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The battle for Akwa Ibom, Cross River

Ahead the gubernatorial primaries of All Progressives Congress (APC), Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, reports on the aspirants and issues that will determine the results in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states

IN Akwa Ibom it’s a triangular race

The race for the (APC) ticket in Akwa Ibom State is triangular. As the party prepares to nominate its candidate next Thursday, pundits say the victor is most likely to emerge from the rank of the three leading aspirants, namely; Group Capt. Sam Ewang, Senator John Udoedehe and Umana Okon Umana.

Prior to last Thursday’s defection from the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umana Okon Umana, analyst have consistently said either of Ewang or Udoedehe was in good stead to emerge the party’s candidate.

But Umana’s last minute entrant into the party has altered many calculations, including those about who picks the party’s nomination for the 2015 governorship contest.

Udoedehe and Ewang had engaged one another in a stiff and rancorous struggle for the ticket. Their rivalry had nearly polarised the party into two factions but for the unending intervention of the national leadership of the party.

It took the intervention of Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to nip the political war between the two camps in the bud few weeks back. The governor reconciled the two APC chieftains and saw to the harmonisation of the party’s leadership in the state.

Amaechi’s actions appeared to have healed many wounds in the party as the fierce intra-party crisis that greeted the formation of the APC in the state subsided afterwards. Both Ewang and Udoedehe had had unsuccessful shots at the governorships in the past, albeit on different platforms from the APC.

Speaking on his governorship ambition at his Mbiaso, Ikot Nya Ward 4, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Ewang, a former Rivers State Military Administrator and Board of Trustees member of the All Progressives Congress, had predicted that four other members of APC would join him to fight for the ticket.

Addressing his supporters, including Wards and Chapter Executives, Ewang said he was on a mission to rescue the state and its people from the “malignant poverty” inflicted on the people by the outgoing People’s Democratic Party-led government in the state. He stated that he was ready for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State, adding that the common people of the state had not benefited from the current government since its inception in 2007.

“If people make the mistake again to choose the wrong person, suffering will continue. My bold entry into the party has forced some far-reaching reforms to take place.

Ewang, who contested the governorship position in the state on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party in 2007 and 2011, recalled that his resolve not to quit the race led to the kidnap of his wife. He vowed that no amount of threat would deter him from prosecuting his governorship agenda to the letter.

Udoedehe, who was the candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN), in 2011 governorship election in the state, was the first to pick the APC nomination forms in Akwa Ibom State and in the entire South-South.

Remembered for giving incumbent Governor Godswill Akpabio a good run for his money at the 2011 governorship election, Senator Udoedehe, some observers say, given his wide political network across the state, remains a good candidate for the 2015 election.

The aspirant said an APC government in the state would run a people’s government. He said he remains the candidate that can send the PDP out of the state in 2015.

Umana, a frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of the PDP, defected to the opposition APC last Thursday and promptly became the choice of many observers of the politics of the state.

The aspirant, who served as Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, SSG, until July 2013 when he resigned his appointment to pursue his political ambition, gave PDP’s decision to cede its governorship ticket to Eket Senatorial District as reason for his defection.

The former SSG, who is from Uyo Senatorial District, told The Nation that his defection into the APC is to actualise his 2015 governorship ambition. His entrance into the race, pundits say, may be the result of moves by party leaders to seek out a consensus candidate ahead of Thursday’s primary election.

“You will recall that consequent upon fears that unless the party finds a way of handling the political rivalry between our two leading aspirants, the outcome of the primary election may lead to an implosion within the party, efforts were made to seek out a consensus candidate, preferably outside the two warring aspirants.

I want to believe that Umana’s coming into the APC is as a result of such efforts. We even learnt that he has met with many of our leaders, including the two leading aspirants, before deciding to pitch his tent with the APC ahead of the forthcoming primary election,” a chieftain of the party said.

Investigation by The Nation revealed that against the background of the raging intra party crisis within the ruling PDP, which has pitched Governor Godswill Akpabio against leaders and governorship aspirants of the party, over the choice of who picks the governorship ticket, the leadership of APC had visited Akwa Ibom shortly after the delegates’ congress to hunt for new members in the state.

