The Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders have called upon the international community to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in accordance with the AU Constitutive Act and the SADC Treaty.
The leaders made the statement at the Double Troika Summit held in Ethiopia, which reviewed and assessed the political situation in the DRC following the recently held elections.
In a communique, the leaders called upon the international community to support the government of the DRC to maintain a peaceful and stable environment and avoid actions that are prejudicial to the electoral process.
“The summit recognized and underscored the role of the Constitutional Court of the DRC and called upon the international community to respect the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the internal legal and political processes for the finalisation of the electoral process,” the leaders said.
Furthermore, the called for the continued implementation of the peace, security and co-operation framework in the DRC and the region.
Last week, the DRC electoral commission, CENI, released provisional results, which declared opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo as the newly elected President.
Runner-up and opposition leader Martin Fayulu is contesting the election results and has appealed to the DRC’s Constitutional Court to cancel the provisional result.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) also joined Fayulu and disputed the interim results.
Despite the tensions, the leaders encouraged the government of the DRC to continue maintaining peace and security in the country as they did when going to the polls.
“The summit took note of the election petition filed in the Constitutional Court challenging the provisional results of the presidential election and called upon all the Congolese People and all the concerned political stakeholders to remain calm and act in a way that consolidates democracy and preserves peace, and to address any electoral grievances in line with the DRC’s Constitution and relevant electoral laws,” the communique reads.
The regional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continuously support the DRC political processes, especially with respect to neutralising the negative forces and other armed groups operating in eastern DRC, and to remain seized with the matter.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was among the regional leaders who attended the Double Troika Summit.
Others included Angola’s President João Lourenço, Namibian President Hage Geingob and Zambia’s President Edgar Chagwa Lungu
Gov. El-Rufai in red Cap arriving Ahmadu Bello Stadium
Gov. El-Rufai in red Cap arriving Ahmadu Bello Stadium
By Joseph Edegbo:
If the unprecedented crowd witnessed on Friday at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria could be a pointer to what would happen in February 2019 Elections, then Buhari can be sure of ‘carry go’ to 2023.
But political pundits observe that most of the people that identify with party A at rallies will also identify with party B. No thanks to Poverty and hunger prevailing in the land.
However, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for APC, going by Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s permutation that President Buhari had never failed the mandatory votes in Kaduna.
El-rufa’i who was addressing the crowd assured that this time around, Buhari would get 80% of the total votes cast.
According to the Governor, the three states of Kano, Katsina and Kaduna would give Buhari total percentage of the entire Votes.
Also speaking, the Director General of Buhari Campaign organization, Rotimi Ameachi enjoined the people of the State to vote for the President saying that Buhari has done alot for the nation.
He also stressed the need for the supporters to vote for other APC Candidates describing the 16 year rule of PDP as a waste.
President Buhari told the Supporters that he took over a sick nation and that he was able to stabilize the battered economy.
The President said, he secured some towns and villages hitherto occupied by the Insurgents.
People’s Democratic Party Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar has constituted various committees of over 2,000 members as part of strategies to ensure a total victory in Feb. 2019 election.
The committees are made up of several seasoned individuals and support groups with experience, exposure and expertise.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser, Youths & Support Groups, Amb. Aliyu Bin Abbas revealed that former Deputy Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Omebije serves as Vice Chairman, National Secretariat, Finance and Fund Raising, which is chaired by the Special Adviser.
Also, son of former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Nollywood actor, Jim Ikye, Kannywood Superstar, Sani Danja and activist, Jude Imagwe are among those listed in the committees.
“These appointments which are broad-based and national in outlook, represent a determined effort to engaging the very best and efficient hands in the effort of mass mobilization and community outreach.
Other members are Dr. Anthony Okonkwo, Phd – Secretary, Hon. Ode Oghogh, Dr. Sani AdamuHon, Daniel Emmanuel GengleL Omienye Arthur, Dr. Engr Uche D. Okoh Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Jr Armstrong Adah Fatima Sani Kibiya, Amb. Popoola Isiaka Olamilekan.
