Elon Musk handed over the fist $1 million check to an individual in Pennsylvania who signed his petition. The billionaire Tesla and SpaceX boss has been courting Trump voters as election day nears.

Elon Musk has started a petition and he’s offering US voters who sign it a cash prize $1 million (€920,000) every day until the November 5 election.

The billionaire supporter of Donald Trump urged registered voters in key swing states to sign the petition to promote “free speech and the right to bear arms.”

Musk said he would select one random person each day from the list of signatures and award them the million-dollar prize.

He handed over the first check on Saturday to a man in Pennsylvania — a state considered a ‘must-win’ for both Republicans and Democrats.

Speaking at a rally in the state, Musk said his aim was to get between 1 million and 2 million voters in swing states to sign the petition “because I think this sends a crucial message to our elected politicians.”

Musk backs Trump

Musk’s campaign appears to encourage Republican supports to register to vote.

Observers have suggested that such a stunt could potentially contravene laws that prohibit paying people to register to vote.

According to the Federal Election Commission, Musk has donated around $75 million over the past three months to a political action committeehe set up to support the Trump campaign called America PAC.

The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX has repeatedly lauded Trump — who has indicated he would tap Musk to run a budget efficiency commission if he is elected again — while publicly criticizing Democratic hopeful Kamala Harris.

Atiku Abubakar criticizes Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of using the hardships of Nigerians for political gain. The remarks add fuel to the ongoing rivalry between the two political figures.

On Saturday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stated that he would remain focused despite the tactics of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He accused Wike of exploiting current hardships for political gain at the expense of ordinary people.

The ex-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party revealed this through a statement released in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe. The statement is titled “Wike and His T-Pain Collaborators Playing Politics with the Suffering of Nigerians.”

Atiku’s statement was a response to Wike’s earlier comments, in which he claimed that the former Vice President has lost political relevance and that Nigerians have turned away from him after his defeats in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections.

At a luncheon honoring the 10th Rivers State Assembly on Saturday, the ex-governor of Rivers made these remarks.

In response, Atiku stated that he was focused on the real issues impacting Nigerians and would not let Wike’s theatrics distract him.

He mentioned that recent comments by Nyesom Wike can only be characterized as one of his dramatic outbursts. However, we remain composed, confident that Nigerians are familiar with his behavior—a persistent sign of the resentment he feels after losing to the Wazirin Adamawa in the 2022 party presidential primaries.

Wike’s remarks are simply a series of trivialities, devoid of any real substance and fueled by personal grudges. If he genuinely thinks Nigerians are satisfied with the current situation under his government’s leadership, it highlights something more profound: his focus is on himself rather than the people. This self-centeredness becomes clear in how he prioritizes local matters in Rivers over his ministerial duties.

He stated, “Although he might try to distract with his unfounded tirades, our attention remains on the true issues impacting Nigerians. Mr. Wike prioritizes personal gain over tackling the country’s actual problems. On the other hand, we are steadfastly dedicated to advocating for the welfare and advancement of the people.”

Wike seems to revel in creating fantasies, immersing himself in his imagination, and funding live TV broadcasts to launch attacks on whomever he wishes. However, we will not lower ourselves to that level where he feels comfortable. Instead, we’ll choose to rise above it all, preserving our dignity while others indulge in the muck.

By Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, October 20, 2024.

It is often said that the truth stands firm no matter how loud the lie is spoken. I have taken time to reflect on the emotional rhetoric presented by Dr. Fabian Ihekweme “Dr. Omu”, and I feel it is important to address some critical misconceptions, especially as they pertain to governance in Imo State under the #PeoplesGovernor Hope Uzodimma.

The comparison drawn between the life and teachings our Lord Jesus Christ and modern political leadership is, at best, misapplied. While it is true that leaders, both spiritual and political, are expected to uphold integrity, righteousness, and justice, it is misleading to equate Jesus Christ’s divine mission with the challenges of political governance. Jesus Christ’s apostles were tasked with spreading the gospel and leading the early Church, not with managing the economic and infrastructural needs of a state.

Dr. Ihekweme suggests that political loyalty should mirror the spiritual loyalty Christ’s apostles had for him, but this fails to recognize the fundamental difference between religious leadership and political service. In politics, loyalty must align with the greater goal of public service, not personal reward. Governance, by its nature, requires tough decisions that prioritize the welfare of the majority, even if it means disappointing individuals who feel they should be rewarded.

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration is anchored on the principle of Shared Prosperity, which focuses on improving the lives of the people of Imo State through key developmental projects like the free medicare to all Imo people thru the instrumentalities of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, infrastructure like the Okigwe-Owerri thru which Dr. Fabian passes when he’s going hom thru Okigwe or the almost completed Owerri/Mbaise/Obowo/Umuahia road which passes thru the village of Dr. Omu, and policy reforms like the ongoing policy frameworks on power generation that is about to give Imo people 24/7 electricity supply, etc.

The notion that those who “sacrificed” for the governor’s rise have been abandoned is a gross misrepresentation. The government is not a vehicle for distributing favors, but an institution meant to serve the public good. Like the #PeoplesGovernor has always stated, he cannot afford to used public funds to cater for his friends while neglecting his core duties to the state as her Governor, that friends and family can be handled outside government as ‘Hope Uzodimma’ but must be gubernatorial as the Executive Governor of Imo state for the people’s good.

Dr. Omu must be made known that competence, service, and merit guide this administration’s decision-making process, not personal allegiances or nostalgia for past relationships.

Dr. Ihekweme also raised the issue of rewards and compares Governor Uzodimma unfavorably with President Bola Tinubu. While it is true that political appointments are made based on loyalty and competence, no leader—whether Tinubu or Uzodimma—can run a government by relying solely on past loyalty — that will be a recipe for disaster.

What the Uzodimma administration seeks are individuals who are capable of delivering on the governor’s vision for Imo State, regardless of their political history.

Moreover, the claims of “poverty” within the ranks of government officials are an exaggerated portrayal of the current situation in Imo State.

The challenges faced by government officials, like in every state, are often part of the broader economic realities of the nation. The country is passing thru an uncomfortable economic situations and the government officials are not immune to these prevailing national economic realities. However, this administration continues to prioritize economic reforms that will benefit all citizens, including public officials, through job creation, infrastructure, and investment opportunities.

Invoking religious imagery and warnings of “hellfire” for political leaders is both sensationalist and unhelpful. The people of Imo State deserve leadership that focuses on addressing their real-world concerns, not divisive rhetoric aimed at inflaming emotions.

Governance is about service, progress, and the ability to lead with fairness and justice.

Governor Hope Uzodimma remains committed to these principles, and the results are visible in the transformative projects across the state.

As a matter of public service, it is essential that discussions about governance be rooted in facts, fairness, and a shared commitment to the common good. This administration will continue to uphold these values for the benefit of all Imo citizens.