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  • APC draws battle line with governor over 16 lawmakers

    APC draws battle line with governor over 16 lawmakers

    Crisis is brewing between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang over the refusal of House of Assembly Speaker Gabriel Dewan to inaugurate 16 members elected on the platform.

    The National Working Committee (NWC) yesterday drew a battleline with the governor, accusing him of backing the Speaker in his bid to delay the swearing in of the lawmakers.

    It threatened a legal action against the governor and Speaker for disobeying the judgment of the Court of Appeal that the 16  members  were duly elected by their constituents.

    Speaker Dewan has hinged his refusal to inaugurate the 16 lawmakers on the judgement of the Supreme court, which faulted the judgement of the Court of Appeal that sacked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers based on the porous structure of PDP.

    The apex court, in its ruling on last year’s governorship election, declared that the issue of party structure was an internal affairs of PDP that should not have been entertained by the Court of Appeal.

    However, while 16 PDP lawmakers have approached the Court of Appeal for a review of its judgement, the court dismissed their request.

    Owing to the Speaker’s refusal to allow the 16 members to take their seats, Plateau Assembly is now made up of eight members, leaving other constituencies with no representation.

    APC-NWC said the 16 lawmakers were running out of patience, warning that illegality can no more be condoned.

    It further said that the party will not allow the legislative rascality of the Speaker to go unchallenged, adding that  “enough is enough”.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja after the weekly meeting of the highest administrative organ, the National Vice Chairman (South West) Isaacs Kekemeke, said APC will ensure the enforcement of the decision of the Court of Appeal.

    He said: “The Court of Appeal has affirmed its decision to sanction the illegality of the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, PDP and the Governor for attempting to review that decision. 

    “It is sad that the Governor of Plateau, who is enjoying his office by the constitution of this country in an election, will want to deny 16 members of the fruit of their electoral work and to deny our party the success that they won for the people.  “This is a disgrace to democracy and its unacceptable behaviour.

    “The National Working Committee expresses its outrage and displeasure over this continued illegality and this unacceptable arbitrage by the Governor of Plateau State, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and by the PDP in Plateau state.”

    He urged the Attorney General of the Federation, the Inspection General of Police and other law enforcement agencies to enforce the final decision of the Court of Appeal, being the final adjudicating court on the House of Assembly poll.

    Kekemeke stressed: “The last court is the Court of Appeal that has spoken and spoken again and yet, PDP, the governor of Plateau and the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly shamelessly continue to disobey the law of the land.

    “The patience of the APC is running out. But because the APC is a peaceful party, it is calling on the law enforcement agencies to do the needful now and not tomorrow.”

    However, Plateau State Government raised the alarm about plans by unnamed persons to forceful break into the House of Assembly chamber to swear in the 16 lawmakets.

    On Tuesday, the police averted a clash between  supporters of the APC lawmakerd and supporters of 16 displaced  PDP lawmakers at the premises of the House of Assembly.

    The APC supporters were later dispersed by the police, who later condoned off the Assembly to prevent the rival supporters from gaining access into the premises.

    Police spokesman Alabo Alfred said security was beefed up   to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state.

    One of the PDP supporters, Joe Bako, said  that they were at the Assembly complex, following allegation that  APC members were planning to storm the Assembly and impeach the Speaker

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    He said: “We have been here since last night till Tuesday morning because we learnt that the APC members who were yet to be sworn in as state lawmakers, following the controversial Court of Appeal judgment, want to enter the state Assembly and impeach the Speaker.

    “After that, they will go ahead to impeach the governor. But, we will not allow that. They want to take the law into their hands. If not, why should they not wait for the final outcome of the issues because the 16 PDP lawmakers who were unjustly removed by the Court of Appeal are presently in court over the matter? I think the APC in Plateau State does not want peace because they are aware of the Supreme Court’s judgment over the matter.

    “Instead of joining hands with the Governor Caleb Mutfwang-led administration to move the state forward, they are busy trying to cause confusion where there is none. But we will not allow them to achieve their aim.”

