The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff

  • Makarfi to Sheriff: Let us resign

    Makarfi to Sheriff: Let us resign

     

    …Sheriff declines, says Makarfi scheming for presidential ticket

     

     

    The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi has offered to resign his position and called on the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff to also resign.

    Makarfi said he was ready to resign, in line with the directive by former President Goodluck Jonathan asking him and Sheriff to step aside to allow the ongoing reconciliation efforts achieve results.

    But Sheriff has declined, insisting that he would go ahead to conduct the party’s planned national convention, tentatively fixed for June 30 by a reconciliation committee headed by the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.

    The two factions traded accusations at separate media briefings in Abuja on Monday.

    Spokesman of the Caretaker Committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said Makarfi and Sheriff’s resignation would create a level playing field for the party to build trust and confidence in the members.

    Adeyeye said, “We accepted President Goodluck Jonathan and the Governors’ comprehensive political solution. It called for the resignation of Senator Sheriff and the so called NWC and also the National Caretaker Committee to create a level playing field for all, and to build trust among all members.

    “We in the caretaker committee have agreed to resign as directed by former President Jonathan and the governors, but Sheriff has refused.

    “The agreement is then to be submitted to the Supreme Court as the judgment of the Court. This would have provided both political and legal solution to the logjam.

    “But Senator Sheriff rejected it and has continued to insist that he would conduct a national convention even when he does not enjoy the trust and confidence of the vast majority of party members.

    “It is therefore very clear who has a personal or hidden agenda. And I dare say, it is Senator Sheriff and not the National Caretaker Committee.

    “The Caretaker Committee has stated severally that it will go anytime that it is asked to do so by the organs of the party. We have no personal agenda or interest and we will not stay a day longer than permitted by the critical organs of the party”.

    Rebuffing the call for resignation, Sheriff, who spoke through his deputy, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, accused Makarfi of scheming to get the party’s presidential ticket for the 2019 election.

    Ojougboh said it’s Makarfi’s presidential ambition that is stalling reconciliation efforts in the party, adding that it’s for the same reason the former Kaduna State Governor has opposed the planned convention under Sheriff.

    He said, “Makarfi wants a situation where he will tailor-make the convention to suit his interest because he has come out to say that he will be contesting for the presidency of the country.

    “We are very mindful that we are not going to tie our party around any individual. That is why Sheriff said he would throw everything open. That is why we are studying the position of the reconciliation committee and that is good enough to advance our party.

    “The reason why the caretaker committee is protesting is that they have seen that the table is now crumbling fast under their feet. All the organs of the party are cueing into the reconciliation plan and when the reconciliation pulls through, they are out.

    “After that, Senator Makarfi can only come as a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT)”.

    Ojougboh further alleged that Makarfi’s opposition to the planned convention stemmed from a N50 million monthly subvention the caretaker committee has been collecting from the party’s governors.

    “They know that the N50 million monthly subventions Makarfi gets from the governors will stop after the reconciliation and convention. They know that as soon as the ongoing reconciliation pulls through they will no longer exist”, Ojougboh said.

    But Adeyeye described Ojougboh’s allegation as blackmail that is too cheap and too simplistic.

    “This is a lie from the pit of hell and a very cheap and unintelligent attempt at blackmail. It is a known fact by all critical stakeholders of the party and even the staff that the National Caretaker Committee have from inception been hamstrung by inadequate finance.

    “So much so that simple secretariat duties have been a struggle while we have been unable to pay staff salaries of just N18 Million a month. Members of the National Caretaker Committee do not enjoy any remuneration.

    “It is a selfless service. It is therefore a figment of his imagination to say that the governors give the National Caretaker Committee N50 million monthly.

    “The Governors are all alive and are free to come forward and declare publicly their level of contributions to the National Caretaker Committee since May 21, 2016”, Adeyeye retorted.

    According to him, it’s normal for organs of the party to freely make contributions towards the running of the party, stressing that there is nothing illegal about in receiving contributions from party members.

    “Our only regret is that these contributions have not been forthcoming as expected, given the heavy weight of responsibilities placed before us and especially the burden of having to deal with distractions caused by Senator Sheriff and his cohorts.

    “Nevertheless, no matter how little, it is better to be funded by our party members than by the All Progressive Congress (APC) as is the case with Senator Sheriff and his cohorts.

