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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Oshiomhole: I have nothing to gain by denying Obaseki second term

    THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed as untrue allegations that he is against a second term for his successor, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

    He said he stands to gain nothing by stopping the governor from returning to office.

    Oshiomhole told Channels Television that his differences with Obaseki are not about monetary gains from his administration, or about him blocking the governor’s second term bid.

    He added that at a meeting both politicians held with four governors, Obaseki confirmed that the APC chairman nominated only one out of over 20 commissioners into his cabinet.

    Read Also: Anti-Oshiomole protest rocks Imo

    The former governor noted that Obaseki later removed the commissioner he nominated along with seven others but he didn’t take any offence because he was out of government.

    He, however, said the contention was all about issues relating to governance and carrying political players and leaders in the party along.

    Oshiomhole also denied not wanting to support Governor Obaseki to run for a second term, saying he has nothing to gain in doing so.

  • Oshiomhole: I have nothing to gain by denying Obaseki second term

    THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed as untrue allegations that he is against a second term for his successor, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

    He said he stands to gain nothing by stopping the governor from returning to office.

    Oshiomhole told Channels Television that his differences with Obaseki are not about monetary gains from his administration, or about him blocking the governor’s second term bid.

    He added that at a meeting both politicians held with four governors, Obaseki confirmed that the APC chairman nominated only one out of over 20 commissioners into his cabinet.

    Read Also: Buhari greets APC chair Oshiomole at 67

    The former governor noted that Obaseki later removed the commissioner he nominated along with seven others but he didn’t take any offence because he was out of government.

    He, however, said the contention was all about issues relating to governance and carrying political players and leaders in the party along.

    Oshiomhole also denied not wanting to support Governor Obaseki to run for a second term, saying he has nothing to gain in doing so.

  • APC Chieftain backs FG stance against killings in South Africa

    An APC Chieftain, Hon. Ayoola Lawal has commended the stance of the Federal government against the barbaric killings of Nigerians and other non-nationals in South Africa.

    In a statement made available to The Nation he said, “The barbaric killings of black non-nationals by South Africans seems to be becoming a norm and this cannot be tolerated further by any African nations again.

    “The recent attacks and killings of Nigerians and other African nationalities by the South Africans is highly condemnable and barbaric

    Read Also: Xenophobia: We won’t sever ties with S/Africa, says FG

    “I commend some of these popular African artistes, professional sportsmen and women for taking a stand against the recent spate of orchestrated attacks and killings in South Africa by condemning the violence”.

    He further called on the leadership of the African Union to urgently step up their game by sanctioning South Africa appropriately and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book.

    He however berated the organizers of the World Economic Forum for still kicking off its event in spite of the killings and massacre of other Africans in South Africa.

  • Buhari has done well, says Oshiomhole

    NATIONAL Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Friday gave President Muhammadu Buhari  a pass  mark in the  first 100 days of his second term.

    ”President Buhari can beat his chest to say I have started well; I have started fast. You cannot call him Baba Go Slow now. This time, he is Baba Fast,” Oshiomhole said last night in Abuja.

    He said: “Everything is about comparison. In 2015, after 100 days, we did not have a federal cabinet. The President had not appointed ministers.

    “From my interaction with a number of ministers,  the budget for 2020 is already being prepared.

    “Ministers have been assigned to their various ministries. They have already started the process of taking over and trying to understand the challenges.

    “Government is already effectively on ground. That alone shows a remarkable departure, if you compare what the President has done in 2019 to what he did in 2015.

    “The President has been engaging various groups. Recently, he talked to the Nigeria Society of Engineers and other professional groups, reminding all of us that we have our roles to play in the Nigeria project.

    “As a party, we have access to the President. We see him any time we want to see him and share with him whatever we want to do. You notice that this time, the President organized a retreat for ministers immediately they were appointed. That retreat was not about entertainment; it was to discuss about Nigeria and the administration’s policy choices.

    “Now, the government challenge is: where do we cut costs, so that we can find resources we need to sustain investment in infrastructure?”

  • Tribunal dismisses petitions against Wamakko, others

    The Governorship, National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Sokoto State on Friday  dismissed the petition filed by  Alhaji   Ahmad Maccido challenging the election of Senator  Aliyu Wamakko of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Read Also: Tribunal: Senator Wamakko properly elected – Dr Liman, SAN tells Court

    Maccido contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the last  election for Sokoto Central Senatorial District and was defeated by Wamakko.

