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We haven’t zoned our presidency to anywhere – PRP

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) had revealed that it has not zoned its presidential ticket to anywhere.

This was disclosed by the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Falalu Bello, OFR on Monday while receiving in audience one of the party’s presidential aspirant, Madam Patience Ndidi Key at the party’s National Secretariat, Abuja.

He said: “We are a national party. Everybody in Nigeria, from Delta or Sahelian region, is free to contest for any office in PRP.

“We have not zoned our presidency to anywhere. We will pick the best candidate for the party.”

The National Chairman also unveiled that the party has two presidential aspirants so far for the 2023 presidential election. And he gave assurance that the party would provide a level playing field for all contestants.

While shedding light on the historical and ideological background of the party, the National Chairman reiterated the party’s belief in the state control of the economy.

He further expressed worries over the deteriorating state of security and economy in the country.

On her part, the presidential hopeful, Madam Patience Ndidi Key has used the occasion to express her ambition and reasons for joining the presidential race.

According to her, she decided to get on board so as to impact people and observed that PRP was the best platform for the actualization of her noble aims as the party remained the only political party whose manifestos resonate with the aspirations of the masses.

Mrs. Patience Ndidi currently serves as the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce, United States and Executive Director, NIDO Americas USA.

She previously served as the Chairman Board of Directors (BOD), Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas (NIDOA) USA and the President of NIDOA Maryland Chapter.

PRP is alternative to APC, PDP – National Chairman

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has been declared as an alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This was disclosed by the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Falalu Bello, OFR in a media chat with newsmen Wednesday in his office at the party’s National Secretariat, Abuja.

According to the party’s National Chairman, the Nigerian masses from all regions and tribes were pauperized by the crop of bad leaders that had for long been ruling the country.

The party leader further stated that the PRP, when comes to power, will fully implement the principle of genuine federalism as it is among the party’s manifestos.

“We believe in the forging of Nigerian national unity on the basis of justice and equitable political, social and economic opportunities for all citizens, within a genuinely federal system of government in which our diversity is recognized and cherished and which promotes a national sense of belonging and of a common destiny, through the elimination of all unequal and unjust relations of hegemony and monopoly of office and assets between and within ethnic groups, whenever they exist. We are equally committed to the prevention of religious and ethnic strife, through sustained democratic community action and a strong purposeful defense of the fundamental human rights of all citizens, wherever they are,” the national chairman stated.

He also described the ongoing agitations in some parts of the country as elite conversation meant to confuse the masses and maneuver their ways to get power.

The national chairman also expressed sadness over the killings and bloodshed that were happening in various parts of the country.

“These are criminal activities, done by criminals who should be punished for their criminalities. Wether they come from the North, or it is Boko Haram from Borno, or banditry in Zamfara, or secessionists in Southeast or Southwest. These are criminals and should be treated as such by the State. It is the failure of leadership that cause all these things in this country,” he said.

Independence Anniversary: 61 Disappointing Years

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) joins millions of Nigeria to mark the Nigerian 61st Independence Anniversary. On Ist October 1960, Nigeria got independence from Great Britain and received its Freedom Charter from Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Queen’s representative at the Nigeria’s independence ceremonies.

This was a momentous occasion to all Nigerians as it marked the culmination of the struggles and aspirations of our founding fathers towards the independence and survival of our great nation. The hope and aspiration of our founding fathers then was to have a country that would be characterized by prosperity, equity and peace.

Unfortunately, this year’s anniversary comes at a time that the dreams of our past heroes are being squashed and dashed into an abyss as the country is currently mired in the tribulation of insecurity and economic regression perpetuated by the lingering cycle of bad leadership. Since independence in 1960, national development and improved life for the citizenry has hopelessly failed. The failure of successive democratic administrations to deliver basic amenities such as security, welfare and other socio-economic infrastructure is evidenced by the majority of Nigerians wallowing in penury and general despair.

Despite the foregoing, hope is not lost and we are of the belief that things can work out provided the citizens put more determination and work hard to vote out mediocrity and incompetence in governance that have been stagnating our development for long.

The PRP uses this epoch-making occasion to call for peace, tolerance and unity among the citizenry. Peace and unity remain essential for socioeconomic development of our country.

Also, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) note with great concern the incessant rate of borrowing by the Federal Government of Nigerian and some of its State Counterparts. As at March 2021, Nigeria’s Public Debt (Multilateral, Bilateral and Commercial) stood at N33.1 trillion according to figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO). The figure excludes Ways and Means, AMCON Liabilities and Projected Fiscal Deficits for 2021. When all these are imputed, the figures could potentially rise to N54 trillion in 2021!

