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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • APC to Makinde: let your actions be guided by the Constitution

    The Oyo State chapter of the  All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised Governor Seyi Makinde to let his actions be guided by constitutional provisions and the rule of law.

    Its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Azeez Olatunde, in a statement yesterday, said the APC viewed the statement credited to the governor that he would review all the appointments and promotions made by his predecessor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi from March 11 to May 28 as ill-advised.

    “APC views the decision of the governor as a reflection of the new government’s ignorance of constitutional matters. The governor should know and be advised that all the decisions made by Senator Ajimobi were within his constitutional rights to do as the sitting governor.

    “His mandate only ended on May 28 and actions taken while he held the mandate were within his right as governor and within the letters of the constitution,” the statement reads.

    The party frowned at Makinde’s decision to reverse the promotion of the Permanent Secretaries (PS) but refused to reverse that of the Head of Service, who incidentally is the wife of an ally of the governor.

    “For someone who professes to be the people’s governor, his action does not reflect this. By that decision, he has taken away the happiness and celebration by the newly promoted PS. His action could also be likened to the decision to dissolve the legally elected local government administration.

    Read Also: Oyo chairmen to Makinde: we were duly elected

    “How would he feel if someone takes his mandate from him through executive fiat as he has done? For a man who professes godliness, his actions are antithetical to what he professes. The APC is of the opinion that he wants to play politics with that action, that is why he took the decision, forgetting that these newly promoted PS are deserving of the promotion. It is ill-advised; it is ungodly and negates his professed love for the masses. The PS are first and foremost citizens of the state whom he professed to love,” the APC said.

    According to the Publicity Secretary, the actions taken by the governor, apart from being unconstitutional, also reflect impatience and overzealousness.

    “Governor Makinde seems to be forgetting that he has a four-year mandate; he should, therefore, reflect deeply on his actions before they are carried out.

    “What he has done clearly shows the impunity that was the hallmark of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before the progressives brought sanity into governance. Oyo State and Nigeria should not go back to that era. The years of locust.”

     

  • Delta APC: Ogodo-led exco seeks recognition

    The Cyril Ogodo-led executive committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has urged the Supreme Court to declare it the authentic party leaders.

    It also urged the court and set aside the May 19 judgment of the Court of Appeal which recognised the Jones Erue-led exco as the party leaders.

    An appeal before the Supreme Court by the Ogodo-led exco, through its lawyer, O.J Oghenejakpor, argued that the Court of Appeal misdirected itself in law in its consideration of the cause of action of the appellants when it held in pages 17-18 of the judgment that “it is clear that the crux of the suit at the lower court is the status of the Executive of fourth respondent (APC) at the state, local government and ward levels in Delta State”.

    It also faulted the Court of Appeal for holding that the appellants abandoned their preliminary objection and thereby refused to entertain the preliminary objection properly raised, and ended up striking it out without considering it.

    They said: “The positions sought to be declared as authentic, legal and valid are various levels of political party (fourth respondent and first defendant at the trial) officials in Delta State. It is not a suit in respect of the selection or nomination of a candidate of a political party for election who were to be sponsored by the fourth respondent. It is a case purely concerning members of the state executives of the fourth respondent in Delta State.”

    Read Also: Delta APC crisis: A’Court saves Omo-Agege, Erue camp

    The appellants added that their claim, as disclosed from the record of appeal, was a complaint against the breach of the APC Constitution, APC guidelines for the conduct of primaries, Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, by the respondents, which has vested them with a cause of action.

    They equally contended that the decision of the Court of Appeal to limit its consideration to reliefs 1-6 of the statement of claim amounted to a denial of fair hearing.

    The appellants argued that the Court of Appeal took a one sided view of the case and ignored to positively look at their case and the findings of the Federal High Court made in respect of the issues placed before the trial court.

    They equally argued that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it entertained the appeal of the first respondent and allowed it, even when the first respondent failed to lead any evidence at the trial court in support of the averments contained in its statement of defence.

    They asked the apex court to allow the appeal in its entirety and set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, including the order as to costs and order affirming the judgment of the trial court.

    The Court of Appeal had, in a unanimous by Justices Jimi Bada, Chidi Uwa and Muhammed Shuaibu, set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court of Asaba Division, which had upheld members of the Ogodo-led exco as the authentic leaders of the APC in Delta State.

