By Yusuf Alli and Jide Orintunsin, Abuja

• PGF meeting shifted

• ‘Caretaker committee can’t be stampeded’

All Progressives Congress (APC) governors have resolved to seek President Muhammadu Buhari’s intervention in the resolution of conflicts arising from preparations for the party’s national convention, it was learnt yesterday.

The divided Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) has also resolved to present some options to the President for resolution of the row over the convention.

However, the governors yesterday shifted their meeting earlier scheduled for today till tomorrow because President Buhari is on a one-day visit to Ogun State.

PGF Chairman and Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu is said to be urging his colleagues to attend the compulsory meeting.

According to sources, there is tension between the polarised governors’ forum and the National Caretaker Committee, led by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, over the postponement of the convention.

While the governors have accused the caretaker committee of lack of commitment on a definite date for the convention, the caretaker panel said the convention was shifted at the instance of some stakeholders, particularly the governors.

In a new twist to the controversy, Senate Chief Whip Orji Kalu reiterated his call for postponement of the convention, saying the proposed February date is not feasible.

A source close to the PGF said the governors would meet with President Buhari after their meeting to discuss their resolution with party leaders.

The source said: “We are yet to reach any compromise because we are divided on the convention. But we have agreed to collate all opinions or suggestions at our forthcoming meeting and present same to the President for guidance.

“We resolved that immediately after concluding our meeting, we will all leave the venue straight to the Presidential Villa to hold a frank session with the President.

“As the party’s leader, President Muhammadu Buhari will finally make a decision on when the APC convention will hold.”

The source added: “We are not holding the meeting on Wednesday again because of the President’s visit to Ogun State on Thursday, which may make some governors to be absent.

“Governor Bagudu has said that he will want all APC governors to be around so that none will give the excuse of not being part of any decision taken at our meeting. We do not want any governor to complain of imposition.

“We are going to meet after the Presidential visit because we want a full house and a commitment of all members to our resolution.”

On the alleged plot by some members of the APC caretaker committee to remain in office, the source said: “Once the President guides the governors on what to do, they have no choice than to comply.

“We know some CECPC members have no second address. They don’t want to hand over to a democratically-elected National Working Committee (NWC). This is part of the intrigues that have delayed the convening of the convention.”

When contacted, the Director-General of PGF, Salihu Lukman, said: “There is no notice of the governors’ meeting yet.”

The six options on the convention allegedly being considered by the governors and party leaders are as follows:

• Holding convention in February as initially agreed upon and despite ongoing reconciliation.
• Fixing a new date in March or April to conduct congresses in Anambra, Zamfara.
• Allowing all congresses, reconciliation to be completed, court case resolved before the convention. 
• Conducting primaries for the 2023 poll before the convention. 
• Holding presidential primaries, national convention on the same date.
• Adopting consensus approach for the convention, presidential primaries.

However, a source close to the caretaker committee said despite the allegation of sit-tight levelled against it, the committee would not be stampeded into conducting the convention.

Read Also: Uneasy calm in APC governors’ camp over convention

Various groups within the party have mounted pressure on the CECPC to conduct the convention in February.

Last week, Lukman called on the committee to conduct the convention on February 5 as agreed upon by the Forum and presented to President Buhari late last year or resign.

Lukman re-echoed the position in Abuja yesterday while delivering a keynote address at a Summit with the theme: “Rebuilding the APC of our Dream” organised by a pressure group within the party – APC Stakeholders.

He recalled his January 5, 2022 letter to Bagudu, blaming the continued delay in the convocation of the convention on both Buni and committee Secretary, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe.

Lukman accused the two leaders of insincerity, urging the party members to hold the two leaders responsible for any further delay in the conduct of the convention.

But, a member of the CECPC, who spoke in confidence with The Nation in Abuja on Tuesday, exonerated the chairman and the secretary from any blame but noted that each time the convention was shifted it was at the instance of some stakeholders, particularly the governors.

The source maintained that the Caretaker Committee was committed to the resolutions at its 18th regular meeting held in December last year at the national convention.

“We won’t allow ourselves to be stampeded. Every time we have cause to shift the Convention date it is at the instance of the stakeholders, particularly the governors.

“We aren’t going to start joining issues with aggrieved chieftains, we were appointed, not elected.

“All the talks about Governor Buni seeking to be re-elected as Chairman, or Vice President to any presidential candidate isn’t true. But like I said, we won’t allow aggrieved chieftains to drag us into the public space.”

When asked how soon will the committee meet to fix a date, given a proposed meeting by the governors for today (Wednesday), he asked: “Which meeting are you talking about?

“We are not holding any meeting, it is the governors that are meeting. We won’t convene a meeting because the governors want to meet. We won’t allow ourselves to be stampeded.

“The leadership is committed to its intention, as announced last December to create subcommittees ahead of the Convention for the election of substantive national officers.”

He, however, expressed that the convention will hold as planned, even with the constitutional 21 days notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the convention.

“We are not in February yet and we still have enough time to give INEC the statutory 21 days. Just watch,” he maintained.