For the record, Nigeria’s Public Debt Stock stood at N12,603 trillion in 2015, N17.360 trillion in 2016, and N21.725 trillion in 2017. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, Public Debt Stood at N24.387 trillion, N27.401 trillion, and N32.915 trillion, respectively. Between 2015 and 2020, Nigeria’s Public Debt increased by 161 per cent, showing an annually average accretion of 37.74 per cent.

Despite the Federal Government has incessantly borrowed but the projects on ground and the GDP growth are not proportionate to the debts taken. It is quite disheartening but worthy of note that as it stands now each Nigerian owes about N165,500.00 to Countries, International Organizations and Domestic Creditor as Government Borrowing increased to N35.5 trillion.

Nigeria has pursued a dangerous mono economic agenda precariously predicated upon crude oil output since the inception of crude oil exploitation. With the economy largely dependent on oil revenues, the budget is drafted upon projections of the prices of crude oil at the international market. Any shortfalls in oil revenues crumbles budgetary preparations and expectations for that fiscal year. The reason for the inference on crude oil prices has to do with the fact that the country’s rising debt is serviced from the revenues generated from crude oil sales. Debt servicing obligations gulped a whopping 97% of the Nigerian government’s total revenue in 2020. According to BudgIT, a civic-tech non-profit organisation, N3.34 trillion was expended on debt servicing out of the N3.42 trillion revenue generated in 2020.

Despite aforesaid realities of the Nigerian Debts Profile, and the despair surrounding the rising debt due largely to absence of justifiable expenditures made with these debts in the eyes of the public, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR has written to the National Assembly seeking the approval of $4.179 billion ($4.054 billion and $125 million) and £710 million external loans. This, the PRP vehemently opposes inspite of the justification given recently by the Presidency as it is simply wrong for any human being talk less of a nation to increase his borrowing if he spends 90% of his revenue in serving his debts. As the Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR has rightly observed, the increase in borrowing by Nigeria is most likely to become huge problem for successive governments of Nigeria beginning with the one coming in the next 17 months.

The PRP uses this medium to remind the Executive and Legislative Arms of Nigerian Government that history and posterity will never be kind to them if they go on with this harmful borrowing spree that does not only stifle our development currently but mortgaging the future of our nation generally. The National Assembly, as representatives of the people, should immediately block this and immediate future debts requests. In fact the National Assembly should use this opportunity to ask the Executive arm of the Nigerian Government as to what use it had put all its borrowings since it came into power. This is because Nigerians do not see where substantial part of these borrowings have gone into.

Once again, the PRP wishes all Nigerians a solemn, peaceful and prayerful Independece Day anniversary while urging all of us to be more tolerant of our cultural, sectional and political differences while ensuring that we are more discreet in the selection of those we mandate with the responsibility of managing the affairs of state in the forthcoming Elections.

Comrade Muhammed Ishaq,
Media Assistant to PRP National Chairman,
PRP National Headquarters, No. 08, Ogbagi Street, Garki 2, Abuja.

Eid-ul-Kabir: Let’s Be Our Brothers’ Keepers

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) wishes to felicitate with all Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid-ul-Kabir 2021 celebration.

 

The Eid-ul-Kabir festival symbolizes and promotes the spirit of self sacrifice. Therefore, the PRP uses this significant occasion to exhort Nigerians to continue to show love and mercy to one another.

 

With the security situation in the country that is worsening by the day coupled with the gnawing poverty in the land, it is obvious that millions of Nigerians will not have the luxury of revelling in the season. Hence, the PRP considers it pertinent to call on the Muslims nationwide to fervently pray for the nation as they celebrate Eid-ul-Kabir for God’s urgent intervention.

 

In addition, we call on the governments at all levels to come up with urgent and proactive strategies that would put an end to the myriad problems of general insecurity, banditry, unemployment, hunger, bad economy, among others.

 

Finally, the PRP rejoices with Muslims nationwide at this festive time and wishes them a happy celebration. And as we celebrate, let us all recommit ourselves, individually and collectively, to make Nigeria a safer, equitable, progressive and more egalitarian fatherland for all irrespective of our ethnic, religious and/or cultural plurality.

 

Signed:
Alhaji Falalu Bello, OFR,
National Chairman,
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Anambra Poll: PRP Stands To Win

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) considers it pertinent to express its readiness and determination to defeat other political parties in the Anambra State Governorship election slated for November 6, 2021.