    “Dr. Cairo Ojougboh should tell us which APC Governor, Minister or official bought Jeeps for them? Governor Fayose has also made a public allegation that Senator Sheriff had received the sum of $1 million from the APC to organize a new convention. Senator Sheriff is yet to publicly refute the allegation”.
    “The only thing that matters to Dr. ojougboh is his own selfish and personal interest to be Deputy National Chairman at all cost. If he is offered that position today by the party, he would not think twice to abandon Sheriff. He has no locus to speak or act on behalf of the party”.

    Makarfi accused Sheriff of dodging service from the Supreme Court, as he has continued to avoid being served with cross appeal documents from the apex court.

    He urged the party chair to make himself available to be served the court papers if he believed in the merit of his case.

    “Finally, we want to ask why Senator Sheriff is running away from justice by avoiding service from the Supreme Court.

    “This is very unfair from a man who has been using the court to further his own selfish ends. He should accept service and face his case squarely if he believes in the merit of his cause”.

    Makarfi had approached the Supreme Court, challenging the February 17 judgment of the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal that affirmed Sheriff as chairman of the PDP.

     

  • Makarfi angry with Dickson over convention report

    Makarfi angry with Dickson over convention report

     

    The chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi has expressed displeasure with Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state.

    Makarfi’s anger at Dickson stemmed from the publicity given the governor’s presentation of a committee report to the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff on Tuesday.

    Among others, the said report contained recommendations for the conduct of a national convention, tentatively fixed for June 30.

    In a statement he circulated in Abuja on Wednesday, Makarfi faulted the Bayelsa Governor for making the report public without consultation with relevant stakeholders.

    According to him, the governor spurned advice to circulate and consult widely with key organs and stakeholders, adding that the said report was still subject to review and amendment.

    Makarfi said Dickson presented him with a draft of the report and that he had advised the governor to ensure proper consultation and effect some changes before making it public.

    “I am shocked and disappointed that the Gov. of Bayelsa made public presentation of a purported report approved or endorsed by us and other stakeholders as reported.

    “He met me yesterday (Tuesday) and I pointed out the problems with his proposals. That it will go against even the Court of Appeal Judgement.

    “At the end, I told him as Caretaker Committee, whatever is approved by the organs of the party that we represent, we will work with and I advised him to revert back to his colleagues and other organs. But this is what we are seeing.

    “Be that as it may, the Committee never saw any draft report even though he promised coming with it. In any case, as personal advice, I referred him back to the organs of the party and the Goodluck Jonathan Committee. There was nothing before us from organs of the party to accept or reject”.

    The said report had conceded to Sheriff powers to preside over the proposed and to select 12 members into the Convention Planning Committee, in consultation with party stakeholders.

    Among those listed as members of the Convention Planning Committee include seven serving governors, seven serving senators, 12 members of the House of Reps, six members of the BoT and six national vice chairmen.

    Others include 18 zonal chairmen, six Speakers of state assemblies; six former governors, former presiding officers of the National Assembly, six prominent Women Leaders, six youth leaders and six former ministers.

     

  • PDP crisis: Sheriff welcomes political solution

    PDP crisis: Sheriff welcomes political solution

    • As BoT chair warns against divisive tendencies

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff has welcomed the decision of key party stakeholders to find a political solution to the leadership crisis rocking the party.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan and governors elected on the platform of the party had, after a meeting Tuesday night, resolved to adopt a political solution to the crisis.

    Sheriff is locked in supremacy battle with the Ahmed Makarfi’s Caretaker Committee, which commands more followership than the Sheriff camp.

    A statement on Wednesday by the Sheriff-backed National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo, commended Jonathan and the governors for resolving to settle for a political solution.

    Oladipo’s statement said, “The NWC notes with satisfaction the stand of the body of PDP Governors on the need to adopt a political solution in bringing lasting peace to the party.

    “The NWC restates its readiness to fully participate in the peace process”.

    The statement called on workers at the party secretariat who have stayed away from their duty posts in solidarity with the Makarfi camp, to resume duties immediately.

    Meanwhile, the chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Walid Jibrin has called on members and supporters of the party to shun divisive tendencies.

    In an SMS message to newsmen on Wednesday, Jibrin urged members to stay away from party meetings with tribal, religious and sectional undertones.

    “Such meetings are suspicious and full of sinister motives aimed at dividing or killing the party. Right from its formation, the PDP has never been portrayed as a northern or southern party.

    “Therefore, nobody should unnecessarily bring in any disagreeable methodology in the handling of the party’s affairs.

    “The PDP is a national party that embraces every Nigerian regardless of tribe or religion. Any attempt to drag members into such divisive meetings will be resisted, considering especially that party leaders are busy trying to find a way forward. Everyone should remain calm refrain from taking any rash decision”, the BoT chair stated.