Speaking at the Stakeholders Summit, a national chairmanship aspirant, Chief Sylvester Sunny Monidafe, said the imposition of leaders under the guise of consensus will not be accepted at the convention.

Monidafe said in rebuilding the party the emergence of new leaders should be through healthy contestation

He said: “We will resist consensus. Nobody should sit in one place and say they have endorsed a candidate. No, we won’t take that and I hope the youth won’t take that.

“We are not fighting anybody, we want a better Nigeria and that’s how to ensure a stronger APC in future, APC that is Independent.”

Lukman said any manipulation of the process will not be accepted.

“We cannot have a political party that disrespects decisions,’’ he said regarding moves to change the February 5 date.

Lukman noted that if the party was struggling to hold its national convention, it should begin to think about how it would manage the process that would produce candidates for the 2023 general elections.

He said the danger signal was that the party may end up having a convention that would not necessarily guarantee that it would have a healthy contest in the party.

Urging the party to postpone the convention, Kalu said in Abuja: “I still stand by my words that the APC convention should be postponed.

“I have a lot of respect for our people and they have to give me an alternative view to have a change of mind that what they are saying is real.

“What I am saying is a better atmosphere than what they are saying: I know what I am saying, they might not be seeing what I am seeing.

“As a party, we should not cause trouble for ourselves.

“I believe that the best thing to do is to protect democracy and our party, the APC.

“I also call on the National Executive Committee of the party to reaffirm our constitution to put a President of the Republic and President of the party.

“I want us to adopt the ANC method, where you might be president of Nigeria and not the president of the party.

“So, I want us to test run it when President Muhammadu Buhari leaves in 2023, for Buhari to become president of the party and there will be president of the republic.’’

By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja; Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta; Justina Asishana, Minna;

Beginning from today for three days, flags will fly at half-mast in honour of former Head of Interim National Government (ING) Chief Ernest Shonekan. He died yesterday in Lagos, aged 85.

President Muhammadu Buhari, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of State Gen. Abdul Salami Abubakar, in separate statements, mourned the passing of the former boardroom giant.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan, House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila extoled the virtues of the late Shonekan.

All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant Asiwaju Bola Tinubu also paid tributes.

The Shonekan Family, in a statement by Adeboye Shonekan, said its patriarch died of “natural causes”.

It reads: “To the glory of the Almighty, the Shonekan family announces the passing of our patriarch, loving husband to Margaret, dutiful father to us all and former Head of State, Chief Ernest, Adegunle, Oladeinde Shonekan, GCFR, CBE, the Baba Sale of Egbaland.

“He passed this morning (yesterday of natural causes at the age of 85. The family will release further details in due course.”

In Shonekan’s honour, the Federal Government ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast from today till Friday.

A statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, said: “Following the death of…Chief Shonekan, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast…as a mark of respect for the former Head of State…”

President Buhari expressed sadness over Shonekan’s death, saying the former head of state displayed a real sense of patriotism.

Commiserating with the widow Margaret, the Shonekan Family, the people and the government of Ogun State, President Buhari said Shonekan’s memory would continue to remain with Nigerians.

In a statement by his spokesman Mr. Femi Adesina, the President recalled the sacrifices Shonekan made for the country, including leaving his personal career to serve in government.

Read Also: 10 things you probably didn’t know about Ex-Interim Head of States Ernest Shonekan

“As an internationally-respected statesman, President Buhari affirms that, with courageous wisdom, Chief Shonekan left his flourishing business career to become the Head of Government at a delicate time when the country needed someone of his calm mien and pedigree to save the ship of state from sinking.

“The President notes that Chief Shonekan demonstrated to all that the love for country and commitment to her development, peace and unity transcend the trappings of office and the transient nature of political power.

“President Buhari believes that Nigeria owes a great debt to Chief Shonekan, the peacemaker, who even at the twilight of his life never stopped believing and working for a prosperous and democratic country.

“The President prays that the memory of the departed Head of Government will remain a blessing to Nigeria even as he finds perfect peace with Almighty God,” the statement stated.

Chief Obasanjo said Shonekan was a unifying force for the nation and that his contribution to the growth and development of democracy cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

In a condolence letter to the widow, a copy of which was made available to reporters in Abeokuta by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President said the late boardroom guru was “a role model and an epitome of the good in the nation’s business firmament of mixed blessings”.

Obasanjo added: “He would be remembered as a man of sustained strong will to succeed.

“Coming from a humble background, rising, stepping and peaking at the topmost plum in corporate management, and the very top of the giant United Africa Company (UAC) ladder, attest to his sagacity, tenacity and steadfastness.

“He founded, in 1994, the Economic Summit Group, an advocacy group and think tank for private sector-led development of the Nigerian economy, and it remains, till today, sustaining the legacy of helping to support stakeholders in the execution of policies, programmes and strategies in response to any emerging trends in national and global economies.”

Obasanjo described the octogenarian as one of the illustrious sons of Africa, a community leader, a distinguished business baron and an exemplary leader in the private sector who “rendered outstanding service to our country, and we will never forget that”.

