also appointed the first female DG of a presidential campaign organisation. I can go on and on. So I can understand why women in Kogi Central have trooped out like this today to demonstrate their solidarity with him.”

By Tahir Ibrahim Tahir

What just happened in Osun? Under the nose of the ruling party? A whole APC state, with the South West as its stronghold, snatched by a supposedly lightweight candidate of the opposition PDP, who is thought of as just ‘The dancing Senator’? Did he dance his way to victory? Did his nephew Davido have a huge impact? Is the PDP rejuvenated and bouncing back? What in God’s holy name happened? Did Govenor-elect Adeleke, hold The Holy Grail, or was it just an isolated case of APC chieftains in the state on an anti-party trail, railroading their party into defeat? Understandably, there are quite a number of aggrieved party stakeholders in the state and it is assumed that they either didn’t work for the success of their party, or possibly worked against their party’s victory.

This scenario is a dejavu of the PDP victory in Bauchi State in 2019, when an incumbent APC governor was defeated by a PDP candidate, despite Bauchi being an APC stronghold – the tons of party chieftains in the state made it look assuredly like an own goal. Was Osun an own goal?

Sen. Dino Melaye in his usual reels, mocked the APC, milked the Osun election victory, and added a great deal of salt to the election injury of the APC. He has something to feast on now. Surely, Dino wouldn’t be magnanimous in defeat. It has encouraged him and many other PDP faithful, giving them confidence that their party is regaining ground, and will be in position to reclaim not only PDP states, but the presidential election come 2023. Osun is also causing ripples within the APC fold, and there’s palpable fear, that perhaps the APC may be on its way out of power, come 2023. The proverbial 16 years that the PDP enjoyed, may elude the APC, which seemingly has a divided house.

The reel from Gov. Yahaya Bello, congratulating governor-elect Adeleke; caught my attention, which is grace in defeat anyway, as it should be. He was in his trainers, punching a boxing bag, sweating it out in a gym, keeping fit. Those reels have become more like his trademark channel of information dissemination. He admonished the APC hierarchy, that this (Osun polls), is a stern warning, and a wakeup call to the APC that we must put our house in order. Truly, our house is not in order as it stands and I very much agree with Gov. Bello.

It seems that the older generation APC stakeholders, and other top hierarchy members, just cannot be bothered anymore, about the fate of the broom family. It can be drawn that they have already had their time, and enjoyed the offices that the party has had to offer, and are bidding farewell to government, the APC, and whatever change may stand for. Yahaya Bello is not a lone voice in this wake up call. There are millions of us who are not happy with the way things are being handled, by those that matter and can effect changes or bring about success in the party’s endeavours.

We the younger generation of APC faithful (not that I’m young but I’m forced to identify with the youths, as the older ones have refused to retire), are left to wallow in despair, of the downfall that may come the way of the APC, should one or two more Osuns be on the cards. We are the only ones that truly care, and perhaps believe in the so-called change. Where is the change, when sitting APC governors are losing elections in APC strongholds? Did the governor do enough to be re-elected by his people in the first place? Such vital questions must be asked, if the right solutions and answer are required. They say Osun is predominantly Muslim, and yet they voted for a Christian-Christian ticket? Does it practically apply that the religion card energy is fast dissipating? Is this just in the South West or it is countrywide?

The younger APCists and the new generation change drivers, must come together and work for the success of their party and the ideals sold to them, which they religiously believed in. The older crop of stakeholders should not be relied upon, as it seems they are out there fighting personal battles at the expense of the party, mortgaging the future of APC youths and the like. At eight years old, APC is just beginning, and should be nurtured to full fruition by selfless persons, who believe that the APC truly represents change.

Gov. Yahaya Bello’s presidential campaign has had the opportunity of showcasing how youths can come together under one roof, with one voice, to drive a message that represents their yearnings and aspirations. Gov. Yahaya Bello has been the campaign DG for the APC, in previous off season gubernatorial elections, and has delivered. People like him should be at the forefront of APC’s new and current battles.