“In the process, they succeeded in winning the hearts of at least three of the PDP governorship aspirants who, according to our sources, promised to defect to the APC. The aspirants, we learnt, were promised waivers as well as level playing ground if they choose to pursue their governorship ambition on the platform of the APC after their defection.

Fuelling indications that Umana may emerge as the party’s candidate, the state chapter of the APC had last week said it will formally receive the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and leading governorship aspirant, into the party.

A statement issued by APC State Chairman, Dr Amadu Attai said Umana’s defection to APC would be followed by a mass movement of other political leaders and their supporters.

We are glad to welcome Mr. Umana Okon Umana and his teeming supporters into the APC family in Akwa Ibom State,” the statement said.

Between Ogar, Ochicha in Cross River

Ahead of Thursday’s party gubernatorial primaries, the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Cross River State said it is ready to unseat the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the governor’s office at the 2015 governorship election in the state.

Party leaders say given the pedigree of its governorship aspirants and calibre of people currently streaming into the party from the PDP, it appears the people of the state are tired of the misrule represented by the ruling party.

The Nation gathered that about five people are jostling for the party’s governorship ticket. “All of them are sure to offer better deals than what we currently have in our state. All of them are eminently qualified and all of them are loyal party members,” a party chieftain told The Nation.

However, pundits say the race is between two leading aspirants who have engaged themselves in a very close political race for the ticket. The duo have political structures and supporters across the length and breadth of the state.

“Any of these two will put up a good fight at the general election. But we want to put forward our best material. We are going to the primary election to elect the very best of them all,” Bernard Obun, a chieftain of the party in Calabar, said.

The two aspirants are Mike Ogar and Odey Ochicha. In spite of the leadership crisis that rocked the state chapter of the APC for a while, the rivalry between these aspirants has remained violent free and issue based.

“The primary election will be hitch free. I believe so because the three frontline aspirants, Mike Ogar, Lazarus Undie and Odey Ochicha and their promoters have demonstrated great maturity before this time. I expect this to continue right into the primary election and beyond.

I think the race is between Ogar and Ochicha though. If this happens, then nobody is going to make unnecessary noise during and after the election of our party’s candidate,” Obun said.

Ogar is a former House of Representatives member who represented Obudu/Obanlikwu/Bekwara Federal Constituency. He is banking on his records as a former federal legislator to work in his favour at the party’s primary election next Thursday.

He said the PDP had in its 15 years in power impoverished the people and allowed the state infrastructure to decay to a terrible state and such the APC was on a mission to restore the lost glory of the state.

‘The abiding law of nature is that when you yearn for something and you don’t get it at first trial does not mean you should give up or take a no for an answer and the people are still yearning for good leadership and we are here to take over and look at the development curve of the state and make sure we add value to the lives of our people and improve on the state of infrastructure,” he said.

An early starter, Ochicha is believed to be the choice of party elders and officers for the party ticket. He is the first aspirant to announce his intention to vie for the governorship on the platform of the APC. He is also very popular amongst the youths of the party.

He hails from Bekwarra and had worked with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for many years before venturing into politics with his decision to contest the governorship of the state on the platform of the opposition APC.

“I think our chances are bright. You know the APC has just come on board. We came into existence in July last year. You know, change as you are aware is a gradual process, it’s coming gradually. Our chances are bright because the people are yearning for a change and an alternative platform and for me, we have APC as the alternative agenda,” he told The Nation.

Also, those familiar with Cross River politics argue that although the state has remained a stronghold of the ruling PDP since 1999, it may not be immune to the incursion of the APC if cracks within the ruling party are allowed to fester.

Like the PDP, APC in the state has zoned its governorship ticket to the north in the spirit of fair play and justice. Pundits say should PDP fail to elect a flag bearer from the north, the APC may benefit from its mistake and coast home to victory in 2015.

The APC is the party that is concerned about fair play and justice. Our governorship candidate will emerge from the north. To ensure this, the party chairmanship position was given to the Central Senatorial District to stop them from aspiring while the substantive national position, which turned out to be vice chairman south-south, was given to the Southern Senatorial District to settle them.

