The FAAC accused the company of denying the government of huge funds from January to March. FAAC is a body that distributes revenues generated into the federation account to the tiers of government and other agencies that benefits from the fund.
“We will not back down on our demand for the reimbursement of the outrageous deductions from accruals into the federation account,” a senior FAAC source told The Nation.
On May 16, FAAC asked NNPCL to refund over N2.1 trillion to the federation account.
The NNPCL is yet to make the refund, arguing that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) does not permit it to do so.
Details of the net-offs are contained in FAAC’s Post Mortem Sub-Committee (PMSC) report submitted to the whole house at its last meeting in Abuja.
According to the document, “the Sub-Committee requested NNPCL to net-off the sum of N1,432,576449,686.59 from the total Value Shortfall (subsidy payment) of N3,602,392,567,863.19 as per NNPCL April 2023 report”.
This will leave NNPCL owing the federation account N2,169,816,118,177 as of March.
“However, the NNPCL representative explained to the sub-committee that the PIA did not authorise the company to do a net-off,” the report states.
According to the PMSC report, “the NNPC Ltd deducted N341,530,577,208.78 as PMS value shortfall payables for March 2023”.
The report presented how NNPCL denied the federation account of billions from January to March.
The report states: “Value Shortfall Recovery (subsidy) from Federation Account as of March 2023: Opening Balance (01/1/2023) was N526,461,161,901.53.
“In January 2023, NNPCL deducted N309,192,846,944.09, bringing the cumulative deduction for January to N835,654,008,845.62.
“In February 2023, NNPCL again deducted N255,391,863,631.18, resulting in a cumulative figure of N1,091,045,872,476.80. In March 2023, N341,530,577,208.79 was deducted, bringing the total deductions as of March 2023 to N1,432,576,449,686.59.
“The FAAC members alarmed by these deductions then asked the NNPCL to net-off the sum of N1,432,576449,686.59 from the total Value Shortfall (subsidy payment) of N3,602,392,567,863.19 as per NNPCL April 2023 report.”
The sub-committee recommended: “The Chairman FAAC (Minister of Finance) should work with the NNPCL on how to net-off the payable amount to reduce the outstanding value shortfall (subsidy) against the Federation Account.”
The NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari last week said that the company was owed N2.8 trillion in petrol subsidy.
The FAAC is emboldened to go after subsidy deductions following recoveries it made in favour of the federation account.
The report adds: “For March 2023, the PMSC will like to inform the FAAC Plenary that a total sum of N144,037,514,518.20 was recovered in favour of the federation account as outstanding arrears from several revenue items of collection and paid to designated accounts.
“These revenue items and what they coughed up for the federation account are the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Feedstock Sales Value Revenue Arrears, $47,635,326.80 at 434.98 Rate/$ (N/$) or N20,720,414,451.46; Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)/ Direct Sale Direct Purchase (DSDP) Naira Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) Transfer Arrears of N95,666,959,482.83.
“Others are the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)/DSDP Naira Royalty of N20,390,322,561.34; and NUPRC/PSC/MCA Oil and Gas Dollar Royalty $16,690,004.19 at 434.18 or N7,259,818,022.57.
“This brings the total recovery into the federation account in March 2023 to $64,325,330.99 or N144,037,514,518.20.”
FAAC questioned the exchange rates used to conduct business by the NNPCL.
The report states: “NNPCL using exchange rate lower than the CBN mandated official rate on Domestic Crude sale, FIRS PSC Crude and NUPRC Royalty Crude Sale for the period January 2015 to December 2022, the sum of N195,595,585,470.70 was established as a shortfall.”
The sub-committee said it “met with NNPC and all the relevant agencies and agreed on the principles to be used for the remittances”.
“Thereafter, NNPCL requested some time to discuss with its top management.
“However, on the 12th of May, 2023, NNPCL forwarded its position to the sub-committee and it is being looked into by the ad-hoc committee.”
Despite a rancorous campaign, the presiding officers of the Senate and the House of Representatives may be picked today via consensus.
Everything points to a coronation of Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin as Deputy Senate President, Tajudeen Abbas as House Speaker and Benjamen Kalu as Deputy Speaker.
This follows the flurry of activities and horse-trading in the last 48 hours, spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Some of the major contenders, such as Orji Uzor Kalu and Ozita Izunaso, reportedly stepped down from the race for Senate President, but the duo could not be reached for confirmation.
Senator Ahmad Lawan also yesterday endorsed Akpabio for Senate President.
On Sunday, Yusuf Gagdi and Aliyu Betara ended their bid for Speaker, clearing the path for Abbas and Kalu.
The four contenders are the preferred candidates of the majority All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President.
Yesterday, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, hinted at the possibility of the emergence of consensus candidates.
Southsouth and Southeast senators, irrespective of party affiliations, have also endorsed the APC’s choices.
House of Representatives member Akeem Adeyemi said Southwest lawmakers-elect will not deviate from the decision of APC.
A source confirmed that more House of Representatives members had agreed to back Abbas and Kalu.
Akpabio will get it, says Uzodimma
Uzodinma told reporters after a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja that Akpabio will be Senate President.
He said the committee set up by President Tinubu to resolve the controversy over the leadership race had achieved substantial progress, in collaboration with Lawan.
The governor said senators and governors have agreed that Akpabio should carry the day.
He assured that Lawan will work for the emergence of the preferred candidates of the party, adding that his team has been working to ensure that the 10th National Assembly gets the leadership that will aid the executive in achieving desired greatness for the country.
Uzodimma said: “We had a closed session with President because what is at stake is the national interest, the interest of our country and how to ensure that the new President is supported to succeed.
“All over Africa, Nigeria is being looked upon to produce a very strong President who will be bold and courageous in character, who will be able to deliver Nigeria to our usual space of being the leader of the continent.
“We don’t want to allow for any domestic distraction for him from succeeding. So, we are going to pledge our support and work in synergy with our senators-elect to ensure that the election (of today) will be free and fair.