    The appellate court also held that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit as it bordered on an intra-party dispute

    It was of the view that the failure of the respondents (members of the Ogodo-led exco) to file their suit within 14 days of the issue complained of (pre-election) extinguished their rights, and proceeded to void the judgment of the High Court.

    The Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State had, in its judgment, sacked the Jones Erue-led executive and voided the participation of Great Ogboru as candidate of the APC in the 2019 governorship election in Delta State.

    The judgment of the Federal High Court was on a suit by the Ogodo-led exco, in which it prayed the court to recognise it as the authentic APC executive in Delta State.

     

  • Abia APC lauds Buhari’s attention to Southeast

    Abia State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lauded the impact of President Muhammadu Buhari in the Southeast Geo-political zone in the last four years.

    This is even as the party said they are expecting that President Buhari would ensure that the Southeast receives better attention in the last four years of his administration.

    The Abia APC chapter which stated that President Buhari has performed marvelously better than all his predecessors as long as keeping campaign promises through visible projects in the Southeast is concerned.

    Abia APC speaking through its spokesman, Comrade Benedict Godson said that the second swearing-in of President Buhari is a manifestation of his good did and urged the president to do more for the South East and Abia.

    “Those of us in Abia have benefited directly from this wonderful leader called Buhari. The Enugu-Port Harcourt Highway, Umuahia/Ikot-Ekpene Highway, Aba-Azumini Road, Onitsha-Enugu Highway, Second Niger Bridge and even the continuation of works at Owerri-Onitsha Highway are all there for eyes to see not mere stories.

    “In Abia alone, the promotion he has given to the made in Aba products has transformed our brand in the state. Aba products have been there for ages, but through the contracts given to them like the one of military boots, it gained national acceptability which has impacted greatly.

    “He went on to show his love and magnanimity more through the Ariaria Independent Power Plant which is currently giving 24 hours electricity to West Africa’s largest SME centre.

    “The School Feeding Programme of Federal Government is running smoothly in Abia. We know it very well that next four years will be better for us under Buhari because he is a promise keeper.”

    Godson further said that the Abia people have already demonstrated their love for APC by voting in Dr. Orji Uzor-Kalu as Senator as well as Hon. Nkiru Onyejeocha and Barr. Benjamin Kalu for House of Representatives respectively.

    He pleaded with the president to complement the love shown by the people of the state by appointing a true party man who understands both his job and what is required in the party as a minister in Abia.

    Read Also: Abia APC in final push for Saturday polls

    “Our people love APC and they’ve demonstrated it through the ballots. Inasmuch as some of our mandates were stolen which we know we shall regain, the ones we got at hand can testify that Abia is for APC.

    “In the last election in Abia, we gave the president very good number of votes and we even defeated a serving deputy speaker in Abia State House of Assembly who is of the opposition.

    “All we want is for the efforts of all those who worked to make this success possible to be complemented by appointing a minister that knows both his job and the party so that we can have more voice in the state.

    “With Dr. Orji Uzor-Kalu, Hon. Onyejeocha, Barrister Kalu, a party man as a minister and several others who will regain their stolen mandates through the tribunal, Abia APC under the leadership of Hon. Donatus Nwankpa will do greater things.

    “We say congratulations to Mr. President as he pilots the affairs of our great nation in the next four years. To God be the glory.”

  • Late Animashaun, an indispensable guide to journalists, Nigerians — Tinubu

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has described renowned columnist, the late Alhaji Kola Animashaun, as a true icon of journalism and an indispensable guide to many journalists and Nigerians.

    Tinubu’s condolence was conveyed in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Tunde Rahman, on Friday in Lagos.

    Animashaun died on Wednesday in Lagos at the age 79.

    Tinubu said Animashaun, who he fondly called ‘Uncle’ played vital roles in the development of journalism in the country.

    According to him, he shaped and moulded opinions through his weekly column in the Vanguard newspaper, ‘Voice of Reason’.

    “I’m deeply saddened by the death of Uncle Kola Animashaun. A true journalism icon and a columnist of great repute.

    “He was also a pro-democracy activist, lover of humanity and devout Muslim.

    “The devotion, dedication and commitment he gave to the service of Allah and humanity, he brought to bear on his journalism practice.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Akande arrive Eagles Square

    “His column in the Vanguard Newspaper, ‘Voice of Reason,’ was a compelling read for many of us, for in it radiated his belief in truth and justice.