The position of state secretary was also added to the south while the north was left with less lucrative position for the singular fact that they are taking governorship,” Kalita Aruku, APC State Deputy Youth Leader, said.

November 30, 2014
Gunmen kill APC chieftain, six others in Rivers

Rampaging gunmen, suspected to be cultists, have killed a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Godspower Ayodu, and six other persons in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Council, Augustine Ahiamadu, in a telephone interview, expressed shock at the murder, which he said took place in the ancient town on Friday evening, with the gunmen moving from house to house, killing innocent people. .
He disclosed that the gunmen were shooting sporadically in Omoku, which hosts the Federal College of Education (Technical), with the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Total oil company, as well as oil servicing companies, among others, operating in the area.
The council chairman described the unfortunate incident as condemnable, while calling on the police and other security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act and prosecute them, to serve as a deterrent to others.
Ahiamadu noted that the inability to arrest the killers and hoodlums would embolden other criminals to even commit worse crimes in the LGA and other parts of the state and beyond.
The council boss also urged the people of the LGA, especially Omoku, to remain calm and be law abiding, stressing that a combined team of policemen and operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) had commenced special patrol of the LGA.

When contacted, the Rivers Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muhammad Kidaya Ahmad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), noted that it was a clash involving suspected rival cult groups, with investigation in progress.

Ahmad also admonished Rivers people with information on persons with bullet wounds to alert the police, while assuring that their identities would be well protected.

November 29, 2014
APC data centre raid: DSS defies court order

The Department of State Security Services (DSS) yesterday defied an order made by Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court by refusing to produce five detained workers of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The judge on Wednesday barred the DSS from the APC’s data centre which it raided.

He also ordered it to produce the detained workers – Chinedu Atuche, Fayemi Olaposi, Chika Augustine Onochukwu, Ebun Ilori and Esther Enemuwe.

The judge gave the orders in respect of the case of enforcement of human rights filed by APC’s lawyer, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).

The court ordered that the DSS should unseal the data office/warehouse located at 10, Bola Ajibola Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, forthwith.

It gave an interim order restraining the respondent (DSS) from further sealing off the office or taking further steps in connection with the property.

With regard to the five data entry workers being held in custody by the DSS, the court ordered the respondent to produce them in court yesterday to explain to it why they are still being held.

The court, however, did not give any order regarding the release of the seized equipment, including server and computer.

But the DSS defied the order, refusing to produce the workers, who will spend the weekend in detention.

The police was not represented yesterday, but DSS’ lawyer, Peter Okerinmodun, said the agency was unaware of the court’s order.

This is despite that the applicants’ lawyer provided a proof of service to the agency.

“My appearance today is from what I read in newspapers. One newspaper said the matter came up at Ikeja (high court),” Okerinmodu said in response to a question from the judge on why he was in court.

“I made contact with (SSS) headquarters to ascertain the authenticity. They said there was no service on them. Even as at this morning, nobody has confirmed. So I was not briefed,” he said.

Earlier, Osinbajo said both the police and the DSS were duly served, but the latter refused to accept service at their Lagos office.

“The first respondent (the police) we served here (Lagos) and in Abuja. We also served the second respondent (SSS). Pursuant to the orders of this court, same processes were served in Abuja and they were accepted. Proof of service is in the court’s file,” Osinbajo said.

“The SSS ought to, in obedience of the orders of my lord, produce the five applicants today (yesterday),” he added.

Okerinmodun sought a short adjournment to enable him “sort out” himself.

“I want to get across to Abuja to know whether they have been served. We are never known for disobeying my lord’s orders,” said the lawyer.

Osinbajo expressed reservations at the DSS counsel’s claims, noting that the judge’s orders were unambiguous.

November 29, 2014
Broom revolution hits Akwa Ibom as Umana, others dump PDP for APC

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Chief John Odigie-Oyegun,the party’s national leader,Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and its chairman in Akwa Ibom State are confident of APC’s victory in the state next year .

