All Progressive Congress (APC) Ebonyi chapter, on Monday in Abakaliki held a rally to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari’s return from medical vacation, as well as drum support for his second term in 2019.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rally created heavy human and vehicular traffic long Afikpo and old Enugu roads, among others.
Acting state APC Chairman, Mr Eze Nwachukwu, who addressed the rally, commended party faithful and other teeming supporters of APC for turning out in their large numbers for the rally.
“We thank God for the recovery of Mr President from his sickness and successful return from the medical vacation in London to resume his normal duty as president.
“The overwhelming crow that attended the rally is a clear indication that Ebonyi is indeed an APC state and by massively attending this solidarity rally is another indication of the love Ebonyi people have for our president and his populist government.
“This is the third time APC in Ebonyi is organising this type of rally to demonstrate its love, support and loyalty for Buhari and APC led central government,” Nwachukwu said.
He said that the rally was also to drum support for the people – oriented programmes and policies of the present administration, stressing that the anti- graft war of the administration had redeemed the battered image of the country at the international community.
“We have witnessed tremendous live-transforming programmes and policies which are impacting positively on the lives of the ordinary citizens, including job creation, economic repositioning, infrastructure, anti-graft and fight against insecurity, among others.
“We are calling for more support for Mr President while urging him to avail himself for 2019 to enable him consolidate on the many achievements so far recorded by his administration.
“We want to reiterate that Ebonyi is an APC state and that we pledge our unalloyed and unflinching support and loyalty to the President and Commander – in – Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ” Nwachukwu added.
The rally was attended by the Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, former Governor of Ebonyi, Chief Martin Elections, among other top party members.
The member of the House of Representatives for Anambra East/West Constituency, Tony Nwoye has emerged the flag-bearer of the All Progressive Congress, APC, for the Anambra Governorship election slated to hold on November 18.
Nwoye defeated his closest contestant, Andy Uba who is the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District and the National Auditor of the party, George Moghalu who placed third.
Announcing the results, Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima who doubles as the Primary Election committee Chairman, said Nwoye got a total of 2146 votes out a total 4333 votes cast. Senator Uba got 931 votes, while Mr Moghalu got 525 votes.
Votes for other contestants are : Bath Nwibe-414, Johnbosco Onunkwo-85, Patrick Nwike-20, Paul Chukwuma-110, and Chike Obidogbo-22.
Others are: Nonso Madu-21, Okonkwo Donatus- 10, Uzor Obinna-17 and Adaobi Uchegbu the only woman in the race got just one vote.
Thirty one votes were declared invalid while the total valid votes were 4302
With the result, Governor Willie Obiano who has since clinched the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, ticket and Mr Nwoye will slug it out in a rematch of the 2013 election which saw Mr Obiano beating Nwoye, then the flagbearer of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
Incidentally, both are kinmen as they hail from the same Anambra East local government area of the state.
Governor Shettima thanked the security agencies, party officials, INEC, members of the party everyone who assisted the committee to conduct a smooth primary election.
He said the election was free and fair as the committee was neutral and impartial to all the contestants.
Mr Nwoye thanked the Committee for the free and fair conduct of the election and called on his fellow aspirants to rally round him to ensure that the party is victorious at the polls
A Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Prince Benjamin Benedict Apugo has said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s return to the country after over 100 days in the United Kingdom on medical vacation has shamed his critics who wished him dead.
The president left Nigeria on May 7 for London for the continuation of his medical treatment of an undisclosed ailment. While in the UK, some people peddled rumours that he had become incapacitated and called for his resignation.
Speaking at his Umuahia residence in Abia State, Apugo said it was a thing of great joy for him, his family, APC members in the state and Abians in general that President Buhari not only came back to the country alive, but also fully recovered.
The Ibeku prince said while Buhari was away, so many things were said about his health with some saying the president was on life support machine while others said he was incapacitated and should resign.
Apugo was of the view that the beauty of the president’s return to the country was that his critics have been silenced and put to shame.
Describing Buhari as a man of integrity, the APC chief noted that the president’s return will oil and reinvigorate the machinery of government and called on him to re-jig his cabinet to bring in fresh blood that will better the lot of the people.
“Buhari is a man of integrity, I have no doubt that his coming back is going to oil and reinvigorate the machinery of government. My advice is that he should do a cabinet shakeup to inject new blood into the administration for the benefit of the masses.”
