The Nation Newspaper

Tag: APC

  • Ex-lawmakers to ruling party: handle NASS leadership issue with tact

    The Forum of Former Members of the House of Representatives who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have asked the leadership of the party to be tactful in handling the issue of the leadership of the National Assembly.

    This, they said, was necessary to avoid a repeat of the 2015 mistake which became costly for the party in terms of executive/legislative relationship.

    The group believe that the leadership of the party must move fast to douse the likely tension that will emerge if the varied interests in the leadership are not streamlined on time and individuals are allowed to take positions like they did in 2015.

    Addressing a news conference in Abuja, spokesman of the Forum, Idris Yahuza Yakubu, said it was high time the party took a decision on the zones where each of the principal officers should come from before it becomes too late.

    While pledging to making themselves available to assist the party at all times, the former lawmakers believe that the party must be guided to toe the line of equity and fairness, suggesting that the cognate experience, party loyalty and acceptability among colleagues should be considered.

    They said the party should consider the fact that the North West and South West have already produced the President and Vice President, while the North East has been given the position of Senate President, hence the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives should go to the North Central zone.

    The forum said “As the APC tries to consolidate on its recent successes, the party must not lose focus but do all it can to stay on track by putting in place a structure that will support its programmes for improving on the lot of the people.

    “The eye of the public and indeed the international community is on us to see if we can translate this victory into something tangible for the entire nation and, more importantly, if we are able to put our act together to create the enabling environment.

    Read also: 9th NASS: APC zones Senate key offices

    “The foundation for building a cohesive and united Nigeria stands on the tripod of equity, justice and fairness, and this is where those of us who have been elected to the House of Representatives in the past, who have seen how the different arms of government are run, have decided to advise our beloved party on how best it can go about addressing the current agitations for geopolitical balancing in allocating the remaining top positions that would determine the shape of the next administration and engender a harmonious executive-legislature relationship for the good of the nation.

    “You will recall that in 2015, the APC made the mistake of not paying enough attention in the election of the leadership of the National Assembly and how the party nearly paid dearly for it by having to constantly battle with a hostile legislature since its leaders were not products of the party’s internal democratic arrangement.

    “The APC as the ruling party cannot afford to make that mistake again by leaving the choice of those to assume leadership positions in the National assembly to chance.

    “It is our strong view that the party must step forward to provide political direction to its elected members at the National Assembly by zoning all the leadership positions to the specific zones and, where possible, states.

    “This, we believe, will douse the unnecessary tension being generated in the bid by individual members from the different geopolitical divides of the country to aspire to those positions and avoid further digging of trenches which the party cannot afford to allow at this stage.

    “It is high time the party took a decision on this to make its stand known to the members of the party on time so as to prevent a repeat of the 2015 scenario where it was unable to stop vested interests who had gone too far in their campaigns by the time the party decided to step in.

    “If the varied interests are not streamlined on time and individuals are allowed to take hard line positions, it will be difficult for the party to make them reverse without causing further frictions. The former members of the House of Representatives, APC, said they were ready to support the APC in ways that could be considered fair and just by all within the party.

    “As a way of guiding the party to toe the line of equity and fairness, we suggest consideration be given to cognate experience, party loyalty and acceptability among colleagues.

  • Tinubu a worthy politician, says Presidential Support Committee

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was yesterday described as a worthy politician with outstanding attributes in the history of political development of the country.

    National facilitator, Presidential Support Committee (PSC), Rt. Hon Gideon Sammani, and its Director, Media and Publicity, Engr. Kailani Muhammad, in a joint statement issued in Abuja on the 67th birthday of the former governor of Lagos State, said: “As a onetime Third Republic senator, a former governor of dynamic Lagos State and now a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu has remarkably contributed in many ways in the nation’s political development, leaving behind positive marks in all places he served the nation.

    “Although he left the executive position of power as governor 12 years ago, he has remained relevant in national life. He is still a force to reckon with and a rallying point for the people of the country.

    Read also: Tinubu advises Fed Govt on how to fix economy

    “In this regard, the Presidential Support Committee (PSC), under the leadership of its National Coordinator, Senator Godswill Akpabio, wish to join hands with all well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate the Asiwaju as he turns 67.

