Connect with us

General

SERG Urges Nigerians to Ignore Igbo Elites Fuelling Anti-Obi Campaign

Published

on

SERG South East Revival Group Igbo elites fuelling

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Nigerians have been urged to ignore a “few inconsistent and selfish” Igbo elites fuelling the anti-Peter Obi campaign ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

This appeal was made by a prominent pan-Igbo socio-political pressure organisation, the South East Revival Group (SERG).

In a statement, the organisation said these persons were “on a wild goose chase if they believe that any of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidates are interested in uniting the country through fairness and equity as they have equally exhibited selfishness in their quest to emerge as flag bearers.”

SERG was reacting to the reports credited to some elites of South East extraction, which have been making anti-Peter Obi comments.

In a statement signed by its President and National Coordinator, Mr Willy Ezugwu, the group said there was no going back in the “total support for the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, across the country.”

It maintained that “the fact that individuals who are part of the country’s failed leadership are exposing themselves is a good development in the build-up to an emerging new Nigeria.”

Recall that some PDP and APC chieftains have been urging the South East to support their presidential candidates in exchange for their support for the emergence of a South Easterner as President after their tenure.

But SERG said, “We recall that in 2017, a chieftain of the APC, Arthur Eze, had called for support from the people of the South East for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that it is only through President Buhari that the quest for Igbo presidency can be actualized.

“Arthur Eze, who is the founder and chairman of the oil exploration company, Atlas Oranto Petroleum, made the call in Abakaliki during Buhari’s visit to the state in 2017.

“At the end of the day, the Governor David Umahi he was positioning for President got disappointed when he didn’t get support from Mr President to emerge the presidential candidate of APC, despite dumping his party, the PDP, to join APC in anticipation that President Buhari will endorse him.

“The same game is on ahead of the 2023 presidential election, and this time, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, is the bait they are using to deceive a few Igbo elites that a support for APC or PDP in the presidential election will ensure that a President of Nigeria of Igbo extraction will be made possible whenever the PDP or APC candidate may have finished his tenure.

“If the support of the likes of Arthur Eze and David Umahi for APC did not translate into support for an Igbo to emerge Presidential candidate of the APC in 2023, which is what is fair and just, it will be unthinkable to believe that the emergence of an Igbo as president will be possible as being promised over the years.

“Nigerians are fully aware that it is unjust, unfair and devoid of equity for another Northerner to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. How can a Muslim northerner replace a Muslim northerner in 2023? Is it just? Is it fair? Is equity not lacking in that?

“Nigerians of good conscience know that PDP unjustly denied the Igbos the presidential ticket contrary to its zoning arrangement as enshrined in the party’s constitution.

“In the same vein, it is unfair and unjust to the South East for a Yoruba southerner to succeed President Buhari after Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a Yoruba, completed an eight-year tenure as President and the Yoruba has a sitting Vice-President who would have completed his eight years in 2023.

“As for Senator Adolphus Wabara, who claimed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will hand over to an Igbo, how can that be when no South East man or woman was good enough for the position of a Vice-President in Atiku’s planned government in 2023?

“Is Senator Wabara telling us that an Atiku who desperately and deliberately usurped the turn of South East in his party and ensured the total desecration of the provision of the PDP constitution on zoning will now hand over to a South East person after his tenure?

“In 2019, Atiku Abubakar enjoyed the total support of the Igbos, but he paid the Igbos back by blocking every possibility of a South Easterner emerging presidential candidate or even a vice presidential candidate of the PDP. So, where is his professed love for Igbos?

“Therefore, we are happy that the 2023 presidential election has become a clear tool in the hand of God, and some individuals who hate Nigeria and love only themselves are being exposed on a daily basis.

“We’re equally happy that people of good conscience across the country, who are obviously in the majority, are rooting for justice and equity, which is what the presidential bid of Peter Obi represents.

“It is a quest for true unity, peace and prosperity of Nigeria as a country.

“Nigerians have seen that Peter Obi is competent, prepared and divinely favoured to win the 2023 presidential election, and they are set to actualise it.

“Peter Obi himself has on several occasions urged Nigerians to vote for him as a Nigerian, not because he is an Igbo man.

“That is a man who has a heart of a true leader and is ready to bring about a new Nigeria where peace and justice shall truly reign for the benefit of Nigerians from all works of life, irrespective of political party affiliation or religious beliefs.

“Peter Obi represents the true Nigerian spirit, not the selfishness of the leaders who have kept the country in captivity over the years for personal benefits.”

Aduragbemi Omiyale is a journalist with Business Post Nigeria, who has passion for news writing. In her leisure time, she loves to read.

General

Again, TCN Restores Electricity to Nigeria’s Northeast

Published

on

Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the restoration of bulk electricity supply to the Northeastern part of the country,

According to a statement signed by the TCN General Manager for Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, the supply was restored through the 330kV and 132kV Jos-Bauchi-Gombe transmission lines.

She said that the lines were initially switched off to enable TCN energise the new Bauchi Substation – one of the biggest substations in the region to the national grid.

”The transmission lines have now been reconnected back to the grid. Consequently, supply to the northeast has been restored since the June 19 at about 4.45 pm.

”With the project completed, bulk power transmission has been restored to Jos and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies, which supply electricity to customers in Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Damaturu, Adamawa, and Taraba states,” she said.

