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  • Who emerges as Lagos APC governorship candidate?

    Who emerges as Lagos APC governorship candidate?

    Delegates will elect the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate today at the primaries. Eleven aspirants are in the race. Who wins the ticket? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the epic succession battle.

    Today is a special day in the life of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC). Over 6,000 delegates from 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) will elect its governorship candidate at the primaries. They comprise over 4,000 elected delegates and 2,000 statutory delegates, including ward, local government and state officers of the party, and appointees.The flag bearer will face the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s elections. The winner will succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola, who will bow out from office after completing his two terms of eight years.

    The succession battle is gaining momentum in the economic hub and commercial capital of Nigeria. It has provoked interest beyond the political parties. Even, other states are monitoring unfolding events. APC governorship aspirants are intensifying their consultations and mobilisation. The outcome of the House of Assembly primaries held on Tuesday may predict the result of the primaries.

    No doubt,  contenders are locked in a fierce battle. There are allegations of gang-ups by some aspirants against a particular aspirant.  Strategic defections by impatient politicians seeking the golden fleece outside their political family are being contemplated. Reality has dawn on some paper-weight aspirants that they cannot go far.  Yesterday, some of them canvassed the review of procedures for the primaries. They said that direct primaries are better than indirect primaries.

    Lagos APC aspirants parade intimidating credentials. But, not all of them are blessed with solid structures. No fewer than 11 chieftains are vying for the governorship. The aspirants  include Senator Ganiyu Solomon, House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Yemi Ikuforiji, Mrs. Tokunbo Agbesanwa, the only woman in the race, former Health Commissioner Dr. Tola kasali, and former Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode.

    Others are Commissioner for Works Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, former Health Commissioner Dr. Leke Pitan, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Supo Shasore (SAN), Tokunbo Wahab, and Mr. Tayo Ayinde. Many of them are disciples and beneficiaries of Tinubu’s political philanthropy.

     

    Division in governor camp

    Many issues will shape the shadow poll. The first is the incumbency factor. In 2007, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the former governor, was in charge. Today, Fashola is the governor, but he is not in control of the political machinery. Sources said that Fashola is rooting for Shasore, his friend and learned colleague. But, it is an uphill task. For seven and half years, the governor has not acquired political skills like his predecessor, although he is the controller of financial resources. Since the shadow poll is the internal affair of the ruling party, it may be difficult for the governor to achieve a breakthrough in his agenda to install a successor. Despite being in the saddle for two terms, he is not perceived as the party leader by the majority of party members. Thus, the power of incumbency may crumble at the primaries.

    A source said that the governor’s camp is thinking beyond the primaries. Reminiscent of the 2011 episode, the relics of the Labour Party (LP) are being exhumed. “If Shasore fails to get the APC ticket, the governor will fight. The ‘Plan B’, as it is being called, is to arrange for him to contest on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).” added the source.

    The governor’s camp is also divided, ahead of the primaries. Few months ago, the camp was rooting for Hamzat, a star commissioner and member of the kitchen cabinet. The projection of Shasore by the camp has led to a division, with ardent supporters of Hamzat protesting that he has been dumped by the chief executive.

     

    LCDA argument

    Two days ago, eight out of 11 aspirants protested against the procedure for the primaries. In their view, delegates to the primaries cannot be based on the 57 councils, 37 of which have not been listed in the constitution, because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a federal body that does not recognise the 37 LCDAs, will conduct the governorship polls. The additional councils are being sacrificed on the altar of the bitter struggle for power.

    Lagosians were taken aback when aspirants who were at the forefront of the creation of the additional 37 councils inadvertently  re-echoed the Federal Government’s sentiment that they have not been listed in the constitution. The additional councils are legal entities validly created by the House of Assembly. The aspirants have in the past defended the creation of the additional councils, based on the legitimate aspiration of Lagosians for deeper grassroots governance and development. According to observers, the aspirants have forgotten that the governor has funded the councils for seven and half years through the State/Local Government Joint Accounts Committee. Their chairmen were inaugurated by the governor.

    Reflecting on the rejection of the 57 council structure, a party elder said: “Politics is funny. These people (aspirants) have fought for the creation of the councils. They have also defended their creation when the Federal Government decided not to recognise them. But, they are now saying that delegates cannot come from the councils. It is strange.”

    Party insiders disclosed that plans are underway to discredit today’s primaries, if the party leadership insists on the distribution of delegates across 57 councils. A source said that the protest against the procedure for the shadow poll is the prelude to a showdown.

    To an extent, indigeneship may be a factor in the contest. When the Olowo-Eko of Lagos said that “we will not allow the son of the Ewekoro monarch to rule us in Lagos,” the message was internalised by party chieftains and prospective delegates. However, the party has not disqualified any aspirant, based on this factor. The Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, said that the APC will abide by the 1999 Constitutions, which guarantees a level-playing field for contestants.

     

    Zoning

    According to the APC leadership, zoning is a factor. In fact, the party has earlier announced that it has zoned the slot to Lagos East Senatorial District. However, politics are smart. Indeed, aspirants not initially favoured by the zoning have traced their ancestral roots to the district. For example, Solomon has claimed that his illustrious father and strongman of Mushin, Lagos West politics, the late Chief Rafiu Solomon, left Ipakodo, Ikorodu Division, for Mushin in 1949. Also, Hamzat has claimed that he is a descendant ofthe  Ajiborisa family of Epe. Last week, Shasore also said that he has deep seated historical links with the East District. Therefore, zoning is a weak factor.