Osun may be an isolated case, yet, its implications or meanings may have dire consequences, should things continue the Osun way. The destiny of APC, it seems, is in the hands of party loyalists of the younger generation, who will fight and struggle with their zeal and youthful might. They must be able to mobilise themselves and get Baba’s buy in. He recently said he would not leave a dime for his children to inherit. But of course he must leave legacies that his children will be proud of and bask in the glory of. We are all his kids and our family house is the APC. Baba, just as we loved you and cheered for you, and spent our resources to vote you; we seek your reciprocity, in nurturing us, and providing us with a platform that will cater for us when you are retired. So please Baba, do not tire now.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has signed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill into law.

The Secretary to Kogi State Government, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade disclosed this to journalists on Monday.

DAILY UPDATES gathered that VAPP bill has already been signed into law by 32 States of the federation. With the signing of the bill by the Kogi State Governor, only three states are left with the signing of the bill.

Speaking on the signing of the VAPP bill on Monday, the Chairman of the VAPP bill Steering Committee Mike Abu maintained that the bill has all it takes to protect citizens against violence of any kind.

Abu commended Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, Executive Director, Challenged Parenthood Initiatives, (CPI) for sponsoring the bill, adding that, through her painstaking efforts the bill was signed by the State Assembly.

He further thanked members of the State Steering Committee for their efforts in advocating for the signing into law the VAPP bill.

“The law in summary seeks to protect Women and Children and other person’s under the perpetrators care, destitute and without any means of subsistence.

“The law looks at the circumcision of the girl child or women, civil proceedings, damage to properly, use of dangerous weapons, domestic relationship and economic abuse.

” The law looks at emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, forced isolation from family and friends.

The law equally looks at sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and sexual intimidation.

“The VAPP Bill also seeks to protect against violence in public sphere which includes wrongful arrest and detention, use of force without lawful authority, unlawful entry into premises or demolition of property without due processes.

“The law seeks to protect against rape and defines rape as intentional penetration, without consent and when consent is obtained by force”

Nigerian Youth Collective Action, has said that it won’t vote for any presidential candidate above the age of 55 years in the 2023 general election.

The group, which comprises youths drawn from the 19 Northern States and Abuja, made this known shortly after a two-day meeting which was held at the Arewa House, Kaduna on Friday.

The group expressed anger that despite Buhari signing the Not Too Young to Run Bill into law, the youths were technically knocked out of the 2023 presidency through the prohibitive sale of nomination forms by the major political parties.

Although the youth made no mention of any candidate in particular, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is above 60 years of age, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party.

Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, whose age is above 55, picked the presidential ticket of the Labour Party, among others.

But a communique read out by the Spokesperson of the group, Aliyu Mohammed-Sani, said one of the major problems in the country was because many older people were in charge of the nation’s affairs which necessitated the need for a young generation of leaders come 2023.

Against this background, Mohmmed-Sani noted that they would mobilise against any presidential candidate above the age of 55 years in the 2023 presidency.

The 9-point-Communique read in part, “As Northern youths, we condemn in strong terms, the failure of some political parties to follow the demands of Nigerian youths, for a generational shift in leadership and their subsequent selection of old candidates, some close to 80 years old, for the next presidential election.

“Northern Nigerian Youths will ignore, avoid, and not vote for political parties that field candidates that are above 55 years of age as their presidential candidates.

“One of the major things causing problems in this country today is because many old people are in charge of our national affairs who are not in tune with the current global governance practices, hence, the need for a young generation of leaders, come 2023.

“Northern Nigerian youths shall mobilise for, support and vote parties that field only young candidates especially presidential candidates.”

In summary, I will provide uncommon leadership to harness our massive human capital and material endowments to bring about a quantum of development in a manner never witnessed before in Nigeria.

Yahaya Bello.

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The Yahaya Bello Manifesto, otherwise known as ‘The Roadmap to Hope’ is a grand vision for a more peaceful, secured, united and prosperous Nigeria. This Roadmap focuses on key priorities of a Yahaya Bello Presidency to bring about visible, tangible, and sustainable development across all sectors of our economy.

DIVERSITY

From her first day in office, the administration will assemble a team of patriotic and passionate Nigerians drawn from across the length and breadth of our national diversity with the requisite qualifications, skills, experience, and exposure required to achieve the results we need.