Mrs Mbah said that the connection of the new substation to the national grid had enhanced power reliability, diversified transmission routes, and improved emergency response capabilities in the North Eastern region.

According to her, TCN appreciate the patience and support of the affected customers during the outage.

Recall that last year, the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, which supplies power to Northern Nigeria, was vandalized by insurgents and in response, TCN, at the time, said it has partnered with the National Security Adviser’s office to secure the area.

Activities of vandals have been an impediment to electrifying Nigeria’s large population with disparity in access to power, especially in the country’s north, cited as a drawback in attaining economic power over the years.

Continue Reading

General

Sierra Leone’s President Maada Bio Replaces Tinubu as ECOWAS Chairman

Published

on

Maada Bio ECOWAS Chairman Tinubu

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The President of Sierra Leone, Mr Maada Bio, has been elected as the new chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, replacing President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria after his two-term tenure.

Mr Bio took over the leadership of the group at the ECOWAS Authority’s 67th Ordinary Session held in Abuja on Sunday.

In his acceptance speech, he promised to lead a renewed, people-centred, and action-oriented ECOWAS in the face of unprecedented challenges and opportunities for the West African region.

President Bio said his leadership would focus on restoring constitutional order and deepening democracy, revitalising regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration, and building institutional credibility.

“We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law.

“We must overhaul our collective security architecture—from intelligence sharing to rapid response capabilities—to confront new threats with unity and resolve.

“The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, regional infrastructure, and cross-border value chains must become engines of job creation, trade, and resilience, especially for our women and youth.

“ECOWAS must reform itself to become more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its people. This is how we will rebuild trust in regional cooperation,” he said.

Mr Bio commended Mr Tinubu for laying a solid foundation of regional dialogue, economic recovery, and peacebuilding, saying, “I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have established.”

Acknowledging the complexities of the current moment, the Sierra Leonean leader noted that West Africa stands at a crossroads, grappling with terrorism, illicit arms flow, political instability, and transnational crime, particularly in the Sahel and coastal states.

“The democratic space is under strain in parts of our region. In some countries, the constitutional order has been disrupted. Yet, across West Africa, citizens—especially our youth—are demanding not just elections, but also accountability, transparency, and a fair stake in national life,” the Sierra Leonean leader said.

On his part, President Tinubu described it as a profound honour and privilege to have led the esteemed body, adding that he remained deeply humbled by the trust and support extended to him throughout his two-term tenure.

“As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, President Bio of Sierra Leone, the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa.

“I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability, and prosperity for our people and our region,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure, President Tinubu noted the complex political and security challenges the region has faced in recent years while calling on leaders to remain committed to the evolving needs of West African citizens.

“Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind—especially our youth, women, and vulnerable populations, who remain central to the future of our region,” he said.

President Tinubu emphasised the need to preserve democratic values and ensure that political stability is not separated from economic development.

“Our organisation must continue to strike a fine balance between its core regional mandate of economic integration and the complex political, security, and governance challenges, including the preservation of democratic values in our region.”

“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment. That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to these emerging challenges,” the Nigerian leader declared.

He commended the ECOWAS Commission, community institutions, and technical staff for their dedication and professionalism in supporting the Authority’s work and organising a successful summit, reaffirming his commitment to the region’s shared mission and urged continued unity among member states.

“As you return to your respective countries, let us remain resolute in our shared mission to deepen our integration, protect our people, and build a prosperous, secure, and united West Africa,” he said.

Continue Reading

General

ENL Consortium Quells Panic on Cargo Fire Reports

Published

on

ENL Consortium

By Adedapo Adesanya

The management of ENL Consortium, operators of one of Nigeria’s cargo terminals at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa, has debunked reports alleging that a cargo ship was gutted by fire at its facility on Saturday.

It had been reported (Business Post excluded) that the fire aboard the vessel could lead to disruption of services.

In a statement issued by the company, ENL Consortium clarified that there was no fire incident aboard the vessel in question, explaining that what occurred was the emission of smoke from one of the hatches of the ship—a situation that was swiftly identified and effectively curtailed without escalation.

“There was no naked fire on the ship. The smoke was quickly traced, and our emergency response team acted immediately in line with established safety protocols. The situation was promptly brought under control,” the statement read.

The firm further noted that no lives were at risk, and there was no damage to cargo, equipment, or infrastructure at the terminal, emphasising its unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and emergency preparedness.

ENL Consortium stated that the quick and professional handling of the incident highlights its strong safety culture and the effectiveness of its rapid response systems.

While expressing concern over what it described as inaccurate and exaggerated reports, the terminal operator urged the public and media outlets to seek verified information and refrain from sensationalising incidents that have been properly managed.

“Port operations at ENL Terminal remain safe, stable, and fully operational,” the statement added, noting that it remains one of Nigeria’s leading port terminal operators, handling thousands of tonnes of cargo annually with a track record of safety and efficiency.

The company reiterated its dedication to ensuring that both personnel and cargo are protected at all times through strict adherence to global safety standards.

Continue Reading

Trending

https://businesspost.ng/DUIp2Az43VRhqKxaI0p7hxIKiEDGcGdois8KSOLd.html