The Nation Newspaper

Tag: All Progressives Congress

  • APC blasts Sagay, accuses him of disrespecting Buhari

    APC blasts Sagay, accuses him of disrespecting Buhari

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday came down hard on the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption, Professor Itse Sagay, accusing him of disrespecting President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The party described Professor Sagay as “rogue elephant”, saying the Professor of law was arrogant and forgets that it is impossible for him to call out the leadership of the party as “weak” and “unprincipled” without indicating the President, who is the leader of the party and has the fundamental responsibility to build the party. 

    The party was reacting to an interview granted by the Presidential Adviser and published in The Nation newspaper of Sunday, September 24, 2017, where he described the party leadership as the “most unprincipled group of people who are encouraging and accepting rogues into the party.” 

    In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said if Prof. Sagay had any iota of respect for the President, he would have channelled his opinions and advice to the President on how to make the party stronger and more principled. 

    The party said It appears that Sagay does not have anything constructive to say about anything, but only knows how to tear down and assault everyone and everything which is the typical habit of a rogue elephant.

    While reminding the Prof Sagay and all other appointees of government that the only reason they occupy their current position is because the APC won the election, the party said it is a matter of honour to show decorum and respect for the party and its leadership since you cannot love the fruit and hate the tree that produced it.

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been brought to an interview published on pages 46-47 of The Nation Newspaper of Sunday, September 24, 2017, granted by the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay (SAN).

    “In the said interview, Sagay described the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “the most unprincipled group of people” who are “encouraging and accepting rogues” in the party. He said: “When I say ‘rogues’, I don’t mean stealing. In literature, when you say someone is a rogue elephant, it means people who are running riot and destroying the party.”

    “The Webster dictionary defines ‘rogue elephant’ as “one whose behaviour resembles that of a rogue elephant in being aberrant or independent.” Clearly if we have today, anyone in our government or, by extension, the party who feels accountable only to his own ego; who does not feel the need to bridle his tongue for the sake of anything that is higher than himself; who feels independent of everyone and every institution; that person is Professor Sagay.

    “Asked by the interviewer if he would stop speaking if the President asks him to stop speaking, he said: “Yes, he is my employer. If he tells me to stop talking, I’ll stop talking. But I have certain rights too that I can exercise in addition to that, because I’m not going to be in a position where I am impotent. So, I must obey him, but I can go beyond that and obey myself too. 

    “That’s it.”  Framed in another way, what Sagay is saying here is that, no matter what is at stake, he would rather resign than obey the President if the President tries to restrain him. This is the quintessential rogue elephant behaviour.

    “In his sheer arrogance, he forgets that it is impossible for him to call out the leadership of the party as “weak” and “unprincipled” without indicting the President, who is the leader of the party and has the fundamental responsibility to build the party. 

    “If Sagay had any iota of respect for the man who dug him back from inevitable oblivion and puts him in a position in which he now feels superior to everyone, he would channel his opinions and advice to the President on how to make the party stronger and more principled. 

    “It appears however that Sagay does not have anything constructive to say about anything. He only knows how to tear down and assault everyone and everything.

    “We want to remind Sagay and all other appointees of our government that the only reason they occupy their current position today is because the APC won the election. There is, therefore, a matter of honour to show decorum and respect for the party and its leadership. You cannot love the fruit and hate the tree that produced it.”

  • Jonathan ceded Rivers oil well to Bayelsa to punish Amaechi – APC

    Jonathan ceded Rivers oil well to Bayelsa to punish Amaechi – APC

    The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked Governor Nyesom Wike to publicly apologise to the people of the state and his immediate predecessor/benefactor, Rotimi Amaechi, over the ceding of Soku Oil Wells belonging to Rivers to neighbouring Bayelsa State.

    The oil wells in Kalabari axis of Rivers were controversially ceded during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, an indigene of Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, to punish the then governor (Amaechi), the Director-General of Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organisation, for declining to support the re-election of his Niger Delta kinsman (Jonathan).