     

    Religion

    In Lagos, there is the clamour by Christians for a “Christian governor.” But, religion is a weak factor. There are Christians and Muslims in the race. The Christians are Ambode, Shasore, and Pitan. The Muslims are Ikuforiji, Hamzat, Kasali, and Wahab. In fact, many have described religion as a non-issue in Lagos politics. An aspirant, Shasore said stakeholders should avoid the danger of erecting religious platforms for politicking in a polity still battling with the ethnic divide. Another chieftain, Hon. Lateef Raji, a House of Representatives aspirant in Osodi/Isolo Constituency, said Lagos cannot afford religious tension. He stressed: “ Christians and Muslims in Lagos State have co-existed harmoniously without friction. We have had more Muslims governors than Christian governors, but it is mere coincidence. In the Southwest, religion has never shaped our politics. Another chieftain, Alhaji Kola Oseni, warned against setting a dangerous precedence. “Merit should be the watchword, not religion,” he said.

     

    Mystery of Lagos politics

    The lessons of Lagos politics are also  instructive. But, aspirants often refuse to learn from history. The political field is slippery. Historically, aspirants who were not in the reckoning have always become the candidates. Eyes were not on Tinubu in 1998/99 and Fashola in 2007. But, they were thrown up by some circumstances and they won the governorship polls. In 1999, Tinubu was warming up for the Senate, until the Afenifere leaders of Ijebu origin advised him to signify interest in the governorship. The only dissenting voice was Dawodu, who, had favoured Funso Williams for the seat.

    In 2007, the defunct Action Congress (AC) had 14 aspirants. They included Jimi Agbaje, Abiodun Ogunleye, Solomon, Oyinlomo Danmole, Tola Kasali, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, and Femi Pedro. Others are Tunde Fanimokun, Bayo Ajisebutu, Kaoli Olusanya, Omotilewa Aro-Lambo, Remi Adikwu-Bakare, and Fashola, the dark horse.  At the primaries, Fashola, the former Chief of Staff secured the ticket.

     

    Consensus and primaries

    Times are changing. Miffed by the culture of imposition, some forces have pressed vigorously for internal democracy. Ironically, the beneficiaries of imposition have turned around to discredit the process that threw them up as party candidates, elected representatives and political appointees.

    The APC is set for primaries today. But, some aspirants are still kicking against its elements. The party settled for primaries, following the stiff opposition to consensus. Two weeks ago, the aspirants attended a crucial meeting in Ikeja to brainstorm on consensus candidacy. A source said that it was deadlock.

    How to conduct a successful primaries is the challenge. Igbokwe said it is possible, recalling that the House of Assembly primaries were largely successful across the constituencies.

     

    Aspirants

    Solomon

    The politician from Mushin will test his popularity today. His campaign structure, ‘Ideal Club’, is not relenting. From 1998 to date, Solomon has been relevant. He has served as the Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area and a member of the House of Representatives. In 2007, he became a senator. He was re-elected in 2011.  Solomon is the first aspirant to declare his ambition. Solomon is also the first contender to set up his campaign office at Ikeja. The event was witnessed by his supporters. He has been canvassing for democratic primaries. Among the party leaders backing him is Alhaji Kola Oseni.

     

    Pitan

    The successful medical doctor from Agbowa, Epe Division, is perceived as the candidate of the Mandate Group. A prominent member of this group is the former Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Muiz Banire, a beneficiary of imposition-turned anti-imposition crusader. In post-Fashola era, the group wants to bounce back as an influential power bloc in the Centre of Excellence. Pitan served as Commissioner for Health and Education for eight years in Tinubu Administration. In recent times, he has set up a medical mission. Any where he goes, he is accompanied by health workers who screen people for ailments. Many believe that he is fit to rule the state. Few weeks ago, his supporters started the agitation for primaries. He is intelligent and hardworking. Last week, his campaign office said that he has been endorsed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The body has dismissed the media report as a tissue of lies.

     

    Ikuforiji

    Ikuforiji is from Epe. He is a loyal politician. He became a member of the House of Assembly in 2003. He was re-elected in 2007 and 2011. He is the longest serving Speaker of the House. The Speaker enjoys the support of legislators as the head of the legislative arm. Under his leadership, the House has been stable. Ikuforiji has expanded the House of Assembly complex. He has had the privilege of representing two constituencies-Epe and Ikeja, which are in two separate senatorial districts in the House of Assembly.

     

    Ambode

    Ambode is a technocrat from Epe. Three months ago, he set up his campaign office at Gbagada, Lagos East.  Today may mark the beginning of his journey to the State House. At his prime, he showed the prospect of a promising person. At 21, Ambode obtained a degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos, Akoka. At 24, he earned a Masters Degree and qualified as a chartered accountant. He has worked in many councils as a treasurer before he was transferred to the state civil service. He was the Auditor-General for Local Government. In 2012, the Fullbright scholar retired voluntary as the Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, at the age of 49 years. He was the first Permanent Secretary to have done so in the history of Lagos Civil Service. When the Federal Government withheld allocations to Lagos councils, he designed the blueprint for the financial survival of the councils. His colleagues in the civil service describe him as a man of character, capability and competence.

    Ambode’s head is full of figures. He is a financial strategist. His partisan moves in recent times suggest that he is learning at the feet of experienced leaders. No fewer than 60 traditional rulers from the five divisions of Epe, Ikorodu, Ikeja, Badagry and Lagos witnessed his declaration ceremony at Onikan Stadium, Onikan. The crowd was huge. brooms filled the air. Also present were Christian and Muslim clerics, wives of the Oba of Lagos, Lagos white cap chiefs, top party leaders, members of the National Assembly, party officers from ward, local government and state levels. At the ceremony, he was endorsed by ‘Conference 57’, which comprise of former local government chairmen. After the declaration, he embarked on the tour of the local governments to market himself to stakeholders. When he visited Lagos East AOC elders at Ibeju-Lekki, the elders were unanimous that he is a bumble and pleasant person bubbling with ideas.