“The President in his wisdom organised a small technical committee to help coordinate the process of the election, which I am chairing.
“We have done so much work to the extent that God has blessed our efforts that the majority of the senators-elect are now in sync with the position of the party.”
The governor assured that Akpabio will create a win-win situation for National Assembly members.
He stressed: “He is not going there to be a dictator. He is going there to work with his colleagues. He is going there to work in synergy; collectively they will reason; collectively they will plan and collectively they will deliver the dividends of democracy to the Nigerian people.
“It is about Nigeria and not about the individuals. And he is a man too that has a track record of performance.
“Recall his performance as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and when he came during the 8th Senate. Even as a first-time senator, he emerged as the minority leader of the Senate. That is a show of confidence by his colleagues. And I think that he will do that which he knows how to do better this time around.”
Akpabio: we’ll protest citizens’ interests
Akpabio promised to preside over a united parliament and provide an atmosphere for robust legislative debate.
He said: “We will hold public hearings before we take any decision in the interests of Nigerians, for the betterment of Nigeria.
“We will think Nigeria first. Every senator, irrespective of political party, must come into the chambers as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“So, we have a lot to do. We must assist the President to put the right policies in place by putting the right legislation in place to make sure that businesses thrive and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.
“I assure you that every senator is important and once I’m inside there, everybody is important and all political parties shall be carried along,” he assured.
On how he will relate with his opponents, Akpabio said: “In the business of politics not everybody will be on the same page. But here, we have over 90 per cent of people supporting the choice of the party and I believe that even those that are not on board, I assure them that I will carry them on board.”
Kalu, Izunazo back Akpabio
Two leading aspirants for Senate President – Kalu and Izunaso – backed Akpabio.
Similarly, Lawan, President of the Ninth Senate, also met with President Tinubu and Akpabio, where the Yobe North senator promised to deliver the former Akwa Ibom State governor.
The Director-General of Akpabio Campaign Organisation, Ali Ndume, told reporters that 15 senators-elect from the Southeast met with Akpabio, where they endorsed his candidacy.
Ndume said former governors from the North, who have previously refused to support Akpabio, have also made a U-turn. He said the senators-elect included Danjuma Goje, Aliyu Wamakko, and Adamu Aliero, among others.
He said that Sani Musa, who had settled for the position of the Deputy President of the Senate, has also stepped down and has endorsed Barau.
Yari: they want to arrest me
An aspirant for Senate President Abdulaziz Yari said supporters of Akpabio were celebrating news of his imminent arrest.
But, in a swift reaction, a senator-elect in Akpabio’s camp denied the accusation, adding that only the guilty should be afraid.
Makinde seeks fairness, justice, equity
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said the election of the leadership of the Senate must reflect the principles of fairness, justice and equity.
Makinde said this at a post-inauguration special thanksgiving service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Fathers of Faith at Oritamefa Baptist Church, Ibadan.
He noted that since the President and Vice President are of the same Islamic faith, the Senate President should be a Christian.
Makinde said: “We already have a President that is of Islamic faith, we have a Vice President that is of Islamic faith. Number three is going to be the Senate President.
“And what we are saying across party lines, I am saying it publicly: all the governors in Nigeria came together and we said we will support the choice of the president who is a Christian from the Southsouth region of Nigeria.
“We are not playing religious politics, but what is fair is fair. We stood for the southern presidency, we will stand for justice; we stood for fairness and we are going to stand for equity as well.
“So, I will be at the National Assembly tomorrow (today), even though I wasn’t elected as a Senator and I have never been elected as one. I will be there with my other colleagues.
“We will go and ensure that the principle of fairness, justice and equity prevails in the selection of the president of the Senate.”
Southsouth lawmakers-elect back Abbas
House of Representatives members-elect from the Southsouth have endorsed Abbas for Speaker and Kalu for Deputy Speaker.
The caucus is made up of about 55 members from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers.
Addressing Abbas and Kalu at the meeting in Abuja, the Caucus leader, Unyime Idem, said the zone decided to key into the vision and agenda of the Abbas/Kalu ticket, vigorously promoted by the Joint Task – 10th Assembly Coalition.
Idem, who is also a zonal coordinator of the Joint Task, a coalition of eight political parties that won seats in the 10th Assembly, expressed gratitude to his colleagues from the Southsouth for trusting him with the task of conveying their decision to the Joint Task.
He said: “We have 55 out 55 members of the Southsouth Caucus who have penned their signatures in support of the joint ticket.
“I, therefore, want to assure you that we will have the whole 55 as they are going to appear in the chamber on Tuesday to give you 55 votes from the Southsouth geopolitical zone.”
Co-chairman of the Joint Task, Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe), thanked Idem for his leadership.
Abbas acknowledged the pivotal role of his colleagues from the Southsouth in advancing his ambition.
He said: “I have been to many regions in the country where I’ve been shown love, but that which I have experienced from the Southsouth in the course of this journey has been something else. And I want to assure you that I will not take this generosity and solidarity for granted.”
Also, Kalu expressed gratitude to the zonal caucus for believing in their struggle to institutionalise a legislature anchored on the principles of equity and inclusiveness.
He said: “What we started like a mustard seed has germinated and grown to this level of acceptance and support from our brothers and sisters across the regions of the country.”
Southwest, Southeast back Abbas
Southwest coordinator of the Abbas Tajudeen ticket, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, said the zone will vote for the duo.
Vice Chairman of the Joint Task for the Southwest, Wale Raji said the endorsement was just an affirmation of their earlier support for the Abbas/Kalu ticket.
He said: “What we have done is an affirmation of our earlier endorsement. It is my pleasure to report that out of 71 members from the Southwest, 68 are present here to append their signatures. Two others have called to say that they are on their way.”
Adeyemi said 22 of the 24 members from Lagos, nine from Ogun, 13 from Oyo, nine from Osun, six from Ekiti and nine from Ondo signed to support Abbas/Kalu.
He said: “The total number of members from Southwest that will be voting for Abbas as Speaker is 68.”