    Unsatisfied with the outcome of the election, the petitioner approached the tribunal challenging the declaration of APC’s Wamakko.

  • Oshiomhole to Kogi aspirants: no refund of money

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole has dashed the hope of a possible refund of money to aspirants, who sought the party’s ticket for the governorship election in Kogi State but lost

    Oshiomhole said the party was not about to change its tradition by refunding their money even though the party has not received any request for any refund.

    He spoke with reporters after holding a meeting with the 16 aspirants who purchased the party’s nomination form to contest the primary.

    The party’s NWC has named three-man appeal committees for the primaries conducted in Kogi and Bayelsa.

    Kogi’s Indirect Primary Appeal Committee members include Senator Abdulahi Umar Yandoma (chairman), Hajia Amina Muhammed (secretary) and Tony McFoy (member).

    Members of Bayelsa Direct Primary Appeal Committee are Shuaibu Aruwa (chairman), Edith Newman Amadi (secretary) and Abdul Malik El-Yakub (member).

    According to the party’s chairman, it was not the first time the party was conducting primaries and has a tradition, which has to be maintained.

    Read Also: APC will rule Nigeria beyond 2023, says Oshiomhole

    Of the 16 aspirants that bought the nomination and expression of interest form at the cost of N22.5 million, seven of them were not cleared to participate in the exercise for various reasons. Nine others, including Governor Yahaya Bello, were cleared.

    At the end of the primary conducted by a committee led by Jigawa State Governor Badaru Abubakar, Bello was declared winner and the APC governorship candidate for the November 16 governorship election.

    Asked whether the party was considering refunding money to some of the aspirants, Oshiomhole said: “Our party is guided by rules. If there are issues that we need to discuss, those are APC issues and not meant for the press. We are not doing an election for the first time. We have traditions and we don’t have any application before us.”

    Oshiomhole added: “This afternoon, we had extensive conversation as APC family to talk through issues arising from the Kogi State governorship primary, which was conducted last week.

    “I am sure that you know some of those who participated or attempted to participate in the process. They are men and women who, by any criteria, can be said to be fit and proper persons to govern a state. But as you know, in democracy, if you have 16 angels, as we had, seeking the mandate of the people to produce just one person as governor, it means that 15 angels will not get it.

    “So, winning or losing a primary is not a statement of your integrity, your capacity, your capability or your intellect. It is simply a fact that once you have more than one candidate and you have only one vacancy, only one person will win.”

    The APC Chairman announced that all those who lost out in the process have assured the party that they will not challenge the outcome of the exercise in court, but will work for the success of the party during the election.

    All the governorship aspirants that bought nomination form, including those cleared and those not cleared, except Admiral Usman Jibrin attended the meeting.

  • APC urges Fed Govt to nationalise South African firms

    THE National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) urged the Federal Government to nationalise all South African companies in the country.

    APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, who briefed reporters after the meeting of the NWC, said the South African government was nonchalant.

    He said: “We have discussed the attacks on foreigners in South Africa, particularly blacks who are predominantly Nigerians. Having listened to all the explanations from the authority in South Africa, we have come to the conclusion that these people are not being accused of being illegal immigrants nor are they involved in any illegal activities.

    “Those who have business permits to set up businesses, whatever business theyare involved in, they are operating within the letters of the law. Over the last one year, virtually every week, Nigerians are being wasted in one part of south Africa or the other.

    “We know that the government has had conversation with the South African authority, drawing their attention to these and other abuses that Nigerians have been subjected to. But the escalation of the attack on foreigners which include Nigerians has reached a level that is no longer tolerable.

    “At one time, people wonder whether these attacks have the backing of the south African government. What has been clear over the period is that the South African authority has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to bring these attacks to an end.

    “Inspite of the fact that the lives of many people have been wasted, not one South African is known to have been convicted ad sentence to prison for their role on the attack on foreigners, killing them and looting their businesses.

    “We have been able to watch some of the comments on the recent attack, particularly the one that was made by a deputy Minister of Police Affair that not only endorse the killing and looting of foreign businesses, but refer to the activities of those foreigners who are into legitimate businesses as tantamount to economic sabotage.”

    He added:  “As we speak, while South African government is envious of the small businesses which Nigerians are involved in south Africa, South African companies are making billions of dollars from Nigeria and repatriating same out of Nigeria.

