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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Guru Maharaji seeks 25-year jail term for workers’ salaries diversion

    Guru Maharaji seeks 25-year jail term for workers’ salaries diversion

    The founder of  the One Love Family sect, Ibadan, Satguru Maharaj ji, on Friday called for  a law stipulating a  25-year jail term for any public servant caught diverting workers’ salaries to personal use.

    Maharaj ji made the call  in Ibadan while addressing newsmen on activities marking the  24th anniversary  of his declaration of Nigeria as the new holy land of the universe.

    He said  some public servants often  divert salaries of workers to  banks  with the  intention of  reaping monetary  gains in  interest.

    “Such officials  should be jailed 25 years with hard labour and should also be stopped from holding public office.

    “Doing this would deter would be offenders as well as  reduce the level of corruption in the public service and in Nigeria in general,’’ he said.

    Maharaj ji said God had  blessed  the country with the All Progressives Congress (APC) government which initiated change, adding that the administration must be supported in the anti-graft campaign.

    The sect leader also called on government at all levels to urgently tackle the issue of  indecent dressing, especially among females.

    He ascribed the development to films which promote pornography, especially among youths.

    The sect leader further  decried  the recent issuance of ultimatum to Igbos in the north to quit the region, saying this was capable of destabilising the country.

    He  called on the Federal Government to be proactive in containing the threat, especially coming during  the Ramadan.

    Maharaj  ji also called for persistent prayers by Nigerians for President Muhammadu Buhari to enable him  recover his health and continue his transformation initiatives.

  • Committee identifies communication breakdown as reason for Kogi APC crisis

    Committee identifies communication breakdown as reason for Kogi APC crisis

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Fact-Finding and Reconciliation Committee on Kogi Crisis has blamed acrimony in the state’s chapter on communication breakdown.

    It said that the hitch in communication engendered the ruptured relationship among the party in the state, the government and the governor.

    Chairman of the committee, Chief Tony Momoh, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, while speaking with newsmen after submitting the committee`s report to the party`s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    He said that while the committee`s assignment lasted, it met three times with Gov. Yahaya Bello because the bulk of the issues; “ really stopped on his desk“.

    Momoh added that the committee also met with members of the House of Assembly and other relevant stakeholders in the state.

    He said that while everybody in the state accepted that Bello was its chief executive, issues on his style of governance were raised.

    According to him, lots of people testified on what the governor was alleged to have done.

    “We came to the conclusion that the problem of Kogi is absent of communication, miscommunication or even inadequate communication.

    “There was breakdown of communication and everybody was singing his own song and telling his own story, “ the Momoh said.

    He added that while the committee pleaded with all aggrieved party members in the state to be calm, it ensured that everybody that had a case was heard.

    He, however, said that while most aggrieved party members had their grouse against the governor, he also came up with his own defence.

    Momoh said that some of the identified problems in the state were skewed appointment against the party, non-payment of workers’ salaries and political reconciliation with late Abubakar Audu and James Faleki’s group.

    He said the exclusive membership registration which the governor was said to be doing without relating to the party`s leadership was also identified as a problem.

    Momoh said that also identified was poor state’s House of Assembly relations, dictatorial governance and corruption allegations and not to give anti-party activities during the elections.

    The committee chairman said that the party`s national headquarters complicity and poor stakeholders` consultations was also identified as an issue.

    He stressed that all identified issues were comprehensively discussed, adding that the committed had submitted its recommendations to the party`s leadership for scrutiny.

    This, he said, included five pages of executive briefs which summarised the recommendations and 300 pages of presentations.

    He maintained that the recommendation was a win win consensus and would be acceptable by all parties.

    “I can assure you that the recommendations we gave will be acceptable to all parties.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Momoh, was the former National Peter Chairman of the dissolved Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

    Members of the committee which was inaugurated on April 12, were earlier charged by the party`s leadership to carry on their personal prestige and integrity and undertake the assignment without fear or favour.

  • 100 days: Residents of Ondo commend Akeredolu, want more benefits of democracy

    100 days: Residents of Ondo commend Akeredolu, want more benefits of democracy

    Some residents of Ondo State have urged Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to ensure more benefits of democracy for the people as the government celebrates its 100 days in office.

    Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who emerged the winner of the Nov. 26, 2016 Governorship Election, was inaugurated as the sixth executive governor of the state on Feb. 24.