    “As an eminent politician with outstanding leadership qualities, Tinubu is indeed a rallying point for the people. He is a political mobiliser with impeccable record of achievement as a governor, a senator and now political party chieftain.

  • Dogara schemes to return as Speaker

    UNKNOWN to many, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, had set for himself a political Everest to climb. He is nursing the ambition of retaining his current position in the 9th Assembly in spite of the dismal performance of his party, the PDP in the National Assembly election.  How he intends to accomplish this remains a mystery, considering that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform he has won a return ticket to the House, is clearly outnumbered by members of the House elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Dogara had emerged as the Speaker of the Eighth Assembly in 2015 against Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the preferred candidate of the APC, the party to which Dogara also belonged. He had achieved the feat by enlisting the support of the 123 members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and some lawmakers from APC and other parties to beat Gbajabiamila with eight votes. Dogara scored 182 votes while Ggajabiamila polled 174.

    But the odds would seem to stark against Dogara more now than they did in 2015, considering the wide margin between the number of APC lawmakers and that of PDP in the House. But the optimist that he is, Dogara believes he can still pull through. He can still count on the support of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Governor Aminu Tambuwal who both rallied support for him in 2015 as fellow APC members and are incidentally in PDP with Dogara now.

    Read also: BudgIT to Saraki, Dogara: make NASS 2019 budget public

    Already, the PDP has declared that there is nothing that stops them from presenting a candidate for the Speaker’s seat. Their plan, like in 2015, is to woo over some members of APC in the House. How they intend to do that this time around, no one knows.

    A PDP insider says “when the come comes to become,” apologies to the late K.O Mbadiwe, money will play a major role. Another PDP top shot quipped: “We saw the power of money at the PDP presidential primaries in Port Harcourt last year, the power is still there.”

    Reminded that the APC could match them Naira for Naira, he quoted Senator Godswill Akpabio: “What money cannot get, more money will get.”

    Asked if we are to watch out for Naira rain, he said “anything can happen.”

    “With money, anybody can climb to the top of any political Everest,” he added.

    What an interesting race it promises to be.

  • Ifeanyi Ubah and the power of football

    ONE of the surprises of the just concluded elections was the victory of the candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP), Ifeanyi Ubah over his more politically illustrious brothers, Chris Uba, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his elder brother, Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded senatorial election in Anambra South.

    Considering the seemingly inconsequential party on whose platform Ifeanyi won the election, many were quick to attribute his victory to his deep pocket. But while money might have played a role like it does in any election, there are indications that other factors were vital in his victory as the senator-elect for Anambra South.

    For instance while his brothers who contested the seat against him are traders, Ifeanyi is not just a trader but a businessman with many workers from the state on his payroll. This, coupled with his ownership of a football club, lfeanyi Ubah Football club, makes him a darling of many, a factor that must have endeared him to many voters in the state. Remember Jim Nwobodo and how he used his association with Enugu Rangers lnternational in 1979 to win the governorship of the then Anambra State, now Anambra and Enugu states. Political observers believe lfeanyi Ubah is eyeing something much bigger.

    Read also: NPFL: Nwagua’s brace lifts Pillars over FC Ifeanyi Ubah

    On Monday, Ifeanyi Ubah attended a dinner meant for serving and Senators-elect of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Although he denied reports that he was planning to cross over to APC, the National Chairman of the ruling party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was quoted as saying at the occasion that he (Ifeanyi) had become a member of the party and would be formally welcomed into the fold at the appropriate time.

  • Tension, drama as anti, pro-Wike protesters clash in Rivers

    THE tension in Rivers State occasioned by the non-conclusion of the governorship election heightened yesterday after a clash between supporters and antagonists of Governor Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Thousands of anti-Wike protesters, under the aegis of Amalgamation of Civil Society Organisations (A-CSOs) were confronted  by Wike supporters in front of the Polo Club at new Government Reservation Area (GRA), Port Harcourt where they had gathered to commence a protest march to the nearby office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Members of A-CSOs were protesting alleged collaboration between some INEC officials and the state government.