Apugo condemned the activities of the group that campaigned that the president should either return home or resign, stressing that it was insensitive and out of place to force the president home when doctors had not certified him fit to resume duties.
Describing the group as a tool in the hands of the opposition, the APC chieftain said since Buhari complied with the constitutional provisions before he travelled out for medical attention, the group’s protests became a thing of concern to all well Nigerians.
“It is quite unfortunate that the group, whatever their name is, did not act wisely. When someone’s father is sick and went to the hospital for medical attention, you don’t force him back home, unless you don’t love him and want him dead.
“We know that those who embarked on the protest acted a script written by the opposition, but I’m happy that the president has returned not on the weight of the so called protest, but based on his doctors’ advice.”
Apugo said the APC family and indeed all Abians are happy with the return of the president to the country and pledged total support for Buhari as he strives to reposition the nation for good.
The Committee for Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, had said that restructuring is the only alternative solution to Nigeria nation at this challenging period of economic recession under the All Progressive Congress, APC led administration.
The national president of the group, Mr. Malachy Ughwummadu who made this statement in Udu, Delta State during a 2-day National Strategic Leadership Conference with a theme: Enter to learn; Go forth to Act, said too much powers at the central has been the bane of underdevelopment of this country.
Ughwummadu who stated that the human rights group had always supported restructuring of the Nigeria nation, said distribution of powers to states and local government will not only enhance growth of this country, but also attract rapid development.
While explaining that it is only restructuring that can bring out the numerous challenges that the country has been faced over the years, Ughwummadu said that the too many powers at the central has also been traced as the route cause of bad leadership in the country.
He reiterated that the strategic leadership conference was put up as a means to re-igniting the driving force and repositioning the minds of its members on some of the problems they are encountering in the course of fighting or defending the oppressed.
The Chairman of the Delta State Chapter, Comrade Prince Kehinde Taiga said he has through the struggle to free the oppressed from the hands of their perpetrators, built a good working relationship between the group and the Delta State Police Command.
The Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Zaina Ibrahim, represented by the Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Warri, Mr. Aniete Eyoh said the police are also part of the group since they also have their rights to protect, saying that they have in their course of duty build a synergy between them and the group.
Other speakers at the ceremony which includes; Prof. Lucky Akaruese, Prof. Julius Ohonvbere and Dr. Osagie Obayuwana charged the various states chairmen at the event to carry their members along and strive hard to emulate renowned activists such as Prof. Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana among others.
Efforts by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to placate lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly to rescind their decision to remove Hon Justin Okonoboh as Speaker was said to have failed.
Governor Obaseki and the leadership of the All Progressive Congress in the state met with the lawmakers shortly after the removal of Okonoboh at the state secretariat of the party.
The meeting was held behind closed doors for more than three hours.
Deputy Governor of the state, Hon Philip Shaibu and all the APC lawmakers attended the meeting.
Sources at the meeting said the lawmakers refused to listen to pleas to return to status quo by maintaining that the leadership of the Assembly was at their discretion.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, State Chairman of the party, Barr. Anselm Ojezua said the party has intervened in the matter.
Ojezua noted that there was evidence of disagreement but that all the warring parties were on talking terms.
He said the party would schedule another meeting with the lawmakers after which the party would release a statement on the matter.
The APC chairman was however silent on whether the lawmakers agreed to return to status quo.
The impeached Speaker said he abide by the party’s decision.
Ahead of the local government election which will be held this coming Saturday in Lagos State, some of the female aspirants for Chairmanship position have said that they are ready for the election as they have all it takes to win.
In an interview with some of the aspirants, they bare their minds on how ready they are to effect positive changes in their local government areas if voted for. For Morenike Adeshina Williams, an All Progressive Congress (APC) aspirant representing Igando-Ikotun, she is one of the favoured candidates who got automatic ticket to contest in the local government election, she is said to be seeking a second term in office as Chairman. According to Hon.Williams she got the ticket as a result of her passion for imparting her immediate environment.”If voted again, I intend making more positive impact in Igando-Ikotun area”, she said.
The Chairmanship candidate for Ikeja local government Accord Party, Busola Olorundipe believes that she has all it takes to be the number one citizen of the area, having been actively involved in politics for over a decade.
According to Olorundipe, there are lots of factors working against women in politics some of which are; imposition of candidates by party leaders, violence is still synonymous with our politics, financial constraint is another factor scaring women away from participating in politics. If elected into office, she promised to operate an open-door policy irrespective of political affiliation as she will be reachable.