    Rivers APC, through its Chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya, yesterday in Port Harcourt, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Public Affairs, Chief EzeChukwuemeka Eze, described as shocking, Wike’s acceptance that the disputed Soku oil wells, which it insisted he (Rivers governor) and Jonathan connived to cede to Bayelsa, belonged to Rivers.

    Wike, who was Jonathan’s Minister of State for Education, on Tuesday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, while hosting members of the Forum of Surveyors-General of States, urged the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. Ebisintei Awudu, to resolve the lingering boundary dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states, stressing that he was in the best position to address the boundary conflict.

    The Rivers governor said: “We believe that the oil wells belong to us (Rivers State people). We are brothers and there is no need for this conflict to linger. Imagine if it was between two states with no relationship, it would have been worse.”

    Rivers state was created on May 27, 1967, while Bayelsa state was created out of the old Rivers state on October 1, 1996.

    Rivers APC said: “September 19, 2017 will ever remain memorable in the politics of Rivers State. This was the day that one of the hidden truths was brought to the open. By his confession, Wike has vindicated our position that he collaborated with the then President Jonathan to fight Rt.  Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to a standstill and to dislodge APC that clearly won the 2015 general elections, from the Brick House, Port Harcourt.

    “One of the ways in which they achieved the infamous feats was to cede Rivers State oil wells to Jonathan’s Bayelsa State, in a bid to economically emasculate Rivers State and starve Amaechi’s government of funds.”

    The main opposition APC also stated that the Rivers governor’s latest stand on the controversial oil well issue was a reflection of a misguided leader, who likes to play politics with every issue, so far it would benefit him, not minding if such a stand was against the progress of Rivers state and its people.

    It said: “It is on record that Wike used the oil well issue about three years ago to dehumanise and abuse his benefactor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and called him many uncouth names, for pleading and stating that it was wicked of Dr. Jonathan to cede Rivers State’s oil wells to neighbouring Abia and Bayelsa States, just to prove his hatred for the people of Rivers State, after giving him one of their daughters (Dame Patience Jonathan) for a wife and ensured that he was properly educated at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

    “In view of Amaechi’s stand, Wike, as the then Supervising Minister of Education, threatened the then Rivers governor (Amaechi) with everything within him, including brimstone and arrest immediately after Dr. Jonathan would be declared as president for a second term in 2015, but God proved him wrong.

    “Wike, while exhibiting poor understanding of the plight of Rivers people, appreciated Dr. Jonathan for the heinous and evil act by giving him an award during the recent celebration of 50th anniversary of the creation of Rivers State.

    “If Wike is serious about demanding the receding of the oil wells to Rivers State, let him start by withdrawing the unmerited award given to Dr. Jonathan, after which he should formally apologise to God, Amaechi and the people of Rivers State for criminally emasculating them economically by the evil act against Rivers State and humanity, for us to take him seriously.”

    The main opposition party also reminded the Rivers governor that as minister of state for education, he sent members of his political group, the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), to harass and disperse the leaders and traditional rulers of kalabari Kingdom, under the aegis of Kalabari National Forum, during their protest march to submit their letter to the Director-General, National Boundary Commission, Abuja.

    APC urged the surveyor-general of the federation to assist and restore the Soku oil wells to Rivers state, not minding the fact that Wike was one of the architects and brains behind the ceding of the Rivers oil wells to neighbouring states.

  • IPOB: PDP advises APC to look inward

    IPOB: PDP advises APC to look inward

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to look inward in resolving the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) crisis.

    The party gave the advice in a statement by its National Caretaker Committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Dayo Adeye, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    It said that it was again constrained to react to a statement credited to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, noting excuses and blame-game would not help in solving the problem.

    The party said that the minister on Sunday tried to shift blames of the poor handling of the agitations of IPOB by the current administration to an opposition.