    At Onikan Stadium, where he declared his ambition, he promised to build on the foundation laid by Fashola and Tinubu. He promised to preside over a government of continuity, which will promote accountability, quality leadership, good governance and equal opportunities for all Nigerians, if elected as the next governor. Ambode said: “Lagos is my state and you are my people. I shall work to serve you. I shall never do less. here and now, I dedicate myself to this task. I shall not flinch nor lose focus.”

    The representatives of the Muslim Community was led by Imam Olubodun Gbajabiamila, who stood for the Chief Imam of Lagos, Imam Garuba Akinola. Gbajabiamila, who rendered the opening prayer, reflected on the challenges of governance, saying that Ambode is competent to succeed Fashola. He said: “Ambode has been assessed by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Akiolu, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Akinola Garuba and the political leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. We pray that he will excel in the office.”

    The Chairman of the  ‘Conference 57’,Hakeem Oris, who reiterated the support of the 57 council chairmen for his ambition, said: “Tinubu started the journey to modernity in Lagos. he was succeeded by Fashola, the actualiser. Today, we present Akinwumi Ambode. Lagos requires a financial wizard to continue from where Fashola will stop next year. He will do better.”

    Ambode exuded confidence, saying that it attested to his popularity and acceptance by Lagosians, following his state-wide consultations. He said: “In recognition of this support, I, Akinwumi Ambode, in your presence and in the presence of God, formally put myself forward to run for the position of the governor of Lagos State.  I make this declaration with the highest sense of responsibility. I am putting nyself forward because I belive I have the qualities required to continue the giant strides, which our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has achieved in Lagos in recent years.

    In his speech titled: “Continuing the progress, securing the future”, the Epe born politician said, having witnessed 15 years of growth and development under Asiwaju Tinubu and Fashola, Lagos State deserved a governor that would build on their achievements.

    He said: “I stand before you today in the spirit of the continuity of excellence that\Lagos is known for. My vision and mission is to create a clean, secure and prosperous Lagos State driven by a vibrant economy and supported by quality service, equity and justice.”

    “I am resolved to offer you genuine leadership that will be accountable with all the principles of good governance, a government of inclusion that will not leave any race or gender behind. No matter your age, sex, tribe of any other status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we will make Lagos liveable for you.”

    Ambode promised to implement the APC blue print on wealth and job creation, in consonance with its agenda for change and prosperity for Nigerians.  He said stakeholders, including the aged, widows, artisans, students, children, the physically challenges and professionals will be carried along by his administration.

    Ambode also said that his administration will not discriminate against any tribe or ethnic group. He said: “Lagos is the most cosmopolitan state in Nigeria and there is no room for discrimination. Whether you are Igbo, Efik, Ijaw, Hausa, Fulani, a foreigner, whoever you are, so far you live and work in Lagos, our government will work for you and you will be adequately represented.”

    Urging Nigerians to also support the push for power shift at the centre, the politician advised Lagosians to mobilise their families and relations in and outside the state to vote the APC in next year’s election. Firing salvos at the Peopled Democratic Party (PDP), he added: “We are tired of transformation without motion. In their kind of transformation, the more they brag about, the less we see things transformed. And God will help us.”

    Ambode paid tribute to patriots who have served Lagos meritoriously, he said Lagosians will not forget the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Lateef jakande, Asiwaju Tinubu and Fashola. He urged them to also vote for a new governor who will lead the state to greater prosperity in next year’s election.

    Ambode added: “I stand before you today as the bridge between the elderly and the youth. I hold before you a beacon that summons us all to building together a more prosperous Lagos. I have the competence, experience and determination to lead Lagos State to greater economic heights and prosperity. I ask for your support and your votes that will send me to Alausa to continue my tradition of selfless service to this great state.”

    APC chieftain Asipa Kaoli Olusanya said Ambode will get the highest number of votes at the primaries and the general election from the six local governments in Ikorodu Division. He described him as a “techno-politician”, who has garnered experience in grassroots politics as a civil servant in the local government and civil service.  The former commissioner added: “Ambode kicked off his career in Lagos as a waste disposal agent. He moved to the local government as a treasurer. He moved to the civil service and through creative financial engineering, the state survived when the Federal Government moved against the local governments.  On behalf of the six Ikorodu local governments, I tell you that Ambode will have the votes of delegates. he will get 85 percent of votes from Ikorodu.”

     

    Hamzat

    The Commissioner for Works is the son of the party leader, Oba Olatunji Hamzat, the Olu of Awofora-Sogaade, Ogun State. His father was a legislator and commissioner in the Second Republic. His mother is from Lagos State. Hamzat holds a doctorate degree in Agricultural Engineering. Between 2005 and 2007, he was the Commissioner for Science and technology.

     

    Kasali

    Kasali is the former Rural Development and Heath commissioner. He was the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Council. He was a member of the SDP in the Third Republic. When Sarunmi was about to be disqualified, he asked Kasali to obtain the governorship form. But, he declined, saying that the time was not ripe. In 2007, he vied for the position. But, Fashola emerged as the candidate. He later served as Commissioner for Special Duties. He is not a threat to any aspirant. For him, it is not a do-or-die affair.

