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Tag: APC chief

  • APC chief to Buhari: see Obasanjo’s letter as a challenge

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Ovo Ofigo, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to allow ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter to dissuade him from seeking re-election.

    He gave the advice in a statement, titled: “Failure is an opportunity for determined people to succeed”.

    Ofigo said the letter should rather be seen as a wakeup call to the President to fulfil his campaign promises.

    The politician, the national coordinator of Buhari Solidarity Movement (BSM), noted that Obasanjo’s letter, although harsh, is a welcome development.

    He urged Buhari to remain focused and use the remaining period of his tenure to do what made Nigerians to vote for him.

    Ofigo said: “If electricity supply is improved, the economy will be boosted. This will make even Obasanjo to vote for the President next year.”

    He appealed to Nigerians to give the President 10 months “to give us the desired change. He should be encouraged to transform the country.”

    Ofigo described Obasanjo as a patriotic Nigerian.

    “He wants Buhari to succeed. I appeal to the President to invite Obasanjo to a roundtable. He is not an enemy. He has spurred Buhari and his aides to work harder.”

  • APC chief, others defect to PDP in Bayelsa

    APC chief, others defect to PDP in Bayelsa

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Jackson Suokiri, was among those who defected to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday at Odi in Kolokuma Okpokuma Local Government of Bayelsa State.

    Suokiri, a one-time secretary of PDP and commissioner defected to APC before the 2015 general election.

    He was among the faithful who welcomed Governor Seriake Dickson to Odi community when he visited the place on Monday to celebrate the New Year Day.

    Dickson admonished the political class to connect with the people, especially at the grassroots and not only when they needed their votes.

    He urged the political class to have contact with the electorate by visiting and interacting with them, stressing that it is by so doing that politicians will gain the trust and confidence of the people.

    The governor said as a grassroots politician, he would remain connected to the people in appreciation of the massive support he had received from them over the years.

    He said: “The power of the people is the most potent weapon you can find anywhere in the world; more potent than any armoury. The difference between me and many politicians is that I am a countryman. I connect with the people, I feel their pains, when they are happy I am happy and vice versa. I appreciate the people because they have made me what I am and above all, they have made PDP the strongest party, the only party that can win election in our state.

    “For those who seek political office, we must not go out to hurt people for their welfare and interest should ordinarily be the reason for being in politics. We should be civil as we carry out our activities in 2018, being a crucial year before the elections.”

    The Chief Whip of the House of Assembly and a member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency I,  Tonye Isenah, described Suokiri as a high profile politician, who had traversed the political landscape for decades, noting that his return would positively impact on PDP in the local government.

    He enjoined other APC members to retrace their steps, “as PDP remains the party of every right thinking Bayelsan, who means well for the state and its people.”

    PDP state Chairman Cleopas Moses hailed Suokiri for quitting APC for PDP, which he said was his home.

    He stressed that Suokiri was a committed and deep rooted PDP member before those wielding broom hoodwinked him into joining them.

    Moses noted that as a foundation member of the party, he had returned to rejoin the family he rightfully belonged to.

     

  • APC chief praises Oyegun for Anambra peaceful primary

    APC chief praises Oyegun for Anambra peaceful primary

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Bamidele Faparusi, has hailed the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for its transparency in handling the Anambra State governorship primary.

    Faparusi, also a former member of the House of Representatives, said the transparency further confirmed the ruling APC as a party that is committed to fight corruption, particularly those directly connected with electoral malfeasance in the polity.

    The aspirant was commenting on last Saturday’s primary in Anambra State wheren the party picked its candidate for the November 18 governorship poll.

    The party chieftain urged the winner of the primary, Tony Nwoye, to be magnanimous in victory. He advised him to extend the olive branch to other contestants for the success of the November election.

    Faparusi said the fact that Nwoye won through a credible and acceptable primary signposted the end of Governor Willie Obiano-led All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State.

    The former Federal parliamentarian expressed confidence that the party had laid a good foundation and a prototype of how Ekiti State primary would be to pick its governorship candidate for the 2018 election.

  • Restructuring: Actions of the NASS disappointing, APC Chief

    A member of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Felix Anirah, has described as highly disappointing the failure of the National Assembly to support the call for devolution of powers to the states and restructuring of the country.

    He also said that the leadership of the National Assembly failed to see the urgency in the cry of Nigerians for restructuring, which he said would bring lasting peace and true federalism to the country.

    He said further that had the lawmakers supported devolution of powers to the federating units, “the issue of resource control would have been laid to rest by that singular act.”

    He equally berated the National Assembly’s voting against the Gender Equality Bill, saying “it’s is so sad that in the 21st century Nigeria, national leaders are still extremely biased against women.”

    He stated further that considering contributions of women during elections and to national development, “I think that 35% affirmation is even too low since they constitute over 60% of the voting population.