Babangida said Shonekan’s death was a personal loss to him.

He said the late Shonekan stabilised the country at the most trying period of its political evolution.

“As Head of the Interim Government, he was able to consult with a broad spectrum of the Nigerian populace in charting a roadmap out of the political impasse at that time.

“His brilliance and meticulous interrogation of situations helped in large measure to forge ahead during the period.

“I owe a personal gratitude to him throughout his sojourn on earth as we maintained a very robust mutual relationship after his exit from the corridors of power,” Babangida said in a statement.

The former President said Shonekan helped to bail the country out of economic conundrum many times through his understanding of the economy.

“The shocking news of the death of one of Nigeria’s finest brains and patriots came to me this morning with helpless awe.

“I didn’t have the faintest idea that Chief Ernest Shonekan would depart this sinful world too soon, even at 85.

“He was a man, a leader and an uncommon patriot who had a presence of mind and whose understanding of Nigeria was profound and remarkable. It is indeed a personal loss to me.

“I recollect very vividly how he used to give us tutorials on budget, planning and management of national resources, each time he was invited to our session.

“At each budget year, Chief Shonekan would be invited to critique our budget proposals and give us further input to enrich the final budget.

“He was a man of ideas and ideals. He was prudent and preached so much about fiscal discipline.”

Gen. Abubakar described Shonekan as a patriot who served Nigeria with all he had.

Speaking in Minna, Abubakar recalled that Shonekan was appointed head of the government during the critical period of national challenges to pilot the affairs of the nation.

“His belief in a united and peaceful Nigeria was unparalleled. He was dedicated to the progress and development of the county. He will be sorely missed.

“His historic and patriotic role in maintaining the unity of the country was one of the many things that endeared him to many.

“He was true, an asset, his counsel were useful for national cohesion and progress,” Abubakar said.

The former Head of State prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest while commiserating with his wife, the government and the people of Ogun.

In a condolence message through his Special Adviser, Mr Ikechuwu Eze, to the deceased family and the government of Ogun State, former President Jonathan expressed sadness over Shonekan’s demise.

He described Shonekan as “an elder statesman, well-loved for his sincerity and sense of purpose.”

The former president also described Shonekan as a peacemaker and bridge-builder who left enduring legacies.

The message reads: “As a leader, Chief Shonekan was well respected because of the enormous goodwill he brought into governance.

“He was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker and bridge builder who stepped in to lead the nation at a very difficult time in the history of its political evolution.

“Before he assumed office as the head of the Interim National Government in 1993, Chief Shonekan had become a boardroom guru, having established himself as a foremost industrialist and one of the leaders of the business world.

“He left enduring legacies, part of which was his considerable effort towards mainstreaming the private sector in the development drive of the nation, especially with the institutionalisation of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), which he founded.

“Shonekan will also be remembered for his great wisdom, peaceful disposition, the goodwill he extended to all as well as his significant contributions to the growth and economy of the nation.”

Another aspirant has joined the fast-growing list of hopefuls ahead of next year’s presidential election.

Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi said yesterday he would be seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket.

He told reporters at the State House after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari to inform him of his ambition.

On Monday APC stalwart, Bola Tinubu, threw his hat into the ring.

Umahi is the first governor to announce his interest.

Last week former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, signified to seek the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) .

Also yesterday, Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu hinged his ambition on APC zoning presidential ticket to the Southeast.

Umahi defected to the APC from  the PDP  almost 14 months ago,   citing  what he described as the opposition party’s unwillingness   to cede the presidential  ticket to the Southeast.

Read Also: Tinubu: Waiting game is over

On his chances of clinching the APC slot, Umahi went biblical: “The Bible that I swore with, a section of it in 1 Samuel, says that by strength shall no man prevail, and power and might belong to God. He chooses whomever he wills and he will do that in 2023. I’m not in a contest with anybody I’m in a contest with myself”, he replied.

The governor also said he stood a good chance if the APC throws the race open, especially by zoning it to the South.

His words: “I told Mr. President that without prejudice to whatever will be the decision of the party, which we shall abide by, that if the party throws the ticket open or zoned it to South, that I believe that with what I have put in place in the past six years plus, that I’ll be running for Presidency on the platform of APC.

“He believes that whoever wants to run for President of this country must have to consult widely; go to all the leaders and that we must do everything to remove ethnicity and religion in our politics so that this country can grow.”

The governor added that given the opportunity, his Presidency will replicate his efforts in Ebonyi State at the national level,.

He also said he had a lot to show in running governance as a business.

Asked if he had commenced consultations with Southeast stakeholders like the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Umahi said he deemed it necessary to first inform the President..

Umahi, however, categorically said that Ohanaeze ought not to be involved in party politics.

He said: “I wouldn’t have done that without first coming to clear with Mr. President that there is this feeling in the Southeast that has not produced the  President and that our people feel our leaders should indicate interest to contest. . But at the end of the day, it is God Almighty and the political parties that will also decide.”