Connect with us


STATEMENT OF DECLARATION OF INTEREST TO CONTEST ELECTION INTO THE POSITION OF NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) BY ABUBAKAR SIDIQ USMAN     (ABU SIDIQ)

More than five years ago, political actors and gladiators from different parts of the country put heads together to birth what is known today as the All Progressives Congress. The purpose of that creation is “to construct a progressive state anchored on social democracy, where the welfare and security of citizens are paramount.” While the party has faced some challenges in achieving this well thought out objective especially coming into government at a time the nation was on the brink of collapse, there is no doubt that the governing All Progressives Congress is making a steady and sustainable progress in the nation’s development.

As the governing party makes progress in this direction, everything must be put in place to ensure that the process is not truncated. Doing this, will require that the party continue to hold sway at the centre and win even more states, the national and state assemblies and the local government. While this can be achieved by managing the process that enthrones efficient relationship with the Nigerian public, equally important is a highly skilled and experience person to drive that process.

It is on the basis of the above that I have decided to be of service to the party with the intent of joining hands with other officials to move it forward. It is therefore my pleasure to formally declare my intention to contest for the position of the National Publicity Secretary of our great party, the All Progressives Congress in the June 2018 national convention.

I offer myself for this position with the readiness to deploy a different but an all-encompassing approach towards propagating the party’s values and ideologies. Over the years, I have demonstrated the ability and the capacity of a reputable media practitioner and this I have used to the great advantage of my party, the All Progressives Congress.

Having held the position of Communication Director of the All Progressives Youth Forum (APYF), served as a member of the media committee of the 2015 Presidential Campaign Council of our great party and currently head the digital media unit of the Buhari Media Organisation in addition to my vast experience in managing media for individuals and organisations, I have the requisite knowledge to function effectively in this office.

I am convinced about my active involvement in the formation, growth and success of our great party and believe that I am committed and loyal enough to join others to further reposition our Party for the tasks ahead especially in the management of her image.

My mission is to introduce a political public relations mechanism that encompasses a two way process that will be both beneficial to the party, her members and the Nigerian public. Information on happenings in the party will be passed to the public and in return give the party insights into public opinions about its plans, programmes and activities. In addition to that, I intend to synergise the media and communication relationship between the party organs at the national, state, local government and ward level on one hand and the various arms of government on the other hand.

I shall also use my years of media experience and expertise to employ relevant and target based communication techniques that will spread the political influence of the party. A good example will be in the usage of famous and successful people to speak on critical issues of the party.

With a good understanding of the place of media management for a political party, I will strive to set agenda that will maximize positive press coverage and minimize the negative ones for the party. I will also manage the political image of the party in a manner that will promote trust and match the interest of the party with that of the public.

My intention to run, having received the endorsement of young members of the party and other critical stakeholder cutting across class and demography, is not only an advantage to the party, but also an opportunity to revive the hope of Nigerian youth who may have lost hope in participating in activities that defines their future. Apart from my resolve to reposition and digitally transform the communication arm of the party, I believe that my election as the National Publicity Secretary will satisfy the call for youth inclusion in politics and governance and encourage young people to join the APC.

As I take on this bold step, I express my commitment to be an engaging National Publicity Secretary that will work to create transparency about how the party operates and be an advocate for all party members. I will use my position to engage Nigerians and initiate engagement with the Nigerian youths on ways to galvanize actions towards moving Nigeria forward.

Long live the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Thank you and God bless

 

 

 

 

PROFILE OF ABUBAKAR SIDIQ USMAN

Abubakar Sidiq Usman, popularly known as Abu Sidiq is a young Nigerian from the central senatorial district of Kogi state. Born into a family of xi in Lokoja, Abu Sidiq attended St Anthony Nursery and Primary School Lokoja from where he proceeded to Federal Government College Ugwolawo in Kogi Stateto obtain his Senior School Certificate (SSC).

He earned his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the Federal University of Technology Minna and did his mandatory service year at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC).

While serving, Abu Sidiq co-founded Urban Dimensions Limited, a service player in the built environment industry which he still oversees as the Managing Director. The company has consulted for individuals, organisations and government bodies in urban and environmental planning; building construction and project management.

With his love and passion for the media, Abu Sidiq ventured into online publishing with the setting up of an online platform known as Abusidiqu.com.

Managed by Abusidiqu Media Limited, which has equally rendered services in branding and communication, Abusidiqu.com has contributed largely in promoting political awareness and the participation of Nigerians in the governance and political process.

Not forgetting his professional background, Abu Sidiq returned to the Federal University of Technology Minna for further studies where he obtained a master degree in Sustainable Urban Development (SUD). He is currently undergoing his second master degree in Society and Development Studies at the University of Abuja.