    According to it, it is worrisome that government blamed opposition parties, which they have conveniently labelled looters, for the activities of IPOB.

    It urged the APC to look inward in locating the looters using their ill-gotten wealth to sponsor separatist agitation against the government of the day.

    It stated that no external enemy was working against the APC government and advised the party to do soul-searching and correct the anomaly.

    “We wish to put on record that agitation for the actualisation of the State of Biafra was a total silent voice while the PDP was in power.

    “That was because of the Government of inclusiveness we provided for Nigerians who were made to experience what a genuine national government meant.

    “Finally, as a party, we had condemned and we are still condemning separatist movements tailored towards balkanising the nation.”

  • Anambra Guber poll: APC submits Nwoye’s name

    Anambra Guber poll: APC submits Nwoye’s name

    After several days of speculations and political horse trading, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has submitted the name of Hon. Tony Nwoye to the Independent National Electoral (INEC) as its candidate for the November 18 governorship election in Anambra state.

    The party also issued a certificate of return to Nwoye as the party’s candidate against the recommendation of the Appeal panel, calling for the outright cancelation of the primary election.

    The appeals panel had told the National Working Committee that most of the aspirants who contested the primary led by Sen Andy Uba, questioned Nwoye’s emergence, demanding a repeat of the exercise.

    However, the Chairman of the Committee that conducted the primary and Borno state governor, Kashim Shettima on his part told the party that non of the aspirants questioned the integrity of the primary through out the exercise.

    On his part, Senator Andy Uba who wanted an outright cancelation of the primary and declaring him winner, Sen Uba wrote: “I complained to some members of the Primary Election Committee sent from the headquarters of the party. To be frank, I continued with the exercise in protest after observing all these irregularities. Most of the disgruntled delegates of the primary election have gone to various courts to depose to an affidavit of events that transpired.”

    The Nation was informed that the Appeal panel recommended a repeat of the governorship poll.

     However, rising from a crucial meeting at the party national secretariat on Monday, decided to forward Nwoye’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in order to meet the deadline for submission of names of candidates for the election.

    National Organising Secretary Osita Izunazo, who confirmed the development told newsmen that the NWC threw out Sen. Uba’s petition against Nwoye and also overruled the recommendation of the Appeal panel for total concelation of the primary poll.

    “I can confirm to you that the NWC has issued certificate of return to Tony Nwoye as APC governorship candidate for November 18, Anambra election.”

  • Buhari 2019: Alhassan admits indiscretion, apologises to APC

    Buhari 2019: Alhassan admits indiscretion, apologises to APC

    Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Aisha Jummai Alhassan has admitted that her statement that she will not support President Muhammadu Buhari for the 2019 presidential election was made out of indiscretion and has apologized to the party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said.

    National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi told newsmen after over two hours meeting of the National Working Committee with the Minister that she has accepted her fault and the fact that the timing of her statement was wrong and apologized to the party.

    The Minister who arrived the APC National Secretariat at about 1.50 pm for a meeting with the National Working Committee did not leave the secretariat until 4.05 pm after a lengthy meeting with the leadership.

    She was however tactically decline to speak with the press saying “I can’t talk when the APC spokesman is here with me. I’m not the party’s spokesperson.” 

    Abdullahi who escorted the Minister to her car told newsmen that the Minister fondly called Mama Taraba was at the secretariat on the invitation of the party.

    He said the party recognized the right of the Minister to say what he said, but was of the view that with her position in the government and he party, the timing of her statement was wrong and capable of sending the wrong signal to Nigerians.

    He said: “Since the issue of the comment she made came up, the party has not said anything regardless of what individuals may have told you because we are a party that recognized the right of her members to express their opinions or views. 

    “We also had an opportunity to discuss with the minister to understand what she said and in what context she said so before we know how to respond. So, when she came, we asked her to explain to us what truly transpired and in what context she said what she said and she did offer these explanations. 