 

The prospect of our great party is high and bright considering the fact that our candidate, Dr. Nnamdi Nwawuo has been duly screened and given a clean bill of health by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last Friday.

 

In spite of the fact that this is the first time PRP is contesting gubernatorial election in Anambra State, the clean bill of health received by our candidate from INEC had indisputably shown that our candidate will participate in the November governorship poll and it is an indication that our party has the strength to win the election overwhelmingly.

 

The above development has also exposed and terminated the activities of some imposters who are desperate to embarrass and tarnish the reputable name of our great party, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

 

As the oldest surviving political party in Nigeria, PRP has good policies and programs for the Ndi Anambra with job creation, agriculture, industrialization, transformation of health sector, provision of basic and functional education as primary priorities.

 

Finally, we use this medium to encourage our party members and supporters across Anambra State to continue working diligently, harmoniously and peacefully so as to ensure the party reach its deserved destination which is victory.

 

Long Live Peoples Redemption Party (PRP),

Long Live Anambra State,

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

Signed:

Hon. Mathias N. Aninwachukwu,
State Chairman,
People’s Redemption Party (PRP),
Anambra State Chapter.

DRAFT ELECTORAL BILL: THREE STEPS BACKWARDS

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) is sad and seriously concerned that the National Assembly is poised to squander yet another opportunity for bringing remarkable improvement to Nigeria’s electoral legal framework. All patriotic citizens of Nigeria interested in deepening democracy and bringing about good democratic governance in our fatherland need to rise with one voice and demand that the National Assembly refocuses the current electoral reform process towards ensuring electoral integrity.

 

For about a decade, since 2010, no serious amendments have been made to the Nigerian Electoral law, the Electoral Act 2010 (As Amended), in spite of the experiences garnered in the 2011, 2015 and 2019 general elections and many other off-cycle elections, which clearly pointed to the need for significant reforms. Thus, when the 9th National Assembly announced its commitment to electoral reforms and renewed the process of enactment of a new Electoral Act, Nigerians who wish to see the integrity of elections upscaled, and democratic development deepened, individually and in their various groups, saw this as a welcome development long overdue and vigorously supported the process. They submitted memoranda, interacted with the honourable members and senators and actively participated in the public hearings. The Committees of both Chambers responded fairly favourably to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians for credible reforms in the first draft, even though it could have done better.

 

Regrettably, the so-called final copy of the Electoral Bill 2021 now before the Nationally Assembly, which is set to be passed on Tuesday July 6th or thereabout, has jettisoned some of the key accepted recommendations by stakeholders and also includes fresh amendments, which if not quickly addressed, would jeopardize the integrity of future elections in Nigeria. Three issues / matters in particular need to be revisited and addressed.

 

For example, Section 50 (2), if passed as is, would prohibit the use of electronic transmission of results by INEC. Yet, globally, once done robustly and appropriately, electronic transmission of results adds remarkable integrity to a country’s electoral process, by among other things, removing human interference and tampering with results; making results tabulation real-time and transparent; and also speeding up the process of tabulation and declaration of results in the shortest possible time. Thus, electronic transmission of result has become a global best practice for electoral integrity, being introduced and/or perfected in many electoral jurisdictions. Yet, the National Assembly seems set to prohibit INEC from doing it! By prohibiting rather than legalizing it, the National Assembly members would seem to endorse tampering with results collation, tabulation and processing of results, which the current manual/analogue processing entails, with all the accompanying fraudulent activities.

 

Secondly, the initial draft of Electoral Bill 2021 sought to grant INEC powers to quickly address a recent dangerous tendency which has emerged, in which powerful but crooked politicians compel Returning Officers (ROs) to declare results under duress. In past elections, politicians have found ways of either threatening or inducing Returning Officers (ROs) to declare false results in their favour hiding under the legal cover that once ROs declare results only the Tribunals can review them. In the 2019 general elections in particular, 2 Senators from Imo State got ‘elected’ in this manner, and somehow scaled the legal huddles at the Tribunals. This is a crass irregularity and fraudulent activity, which INEC could have easily resolved had it got the legal power to review petitions regarding the results before declaration by ROs. Given this trend, citizens groups have demanded that INEC be given the power to review results declared under duress or in contravention of electoral law and guidelines. This was accepted and incorporated into the new Bill; yet, somehow, in the version now before the National Assembly, in Section 65, this power to INEC has been removed. If this section is left as currently is, politicians in future elections would very likely be even more brazen in either buying off Returning Officers or literally ‘putting guns to their heads’ to get them to declare fraudulent results while INEC watches helplessly, as was the earlier cited case in Imo State.