     

    Shasore

    Shasore is a legal luminary and a member of the Body of Benchers. He was succeeded as the Justice Commissioner by Ade Ipaye in 2011. Shasore is a close friend of Fashola. He was a delegate to the national Conference. He is an astute administrator. But, he is not perceived as a politician.

     

    Ayinde

    Ayinde was Tinubu’s chief security detail. He is a rich man. But, he joined the race very late.

     

    Agbesanwa

    She is the only woman in the race. Agbesanwa hails from Epe. As a governorship aspirant, she will use her participation in the primaries to bargain for appointments after the elections.

  • APC clears Buhari, Atiku, others for presidential primaries

    APC clears Buhari, Atiku, others for presidential primaries

    The Presidential Screening Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to contest the December 10 the party’s presidential primaries slated for December 10 in Lagos.

    Also cleared are Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, his Imo State counterpart, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and the Publisher of Leadership Newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah.

    Before their clearance, the five aspirants were made to sign an undertaking not to decamp to any other party if they failed to get the party ticket and to support whoever emerges as candidate at the end of the primaries.

    Speaking before presenting clearance certificates to the five aspirants who were screened on Tuesday, the Committee Chairman and former National Chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, said the time has come when Nigerians must make a decision whether to continue with the present state of affairs in the country or effect a change for the better.

    Onu said the problems of Nigeria has persisted not because they are insurmountable, but because the nation has not found the right leadership, pointing out that the APC was formed to fill the vacuum and provide the leadership required for the nation to grow.

    He said: “This committee would want to appeal to Nigerians that the time has come for our country to take a stand. There is a choice before us. Are we going to continue the way we have been going in the last 16 years when our security forces are used to intimidate and harass the very citizens who pay for their maintenance?

    “Are we going to continue a situation where we are the sixth largest exporters of crude oil and yet we import virtually all the petroleum products that we use and as we do this, we are exporting jobs and rendering our people unemployed? Is this what Nigerians would want to do?

    “Are we going to allow a situation where the rule of law is violated and there is no orderliness whatsoever? This is a choice for Nigerians. The ruling party has had 16 years and so, it is not a question of making promises. We are judging them on their records because they told us that within two years, there will be regular and reliable supply of power for 24 hours a day and seven days a week. This is the 16th year and that promise has not been fulfilled.

    “So, Nigerians have a choice to make because when you have two things, you can never know until you try them. So, Nigerians ought to try the APC and give us a chance to show that the problems in the country can be solved.”

     

  • APC presidential primary: Panel screens Buhari, Atiku, others

    APC presidential primary: Panel screens Buhari, Atiku, others

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun the screening of its presidential aspirants ahead of December 10 primary.

    Those screened by the committee headed by the former All Nigerian Peoples Party’s National Chairman, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, were Publisher of Leadership newspaper, Sam Ida-Isaiah; Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    Onu, who addressed reporters before the screening, said the committee would put the party’s and the country’s constitution as well as the 2010 Electoral Act into consideration in arriving at its decision.

    He said any of the aspirants, who fail to confirm with the relevant section of the party’s and the country’s constitution and the Electoral Act, would be disqualified from the race.

    The party chieftain said: “We will be doing something that is novel in this country, because we really want to effect change. We want to produce a candidate that will effect the change; a candidate that will be able to address the problems confronting our nation.

    “So, in screening our aspirants, we will attach a lot of importance to the manifesto of the party. We will sensitise the aspirants on the urgent needs of the areas of security, the economy, job creation, foreign policy and corruption.

    “We believe that those who will be successful in this exercise will now be presented to our national convention that will be coming in the next few days and a candidate will emerge from there.

    “It is only those we deem qualified that will emerge successful at the end of the exercise. By tomorrow, we will present certificate to those who scaled through the exercise.”

    Onu explained that the committee would extract some commitment from the aspirants to accept the outcome of the convention and work in harmony with whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

    His words: “All aspirants will commit themselves to adhere strictly to the manifesto of the party should they become candidate and eventually, by the will of God, become president-elect and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We as a party are not happy with the way the nation has been governed in the last 16 years.

    “Nigerians want change; the APC was formed to effect that change and we believe that whosoever becomes our candidate and wins to become president must abide by our manifesto so that Nigerians will know that really, there has been a change.”

    “The time has come for another party to be tried so that if they don’t do well, you can change them. We believe that if the APC comes on board, we will do well so that we can stay for a long time. I think this is something that all Nigerians must do for the good of our country.

    “The constitution stipulates the qualification for someone to stand for election and the party has its own qualification. If you don’t meet that of the party and of the nation, you will stand disqualified.

    “If the committee decides that any aspirant is not qualified, such an aspirant has the right to appeal to the National Working Committee.”

     

  • DSS again raids APC’s data centre

    DSS again raids APC’s data centre

    •It’s lawless, provocative, says party

    All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged yesterday that agents of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) last Monday, carried out a second raid on the party’s data centre in Ikeja, Lagos.

    Describing the action as “the height of lawlessness and an orchestrated provocation”, the party said the “agency must urgently be called to order.”

    Its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, said: ‘’The raid by over 40 armed DSS officers, despite a court order restraining the service from such action, shows that the DSS considers itself to be above the laws of the land, and this is totally condemnable.

    ‘’Even under a Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) government that has nothing, but contempt for constitutional order, the lack of respect for a court order by an institution of state like the DSS has plumbed the depth of anomie, and shows that our democracy is in clear and present danger from anarchists.’’

    The party said the 40 armed DSS officers, who came with trucks, shoved the security men at the building aside and broke into the storage facility, where they carted away over 30 bags filled with the APC membership registration forms.

