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  • APC women leader hails Tinubu over 19 percent of women in his cabinet

    APC women leader hails Tinubu over 19 percent of women in his cabinet

    The National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mary Idele Alile has commended President Bola Tinubu for having 19 percent of his cabinet as women.

    Idele gave the commendation during the occasion of the launch Project 774 explode, with the theme: enhancing gender space in Politics held on Friday, July 12, in Sokoto State.

    She said under the leadership of Tinubu, the nation has witnessed a remarkable increase in the representation of women in key government positions.

    The development, APC women leader said has not only strengthened the democratic institutions but has also served as a powerful inspiration for young girls and women aspiring to break through glass ceilings and assume their rightful place in the public and political spheres.

    She said: “Also worthy of appreciation is our dynamic president, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; for having 19 percent of his cabinet as women. Under his leadership, we have seen a remarkable increase in the representation of women in key government positions. This has not only strengthened our democratic institutions, but has also served as a powerful inspiration for young girls and women aspiring to break through glass ceilings and assume their rightful place in the public and political spheres.

    She also appreciated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the Humanitarian disposition of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

    Idele said: “My fellow Nigerians, we stand today at a crossroads – a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, where the path we choose will define the future we create.

    Before I dabble into the business of the day, let me quickly sound my sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, for his support and full funding of the “Project 774 Explode” project in Sokoto State.

    Read Also: LG autonomy: Supreme Court verdict is a consolidation of democratic federalism – APC

    “This initiative, which aims to amplify the voices of women in the political space, is a testament to your commitment to fostering greater inclusiveness and empowering the next generation of female leaders.

    “The “project 774 Explode” project has been a remarkable success, providing a platform for women to engage in the political process, develop their leadership skills, and make their voices heard. Your decision to fully fund this initiative is evident in your determination to ensure that the aspirations and perspectives of young women are given the attention and recognition they deserve.

    “Also worthy of appreciation is our dynamic president, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; for having 19 percent of his cabinet as women. Under his leadership, we have seen a remarkable increase in the representation of women in key government positions. This has not only strengthened our democratic institutions, but has also served as a powerful inspiration for young girls and women aspiring to break through glass ceilings and assume their rightful place in the public and political spheres.

    “Through this programme, vulnerable groups all over the nation have been given financial empowerment. A lot of young female farmers have benefitted.  This is a testament to her determination to touch the grassroots level, with remarkable contributions to boost the economic power of Nigerian women through her pet project called Renewed Hope Initiative.

    “Let me take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the capacity National Chairman of our great party, the APC; His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for graciously standing in support of the women’s course. We salute your courage, sir.

    “For too long, the political landscape of our beloved country has been dominated by the voices of men, relegating the perspectives and contributions of women to the periphery. But the time has come to rectify this imbalance and unlock the immense potential that lies in the full and equal participation of women in our democratic processes.

    “Women possess the same intellectual capacity, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to public services as their male counterparts. Yet, they have been systematically denied the opportunity to shape the policies and decisions that impact their lives and the lives of their communities. This injustice not only undermines the principles of our democracy but also deprives our nation of the diverse ideas, innovative solutions, and transformative vision that women can bring to the table.

    “Today, I stand before you with a call to action – (Enhancing Gender Space In Politics) a clarion call to dismantle the barriers that have long prevented women from ascending to positions of political power and influence. We must embrace a bold and comprehensive strategy to enhance the gender space and amplify the voices of women in Nigerian politics.”

  • LG autonomy: Supreme Court verdict is a consolidation of democratic federalism – APC

    LG autonomy: Supreme Court verdict is a consolidation of democratic federalism – APC

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the Supreme Court verdict on fiscal autonomy for local government councils as a historic moment in the consolidation of democratic federalism in our country.

    The governing party also noted that the decision of the apex court gave expression to constitutional recognition of local government councils as the third tier of government.

    Hailing the court judgement in a statement in Abuja on Friday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka said the verdict constituted the single most significant stride towards restructuring Nigeria since the country’s return to civilian democratic rule in 1999.