She goes by the appellation “The Amazon” due to her strides in women development, Hon. Titi Alli-Lawanson is the chairmanship candidate of APC, Bariga LCDA. Lawanson who believes in actualizing her goal through hardwork and dedication resigned from her job to become an active politician. She is said to have earned respect of fellow party stalwart due to her financial commitment and women development. The desire to represent women overwhelmed her hence she resigned from Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria to fulfill her political ambition.
She is not just beautiful; she is a grass root politician and a very strong mobiliser in her community, Doris Adebajo another APC Chairmanship aspirant, Mosan-Okunola LCDA, is an ardent believer in the fact that in any modern society, women should be allowed to be equal partner in the process of democratic development. Adebajo opined that women should be engaged in innovative programs that strengthen women’s political skills thereby improve the perception of women in political and social life.
She is a firm believer in women empowerment and she lives to her passion by actively engaging women in her constituency. An economics graduate from University of Lagos, she is a former special adviser to the governor in Lagos State.
For Former chief whip of Lagos State House of Assembly where she represented Amuwo-Odofin constituency 2 in the House, Hon. Ramota Akinola Hassan, an APC Chairmanship Aspirant, Oriade LCDA feel lots of women are intimidated to join politics because it is perceived to be reserved for men. She was a classroom teacher before she contested for a political seat, she didn’t disappoint her people as a lawmaker and she is also ready to effects more positive impact in her area if elected as Chairman.
A shopping complex belonging to a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State, Chief Osamede Adun popularly known as Bob Izua has been demolished on the orders of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The shopping complex which has 218 stores was built along mission road.
Officials of the Edo state government carried out the demolition exercise at about 11:00 p.m Wednesday night 11:00 p.m Wednesday night.
Several traders who had secured stores at the shopping complex were perplexed at the action of Governor Obaseki.
The traders said they paid as much as between N300,000 and N500,000 including N100,000 paid as ‘kola’ for government officials.
It was gathered that ‘stop work’ notice was placed on the building last week and the building sealed even when some traders were already planning to move in.
A trader who has paid for shop at the complex who gave his name as Eze said he paid N400,000 and N100,000 as kola for a shop.
He said the traders would meet with Chief Adun to refund their money to them.
Explaining why the shopping complex was demolished, Governor Obaseki who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki, the action was to show his commitment to enforcing all physical and town planning laws in the state.
Governor Obaseki stated that he want to restore integrity to the environment’s masterplan.
He said the demolished structure was at variance with what was approved adding that notices were served for the APC chieftain to stop work.
The demolished shopping complex
Obaseki said Chief Adun sought approval for 30 shops with adequate allowances for space and internal staircases but a structure with over 150 shops and external staircases without provision for parking was erected.
He stated that the structure constituted a breach of the property and to all known town planning laws and even to the plan, which was submitted for approval.
Nobody is above the law, neither is anyone’s interest bigger than the public’s interest. No parking space was provided for owners of the would-be shops at the property. The property is being constructed at the heart of the city and shoppers and shop owners will have to park by the roadside and that can cause congestion on the roads.
“In specific terms, Mayaki revealed: “the plan, for which the owner sought approval, provided for 30 shops with adequate allowances for space and internal staircases, but what Edo people later discovered was a structure with 150 shops and external staircases, just as there was no provision for parking.
“I am also glad to report to you that the government exists for the good and interest of the public and that is the interest the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is serving. The public is even happier that the government is creating the right of way for them,” he further explained.
On his part, Chief Adun said he bought the land from three families and got approval from the state government to commence the building.
Chief Adun said he sold part of the land to the state government for N135m while displaying documents of how he acquired the property.
His words: “The building was approved. Do you do demolition at night? My son who went there to remove some things but was arrested.
I am the leader of APC in this state. The land was not acquired illegally. I borrowed N750,000, 000 to build that house. I also sold my house in the US to build the house. The government should tell me how they want me to build it and not for them to take the land.
Some of the traders in a protest march said they want their money to be refunded.
The spokesman for the traders, Celestine Okoro said, “In December last year (2016), we made an advance payment for 2017. I have two stores there. Depending on the size of the store, some persons paid N200,000, some paid N150,000. The least amount is for those paying for attachments, which cost N70,000.
“All of us have paid for 2017. In January, we were informed by the landlord that he wants to demolish the building and replace it with a standard one. When the building got to the lintel level, he demanded another payment, which called ‘kola money,’ or consultation fee.