    They claimed that both sides planned to doctor results of the March 9 governorship and state assembly elections in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The protest was in defiance of a ban slammed on protests and rallies by the state government. Leader of the A-CSOs Dr. Jackson Omenazu said the ban had no place in a democracy and was unconstitutional.

    He called for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Obo Effanga, and the Administrative Secretary, Elder Etim Umoh, of INEC in Rivers state for openly taking sides with Wike and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But before they could move to the INEC office, PDP members, who were mobilised from the 23 local government areas of the state, including Jerry Needam, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the state Chairman of the party (PDP),  stormed the main gate of the expansive facility and confronted the anti-Wike protesters.

    Read also: Tonye Cole, Accord Party assembly candidates call for fresh election in Rivers

    The protesters decided to change course, moving towards GRA Junction on Aba Road amidst abusive songs directed at Transportation Minister and All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in the state, Mr.Rotimi Amaechi, and the governorship candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), Biokpomabo Awara. A police team soon arrived the scene, blocked the protesters from advancing towards INEC office and fired teargas to disperse them. As the protesters scampered for their lives, they ran into the PDP supporters and a fight ensued. The policemen advanced on the Wike supporters too and fired teargas at them.

    The teargas quickly spread to nearby houses, offices, schools and shops leaving innocent residents as victims. The state government announced the ban on protests and rallies on Thursday night, saying it was in the interest of public peace and order. But the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday dismissed the order as an absurdity. The state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Chris Finebone in a reaction said: “We believe that Wike, who authorised the ban, is unaware that Rivers people and indeed Nigerians have an inalienable right to peaceful protests. “Perhaps, the Rivers governor should be reminded that Hon. Justice Adekeye (rtd.), then of the Supreme Court, once stated that: ‘A rally or placard-carrying demonstration has become a form of expression of views on current issues affecting government and the governed in a sovereign state.

    It is a tread recognised and deeply entrenched in the system of governance in civilised countries. We must borrow a leaf from those who have trekked the rugged path of democracy and are now reaping the dividend of their experience.’ “Rivers State APC is wondering why Wike would fritter a good chunk of the commonwealth of Rivers people on frivolous protests and in less than 24 hours, after the last of those protests, pronounce a ban on protests. The reason can only be that those protesting on the opposite side are now providing Rivers people and Nigerians better perspectives on the happenings in Rivers.

    The state governor is simply acting like someone with a weak and incoherent argument against the more coherent, sensible and logical argument of the opponent. “Another reason for the ineffectual ban is to scuttle further exposure of the ills and atrocities of the Rivers government under Wike, who believes that pensioners, civil servants, workers of Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority and others may soon protest their abandonment and suffering by the governor, since he accidentally got to power on May 29, 2015.

  • Fayemi to Eleka: You are free to challenge my victory in S/Court

    Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi on Friday declared that he never regarded the defeated governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic party, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka as an enemy.

    Rather, he said the major opposition party was free to challenge his victory at any stage of the court, and make useful suggestions for smooth running of his government.

    Fayemi, however, said  Eleka and the  PDP were free to challenge his victory at the Supreme Court, in spite of his readiness to entertain contributions from the main opposition party.t

    The governor spoke in Ado Ekiti on Friday at a programme tagged “Meet Your Governor”.

    Fayemi stated that he had never perceived Eleka as an arch enemy in spite of the petition he filed against his victory in the July 14, 2018 poll.

    “I have never seen Prof Olusola Eleka as an enemy, but I have been seeing him as a co-contestant, so we won’t shy from approaching him to seek his advice on any issue we feel he could be of help for smooth running of our government.

    Read also: Jubilation in Ekiti over Fayemi’s Appeal Court victory

    ” But this should not be misinterpreted to mean that we are trying to prevent him from seeking justice up to the supreme court; he is free to challenge us.

    “The Appeal Court, on Thursday delivered its judgment, declaring that  PDP has no evidence of rigging  against us, so we are not afraid of being challenged.”