    “When the National Assembly resumes from their break, Nigerian women should mobilise to the National Assembly ensure that the bill is revisited and passed, or in the alternative they should occupy the National Assembly as the youths did in the quest to pass Not Too Young To Run Bill”, he said.

    He, however, commended the lawmakers for the passage of the local government autonomy bill, saying that it was a welcomed development.

    “We are calling on the 36 state governors to give the needed cooperation to ensure that the state Houses of Assembly do the needful by passing the bill, so that meaningful development will be experienced at the local government which is closest to the people.

    “We also use this medium to call on the national leadership of National Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) and state executive to mobilise their members at the state to mount pressure on the state Assembly to ensure that the bill is passed. The nation is pleading on behalf of NULGE to the almighty governors to please let our people go (the Local Government).

    On the scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commission, (SIEC), the APC chieftain said “the SIEC have failed woefully over the years, considering the pattern of results churned out by the bodies, it’s either total PDP, APC or APGA, so, scrapping them by the National Assembly is a cheering news to Nigerians.”

    Speaking on developments around the Felix Anirah Foundation, the organisation through which the party chieftain had reached thousands of Delta people with free medical care, he said that the foundation had been silently handling some events in the past three months, particularly, in the sporting activities.

    “We hosted the Delta Federation Cup final both male and female at the Sapele stadium.  Recently we sponsored a bone surgical operation for a 12 years old indigent pupil, Princess Nasiru, at the Central Hospital Sapele, which cost the foundation about N225,000.

    “We want to use this medium to commend the management of the Central Hospital Sapele, and particularly the Surgeon, Dr. James Egwuterai, for giving the Foundation needed support.

    “The Foundation, weekend also promised to sponsor the second edition of the Sapele Athletic Club Football Championship, which is played by cooperate organizations, religious bodies and football clubs in Sapele. The first edition saw Sapele All-stars football club Sapele defeating Winners Football Club with three un-replied goals at the final played on Sunday, at the Sapele Athletic Club”, he said.

     

  • APC chief, six others remanded in prison for ‘breach of peace’

    APC chief, six others remanded in prison for ‘breach of peace’

    An Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Osun State yesterday remanded in Ilesa Prison an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mr Fatai Oyedele, 60, and six others, for alleged breach of public peace.

    The others are: Salau Moshood, 43; Adekunle Onikole, 40; Oladosu Alo, 53; Funsho Babalola, 51; Babayo Daudu, 36 and Babalola Kayode, 42.

    Oyedele (aka Diekola) and the other accused are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy and breach of public peace.

    The Prosecutor, Mr Chris Okafor, told the court the accused committed the offence on Monday at 12.05 p.m at Ring Road area of Osogbo.

    Okafor said the accused conspired and used abusive songs, which were political, and almost led to a breach of public peace.

    He said the offences contravened sections 517, 349, and 69 and punishable under Section 70 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge while their counsel, Mr Olarewaju Jaiyeoba, pleaded for bail.

    Chief Magistrate Ayo Ayeni ordered the accused to be remanded in prison. Their counsel make a formal application for their bail.

    He adjourned the matter till July 18 for hearing.

     

  • APC chief to Oyo residents: let’s build on Ajimobi’s foundation

    APC chief to Oyo residents: let’s build on Ajimobi’s foundation

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), has congratulated Muslims on the completion of Ramadan fast and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

    The lawyer urged Oyo State residents to build on the foundation Governor Abiola Ajimobi is laying across the state.

    In a Sallah message by his media aide, Ayodele Olaitan, the APC chieftain noted that building a great state cannot be achieved within four or eight years.

    He said: “…The task of developing a state is not one that can be completed in four or eight years; it requires continuity. A good example of a state that has benefited immensely from this principle is Lagos. The continuity project is, however, not Governor Ajimobi’s task alone; it is the project of all the people of our Pace Setter State.

    “I, therefore, implore all our people to join hands with our path-finding Governor Ajimobi to ensure the continued sustenance of his vision for Oyo State, even beyond his tenure.

    “I commend the Muslim community once more for your endurance and commitment to the tenets of Islam. May Allah accept all your sacrifices as acts of Ibadah.”

     

     

  • APC chief hails Ambode

    APC chief hails Ambode

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in AyoboIpaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Otunba LadiOlo, has hailed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his sterling performance in the last two years.

    He addressed reporters yesterday at a special thanksgiving service at the Lagos House, Ikeja to mark the state’s golden jubilee and Ambode administration’s second anniversary.

    Olo said blessing the state with visionary leaders, which has brought growth and development, is something worthy of celebration and thanking God for.

    The APC chieftain said Lagosians should not take for granted the peace and security  being enjoyed, adding: “These are God’s doing and they are marvellous in our sight.”

    He said the success of the Lagos@50 celebration was made possible by Ambode through good leadership and financial ingenuity.

    “The involvement of corporate bodies in the celebration is an endorsement of the governor’s performance,” he said.

    Olo urged other governors to emulate how Lagos is surviving despite the recession.