    The statement reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) welcomes the epochal decision of the Supreme Court handed down yesterday, Thursday, July 11, 2024, affirming the right of local government councils to receive their monthly allocations directly from the federation account. The decision struck down the proxy system in which state governments received federal allocations on behalf of local government councils in the country.

    Read Also: Supreme Court ruling on LG autonomy takes immediate effect – Fagbemi

    “This decision signifies a historic moment in the consolidation of democratic federalism in our country. It gives practical expression to the constitutional recognition of local government councils as the third tier of government. It constitutes the single most significant stride towards restructuring Nigeria since the country’s return to civilian democratic rule in 1999.

    “The Justice Emmanuel Agim-led seven-man panel also upheld the position of the federal government that state Governors lack authority under the law to arbitrarily dissolve democratically-elected local governments councils and set up caretaker committees in their place as ubiquitously practised.

    “We applaud the Supreme Court for justifying itself, and for its courage in rendering a definitive decision on this vexed national issue. The clarity that it brings will, no doubt, spur further reform for effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of local government administration in the country.”

    The party also commended the ingenuity, vision, and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards deepening our democracy and turning our local government councils into potential strongholds for development and more efficient service delivery to our populations at the grassroots.

  • Unity among APC members critical to party, Nigeria’s development – Babale

    Unity among APC members critical to party, Nigeria’s development – Babale

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the unity of the party’s members is critical to its development and the country generally.

    APC Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Secretary, Alhaji Zakari Babale said this on Thursday, July 11, in Abuja while receiving into the party, Dr Ahmed Ibrahim, who recently retired as legal advisor and director legal from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    Babale, who is also the xhairman APC FCT Secretary’s Forum, expressed optimism that Ibrahim would help reposition and revive the party ahead of 2027 general election.

    Admitting that the FCT chapter of the party had some challenges, he said it was not time for its members to grumble, but a time to join efforts with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in building a better society for all.

    He said the unity and commitment of the APC’s members in ensuring the implementation of Tinubu’s Renewal Hope Agenda was critical to the country’s development.

    The APC chieftain advised that when opposition political parties were doing everything to pull President Tinubu and the party down through negative propaganda, its members should remain committed to it.

    He, therefore, called on the party’s members to be united in projecting  the federal government’s policies and programmes in the interest of all.

    He further called on Nigerians to continue to be patient with President Tinubu, adding that his economy programmes and policies maybe painful, it was all for the good of the country at the long run.

    Babale, who received Ibrahim on behalf of the council’s chairman, Alhaji Abbas Baba, described him as a great asset who had proved himself in service to the country over the years.

    He said the coming of Ibrahim who had never been into politics into the APC was very strategic.

    The new entrant, Ibrahim said he joined the APC out of conviction that it meant well for Nigerians, saying there was need for all to support the vision and policies of President Tinubu in moving the country forward.

    Read Also: Obaseki, APC chair bicker over transparency, accountability

    He noted that in spite of the country’s challenges, Tinubu had done so much in the areas of security, agriculture, education, health, youth, human capital development and social investment.

    He added that the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda was already working, especially in the area of youth inclusion in politics and governance.

    He said the Tinubu-led administration had stabilised the polity and was working on recovering the country’s economic as well as improving its bilateral relationship with other countries.

    Ibrahim added that the administration had also given voice to the voiceless, especially in the areas of human rights and all inclusive appointments.

    “In this regard all hands must be on deck to support the president in his Renewed Hope Agenda, in other to move the country forward and move it to a greater and enviable height.”

    He further said that he was joining the APC to help build it and contribute his quota to national development, adding that all hands must be on deck to development the country.

