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  • APC suspends ex-SSG, former speaker, NPC chief, 25 others 

    APC suspends ex-SSG, former speaker, NPC chief, 25 others 

    Awenty-eight senior figures were yesterday suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) for anti-party activities.

    On Wednesday, 84 members were expelled.

    Among those suspended are former House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salaam, who is the country’s Executive Director, Business and Marketing, NICOMSAT, Abuja; and a commissioner in the National Population Commission (NPC), Senator Mudashiru Hussain. Hon. M.B.O. Ibrahim, Southwest Commissioner in Nigerian Law Reform Commission was also suspended.     

    Another person suspended is Adelani Baderinwa (Akande’s spokesperson) and 24 others. 

    The Nation recalled that the party also expelled Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-governmental Relations to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Biyi Odunlade; ex-APC secretary, Rasaq Salinsile, who was appointed as the chairman of Osun Teaching Service Commission before he rejected it, among others, on Wednesday. 

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    A statement yesterday by the Chairman of the party in Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal, said: “Following complaints of anti-party activities, the Executive Committee of the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) constituted a Disciplinary Committee to investigate the allegations against some of its members.  

    “This disciplinary measure came in response to the allegations of misconduct bordering on factionalisation of the party and creating a parallel party organ. The Disciplinary Committee undertook a thorough and impartial review of the allegations and the findings were carefully deliberated upon by the State Executive Committee. 

    “After a comprehensive assessment of the evidence and consideration of the committee’s recommendations, the State Executive Committee has taken the difficult yet necessary step of suspending the following members indefinitely: Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Hon. Najeem Salami, Senator Mudasiru Hussain, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, Mr. Adelani Baderinwa, Mr. Sikiru Ayedun, Kazeem Salami, Alhaji Adesiji Azeez, Gbenga Akano, Mr. Kunle Ige, Mr. Biodun Agboola and Gbenga Awosode. 

    Also, Mr. Rasheed Opatola, Gbenga Ogunkanmi, Israel Oyekunle, MBO Ibraheem, Mr. Akeem Olaoye, Francis Famurewa, Tajudeen Famuyide, (Mrs.) Adenike Abioye, Wasiu Adebayo, Rasheed Afolabi, Mr. Segun Olanibi, Mr. Tunde Ajilore, Mr Ganiyu Ismaila Opeyemi and Mr Zakariah Khalid, Olaoluwa-South LCDA.”

    Lawal enjoined APC members to remain focused on the party’s goals and continue working together to serve the interests of the state.”

  • Nobody can suspend me from PDP – Wike

    Nobody can suspend me from PDP – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has dared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend him from the party.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme monitored on Wednesday by The Nation, the former Rivers Governor explained that he was working for President Bola Tinubu and not the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Wike accused the PDP of impunity, thereby deepening crisis in the party before and after the 2023 elections.

    He said: “How can anybody talk about expelling me? A state that provided the Governor? A State that brought three Senators? A State that produced 32 Assembly members? A State that produced 11 out of 13 House of Reps.

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    “The person that wants to suspend me is the one that couldn’t produce a Governor or three Senators or Assembly. I’ve not seen that person that will suspend me in PDP. Nobody will do it.

    “Who will discipline me? I should be the one calling for discipline for those who violated the party’s constitution on rotation. I want to dare anyone who will say I should be suspended. I’m a man of character.

    “I wrote to my party about my nomination, and they replied that i should accept it. Forget about their rantings, they are all regretting their actions, and that’s what led the party to what it is today. I worked in favour of justice, equity and fairness.

    “God supports the action we’ve taken to support President Tinubu. Some APC members are not happy that I’m FCT minister. At my level, do I need to play game? Why will you put my name? I’m still a member of PDP. I’m not a kid, if i want to play a role, I will. I’m not a member of APC.”

  • APC chieftain hails reappointment of Ogbuku as NDDC MD

    APC chieftain hails reappointment of Ogbuku as NDDC MD

    The SouthSouth Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, has hailed the re-appointment of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Agbomhere noted that Ogbuku’s appointment was a reward for his vision, dedication and commitment to transforming the Niger Delta region – the goose that lays the golden egg.