In and outside the university, Abu Sidiq has undergone training and capacity building in leadership and development and has held various positions in a number of organisations, many of which has contributed in shaping him for the tasks of today. Abu Sidiq is an Associate member of the Nigerian Leadership Institute (NLI). He was the National Association of Urban and Regional Planning Students, where he helped in reviving the near death organisation and promoted the welfare of the students. He was also the Editor in Chief of Junior Chambers International (JCI) at the university and also founded the Association of Campus Journalists at the same institution.

Abu Sidiq is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) having being a member of the Congress for Progressives Change, one of the legacy parties that metamorphosed into the APC. As a young politician, Abu Sidiq is a member of the All Progressives Youth Forum (APYF), a youth organisation within the All Progressives Congress (APC) which has helped to ensure that Nigerian youth participate in the political process. With his role as the Communications Director of the forum, many young people who hitherto abhorred politics are now actively involved and this largely contributed to the success of the APC in the 2015 general election.

He was a member of the Media committee of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council for the 2015 presidential election and currently heads the Digital Media Unit as well as the situation room of the Buhari Media Organisation. Usman is also the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Consolidation Ambassadors Network (NCAN), an advocacy and mobilisation group for the realisation of the second term ambition of President Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Abu Sidiq is a registered Town Planner with the Town Planners Registration Council (TOPREC) and a full member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP). He is also a member of City Managers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).

BIG STORY

An Aspirant Gave Each Delegate $30,000 During PDP Primary In 2022 — Dele Momodu

Published

on

Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, says he regrets spending about N50 million to buy the presidential nomination form of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022.

Momodu spoke in a recent interview on Eden Oasis, published on Sunday.

The journalist and politician said the primary was heavily monetised, with a particular aspirant doling out $30,000 to each of the 774 delegates who voted during the election.

The politician stated that he would not vie for any party’s presidential ticket unless he is adopted as a consensus candidate.

“Experience is the best teacher. I have come to realise that there are powers that you can describe as principalities that control Nigeria,” he said.

“Unless a major political party decides to adopt me — where you have a consensus of people who say Dele Momodu is best suited to change and to lead Nigeria. Then I will consider it.

“But if I have to pick my money to buy a presidential nomination form of about N100 million… I spent about N50 million to buy the form for the last one.

“N50 million would have bought me a property. It was a waste. I didn’t get even one vote because everything was monetised.

“One of the candidates paid as much as $30,000 per delegate, and we had 774 delegates.

“So, how do you want to compete with them? They have stolen the country blind and are doing all kinds of deals to make money, especially those in the oil-rich areas.

“It is not easy. You can’t compete with them. That’s why they insult Nigerians anyhow because of the amount of money available to them in raw cash. There’s no country where people buy raw cash like Nigeria.

“The bulk of their money is not in any bank. So, they are not traceable to any bank. So, they have the money. If today you say to some politicians that you need $500 million to become a president, they will find it.

“So, people like us, where will I start from?”

Momodu was one of the presidential hopefuls of the PDP at the time. He did not secure any votes during the exercise.

Atiku Abubakar clinched the presidential ticket with 371 votes to beat his closest challenger, Nyesom Wike, now minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), who polled 237 votes.

Abubakar was defeated by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election.

Bukola Saraki, former senate president, scored 70 votes; Bala Mohammed, Bauchi governor, got 20 votes; Udom Emmanuel, former governor of Akwa Ibom, secured 38 votes; while Pius Anyim, former secretary to the government of the federation, polled 14 votes.

Sam Ohuabunwa, a businessman, alongside Momodu and Ayodele Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti, received zero votes.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

We’ll Reintroduce Bill Seeking 6-Year Single Term For President, Governors Despite Rejection — Rep

Published

on

Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives, says the push for a six-year single term for president and governors will continue despite the bill’s rejection.

The bill, which was slated for a second reading during Thursday’s plenary session, was rejected by lawmakers in the Green Chamber.

Sponsored by Ikeagwuonu from Imo State and 33 other lawmakers, the bill also sought to amend Section 3 of the Constitution to recognize the division of Nigeria into six geopolitical zones.

Briefing journalists on Thursday evening, the lawmaker described the rejection of the bill as a “temporary setback.”

“The struggle to reform our constitutional democracy to be all-inclusive and provide an avenue for justice, equity, and fairness has not been lost,” he said.

The lawmaker added that voting against the bill by the parliament “does not put an end to agitation and hope that we will realise this objective.”

“This is a temporary setback which does not affect the campaign for an inclusive democratic process,” he said.

The Imo lawmaker stated that the sponsors of the bill will review the decision of the House and “find possible ways of reintroducing it after following due legislative procedures.”

“All I can tell Nigerians is that we will continue the advocacy and convince our colleagues to see reason with us. If elections are held in one day, it will reduce cost and rigging,” he said.

“If power rotates, it will help deescalate political tensions, and a six-year single term will go a long way in helping elective leaders focus on delivering their democratic mandate.”