  • APC UK elects new executives

    APC UK elects new executives

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the United Kingdom (UK) has elected new executive members to lead the party for the next four years.
    A statement by the Publicity Secretary, Tunde Ajisola, described the election as a reflection of the acceptance of the new leadership. He added that the executives would do everything to promote the party’s ideals, and also give the best of leadership that is required.
    He added: “The newly-elected APC UK executives, under the Chairmanship of Tunde Doherty, would bring their wealth of experience and record of excellence to this role.
    “Doherty has been an active and influential member of our community, known for his unwavering commitment to the principles and values of the APC. His leadership qualities, strategic vision, and ability to unite and inspire people have been evident throughout his career.
    “As chairman, Doherty has also outlined a clear and ambitious vision for the APC-UK, and his priorities are to strengthen party unity, foster a spirit of inclusiveness and collaboration within the party, and also ensure that all members feel valued and heard.

    Read Also:  APC passes confidence vote on Uba Sani


    “The new leadership is ready to engage the Diaspora Community. We plan to enhance our engagement with the Nigerian community in the UK, creating platforms for meaningful interaction and contribution to the development of both the UK and Nigeria.
    “We will also advance policy advocacy, focusing more on advocating for policies that benefit our community, promote economic empowerment, educational advancement, social justice, as well as encourage grassroots Participation.
    “We will also work on strengthening UK-Nigeria relations, leveraging the strengths of the diaspora to contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development. We are confident that under Doherty’s leadership, APC-UK will continue to grow and thrive, making significant contributions to our community and beyond. His vision and dedication will undoubtedly guide us towards achieving our collective goals.”
    Ajisola also thanked the party’s National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Secretary Dr. Ajibola Basiru, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) for their contributions to making the election successful.
    Other members of the executive are Dr. Bonat Dauda (Deputy Chairman, North); Olumuyiwa Adesua (Deputy Chairman, South); Chief Momoh Yusuf Obaro (Secretary); Ayokunle Agunbiade (Deputy Secretary); Susan Jegunmah (Woman Leader); Hajia Mariam Muazu (Deputy Woman Leader); Hajia Sekinat Adams (Youth Leader) and Tunmise Ajiboye (Deputy Youth Leader).
    Others are Bernard Doro (Financial Secretary); Alhaji Ganiu Adejumo (Deputy Financial Secretary); Yemi Kolawole-Taiwo (

  • APC stalwart dumps party for PDP in Gombe, vows to make life better for people

    APC stalwart dumps party for PDP in Gombe, vows to make life better for people

    An aspirant in Gombe state, Sagir Shugaba Kashere, has renounced his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    He said his decision was hinged on underperformance and economic difficulty experienced by people of the state.

    In a statement, he noted that he was committed to making the lives of people better and impacting humanity at large.

    Kashere said the APC started very well in the state, but lamented the economic situation had made residents frustrated.

    According to him, party stalwarts in the state are also complaining of insecurity and poverty with the hope that things better in the long run.

     He said: “l wish to resign my party membership from APC as a political party. I appreciate being part of APC for a good number of years, having contributed to the party’s victory in elections at all levels over the years.

    Read Also: Oyo APC rejoices as Olaniyan, Shittu, others inaugurated as governing board appointees

    “However, I have decided to leave APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of the underperformance of the party at the state level. The party started as a party with mass followers but has today lost many of its supporters because of the social and economic difficulty in the state.

    “People, including party stalwarts have been experiencing insecurity, poverty, and hardship unprecedented in the recent history of Gombe state.

    “Based on the above, I have decided to defect to PDP together with 320 card-carrying followers from Kashere Ward.

     “I hope to continue the political struggle for a better Gombe state, Nigeria, and humanity in the coming years.”

  • Oyo APC rejoices as Olaniyan, Shittu, others inaugurated as governing board appointees

    Oyo APC rejoices as Olaniyan, Shittu, others inaugurated as governing board appointees

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state has described a former deputy governor in the state, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, and the former Minister of Communications, Chief Adebayo Shittu as deserving of their appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve on the Governing Council Boards of some federal government-owned tertiary institutions.

    Olaniyan was on Thursday inaugurated as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo while Shittu was sworn in as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Medical Science, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state

    Mubo Adelabu also became the chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo state alongside other Oyo APC faithful and Indigenes of the Pacesetter state.