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday approved the appointment of Dr. Ogbuku from Bayelsa State as MD/Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC and Chiedu Ebie from Delta State as Chairman of the Commission’s Board.

    In a statement, Agbomhere said the reappointment of Ogbuku would ensure the completion of the audacious steps he had taken to reshape the commission “previously notorious for contract scandals and poor management.”

    Agbomhere said, after a parley with the MD of NDDC, where he outlined his vision and road map to reposition the commission to deal with the humanitarian crisis in most communities in the region, which have not been able to feel the impact of the interventionist agency since it’s creation, he was convinced beyond doubt that Ogbuku was a true patriot and visionary leader needed to man the commission.

    The SouthSouth Zonal Organising Secretary said the unique feature of the leadership of Ogbuku was his commitment to transparency, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption, being attributes that are needed to repackage the commission and restore the confidence of Nigerians on the ability of the Commission to carry out it’s core mandate.

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    Agbomhere, therefore, appealed to the leaders, ministers and stakeholders of the Southsouth region to support the Ogbuku-led NDDC.

     and encourage them to implement the renewed hope agenda of the Tinubu administration by working assiduously to ensure stability and development in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general.

    The APC chieftain added that progress and development in the Niger Delta would ensure the overall development of the entire Nigeria as the nation’s oil resources would be safe.

    He thanked Tinubu for his foresight in re-appointing Dr. Ogbuku for the position, assuring that he would not let the government and Nigerians down as he is ready to hit the ground running to ensure that all gaps are covered in the shortest time possible.

  • Southsouth APC chief calls for political inclusion of Delta Ijaw

    Southsouth APC chief calls for political inclusion of Delta Ijaw

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in the Southsouth, Mr. John Dekawei, has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be fair to Delta Ijaw by including them in political schemes.

    He spoke yesterday after a meeting with Ijaw youths from Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Warri Southwest, Warri South and Warri North local governments of Delta State.

    Dekawei said it was unfair that despite the economic viability and political contributions of Delta Ijaw, which brought President Tinubu to power, their hard work during the elections had not been appreciated or recognised via appointments.

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    He urged the President to correct the anomaly, stressing that the Ijaw in Delta were beginning to see their continued alienation as a well hatched plan to annihilate them from the political space.

    He appealed to President Tinubu to carry the Ijaw in Delta State along in his government.

    “We are calling for political inclusion of the Delta Ijaw. We can’t work like elephants during elections and not benefit in time of harvest. All is not well with the Delta Ijaw in APC.

    “We know that President Tinubu is an embodiment of equity, fairness and justice. We are really worried about the current state of things in Delta State that no single Ijaw son or daughter has been tipped for federal appointment yet. We are hopeful that Mr. President will correct this political imbalance in Delta State.

    “We are sad that almost all the sensitive offices have gradually gone into the hands of others.”

    “As your very loyal party faithful, we cannot continue like this. Our call is a call for recognition, justice, fairness, equity and political inclusion of the Delta Ijaw in your government,” Dekawei said.

    Hailing President Tinubu for his economic and people-oriented policies, he said: “We are optimistic that the Nigeria of our dream is in the making through President Tinubu.”

  • Inuwa, Otu, Abiodun lead APC Gov campaigns in Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi

    Inuwa, Otu, Abiodun lead APC Gov campaigns in Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) has released the campaign councils for the three off-season governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States.

    The release by the National Organising Secretary of the party, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu Tuesday night said that the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, after consultation with the NWC approved the composition of the three campaign councils for the November 11 governorship elections in the three States.

    Gombe Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya will chair the 123-member Bayelsa Campaign Council; Cross River Governor Bassey Otu will chair the 138-member Imo Campaign Council, while Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun will chair a 135-member council for Kogi.

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    Bayelsa has Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru; Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF Senator George Akume as Co-Chairmen.

    Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, are to serve as Co-Chairmen for Imo State.