Search and rescue missions continue in Mozambique for 4 South Africans who are presumed to have drowned in the neighbouring country while on holiday.
On Thursday, International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister Lindiwe Sisulu was briefed on the rescue and consular services efforts in relation to the four South Africans who travelled on holiday with a group to Mozambique on 12 January 2019.
The four went missing on 14 January 2019.
According to DIRCO, family members have arrived in Mozambique to work alongside the South African High Commission in Maputo and local authorities in search of their loved ones.
“South Africa’s High Commissioner to Mozambique, Mandisi Mphahlwa and staff at the Mission is working to assist the families and to offer all necessary consular services.
“DIRCO is in constant communication with the High Commissioner as the search and rescue continues, and we hope that they can still be found alive,” said DIRCO.
The department is also in contact with the Premier’s office in Limpopo, the families and all other stakeholders. – SAnews.gov.za
January 16th, 2019 will ever remain indelible in the annals of Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria, when an unprecedented crowd quaked Uyo, the State Capital to give their mandate for Governor Udom Emmanuel to continue to practice his ‘spiritual faith and truth’ in leadership.
Here are reactions especially from some leaders of thought at the event.
“His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel is a man with extra determination, he is a genius in governance and a man with global signature which is the reason investors all over the world are coming to invest in Akwa Ibom. We in Eket Senatorial District are fully ready for the re-election of Governor Emmanuel because he has to come back and complete all the great ideas and projects he has started.
“Obong Obot Etukafia, speaking on behalf of ESD at the manifesto presentation & Campaign flag off of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Governor Of Akwa Ibom State.
“The industries and unemployments which is the major cause of poverty has been settled within three years in Akwa Ibom State under Governor Udom Emmanuel. The things you did during Christmas is very green in our memories. By the time you receive the score cards of election results as it will be coming in unit by units; you will understand how dear you are to the people of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district. We are not bragging, we were told that Udom is right and we have not been told that Udom is left. The future of our children and people depends on your re-lection.
“We in Ikot Ekpene senatorial district will return you and all the PDP candidates in the forthcoming general elections.
“Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, National legal Adviser of the PDP, speaking at the manifesto presentation & Campaign flag of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State
“Since August last year, Nigeria has tried to intimidate the government of Udom, but they forget that a man with God is more than the majority. The hand of the God almighty is with Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.”
“Somewhere in November, we were put in a bus to a particular community in 2018. There, we were told that a particular Deputy Governor was not qualified to be a deputy governor; but today, they are bringing the same man to be a governor.
We know them. They don’t mean well for Akwa Ibom. If their belle no full, dem no dey think about another person.”
Rt Hon. Onofiok Luke (Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House Of Assembly)
Today, I want to, on behalf of the party, welcome my brother and former speaker of our dear State, Engr. Ignatius Edet back to the party.”
Obong Paul Ekpo, State Chairman, PDP
Your Excellency, I’m happy to come back home.
The things that made me to leave PDP are no more there.
When I was in APC, some people tried to play God. They imposed candidates on us.
Sen. Ita Enang thinks he’s God. He tries to impose things on our people, but he has forgotten that there is only one God.
I have the privilege of bringing over 5000 supporters of mine to support Udom Emmanuel in 2019″
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, on Wednesday flagged off his campaign in Uyo presented his 2019 manifesto christened “Completion Agenda,” for the collective peace and prosperity of Akwa Ibom people, South South of the country.
At the event, Governor Emmanuel noted that the 8-point completion agenda, which bothers on Industrialization, Aviation Development, Rural & Riverine Area Development, Small & Medium Scale Enterprise, Infrastructure, Security, Agriculture and Human Capacity Development, will aggressively industrialize the state and create jobs for Akwa Ibom people, thereby ensuring peace and prosperity for all, as it is the most effective and realistic document for good governance.
He stated that the manifesto of Completion Agenda surpasses superior performance and promises to turn Akwa Ibom State into one of the most industrial states in Nigeria, and that his first term industrialization drive would over-driven during his second term, as his commitment to industrialization, youth employment, peace, security and property, and to provide environment for small & medium scale enterprises is irrevocable.
