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2019: Never again believe in APC, Buhari gone already – Atiku tells Nigerians
Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on Thursday enjoined Nigerians not to believe in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), again owing to the failed promised they made in 2015.
Abubakar gave this advice while addressing thousands of PDP supporters at the opening of the South West PDP campaign held at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
At the campaign were: National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, Atiku’s running mate, Mr. Peter Obi, former governors of Ekiti and Cross Rivers, Ayodele Fayose and Senator Lyel Imoke, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and governorship candidate of the party in Lagos and Oyo States, Mr. Jimi Agbaje and Engineer Seyi Makinde.
Others are: Senator Ademola Adeleke, the vice Chairman of the Party in the zone, Dr Eddy Olafeso, former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Osun state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, publicity secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan and former Senate whip, Senator Hosea Agboola.
Abubakar, while speaking, insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari must be defeated in 2019 general election because he had failed in his campaign promises.
Abubakar said, “Let me tell you that today, I say before you that within 6 months, we shall start the process of restructuring of this country. Ladies and gentlemen, I have lived here, so I am not a stranger. So, therefore, never again believe in APC.”
Atiku said he headed the best economic team for Nigeria between 1999 and 2003, adding that such prosperity will be returned to Nigeria in 2019.
He said, “In the next two months, you will be required to choose your next president, please, take your decision carefully. The best democracy we enjoyed in Nigeria was under PDP. In 2015, APC promised 12 million jobs but today, we have not seen the jobs.
“Buhari has gone. Thank you my brothers and sisters. Since the return of democracy in 1999, the best we have in Nigeria is during the PDP. The best education we have was during the PDP. My brothers and sisters, I stand before you, I promise, everyone of you know that I chaired the best economic team in this country. If you give me this opportunity again we shall invest more in education.
“Nigeria is now the headquarters of poverty in the world. We shall return Nigeria to prosperity in 2019. I headed the best economy team in Nigeria. When we get to government in 2019, we will continue to give you best education. One of the best policy for Nigeria is restructuring and we will do it when we get to government. Don’t believe APC lies again. Within 6 months, we will reposition Nigeria. Don’t sell your vote and don’t sell your PVC. Buhari must go”.
Secondus while speaking said that Buhari was not capable of ruling Nigeria again.
He said, “With what we have seen here today, it is sure that our people in the Southwest want change in government and Atiku is the only candidate who can rescue Nigeria at this time.
“Buhari is not fit to rule Nigeria again. By the grace of God, in February, we will stand to defend our votes and defeat Buhari. The hunger in the land is too much. There is hunger because Buhari is not aware of anything in government. His government has collapsed. This is the most corrupt government in the history of Nigeria. Where is our 25 billion dollars withdrawn from the NNPC account? Corruption has taken another dimension in Nigeria under Buhari. Poverty headquarters has relocated to Nigeria under Buhari. By the grace of God, Atiku is the next president of Nigeria”.
Saraki in his remarks noted that the ruling APC made some promises but could not fulfil them.
He added that, “In 2015, APC promised security but could not do it. They promised to make food aboundant but the price of rice is becoming higher daily. The only solution to our challenges is to vote Atiku as president.”
Obi while addressing the audience said Nigerians should elect Abubakar if they want development.
He maintained that, “If you want job, vote for Atiku. If you want development, vote Atiku. Atiku is the only solution to challenges we are facing in Nigeria today.”
Fayose, who said he was very sure that president Buhari won’t attend the presidential debate said PDP had won this election already.
He said, “The only product we are selling is Atiku. The only candidate that can defeat anybody at debate. I am sure Buhari won’t attend debate. But let me tell you that you have to defend your votes. By God’s grace, PDP will be announced winner next year elections.”
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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