Similarly, 35 of the 43 members-elect from the Southeast endorsed Abbas and Kalu.
Leader of the Southeast caucus, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, said the 35 members signed the document to support them.
Igariwey is optimistic that the remaining eight members of the caucus who were not in Abuja at the time of the endorsement would sign the document before the inauguration of the House.
From the Northwest with 92 members-elect, 72 have reportedly signed up for the Abbas/Kalu ticket, while 32 out of the 51 members from the Northcentral and 37 of 48 members from the Northeast have also endorsed the duo.
At their separate meetings which took place at the Abuja Continental Hotel (former Abuja Sheraton) and Transcorp Hilton, the lawmakers from the Northwest and Northcentral resolved to support one of their own for the Speakership position.
The Communication Adviser to the Tajudeen-Ben Kalu group (TBK) and lawmaker-elect for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, described the success recorded as a victory for the quest to build a stable, strong, united, harmonious and all-inclusive Parliament that will deliver on life-changing people’s legislation.
Ugochinyere described Abbas and Kalu’s legislative competence, capacity, and their door-to-door engagement with members-elect, as reasons for the across-board acceptance.
He said: “After Abbas and Kalu presented their road map to the lawmakers-elect from the two regions, they rose in their different zonal engagement with them and resolved to vote for the duo in a landslide.
“They praised the legislative competence of Abbas and Kalu, which saw them moving over 100 bills that have over 23 already signed into law, and said the 10th National Assembly should elect them because of their legislative capacity rooted in teamwork, inclusiveness, and humility.”
It’s time to work for Nigerians, says Speaker Abbas
By Tony Akowe and Nicholas Kalu, Abuja
Newly elected Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has extended a hand of fellowship to his fellow contestants, saying it was time to forge ahead and work together for the common good of Nigerians.
In his inaugural speech, Abbas described the campaign period as democracy at play.
He reminded the members they were holding the mandate on behalf of the Nigerians and must work to justify the confidence of the people.
He said his victory as Speaker was about honouring the trust that has been placed on them and working tirelessly to deliver on the promises of good governance and effective representation.
According to him: “I offer my deepest gratitude and thanks to the Almighty God for His divine guidance and blessings throughout this journey. It is through His grace that I stand before you today as the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.
“I wish to sincerely thank you all for finding me worthy of being your Speaker, out of the 360 of us, who are all equals. I also thank Almighty Allah for making this journey possible.
“To the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and my party, the APC, I say a big thank you for finding me competent to be nominated to serve in this position for the Nigerian people. I thank every other person who has directly or indirectly contributed to this journey.
“This victory is not just about me. It is about all of us coming together as a united House to serve the Nigerian people diligently. It is about honouring the trust that has been placed on us and working tirelessly to deliver on our promises of good governance and effective representation.
“It is worthy to note that the speakership campaign witnessed in the past few months was democracy at play. But today, all of that has come to pass, and it is time to forge ahead and work together for our people for our common good.
” I do not take this mandate bestowed on me as the Nigerian Speaker for granted. I want to assure you today that I shall be just and fair to every one of you irrespective of our perceived differences.
“I shall operate a House that you all will be proud of. I shall be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the House Rules. Our doors will be open for members of APC, PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, APGA, SDP, ADC and YPP as we strongly believe nation building is a Joint Task.”
We contested Speakership to protect democracy – Wase, Jaji
By Tony Akowe, Abuja
immediate past Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase and Hon. Ahmed Sani Jaji who contested the Speakership has said they contested the election in the true spirit of democracy.
While Wase expressed his strong belief democracy should be allowed to thrive, Jaji said he is one of those who stands to protect democracy.
Speaking while accepting his nomination to contest the position of Speaker, Wase said he does not believe that the process of democracy should be truncated or the hands of members tied.
He said he was offering himself as Speaker of the House to serve as the voice of the voiceless in the country and be a true representative of the populace.
Accepting his nomination, Wase said:”My respected colleagues, Members-Elect, I stand to first of all appreciate God Almighty for the journey so far in my life. We are very few, 360 among the over 200 million Nigerians to represent them and act on their behalf.
“Colleagues, I want to thank you and appreciate you for the support. I want to say that I believe democracy should thrive. I believe in equity, fairness and justice. I believe that Nigeria must move forward. I believe that we don’t need to truncate and tie our hands down.
“It is in the light of this that I pray that God Almighty continue from what our founding fathers have done who have sacrificed their lives for democracy.
“My heart bleeds as I see what is going on in the country. Colleagues, we all fought and continue to fight for democracy. I hereby submit myself to be the voice of the voiceless, to be the true representatives of the Nigerian populace, to be a co-partner in the Nigerian development project. I hereby accept the nomination”.
On his part, Sani Jaji said: “Today is a day of history, a day that all of us must reckoned with democracy. This nomination comes to me as a source of concern and I feel excited that today on the 13 of June, I’m one of those who stand to protect and defend democracy.
“It’s like yesterday that we concluded the general election where all the political parties participated despite the fragile unity that we have in the country and by the grace of God we were able to overcome it.
“So this election will not be different from the other one. We stand to believe power is from God. Is only God that will give power to whoever he wishes and if given the opportunity we will do the needful. Dear Honourable Colleagues, I rise to accept the nomination by my Honourable Colleagues wholeheartedly”.
Lawmakers from Plateau (where Wase comes from) and Zamfara (where Jaji comes from) voted against the two candidates.
Only Tijani Kayode from Kwara and Abdulmumin Mohammed Ari from Nasarawa who nominated and seconded the nomination of Wase as well as Yusuf Ahmed Doro and Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim both from Katsina who nominated and seconded Sani Jaji voted for the two aspirants.
BREAKING: Kalu elected Deputy Speaker unopposed
By Tony Akowe, Abuja
Immediate past spokesman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu has been elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives unopposed.
Kalu was nominated for the position by Babajimi Benson from Lagos State and seconded by Khadijat Bukar Abba Ibrahim from Yobe state.
Kalu is the APC endorsed candidate for the position.