    “For example, MTN is making huge profit, including sometimes breaching our national laws. South Africans cannot be envious of small businesses over there while their business giants are smiling to their foreign banks where they keep profit that the repatriate from Nigeria.

    “We are aware that not too long ago, MTN was enlisted in the stock exchange and some Nigerians have bought shares from MTN. I think that in moments like this and too send strong message to the south African authority and their people, it is worth it for the Nigerian government to take over the remaining shares of MTN that are owned by south African so that MTN become fully Nigerian own.

    “While government think of how to deal with this, I think that in our individual capacities, this is the moment to show our commitment to our fellow citizens and show sympathy to those who have lost loved ones by boycotting South African goods and services, beginning with Nigerians refusing to use MTN services.

    “Happily, we have indigenous networks like Glo, ntel and 9 mobile. But if Nigerians decides, at least for the next 30 days as a first step, to stop using MTN, they would have sent a clear message and pay befitting tribute to the life of those whose live have been wasted in South Africa. This will be more elegant rather than our people going to the streets and throwing stones against fellow Nigerians and a life being lost in the process.

    “This should also give us opportunity to reflect n why we should continue to allow DSTV to continue to repatriate millions of dollars to South Africa every year arising from their activities in Nigeria.”

    The Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Most Reverend Martin Uzuokwu, on Thursday urged South Africans to stop the attacking foreigners, especially Nigerians, as the act could endanger peace on the continent.

    Oba Ogunwusi described the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa on Nigerians living there and their properties as a shameful act that is unacceptable to the black race in Africa and in the Diaspora.

    The traditional ruler also advised Nigerians alleged to have embarked on reprisal attacks on South African companies in Nigeria to stop it and allow peace to reign.

    The monarch spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    “This attack is a shame on the black people, we all need to come together and see ourselves as one. The more we propagate our cultural ties across the continent, the more we will see and recognise that we belong to one big family,” he said.

    The traditional ruler said  that African countries only had artificial boundaries that had given a geographical expression of names to countries  inhabited by  of a group of people but all of us are of the same lineage.

    “We must erase the ongoing xenophobic killings in Africa, we only have artificial boundaries. We are all the same whether Nigeria or South Africa.

    “Also, we must not forget so soon that Nigeria helped South Africa to fight the Apartheid regime that led her to becoming a democratic country in 1994.

    “That development led to the late Nelson Mandela emerging as the first democratically elected president of South Africa,” he told NAN.

    He said that it was unfortunate that  the people involved in the xenophobic attacks either in South Africa or in Nigeria  were only being misled by those who never knew the history of Africa and had no stake to lose.

    “What is the percentage of those people’s business in the economy of South Africa? It’s very minute.

    Uzuokwu, who spoke with NAN in Minna also urged the South Africans to show forgiveness, love and peace for the overall growth on the continent.

    “We are all from the same continent, we need to love one another and also learn how to forgive for peace, progress and political stability in our continent.

    ” We cannot get to anywhere without forgiveness. If you do not forgive others, the Lord will not forgive you.

    “Many prayers offered by some people today were not answered because they did not follow what the Lord says,” Uzuokwu said.

    The Cleric condemned the senseless killings of innocent souls going on in some parts of South Africa.

    He said: “Africa is a blessed continent, God blessed us with human and many mineral resources but what needs to be done is to love one another to enable us to tap the abundant resources at our disposal.”

    He also called on the African Union (AU) to act against the inhuman treatment by South African xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other nationals.

  • Xenophobia: APC talks tough, wants South African companies nationalised

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday took a critical look at the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and asked the federal government to immediately take steps to nationalise all South African companies operating in the country.

    National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who briefed the media after a meeting of the NWC, said the non- nonchalant attitude of the South African government to the constant killing of Nigerians in South Africa is a clear indication that they approve of the attack.

    Oshiomhole said that Nigeria can no longer pretend to be the big brother of Africa when Nigerians were being harassed and killed by citizens of other countries who fail to appreciate Nigeria’s contribution to the fight against apartheid.

    He said while the NWC take note of the diplomatic option being taken by the government and is not recommending any military action, it believe that Nigeria need to send out a bold message to south Africa and indeed other nations that Nigerians re not chickens to be killed anyhow.

    He said: “We have discussed the attacks on foreigners in South Africa, particularly blacks who are predominantly Nigerians. Having listened to all the explanations from the authority in South Africa, we have come to the conclusion that these people are not being accused of being illegal immigrants nor are they involved in any illegal activities.