    “Now, having offered her explanations, we acknowledged that as a member of this party, she is entitled to her opinion and she is entitled to her choice. However, as a senior member of this party, her statements represent an act of indiscretion because with the kind of position she occupies even within the party, she is a party leader in her own right, what she said was not what she was supposed to say at the time that she said it.

    “She ought to have exercised greater judgement than she did and she acknowledged that yes, maybe she ought not to have. Maybe the timing was wrong and she apologised that if she had put the party in any difficult position, she apologised.

    “I want you to take note of the fact that nobody is questioning her right to take the position she has taken. We have not come out to say, ‘why are you saying you are supporting this person?’ 

    “She has a right to her choice and to support whoever she wants to support. Afterall, she is not saying she supports a member of another party. But what we are saying is that with the position she occupies, she ought to have exercised greater sense of discretion and better judgment knowing that making that kind of statement would definitely create some other situations for the party, if not for the government.

    The APC spokesman said the party never discussed the option of resigning with the Minister saying “that did not come up. What we just said was that we understand the context in which she said what she said, but it was an act of indiscretion for someone occupying the position she is occupying in the party to make that kind of statement. 

    “If this was 2018 and the people have filed their applications to say they are contesting and she now comes out and says she is supporting this person, how can that be an issue? But we are still in 2017. We are still far away. 

    “Atiku has not said he is contesting. He has not collected any form. He has not announced to anybody that he is contesting. So, that is what we mean by the timing. It is not that she had no right to say what she had said”.

  • Withdraw military from Southeast – APC chief

    Withdraw military from Southeast – APC chief

    A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday asked the Federal Government to withdraw men of the Nigerian Army from the Operation Python Dance currently going in the south east and replace them with members of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) and the Police.

    Frank said the show of force by the military in the region which has resulted in clashes and maltreatment of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is capable of putting the country on fire if not properly handled.

    In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, Frank who is also the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC said in as much as military show of force is allow in a peaceful manner, the current approach in the region need to be checked and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to consider the political implications of unleashing the military on an entire region. 

    Frank was reacting to a video circulating on the social media where some youths suspected to be IPOB members who were caught by the military and asked to forcefully swim in dirty water, adding that such action is condemnable all over the world.

    Related: IPOB agitation, a joke – Okorocha

    He said that the military action in the region is capable of sabotaging the good intention of APC government and therefore portray the current administration as a military government. 

    While calling on Nigerians and leaders across board irrespective of political differences to speak out against what he described as inhuman treatment of Nigerians, he said: “today it may be the Igbos, but tomorrow may be the Ijaws or Yorubas or any other region, by then there may be nobody to speak out.  This incident is a total disgrace and embarrassment to the Nigerian government”.

    While asking the government to replace the military with other security forces, he said the government should either replace the Army with Police or Directorate of State Services (DSS) so has handle the good intention of government in a civil manner, saying “the DSS or Police will never carry out such brutality on unarmed Nigerians because DSS has shown maturity in in handling civil issue like this in tne past.” 

    According to him, “the activities of these handful of people asking for Biafra does not represent what the whole region stands for. There are still a large number of people who are not comfortable with such agitation. These people too are Nigerians like others. So the whole region should not suffer the persieved sin of the few.” 

    He described the ongoing military action as pure sycophancy to prove to the President that they are working, adding that “the military did not act this manner when President Muhammadu Buhari was not around for sometime.”

    He said all over the world, agitation for various reasons can not be totally eradicated, adding that the way and manner government and her security agencies handle such matter will show the different and either make citizens to believe in such government or not. 

    “This may be one of the reasons the United State Government refused to sell arms to Nigeria Army because of human right abuse and violation. This has to stop because military solution has never been the best in handling such in a democratic system like ours anywhere in the world.”

  • Why we ordered removal of illegal billboards in Gombe – Commissioner

    Why we ordered removal of illegal billboards in Gombe – Commissioner

    The Government of Gombe State has said that it ordered the removal of illegal billboards within the state capital owing to the environmental hazards they constitute.