    A statement by Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare appealed for calm among the party faithful assuring them that President Tinubu would carry everyone along in his efforts to deliver on all promises made during the electioneering as he needs the cooperation and understanding of all and sundry to fix all the challenges facing Nigeria.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has expressed approval of the appointments of former deputy governor, Rauf Olaniyan, and former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Both have been assigned to serve on the governing council boards of federal government-owned tertiary institutions.

    On Thursday, July 4, Olaniyan was inaugurated as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, while Shittu was appointed as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Medical Science, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

    Mubo Adelabu was also named the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, along with other Oyo APC members and Pacesetter State indigenes.

    In a statement, Oyo APC publicity secretary, Olawale Sadare, appealed for calm among party members, assuring them that President Tinubu is committed to fulfilling his campaign promises.

    Read Also: Delta APC chieftain urges Tinubu, NSA to disregard calls to sack Otuaro

    Sadare emphasised the need for cooperation and understanding from everyone to address Nigeria’s challenges effectively.

    He said: “The appointments of Engr. Rauf Olaniyan and Chief Adebayo Shittu as well as all others to serve on the Governing Councils of some Federal Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education and their subsequent inauguration on Thursday is another pointer to the fact that President Tinubu would not leave the Pacesetter state behind in the scheme of things as we, at Oyo APC, remain steadfast in our efforts to support his administration.

    “We are indeed happy that the new appointees are among the people whose competence, character and loyalty we can vouch for given their antecedent as well as contributions to the victory of President Tinubu and other candidates of the APC in the first stanza of the 2023 general election.

    “Engr. Olaniyan sacrificed a lot for the party as was always available to mobilize support for the party across the state and beyond.

    “Interestingly, the like of Barr. Adebayo Shittu, Ms Mubo Adelabu, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, Hon. Olu Abiola, Mr. Olalekan Famurewa, Alhaja Tinuade Adigun, Chief Wasiu Ajimobi, Mrs Monisola Tegbe and Mr. Mojeed Agboola would not disappoint as they all have the wherewithal to discharge their duties optimally as members of the Governing Councils of the various instructions where they have been deployed to serve.

    “While we have no scintilla of doubt in the ability of all the new appointees to deliver on their respective mandates, we urge our dear President to further look in the direction of an army of Oyo APC faithful who worked round the clock in the build-up to the last general election but are yet to be compensated as desired.

    “It is through this that we can quickly realize the goal of a stronger, more formidable and cohesive progressive party in the state ahead of the 2027 general election.” The statement concluded

  • Delta APC chieftain urges Tinubu, NSA to disregard calls to sack Otuaro

    Delta APC chieftain urges Tinubu, NSA to disregard calls to sack Otuaro

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, High Chief Michael Johnny, Agadiwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to disregard those he described as mischief-makers calling for the sack of Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

    Johnny, in a statement in Warri, said those calling for the sack of Otuaro were only afraid that it will not be business as usual for them in the Amnesty office, as Otuaro has vowed to stop any form of corrupt tendencies in the Amnesty office.

    The Gbaramatu chief also condemned what he believed were orchestrated blackmail and media attacks on Ijaw National leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.

    He warned against the attempts by certain individuals and mischief-makers to instigate other Ijaw kingdoms in Delta State against Gbaramatu Kingdom, noting that the misleading insinuation or allegation that Gbaramatu Kingdom is shortchanging other Ijaw kingdoms in Delta State for political appointments and federal benefits was not true and should be disregarded.

    “ For the records, Gbaramatu Kingdom has only produced the immediate past Deputy Governor, Dr. Kingsley Otuaro, which was a joint ticket with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the incumbent Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor. It should be made clear that RT. Hon. Julius Pondi, representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abuja, is an Ijaw from Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area,” he began.

    He added: “ The immediate past Senator for Delta Soutg Senatorial District, Senator James Manager, is an Ijaw man from Akugbene-mein Kingdom in Bomadi Local Government Area, who spent five terms in the Senate. Also, another Ijaw man, Mr. Godsday Orubebe from Burutu Local Government Area, was Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “ I still recall that when Bosin Ebikeme from Gbaramatu Kingdom was to be appointed a Minister by former President Goodluck Jonathan, it was Tompolo who objected it and insisted that Orubebe should be appointed. Till date, Gbaramatu Kingdom has not produced a Minister, Senator nor member of House of Representatives. Why the unnecessary envying and hatred against Gbaramatu Kingdom.”