SECURITY AND PEACE

We will immediately focus on ensuring the complete security of lives and property of all citizens and inhabitants of our territory by revitalizing our national security architecture from the grassroots to the national level. Under my leadership, insecurity by whatever name it is called will be brought to an abrupt end (a cursory look at my performance as Governor of Kogi State in the last six years shows that I can deliver on this promise).

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Our leadership will bridge the infrastructure gap in the nation in roads, rails, waterways, aviation, power, and utilities. We will consolidate on the achievements of the current administration in infrastructure and ensure a proper maintenance culture.

JOB CREATION AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

Our government will create the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive thereby creating jobs and gainful employment for our teeming unemployed youths in modern agriculture, manufacturing, services, information and communications technology, creative arts, and entrepreneurship. We will support and promote the growth of the manufacturing sector through functional incentives and policies.

EDUCATION

We will continue the ongoing revitalization and upgrade of our educational institutions from primary to tertiary level. We pledge to continue providing free and compulsory basic education in partnership with state governments, subsidize senior secondary and tertiary education and promote technical and vocational education.

HEALTH

We will revitalize our health sector to provide exceptional medical services for our citizens. Our primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare sectors will be recalibrated to function effectively. We will strengthen our health insurance scheme towards promoting universal health coverage.

POWER

Our government will increase the level of investment in power generation, transmission, and distribution to improve the level of power supply in the country. We will also continue to invest in the development and deployment of alternative clean energy sources to promote environmental sustainability.

OIL AND GAS

Our government will ensure the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act signed by the current administration towards the efficient operations of the oil and gas sector. We shall pursue a policy of zero importation of refined petroleum products within our first term in office. We will ensure that host communities witness increased Federal Government-led interventions to ameliorate the impact of environmental degradation due to oil and gas exploitation.

HOUSING

We will actively promote mass housing development projects and make home ownership feasible for the working-class through housing finance.

YOUTH INCLUSION AND EMPOWERMENT

As a youthful president, I will connect with our predominantly youthful population to harness their positive energies for national development. Our government will also work to create gainful employment and entrepreneurship opportunities and support for Nigerian Youths.

WOMEN INCLUSION AND EMPOWERMENT

Our leadership will ensure increased participation of Women in government. I pledge that the affirmative action threshold of 35% stipulated by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be the baseline for women in our government, rather than the ceiling.

CONCLUSION

In summary, I will provide uncommon leadership to harness our massive human capital and material endowments to bring about a quantum of development in a manner never witnessed before in Nigeria. I therefore solicit your support for our aspiration to win the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) Presidential ticket and subsequently the 2023 Presidential election so that together we can build the Nigeria of our dreams.

Yahaya Bello April 2022.

Click the image below to download the Manifesto

“As Governor, I never once underestimated the amount of work that needed to be done considering the abysmal levels of socio-economic development we inherited. But I also tell myself that I did not come into government to glorify impossibilities, but to solve problems. Thus, I had a vision for the state even before I ran for office which formed the substratum of my manifesto during campaigns, and I had it developed into a roadmap for my work once I was elected Governor. We call it the New Direction Blueprint, and from inception it became our roadmap for proportional and accelerated development of Kogi State in all her constituencies. I matched my blueprint with a stubborn will and went all out in pursuit of it. By the help of God and a commitment to excellence, we have made tremendous progress.” Governor Yahaya Bello ‘Perspectives on Leadership and Aspiration’ Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. July 8, 2021.

Click the image below to download full document.

South East youths drum support for Yahaya Bello’s presidential aspiration

Ahead of the All Progressive Congress (APC) primaries, youth representatives from the Five South East states have staged a rally in support of the presidential ambition of Governor . Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

Addressing the youths who converged on Awka, Anambra state capital, Anthony Edogbo, said the idea was conceived to enthrone Governor Yahaya Bello as next President After President Muhammadu BUHARI in 2023.

The youth groups who are representatives of different youths organizations, expressed their support for a generational change from the aged to Young Nigerians to be given the opportunity to lead.

The Youths rally that started from the Dr. Alex Ekweme Square Awka, Marched round major streets of the state capital, chanting solidarity songs to support Governor Yahaya Bello Presidential Aspiration.

TVC News gathered that the youth, including people with special needs, participated in the march, chrisitened “Youth Ambassadors Rally For Governor Yahaya Bello Presidential Ambition”