    “He mentored many of us. He was an indispensable guide to many top journalists of today and indeed many other Nigerians, “he said.

    The former Lagos State Governor urged Animashaun’s colleagues in the media not to allow his ideals of true and purposeful journalism die with him in the age of fake news and hate speech.

    “With his death, the nation and the journalism profession have lost an illustrious fellow.

    “My condolences to Alhaja Animashaun, the children and family members, the publisher and management of Vanguard Newspapers, and indeed all those he left behind.

    “I also commiserate with the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Guild of Editors.

    “May we all find the strength to carry on after Alhaji. I also pray that Allah grant Alhaji Animashaun Alijanna Fridaus,“Tinubu said.

     

  • Oyo APC to Makinde: you started on a disappointing note

    The Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed dismay over what it described as “myriad of disappointing actions already taken by Governor Seyi Makinde” less than 24 hours after his inauguration.

    The party warned that the new governor “might create more crises for himself, if care was not taken”.

    This came as local government chairmen vowed to remain in office despite Makinde’s dissolution directive.

    The chairmen contended that he lacked the power to dissolve a constitutionally elected local government administration.

    But, Oyo APC, in a statement in Ibadan yesterday by its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Prince Ayobami Adejumo, regretted that the new governor started to breach the oath of office right from the venue of the swearing-in ceremony when he failed to condemn the activities of his supporters, who allegedly harassed innocent people and perceived opponents.

    The statement reads: “We, at the APC, had resolved to give him (Governor Makinde) a benefit of the doubt since he was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the March 9, 2019 gubernatorial poll in the state while the court is yet to decide on the attendant petition before it, but events in the last 24 hours have suggested to us that there is fire on the mountain.

    “How can one swear to an Oath of Allegiance to the Constitution of the Federal Republic and then turn back few hours later to wage war against democracy at the grassroots? The decision to dissolve elected officials in all the local government councils across the state is not only misplaced but a gross violation of the nation’s constitution as well as a coup against constitutional democracy.

    Read Also: Makinde sacks Oyo council chairmen, boards

    “One would have expected Governor Makinde to resist pressure from his PDP members who are desperate for political office appointments at the third tier level as mere compensation and uphold the sanctity of the rule of law in view of the fact that the current council chiefs hold a valid three-year mandate from a popular election and in addition to that, there is a Supreme Court verdict which shields them from being sacked from office irrationally.”

    It added: “Rather than dissipate time and resources on unnecessary actions in order to satisfy the whims and caprices of some political hangers-on, it would be in the overall interest of the state for the governor to approach governance with caution and seek proper guidance from God and appropriate resource persons. The good people are better informed after the successful two terms of Senator Abiola Ajimobi and they deserve the best from his successors.

    “The most important challenge before the new PDP administration is how to improve on the fantastic security architecture left behind by Ajimobi. The same bad eggs among the commercial driver’s union who unleashed terror on the citizenry with impunity during the previous PDP administrations are at it again, according to reports from some parts of Ibadan- the state capital, and the government seems unperturbed.”

    But, the Oyo State Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), has vowed that its members would remain in office until a properly constituted court of law voids their election.

    Addressing reporters in Ibadan on Thursday, ALGON chairman, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, called on security agencies to protect members of the association and elected councillors as they continue to carry out their duties in office.

    The council bosses said they remained the democratically elected chairmen and would still report to offices as such.

    At a news conference, which held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Abass-Alshinloye noted that there was a subsisting valid court order which prohibited the governor or even the House of Assembly from dissolving elected local council authorities in the state.

  • Certificate of return: Appeal Court orders prompt hearing of Okorocha’s suit

    Move by Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha to have the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issue him a certificate of return for Imo West senatorial seat has got a boost with the Court of Appeal, Abuja ordering prompt hearing of the suit he (Okorocha) filed to that effect before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The Court of Appeal has also struck out two motions filed by Senator Osita Izunaso; one for leave to appeal an interlocutory decision of the trial court, and the other, for an order staying proceedings at the Federal High Court pending the determination of the appeal.

    The Court of Appeal struck out both motions after lawyer to Izunaso, Edidem Ani applied to withdraw them on realising that they were defective.

    Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja had, on May 22, 2019, adjourned further proceedings in the case filed by Okorocha to await the Court of Appeal’s decision in the motion for stay of proceedings filed by Izunaso.