  • Tight security as Sheriff resumes at PDP secretariat

    Tight security as Sheriff resumes at PDP secretariat

    There was tight security Tuesday at the national secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff resumed duties.

    Police and the Nigerian Civil and Security Defence Corps (NCSDC) personnel had already taken position within and outside the secretariat building, while some took positions in adjoining streets.

    An operation truck belonging to the NCSDC was used to block the road leading to the main gate of the secretariat, forcing motorists to divert to only one of the dual carriage way in front of the building.

    One of the police officers told our correspondent that they were mobilised to provide security at the secretariat since Monday and that they were there to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

    Sheriff, who arrived the secretariat about mid-day, was accompanied by his appointed Deputy, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh; National Auditor, Adewole Adeyanju; Imo Senator, Hope Uzodinma; and a retinue of aides.

    He was on hand to receive a group of party women from Imo State who came to pay a solidarity visit.

    The women, adorned in attire with Uzodinma’s portrait, chanted praises of Sheriff and Uzodinma throughout their meeting with the party chairman.

    Sheriff assured the visiting women of a more organised PDP under his leadership, saying that his mission was to return the party to the grassroots, particularly the women and the youths.

    Workers at the secretariat however stayed away, apparently in solidarity with the rival Ahmed Makarfi led Caretaker Committee.

  • Kaduna PDP vows never to support Sheriff

    Kaduna PDP vows never to support Sheriff

    …Says it’s loyal, answerable to Makarfi

    The Kaduna State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday declared that the party will never support Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff’s led National working committee describing his reinstatement by the appeal court as an act of impunity which is against the constitution of the party.

    The party said its state executives and members are loyal and answerable to Sen. Ahmed Makarfi’s national caretaker committee leadership despite the appeal court judgement as they await Supreme Court verdict.

    State PDP in its communique signed by  Dr. John Ayuba, chairman drafting committee after the part’s meeting in Kaduna, said they stand by the judgement of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt which endorsed the decision of the 21st May, 2016 national convention.

    The communique said Kaduna PDP viewed the split decision of the two justices of the court of appeal that sat in Port Harcourt last month which nullified the decision of the national convention of 21st May,2016 and reinstated the Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff led National working committee as a miscarriage of justice and complete negation of the PDP constitution.

    The communique reads in parts: “The Kaduna State chapter of the PDP views the reinstatement of the former Sen. Sheriff led National working committee of the party by the appellate court as an act of impunity which is against the principles of the PDP constitution hence, an attempt to derail the democratic governance of our country”

    “Members of the PDP in Kaduna State should not loose focus of where we are going as we know where we are coming from. We must face the current challenges headlong to ensure that we change the change come 2019″

    While the PDP in Kaduna State remains united, strong, resolute, steadfast and solidly loyal and answerable to the national caretaker committee under the leadership of Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi”

    “The stakeholders and leaders of the party are enjoined to go back to their senatorial districts, local government areas and wards to convene meetings of the party and disseminate the foregoing to members. However, members are to remain calm, law abiding as they await the verdict of the Supreme Court on the matter,” the communique read.”

     

  • Sheriff is authentic national chairman of PDP – Ekiti senator

    Sheriff is authentic national chairman of PDP – Ekiti senator

    Sen.  Fatimat Raji-Rasaki, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District in the Senate, has declared that Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff is the authentic national chairmam of the PDP.

    She made the declaration on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti while speaking with newsmen at the end of a three-day capacity building training on ICT she organised for 100 beneficiaries in Ekiti Central senatorial district.

    Rasaki, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, also declared that the era of impunity was dead in the PDP.

    She said that the Court of Appeal judgment which affirmed Sheriff as the national chairman of PDP had afforded the party an opportunity to put its house in order.

    She said that recent developments in Ekiti and at the national level, would enable the PDP prepare ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    She described the Court of Appeal judgment as a “new lease of life’’ for members of the party.

    The senator, who distributed free laptops to participants who attended the training, stressed that anybody that wants to make impact in today’s world must be empowered technologically.

    She urged the beneficiaries to put into practice what they learnt at the training.

    Rasaki expressed sadness that impunity, lawlessness, violation of the PDP constitution and abuse of power by people whose names she did not mention, had negatively affected the party’s fortunes before the judgment.

    She expressed hope that the PDP would emerge stronger from its crises to be a party that would allow equity, justice, fair play, adherence to due process and the principles of democracy to thrive.

    The senator expressed satisfaction that the judiciary intervened and resolved the protracted crises rocking the party.