 

Thirdly, and inexplicably, the Bill now before the National Assembly for likely passage on Tuesday July 6 or thereabouts, has, in Section 88, significantly raised the thresholds and limits of candidate campaign financing! If this is passed, a presidential candidate would be free to spend up to N15 billion, raised from N1 billion; a gubernatorial candidate could spend up to N 5 billion raised from N200 million; a Senator is free to spend up to N1.5 billion from N40 million; a candidate for House of Representatives could spend up to N500 million raised from N30 million; and a candidate for State house of Assembly could spend up to N50 million, raised from N10 million (Section 88). Unless this Section is addressed and the thresholds drastically scaled down, the National Assembly would legalize electoral contests for the highest bidders and the richest candidates! For elections to be truly representative, candidates and party election financing need to be curbed appropriately to create a level playing field for all contestants, not just the rich.

 

In view of all these, the PRP wishes to call on the National Assembly to halt the passage of the so-called new Electoral Bill 2021 scheduled for passage this week, until appropriate corrections are made, consistent with citizens popular demands. In particular, PRP calls upon the National Assembly to as a matter of urgency:

 

Review Section 50(2), remove the prohibition of electronic transmission of results and grant INEC the power to introduce a technologically robust and transparent electronic transmission of results so as to remarkably improve the integrity of Nigerian electoral process;
Revisit Section 65, and grant INEC the legal power to appropriately review the results declared by any returning Officer under duress; and

 

Revisit Section 88, and drastically reduce the campaign financing thresholds and limits, to curtail the influence of money in politics and create a level playing field for all contestants, without undue advantage being granted to the rich and wealthy contestants.

 

For members of the National Assembly to truly answer the title of peoples’ representatives, they would need to bring into effect an Electoral Act that respects and represents the wishes of the Nigerian people, as articulated and expressed during the consultations and public hearings which were held.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the PRP condemns any attempt by anybody or group of persons to hoist on Nigerians a so-called New Electoral Act, which would undermine rather than improve the integrity of elections in Nigeria.

 

In conclusion, the PRP calls on all patriotic Nigerians, individually and in organized groups, to bring pressure to bear on the members of the National Assembly to do the right thing, rather than rush a new Electoral Bill which would significantly undermine the integrity of future elections in Nigeria.

 

Long Live Peoples Redemption Party, PRP!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!

Falalu Bello, OFR
National Chairman,
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Sallah: PRP Felicitates With Muslim Faithfuls

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) felicitates with Muslim faithfuls on the occasion of this year’s Eid ul-Fitr and completion of the fasting of the month of Ramadan.

 

Considering the fact that Eid ul-Fitr is a significant festival celebrated by Muslims all around the world and it is the occasion that marks the end of the Islamic holy month fasting of Ramadan, the PRP urges Nigerians to put into practice the lessons learned from the holy month of Ramadan of tolerance, endurance, companionship, generosity and worship in all aspects of life so as to ensure a peaceful and flourishing Nigeria.

 

As we celebrate under intense economic strain and insecurity where many are struggling to survive, the PRP exhorts Nigerians to also adopt the essential tenets of good neighborliness and magnanimity advocated by Islam as doing that will tremendously help in putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged citizens and victims of escalated insecurity in numerous parts of Nigeria.

 

Also, the PRP reiterates its calls on the government to drastically address the problems of kidnappings, banditry, insurgency, and other acts of violence in various parts of Nigeria.

 

It is an indisputable fact that Nigeria is in dire straits caused by economic challenges, escalated insecurity and threats to our corporate existence as a nation in consequence of the bad governance by the ruling APC in the last 6 years at Federal level and most States which came after the not so good governance of the PDP for 16 years. Hence the need for Nigerians to totally reject the APC and PDP and embrace the PRP for redemption and solution.

 

Finally, the PRP prays for the security, unity and development of Nigeria and wishes Nigerians, particularly the Muslim community, a happy Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.

 

Signed:
Alhaji Falalu Bello, OFR,
National Chairman,
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

May Day: Commiserating With Nigerian Workers

Being a Press Statement By the National Chairman, Peoples Redemption Party(PRP),
Alhaji Falalu Bello, OFR, On the Occasion of May Day Celebrations, 2021

Ordinarily, it would be apposite for our Party, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), to join other progressive and well-meaning Nigerians today in celebrating this year’s May Day (Workers’ Day) with the teeming multitude of Nigerian workers and working peoples. Alas! Given the dire straights which Nigerian workers have today found themselves, there is hardly any justification for such celebrations.