    By the latest decision of the Court of Appeal, contained in its ruling of May 27, 2017, a copy of which The Nation sighted on May 28, 2019, the coast is now clear for Justice Abang to resume proceedings in the case by Okorocha.

    In the ruling by a three-man panel, led by Justice Stephen Adah, the court said: “since there is no opposition to the request for the withdrawal of the motion for stay filed on 17/5/2019, it is hereby struck out, having been withdrawn.

    “Under Rule 10(c) of the Practice Direction of this court 2013, this court is mandated to order accelerated hearing of the case at the lower court.

    “But, since we have been informed that the lower court has been hearing the case day to day, there is no need to order a fresh accelerated hearing.

    “The day-to-day hearing, as it is presently done by the lower court, is commendable and it should continue. That is the order of this court.”

    Other members of court’s three-man panel that gave the ruling are Justices Emmanuel Agim and Mohammed Idris.

    Izunaso is, by his appeal, challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Abuja to hear Okorocha’s suit.

    He is also querying the competence of the decision by Justice Abang, granting the request by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be made a defendant in the suit.

    Read Also: Politics, threats as Ambode, Okorocha, Amosun leave

    Before adjourning proceedings on May 22, 2019, Justice Abang had threatened to send Izunaso to prison for committing contempt of court by including the judge as a party to be served with the processes he filed at the Court of Appeal.

    Justice Abang noted in, a ruling, that Izunaso’s decision to include his name as a party to be served a court process filed at the Court of Appeal was scandalous and embarrassing and showed that he (Izunaso) had no respect for the court.

    The judge said: “The motion filed at the Court of Appeal, where my name is recorded is before me, tagged as ‘Exhibit C,’ attached to the third defendant’s (Izunaso’s) affidavit of facts.

    “The third defendant is also before me so I have jurisdiction over him summarily. As if that was not sufficient, he deposed to an affidavit that the motion was duly served on me.

    “This is only to ridicule the court and lower the esteem of the judge in the eye of the public as if the judge is a party in the matter.

    “This shows the level of disregard Sen. Izunaso has for the court, which is established by the Constitution.”
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  • APC suspends ex-Rep Daramola for supporting Atiku

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended former lawmaker, Mr. Bimbo Daramola for alleged involvement in anti-party activities.

    The party gave the suspension order in a letter dated 28th May, 2019 and addressed to Daramola.

    The letter was signed by the chairman and secretary of Ire ward II, Dipo Bejide and Adeola Sefunmi respectively.

    The party earlier summoned the APC chieftain to defend himself against allegation levelled by some party members.

    The summon by APC executives in Ire ward 2 was contained in a letter dated May, 16 2019 signed by Ward chairman and Ward Secretary.

    The party said it took the action over failure of the chieftain to submit and appear before the ward executive to clear the allegations.

    The party alleged the ex-lawmaker openly mobilised support for Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of PDP in the last Presidential and National Assembly election.

    It added he also instituted a court case against the party’s candidate, Hon. Peter Owolabi in the last National Assembly election.

    The letter reads: “From the tone and style of your letter dated 20 May, it is apparent that you are only interested in causing division and disunity in the party by raising mundane, rumoured and unsubstantiated allegation aimed at setting the members at each other.

    “To this effect and based on your reply, we wish to put forward to you, what the wards deem as your anti-party activities.

    “That on the eve of the 2019 election, you used your house to accommodate PDP thugs, those who eventually unleash mayhem on members of our party, APC.

    “That on the eve of the election, you visited the palace of the Onire of Ire where you openly canvassed for PDP presidential candidate, Alh. Atiku Abubakar whom you openly described as your mentor and benefactor.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu won’t disappoint Lagosians – APC

    “That the party from at your response to your letter where you failed to address any of the above listed anti-party activities.

    “Rather you exhibited pride and arrogance and went to the extent of asking if there were party primary in the ward at the last House of Representatives election.

    “In view of the above violation and based on the fact that you are not ready to submit yourself to constituted authority of the party.

    “We wish to convey the decision of the party to suspend you indefinitely from the party indefinitely.”

  • North Central youths demand SGF position

    The youth caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-central zone wants President Muhammadu Buhari to cede the position of Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) to the zone as a reward for their loyalty to the APC.

    The youths also want the leadership of the APC to ensure equity in sharing of National Assembly leadership positions among the six geo-political zones.