    It said the raid came on the same day it challenged the DSS to make public its findings after the first raid that was widely condemned within and outside the country.

    The statement also reads: ‘’It is sensible to conclude that the DSS’ second raid was its own crude reaction to the challenge we posed to it. Apparently yet to find any evidence of PVC cloning as alleged by the DSS, it is now quite desperate to manufacture evidence to justify its raids.

    “Or how else does one explain the claim by the service that its ‘findings’ will shock Nigerians, even at a time it is still in search of evidence? Is this how self-respecting intelligence agencies conduct their operations?

    ‘’It is curious that an institution of state will continue to act like an enforcement arm of the ruling party by constantly harassing the opposition. It is strange that an organisation that should be deploying its best staff to gather useful intelligence that can help the nation to win the anti-terrorism war is instead engaging in terrorising the opposition.

    ‘’It is time to call the DSS to order, and to remind those at the helms of affairs that while they may be having a free rein today, they will one day rue their actions at this critical time in our nation’s history.”

    APC said it was particularly alarming that the DSS carried out its raid despite the November 26 order by Justice Mohammed Nasir Yenusa of the Federal High Court in Lagos, restraining the service from further sealing off the data centre or taking further steps in connection with the property.

    The party said the moment Nigerians could no longer seek redress in court, “just because the law enforcement agencies have elevated themselves above the law, the country can as well bid good goodbye to constitutional order.”

    It blamed the prevailing atmosphere of lawlessness on the culture of impunity under the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, wondering whether that was the legacy the president wanted to leave after his tenure.

     

  • Court orders APC to recognise Okonkwo as Abia chair

    Court orders APC to recognise Okonkwo as Abia chair

    An Abia State High Court has ordered the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to recognise Fabian Okonkwo, a lawyer, as the chairman of the party in Abia State.

    The court, in a notice of contempt dated December 1, said the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, must obey its order issued since October 27, compelling him to recognise and work with the Okonkwo-led executive.

    Justice Obisike Oji issued an interim injunction which, among others, restrained the national chairman and the APC, its agents, servants, representatives and/or workmen, “from in any way or manner stopping, excluding, precluding or preventing the Okonkwo-led Executive Committee from participating in the primaries for the selection of candidates for the general elections or in any way deny or deprive them the rights and privileges of their offices.”

    In a contempt notice (Form 48) by the same court on December 1, titled: “Notice of Consequences of Disobedience of Court Order,” Chief Odigie-Oyegun was warned to “take notice that unless you obey and give effect to the directions contained in this order endorsed herewith, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”

    Okonkwo said yesterday in a statement: “Every effort to get the national chairman to obey the court injunction has not yielded the desired result. Even the counsel to the plaintiff has written to him, urging him to allow the Fabian Okonkwo-led executive to participate in the primaries, but he has rebuffed his pleas.

    “As at today (December 2), we have not received expression-of-interest and nomination forms for Abia aspirants. Any primary outside the only exco is a nullity.”

     

     

  • APC presidential primary: Panel screens Buhari, Atiku, others

    APC presidential primary: Panel screens Buhari, Atiku, others

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun the screening of its presidential aspirants ahead of its December 10 primary.

    Those screened by the committee, headed by the former All Nigeria Peoples Party’s National Chairman, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, were Publisher of Leadership, Sam Nda-Isaiah; Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    Onu, who addressed reporters before the screening, said the committee would put the party’s and the country’s constitution as well as the 2010 Electoral Act into consideration in arriving at its decision.

    He said any of the aspirants, who failed to confirm with the relevant section of the party’s and the country’s constitution and the Electoral Act, would be disqualified from the race.

    The party chieftain said: “We will be doing something that is novel in this country, because we really want to effect change. We want to produce a candidate that will effect the change; a candidate that will be able to address the problems confronting our nation.

    “So, in screening our aspirants, we will attach much importance to the manifesto of the party. We will sensitise the aspirants on the urgent need of the areas of security, the economy, job creation, foreign policy and corruption.

    “We believe that those who will be successful in this exercise will now be presented to our national convention that will be coming in the next few days and a candidate will emerge from there.

    “It is only those we deem qualified that will emerge successful at the end of the exercise. By tomorrow, we will present certificates to those who scaled through the exercise.”

    Onu explained that the committee would extract some commitment from the aspirants to accept the outcome of the convention and work in harmony with whoever emerged as the party’s candidate.

    His words: “All aspirants will commit themselves to adhere strictly to the manifesto of the party should they become candidate and eventually, by the will of God, become president-elect and President of Nigeria. We as a party are not happy with the way the nation has be governed in the last 16 years.

    “Nigerians want change; the APC was formed to effect that change and we believe that whosoever becomes our candidate and wins to become president must abide by our manifesto so that Nigerians will know that really, there has been a change.”

    “The time has come for another party to be tried so that if it doesn’t do well, you can change it. We believe that if the APC comes on board, we will do well so that we can stay for a long time. I think this is something that all Nigerians must do for the good of our country.

    “The constitution stipulates the qualification for someone to stand for election and the party has its own qualification. If you don’t meet that of the party and of the nation, you will stand disqualified.

    “If the committee decides that any aspirant is not qualified, such an aspirant has the right to appeal to the National Working Committee.”

  • Battle for APC tickets in Taraba, Benue

    Battle for APC tickets in Taraba, Benue

    There is a sharp contrast in the contest for the governorship tickets of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba and  Benue states. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI examines the issues  that will to shape the contest in the two states.