    An APC supporter , Solomon Dan, condemned  the action of the Speaker, saying that it is unacceptable.

    He said: “The Court of Appeal is the highest court in election petitions involving state and National Assembly.”

  • Ondo APC members ‘to work in unity’

    Ondo APC members ‘to work in unity’

    Founding members of All Progressives Congress in Ondo State have pledged to work towards the party’s governorship primary.

    They said they would work for of a governorship candidate of their choice.

    This was contained in a resolution reached at the end of a meeting in Akure.

    The meeting was presided over by a former Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, Sola Iji.

    Iji was former Ondo Chairman of Alliance for Democracy, Action Congress and Action Congress of Nigeria.

    He commended APC leaders for their steadfastness and loyalty to the party, urging them to work as leaders and stakeholders in the party.

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    Iji reminded the gathering they were aborigines of the party in the state.

    Those present were a former Ondo North Senatorial Chairman of ACN, Chief S.A ldris; former Ondo North Senatorial Chairman of AC, Alhaji Isa Oloruntoba; former Ondo South Senatorial Chairman of ACN, Hon Wale Akintimehin; Otunba Kelly Agboola; former State Women Leader of AD, Chief Grace Animola; Pioneer State Secretary of APC, Raman Rotimi; former State Women Leader of ACN, Kehinde Adeniran; Deputy  National Women Leader of ANPP, Mrs Fagbamiye Abimbola; among others.

  • Condolences pour in as Ekiti APC announces chairman’s death 

    Condolences pour in as Ekiti APC announces chairman’s death 

    The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Mr. Paul Omotosho, is dead.

    According to a family member who pleaded anonymity, Omotosho died in the early hours of yesterday after a brief illness.

    The APC chairman, the source said, attended political meetings on Monday.

    “He reportedly complained of feeling feverish on Tuesday and was taken to a government hospital in Ado-Ekiti, where he later died,” he said.

    Ekiti State caucus in the House of Representatives has described the late chairman of APC in the state as a bridge builder, whose leadership style led to the victory of the party in the state.

    In a statement signed by Leader of the caucus, Olufemi Bamishile, the lawmakers said the sudden death of the chairman was a big loss to the party in particular and Ekiti State in general.

    The statement said: “Ekiti State Caucus in the House of Representatives is deeply saddened by the passing on of Paul Omotosho, the chairman of Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “His sudden death has left a void in the hearts of all Ekiti members of the House of Representatives, who were all elected on the platform of the APC. His leadership was marked by dedication to the APC and efforts to advance the peace, progress and prosperity of Ekiti State.

    “Under his stewardship, APC in Ekiti State achieved the historic feat of succeeding itself as the ruling party in the 2022 governorship election – the first time a back-to-back victory for a party in the political history of Ekiti State was recorded.

    “Omotosho’s leadership acumen and visionary leadership contributed to the internal cohesion in the party. He was a bridge builder between the younger and older generations.

    “Omotosho’s inclusive leadership style ensured that every member’s voice was heard and valued. His integrity, compassion and commitment to the ideals of our party were truly inspiring.”

    Mourners, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, have condoled with the family of the late Omotosho.

    The deceased, a politician and lawyer, believed to be in his 60’s, reportedly died after a brief illness at an undisclosed medical facility in Ado-Ekiti

    Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was shocked and devastated by the news of the demise of the party chairman.

    The governor, who said he was yet to come to terms with the death of the APC chairman, described Omotosho as a dependable brother and ally.

    He said the deceased excelled in the previous public offices held, including special adviser on legal matters, special adviser on political matters and commissioner.

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, also paid tribute to Omotosho.

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    “On behalf of the government and people of the state, I express condolences to the immediate family of our late chairman and the people of Imesi Ekiti and the entire members of APC.

    “Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of the deceased. May God grant them and everyone of us the fortitude to bear this great loss. May God grant our dear departed brother eternal rest,” the statement added.

    Ekiti House of Assembly has described as shocking the death of Omotosho.