    On the just concluded presidential, National and state assembly elections, which APC won wholesomely in the state, Fayemi denied the allegation that federal might and money were deployed to muzzle the opposition in the polls

    ” If you look at the outcome of the results, there was no local government where opposition did not score at least 30 percent in all the 16 local government areas

    “So, the conduct had been adjudged free, fair and the outcome was credible going by what INEC said,” he said.

    The governor added that his government would promote technical education to counter the rising unemployment in the state.

    ” We feel that skill acquisition is good in view of what we are experiencing in the labour market

    ” We must be able to convert our love in education to wealth and that is what we are out to do.

    ” We are also creating knowledge zone to make Ekiti a destination when it comes to knowledge and skills. About 117kms of roads will be constructed to link all the towns within that zone together.

    “They call it knowledge Park in advanced nations and we are studying how we can pattern our own model after any of the countries that are already practising the policy.”

    Fayemi added that he was committed to the re-establishment of the abolished Local Council Development Areas, the policy he initiated during his first term.

    He said the government would soon conduct council elections in the state to bring development to the grassroots.(NAN)

  • When TACGSOSA honoured old student

    Members of 1980-1982 set of The Apostolic Church Grammar School Old Students Association (TACGSOSA) rolled out the drums to celebrate one of its members, Hon Adeyemi Ademuyiwa, representing APC-Abeokuta South 11 in the Ogun State House of Assembly.

    Hon Ademuyiwa, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who was victorious in the Gubernatorial/State Assembly election held March 9 was conferred with double awards during TACGSOSA meeting held recently at Lagos State Public Service Club Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

    Presenting the first award to Hon Ademuyiwa, 1980-1982 Set Coordinator of TACGSOSA, Engr. Adesona Adekunle said that the lawmaker is a very humble fellow, stressing that the association is very proud to identify with him.

    According to Adesona, the lawmaker, identifying with his old students is a clear indication that Hon Ademuyiwa not only loves them, but shows that he has love for his alma-mater as well.

    “This Recognition of Accomplishment” was presented to Hon Adeyemi Ademuyiwa (Distinguished Old Student) to celebrate with him and commemorate his election into the Ogun State House of Assembly, Abeokuta South-State Constituency 11 (2019-2023)”, the set coordinator announced.

    At the second award presentation, National President of the association, Mr Ademola Gbosibo applauded Hon, Ademuyiwa for making the association proud.

    Gbosibo said: “I hereby present this “Distinguished Old Student Award” to Adeyemi Michael Ademuyiwa in recognition of his exemplary leadership qualities and to acknowledge his uncommon contributions to the accomplishment of the corporate goals and objectives of TACGSOSA.

    Read also: Old students plan foundation for indigent

    Responding Hon Ademuyiwa who was elated expressed joy for being found worthy of the awards from his old students.

    “I feel very much thankful. I feel really humbled for this award that has been given to me by my old students association. I thank the body for deeming it fit to present me these awards. I am not the best person to be given this award but I thank God that they considered me by giving me this award,” he said.

    On his level of engagement with the association and how he was able to integrate himself among his old student, the lawmaker said: “There are different approaches and different ways of integrating yourself with your people or association. Sometimes, you don’t have to be with them physically all the time. You can do it through other ways”.

  • PDP alleges plots by APC to scuttle collation of Rivers election results

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged plots by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cause confusion in Rivers State, with the view to scuttling the scheduled collation of the remaining results of the March 9 governorship election in the state.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had suspended the collation of election results in the state, owing to violence and clear threat to peace that characterised the election. The commission has fixed resumption of collation for April 2-5.

    However, in a statement Friday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the main opposition party accused the APC of plots to orchestrate violent disagreements and crisis at the stakeholders meeting scheduled by INEC ahead of the collation.

    According to the PDP, the part of the alleged plot was to scuttle the exercise and stall the announcement of its candidate, incumbent Governor Nyesom Wike, who the PDP said, is the rightful winner of the election.

    Read Also: INEC plans issuing certificates of return to PDP candidates in Rivers, says APC

    The statement said, “In order to achieve this ignoble plot, the APC has conspired with certain compromised security agents to be bandying phantom security report in Rivers state, as a decoy for the execution of their ugly plan.

