Politics
Jonathan Re-assures On Free Polls
President Goodluck Jonathan has re-assured Nigerians and international community that 2011 general elections will be free and fair, and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC will operate above board.
President Jonathan also declared his government readiness to turn the heat on kidnappers who are currently on prawl in the South East while calling on community leaders and women collaborators to desist forth with from collaborating with them.
Speaking at the 51st NEC meeting of the PDP in Abuja, President Jonathan said “1 promise Nigerians and the whole Nation that the election in Nigeria will be free and fair in 2011 and everybody at INEC will be above board”.
He said he has already forwarded the list of the new INEC Commissioners that will superintend the 2011 elections for consideration, stressing that any Nigerian who has any misgiving about any of those appointed should voice it before the senate’s confirmation of the list now that it’s still within its purview to alter the list.
Government, he said would tackle the issue of kidnapping frontally adding that a situation “where we hire machinegun carrying security operatives to escort our wives to churches in other not to be kidnapped with be resisted at all cost by this administration.”
Jonathan thanked the party and National Assembly for given him the needed support in its choice of vice President and assured that together, they will offer the nation. “good governance”.
Meanwhile, the new Chairman of PDP Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo has outlawed thuggery, “Ghana must go” bags and god-fatherism from the party.
Dr. Nwodo, a former National secretary of the party succeeded erstwhile chairman, prince Vincent Ogbulafor who resigned from office on May 13 following allegation of corrupt enrichment leveled against him by the ICPC which also dragged him to an Abuja magistrate court where he is currently standing trial.
Speaking after the ratification, Dr. Nwodo thanked the party for the confidence reposed on him and pledged to build a new party that members would be proud of, saying that there were no winners or losers in the “contest” for the chairmanship position.
Dr. Nwodo said the focus of his administration will be primarily to rebuild the party’s image, explaining that to do this, “I will first of all open up the party to all Nigerians who deserve to join the party and would want all members and prospective members to revalidate or register their membership by paying stipulated subscription fees into designated banks”
Dr Nwodo outlawed thuggery and “Ghana must go bags” in the party, stressing that any candidate who employ thugs in the primary elections will be disqualified, no matter how highly placed. PDP is saying no to thuggery and all manner of electoral malpractices”
Justus Awaji, Abuja
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.