    Next year’s general elections promise to be an epic battle between the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Being the first general elections since the formation of the APC, it is more or less a battle for supremacy for both parties. In the North East state of Taraba and the North central state of Benue particularly, the opposition stands a good chance, for the first time since the return to civilian rule in 1999, of taking over the two states. This however depends largely on the calibre of candidates that flies its flag in the various elective positions.

    The die is cast, as the APC is set for tomorrow’s governorship primaries in the two states. In Taraba, there is no contest as such, as Senator Aisha Alhassan, is fast emerging as the consensus candidate of the party for the governorship position.

    Observers say there are only three genuine governorship aspirants in the state this time around; with two of them coming from the ruling PDP and the third one being the sole contender from the APC, Alhassan.

    Easy ride for Alhassan in Taraba

    But, the APC has the upper hand, in the sense that it is facing the governorship contest as a united entity. While the APC, which has settled for Senator Alhassan as its candidate is already strategising on how to take over the state, the PDP on the other hand is still enmeshed in internal crisis over who succeeds the ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai.

    Alhassan made a foray into the political scene in 2011, when she contested for the Senate. She floored two political heavyweights in the person of former Governor Jolly Nyame and the then sitting Senator, Anthony Manzo, to clinch the seat.

    Alhasssan is an amazon of sorts and a lady of many firsts. For example, she was the first female to occupy the Office of Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Taraba State. She is also the first female politician to contest and beat two men in an election for the senatorial seat, which she now occupies. Now, she is on the verge of becoming the first female to vie for the office of the governor of the state. Given what she has done in the last three and half years to uplift the living conditions of her constituents, she may be on the threshold of making history once again.

    Alhassan comes from a family with a sound political background and appear to enjoy the support of the womenfolk and the youths. Her father was elected into the Federal House of Representatives in 1959 under the defunct Northern Peoples Congress (NPC).

    Zoning in Benue

    In Benue State, Governor Gabriel Suswam will be handing over the mantle of leadership to another person come May 2015, having spent the maximum constitutional two terms of eight years in office. Whoever will take over from Suswam will be expected to carry the people’s hopes for improved welfare and security.

    A kind of zoning arrangement has been in place over time in the state, even though it has mainly been among the two Tiv-dominated, hugely population zones of Benue North East and Benue North West. There is a growing recognition nevertheless that Benue South should be given the chance, since the two Tiv-speaking zones have governed in the persons of Senator George Akume (1999-2007) and Suswam (2007 till date). Benue South is largely Idoma.

    But, the only obstacle to the Benue South agitation is the governorship aspiration of a Tiv sub-tribe, which also feels they have been alienated. This feeling is based on the fact that of the five families that make up the Tiv lineage, the Masev, Ihiarev, Nongov, collectively known as the MINDA, have not produced a governor of the state since its creation in 1976. The other four members of the Tiv family have ruled the state and so there is sympathy among the Tiv population for the MINDA to succeed Suswam before power could rotate Benue South.

    Besides zoning, other factors expected to shape the emergence of the next governor of Benue State are political experience and educational background.

    Three-horse race

    The APC’s chances in Benue this time around are fairly bright. Though Benue has been governed by the PDP since the return to civilian rule in 1999, the APC has been making incursions into the state over the years. So far, only three persons are contesting for the party’s governorship ticket for the forthcoming election. They are: the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Emmanuel Jime; retired Permanent Secretary, Akanga Audu; and the 2011 governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Prof. Steven Ugba.

    Jime

    Given the circumstances surrounding the race for the APC ticket in the state, Jime who has become more or less the rallying point for the party in Benue State in recent times perhaps has the brightest chance in the contest. Barring any last minute political realignment in the fold, he looks set to get the ticket. This is because he appears to be the most sellable candidate for the party in next year’s governorship contest.

    This could be gleaned from the massive support he enjoys from party members and the generality of the people in the state, who see him as a symbol of their yearnings and aspirations for change. For instance, he was surrounded by die-hard supporters three weeks ago when he arrived Makurdi, the Benue State capital, to pick up his nomination form.

    A former speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and two-time member of the House of Representative, Jime only recently defected from the PDP to the APC and he is viewed as the likely candidate of the party. Jime, who hails from Makurdi in the MINDA area, has promised to bring policies that would bring the majority of the people out of poverty, if he becomes governor.

    Audu

    Audu, a former Permanent Secretary who served the current administration of Governor Suswan, is perceived as competent and qualified to govern. The big-time farmer who is also from the MINDA’s axis, equally served former Governor Akume.

    But, critics say age is no longer on his side and that he may be a hard sell for the party during the election.

    Ugba  

    As a former governorship candidate of one of the legacy parties that formed the APC, Ugba equally has a good chance of picking the ticket. He gave incumbent Governor Suswan a good fight during the the last election in 2011 and by even by pursuing his petition to the Supreme Court.

    But, observers say he may have lost the passion and drive for the contest, following his long-drawn out battle with Suswan. For instance, such observers argue that his presence when Jime collected his nomination form suggests that he might step down for the latter in the very last minute.

    Others

    The former Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, who has just transferred allegiance to the APC, may be a surprise beneficiary of the party’s governorship ticket. Ortom switched loyalty at the last minute, when he realized that his aspirations within his former party, the PDP, were under threat.

    A grassroots politician, Dr. Ortom enjoyed wide support within the party and outside and therefore, stands a better chance of becoming the flag bearer of PDP in the state. He possessed the kind of charisma that is highly valued in political circles and his popularity cut across all the three senatorial districts of the state.