    He advised Lagosians to pay their taxes, to enable the government deliver good governance.

  • APC chief is African Bar marketing committee chair

    APC chief is African Bar marketing committee chair

    The African Bar Association (AFRBA) has appointed All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman (Northwest), Mr. Inuwa AbdulKadir, as chairman of its Marketing and Contacts Committee for the yearly conference holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital from August 6 to 10.

    Its President Hannibal Uwaifo urged the committee to work hard to make the event successful.

    The theme of conference is: Overcoming the legal challenges of doing business in Africa.

    Immediate past Republic of Tanzania President Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete will give the keynote address.

    AdulKadir, a council member of AFBA, said: “The conference promises to be very interesting and rewarding like the 2016 edition in Harare, Zimbabwe and is expected to host about 2,500 lawyers, judicial officers, lawmakers, businessmen and women, captains of industry and other diverse interest groups from the continent and across other parts of the world

    “The annual conference provides a unique opportunity to meet and network with diverse participants from all walks of life in Africa and across the globe and will focus on sectors relating to legal practice, cross boarder practice, immigration, cybercrime, economics, politics, governance, professional etiquette and the environment.

    “There will be showcase sessions and the African Business Roundtable where eminent African Businessmen and Women will chart a veritable course for doing business in Africa the legal way.”

    AbdulKadir said AFBA’s revival was good for the continent.

    “I feel delighted that these things are happening after some years of slumber of the AFBA. I feel happy too that Nigeria is driving the process of resuscitating or reawakening the association, because Nigeria is answering its name as the leader of Africa in all spheres of human endeavour.

    “The importance of having the AFBA cannot be over-emphasised as this there are a lot of efforts to integrate Africa in terms of social and economic challenges the continent is facing.

    “Africa is the target of every investor in this world today and the African economy is very key and crucial to other economies in the world.

    “Even the so called developed countries are looking at Africa. Because of the population, there is no doubt that the market is here. Whatever is happening elsewhere in the world, whether by or among the so called super powers or biggest economies, you can’t do away with Africa as a market, as a source of raw materials and a source of labour in some instances, so they really need Africa.

    “So, what the focus of AFBA now is to assist African governments and nations on issues of how to do business in Africa, strengthen the legal framework, safeguard African interest and the interest of its people, and harness our potential,” AbdulKadir said.

  • Lagos APC chief Sunmola dies

    Lagos State chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pa Abiodun Sunmola, is dead. He died yesterday after returning from a trip to the United States. He was 75.

    The late Sunmola was Deputy Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and one of APC’s apex leaders in Lagos East Senatorial District.

    APC’s Vice Chairman in Lagos West, Chief Funso Ologunde, expressed shock on the death of the grassroots politicians and prayed for the repose of his soul.

    He described the deceased as a committed and loyal party man, who was held in high esteem by party members at state and local levels.

    Ologunde said: “We heard the sad news that Pa Sunmola died after alighting from the plane at the airport. It is sad. We are aware of his death at the party level. May his soul rest in peace.”

     

  • APC chief congratulates Buhari on ambassadorial nominees

    APC chief congratulates Buhari on ambassadorial nominees

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on the recent list of ambassadorial nominees he sent to the National Assembly for confirmation.
    In a statement by his media aide, Rotimi Ajidara, the APC chieftain said the list of the ambassadorial nominees showed the President’s patriotic efforts at repositioning and boosting the nation’s image in the international community since he took over the reins of power in 2015.
    He noted that making Nigeria great was a one-way affair that could only be guaranteed by disciplined and visionary leadership being exemplified by the President.
    Oluyede said: “With the list of people of acclaimed moral rectitude, impeccable pedigree and character before the National Assembly as the nation’s next crop of ambassadors, Nigeria’s soaring image on the global scale under President Buhari will remain unassailable.
    “It is quite incontestable that Nigeria urgently requires foreign direct investments (FDIs) to get out of the current recession and be able to fire from all cylinders to take a flight to its economic stability and advancement. This dream can only be realised when we have men and women of unimpeachable character representing the country abroad.
    “That Mr. President has recognised this fact with the current crop of ambassadorial nominees before the National Assembly for confirmation is a signpost of his undying zeal for a great Nigeria. All well-meaning Nigerians should applaud him for this.”
    The renowned medical practitioner and grassroots politician also applauded President Buhari for including Dr. Eniola Ajayi among the ambassadorial nominees.
    The APC chieftain described Dr. Ajayi as woman of professional excellence, forthrightness and a shining star in Ekiti State.
    He said her nomination and that of other women nominees confirmed Buhari administration’s gender sensitiveness as well as the President’s belief and respect for contributions from women leaders to the nation’s development.
    Oluyede described Dr Ajayi as a “compassionate and trustworthy grassroots Amazon of Ekiti politics and women leader”.
    According to him, the former Ekiti State commissioner will bring to bear on her assignment her leadership pedigree and prove to be a worthy ambassador of Nigeria and APC.