    This is according to the State’s Commissioner for Information, Hon. Umar Ahmed Suleiman, who made this clarification that the billboards were illegally mounted across the state without approval from the relevant authority.

    The Commissioner noted that such billboards accrue no revenue to the state.

    In a statement, Suleiman said: “These billboards are mounted recklessly within the state capital posing serious threat to the environment. Gombe city is known as one of the cleanest and environmental-friendly capitals in the country.

    However, these billboards are defacing the city and more dangerously is the fact that they pose serious threat to road users, especially drivers as some of the billboards are positioned in ways that obstruct the view of drivers. Some of these billboards are also not well-erected and can fall at any time, especially during this rainy season.”

    According to the statement, the State government ordered the concerned agency of government to remove all the billboards, irrespective of political parties or affiliations.

    He berated the state chapter of the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC), for playing politics with the genuine move of the government.

    “It is pathetic that the APC in the state is playing politics with this laudable move. Are they not happy that Gombe is rated as one of the cleanest states in Nigeria? Are they not proud of the exemplary leadership of His Excellency, Gov. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo that has made Gombe the safest state in the North-East and beyond? Will they be happy if some of these illegal billboards cause accidents in the state?

    “Let me restate that this move is not targeted at anyone or group as claimed by the APC. It is surprising that with the much-touted campaign of change, legality and respect for the rule of law by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government, the APC in the state is encouraging illegality, uncleanliness and disregard for law and orders,” he added.

    Suleiman maintained that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state will continue to be proactive and meet the yearnings of the electorates, stressing that Gombe electorates and Nigerians are proud of the achievement of Gov. Dankwambo.

    Recalled that the APC accused the PDP of removing the billboards and posters of President Muhammadu Buhari and other members of the party in the state, saying no law prohibits the party from displaying its posters. 

  • Don’t yield to drumbeat of war, APC to Nigerians

    Don’t yield to drumbeat of war, APC to Nigerians

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to Nigerians not to yield to elements bearing the drumbeat of war in the country, saying Nigerians must instead stand up and speak with one voice for peaceful coexistence and in the interest of the present generation of Nigerians and those yet unborn.

    Reacting to the recent clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the military, the party, in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and made available to newsmen in Abuja ask the military must adhere with globally-stipulated rules of engagements and laws governing their operations.

    It condemned the attack on the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalist in Umuahia, the Abia state capital and applauded the quick response of the army high command in tendering an apology to the affected Journalists.

    The statement reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) calls for calm and restraint following recent reports of violent clashes linked to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia and Rivers State.

    “The Party also regrets the incident at the National Union of Journalist (NUJ) Secretariat in Umuahia, Abia State capital, where some journalists were assaulted. Commendably, the Nigerian Army has tendered its apology and is investigating the matter.

    “While the Party insist that security agencies must adhere with globally-stipulated rules of engagements and laws governing their operations, we must allow our security agencies to conduct their constitutional roles of securing lives and property without hindrance and provocation.

    “We also call on citizens, social commentators, media influencers and other stakeholders to be careful and mindful of their utterances on the clashes. Stoking tensions by inciting utterances, hate speech and all other forms of awful propaganda will only push the country to the precipice.

    “When we see the devastation of the Country’s North East by Boko Haram, the 1966 Nigerian civil war and similar conflicts in other countries, we are reminded of the effects of internal strife.

    “We must not yield to elements beating the drumbeats of war. We owe the peace and unity of our dear country to the present and unborn generations. We must speak and stand up for peaceful coexistence on our social media platforms, places of worship and all other public spaces we belong.

    “On the backdrop of recent agitations and actions which have the potential of undermining the unity of our country and our relationship across religious and ethnic divides, the Party cautions that we must ensure that such agitations are peaceful and lawful. The Party reiterates its belief that it is in our collective interest to support and remain steadfast to the cause of a united Nigeria.”

