News
Niger Delta Group Drums Support For Jonathan, Rejects Atiku/Diri Ticket In 2027
A socio-political group, Niger Delta Integrity and Justice (NDIJ) has volunteered to canvass and mobilise support of Nigerians from the six geopolitical zones for former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential election.
The group said the region will not accept ongoing scheming by political actors to field incumbent Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa as vice presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar, a one-time Vice President of Nigeria.
They noted that they would rather go for Jonathan to complete his second term than having the Bayelsa governor as vice to Atiku in 2027 contest.
The group observed that the demand by the “Diri’s Angel” that the Bayelsa governor would make a good pair for Atiku as a good observation, but noted that such will amount to shortchanging Southern part of the country in the politics of the Nation.
The group in a statement on Thursday by its Secretary, George Miriki, insisted that the region would no longer continue to play the second fiddle in the governance of the country by working to produce only a vice president.
Miriki said: “Our agenda for 2027 is to produce the President. In as much as we appreciate Diri and his closeness to Atiku, we will work against shortchanging the Niger in 2027.
“We want to produce the President and our mission is to ensure that the Niger Delta completes its term of eight years at the Presidency. Former President Goodluck Jonathan was booted out of office and was not allowed to complete his term.
“In the last election, we presented the argument and Jonathan nearly became a top contender for the APC presidential ticket. This time we are coming stronger with the argument of allowing Jonathan to complete his tenure for the region.
“Instead of producing a vice-president in Diri, we will prefer a president in Jonathan. He is still loved. And with his global appeal, we believe he will succeed”.
The group recalled the good job of a top politician in Bayelsa and a former Chief of Staff, Chief Dikivie Ikiogha, who led regional meetings to sell Jonathan’s candidacy in 2023 and said he almost succeeded.
The group said: “This time around we are calling on Ikiogha and other well-meaning politicians in the Niger Delta to start the consultations early”.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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