Benson said the nomination was necessary in the interest of inclusion and addressing perceived marginalisation.
After calling for more nomination with none forthcoming, the Clerk to the National Assembly declared Kalu elected as Deputy Speaker and proceeded to administer the path of office on him.
Details Shortly…
BREAKING: Tajudeen Abbas emerges Speaker
By Tony Akowe, Abuja
The preferred candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Tajudeen Abbas has emerged Speaker after polling 353 votes out of the 359 votes cast.
Abbas was declared winner at exactly 11.44 am by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambuwal.
Former Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase and Ahmed Sani Jaji scored three votes each.
One member-elect, who died immediately after the general elections, was the only member that did not vote.
Immediate past Speaker and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila took part in the election.
Details Shortly…
BREAKING: Abass inches to emerging Speaker
By Nicholas Kalu, Abuja
The preferred candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, is coasting to victory in the ongoing contest.
The two other contestants for the race are immediate Deputy Speaker Hon Ahmed Wase and Aminu Jaji.
Before the election on the floor of the House the Clerk announced 359 lawmakers out of 360 were present for the election.
The open ballot system was adopted for the election.
So far, out of the over 200 members that have voted, the two other contestants have scored less than five votes.
Details Shortly…
BREAKING: Barau emerges Deputy Senate President unopposed
By Sanni Onogu and Tony Akowe, Abuja
Senator Jilbrin Barau has been elected Deputy Senate President unopposed.
Senator Dave Umahi nominated him while Senator Saliu Mustapha seconded the motion.
There was no counter-nomination, making the Clerk to the National Assembly Sani Tambuwal declare him elected unopposed.
Details Shortly…
BREAKING: Akpabio sworn in as Senate President
By Sanni Onogu and Tony Akowe, Abuja
Senator Godswill Akpabio has been sworn in as the Senate President.
He took the oath of office shortly after he was elected.
The Clerk to the National Assembly Sani Tambuwal swore in at exactly 9: 45am.
Details Shortly ..
BREAKING: Akpabio elected Senate President
By Sanni Onogu, Abuja
Senator Godswill Akpabio has been elected Senate President.
He was declared by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Tambuwal after a keenly contested poll.
Akpabio scored 63 while Senator Abdulaziz Yari got 46.
Details Shortly…
PHOTOS: White House decorated for inauguration
Heavey Security mounted at Federal Secretariat axis gate of the National Assembly
By Nicholas Kalu
Heavy Security presence in NASS
By Tony Akowe, Abuja
There is heavy security around the National Assembly as Senators Elect and members elect of the House of Representatives are to be inaugurated today.
Security operatives drawn from the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps as well as National Assembly security are on ground to ensure security in and outside the Assembly complex.
The Nation discovered that entrance to the National Assembly from the Federal Secretariat junctions was blocked by heavily armed security personnel.
Staff and others accredited to the National Assembly could only gain access into the Assembly using the SGF gate.
Many of the lawmakers were seen being ferried to National Assembly in coaster buses, while others preferred to drive themselves to the venue, creating gridlock at the only entrance into the complex.
Many of the Assembly staff and other support service are not allowed access into the premises, while ongoing construction work in the Complex has been put on hold.
All 55 members-elect of the House of Representatives from the South-South geopolitical zone have endorsed Rep. Tajudeen Abbas to emerge as speaker of the 10th Assembly.
In a statement by the Abba Campaign Team on Monday, the members-elect also endorsed Rep. Benjamin Kalu as Deputy Speaker in the June 13 elections.
The statement said that the endorsement had brought the number of incoming lawmakers backing the ticket to over 290.
Addressing the candidates and their team, Rep. Unyime Idem, a member-elect from Akwa Ibom, stated that it had come to a point where the South-South caucus must key into the vision and agenda of the Abbas/Kalu ticket.
Idem, a Co-ordinator in the Abbas Campaign Team, said that the Abbas/Kalu ticket had been vigorously promoted by the Joint Task 10th Assembly Coalition.
Idem expressed gratitude to his colleagues from the South South for trusting him with the task of conveying their decision to the Joint Task.
“I consider it a great privilege welcoming our incoming Speaker and Deputy by the grace of God. As a coordinator, it gives me pleasure to announce that we have 55 members of the South-South caucus who have penned their signatures in support of the joint ticket.
“I therefore want to assure you that we will have the whole 55 as they are going to appear in the chamber on Tuesday to give you 55 votes from the South-South geopolitical zone,” Idem said.
In response to the announcement, the co-Chairman of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, Rep. Usman Kumo (APC-Gombe), thanked Idem for his leadership so far in the course of the campaign.
According to him, “55-over-55 is something we are not surprised, given the level of support we have enjoyed from key members of the caucus.
“As I stand before you, raised by destiny and privilege to steer this ship, I have my elder brothers with me, particularly from the South-South, such as Rep. Kingsley Chinda.
“I want to say that the zone has paid its due and what is remaining now is for Abbas and Kalu to reciprocate at the end of the day.
“And I want to assure you that by the character of the incoming Speaker and his Deputy, you will not be disappointed.”
Also, Kalu expressed gratitude to the caucus for believing in the initiative to institutionalise a legislature anchored on the principles of equity and inclusiveness.
Kalu said the campaign, which started like a ‘mustard seed’, had germinated and grown to a level of acceptance and support from members-elect across the country.
“I stand here also as part of the South and I said to myself that getting the endorsements of the South-East and South-West was not going to be complete for me without having the South-South.
“I thank God, the South-South has completed the circle by adopting us and we are so very grateful.
“I want to appreciate you for coming in your numbers and you have also invested in this project, invested money-wise even when some people did not believe in us then.
“Many notable South-South lawmakers have shown great interest and commitment with some appearing on television to shout to the world about this project and today we are witnessing the result of that effort,” Kalu said.
Kalu, the former spokesperson for the House, said speakership aspirant Abbas was hardworking, detribalised and transparent.
Kalu said that it was Abbas’ sterling qualities that inspired lawmakers, including the Speaker of the 9th Assembly, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, to lobby for him to become the next speaker.