  • APC may bow to pressure, void Tony Nwoye’s victory

    APC may bow to pressure, void Tony Nwoye’s victory

    There were indications on Tuesday that the All Progressives Congress (APC) may bow to pressure being brought to bear on it by political heavy weight in Anambra state and cancel its August 26 governorship primary in Anambra state which was won by a member of the House of Representatives, Tony Nwoye.

    It was gathered that some of the aspirants who petitioned the appeals panel are calling for a total cancellation and a repeat of the exercise, alleging that the thugs and members of NANS were brought into the accreditation venue.

    One of those who petitioned the Appeals panel, Senator Andy Uba who came second in the primary with about 931 votes alleged in his petitions the primary election was marred with heavy irregularities, heavy financial inducement and the use of thugs to intimidate delegates and swap their delegate cards.

    But another aspirant, Barrister Nonso Nmadu said the primary was done in a transparent atmosphere and has been described as the best primary, stressing that he is surprised that Senator Uba would disparage the same primary he commended when the process was ongoing with the believe that he would emerge winner.

    The Governorship Primary Appeals panel which submitted its report to the National Organising Secretary, Senator Ostia Izunaso told the party that many petitions were received from the aspirants who contested the governorship primary.

    Submitting the committee report, the Secretary of the Committee, Dr. Nosa Aladesulu said they received many petitions from the aspirants, while many APC stakeholders in the state appeared before the Committee while it got in touch with relevant persons involved in the primaries.

    Aladesulu however told newsmen that her committee actually received a numbers of petitions against Hon. Tony Nwoye’s victory, saying “a number of persons submitted petitions and also a good number representing our party members from Anambra State also made personal appearances. 

    “We also have situations where some group that did not come, submitted affidavit of their understanding of the processes they observed to the committee. What we have in this report was a collection of those complaints and responses. 

    “After reviewing the petitions from our members at the primaries, we also invited persons, officials and other stakeholders indicted by the petitioners and key persons whose responses were key to our reports were also attended to and heard their witnesses.

    “What we have in the report are the analysis of both the petition, our understanding of the witnesses we received and our recommendations to the NWC to decide on the final outcome in their own wisdom.”

    However, Barrister Nonso Nmadu who also contested the primary wants the party to uphold the victory of Nwoye at the primary, stressing that the entire accreditation and voting was done in a transparent manner, accusing Senator Andy Uba of trying to tarnish the exercise..

    Nmadu said Senator Andy Uba does not have the capacity to win the November 18 elections, saying “If Senator Andy Uba’s capacity could not win him the apc primaries, he does not have the capacity to win the november 18th elections in which votes are expected to count. 

    “I urge the most distinguished senator Andy Uba to stop embarrassing himself and work for the party as earlier pledged.  His actions are being seen by Anambra state members as anti-party and our national leadership should not fail to wield the big stick when necessary.”                       

    He describe as untrue allegations that Tony Nwoye brought thugs/NANS members into the accreditation venue to chase away delegates, adding that the accreditation was conducted peacefully while delegates were identified through their Permanent voters card(PVC) National ID card, drivers license or International passport. 

    He said delegates also came with their party membership slip with photograph issued to them by the party during registration, adding that two weeks before the primary, the party made available to all the aspirants the list of delegates.

    According to him, “the allegation that delegated were swapped is simply laughable. After accreditation, delegates were conveyed to the voting center on marked buses with full police escort. Their was no room for any maneuver as the delegates had no physical contacts with outsiders.           

    “The road leading to the voting venue was not even accessible to commutters and other road users, as it was cordoned off by security agencies, making it impossible for any non-accredited person to gain entrance to the venue.                     

    “Most importantly, during voting proper, once a local government is called, the various ward chairmen are called to vote first, then line up in front of the hall to identify delegates from their ward who then proceed to cast votes.    