    The residents, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Okitipupa, Ondo State, commended the governor for his achievements in 100 days in power.

    They urged the governor not to rest on his oars but ensure he fulfilled all his electioneering promises to the people.

    A civil servant, Mr Wole Akinjuyigbe, who praised the state government for paying salaries of workers, urged the governor to revive all moribund industries.

    “Gov. Akeredolu is God-sent to this state but l urge him to help resuscitate all our dead factories; Okitipupa Oil Palm, Oluwa Glass, Cocoa industries and others,” he said.

    A hairdresser, Mrs Adenike Akinbobola, who also commended the government’s performance, urged the governor to urgently address the epileptic power supply in the southern part of the state.

    “We have been in total darkness for the past three years now, this has really affected our businesses, l urge our governor to help us,” she said.

    A trader, Mrs Morenike Idris, urged Akeredolu to give more political appointments to women in his administration.

    She contended that women deserved more involvement in view of their contributions to the governor’s victory at the poll.

    Mr Omowaire Odusola, a lawyer urged the governor to take urgent steps toward youth empowerment to reduce social vices in the society.

    “We hear so many cases of criminal activities being perpetrated by the youth, this is the outcome of unemployment; our governor should address this issue,” Odusola said.

    Mr Sola Ikuidowo, the Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Okitipupa chapter, also said  Akeredolu had performed well in his 100 days in office.

    “We all felt his presence since his assumption of office, in spite of paucity of funds he completed some roads abandoned by previous government; this is a plus for him,” he said.

    Mr Tajudeen Akanbi, the Chairman, Association of Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association (ACCOMORAN), Okitipupa chapter also lauded the governor’s performance.

    “I think the governor has performed well, the peace we the  okada riders are experiencing now was not there before because we were being chased here and there for multiple taxes,’’ Akanbi said.

    A chieftain of APC, Mr Wole Akeremale said that the Akeredolu’s administration had brought smiles to faces of many citizens in the state.

    Akeremale noted the prompt payment of salaries, road network constructions, support for education, renewal of the forestation policies and agricultural empowerment to youths as part of the government’s achievements.

  • 100 days in office: Akeredolu gets passmark

    100 days in office: Akeredolu gets passmark

    The Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, gave Gov. Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, a pass mark for for performing beyond expectation within 100 days in office.

    Mrs Morenike Alaka, the Caretaker Chairperson of the council area, made this commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Okitipupa.

    Alaka said that Akeredolu had brought real governance to the masses in the state, especially those at the grassroots.

    Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who emerged winner in the Nov. 26, 2016 governorship election, was inaugurated as the sixth executive governor of the state on Feb. 24.

    She said that the governor swung into action by paying the salaries of civil servants, who were being owed several months of salaries by the previous administration.

    According to her, the state is now wearing a new look, as Akeredolu has completed most of the state road projects abandoned by the past administration.

    “The Akeredolu administration has brought a fresh breath and succour to the masses of this state in 100 days.

    “Commercial activities have become active, as civil servants now receive their salaries as at when due and some of the arrears owed by the past administration have been paid.

    “Put politics aside, sincerely, this government has performed well in just 100 days in office,” she said.

    The chairperson also lauded the wife of the governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu for inaugurating the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) to detect and treat breast cancer in women.

    She also hailed her initiative in skill acquisition programme, which she said, would go a long way to better the lives of the women.

    Alaka urged the residents of the state to continue to cooperate with the present administration and pray for its success.

  • APC led-govt: Two years into citizens’ call for change

    APC led-govt: Two years into citizens’ call for change

    The Chairpersons of the Diaspora Chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party had an international conference call on Saturday, May 27, 2017, to take stock and review the performance of our party since taking over the leadership of the federal government of Nigeria two years ago.

    The house acknowledged the enormous challenges left behind by the previous government in virtually all sectors of government business in Nigeria.

    APC took over an economy that was virtually wrecked by unbridled looting of public funds, a totally broken National security, near comatose public infrastructure and a much-disillusioned populace – All these in the midst of a global downturn in Oil prices and worldwide recession.

    The conference noted that the global harsh economic situation is not limited to Nigeria, but is a living reality even with us who live abroad; the cost of living continues to go up and indeed in some European countries the biting cold grip of recession remains hard to the citizens and people living in those countries.