    “Those who have business permits to set up businesses, whatever business theyare involved in, they are operating within the letters of the law. Over the last one year, virtually every week, Nigerians are being wasted in one part of south Africa or the other.

    “We know that the government has had conversation with the South African authority, drawing their attention to these and other abuses that Nigerians have been subjected to. But the escalation of the attack on foreigners which include Nigerians has reached a level that is no longer tolerable.

    “At one time, people wonder whether these attacks have the backing of the south African government. What has been clear over the period is that the South African authority has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to bring these attacks to an end.

    “Inspite of the fact that the lives of many people have been wasted, not one South African is known to have been convicted ad sentence to prison for their role on the attack on foreigners, killing them and looting their businesses.

    Read Also: Xenophobia: Don’t pay for evacuation flight from S/Africa, Air Peace tells Nigerians

    “We have been able to watch some of the comments on the recent attack, particularly the one that was made by a deputy Minister of Police Affair that not only endorse the killing and looting of foreign businesses, but refer to the activities of those foreigners who are into legitimate businesses as tantamount to economic sabotage.”

    He stressed that “the statement credited to the Youth leader of the ANC also suggest that the ANC as a party in south Africa find nothing wrong in these wanton killings and looting of foreign businesses and killing of foreigners in South Africa.

    “It is not a secret any longer that Nigeria contributed over 60 billion dollars to the struggle against apartheid. You will recall that even Nigerian students contributed their allowances to the struggle.

    “However, what we find completely unacceptable is that where as South Africans have continue to benefit from Nigeria and repatriating billions of dollars to South Africa, the South African authorities appeared envious of the menial jobs and petty trading activities of Nigerians.

    “The statement by the Deputy Minister of Police that foreigner’s domination of trading and other economic activates in a particular south African city amount to economic sabotage settles it all to the extent that the government has not called that Minister to order appeared to be an official endorsement of the South African authority.

    “Having reviewed all these, the NWC commend President Buhari for the leadership in boycotting the World Economic Forum in South Africa. That was a decision well taken and some other African countries have taken similar position.

    “We cannot be talking about Africa economic integration at a time when the world is talking about the role of small scale businesses and those involved in the small scale businesses in south Africa are having their economy destroyed and sometimes, their lives lost.

    “What is the essence of having a pan African trade arrangement if African government cannot protect Africans that are doing legitimate businesses in their country.

    “However, we believe that we need to make some bold statements to leave South Africa in no doubt that there is no time to lose if Nigerian must protect our own interest when South Africa is protecting their own interest by preserving economic opportunities only for South Africans.

    “We have come to an era when Nigeria can no longer talk of Africa as the centre piece of our foreign policy. It must be Nigeria first, Nigeria second, Nigeria third and thereafter, anything that is consistent with Nigeria national interest.

    “We should no longer sacrifice our own national interest just because we want to be a big brother of a people who does not recognise the role and huge sacrifices that our country has made over the years to defend and protect the interest f the African continent.

    “As we speak, while South African government is envious of the small businesses which Nigerians are involved in south Africa, South African companies are making billions o dollars from Nigeria and repatriating same out of Nigeria.

    “For example, MTN is making huge profit including sometimes, breaching our national laws. South Africans cannot be envious of or small businesses over there while their business giants are smiling to their foreign banks where they keep profit that the repatriate from Nigeria.

    “We are aware that not too long ago, MTN was enlisted in the stock exchange and some Nigerians have bought shares from MTN. I think that in moments like this and too send strong message to the south African authority and their people, it is worth it for the Nigerian government to take over the remaining shares of MTN that are owned by south African so that MTN become fully Nigerian own.

    “While government think of how to deal with this, I think that in our individual capacities, this is the moment to show our commitment to our fellow citizens and show sympathy to those who have lost loved ones by boycotting South African goods and services, beginning with Nigerians refusing to use MTN services.

    “Happily, we have indigenous networks like glo, Mtel and 9 mobile. But if Nigerians decides, at least for the next 30 days as a first step, to stop using MTN, they would have sent a clear message and pay befitting tribute to the life of those whose live have been wasted in South Africa.

    “This will be more elegant rather than our people going to the streets and throwing stones against fellow Nigerians and a life being lost in the process.

    “This should also give us opportunity to reflect n why we should continue to allow DSTV to continue to repatriate millions of dollars to South Africa every year arsing from their activities in Nigeria. We have to review all those things that give south African companies monopoly such that they make so much money with little value addition.