    Zonal youth leader of the APC in the North-central, Terver Aginde, said that haven lost out in the race for speaker of the House of Representatives, the government should compensate them with the position of the SGF having given the party the second highest figure during the last election.

    Read Also: Ganduje trains 300 youths on automobile mechanic

    Aginde said there was also the need for the Adams Oshiomhole’s led APC National Working Committee to urgently call a NEC meeting to heal wounds and build a stronger and United APC.

    “We don’t see any reason for suspending people in the party. Instead, a NEC meeting should be called to review all that went wrong and find a lasting way of bringing the party back to its promises to Nigerians.”

    While pleading with President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that anybody to be appointed as Minister of Youths and Sport gets 2/3 endorsement from the party’s youth wing, Aginde said this is necessary so as to get the youths fully involved in APC administration.

    “APC is a national party and it should be given a national look by building a united Nigeria that will accommodate all the six geo-political zones, not minding religion or tribe,” the caucus said.

     

  • Oshiomhole: I would have sued doctors who wrongly diagnosed my wife

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has called for a review of Nigeria’s medical system so that doctors treat patients only in their areas of competence.

    He said wrong diagnoses could be prevented by governments if it provides robust regulations on the health system.

    The APC national chairman spoke at the Founders Day and launching of an endowment fund of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

    He said his late wife, Clara, died due to wrong diagnoses.

    Oshiomhole said he would have sued the doctors if it were in another terrain because his wife was a victim of medical quackery.

    He said: “You visit a hospital, one doctor is a gynaecologist, psychologist, paediatric, and the doctor treats everything. My wife was unfortunate to have been diagnosed as having something different while the cancer in her breast was growing.

    “This generalised system of medical system is what we must review. It is not the task of government that things are not working. People elect government to make things work. That was why I decided to build what I called a five-star hospital to replace the decayed Central Hospital. I do hope that one day that hospital will open and you will see the equipment.

    “One thing we need to do is appropriate compensation. When we have the right policy framework, the other level of compensation, people are paid accordingly, I believe doctors working outside the country will come back.”

    Read Also: Obaseki dismisses rift with Oshiomhole

    A former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, hailed the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia and the late Prof. T. Bello-Osagie for ensuring the locals have access to tertiary health services, instead of traveling to Lagos or Oyo State.

    General Gowon expressed joy that the UBTH had served the people well.

    He said: “In terms of training and research, the UBTH has performed excellently well in collaboration with UNIBEN.”

    The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, praised the UBTH management for conceiving the endowment fund.

    He advised Nigeria hospitals to aim higher and compete for international excellence.

    “Improvement is urgently needed in all aspects – from environmental upgrade to tip-top housekeeping; from prompt and polite attention to patients at first point of call, especially at registration,” Ehanire said.

     

  • Kwara APC elders urge Buhari to retain Lai Mohammed

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Consultative Forum in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to retain the Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed in his next cabinet.

    Spokesperson of the group Dr. Hezekiah Oyedepo said Mohammed had carved a niche and justified the confidence reposed in him in various offices he had occupied.

    The minister hails from Oro in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

    Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, Oyedepo noted that the minister worked in collaboration with other stakeholders to ensure the victory of the APC in Kwara State in the just concluded general elections.

    He noted that the former APC National Publicity Secretary, within his stint as a minister, attracted numerous projects to the people.

    He added that his credible performance as an appointee of government and at party level was sufficient to earn him reappointment in the next cabinet.

    Oyedepo pleaded with the party leaders to prevail on the President to see that Mohammed retains his position in the Federal Executive Council.

    “Due to the demonstrable and inherent usefulness of our son, Lai Mohammed to his party, the Federal and State Government, the fact that God has used him to deliver Kwara State from the clutches of the wicked into the fresh air of APC, Lai Mohammed should be retained as a minister.

    “Sound management thinking, which dictates that you do not change the star of a winning team midway expects no less.

    “We appeal to the authorities, particularly the President, Vice President, National Chairman of APC, APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all other authorities concerned to retain our son as a member of a new cabinet to be constituted by President Muhammadu Buhari in the next cabinet.

    “Alhaji Lai Mohammed is our son, an illustrious son for that matter. We cherish him in Irepodun LGA of Kwara State. We are proud of him and proudly associate with his achievements,” Oyedepo said.