    The three Co-Chairmen of the r Kogi council are Governors Babajide Sanwo-olu (Lagos); Umar Bago (Niger) and Uba Sani (Kaduna).

    No date has been fixed for their inauguration.

  • APC tackles PDP over ‘Nigeria grinding to a halt’ comment

    APC tackles PDP over ‘Nigeria grinding to a halt’ comment

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has told main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that its allegation of the nation grinding to a halt under the new administration was misplaced.

    In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said: “Our party is alarmed that there is a serious disconnection between the government and the citizens arising from ill-planned and hasty implementation of policies that have brought excruciating hardship, horrifying insecurity and a general sense of apprehension that is already threatening the peace, unity and corporate existence of our nation.”

    But a statement last night in Abuja by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka noted that unlike the 16 years of PDP reign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has exhibited commitment to reinventing the economy and opening up the country to vistas of growth.

    The statement said: “The commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to achieving his electoral promises to reinvent the country’s economy and open up vistas of growth, industrialisation and drastic improvement in living standards is beyond anything that the PDP is capable of imagining.”

    Dismissing PDP’s low rating of Tinubu’s administration, Morka said: “This President has taken courageous steps to tackle the fundamental policy obstacles to economic development, including the ending the fuel subsidy regime and unifying the foreign exchange regimes.

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    “Nigerians understand that these policy reforms will help create the basis for a more vibrant economic outlook that will expand economic opportunities for all Nigerians.

    “Mindful of the transient difficulties associated with these policies, the administration is hard at work to deliver a robust programme of palliatives to our people, especially those in need of targeted assistance during this time.

    “The PDP’s rants are mere cacophony of sounds with no suggestion of melody. As irredeemably hopeless as that party governed Nigeria for nearly two decades, they did not and could not implement any strategic initiatives to help grow the economy of our country…”

    “Instead, the PDP presided over the reckless pillaging of our national resources that is still at the core of our current economic challenges.

    “Nigerians understand and trust the ongoing Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

  • Edo APC, Senator Oyofo, monarch rally support for Niger Delta Minister

    Edo APC, Senator Oyofo, monarch rally support for Niger Delta Minister

    The Edo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Victor Kassim Isa Oyofo, who was elected under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Edo North in 1999 and His Royal Highness Mallam Ali Suleiman, the Ogieaga of 3 Ibie, have solicited support for the Minister of Niger Delta Development Abubakar Momoh. 

    At a reception held in honor of the Minister, the Chairman of Edo APC Col. David Imuse, who was represented by the Deputy Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, expressed admiration and support for the Minister  

    He said: ‘Today, we bear witness to the fruits of hard work, guided by the values instilled by our leader and father, Senator Adams Oshiomhole. On behalf of Edo State APC and everyone gathered here, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Honorable Minister and ask that we all give him all the support he needs to succeed in this assignment for our region’. 

    Senator Oyofo conveyed his goodwill message saying, ‘We gather here not only to celebrate an achievement, but to honor resilience and dedication. Alh. Abubakar Momoh epitomizes integrity and diligence—a true representative of Edo State. His appointment reflects recognition of his principles, honesty, and profound education. In my estimation, he is poised to serve Nigeria with distinction. This appointment is not just deserved, but destined.’

    Oyofo, who played a key role in the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said: ‘Today, our son takes the helm to elevate the region to new heights, fostering prosperity in the Niger Delta. The path ahead may be intricate, but together, we can overcome the challenges before us. Let us offer our support, contribute ideas, and nurture his journey toward success.’

    Oyofo continued: “Abubakar Momoh is an exceedingly inclusive individual. He’s a worthy son of Edo State, known for his principles—honest, industrious, well-educated, and, in my view, he possesses the ability to serve Nigeria adeptly. This appointment stands as one that is both well-earned and well-deserved.’

    Highlighting the significance of the appointment, Oyofo added, ‘This is an opportunity for him to unify the people of Niger Delta. By divine design, I was instrumental in the establishment of the NDDC, and remarkably, it is one of our own who will propel it forward, bringing joy to the Niger Delta populace.’