    She lauded the Ekiti chapter of the party for affirming Chief Williams Ajayi as the authentic state chairman.

    She alleged that some individuals in the PDP had turned the party into their personal property where party congresses and primaries elections to elect candidates were hijacked.

    She added that members of the party were not allowed to choose candidates of their choice.

    She said: “Crisis in any political party is part of democracy because we disagree to agree.

    “We, the authentic PDP, are being led by Ali Modu Sheriff and we thank God that the court judgment has put an end to impunity in our party.

    “Impunity is one thing that destroys any organisation or association where people decide and subscribe to rules and regulations guiding them.

    “It is a pity that some people turned the PDP to a place where one person will corner everything and turn it to PLC.

    “A party is supposed to be where everybody has a say because we are in a democracy.

    “In Ekiti, the authentic executive has won in court as well, so in the PDP, we have no option than to obey the rule of law.”

  • We’ll conduct PDP national convention soon – Sheriff

    We’ll conduct PDP national convention soon – Sheriff

    Reinstated National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, said he would organize a national convention of the party within the shortest time.

    He said the convention was imperative as it would enable interested party members to aspire for positions.

    Sheriff, who addressed a news conference on Saturday in Abuja, said that Friday’s Appeal Court judgment in Port Harcourt affirming his chairmanship of the PDP was the beginning of good things to come to the party.

    He said that he was not interested to be chairman of the party, but was more interested in reuniting the members and made sure the party had credible leaders, who would make it win the 2019 elections.

    He said that following the judgment, he had received many telephone calls from PDP leaders and that he had also reached out to many persons over the unity of the party.

    “All the leaders of the party will be consulted between now and the next one week and we will come out with a firm roadmap that will lead to successful convention.

    “I can assure you that within the shortest possible time we will organize a successful national convention so that people can aspire for whatever positions they want.

    “Regarding the ruling of the Appeal Court on Friday, I want to assured that nobody is victor and no one is a loser.

    “ In fact, I have spoken to almost all the people that are affected by the court decision and assured them of my readiness to work with them to ensure that the party returns as one family,’’ Sheriff said.

    He added that he would also reach out to the party’s reconciliation committee to ensure that it came up with roadmap leading to the national convention.

    Sheriff said that though he had full confidence in the country’s judiciary, he believed that litigation was not the best way to settle a dispute.

    “I am determined to make my honest contributions to the success of this party. By doing that, I am ready to make any sacrifice for the success of this party.

    “We don’t want PDP to lose elections again. It is painful to lose elections.

    “We need people to patronize our party, democracy is about people, you either give them their right or they leave.

    “What we are trying to do is to give the party back to the people,” he said.

    The chairman announced that all states congresses held prior to the Port Harcourt national convention remained valid, adding that congresses would only be conducted in states where it was not held.

    He, however, warned those speaking for him on the social media to desist from that in order not to compound the problem of the party.

    He advised that people should not look at the leadership tussle as fight between him or Makarfi or any other leader of the party.

    On the reopening of the locked PDP national secretariat, Sheriff said that it would be done as soon as an order on it was given by the Police.

  • No victor, No loser in PDP court case, says Sheriff

    No victor, No loser in PDP court case, says Sheriff

    Reinstated National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, said he would organize a national convention of the party within the shortest time.

    He said the convention was imperative as it would enable interested party members to aspire for positions.

    Sheriff, who addressed a news conference on Saturday in Abuja, said that Friday’s Appeal Court judgment in Port Harcourt affirming his chairmanship of the PDP was the beginning of good things to come to the party.

    He said that he was not interested to be chairman of the party, but was more interested in reuniting the members and made sure the party had credible leaders, who would make it win the 2019 elections.

    He said that following the judgment, he had received many telephone calls from PDP leaders and that he had also reached out to many persons over the unity of the party.

    “All the leaders of the party will be consulted between now and the next one week and we will come out with a firm roadmap that will lead to successful convention.

    “I can assure you that within the shortest possible time we will organize a successful national convention so that people can aspire for whatever positions they want.

    “Regarding the ruling of the Appeal Court on Friday, I want to assured that nobody is victor and no one is a loser.

    “ In fact, I have spoken to almost all the people that are affected by the court decision and assured them of my readiness to work with them to ensure that the party returns as one family,’’ Sheriff said.

    He added that he would also reach out to the party’s reconciliation committee to ensure that it came up with roadmap leading to the national convention.

    Sheriff said that though he had full confidence in the country’s judiciary, he believed that litigation was not the best way to settle a dispute.