Kalu said he and Abbas acknowledged the pivotal role colleagues from the South-South have played in bringing about the idea behind his speakership ambition.
He thanked the members-elect for their support and assured that he would not take their generousity and solidarity for granted.
(NAN)
Kalu, Izunazo, 13 other South-east Senators-elect allegedly backing Akpabio
By Sanni Onogu, Abuja
Few hours to the inauguration of the 10th Senate, two leading aspirants for the position of Senate President, Orji Uzor Kalu and Osita Izunaso as well as 13 other southeast Senators-elect may have endorsed Godswill Akpabio after their meeting with him in Abuja.
Outgoing Senate President Ahmad Lawan also met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Godswill, where the Yobe Senator allegedly promised to deliver the former Akwa Ibom Governor on Tuesday.
The Director-General of Akpabio Campaign Organization, Ali Ndume, told newsmen that 15 senators-elect from the South East, met with Akpabio, where they reportedly endorsed his candidacy.
With the purported endorsement, according to Ndume, Abdulaziz Yari’s bid for the position of Senate President may have hit the rocks and his plans of usurping the zoning arrangements of the APC may have failed.
Speaking further, Ndume said former Governors from the North, who hitherto refused to support Akpabio, have also made a U-turn. He listed some of them as Danjuma Goje (Gombe); Aliyu Wamakko(Sokoto) and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi) among others.
He said that Sani Musa, vying for the Deputy Senate President, has also stepped down and endorsed Jibrin Barau.
Yari accuses Akpabio’s camp of celebrating alleged imminent arrest
By Sanni Onogu, Abuja
A Senate presidential aspirant, Abdulaziz Yari, has accused supporters of All Progressives Congress(APC) favoured candidate Senator Godswill Akpabio of celebrating a rumour that he will be arrested and whisked away from Abuja before Tuesday morning.
In a swift reaction, a Senator-elect in Akpabio’s camp denied the accusation adding that only the guilty should be afraid.
The former Zamfara Governor, according to a source in his camp, is enjoying massive support putting Akpabio’s camp and some influential powers on edge.
The source said: “Just last Saturday, Akpabio and his stability group convened a meeting aimed at displaying his popularity but became disappointed by the below-the average attendance recorded at the meeting.
“Also shocked by the poor attendance, Vice president Shettima Kashim, said he would embark upon serious campaign aimed at poaching Senators-Elect from the camp of Yari.
“But as the hour of election drew closer and no Senators-Elect has agreed to leave the camp of Yari, desperation set in within the camp of Akpabio resulting in revelations from the camp that pressure will be mounted on security agents including the DSS, the Police and the EFCC to do everything possible to prevent Yari and many of his key supporters from accessing the National Assembly on Tuesday.
“The desperation, it was learnt, is resulting into a complete breach of an existing court order which had restrained the security agents from arresting Yari.
“Specifically, Justice Donatus Okorowo-led Federal High Court in Abuja had barred barred the EFCC, ICPC and DSS from detaining Yari until June 27, 2023 when they should appear to show cause.
“Last Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja extended the order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and Department of State Services (DSS) from detaining Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari.
“Justice Donatus Okorowo extended the order on Thursday after Yari’s counsel, Michael Aondoaka, SAN, made an oral application to the effect.
“The development occurred following a plea for an adjournment moved by the lawyer to the EFCC, Gloria Ogbason, and her counterpart representing the ICPC, Kemi Odogun, to enable them to file their responses to Yari’s motion.
“Upon resumed hearing in the matter, Aondoaka informed that all the respondents had been served as directed by the court.
“Aondoaka’s application for an extension of the order. Justice Okorowo, who adjourned the matter until June 27, barred the EFCC, ICPC and DSS from detaining Yari until they appear to show cause in the next adjourned date.”
However a Senator-elect in Akpabio’ camp dismissed the allegations saying only the guilty should be afraid.”
The source said: “We know that since on Wednesday Abdul’aziz Yari had gone underground for fear of being arrested because no body has seen him since then.
“Besides, why did he run to court to stop security agencies from arresting him? Why is Yari afraid if his hands are clean. Only the guilty should be afraid. How can a lawmaker attempt to use the judiciary against the legislature?
“We know that at present they are telling lawmakers to swear to an oath and collect money by pledging their first child as ransom.
“As a Christian, I cannot take such money because I don’t want to endanger my first child’s future.
“We know other lawmakers that have cases with security agencies but they have not gone to court to seek an order to stop security agencies from arresting them.
“On our part, we have made up our minds to elect Akpabio as Senate President based on competence and capability to lead the 10th Senate and we will stick to that during voting on the floor if need be.”
PHOTOS: Tinubu meets Akpabio, Uzodinma, Lawan
Akpabio’ll emerge Senate President – Uzodinma
By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
Less than 24 hours to the inauguration of the 10th Senate, the All progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence Senator Godswill Akpabio will emerge the next president of the 10th Senate.
Imo Governor, Hope Uzodinma, expressed the party’s confidence during a chat with journalists, after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Uzodinma, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), said the committee set up by President Tinubu to resolve the controversy over the forthcoming leadership race has achieved substantial progress in collaboration with the outgoing Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.
He assured that Lawan will work for the emergence of the preferred candidates of the party.
Also speaking, Akpabio assured of a united 10th Senate under his leadership.
The President’s media team led by Mr Dele Alake, a member of the Presidential Strategic Team, announced this to reporters in Abuja.
According to Alake, who was accompanied by other members of the media team, including Tunde Rahman and Abdulaziz Abdulaziz and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, David Adejoh, the new law is a fulfilment of one of the electoral promises of the President Tinubu.
Asked if the new law will not encourage inflation of school fees, Alake said the two situations are unrelated, adding that the idea behind the law is to help indigent students obtain education in the country.
“We are very happy to announce to you that today, just a few minutes ago, the President His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed into law, the Student Loans Bill and that Student Loans Bill, you all know what it entails, what it connotes the meaning.