    ‘Niger Delta presents a complex landscape, and I urge all of us to provide progressive ideas and fervent prayers in support. Among us are Rt. Hon. Tunde Akogun and Senator Yisa Braimoh—we have come to offer unwavering support and earnest prayers. We shall stand by you day and night, ready to provide counsel when needed. I salute my indefatigable brother, Adams Oshiomhole. With Adams and Abubakar Momoh, we shall achieve much for Edo State and Nigeria.’

    His Royal Highness, Mallam Ali Suleiman, the Ogieaga of 3 Ibie, extended gratitude, saying, ‘We express our thanks to the president and Adams Oshiomhole for this appointment. As we commemorate this day, let us remember that unity holds the key to success. Let us rally behind Abubakar Momoh and ensure his endeavors thrive.’

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    Continuing, the Monarch stated, ‘We wish to deeply thank God for this appointment. We extend gratitude to the president and Adams Oshiomhole for making this possible. God has utilized Oshiomhole to bring us into the limelight. May God continue to use him beneficially, not only for Nigeria but beyond its borders.’”

    ‘When it comes to Abubakar Momoh, we could speak endlessly. He has endured challenges, yet he remains resolute in his direction. Eng. Momoh is one of our sons who God has used to uplift our people. He has weathered storms, and today, I thank God that he is alive, robust, and prepared to reap the rewards of his dedication, sacrifices, and service to our people’s cause.’”

    The Monarch’s appeal resonated, “I urge everyone gathered here to join hands in ensuring the success of every endeavor entrusted to us. This can be achieved by supporting Abubakar Momoh in achieving resounding success in this ministry. Just as Oshiomhole is a household name in Edo state for his contributions to our people, Abubakar Momoh should experience similar triumph. He possesses all the qualifications, capable of achieving the extraordinary. My appreciation to everyone present today; gratitude extends to President Bola Tinubu for recognizing his worthiness for this role. We implore all of you to aid us in supporting him for the betterment of the Niger Delta.’

  • Sept 2 LG poll: Edo PDP, APC leaders fight over alleged plan to buy votes, rig

    Sept 2 LG poll: Edo PDP, APC leaders fight over alleged plan to buy votes, rig

    The September 2 this year’s local government election in Edo State has led to a fight between the leaders of the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Edo Chairman of PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, yesterday afternoon in Benin, first raised the alarm over an alleged plot by an unnamed director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who was described as a leading member of the APC in Edo, to rig and buy votes during the crucial poll with N150 million from the Federal Government’s interventionist agency (NDDC).

    The Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDFA) of NDDC, Maj.-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd.), who is a chieftain of APC in Edo state, while addressing the chairmanship and councillorship candidates of APC in the seven LGAs of his Edo South Senatorial District, however, dismissed Aziegbemi’s allegation, describing it as a figment of his imagination.

    Airhiavbere, yesterday evening in his palatial residence at the Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Benin, in company with a former Edo Deputy Governor, Chief Lucky Imasuen, and Edo Secretary of APC, Lawrence Okah, assured that the chairmanship and councillorship candidates from Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Ovia Northeast, Ovia Southwest, Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde LGAs in Edo South senatorial district, and other parts of Edo would emerge victorious, without rigging or vote buying.

    The APC chieftain said: “The election is exactly a week away. What evidence does Edo PDP chairman have that APC leaders want to buy votes with N150 million? There is nothing like that. Aziegbemi and other leaders of PDP in Edo State are already jittery. APC has come to take charge in Edo State. They are already getting the feelers. It has nothing to do with NDDC.

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    “All they (Edo leaders of PDP) are seeing is that there seems to be an underground movement that APC’s candidates will emerge victorious in next Saturday’s LG election. We are not going to change. There will be more rumours, and we are ready to debunk them.

