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South Must Produce Next President, SS Leaders Reject Atiku

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has faulted the choice of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to field former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.

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The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has faulted the choice of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to field former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.

The forum had previously demanded that all political parties zone their presidential tickets to the south.

The SMBLF had also said there would be “grim consequences” if political parties present northern candidates in the next general election.

However, on Saturday, delegates of the PDP elected Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential flagbearer.

In a statement signed by the forum’s leaders on Sunday, the SMBLF said the choice of a northern candidate is a “brazen affront” to the south.

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“Sadly, it appears the unity and peace of Nigeria mean little or nothing to a segment of the nation’s political elite. This was evidenced in the PDP special convention, which was held on Saturday, 28th May 2022, where certain candidates from the North were pressured, coerced, and even intimidated to step down for former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who eventually emerged as the flagbearer of PDP, in utter derision of the established principle of zoning and rotation of power between the north and south,” the statement reads.

“Undoubtedly, the singular motive is to perpetuate the hegemony of the north, given that President Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim from the north and of Fulani origin will be completing his full tenure of eight years by this time next year.

“SMBLF, therefore, totally rejects the candidacy of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and calls on our people of Southern Nigeria and the Middle Belt as well as all true lovers of peace and unity not to vote for him or any other Northerner in the 2023 presidential election, in the interest of posterity.

“SMBLF further urges all aspirants for the office of President from southern Nigeria to shun the conceited attitude of individualism and self-confidence, and work collectively to achieve the shared objectives. 

“Again, SMBLF calls on all politicians of southern extraction to refuse the position of a running mate to any northern presidential candidate, which will equally be viewed as subjugating their people to political slavery.”

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Signatories to the statement are  Bassey Ewa-Henshaw of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) south-south; Okey Emuchay, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, south-east; Jare Ajayi Afenifere, south-west; Isuwa Dogo, Middle Belt Forum (MBF); and Ken Robinson, acting coordinator SMBLF.

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FG declares wed, Thur, Jan 1, 2025 as public holidays

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Federal Government has declared Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Thursday December 26, 2024, and Wednesday January 1, 2025 as public holidays to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.

In a statement, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to
foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

The minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” Tunji-Ojo, said.

He assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.

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Basketmouth slams filmmakers for failing to showcase Nigeria’s culture in movies

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Basketmouth

Popular comedian and filmmaker, Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, has accused some of his colleagues of not showcasing Nigeria’s rich culture in their movies.

The movie star alleged that most of the epic movies released recently do not promote the country’s culture.

In an interview with Hip TV, Basketmouth claimed that the filmmakers wasted opportunities to showcase Nigeria’s culture positively.

He said, “I believe that we still have the opportunity to get it right. But we had a great opportunity to showcase our culture and most of the filmmakers blew it up. They just ruined that great chance because I see epic movies and they look like stage plays.

“When I was seeing most of the epic movies, I was disappointed.

“You guys blew up a great opportunity but let’s hope we still have another chance to strike at it.

“I’m sorry, only very few movies have impressed me so far. I believe that we can do more.”

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Gov Abiodun commiserates with Makinde, Soludo, Wike over stampede victims

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Abiodun

The chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, SGF, and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has sympathised with the governments and people of Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, over the tragic loss of lives resulting from recent stampedes at food palliative distribution venues in the affected areas.

The stampedes reportedly claimed the lives of approximately 65 Nigerians, while others sustained varying degrees of injury.

Abiodun expressed his sorrow in sympathy notes to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory, saying that the deaths of the victims were especially tragic because they were pursuing necessities for survival.

The SGF Chairman noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, together with other levels of government, is still working to improve the living standards of the populace, despite the current economic difficulties they confront.

To prevent further tragedy, Abiodun urged all Nigerians to exercise caution and follow security procedures when attending palliative distribution events.

He said: “Deaths such as these diminish us as a people. These disasters occurred at a time when families around the world are in a festive and joyous mood. It is indeed tragic.

“I, on behalf of my family and the good people of Ogun State, commiserate with my brother governors, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the families of the victims, and all Nigerians on these unfortunate incidents.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”

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