“This is the promise made during the presidential campaign by the then candidate, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that he will bring back the student loans issue to the front burner and today, that promise he made has been kept, he has just signed that bill into law, which henceforth, will allow or enable our indigent students to access federal government loans to fund their educational pursuit or career and this is how it’s done in other developed climes all over the world,” he said.
As part of activities to mark the 2023 Democracy day celebration, President Bola Tinubu is inspecting a Guard of Honour at the Forecourt of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Awaiting the arrival of President Tinubu are Vice President Kashim Shettima, who arrived the Forecourt a few minutes to 10am; President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan; Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume.
Others present at the Forecourt are Lagos Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu; former Zamfara Governor, Bello Matawalle; National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu; and the party’s Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore.
Also awaiting the President are the Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor; the service chiefs; Inspector-General of Police; other senior security chiefs and other senior government officials.
Former Vice President to the winner of the June 12 1993 Presidential Election, Ambassador Babagana Kingkibe, is a special feature at the event marking the significance of the June 12, 1993, Presidential election.
Details Shortly…
Picture:
President Tinubu receiving salute from the Quarter Guard
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to repay the trust and mandate of Nigerians with dividends of democracy.
He said the removal of fuel subsidy was to free up the massive resources of the nation in the pocket of a few rich, admitting it posed temporary pains on the masses.
He however said the sacrifice will be repaid with provision of infrastructure, transportation, education and others to lift the standard of living.
Tinubu, on his maiden democracy speech to mark the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential poll won by late Chief MKO Abiola, said : ” Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain.
“The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.”
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to bear with his administration on its decision to implement the fuel subsidy removal of the last administration, assuring them that it is a decision that will save the country from collapsing.
President Tinubu made the appeal in his Democracy Day speech on Monday morning, explaining that the decision would help Nigeria to preserve resources, which he said his administration would devote to other critical sectors for public good.
According to the President, June 12’s significance is in the ideal of the icon of the day and acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola, whose ideal and objective was to deploy state resources to deliver the the answer to defeating poverty to the Nigerian masses.
He however called all Nigerians to dedicate themselves to ensuring democracy survives in Nigeria, even as he vowed to ensure his administration dedicates itself to every component of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
“The democracy that will yield right dividends to the people who are the shareholders means more than just freedom of choice and right to get people into elective offices. It means social and economic justice for our people. To the winner of June 12, democracy offers the best chance to fight and eliminate poverty.
“Thirty years ago, he christened his campaign manifesto, ‘Farewell to Poverty’ because he was convinced that there is nothing divine about poverty. It is a man-made problem that can be eliminated with clearly thought out social and economic policies.
“It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up for collective use the much-needed resources, which had hitherto been pocketed by a few rich. I admit that the decision will impose extra burden on the masses of our people. I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements.
“Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives,” he said.
Text of Democracy Day broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Fellow Nigerians.
It is exactly three decades today that Nigerians went to the polls to exercise their inalienable right to elect a President of their choice to lead the transition from military dictatorship to a representative government of the people.
The abortion, by military fiat, of the decisive victory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the June 12, 1993, presidential election, up to that time, the fairest and freest election in the country’s political evolution, turned out, ironically, to be the seed that germinated into the prolonged struggle that gave birth to the democracy we currently enjoy since 1999.
In rising to strongly oppose the arbitrary annulment of the will of the majority of Nigerians as expressed in that historic election, the substantial number of our people who participated in the struggle to de-annul the election signified their fierce commitment to enthroning democracy as a form of government that best ennobles the liberty, the dignity of the individual and the integrity as well as the stability of the polity. The fierce opposition to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the unrelenting pro-democracy onslaught it unleashed was the equivalent of the battle against colonial rule by our founding fathers that resulted in the gaining of Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
Just like the anti-colonial movement, the pro-June 12 vanguard demonstrated, once again, the enduring validity of the 19th century historian, Arnold Toynbee’s eternal postulation, that civilisation and societies experience progress as they are forced to respond to challenges posed by the environment. The unjust annulment of a widely acknowledged free and fair election was a challenge that elicited resistance by a resurgent civil society, leading ultimately to the attainment of our ‘second independence’ as exemplified by the return of democratic governance in 1999.
Fellow compatriots, we celebrate a day that has remained a watershed in our nation’s history, not just today, but for every June 12, for the endless future that our beloved country shall exist and wax stronger and stronger, generations of Nigerians will always remind themselves that the democracy that is steadily growing to become the defining essence of our polity was not gifted to us on a silver platter.
We can easily recall the sacrifice and martyrdom of Chief MKO Abiola, the custodian of the sacred mandate that was so cruelly annulled. He sacrificed his life in unyielding, patriotic defence of the ideals of democracy as symbolised in his choice, by his fellow countrymen and women, as their duly-elected President. There was an easier choice for him. It was to forgo the justice of his cause and opt for the path of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power. To his eternal credit and immortal glory, Abiola said no. He demonstrated the time-tested eternal truth that there are certain ideals and principles that are far more valuable than life itself.
Everyday, on this day, down the ages we will recall the several other heroes of democracy, such as Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief Abiola, who was brutally murdered while in the trenches fighting on the side of the people. We remember Pa Alfred Rewane, one of the heroes of our independence struggle and Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (retd.) who were silenced by the military junta while in pursuit of democracy. They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today.
The point is that we must never take this democracy for granted. We must forever jealously guard and protect it like a precious jewel.For, a people can never truly appreciate the freedoms and rights democracy guarantees them until they lose it.
We have traversed the dark, thorny path of dictatorship before and those who experienced it can readily testify to the unbridgeable gap between the dignity of freedom and the humiliation and degradation of tyranny. True, rancorous debates, interminable wrangling, ceaseless quarrels, bitter electoral contestations may be perceived by some as unattractive features of democracy. But they also testify to its merit and value.
This year, we held the seventh in the cycle of elections that have become sacred rituals of our democratic practice in this dispensation since 1999.