The Governor reassured and reaffirmed his faith and believe in the Completion Agenda, and explained that “Three and a half years ago, we anchored our blueprint on a five-point agenda. Today, we have taken stock of what we have done well. From power sector to health sector, education, industrialization, economic development, inclusion, youth & women empowerments, poverty alleviation and security.”
Gov. Udom and wife arriving the venue
He said every good manifesto must have promises that are measurable. “In the face of economic recession, in the face where the international community did not believe we were still existing in Nigeria due to bad news of insecurity, the whole world can testify that there is still good thing coming out of Bethlehem. There is something good coming out of Nigeria, there is a good state coming out of Nigeria, there is a governor out of Nigeria and there are people out of Nigeria that the entire world can trust no matter the propaganda and lies. Akwa Ibom people are not traitors but people of integrity and proven character who love one another and build the unity of the state.”
Speaking further, Governor Emmanuel expressed worry how people would build monuments and called it projects, stressing that there is a difference between monuments and projects, and that he did not come to complete monuments but to complete projects – economic life-touching projects.
“The same people promised 31 industries but could not do even one. Within three years, we have come out with an exceptional scorecard because we are playing politics of development. With a global market value of over $2.76 billion, Cassava is the most important tropical root crop. We are positioning Akwa Ibom State to become a major exporter and tap into the global trade. The best internal substation in the city has been commissioned and put to use in the state.”
Earlier in his tone setting, former Military Governor of the state, Air Commodore, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, noted nobody can change what God has destined, saying that it is time to choose between darkness and light, good and evil, and Udom Emmanuel represents light and good.
He charged all citizens of the state to stand firm for Udom Emmanuel because only him can fulfil the industrialization promises, adding that if Akwa Ibom State develops, Nigeria will develop.
In his remarks, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State stated that Mr Udom Emmanuel is not just a performing Governor of Akwa Ibom State but also in the entire South-South geopolitical zone.
He urged Akwa Ibom people to hold firm good product they have in Governor Emmanuel by ensuring that they vote massively to return the Governor for second term for an opportunity to consolidate on good governance, assuring that Akwa Ibom will win in the forthcoming election just as Bayelsa State won against the so-called Federal might.
In a goodwill message, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, expressed appreciation to God for what He has done for the re-election of Governor Udom Emmanuel whom he described as a performing, industrialist, and financial manager, and that Nigeria had decided to intimidate and oppress him since August 2018, but the hand of God Almighty is upon the Governor.
Those who also gave their goodwill messages include Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Obong Bassey Albert (OBA); Senator representing Eket Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Helen Esuene; PDP National Legal Adviser, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Comrade Aniefiok Iwaudofia.
Highpoints of the event were presentation of flags to all PDP candidates both returning and serving members of the National and State Assemblies; and reception of 5000 defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP led by former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Ignatius Edet.
Speaking after the reception, Mr. Ema Joseph, former Chairman of Chairmen, Positive Change Organization of John J. Udoedehe, stated that for more than 10 years that he has been in APC, members were killed and kidnapped during the dark days of Senator Godswill Akpabio.
He decried that if over five people could lose their lives in a mere primaries, if Nsima Ekere takes over as Governor, two months later, he will start his second term agenda, and anyone who opposes him will be killed in minutes.
The event, which took place at the Uyo Township Stadium was well graced by all traditional institutions including paramount rulers, clan head and village heads as well as commissioners, board chairmen, and other top government functionaries.
Kaduna State PDP Governorship Candidate, Isah Hashiru Kudan has urged Nigerian electorates not to allow themselves to be deceived into selling their voters card, saying doing so, is equal to selling their rights .
Ashiru stated this on Tuesday at the flag -off of the gubernatorial campaign at the Trade Fair Complex, Kaduna North west Nigeria where the candidate promised to turn around the fortunes of citizens of the State, if elected as Governor.