    “I am determined to make my honest contributions to the success of this party. By doing that, I am ready to make any sacrifice for the success of this party.

    “We don’t want PDP to lose elections again. It is painful to lose elections.

    “We need people to patronize our party, democracy is about people, you either give them their right or they leave.

    “What we are trying to do is to give the party back to the people,” he said.

    The chairman announced that all states congresses held prior to the Port Harcourt national convention remained valid, adding that congresses would only be conducted in states where it was not held.

    He, however, warned those speaking for him on the social media to desist from that in order not to compound the problem of the party.

    He advised that people should not look at the leadership tussle as fight between him or Makarfi or any other leader of the party.

    On the reopening of the locked PDP national secretariat, Sheriff said that it would be done as soon as an order on it was given by the Police. (NAN)

  • PDP National Caucus endorses move to reconcile members

    PDP National Caucus endorses move to reconcile members

    The extended national caucus of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed the peace move by the Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee to reconcile with the disputed National Chairman of the party, Alhaji  Ali Modu Sheriff and his faction.

    The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen after the party’s caucus meeting.

    Adeyeye said that the purpose of the meeting was to brief the caucus on the move and get its endorsement.

    The caucus is made up of PDP governors, National Assembly caucus, Board of Trustees and other stakeholders.

    “Members of the caretaker committee are not there on their own, they were appointed by the party and they have to carry the party along in all they are doing.

    “The peace move has been finally endorsed and supported by members of caucus without any dissent voice,” he said.

    Adeyeye, however, said there were no factions in the party but aggrieved members.

    “We don’t have factions in PDP. There are some of our members who are aggrieved.

    “We are making moves to ensure peace in the party,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Makarfi and Sheriff in September expressed determination to settle the party leadership crisis.

    The peace committee is expected to be inaugurated on Monday to reunite the party.

    Commenting on the issue of some elected PDP members who had defected to APC, Adeyeye said that PDP was taking necessary steps to declare their seats vacant.

    “We are taking steps to ensure that we take back the seats from the lawmakers that defected from PDP to APC.

    “There is no factionalisation in PDP, INEC recognises the caretaker committee. All the organs of the party are in one place.

  • Makarfi committee can’t organise convention – Sheriff

    Makarfi committee can’t organise convention – Sheriff

    Estranged National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff has insisted that the Ahmed Makari led Caretaker Committee cannot organise the party’s national convention, saying the committee is an illegal body.

    Sheriff, in a statement on Tuesday by his Media Adviser, Mr. Inuwa Bwala, faulted the recognition given the caretaker committee by the Board of Trustees (BoT).

    According to him, there is no provision in the party’s constitution for a caretaker committee at the national, adding that a competent court has pronounced the committee illegal, while affirming Sheriff as the chairman.

    The statement said, “References should not even be made to the caretaker committee in the search for solutions to the PDP crisis.

    “It was the imposition of the caretaker committee in the first place, even as a contraption that precipitated the crisis, and any attempt to legitimise its function could spell further crisis for the PDP.

    “The BOT members should stop playing the ostrich and come to terms with the reality of Sheriff’s chairmanship, until a proper convention is organized.”

    The Sheriff camp said the Chairman of the BOT, Senator Walid Jibrin has forfeited the confidence of greater majority of party members because of his inconsistency and crave for money, and should give way to a credible person whose honour and integrity are not in dispute to steer the affairs of the PDP BOT.

    Sheriff further stated that, the BOT chairman has in his actions and utterances portrayed the BOT as being teleguided, saying he has brought credibility problem to the august body by clearly taking sides and championing the cause of particular interests in the crisis, at the expense of his leadership roles as mediator.

    “The chairman (Sheriff) was of the view that, even though the BOT lacks the powers to give orders, it has acted in breach of its sacred duty as a father and so called conscience of the party by recognising the Caretaker Committee, even when members know that it was the wrong thing to do.

    “As much as he respects the BOT members, they should not allow themselves to be dragged into fighting a war for the benefits of a few power brokers.

    “To this end, the National Chairman wishes to state categorically that, the BOT which earlier derailed peace initiatives by taking sides, coupled with the obvious roles of some of its members in the crisis, and against the background of the fact that it is merely an advisory body, lacks the moral and legitimate rights to dictate the pace of negotiations.

    “Already, the reconciliation committee, under Governor Seriake Dickson is still carrying out its assignment of reaching out to all parties, and until the committee makes its recommendations, which the national Working Committee will look at and convene a NEC meeting for necessary deliberations, the BOT’s actions are of no consequence,” the statement concluded.