    “The PDP is not unaware of pressure being put on certain security heads particularly, the Directorate of State Services (DSS), by the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, asking that collation of results be stopped.

    “The APC should note that their plot has been exposed and that Rivers people will never allow them to have their way. Any person pushing such heinous machination in Rivers state will have him or herself to blame.

    “The PDP therefore cautions the APC and their co-travellers to desist from any act aimed at scuttling the scheduled collation of results, which figures, confirming Governor Nyesom Wike’s victory, are known to all”.

  • Zone Speakership position to North Central, ex-Lawmakers tell APC

    Former Members of the House of Representatives who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the platform of Forum of Former Members of the House of Representatives have asked the leadership of the party to zone the position of the Speaker of the House to the North Central zone for the sake of equity and balance.

    The former lawmakers also asked the Party to be tactful in handling the issue of the leadership of the National Assembly and avoid a repeat of the 2015 mistake which cost the party so much in terms of Executive/Legislative relationship.

    The group believe that the leadership of the party must move fast to douse the likely tension that will emerge if the varied interests in the leadership are not streamlined on time and individuals allowed to take position like it was in 2015.

    Addressing a news conference in Abuja, spokesman of the Forum, Idris Yahuza Yakubu said it was high time the party takes a decision on the zones where each of the principal officers should come from before it becomes too late.

    While pledging to making themselves available to assist the party at all times, the former lawmakers believe that the party must be guided to toe the line of equity and fairness, suggesting that the cognate experience, party loyalty and acceptability among colleagues should be considered.

    He said further considering the fact that the North West and South already occupies the position of President and Vice President, while the north east has been given the position of Senate President, the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives to the North central zone.

    The Forum said “As the APC tries to consolidate on its recent successes; the party must not lose focus, but do all it can to stay on track by putting in place a structure that will support its programs for improving on the lot of the people. The eye of the public and indeed the international community is on us to see if we can translate this victory into something tangible for the entire nation and more importantly, if we are able to put our acts together to create the enabling environment.

    “The foundation for building a cohesive and united Nigeria stands on the tripod of equity, justice and fairness and this is where those of us who have been elected to the House of representatives in the past who have seen how the different arms of government are run have decided to advice our beloved party on how best it can go about addressing the current agitations for geopolitical balancing in allocating the remaining top positions that would determine the shape of the next administration and engender a harmonious executive – legislature relationship for the good of the nation.

    “You will recall that in 2015, the APC made the mistake of not paying enough attention in the election of the leadership of the National Assembly and how the party nearly paid dearly for it by having to constantly battle with a hostile legislature since its leaders were not products of the party’s internal democratic arrangement.

    “The APC as the ruling party cannot afford to make that mistake again by leaving the choice of those to assume leadership positions in the National assembly to chance. It is our strong view that the party must step forward to provide political direction to its elected members at the

  • Former Sports Minister Adedoja, dumps PDP for APC

    A former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, has dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    While addressing newsmen on Friday in his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan, Adedoja said he had submitted his letter of resignation from PDP to the party’s National Chairman, Uche Secondus.

    Adedoja explained that his aligning with the APC at this period of Nigeria’s political dispensation was to contribute his best to the needed unity of Nigeria, having built bridges of unity among various socio-political groups in the country.

    “I want to align with the Federal government of Nigeria to contribute to the good governance the country deserves for our people and for my followers across the country,’’ he said.

    Read Also: PDP, APC all square in Sokoto House of Assembly

    When asked what his relationship with the Oyo State Governor-elect, Seyi Makinde is, Adedoja described Makinde as his brother whom he maintains cordial relationship with.

    He said that he had congratulated Makinde to wish him God’s guidance in the newly-onerous task of governing Oyo State.

    Adedoja thanked his well-wishers, friends and colleagues across the country, who in the course of his academic, professional and political life in different parts of the country had provided him the needed support and encouragement.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adedoja was the governorship candidate of Action Congress (AC) in the 2007 Governorship election in Oyo State.

    NAN reports that Adedoja, a former Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, also contested for the post of National Chairman of the PDP at the National Convention of the party in 2017.