    A statement by the spokesperson for assembly, Mr. Babatunde Oke, quoted Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye, as saying the sad news of the departure of Omotosho was received with shock and grief.

    Aribasoye described Omotoso as an exceptional statesman, who made indelible marks in the growth and development of Ekiti in capacities.

    “Our heartfelt condolences go to Oba Festus Olatunde, the Olaibiyemi II, the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, the progressives family, the government and people of Ekiti, as well as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).”

    Others who expressed condolences include Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habbibat Adubiaro and a chieftain of the APC in Ekiti State, Dr. Olusegun Osinkolu.

  • APC holds stakeholders meeting at Akume’s residence in Makurdi

    APC holds stakeholders meeting at Akume’s residence in Makurdi

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) has finally held a stakeholders’ meeting at the residence of Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF)  Senator George Akume in Makurdi, Benue State.

    This was after police operatives stopped the Comrade Austin Agada-led party leadership from holding the meeting last week on the directive of Governor Hyacinth Alia. 

    The meeting held on Saturday and ran into the night.

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    The meeting was attended by APC stakeholders across the 23 Local Government areas in Benue State.

    The Judges quarters sprawling residence of Akume was filled as APC faithful took over the premises. Security was very tight at the venue.

    APC chieftains in attendance included the   Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation,  Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev; Sen. Titus Zam of zone B; Sen. Emmanuel Memga Udende of Zone A; Director Finance and Housing Federal Housing Authority( FHA) Dr. Mathias Byuan; Hon Dickson Tarkighir of Makurdi/ Guma Federal Constituency; Hon Austine Asema Achado of Gwer/ Gwer-West House of Assembly members and many other notable leaders of the party across the State .

  • Benue APC crisis: Police stop SEC meeting, seal secretariat

    Benue APC crisis: Police stop SEC meeting, seal secretariat

    The crisis within the All Progress Congress (APC), Benue state chapter, has taken a worse dimension as an anti-riot police squad has sealed the state secretariat of the party, in Makurdi.

    As early as 7 am, a detachment of anti-riot police supported by men of the Civil Defence Corps, and Live Stock Guards took over the party’s secretariat and mounted roadblocks on the way leading to the secretariat.

    Read Also: Rivers PDP rejects APC’s proposal for streetlight project on Saro-Wiwa’s tomb  

    So doing, the Benue State Police Command prevented the Comrade Austin Agada-led State Executive Council (SEC) of the APC and other stakeholders from holding their meeting hitherto scheduled for Friday at the secretariat.

    In a letter addressed to Agada, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Emmanuel Adesina, stated that the State Executive Council meeting and all kinds of political meetings should be suspended till further notice.

    The letter which was signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Samuel Gimba, on behalf of CP Adesina, stated that the party’s SEC meeting was suspended by a directive from the State governor, Hyacinth Alia, who barred all forms of political meetings and gathering in the state.

    The decision according to police is due to the volatility of the security atmosphere in Benue.

  • APC Council: Alabi’s appointment deserving

    APC Council: Alabi’s appointment deserving

    All Progressives Congress Professionals Council has said the new Vice Chair of Commonwealth Local Government Affairs Board, Kolade Alabi,  is a ‘deserving reward for hard work’.

    Alabi is national president of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON),

    In a message, the council’s National Director-General, Seyi Bamigbade, said Alabi’s elevation is a testament his leadership style is appreciated beyond Nigeria.

    Read Also: Edo APC SWC splits over Okpebholo, Idahosa

    Bamigbade noted Alabi’s commitment and support for a robust public service has again been recognised and appreciated. The message reads: “As the ALGON leader, Chairman of Bariga LCDA, and Chairman of Conference 57, you have demonstrated dedication and competence in your roles.

    “Your emergence as vice chair of Commonwealth Local Government Affairs Board did not come is not a surprise to us as we have always known you as an achiever. We are not in doubt this new feather to your cap will ginger you to more excellent service to society.”