    “The allegation of presence of thugs at the venue is untrue, except if Senator Andy Uba is now referring to genuine APC members as thugs simply because they did not vote for him.                                                    

    “Senator Andy Uba also alleged that some delegates have gone to court to depose affidavits on what transpired. The party should note that this is their usual tactics of scuttling elections once it doesnt go their way.  It is a PDP tradition which they want to import to our peaceful APC and must be resisted.  

    “Our party leaders should note that this tactics was used in 2013 to scuttle the ambitions of the same Tony Nwoye after he defeated the same people in a primaries televised live on national TV.  The litigation went all the way to the Supreme court and by the time judgment was delivered Dr Tony Nwoye had just 10 days to campaign. Despite the short time left for him to campaign, he still finished 2nd in the General elections.                                           

    “Senator Andy Uba asked to be declared winner of an election he clearly lost. There is a popular saying among party members that with the margin of over 2,000 votes to andy uba’s 900, Tony Nwoye did not just come first, he came second and 3rd while Uba finished 4th.                                      

    “Senator Andy Uba should spare us with the “capacity” statement which he has made a sing- song. He should know that the days of PDP abracadabra are over. He does not have the capacity to  win any election that is free, fair and transparent in which votes are allowed to count hence he couldnt win the APC primaries.”

  • Ekiti: APC Chieftain, Araoye empowers senior citizens with N5m

    Ekiti: APC Chieftain, Araoye empowers senior citizens with N5m

    A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Mr. Makinde Araoye (MKD) over the weekend empowered about 500 indigent senior citizens of the state with N5million cash at N10,000 each.

    Also distributed to the imdigents senior citizens by Araoye were food stuff such as 100 bags of rice, 50 bags of wheat, 25 bags of Semovita amongst others.

    Speaking at the event which took place at Emure-Ekiti, the headquarters of Emure Local Government Area of the state, the vibrant Araoye said he had started the initiative code-named Makinde Araoye (MKD) Social Security Scheme in his Ilawe-Ekiti country home since 2011 but decided to extend the tentacle to the six local government areas in his senatorial district now as a way of ameliorating the sufferings of the underprivileged senior citizens in his area.

    The six local government areas are Ekiti South West, Ekiti East, Ikere, Ise-Orun, Emure and Gbonyin.

    “The tentacle of the Social Security scheme which I flagged off in 2011 with just 15 senior citizens from my Ilawe-Ekiti country home in Ekiti South West Local Government as beneficiaries has now been extended to cover senior citizens from all the towns and villages in Ekiti South Senatorial district of our dear state”

    “The second edition of the now expanded Makinde Araoye (MKD) Social Security Scheme for the indigent aged that is being flagged off today has about 500 beneficiaries being paid N10,000 each” he said.

    Araoye who is a staunch supporter of the immediate past governor of the State and current Minister of Mines and Steels Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi said the empowerment scheme which he emulated from the past government of Fayemi shall be done quarterly till his last breath on this surface of earth.

    Speaking at His Palace, the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Emmanuel Adebowale Adebayo praised Araoye for using his personal resources to help the indigent people.

    The first class traditional ruler charged other privileged citizens of the state to emulate Araoye, saying that “it’s not only when politicians are looking for votes that they should remember the needs of the people”.

    The monarch also used the occasion to urge young Nigerians to show interest in governance, stressing that it was time young people take over the affairs of the country from those he said had been ruling for decades with little or nothing to show as achievements.

    In her own speech, the State acting chairman of the APC, Chief Kemi Olaleye commended the efforts of Araoye in helping to alleviate poverty among party members.

    Olaleye who accused the state governor, Ayodele Fayose of increasing the level of poverty in the state since Fayemi left government, said the people are now wiser and the governor would soon be voted out of Government by the same people he has been deceiving.

    Also in attendance at the event was the Chairman of the APC in Ekiti South, Pastor Olu Babade, past and present members of the State Executive Council of the party, all Local Government and Ward Chairmen of APC in Ekiti South Senatorial District amongst others.