That the polls were intensely contested is in itself positive evidence that democracy is well and alive in our land. It is only natural that even as those who won and experienced victory in the various elections are elated and fulfilled, those who lost are disenchanted and disappointed. But the beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections.
Those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph. Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.
For Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of this day, in whose memory June 12 became a national holiday, democracy is eternal.
It is about rule of law and vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions. It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.
The recent harmonization of the retirement age for judicial officers is meant to strengthen the rule of law, which is a critical pillar of democracy. The reform has just started.
The democracy that will yield right dividends to the people who are the shareholders means more than just freedom of choice and right to get people into elective offices. It means social and economic justice for our people. To the winner of June 12, democracy offers the best chance to fight and eliminate poverty. Thirty years ago, he christened his campaign manifesto, ‘Farewell to Poverty’ because he was convinced that there is nothing divine about poverty. It is a man-made problem that can be eliminated with clearly thought out social and economic policies.
It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up for collective use the much-needed resources, which had hitherto been pocketed by a few rich. I admit that the decision will impose extra burden on the masses of our people. I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements.
Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.
The democracy MKO Abiola died for is one that promotes the welfare of the people over personal interests of the ruling class and one where the governed can find personal fulfillment and happiness. That is the hope MKO Abiola ignited throughout our country in 1993.
On this year’s Democracy Day, I enjoin us all to rededicate ourselves to strengthening this form of government of free peoples that has been our guiding light these past 24 years. In particular, those of us who have been privileged to be elected into public offices at various levels in both the executive and legislative arms of government must recommit ourselves to offering selfless service to the people, and delivering concrete democracy dividends in accordance with our electoral promises.
On my part and that of my administration, I pledge anew our commitment to diligently fulfilling every component of our electoral pact with the people – the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
We shall be faithful to truth. Faithful to equity. And faithful to justice. We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people.
On this note, I wish us all a happy Democracy Day celebration and pray that the light of liberty shall never be extinguished in our land.
Thank you all and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu this morning reminded Nigerians of the sacrifices made to attain democracy, saying everything must be done to defend it.
In a 25-paragrah Democracy Day broadcast, aired on television and radio stations, he said the sacrifices made by the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Abiola, and others, must not be in vain.
The President also urged Nigerians to expect a better deal from his administration in the months to come.
President Tinubu, who said Judicial reforms had begun in a bid to strengthen the rule of law, restated why petrol subsidy had to go.
He said the subsidy mostly benefited a few people and was unsustainable.
According to the President, democracy did not come on a platter, especially given the sacrifices of heroes of the June 12 struggle.
President Tinubu said: “The abortion, by military fiat, of the decisive victory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the June 12, 1993, presidential election, up to that time, the fairest and freest election in the country’s political evolution, turned out, ironically, to be the seed that germinated into the prolonged struggle that gave birth to the democracy we currently enjoy since 1999.
“In rising to strongly oppose the arbitrary annulment of the will of the majority of Nigerians as expressed in that historic election, the substantial number of our people who participated in the struggle to de-annul the election signified their fierce commitment to enthroning democracy as a form of government that best ennobles the liberty, the dignity of the individual and the integrity as well as the stability of the polity.
“The fierce opposition to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the unrelenting pro-democracy onslaught it unleashed were the equivalent of the battle against colonial rule by our founding fathers that resulted in the gaining of Nigeria’s independence in 1960.”
The president added: “Every day, on this day, down the ages, we will recall the several other heroes of democracy such as Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief Abiola, who was brutally murdered while in the trenches fighting on the side of the people.
“We remember Pa Alfred Rewane, one of the heroes of our independence struggle and Maj.- Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua who were silenced by the military junta while in pursuit of democracy. They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today.
“The point is that we must never take this democracy for granted. We must forever jealously guard and protect it like a precious jewel. For, a people can never truly appreciate the freedoms and rights democracy guarantees them until they lose it.
“We have traversed the dark, thorny path of dictatorship before and those who experienced it can readily testify to the unbridgeable gap between the dignity of freedom and the humiliation and degradation of tyranny.
“True, rancorous debates, interminable wrangling, ceaseless quarrels, bitter electoral contestations may be perceived by some as unattractive features of democracy. But they also testify to its merit and value,” he said.
The President appealed to Nigerians to bear with his administration on its decision to implement the fuel subsidy removal.
He pointed out that the decision would help Nigeria to preserve resources, which he said his administration would devote to other critical sectors for the public good.
President Tinubu said: “To the winner of June 12, democracy offers the best chance to fight and eliminate poverty. Thirty years ago, he christened his campaign manifesto, ‘Farewell to Poverty’ because he was convinced that there is nothing divine about poverty. It is a man-made problem that can be eliminated with clearly thought-out social and economic policies.
“It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up for collective use the much-needed resources, which had hitherto been pocketed by a few rich.
“I admit that the decision will impose extra burden on the masses of our people. I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements.
“Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain.
“The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.
“The democracy MKO Abiola died for is one that promotes the welfare of the people over the personal interests of the ruling class and one where the governed can find personal fulfilment and happiness. That is the hope MKO Abiola ignited throughout our country in 1993.
The President also assured citizens that his administration would uphold the rule of law and protect democracy.
“It is about the rule of law and vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions.
“It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.
“The recent harmonisation of the retirement age for judicial officers is meant to strengthen the rule of law, which is a critical pillar of democracy. The reform has just started,” he said.
On the 2023 elections, President Tinubu said: “This year, we held the seventh in the cycle of elections that have become sacred rituals of our democratic practice in this dispensation since 1999.
“That the polls were intensely contested is in itself positive evidence that democracy is well and alive in our land. It is only natural that even as those who won and experienced victory in the various elections are elated and fulfilled, those who lost are disenchanted and disappointed.
“But the beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections.
“Those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph. Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.
“We shall be faithful to the truth. Faithful to equity. And faithful to justice. We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people.
“On this note, I wish us all a happy Democracy Day celebration and pray that the light of liberty shall never be extinguished in our land.”