“All hope is not lost, we will continue the advocacy, and we hope that when reintroduced, our colleagues will support it.”

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

POLITICS: Rest 31-Year Presidential Ambition — Bode George Tells Atiku Abubakar

Published

on

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to end his 31-year-long bid to be President.

Noting that Atiku’s bid to be President dated back to 1993, George said it was high time the former Vice President retired from such a contest, especially in the 2027 election.

Addressing a press conference at his Ikoyi, Lagos office, on Thursday, George urged Atiku to assume the position of an elder in the nation and leave his bid to posterity.

“To Atiku, my advice is this, you will be 81 years old in 2027, and you have been contesting for the presidency since 1993. This is the time for you to calm down and act like an elder. I appeal to you in the name of the Almighty Allah, that you serve, to take it easy and leave everything for posterity,” George said.

George decried that the PDP was on the verge of crumbling because people uplifted their personal interests and individual ambitions above national interest.

He criticised the “divisive, arrogant, haughty” members of the party romancing the ruling All Progressives Congress yet failing to defect from the PDP, describing them as cowards.

“We are where we are today because of a self-inflicted crisis; we should bury our individual ambitions now and not allow the PDP to crumble, please. Elders of the party should tell some of these funny characters to cool off and think of our national interest instead of their personal interest.

“Nigerians are angry and hungry. Instead of telling the APC the truth, some divisive, arrogant and haughty members are busy romancing the ruling party and they are quick to refer to themselves as elder statesmen. Instead of instigating a crisis in our party, why are they not bold enough to defect to the APC? Do they really fear God at all? No member is big enough to hold the party to ransom,” George added.

Particularly pointing to the crisis between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, George urged Wike to immediately “cool off” from wanting to “bring down” Fubara.

George said it was worrisome that some party members, rather than bringing the two parties to mediation, further fuelled the Fubara/Wike crisis for their selfish interests.

“My advice to Wike is very simple. You are my political son. I am therefore appealing to him to cool off immediately. I know he was injured by friends during the last PDP presidential contest, but I am advising him as a father to please take it easy. Nobody is bigger than any party. Forget what happened in the past and let us work together in the interest of this party.

“I want to ask the elders at the helm of affairs of our party today, ‘What exactly is the offence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State?’ What exactly is the offence of this gentleman that some elders of our party are trying to throw him under the bus because of political expediency? What exactly is going on that some party members don’t feel bothered about the happenings in Rivers State? Governor Fubara was helped by Governor Wike to become the number one citizen of the oil-bearing state. The governor himself acknowledged this on several occasions.

“Must the governor now behave like a slave to his predecessor and other characters because of this concept of godfatherism which is a misnomer in our politics? Why are some party members encouraging his predecessor to bring him down? He is in Abuja; he wants to control what goes on in Rivers State.

“Did the governors before him behave this way? Why are the party leaders not eager to mediate and bring both groups to normalcy? The PDP cannot continue like this. Why can’t we learn from our past mistakes? Is our party jinxed? Why can’t we tell all these troublemakers to go and sit down if they don’t want this party to move forward?”

The National Assembly has amended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, prescribing life imprisonment for drug offenders and traffickers.

This decision followed the adoption of the harmonised report by the Senate and House of Representatives on the NDLEA Act amendment.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, Senator Tahir Monguno, explained that the amendment sought to impose stricter penalties to deter illegal drug activities.

The amendment specifically stated: “Any person who unlawfully engages in the storage, custody, movement, carriage, or concealment of dangerous drugs or controlled substances and, while doing so, is armed with an offensive weapon or disguised in any manner, commits an offence under this Act and is liable, upon conviction, to life imprisonment.”

The Senate approved the recommendation through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary, presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin.

In addition to the NDLEA amendment, the Senate also passed a bill to empower the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission.

The proposed legislation, known as the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission Bill of 2024, sought to replace the existing RMAFC Act of 2004.

The updated law revises the commission’s composition and operational framework to ensure federal, state, and local governments receive constitutionally mandated resources to address governance and developmental challenges.

Presenting the bill, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Yahaya Abdullahi, highlighted the urgency of reforming the commission in light of Nigeria’s dwindling revenues and growing population.

Abdullahi explained that the bill aims to strengthen RMAFC’s mandate as the constitutionally recognised body responsible for monitoring revenue generation and ensuring its equitable distribution among the three tiers of government.

“The Act, last revised over 20 years ago, no longer reflects Nigeria’s evolving economic realities. This bill proposes additional funding and a restructured operational framework for the commission to improve its efficiency,” he said.

He further emphasised that adequate funding from the Federation Account was critical for RMAFC to perform its constitutional responsibilities effectively, noting that funding challenges had previously hindered its performance.

The Senate endorsed the bill following deliberations and a majority vote.

It now awaits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to become law.

Continue Reading

Most Popular