    On the back of these challenges, the conference agreed that APC led federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has succeeded in substantially improving the security situation in Nigeria and has turned around the international perception of Nigeria as a corruption-infested country.

    The international business and political community now view Nigeria more favourably; the concerted war on financial corruption has shown and continue to expose the length of which some politicians, government contractors as well as civil servants went to destroy Nigeria economically.

    The terror group Boko Haram as well as other criminal elements across the country have been substantially degraded, thanks to our brave men and women of the Nigerian armed forces, who are better equipped and motivated.

    The conference commended the government’s determined drive to end the culture of over dependence on luxury living and consumption of imported goods by Nigerians without productive economic activities to supplement the dwindled earning from petroleum product to support this lifestyle.  In this regard, the government’s appeals to Nigerians to eat and use made in Nigeria products is to be applauded.

    The conference also resolved to call on Nigerians to accept the cold reality that the way out for our dear country is for all to join hands together to resist the evils of corruption in all its ramifications, accept that there is not going to be an easy way out from the present recession and the national financial downturn. The only sure way out is the time tested attitudinal shift by other nations which has been shown in history to lift those nations out of their historic recessions and therefore for all Nigerians to be determined that we will work our way out of the present poverty-ridden existence forced upon us and our people by rogue politicians and civil servants.

    The APC as a political party believes in the contract of change she promised and entered into with the Nigerian people and as members and leaders of the party we will continuously impress on our party leaders to communicate, convince and impress on all our elected officials to ensure that the party’s manifesto remains their guiding signage in government, and to ensure the full implementation of our social democratic ideals for the happiness, good health and prosperity of our nation and her people.

    Finally, we as leaders of the Diaspora chapters of the APC calls on all leaders of the party in government to embrace a more people-centred approach to communication government programmes and successes to the people. In this regard, the Conference commends the down to earth, easy relationship the acting President Prof Yemi Osinbajo has brought into governance and thanks to our President; President Muhammadu Buhari for building a solid, healthy cordial working relationship with his Vice President. We hope this example in leadership is seeped down to the states and local governments.

    APC  CHANGE

    God Bless President Muhammadu Buhari.

    God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Signed by:

    1.   Dr Philip Idaewor                                                                                                        Chairman APC, UK.

    2. Mr Lawal Ayoola                     Chairman APC Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland)

    3.  Chief Balogun S. Olanrewaju                                                                                 Chairman APC France

    4.  Mr Steve Tella                                                                                                          Chairman APC Spain

    5.  Mr Lambrado Ogunwede                                                                                       Chairman APC Germany

    6.     Chief Charles Micheleti                                                                                       Chairman APC Ghana

    7.     Dr Chime Ibezim                                                                                                  Chairman APC Italy

    8.   Mr Tony Isama                                                                                                       Chairman APC USA.

    9.  Mr Adefioye Hammed                                                                                           Chairman APC Ireland

    10. Chief Victor Bruno Omoregbe                                                         Chairman, APC Republic of Benin

    11 Lawrence Adesola Adelekan                                                                           Chairman, APC Philippines

    12. Mr Elas Abone                                                                                                  Chairman APC Canada

  • Mixed grill as APC holds councillorship primaries in Lagos

    Mixed grill as APC holds councillorship primaries in Lagos

    Councillorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming local council poll in Lagos emerged in many areas on Monday, but disagreements led to postponement in some areas.

    The party had on Sunday announced that the councillorship primaries in the 377 Wards of its 57 local government areas would hold on Monday.

    Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, chairman of the APC  Local Government Electoral Committee, who announced this on Sunday, had called on party members at the ward levels to make themselves available at the designated centres where the councillorship elections will hold.

    In some areas visited by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondents, the elections went on smoothly, though delegates had to wait for long awaiting arrival of electoral officers.

    There were, however, some disagreements in some other areas.

    At Ward G in Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos, Mr Segun Lawson emerged winner of the primary election, polling 18 votes to defeat Ramon Aladega and Saidi Ayinde who got a vote each.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 20 party members had voted at the election held at Satellite Town Primary School.

    Lawson expressed joy at his election and thanked members of the party for the confidence reposed him.

    “This is victory for the party and all the people of the ward.

    “I thank party members for the confidence in me and I promise not disappoint them” he said.