Ashiru Kudan said his Administration would cushion the economic hardship bedevilling the people of the State by executing people-oriented projects and policies.
In a remark, one of the Presidential campaign spokespersons, Buba Galadima, said the APC government made fake promises of changing the welfare of Nigerians but failed to deliver.
He called on the people to vote massively for PDP Candidates for a better living condition, while challenging Nigerians not to be intimidated but stand by credible candidates who could lead them into the path of prosperity.
Also Speaking , two former Governors of Kaduna State, Senator Mohammed Ahmed Makarfi and Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, enjoined the people to be resolute in the support and loyalty to the PDP, adding that the party was waiting for victory at the 2019 polls , provided it was conducted in a peaceful and free atmosphere.
Yero, enumerated some of the legacies of the PDP Administrations in the State to include the Millennium City, Trade Fair Complex, the Kaduna State University, the Overhead bridge, Kawo amongst others.
He dismissed insinuations of over bloated contract as well as corrupt practices associated with the PDP by the opposition party and expressed optimism that the party would be victorious.
Similarly, a member of the Presidential campaign organization, Senator Abdul Ningi, said going by the large turnout of supporters, the party had chances of victory.
The campaign featured the presentation of flags to the three Senatorial and other contesting candidates of the party in the State.
A retired Army officer, Major Mohammed Isah Tafoki, has accused military authorities in Kaduna, NorthWest Nigeria of trying to cover up the killing of his nephew allegedly perpetrated by soldiers at a road block on Kaduna- Abuja highway.
The incident, according to the ex- military officer, occurred on the 6th of January when the slain nephew Akilu Tafoki “met his untimely death in the hands of soldiers”.
The rtd Major is therefore asking the authorities to release the corpse of his slain nephew for proper burial, having gone round hospitals in and around Kaduna as well as nearby forests closed to the road block without locating the corpse.
Major Mohammed Tafoki who was briefing the Press on Monday gave account of what transpired.
That on January 6, 2019, a member of the family called to inform him that there was a casualty that his nephew, Akilu Tafoki, just died of gunshot wounds.
Major Tafoki, said his late nephew was a farmer in Tafoki in Katsina State, and that during dry season, he migrates to Abuja for commercial motorcycle business.
According to him, they were on their way to Abuja in the company of four motorcycles, each carrying a passenger. And as they approached Sabon Gaya along the Abuja Expressway, they bumped into a roadblock mounted by soldiers who were later identified as personnel of 1 Division Garrison.
Major Tafoki further explained that without any word of caution, the soldiers were alleged to have opened fire on the cyclists, and in the process, late Akilu who was a passenger on one of the motorcycles was hit and fell down.
“I was informed that my late nephew was abandoned in his pool of blood, while the other cyclist who was carrying him was taken to a filing station “.
“Later on the return of the cyclist to the scene of the incident, I was informed, the cyclist enquired from the soldiers of Akilu, whom the soldiers claimed to have been deposited at New Wuse General Hospital.
“Immediately I received the message, I drove down to the roadblock, but the soldiers kept mute even after I identified myself as a retired Major.
“This prompted me to drive down to the 1 Division Garrison in Kaduna to formally lay a complaint where a senior officer told me to come back the next day with an eyewitness, promising that the boys on roadblock on the said day would be recalled back to the office for identification.
“The second day, the soldiers were paraded amidst other colleagues and my witness who was the cyclist carrying the victim was able to identify three of them. They were later moved away.
“Surprisingly, the senior military officer said my nephew was not killed by any of his men and the corpse is not with them. Even though they accepted earlier on that his body was deposited at the New Wuse General Hospital,” he narrated.
Major Tafoki therefore, passionately pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), General Tukur Buratai to intervene in the matter and ensure that the corpse is released to the family for a befitting burial.
However, the military has refuted the allegation made against its troops deployed, saying there was disconnect in the complainant statement.
Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Muhammad Adole in a statement said “rifles of the soldiers were checked and nothing unusual was detected since their rifles were not used for firing”, the statement said.