Nigeria’s 24 years of unbroken Fourth Republic Democracy was watered by the struggle for actualisation of his June 12, 1993 mandate and death of winner of the election, Chief Abiola.
The annulment of the famous poll won by the late business mogul, by Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, set Nigeria on political fire, leading to a five-year battle by pro-democracy politicians and activists for the actualisation of election results in the course of which Abiola and his wife Kudirat died.
There was also a brutal suppression by military dictator, the late Gen. Sani Abacha, who booted out and replaced the puppet Interim National Government (ING) installed by Gen. Babangida when he hastily left office.
Gen. Abacha’s death, shortly after Abiola’s brought into power Gen. Abdullsalami Abubakar in 1998.
Gen. Abdullsalami supervised the transition programme that gave birth to the Fourth Republic in 1999.
•Betera, Gagdi quit race •’We have 72 senators-elect with us’ •Yari’s group hopeful
The coast appears clear for Tajudeen Abbas (Zaria Federal Constituency) Kaduna State to become Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.
Two major aspirants – Aliyu Muktar Betara (Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency) Borno State and Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency) Plateau State – last night opted out of the Speaker’s race.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima continued their push for the All Progressives Congress (APC) preferred candidates for the National Assembly presiding officers at the weekend.
Betara and Gagdi met with President and the Vice President. The meeting was attended by Niger State Governor Umar Bago, a member of the Ninth Assembly. After the meeting the two aspirants dropped out of contention.
Shettima, in a house-to-house consultation to drum up support for Senator Godswill Akpabio/Barau Jibrin visited Senators Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Danjuma Godje (Gombe) and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi) yesterday, it was learnt.
The trio are believed to be the bulwark of support for the aspiration of Senator-elect Abdulaziz Yari for Senate Presidency.
It was also learnt that Wamakko, thereafter, agreed to back Akpabio.
Aliero gave condition that he will take a decision along the line of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
After yesterday’s meeting with President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, attended by House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, the Tajudeen Abbas/Benjamin Kalu media campaign team announced that Betara and Gagdi had stepped down from the race for Speaker.
The campaign team said: “It is worthy to note that Betara and Gagdi announced that they stepped down for Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas today, Sunday June 11, 2023 after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“As of Sunday, June 11, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (PhD) has secured the endorsement of the overwhelming majority of members-elect across the eight political parties in the six geopolitical zones, and he is ready to compete on the floor of the House and take the mantle of leadership of the 10th House come Tuesday, June 13, 2023”.
Wase, Sada, Jaji urged to drop ambition
Shettima also called on other contenders in the race to follow the examples of their colleagues in the interest of the nation and the party.
The vice president told reporters after the meeting the President Tinubu was pleased with the gesture of Betara and Gagdi, who placed party interest above their personal ambition.
He said: “Right Honourable Betara and Right Honourable Gagdi, have graciously accepted to step down and endorse the candidature of Honourable Tajudeen Abbas for the Speakership of the Federal House of Representatives.
“The President was quite touched by their gesture because what binds us together is superior to whatever divides us, we’re one big APC family and together we shall…
“We cannot thank them enough for their graciousness and we want to commend the roles played by the chief of staff to the President, by His Excellency, the executive governor of Niger State, by the leadership of the party, here represented by the Deputy National Chairman.
“I think our party members will breathe a sigh of relief, that with the two big elephants in the room, accepting to work as a collective, we believe that our house is in a very good shape.
“We are good to go and we will call on other candidates; Right Honourable Wase, Honourable Sada and right Honourable Aminu Jaji, to also see reason and collapse their structures with the Abass/Ben so that as a family, we can forge a better future for our dear nation”, Shettima said.
On Saturday night, 52 senators-elect attended a dinner at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
It was attended by Shettima and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume.
The Stability Group announced that although 52 were at the dinner, the group’s membership is 72.
Some opposition party lawmakers that attended the meeting include Senators Abba Moro (PDP), Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA) and Senator-elect Rufai Hamga (NNPP).
Senators-elect, especially from the North, are said to be fed up with propaganda that the region is at the receiving end of power distribution by the Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at the dinner, Shettima said: “I am ready to beg my colleagues. I don’t want to mention their names but I am sure I will bring about five senators-elect from the other camp to join this group.
“My friend, Senator Ibrahim Geidam will give us all the Senators-elect from Yobe State. I am working on Taraba.
“Let me leave it here, I don’t want to expose all my strategy. I will take your permission to leave now because I still have consultations to make this night.”
The Vice-President also explained why President Tinubu chose Akpabio from Southsouth and a Christian as favoured candidate for Senate President.
He recalled the demonisation which trailed the APC’s Muslim-Muslim Presidential ticket and submitted that the Akpabio-Jibrin ticket was to give Christians a sense of belonging and ultimately promote national cohesion.
He added: “This gathering represents the Nigerian nation. Here we are with a Muslim President and Vice President in a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria.
“Justice and equity demands that the number three person must be a Christian. We must strive for inclusivity. This is a young nation where every community will like to be given a sense of belong.
“Politics is about perception, it is about optics. I want to appeal to you that the stability of the nation is greater than the stability of your pocket.
“We are talking about the sustainability of the nation. The country is at a threshold.”
Akume said: “This Forum appreciates the value of diversity. Diversity, if not well managed can lead to disaster. Societies have collapsed because they can’t manage diversity.
“Your focus is stability of the polity. With the number I have seen today, this is the winning team. I wish you the best of luck on Tuesday”.
Former Ebonyi State Governor and Senator-elect for Ebonyi South Senatorial District, Dave Umahi, told Senator Shettima that the Stability Group has 72 Senators-elect backing Akpabio who is the preferred candidate of the APC and the President.
Senator Akpabio commended the Vice President and the SGF for associating with his Group by attending the dinner.
He further explained that members of the Stability Group cut across party lines.
“We will continue to bond together. This is a group of friends, brothers and sisters.
“We have one thing in mind: Stability of Nigeria. We want to assure you that this is the way to go. I want to assure you, that we shall succeed on Tuesday,” Akpabio said.