 

With inflation rate galloping at an alarming rate, lay-offs and retrenchments of workers in both the public and private sectors of the economy across the width and breadth of the land ever increasing, and with nation-wide insecurity rendering productive activity in agriculture and other sectors virtually impossible, there is literally little to cheer for the Nigerian Workers.

 

This blight which has befallen workers in Nigeria today is largely due to the incompetence, insensitivity and cluelessness of the leadership of the ruling All Progressive Party (APC) Government that has been imposed on the people of Nigeria at both federal and state levels of governance. Bereft of any ideas for moving the country forward and deficient of the requisite empathy and sensitivity to the plight of the masses whom they govern, these “emperors” go on lumping on citizens one burden after another, without a care in the world.

 

But, as they say, what goes up must come down. The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has always believed in the central role of workers, in particular, and the working masses, in general, in the material and social advancement of Nigeria and its National liberation. This is why it was the State Governments controlled by the PRP in Kano and Kaduna States that were the first in the entire Nigerian federation to declare May Day as a public holiday in honour of workers in 1980.

 

The PRP remains committed to the promotion of the welfare, security and collective interests of Nigerian workers. As the lynchpin and arrow-head of the struggle for the rebirth and material and social advancement of Nigeria’s workers, we urge the leadership of Nigeria’s workers to exploit all avenues for forging a broad front of all progressives and patriotic organisations in the country for the purposes of ousting the present visionless and insensitive ruling cabals from public office and setting in motion a truly progressive national agenda.

 

As always, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) is ready to assume an active role in the formation and pursuit of the realisation of such a progressive National Front.

 

We wish Nigerian workers a solemn May Day anniversary. Victory is Certain.

 

Alh. Falalu Bello (OFR)
(National Chairman)
30th April, 2021.

Easter: PRP Calls for Unity, Tolerance Among Nigerians

April 4, 2021

 

Press Statement

 

Easter: PRP Calls for Unity, Tolerance Among Nigerians

 

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) calls on Nigerians to use the occasion of Easter to imbibe the culture of living in unity and tolerance for one another.

 

As compatriots, we should always be encouraged by the biblical verse – Ephesians 4:2 which says, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

 

Jesus Christ had lived in peace and harmony with his contemporaries and he advocated for that. Thus, it is incumbent upon all of us to live by his noble examples.

 

For over 60 years, Nigeria has been in bondage of saboteurs and buccaneers. Nigerians have been chosing wolves in sheep clothing at various stages of our political life as a nation.

 

We have witnessed a lot of political manifestoes and manifestation of severity. Our agitation and desperation to break out of vicious circle of bad governance occasioned by our selfish leaders in the past had dragged us into quagmire of deception. We are all aware of the current pack of wolves who came in the robe of Messiahs to deceive us. We should not allow this negative experience repeat itself in the future.

 

Despite the aforementioned realities, it is unarguable that the beautiful ones are not yet born and our Moses has not yet come but there is something sure and certain; we cannot remain in this fog of insecurity, poverty and penury forever facilitated by the misrule of the current and previous administrations.

 

Although, we know that truly the past and current governments had done enormous harms to our nation than good, we still urge fellow Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love demonstrated by Jesus Christ and always express concern for the pains of the vulnerable and victims of this aimless government.

 

All Nigerians, from all faiths, regions and tribes are victims of bad governance that has been ravaging Nigeria for long. Therefore, we should not continue allowing bad leaders at all levels to keep dividing us along ethno-religious and sectional lines. We are all Nigerians and citizens of one Nigeria.

 

We should be patriotic and tolerant of fellow citizens regardless of their tribes, religions, sections or social classes.

 

Finally, the PRP wishes all Nigerians a happy Easter celebration.

 

Signed:

 

Alhaji Falalu Bello, OFR

 

National Chairman,
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

PRP to Commence Ward and Local Government Congresses

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has finished preparation for the party’s ward and local government congresses.

According to the circular signed by the national secretary of the party, Babatunde Alli, the ward congress was scheduled to take place nationwide on 13th Match, 2021 while the local government congress was slated to hold nationwide on 27th March, 2021.

The circular further disclosed that the guidelines for the conduct of the States Congresses and the National Convention shall be communicated in the Second Quarter of the year (2021).