Politics

Bode George Urges PDP to Investigate Party Members’ Activities During 2023 Polls

Published

6 days ago

September 4, 2024

editor

Chief Bode George, a prominent leader within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called for a thorough investigation into the activities of the party and its members before, during, and after the 2023 general elections. Speaking on Arise TV’s Newsday on Wednesday, George emphasized the need for the PDP to conduct a post-mortem analysis to identify errors and successes in its recent electoral conduct.

“There must be an investigation by a special committee to look at the activities of the party and its members before that general election in 2023, during the general election, and post-election. That is where, once they get the report from the special committee, the National Working Committee (NWC) will look at it, inform the National Executive Committee (NEC), and proceed to discipline those who have erred and recognize those who have done well,” George stated.

He stressed the importance of such an investigation for the health of democracy, noting that a strong democracy requires a strong opposition. George argued that the PDP needs to put its house in order if it hopes to function as a formidable opposition capable of holding the current government accountable. “If the opposition, the PDP, is not putting its house in order, then you cannot form a formidable opposition when it comes to governance and bringing the current government to, you know, putting them on their toes,” he added.

George also criticized the current reconciliation committee headed by Tom Ikimi, expressing his reluctance to participate due to concerns about the committee’s leadership. He proposed that a new, independent committee should be constituted to investigate the party’s activities surrounding the 2023 elections. “What I’m saying is simple. The norm, the ways that these things are conducted, and I said to the current managers of the party, that immediately after the election, we should have set up a committee to do a post-mortem analysis of the activities before the election, during the election, and post-election,” George emphasized.

He warned that the party’s failure to address internal issues transparently could lead to its downfall. “This party, but for the fact that the party had been so solidified in its infancy, with roots well deep in this nation, would have gone into oblivion. And I am quite concerned that the behaviors generally, we need to revisit,” he said.

George underscored the importance of learning from past mistakes to prevent future errors and ensure the PDP remains a credible and united political force. He highlighted the divisions within the party as a significant concern and called for the elders and leaders to rise above petty conflicts. “A divided house will remain a defeated house. That’s all I am saying. As an elder, I’m a lifetime member of the board of trustees. We need to tap into all kinds of experiences to resolve these issues,” George noted.

He also reminisced about the party’s founding fathers, who, despite their political differences, worked together to establish a solid foundation for the PDP. George urged current leaders to follow their example and adhere to the party’s constitution, particularly the principles of zoning and rotation of party offices.

Reflecting on the PDP’s handling of the 2023 primaries, George pointed to the mismanagement of the process as a key reason for the party’s current troubles. “The fact that we did not handle the primaries well at the national convention, that is why we are here in this situation. We must follow the constitution,” he asserted.

George called for calm and unity within the PDP, urging members to prioritize the party’s long-term success and the well-being of Nigeria. “Let’s follow the constitution of the party. I am pleading with everybody to calm down for the sake of the younger generation and for the sake of our country,” he concluded.

Politics

“I Am A Visionary Leader,” PRP Candidate Promises Edo Voters

Published

4 hours ago

September 10, 2024

Gabriella Ogbu

Ms Patience Ndidi, the People’s Redemption Party candidate for Edo State Governor, has warned Edo residents that in order to achieve meaningful development in the state, they must prioritize visionary leadership over emotional considerations.

Ndidi, the only female contender in the September 21 governorship race, stated during a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday that visionary leadership transcends gender.

She asked the people to look beyond vote-buying incentives, gender, and political ties to guarantee Edo’s transformation benefits everyone.

According to her, Edo requires imaginative leaders to address issues such as unemployment, poverty, hunger, and the condition of vital infrastructure such as roads, schools, and health facilities.

Ndidi underlined the importance of this election for the next four years and the state’s future, urging people to be open-minded and make an informed decision.

Ndidi, identifying herself as the single “David” in the race, claimed that her goal is to win and bring transformation, hope, growth, and prosperity to Edo through human capital development.

She explained, “That is where the role of visionary comes in. A visionary leader sees from wherever he or she comes from or resides.

“A visionary leader feels the pulses of the people. A visionary leader understands the pain points of the people. That is where I, Patience Ofure Ndidi, come in because I see the vision. I know commitment. I understand compassion.

“I believe in God and the great people of Edo State not to make the mistake of following the same people that have taken us backwards.

“Leadership is meant for visionaries. Leadership is meant for those who understand commitment and compassion. Leadership is given to people who can be transparent, who can stand accountable, and be trustworthy.”

Ndidi, highlighting women as leaders with strong managerial skills and the ability to multitask, appealed to both women and men to support her vision.

She continued, “They say women don’t encourage women. Women don’t vote for women. But I tell them that’s not true. Women understand women. Women vote for women. Women with their managerial skills, with the ability to multitask, do great things.

“When women stand, we don’t just represent women, we represent the nation. We represent our men, we represent our boys, and we represent our girls.”

Ndidi urged the people of Edo to view the election not as a competition but as an opportunity to unite and work together to enhance the state’s greatness.

She emphasized the importance of using the state’s expertise and resources to grow industrial businesses, generate wealth, and increase income.

The PRP governorship candidate promised to address insecurity, unemployment, and hunger by empowering residents, claiming that creating jobs and cultivating a favorable investment climate will alleviate insecurity.

Politics

APC Reacts to Billboard Promoting Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election Bid in Abuja

Published

6 hours ago

September 10, 2024

Alexis Uchendu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has distanced itself from a billboard in Abuja promoting President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election. The billboard, located in the Area One axis of the Federal Capital Territory, displays an image of President Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, with the message: “Grassroots support for Tinubu 2027, the 1019 initiative.”

Responding to the billboard, APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim clarified that the party had no involvement in the campaign. He suggested that it might have been the work of individuals or groups supporting the president, not an official party initiative. Ibrahim encouraged further investigation into the billboard’s sponsors, as they are typically identified on such advertisements.

President Tinubu is currently serving the second year of his first four-year term and has not publicly declared any intention to run for re-election in 2027.

Politics

Obaseki Constitutes Development Control, Environmental Taskforce 65 Days Before End of Tenure

Published

20 hours ago

September 9, 2024

Alexis Uchendu

With just 65 days remaining before the conclusion of his tenure, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has established an eight-member taskforce focused on Development Control and Environmental Issues. The announcement comes ahead of Obaseki’s departure from office on November 12, 2024, marking the end of his two-term, eight-year tenure as governor.

In a statement issued by Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, it was revealed that the taskforce will be chaired by Matthew Ikhide, with Isaac Ero serving as secretary. The team is expected to tackle key development and environmental challenges in the state.

Osagie outlined the composition of the taskforce, which includes Fidelis Owen, Bridget Ojo Omorotionwan, Ese Ogbebor, Henry Enabulele (representing the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development), Osamudiamwen Omoregie (from the Edo State Inland Revenue Service), and Bobby Obayuwana (from the media sector).

The taskforce’s inauguration date will be announced by the governor in due course.