    Even before now, he has always enjoyed the support from the opposition. Many have argued that he knows the job description better than other aspirants, having been an industrialist, entrepreneur and a farmer by extension.

  • APC chieftain Sutton joins Lagos governorship race

    APC chieftain Sutton joins Lagos governorship race

    At a time people are saying that the number of persons vying for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for Lagos State is unwieldy,  another aspirant has joined the race. He is Dr. Abayomi Sutton from Badagry, Lagos West District. The interesting aspect is that Sutton has been living abroad for over two decades and returned to Nigeria recently specifically to contest the governorship.

    “I am in the race to continue with the good work of the incumbent governor; to create a better environment for Lagosians to live, work and enjoy,” he told reporters at a press conference at the weekend.

    The aspirant does not believe that he is disadvantaged in the race because he has been living abroad. He said: “I was born and bred in Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos. I schooled in Lagos. I visit home at least five times a year. I have identified the services that needs improvement; I have met with stakeholders in Lagos State, including the youths. I can feel the needs and aspirations of the communities because I am part and parcel of them.”

    Sutton said he is not aware that the former governor of Lagos and National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has endorsed any of the aspirants. “It’s just a rumour that is flying about the state. As far as I know, we had a meeting with Asiwaju in his house and he confirmed to all the aspirants that nobody has been endorsed,” he said.

    He is also not bothered by the  zoning of the governorship to Lagos East by the APC authorities. “Again, it is a rumour that the governorship has been zoned to the East senatorial district. As far as I am concerned and as far as the APC is concerned, there is going to be a level-playing field for all the aspirants to contest the primaries,” he added.

    Sutton believes all the aspirants have a good vision and that they have something good for Lagosians. He insists however that he is the best because of the approach he is going to adopt in governance. His words: “The approach is what I call a bottom-up approach, whereby the community and Lagosians at large will tell me how they want to be governed. The people will be involved in the running of the government. They will be involved in terms of community development. What I mean by a bottom-up approach is that I will have a stakeholders’ meeting with members of different communities, to find out what they need.

    “Why I’m doing that? This is because what they need in Ikeja is different from what they need in Ijora; what they need in Ijora is different from what they need in Ikoyi; what they need in Ikoyi is different from what they need in Yaba. So, every local government will have a stakeholders’ group that will be part of the governance. We are providing the services for the people, so they have to be part of the government.”

  • 2015: APC screens Buhari, Atiku, others for primaries

    2015: APC screens Buhari, Atiku, others for primaries

    The All Progressives Congress has began the screening of its presidential aspirants ahead of the party’s presidential primaries slated for December 10.

    Those screened by the committee headed by a former National Chairman of the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Chief Ogbonnaya Onu are – the Publisher of Leadership newspaper, Sam -Isaiah, Kano Stage Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Imo state Governor, Rochas Okorocha, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).

    Addressing journalists before commencing the screening exercise, Chief Onu said the committee will put into consideration the constitution of the party, the constitution of the country and the 2010 Electoral Act.

    He said that any of the aspirant who fail to confirm with the relevant section of the party’s constitution, the constitution the country and the electoral act will be disqualified from the contest.

    He said: “In screening the aspirants, we will take into consideration the constitution of our party, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act, 2010.

    “We will be doing something that is novel in this country because we will really want to effect change in the country. We want to produce a candidate that will effect change in the country, a candidate that will be able to address the problems confronting our nation.

    “So, in screening our aspirants, we will attach a lot of importance to the manifesto of the party. We will sensitize the aspirants on the urgent need in the area of security, the economy, job creation, foreign policy and corruption.

    “We believe that those who will be successful in this exercise will now be presented to our national convention that will be coming in the next few days and a candidate will emerge from there. It is only those we deem qualified that will emerge successful at the end of the exercise. By tomorrow, we will present certificate to those who scaled through the exercise.”

    He added that the committee will extract some commitment from the aspirants to accept the outcome of the convention and work in harmony with whoever emerges as the candidate of the party since only one of them can be the candidate.

    He said, “There will be some commitment on the part of the aspirants.

    “We want to be sure that all aspirants of the party that will deserve to be presented to our delegates at the national convention must undertake to abide by 10 rules and regulations of our great party, the nomination guidelines, the manifesto, the electoral act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We would also want every aspirant to give us a commitment because only one will become the candidate, that at the end of the national convention, when the candidate emerges, that all others will support that person and will support the party to ensure that the party will be successful in the presidential election of February 14, 2015.”

  • ‘My plan for Lagos West’

    ‘My plan for Lagos West’

     All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant in Lagos West District Hon. Kamal Bayewu has promised to fight for social security for the elders, youth empowerment and social security for women , if he is elected.  He spoke with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN.

    Why are you in politics?

    I ventured into politics to better the lot of my people. I have the passion to serve them; I am close to my people; I want the best for them. I want to bridge the gap between the layers in the society. I know their problems and I will do my best to improve their life.

    What are your political beliefs and philosophy?

    My belief is that whatever you are doing, there must be trust between you and the people. That is to say, as a leader, you must always strive to do your best to improve their lot. You must be able to know their problems and what their needs are. A leader should listen to the people and be ready to serve them at all times. A leader should know that a law that does not have a human face is not a law.

    Why do you want to go to Senate?

    When I came into government as Chairman of Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government, I saw a lot of gaps from what is coming from the Federal Government. One of the less-privileged people in the Nigerian society is the elders who have invested so much in the development of the country. How many of them are pensionable? They are not more than five per cent. I want to champion the issue of social security for the elders at the national level. We started it at Ajegunle/Ifelodun Local Government. I like to be the voice of the elders. I’d like to see the Ministry of Elders created. Look at our youths, after going to university or polytechnic, what next? There are no jobs for them and there is no social security too the unemployed. We should see them as leaders of today, not leaders of tomorrow. See our women; there is no deliberate policy to uplift them, particularly the widows and the aged among them. There should be policies that will dignify the less-privileged in our midst.

