Today's Headlines: How PDP Govs Sent 10 Ministerial Nominees to Tinubu —Wike; Obi’s Camp Denies Planned Merger With Atiku, Kwankwaso
How PDP Govs Sent 10 Ministerial Nominees to Tinubu —Wike
Newly sworn-in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, assumed office yesterday and revealed how governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) submitted 10 ministerial nominees to President Bola Tinubu for consideration.
Wike expressed his commitment to impartially enforcing municipal planning laws. He even mentioned that if it were discovered that the PDP national secretariat lacked a Certificate of Occupancy, he would still be prepared to demolish it.
He clarified that his presence in Abuja is not to represent any specific party.
During his debut press conference, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member discussed whether he would raise the national flag, his party’s flag, or that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike elaborated on his goals and assured a focus on restoring the city’s master plan. He also stated that those who hold Certificates of Occupancy but haven’t developed their land would forfeit it to those ready to build. His 10-point agenda included aspects such as security, city sanitation, Abuja Master Plan preservation, infrastructure development, green area restoration, shanty removal, revenue leak prevention, ground rent payment, and more.
He cautioned that his administration would hold security agencies accountable and equip them properly to perform their duties.
Obi’s Camp Denies Planned Merger With Atiku, Kwankwaso
The National Secretary of the Labour Party, Umar Farouk, and Tai Obasi, media aide to LP’s flag bearer, Peter Obi, have denied any knowledge of an ongoing merger arrangement involving the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and his counterpart in the New Nigeria People’s Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Both Farouk and Obasi made these denials in separate interviews with The PUNCH.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) asserted that President Bola Tinubu would face no challenges defeating the trio once again, if their motive was to prevent his victory in the 2027 presidential poll.
These developments follow media reports suggesting that Atiku, Kwankwaso, and Obi have initiated preliminary discussions about a potential merger with the ultimate goal of forming a robust platform to challenge the ruling party.
Farouk, in response, said the report held no truth. He stated that while the party respects its presidential candidate’s right to associate with anyone, the Labour Party will not merge with any other political platform. He did not, however, rule out the possibility of an alliance.
Obasi, the media aide to the LP’s prominent candidate, shared similar sentiments. He affirmed Obi’s respect for the political ideologies of Atiku and Kwankwaso but emphasized that they are awaiting the final judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to reclaim their mandate.
PDP Permitted me to Become Minister Under APC — Wike
The newly appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, has denied speculation of defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) allowed him to accept President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial appointment.
Wike, the sole opposition party member in President Tinubu’s cabinet, aims to deliver democracy’s benefits and restore the Territory’s former glory. During his inaugural media briefing, he presented a 10-point agenda, focusing on security, city sanitation, preserving the Abuja Master Plan, infrastructure development, green area restoration, shanty removal, revenue leak prevention, ground rent payment, and other goals.
Responding to a query about the party flag to be displayed in his FCT office, Wike emphasized residents’ concern for pressing issues requiring swift action rather than his chosen party flag.
Wike noted that upon learning of his ministerial appointment, he informed PDP National Chairman Umar Damagun, the South-South zonal party chairman, and his Rivers State chairman, all of whom approved his decision.
Agency Apologises to Regulator Over ‘All Eyes On The Judiciary’ Advert
The Intercontinental Marketing and Communication Consortium (IMCC) Limited, the agency allegedly responsible for deploying the “All Eyes on The Judiciary” advert without an approval certificate from the industry regulator, has officially apologized to the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
In a widely circulated letter dated August 17, 2023, and signed by its Managing Director, Stephen Ogboko, the agency addressed the now dissolved Advertising Standard Panel (ASP), acknowledging its breach of Article 24(a) of the Nigeria Advertising practice code.
This article mandates that all advertising, marketing communications, and related materials must undergo ARCON’s vetting process and obtain the approval certificate of the ASP before public exposure.
The agency stated that Mr. Lukman allegedly assured them that the material would be approved. Subsequently, they sought his advice on posting the billboard on Saturday, August 12. Following his recommendation, they expedited the vetting process.
The agency submitted the necessary documentation as per Mr. Lukman’s guidance, with the expectation of receiving the certificate of approval by Friday, August 11.
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