    The Ijaw leader of APC in Delta State said nobody should envy or castigate Gbaramatu Kingdom, as the sacrifices by Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Niger Delta struggle can not be quantified.

    “ Gbaramatu Kingdom lost over 20 indigenes that were killed and buried in the struggle. Property worth Billions were destroyed in Gbaramatu Kingdom by the Federal Government. In 2009, when Federal Government attacked Gbaramatu Kingdom, only the indigenes of Gbaramatu suffered the lost. My 7-Bedroom Duplex was burnt down by the Federal Government in the Niger Delta struggle. Nobody gave me money for my house that was destroyed. I personally built it back.

    “ Papa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark has contributed immensely to the unity, progress and development of Ijaw Nation and by extension the Niger Delta region. Therefore, it is totally unacceptable for any Ijaw son going to the media to attack Papa Clark. Ijaw Nation respects Papa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, and it will continue to be so. Any insult whatsoever on Papa Clark is an insult to the entire Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta. Such will not be tolerated from anybody especially from fellow Ijaws,” he submitted.

    He backed Tompolo on the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited, warning that nobody should fight Tompolo for his private contract.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s backing spurring Wiketo restore Abuja Master Plan

    “ Tantita Security Services Limited TSSL, is a private company, and Federal Government awarded the pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo’s company on merit after following due process. It was not an Ijaw contract, the Federal government or NNPCL did not award the pipeline surveillance contract to Ijaw Nation, but to a private security company. So, why would fellow Ijaws fight Tompolo for his private contract”

    “ Interestingly, since Tantita Security Services Limited was awarded the contract, the country’s revenue from oil production has increased, and oil theft and illegal bunkering also reduced drastically. I commend Tompolo for being generous in handling the pipeline surveillance contract, because he subleted to other companies and carried more people along, including other ethic tribes,” he argued.

    He added: “ Tompolo should be allowed to do his job and execute the contract, which he is doing very well even beyond expectations. The Federal Government and NNPCL have absolute confidence in Tompolo and Tantita Security Services Limited, and of course the entire country are seeing the results in the fight against oil theft being championed by Tompolo.”

    He noted that Ijaw Nation is one and Gbaramatu Kingdom is not in competition with any other Ijaw kingdoms. According to him: “ More so, Gbaramatu Kingdom will never take what belongs to other Ijaw kingdoms. Let us continue to leave in peace and collectively fight for the progress and development of Ijaw Nation.”

    He argued Otuaro since assumption of office has shown capacity and taken the right steps required to move the Amnesty programme forward.

    The Ijaw chief warned that should there be any break down of law and order, or attacks on oil facilities, the federal government should go after the mischief-makers who are fighting Tompolo and Otuaro.

  • APC gives conditions as Rivers announces date for LG elections

    APC gives conditions as Rivers announces date for LG elections

    The  All Progressives Congress (APC) was absent from a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday, July 1, as the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced on October 5, to conduct the local government elections in the state.

    The announcement came amidst the ongoing local government succession crisis caused by the conflict between the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, and the Martins Amaewhule-led lawmakers.

    The governor had inaugurated caretaker committees to run the affairs of the local government areas while the ousted chairmen were still laying claims to their seats following the six-month tenure elongation granted them by the Martins Amaewhule-led lawmakers.

    To avert bloody clashes, the police had since taken over all the 23 secretariats of local government areas in the state pending the forthcoming judgment of the Court of Appeal.

    Read Also: Crisis hits Zamfara APC, as Marafa announces revival of own faction

    On Monday, RSIEC said it was ready to begin the process of democratically filling the vacant positions in the 23 local councils.

    Chairman of the commission, Justice Enebeli (rtd) spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting at the RISEC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    He said that the date was mutually agreed to by all the political parties that had indicated interest to participate in the poll including other critical stakeholders.