  • APC’s primary in Edo

    APC’s primary in Edo

    • The party should learn from its past losses due to irregular primaries

    It was a long-drawn fight for Senator Monday Okpebholo who has been eventually declared winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Edo State. At a point, it appeared that it would be a fight to the finish, with different factions and chieftains of the party projecting different aspirants as winners.

    When the election was primarily held on February 17, the Hope Uzodinma Committee set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) declared Dennis Idahosa, a member of the House of Representatives, winner, while the returning officer announced Monday Okpebholo the flag bearer.  By the following day, a strange group by name Body of Local Government Returning Officers threw up another candidate, Anamero Dekeri. It was confusion galore.

    It was characteristic chaos, giving the impression that the ruling party at the federal level could not put its house in order.

    But, swiftly, the Abdullahi Ganduje NWC declared all the announcements unacceptable and called for fresh primary election. In addressing protests from the aspirants, the national leadership cleverly removed Governor Uzodinma from the process and

    appointed his deputy and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, to organise the fresh poll. That process has since returned Senator Okpebholo as the authentic candidate of the party.

    Given the shenanigans that attended the 2023 General Elections, Nigerians had thought our politicians had learnt enough lessons. But, the APC leaders in Edo State showed they were willing to throw guidelines and legal framework out of the window to ensure that their preferred candidates were declared winners. While Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of the state and incumbent Senator representing Edo North backed Idahosa, the state working committee did everything to ensure Okpebholo who represents the Central District in the Senate obtained the ticket.

    Read Also: PDP, APC, LP set for crucial battle in Edo

    It is obvious that Nigerian politicians are yet to learn lessons that have turned judges into deciders of electoral contests, starting from internal party contests that are shamelessly manipulated in favour of proteges of godfathers.

    The APC, in particular, should learn from needless losses they suffered in the past. In 2019, the party lost a resounding victory in Zamfara State as the judiciary adjudged the primary election held there as illegal. Therefore it lost not only the governorship seat, but all the legislative seats. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that was rejected at the polls became the beneficiary. In the forthcoming Edo State September 21 gubernatorial election, three political parties, the APC, PDP and Labour Party have the chance to pick the crown. Any party that disregards the electorate in such a competitive political environment will lose in a free and fair election.

    Nigeria ought to have outgrown electoral brigandage, 24 years after resumption of democratic governance. Edo is one of the states that stand the chance of pulling Nigeria ahead. All the leaders have a duty to reconcile before the election. The same applies to the PDP where the deputy governor, Phillip Shuaibu, remains at loggerheads with the official candidate, Asue Ighodalo. In the Labour Party, the factionalisation heat that has dogged the party since last year’s General Election is affecting an otherwise seamless poll that returned former Nigerian Bar Association  (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata.

    It must be noted that without justice and unity, there cannot be peace in the state. Nigeria and all its parts need peace for development.

  • APC mourns member, six others in stampede at Customs’ yard

    APC mourns member, six others in stampede at Customs’ yard

    Seven persons have reportedly died in a stampede that occurred during the sale of rice to members of the public at the Zone ‘A’ headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Harvey Road in Yaba, Lagos.

    The Lagos State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) confirmed the death of one of its members, Comfort Adebanjo, and six others who died on Friday while attempting to buy confiscated rice from the NCS in Yaba.

    The Federal Government had put the commodity on sale for N10,000 per 25 kilogrammes (kg) at the Customs office to cushion the effect of the economic hardship in the country.

    APC confirmed Mrs. Adebanjo’s death on Saturday in an obituary it released to mourn the party member and the other casualties of alleged stampede that occurred during the sale.

    In a statement last Tuesday, NCS National Public Relations Officer (PRO) Abdullahi Maiwada had announced that the sales were meant to aid food security and reduce the burden caused by the soaring cost of essential food items in the land.

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    But there was a stampede on Friday, which led to the death of seven persons.

    The Coordinator of FKL Ward E1, Lagos State of the APC, Oluwafemi Fadahunsi, and the Secretary, Adebari Adewale, confirmed that Adebanjo was one of the seven persons who died during the stampede.