“The old tenants paid N100,000 while the new ones paid N120,000. We also paid an extra N175,000 or N400,000 for seven months, depending on the size.
“Surprisingly, the governor came last week and sealed the place. Since then, we have been hanging around to hear from him (governor). But we were kept in the dark. We did not know what our fate was until this morning (Thursday) when the building was demolished.”
Three suspected thugs have been arrested over Monday’s attack on a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress and a former governorship aspirant in Edo State, Chief Blessing Agbomhere.
Agbomhere was beaten and bloodied in the mouth by over 30 thugs at the Benin Airport shortly after he arrived from Abuja.
Also attacked was a former governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Movement in Bayelsa State, Moses Siasia, who accompanied Agbomhere to Benin City.
Agbomhere said the thugs kept saying he was disrespecting their boss, a chieftain of the APC.
He said it was security details attached to the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Zanna Ibrahim, that rescued him from the thugs.
The thugs were suspected to be loyalists of Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon Philip Shaibu, who came on the same flight with the duo.
Speaking to newsmen at the Police Command headquarters in Benin City, Agbomhere alleged that he met the deputy governor at the Abuja Airport but avoided him.
He said, “I have been known to be courageous and fearless. When we came into Benin, I was immediately attacked by some criminals who were shouting kill him before the police came to rescue us. And they used all sort of weapons on me.
“I came to Benin because I am on an assignment on the development of the Niger-Delta and I am seeing this. I will not be deterred. I will continue in my effort to promote my state Edo and to ensure that I still hold public officers accountable to be people.
“If not for the timely intervention of my friend, I don’t know what some of them were planning to do. I came in with my friend who was a governorship candidate in Bayelsa state, we were together and immediately we stepped in we were attacked”.
Agbomhere further stated that the police have arrested some persons who have confessed that they were sent to assassinate him.
On his part, Moses Siasia described the attack as unfortunate for democracy and the leadership of Edo state.
According to him, “I don’t know what political differences he has with Blessing who was former aspirant, look at me from Bayelsa state, beaten this way. These are one of the things that cause tribal clashes.
“We have made our reports to the police, they have given us medical clearance and we are going to check ourselves. It is unfortunate for democracy and for leadership in Edo state”.
Edo police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, said the police was still investigating the incident.
Reacting to the alleged assault, the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Musa Ebhomiana, described Agbomhere’s claim as cheap blackmail stating that Hon Shaibu will not stoop so low attack a brother and a member of the same party with him who hailed from the same senatorial district.
He stated that even though the Deputy Governor incidentally boarded the same plane with Agbomhere, it could not have been possible for the two of them to depart the airport at the same time.
Musa explained that his boss could not have make calls from Abuja or inside the plane to the alleged thugs to attach him.
“He, (Agbomhere) should look elsewhere for those who attack him at the Benin airport,” he said.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described National Leader of the All Progressive Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as a team builder and visionary leader.
Obaseki in his birthday wishes to the former Lagos Governor described Tinubu as a progressive thinker.
Obaseki stated that Tinubu’ selfless philosophy of governance should be adopted by states across the country.
According to him, “Tinubu is a visionary leader, a team builder and Progressive thinker.
“His philosophy of governance is a model that should be adopted by states across the country.”
Former Chief Whip of the Nigeria Senate, Senator Roland Owie, has said that the newly formed mega party, the Action Democratic Congress (ADP) in Edo State will unseat the ruling All Progressive Congress in the 2019 general elections.
Senator Owie who is the South-South Coordinator of the ADP said the party is built on the strength of women and youths in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the party executives in Edo State, Senator Owie assured party supporters that youth and women would be given 50 percent appointments.
Owie told party supporters that the ADP would conduct direct party primaries in which all party members would elect their candidates instead of through party delegates.
He also called on the House of Representatives to scrap all states Independent Electoral Commission in its move to amend the constitution.
[quote font_size=”18″ font_style=”italic” color=”#ededed” bgcolor=”#074f26″ bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]This party, the ADP will bring joy to Nigerians. It is a party for youths and women empowerment. Under ADP, we will ensure party supremacy and will not tolerate indiscipline – Senator Owie[/quote]
Newly inaugurated state chairman of the party, Hon Oloruntobi Gabriel, said the ADP would not be afraid to criticise anti-people policies and would not be too arrogant to acknowledge good performances.
Hon Oloruntobi said the party was built on ideals of democratic tenets that will return power to the people.