    I have a special agenda to pursue for Lagos at the Senate. All over the world, former federal capitals enjoy special status. Sixty per cent of economic activities in Nigeria take place in Lagos. Whenever there is problem in any part of the country, people relocate to Lagos and this puts pressure on social infrastructure. There should be special funds to take care of the infrastructure. Again, erosion is wreaking havoc in some parts of Lagos State like Ejigbo and Agbado areas. Why can’t Lagos benefit from the Ecological Fund like Anambra State? Is it because we are in opposition?

    With strong contenders jostling for Lagos West ticket, how do you intend to emerge?

    I have confidence that I will emerge as the APC senatorial candidate. How many of the aspirants are close to the grassroots? How many of them have passion for the people? People see me as symbol of the grassroots. I have been to every part of the senatorial district. I started as a youth activist in the community. Given my closeness to the people and my performance in office, people believe I am the best among the aspirants. My closeness to the people gives me an edge over other aspirants.

    Are you disturbed by the speculation making the rounds that the Lagos West ticket has been reserved for Governor Fashola?

    I am not aware of that. If that is the case, the party will tell us. If it is truly reserved, the party will not allow aspirants to collect forms. Even if it is reserved for our amiable governor, there is nothing wrong in it. He has done well. He is qualified to be a Senator.

    What are your plans for Lagos West Senatorial District?

    I will organise a feedback system to interact with the people, to report back to them, my efforts to attract developmental projects from the federal level to the district. As a senator representing them, I should be able to bring back democratic dividends to the people. The problems in the senatorial district such as erosion and shortage of amenities will be tackled. I will compliment what the state government is doing with Federal Government’s assistance. I will set up three constituency offices in the district. They would be cited in Alimosho, Ikeja and Ojo. Lagos West is the largest senatorial district in Nigeria. It’s made up of 10 out of the old 20 local governments in Lagos State. They are: Alimosho, Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Badagry, Ojo, Mushin, Ifako/Ijaiye, Agege, Oshodi/Isolo, Ikeja and Amuwo-Odofin. The more you are able to talk to the people, the more you will be able to serve them well.

    What are your chances at the primary?

    My chances are very bright. I have been reaching out to party leaders, officials and delegates in all divisions. I have covered all local governments, except Amuwo and Alimosho. I have met Lagos West caucus in the House of Assembly, the APC State Executive Council, women and youth leaders and all the ward chairmen in the senatorial district.

    The senatorial district representation has been monopolised by the Ikeja Division since 1999, leaving out Badagry division. Even though the party has not deliberately come up with a zoning system, the party leaders and traditional rulers in Badagry Division are appealing to the leaders of the party in the state to allow Badagry Division to produce the next senator, just like the governorship ticket has been zoned to Lagos East.

    Who are your mentors in politics?

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is number one. When I was coming back to politics, he told me he needs professionals like me in politics. He said one must struggle for power and that one must always find a way to take power for the benefit of the people and be able to serve them well. That is benevolent politics. Tinubu is a man of ideas. He told me you don’t know what your son will do with power until he gets it. One thing that I appreciate in him is that he is a leader that has been replicating himself. All those who came out in 2007 and 2011 are products of Asiwaju’s school of thought.

    I appreciate Chief Dele Fayemi, two-time member House of Representatives (Badagry Constituency) in the Second Republic. He is a very strong-willed politician; very brilliant and strategic. I learn more of the past from him. He is well versed in the politics of Badagry Division and Lagos State.

    What are your antecedents in politics?

    I started as a youth vanguard with the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1979 in Olowogbowo area of Lagos Island. I was a financial member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). Even though I was still working in the bank then, I was financing people to make sure AD was well grounded in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area. I was the campaign manager of Rahaman Eshinlokun councillorship election. Unfortuntely, Eshinlokun died before the result of the election was released. The circumstance of his death made us to run away from politics that time. I contested for the House of Representatives ticket in 2003 and 2006. I won the primary, but I was asked to step down for the incumbent.

    Do you have the financial resources to prosecute your campaign?

    I don’t, but I have the goodwill that will see me through in my political ambition.

    Do you believe the APC has what it takes to win presidential and governorship elections next year?

    Yes, I do because the APC has the best acclaimed leaders in Nigeria. When you put APC and PDP controlled states side-by-side, the difference is obvious. The APC states give priority to human resources and capital development. Look at the youth and educational development programmes of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State that earned him global award. Look at the developmental projects going on in Ogun and Oyo States, compare them with when they were under the PDP; there is tremendous improvement in those states today.

    It has to do with good leadership. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a cerebral leader. In 2003, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) was left with only Lagos State. But, for Tinubu’s perseverance, the ACN in 2011 succeeded in reclaiming all the Southwest states, except Ondo. In less than one year when the ACN and other opposition merged to form the APC, the party now controls about 16 states. Tinubu is the man that Nigeria needs to bring development. He has come up with alternatives to oil price fall. A leader should always come up with solutions and that is what Tinubu has done.

    Since Mallam Nasir El-Rufai left as Federal Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), none of his successors have done better than him. Look at Governor Babatunde Fashola who has become a reference point in governance. What about Governor Rotimi Amaechi whose has proved to be a leader, in spite of the Federal Government’s intimidation and frustration?