    “To show that we mean business and as a practical step of discouraging more Nigerians from going to South Africa and encouraging those already there to return home, we should that it will be an appropriate message to the South African government that until they find appropriate satisfactory explanation and pay appropriate compensation to those Nigerians whose property has been looted and those killed, south African Airways should be stopped from landing in Nigeria.

    “Nigeria need to show that we are not chickens to be molested because the life of every Nigerian matters and need to be protected whether at home or abroad.

    “Among the businesses that South Africans are involved in, many Nigerians believe that Shoprite is owned by South Africans. They are repatriating money purely based on franchise. As we know, both the capital with which those shops are built belong to Nigerians and the shop owners are Nigerians.

    “But these guys makes profit just with the franchise. I believe that this moment imposes obligation on government to review any of the agreement to enable any South African to begin to develop monopoly in our commercial life.

    “We also know that Standard Chartered Bank and Stanbic bank are South Banks, with Nigerians having little shares. It is time to ask them to wind up so that Nigerian banks can take advantage of their departure to expand their operation and maximise their profits and Nigerian government makes legitimate tax from the profit generated by these bank.

    “I believe that taking these and other measures which the government will be able to do without wasting much time, we would have enough to save by transferring these businesses to Nigerians and use the profit to rehabilitate those Nigerians whose property has been lost and attempt to provide some succour to those who have lost loved ones.

    “Obviously, the situation in South Africa require bold imaginative and direct message that we are willing and ready to match the South African government lukewarm attitude to this attack as if they lives are not important.”

  • Akeredolu: I won’t succumb to blackmail

    Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has alleged that former Commissioner for Information Banji Ayiloge was peddling falsehood against his administration.

    The governor said he will not succumb to blackmail.

    Ayiloge is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The governor acknowledged the right of Ayiloge to aspire to the highest political position in the state, stressing that this the beauty of democracy.

    A statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant( SSA) to the governor on Media, Ojo Oyewamide, said:  “Akeredolu has not, and will not find enthralling, any undemocratic arrangement whereby he is seen to be the only governorship contender. Such is no longer a contest.”

    On Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the governor said: “A major part of the vision of this administration is how to boost the IGR of the state.

    “Governor Akeredolu believes that government cannot do much with poor IGR. A former staff of WEMA Bank, Mr. Tolu Adegbie, was appointed by the governor as the chairman of Ondo State Internal Revenue Service after emerging the best in a screening exercise conducted for applicants who sought the job.

    He added: “Although, the state is yet to attain her target, it is heartwarming to inform the public that the State IGR is no longer crawling. We have improved from N700m to an average of N1.5billion monthly.

    “Unfortunately, Ayiloge is not interested in the productivity of the revenue generation agency and commendable feat it has achieved within the last two years. Rather, the former Commissioner for Information mischievously elected to play politics by falsely linking Governor Akeredolu’s son with the now vibrant organisation.

    “This is preposterous and most unexpected of an elder whose passion for self aggrandizement has overshadowed reasoning.

    Also on infrastructure, the governor said: “We would have inferred Ayiloge’s comment on infrastructure in the state either shows self abnegation or unkindness to self. However, it imperative to state that the Akeredolu government, which came on board in 2017, began its infrastructural projects in Ifedore Local Government Area. Ayiloge hails from Ifedore.”

  • UPDATED: David Lyon wins APC primary in Bayelsa

    Mr David Lyon of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged the winner of the just- concluded governorship primary in Bayelsa.

    He scored 42,138 votes to defeat its closest rival, Mrs. Diseye Nsirim, who scored 1,533 votes.

    Others are Heineken Lokpobiri, who scored 571 votes while Preye Aganaba scored 354 votes and Mr Amgbare scored 633 votes with Prof. Maureen Etebu scoring 564 votes.

    Read Also: PDP will retain power in Bayelsa, Diri assures

    The Chief Coalition Officer, Sen. Dangana Emmanuel, announced the result in Yenagoa.

    He said the mode was direct primary as agreed by Bayelsa stakeholders and confirmed by the National Working Committee.

    The Returning Officer for the Bayelsa APC Primaries is Gov. Mai-Mala Buni of Yobe.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC adopted the direct primaries mode to select the candidate to fly its flag in the Nov. 16 governorship election in Bayelsa.(NAN)

    (NAN)