    It was however an easy victory for Mr Jamiu Abiodun in the election as he emerged unopposed as councillorship candidate of Ward F in the area.

    Abiodun and his supporters went in wild jubilation as soon as his candidacy was endorsed by party members at the primary.

    NAN reports though the primary started several hours behind schedule, it was conducted peacefully.

    Security officials manned the gate and thoroughly screened party members before voting.

    The Sole Administrator of the LCDA, Mr Habeeb Aileru, together with some officials were around to ensure peaceful conduct.

    At Ward C, Isheri- Osun in Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LDCA), the election, which was scheduled to hold at 9 a.m., did start until 3.45 pm.

    Mr Gbenga Bankole, a consensus candidate, was eventually declared winner at the ward, where policemen and Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps were present to maintain order.

    At Ward E, in Orile-Agege LCDA, after initial skirmishes, an Electoral Officer, who came to the venue at 2:p.m. relayed the guidelines and conducted the primary election.

    However, Prince Sunday Ajayi, Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) told NAN that as far as he was concerned, there was no councillorship primaries in the council.

    The APC primary election did not hold at Ward C, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area,  following conflict in the register sent by the state and the one from the ward.

    A chieftain of the party in the ward and former Secretary of the local government, Mr Abayomi Omisore, said that APC members in the ward were not ready to entertain imposition of a candidate through whatever means.

    He said also that the postponement was necessary to ensure that only the wish of the people prevailed.

    According to him, all stakeholders, including the Amuwo Odofin Divisional Police Officer, Mr Obong Okon, endorsed the  postponement.

    Omisore told NAN that the primary election would hold on Wednesday or Thursday.

    Security personnel had been on ground at the ward’s secretariat located on F Close, 41 Road, Festac Town.

    Seven persons are contesting for the councillorship seat in the ward.

    While some members hailed the postponement, others frowned at it.

    A member who pleaded anonymity said that the postponement prevented violence as some of the members of the party were ready to fight if their candidates would not win.

    However another member of the party said that he was disappointed by the postponement, adding that he had been waiting for the election.

    At Ward K in Amuwo Odofin, the election took place peacefully after a long delay at the secretariat located on House 1, 11 Road, Festac Town.

    At Ojo LGA, many party members were seen waiting for officials to conduct the primary when NAN visited.

    Efforts to get reactions from Sen. Afikuyomi were unsuccessful as he could not be reached on phone.

    The Senator had, however, appealed to any aggrieved member to take advantage of the conflict resolution mechanisms provided by the party in the Sunday statement.

  • Protest mars Lagos APC primaries

    Protest mars Lagos APC primaries

    The Lagos State All  Progressives Congress ( APC) council primaries election was on Saturday marred by protest from aggrieved delegates.
    The protest which started when the party started announcing the names of the 18 candidates endorsed by the party leadership almost took a violent turn as the  Chairman Electoral Committee, Tokunbo Afikuyomi was attacked and almost stripped naked.
    He had to escape and be protected by the police. Those protesting later destroyed the ballot boxes with most of the delegates protecting their heads from stones and chairs thrown in the venue.
    Other leaders of the parties present at the venue were led off and protected by security men.
  • APC commends senate over passage of PIB

    APC commends senate over passage of PIB

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Thursday said the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill by the Senate was a clear testimony of the determination of the APC led government to meet the aspiration of the Nigerian people.

    The party urged the House of Representatives to follow suit and pass the bill into law as it will bring about reforms that would ensure greater transparency and accountability in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

    In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party,  Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the Party notes that the bill had languished in the various chambers of the National Assembly for about 12 years but it took the purposeful and dedicated APC-led Senate to pass the bill

    “We are very excited that the bill was passed today after about 12 years delay.  We specially commend the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki for his focused leadership of the 8th Senate, which has produced several legislative actions that have positively affected the lives of Nigerians, promoted good governance and advanced on-going efforts by the APC-led administration to rebuild the Country

    “The passage of the bill is an indication that our federal legislators are diligent and reform-minded, and are committed to fulfilling the promises our Party made to Nigerians.

    “We call on the House of Representatives under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara to follow the example of the Senate by also promptly passing the PIB.

    “The APC calls on Nigerians to continue to support and cooperate with the President Muhammadu Buhari APC-led administration and the National Assembly as they continue to make laws and execute projects to improve the wellbeing of Nigerians.”

