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2023 Presidency: Ngige Urges Igbo to Join APC
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The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has enjoined the Igbo to show mass presence in the All Progressives Congress.
He said the APC was the easiest political platform the South-East geopolitical zone could use to ascend to the presidency of the country.
This was coming a day after a close ally of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), Mallam Ismaila Funtua, said any Igbo who wanted to be President should join the ruling APC.
Funtua, who featured on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Saturday, had said, “They (Igbo) should belong. They should join the party. They want to do things on their own and because they are Igbos, we should dash them the president? That was the reason I asked: is it ‘Turn By Turn Nigeria Limited’?”
“If the Igbo want to be President, then they must belong. If you don’t belong, then you can’t be the President. That is the issue and we have seen it with MKO Abiola of blessed memory. He went out of his way, he cultivated people.”
Voicing the same opinion, Ngige, while speaking with APC members on Sunday in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, said Buhari had shown enough goodwill to the South-East that the area should support him by showing heavy presence in the APC.
The minister had on the occasion shared 3,700 bags of rice, grinding machines, generators, sewing machines to party members at various levels in the state.
Cash and food were also shared on the occasion.
Ngige vowed that the APC would take over Anambra State in the 2021 governorship poll as a pilot demonstration of overwhelming acceptance of the party in the zone.
He said, “The roads which my administration constructed in 2004 are what people are still using today. The All Progressives Grand Alliance has failed us. 2021 is my last fight.
“This is our last major fight. I will fight the way I did when I contested the senatorial election of Anambra Central in 2010.
“The Federal Government of President Buhari has done for well for the Igbo.
“The Social Investment Programme for women of President Buhari is second to none.
“The Enugu airport is receiving attention with N10bn mapped out for its renovation and refurbishment.
“Before long, International airlines will be struggling to operate there.
“The 2nd Niger Bridge is 45 percent completion and it will be toll free unlike what the Obasanjo and Jonathan administrations proposed.
“What I’m begging you is for our party to be united. Any person who doesn’t have the spirit of unity in our party should tell us now and leave us.”
The Punch
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