    “We have a new President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is very keen to make sure that victory comes to his party (APC). We are strategising to make sure that we prepare the ground that we will win. We are not saying that because PDP is the ruling party in Edo State, and we will go to sleep. We will struggle for APC’s candidates to emerge victorious on Saturday. We are sensitising the public and doing all the necessary rallies/campaigns, and convincing the electorate that APC is the party to beat.”

    Edo PDP chairman further claimed that intelligence available to the party revealed that the unnamed director of NDDC would be sharing the N150 million at his residence in Benin, to leaders and members of the APC, in order to finance the rigging plan, ahead of next Saturday’s election in Edo.

    Aziegbemi said: “We are once again drawing the attention of the world and all lovers of democracy to the glaring fact that the APC is attempting to rig the local government election, scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023, by mobilising N150 million from NDDC to execute their evil plan to buy votes and rig the election.”

    While also reacting, Edo Chairman of APC, Col. David Imuse (rtd.), in a press statement by the party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary in the state, Victor Osehobo, described Edo PDP as a dead party.

    Imuse said: “Edo APC is ashamed over the spurious allegation made by the beleaguered factional Chairman of the PDP in the state, Tony Aziegbemi, regarding a plot to rig and buy votes in the upcoming local government election, using N150 million from NDDC.

    “The allegation is baseless and unfounded, but coming from a decapitated body, it is understandable. The Edo PDP is on life support. Nevertheless, the Edo APC is committed to a free and fair election process, and we believe in the power of our people to choose the next crop of local government leaders, without any external interference or manipulation. But this is a far cry with the junta in Edo.

    “The factional PDP chairman’s allegation is misleading and lacking in evidence. The NDDC operates independently, and has its own budget and priorities. Any insinuation that NDDC’s funds will be used for illegitimate purposes is a blatant attempt to tarnish the reputation of the commission and the APC, but Aziegbemi cannot understand this.

    “We also find it ironic that the Edo PDP whose leader, for want of a better label, Governor Godwin Obaseki, has already written the results of the election, with PDP candidates as chairmen and councillors across the 18 local government areas, is the party raising concerns.

    “As a party of losers, the PDP has shamelessly gone round the state in a charade with its leader, Obaseki, parading projects and programmes that have suffered stillbirth since he took office.”

  • APC swears in six new NWC, zonal members

    APC swears in six new NWC, zonal members

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has stressed the need for unity among the rank and file of party leaders and members in order to provide the desired political leadership for the country.

    He gave the charge shortly after six newly elected members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and a zonal organising secretary were sworn in late Friday night at the NWC Hall of the party’s national secretariat.

    The inauguration came on the heels of the approval of the nominations of the officers by NWC at its meeting on Wednesday, amid protests from the Abia, Cross River and Kogi states chapters of the party.

    The protest by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, Senator Florence Ita Giwa and other stakeholders from Abia and Cross River on Thursday stalled the inauguration.

    The National Executive Committee (NEC), the highest policy organ of the party on the 3rd of August ceded its power to the NWC to fill the six vacant positions in the administrative organ of the party.

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    Those inaugurated include, Ali Bukar Dalori, Deputy National Chairman (North), Garba Datti Muhammad, National Vice Chairman (North West), Prof. Abdul Karim Abubakar Kana, National Legal Adviser, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, National Welfare Secretary, Mary Alile Idele, National Women Leader and Duro Meseko, Deputy National Publicity Secretary.

    The zonal organising secretary (North Central), Isyaku Musa was equally sworn in the brief ceremony.

    Barrister Mustapha Abubakar administered the oath of office and allegiance to the new officers at the party secretariat at about 9 p.m.

    Addressing the newly inaugurated NWC member, the APC national chairman challenged the new committee members to work assiduously to achieve the reforms aimed at making the party grassroots across the country.

     He noted that their emergence was the outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders in the party and promised to accommodate those who lost out in the election and a few aggrieved states in other capacities.

    Ganduje maintained that it was impossible to capture all interests as the party would listen to dissenting voices.