     

  • Evander Holyfield, greatest living boxer of all times – Ambode

    Evander Holyfield, greatest living boxer of all times – Ambode

    …As Boxing Legend Visits Governor, donates $3M health equipment To LASG

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday lauded the achievements of five-time world cruiserweight and heavyweight boxing champion, Evander Holyfield, describing him as the greatest living boxer of all times.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja when he received Holyfield on courtesy visit, said he was personally proud of the achievements of the legend in the boxing field, and described him as a great role model.

    Holyfield, who is billed to slug it out with former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at an exhibition boxing match, is in Lagos as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee anniversary of the State, and to also give back to the society through his foundation.

    The Governor, who described the visit of the boxing legend to Lagos as historic, said there was no better way to showcase sports as catalyst for growth than the collaboration of such an icon as Holyfield.

    “This is exciting and historic moment for us coming at a time Lagos is celebrating the 50 years of its establishment and we want to say a big thank you to Holyfield for collaborating with us to put this as part of events marking the Golden Jubilee anniversary of Lagos State.

    “We believe strongly that in all sectors that we have tried to celebrate Lagos, this is one momentous topic that we really mean to celebrate. As a government, we have always wanted to use sports as a way of driving our economy and there is no way we can showcase sports as the catalyst for economic growth than bringing somebody who is a champion; a revered person and for him to use his God given talent and resources to promote sports in our State,” Governor Ambode said.

    While noting the vision of the Evander Holyfield Foundation to nurture young stars and future boxers, as well as the issues relating to promotion of health and wellbeing of the people, Governor Ambode pledged to partner with the foundation to ensure that the set objectives are achieved, especially with regards to the people of the State.

    The Governor described Holyfield as the living greatest boxer of all times, a sport icon and a champion who he is proud of his achievements, adding that the visit to Nigeria would also be used to trace the roots of the boxer back to Lagos.

    “I love the concept that you want to pay back and that is the essence of leadership which is to be able to touch humanity. There are very many people that go away from their stardom and not pay back and so many champions have not been able to do anything after leaving the ring but Holyfield stand as an exception.

    “On the other side, boxing should now be in the front burner of sports in Nigeria especially now that a Nigerian, Anthony Joshua recently won as the unified world heavyweight champion.

    “Lagos has the largest concentration of the black people in the world and we just believe that Lagos should be well projected the visit by the boxing legend is also to promote the brand called Lagos,” Governor Ambode said.

    Earlier, Holyfield said he was in Nigeria to give back to the society having achieved so much in life especially in boxing.

    While recalling how he started boxing at the young age of 8 and became champion at 9, Holyfield said he felt like quitting after initially suffering defeats but his mother told him to hang on.

    “I became the person I am because I listened, I followed direction and I did not quit even when I lost. In giving back to the society, I am here to say I got a Real Deal Promotion. We are looking for young fighters who want to listen and follow instruction.

    “This is about giving back to the society. I want kids to learn from me how I became four times heavyweight champion,” Holyfield said.

    He also announced donation of $3million worth of health equipment to Lagos State Government, a gesture which Governor Ambode commended and urged other sports legends and individuals to emulate.

  • APC governors, NWC meets Wednesday

    APC governors, NWC meets Wednesday

    Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the auspices of the Progressives Governors Forum will Wednesday meet with the national leadership of the party to chat the way forward for the party.

    Although the agenda of the meeting was not known as at the time of the report, it was gathered that second anniversary of the government and efforts to get the party out of the current financial mess will top discussion at the meeting.

    This is the second time the governors will be meeting with the National Working Committee of the party this year.

    During the last meeting which took place in April, the governors promised to hold regular consultative meeting with the leadership and help it source funds to finance its activities.

    The party has been enmeshed in acute shortage of funds which has made it impossible for them to hold constitutionally mandated meetings such as the National Executive Committee meeting and the midterm convention.

    The party has also found it difficult to settle debts some of which date back to campaign period.

    It was also not clear as at press time whether the governors have fulfilled their promise to help the party source funds from within even though the party is said to have installed a software that will automatically deduct N100 from the phone of members monthly as membership due.

    The meeting which will be presided over by the National chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun is expected to be attended by the all the governors elected on the platform of the parry.