    In an obituary the party released on Saturday, it wrote: “It is with heavy hearts and regret we announce the painful death of one of our members in FKL Ward E1, Mrs. Adebanjo Comfort Funmilayo of house number 104, Ibidun Street, by Akinhanmi Street, Ojuelegba.

    “She was among the seven victims who died in the course of buying Customs rice at Yaba.

    “May God grant all the members of her family and all the residents of Ward E1 the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”

    Efforts to confirm the deaths from NCS spokesman Maiwada were unsuccessful last night.

  • APC chieftain: members voted for power shift

    APC chieftain: members voted for power shift

    • Okpebholo gets kudo for winning party ticket in Edo 

    State Vice Chair of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo Central, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, has said party members voted for Senator Monday Okpebholo as APC governorship candidate because they want power to shift to Edo Central.

    Inegbeniki, in a statement in Benin greeting the winner, thanked members for voting Okpebholo as standard-bearer in the September poll.

     He noted Esan people will not take this support and trust for granted.

    “Let me thank President Bola Tinubu, APC National Working Committee, APC governors and party stakeholders for standing for truth and equity, which led to the election of Okpebholo as Edo APC governorship candidate”

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    “ I must not fail to appreciate Adams Oshiomhole, he is a entitled to his opinion, irrespective of his position and the stand he took in the primary elections, he still remained our leader. We will reconcile and move forward. We are one family, we disagree to agree”

    The APC leader explained Edo APC members actually voted for Okpebholo as the become the party’s candidate to shift power to Edo Central for the purpose of equity.

    He thanked APC delegates for demonstrating patriotism and commitment to the unity of the party by supporting power shift to Edo Central.

    “I appreciate Edo APC leaders and members for the confidence reposed in Senator Monday Okpebholo, by electing him as APC governorship candidate, and by which Edo APC has reaffirmed that democracy is about equity and inclusiveness. They are the true heroes of our democracy by supporting rotation of power to Edo Central”

  • Government must find killers of our publicity secretary – APC

    Government must find killers of our publicity secretary – APC

    The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has challenged the federal and state governments to do all they can to find the killers of the Plateau State APC Publicity Secretary, Sylvanus Namang, and bring the culprits to justice.

    Ganduje made the call in Jos, yesterday, when he led the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party on a condolence visit to the state chapter and the family of the deceased.

    Ganduje, who was represented on the visit by the Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, described the late Namang as a dependable political ally.

    He said, “The death of Namang is unbearable to say the least. So please bear with us,” assuring the deceased’s family that the APC will assist them in getting justice over his death.

    The Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and leader of the party in the state, Simon Lalong, also visited the Jos residence of the slain APC Publicity Secretary, Namang, to commiserate with his family.

    Lalong, who was accompanied by the Senator representing Plateau Central, Diket Plang, the Chairman, House Committee on Navy, the lawmaker representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency, Yusuf Gagdi, the Chairman of the APC in Plateau State Hon. Rufus Bature, and party Exco, said he was devastated by Namang’s death, saying he did a lot for Plateau State, Nigeria and humanity.

    Read Also: Economic hardship: Hold your governors responsible, APC chieftain tells Nigerians 

    Lalong, in a statement by his spokesman, Makut Macham, recalled that the deceased was a great man who worked hard for the cause of Plateau State even before joining active politics where he functioned very effectively.

    He assured the family that the APC and the government will not rest until those behind his assassination are brought to justice.

    The former Plateau Governor told the widow of late Namang that they will not be left alone even at this very difficult time.

    Responding on behalf of the family, the President of Mwaghavul Development Association, said they are distraught by Namang’s death, saying he was a pillar and support to many.

    He appealed to the government to intensify action in tracing and bringing to justice, Namang’s killers, in order to forestall similar act against others.

    Lalong also presented a letter of condolence to the APC Chairman in Plateau State Hon. Bature on behalf of the Members of the National Assembly from Plateau State.

    He charged the Chairman to work closely with the family on the burial arrangements which the party will fully support.