    He further unveiled the timetable of activities leading to the election.

    It was gathered that more than 17 political parties had expressed interest in participating in the election.

    Enebeli vowed that the commission would conduct free, fair and credible elections in the state.

    He said: “We will conduct free fair credible local government elections. Every vote will count, and only winners with a majority vote count will be declared.”

    But the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state said it would only partake in the exercise if the processes were verifiably correct.

    The party’s state caretaker committee chairman, Tony Okocha, however, said his party did not attend the stakeholders’ meeting because RSIEC failed to properly invite APC.

    He said: “I was not invited. My party was not invited. My party is too big not to be officially invited to an event like that.

    “I am too big to attend an event that I was not officially invited. RSIEC refused to officially invite me as a chairman of a major opposition party in the state.

    “I saw the information of the stakeholders meeting on social media. I was in the church on Sunday and I sent a mail to the chairman of RSIEC and he replied that APC was a major stakeholder. My party can only take part in the election only if things are done right.”

  • Governorship poll ticket open to members from all zones, says Anambra APC

    Governorship poll ticket open to members from all zones, says Anambra APC

    The Anambra state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said it has not adopted a zoning formula for the 2025 governorship election in the state.

    The party said its ticket was opened to any member of the party regardless of where he or she comes from.

    The publicity secretary, APC Anambra state chapter, Dr. Valentine Iyke-Oliobi said this in a statement at the weekend.

    Iyke-Oliobi was responding to a report attributed to a chieftain of the party in the state, Pope Amaefuna who warned the APC against fielding any candidate outside of the southern zone so as not to disrupt the existing zoning formula in the state.

    However, the statement by Iyke-Oliobi said: “First and foremost, we are constrained to state for the umpteenth time that the APC in Anambra State has no zoning formula and has never been part of any zoning arrangement with any political party in the state. The Anambra APC has always given every member of the party contesting for any position the opportunity to vie for the party’s ticket regardless of where he/she comes from.

    “Secondly, the said Mr. Pope Amaefuna, who was described in the publication as a chieftain of the APC in Anambra State is unknown to Anambra APC. He is neither a registered member of the party in any of our 326 ward chapters nor is he known at the state level not to talk of being a Chieftain of our great party in the state. To the best of our knowledge he may be a fifth columnist whose aim is to cause unnecessary tension and disunity in the party through unguarded utterances.

    “The party also seriously frowns at the crazy allegation by the said Pope Amaefuna describing bonafide members of the party in Anambra State who are not favourably disposed to zoning as saboteurs who have positioned themselves on the negotiation table with the failed party called APGA in order to sabotage the APC. Such an allegation is simply a product of hallucination.

    Read Also: NDLEA intercepts N7.35bn codeine consignments in  Port Harcourt

    “The APC in Anambra State re-affirms its commitment to give every individual aspiring to fly the party’s flag in the 2025 Anambra governorship election equal opportunity and a level playing field to do so. It is instructive to note that the APC at the national level during the last presidential primary did not zone the presidential ticket but allowed every interested individual to vie for its presidential ticket. This is what the party has always done, Anambra APC will continue to toe that line.

    “The 2025 governorship candidate of the APC will emerge by popular mandate given by the members of the party or elected delegates depending on the mode of primary to be adopted eventually after all stakeholders have arrived at a consensus. The APC is a progressive party and will not restrict the democratic field to any section of the state.

    “We therefore call on fifth columnists to desist from causing confusion in the party. If anyone chooses to be a member of the APC in Anambra State, he or she should imbibe the ethos of the party.

    “Candidates of the party at all levels are chosen by the people from across the state, therefore we call on those aspiring for any elective post to work hard towards gaining the acceptance of the party members when the time comes instead of focusing on the distracting argument of zoning, which is alien to the APC.”

  • Edo 2024: PDP, APC clash over alleged fraud, underdevelopment

    Edo 2024: PDP, APC clash over alleged fraud, underdevelopment

    Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 election in the state, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; his running mate, Osarodion Ogie; and Edo Chairman of the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe; have clashed over alleged monumental fraud and underdevelopment of the state.