    He said: “As far as the leadership of the party is concerned, what we have done today agrees with the philosophy of our party. All of you are competent and you are nominated and elected with the support of all the relevant stakeholders of the party. So, we congratulate you. Members of the public, we thank you for coming. We thank you for showing solidarity and being happy with what is happening today.

    “As I earlier mentioned, there is no doubt that there are some people who are also competent but you can only fill one person in one place at a time” Ganduje stressed.

    “From Kogi state, we have Ismail Ade Yahaya, We have taken note and he will be engaged one way or the other. We have Ikani Shuaibu Okolo from Kogi State, he too will be engaged appropriately within our government. Mrs Obinna from Abia will be accommodated. Hon Dr. Stella Expo from Cross River, and two others according to our dialogue will be accommodated in our government.

    “I think we have achieved complete dialogue and deepen and widen dialogue in our party. This has become our culture as a party. We are not dictators. We have to dialogue and discuss. This does not mean everyone must agree. but even those who don’t agree we take steps even to the extent of ensuring that we make sure their views are accommodated.

    “There is no doubt that history is being made today. Recall that during the last NEC meeting, the National Working Committee of our great party was mandated to carry out some functions on behalf of the NEC and the national convention.

    “Today, we have succeeded after adequate consultation with stakeholders, with some governors, with all those who matter in other to deepen and widen internal democracy in our party. We know there are some aggrieved people but they are very important, We have discussed with them and I will make a statement later on them.

    “To the newly sworn-in members, we congratulate you. We are very happy that the house is complete and we advise you to abide by the new reforms that we have put in place in the management of our party.

    Intimating the new NWC members to the working of the committee, Ganduje informed them, “First of all, we have taken a decision, every Wednesday we conduct the weekly NWC meeting of our great party because it is very important, our party is a great institution of our great party and government.

    “Also, we have already resolved that our party as an institution will be active throughout the year beyond during the election period. Our party will have functional offices right from the wards, local governments, the state, zonal and national offices as you can see. I believe you will be able to abide by these.

    “Very soon we will launch campaign councils for our states that are going into elections. These are the states of Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi. Instead of inaugurating the councils in Abuja, we have decided to do so in the respective states and from there on we will be able to have contact with stakeholders at various levels of the leadership of our party. So that members of the public will know we have gone back to the grassroots.”

  • Guber ambition: Resign now, APC group urges  Ondo SSG

    Guber ambition: Resign now, APC group urges  Ondo SSG

    A Pressure group within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC),  Ondo Solidarity Forum (OSF) has urged the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Oladunni Odu, to tender her resignation having openly declared her ambition to contest next year’s governorship election.

    Odu was widely reported in the media on Friday, to have declared her ambition to become the next governor of the State, while featuring as a special guest in the Ondo Correspondents’ Chapel Forum of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

    OSF in a statement jointly signed by its acting Chairman, Hon. Femi Ogunleye, and Publicity  Secretary, Prince Kayode Fasua, said it was absurd and vexatious for a sitting SSG to start campaigning to become governor in an election that is still one year away.

    “It is so sad that this disgraceful phenomenon is taking place in Ondo State, in which a sitting Secretary to the State Government will be openly campaigning to be governor in an election that is still one year away.

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    “While Mrs. Oladunni Odu reserves the right to aspire to any office of her choice, it is however disappointing that an elderly politician and administrator of her pedigree failed to follow the rule of law which demands that she should resign her appointment as an appointee of the governor, before embarking on political campaigns.

    “Besides, her open declaration has compromised her commitment to the assignment given to her under the administration of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, thus showing that Mrs. Odu has tuned her interest from the Ondo State Government administration to the campaign grounds,” the OSF appraised.

    OSF, therefore, advised the SSG to tender her resignation and openly apologise to the people of Ondo State for hurting their sensibilities, or get sacked by the Acting Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The group noted that the declaration of governorship ambition as credited to Odu had finally vindicated its earlier outcries that a cabal exists in the Ondo State Government,  “which is out to cause disaffection between Governor Akeredolu and his deputy, Aiyedatiwa, for selfish political reasons.”