    Tenebe, yesterday at a news conference in Benin, accused Obaseki, a chieftain of the PDP, of strings of corrupt schemes deployed to siphon Edo state of its resources, in connivance with Ighodalo and Ogie, while urging the anti-graft agencies to thoroughly investigate them, thereby prosecuting the governorship candidate and his running mate without immunity.

    He said: “The state is happy with steps taken in relation to the investigation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) interventions that were squandered by Obaseki. We are in receipt of an invitation letter No. CR: 3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/SOT/VOL. 2/2024, dated 19th April, 2024 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to Edo State Commissioner of Finance, and the response by the Secretary to State Government (Ogie), via his letter of May 7, 2024 with Ref. SGA.440/T3/82.

    “We urge the EFCC to follow up their investigation to prosecute and recover the agriculture and other sundry loans diverted by this present administration in Edo State.

    Read Also: Edo 2024: PDP, APC, LP, 14 others set for Sept 21 governorship poll

    “We wish to draw the attention of the general public to two projects that were designed by Obaseki, and supervised by his political godson, Asue Ighodalo, through his law firm of Banwo and Ighodalo, and Obaseki’s Afrinvest. A systematic pattern of contract splitting and variation was deployed by the Edo Ministry of Finance to drain off the state’s resources.”

    Edo chairman of APC also accused Obaseki’s government of lack of transparency, thereby allegedly mortgaging the future of unborn generations of Edo

    He said: “Obaseki’s company, Afrinvest, raises capital for projects at a Management Fee and Commission, in the name of Edo State, and the loans on Edo State. Afrinvest also provides Business Advisory and Project Finance at inflated fees.

    “Greenfield Consultancy, owned by a close associate of Obaseki, has been the one handling all civil service reforms in Edo State at outrageous fees. The civil servants are privately grumbling, and are volunteering information on this unholy scheme.

    “The latest plan by Obaseki to make the activities of his administration paperless is a criminal plan that has been designed by one ‘Ugo,’ who is in charge of e-governance, and has concluded with Edo governor to destroy all documents relating to fraudulent contracts, with the excuse that Edo Government has gone paperless. ‘Ugo’ has been instructed to delete the server containing sensitive documents, when the PDP loses the election on September 21, 2024. We hereby warn Obaseki and the head of e-governance, ‘Ugo’ not to delete the approvals of contracts on e-gov.

    “We are calling on the EFCC to immediately begin the investigation of the law firm of Banwo and Ighodalo, as it connects to the treasury of Edo State government, relating to many legal advisory services the PDP candidate received huge sums of money for services not provided.”

    Tenebe also accused Edo governor of inflating the contract of the ongoing construction of Radisson Hotel in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin, from N15.3 billion on August 23, 2023, when the contract was awarded to Shapoorji Pallonji Nigeria Limited to N23 billion now, and with further sub-contracts of N2.1 billion, for supply of, installation and commission of MEP/HVAC mechanical works equipment), as well as N1.6 billion for supply and installation of kitchen and laundry equipment, and N703 million for installation of aluminium glazing works and alucobond cladding awarded to All Facave Limited, with over N28 billion being wasted.

    He stated that the Lagos-based law firm of Banwo and Ighodalo was awarded the contract for legal advisory services at N1.5 billion by Obaseki, in addition to Ighodalo’s legal contract drafting, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) writing  in the last eight years, at ridiculous and bogus fees.

    Edo chairman of APC insisted that residents of the state deserved to know the real owner of Edo Refinery (ERPC), located in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo, which he said Obaseki claimed it belonged to Edo government, but he expressed surprise that it was now the property of a private company, with 100 per cent ownership by Michael Osime AIPCC Energy.

    Edo Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, in his reaction, asked the leaders of APC in the state to tell Edo people what the party’s standard bearer, Senator Monday Okpebholo, would do differently for residents of the state.

    Nehikhare said: “I have just read a statement from the chairman of the APC in Edo State. It is unfortunate that we still have someone heading a political party, without idea of how the government is run, but believes in sensationalism.