They told thousands of party faithful in Uyo the state capital yesterday that with the defection of the immediate past Secretary to the State Governmnent (SSG),Mr.Umana Umana to the APC,the development which has eluded the people for long, is around the corner. The rally was to formally receive Umana and other former bigwigs of the PDP into the APC

The defectors were welcomed by Chief Odigie Oyegun, who told the new comers that in APC, there is zero tolerance for corruption.

Oyegun told the electorate to equip themselves with their voter’s cards, which he described as the only instrument needed to sweep PDP out of power.

He said that with the coming of Umana and others into the party, the train of change has begun in the state.

He critisised the PDP-led government for abhorring corruption and using the security agencies to attack the opposition. His words: “Many of you who don’t have the voters’ cards must go and have the voters’ cards. The voter’s card is your weapon for change. How many of you are happy with the level of corruption in this country?

“Corruption is the sole reason that education has collapsed, that health is collapsing, it is the sole reason that our roads are not looked after. It is the sole reason for the problem we are having in the country today. In APC we have zero tolerance for corruption.

“Another duty we owe to the youth of this country is to provide them with jobs. We have worked out our programmes to achieve these.

“Now we are going to have a third colossus like Umana in APC after having former Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Senator James Udoedehe and former Military Administrator of both Ogun and Rivers state, Sam Ewang. Strong people like Umana are just discovering that they have been working for a party that is destroying this country. Umana should demonstrate how he can use the broom to sweep the destroyer.”

Also speaking, Asiwaju Tinubu, called for ‘common sense revolution’ to end the PDP ‘misrule’.

He said that when God wanted to deliver the people of Israel from the bondage of Pharaoh He gave the Israelites instructions through their leader, Moses and they took their destiny in their hands and their deliverance from the Egyptian bondage of over 400 years was secured.

He said the way to start the revolution is for the people getting their voters’ card from INEC and be ready to vote for the agent of change symbolized by the APC in the coming general elections next year.

He said: “His words: “Your voters’ card is the weapon for common sense revolution. The common sense revolution is not by bloodshed. It is about voters’ card. Ensure that you get it from INEC to change the government in Abuja and other states not controlled by the APC.”

Tinubu explained that with Umana and his supporters joining APC and working with people like Senator John Udoedehe, Captain Sam Ewang and others, the Akwa Ibom people are on the way to delivering the state from impunity that has rocked the state all these years.

The national leader also said APC would make the people the cornerstone of their policies and programmes.

Tinubu also recalled how Senator James Udoedehe went to jail in the hands of the PDP-led government in the state during the 2011 general elections.

He said: “John Udoedehe suffered, he went to jail and almost got killed in the hands of the PDP government. I am happy to see him stand here today with another of our brother Umana. Both of you must join hands together in Unity.

In his remarks, Akwa Ibom State APC chairman, Dr. Amadu Attai, said the last seven years of PDP in the state has been fraudulent and traumatic for the people.

Attai decried that despite the oil-money, Akwa Ibom is still one of the poorest states in the country. He said: “We have been suffocated by the government of the PDP. The state is the richest but the people are the poorest since Akpabio took over the mantle of leadership.

“The ruling party and the Presidency have failed to listen to the concern of the elders. Governor Akpabio wants to install himself as a third term governor through a pseudo arrangement. Today’s event has proven that APC is on the part of winning Akwa Ibom State in 2015.”

In his words, the APC Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, urged Nigerians and Akwa Ibom people to unite and rescue the state from the ruling PDP next year. He said: “Make sure there is a change in the next election. Whoever is you candidate, the persons who wins should be supported.”

Also, another APC Presidential aspirant, Sam Nda Isaiah, said it has become necessary for Nigerians to ensure they vote out PDP in the next general election.

He said presently, there are 48 million young Nigerians without jobs. He asked Nigerians to vote for APC candidates as the party, saying the party is ready to turn the misfortune of Nigerian cause by PDP miss-governance around with god policies.

He said: “The time to change has come and Nigerians must seize the opportunity to vote out PDP government.”

Another chieftain of the party, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said with the coming election, time has come for Nigerians to deliver themselves.

Onu said nobody is happy the way things are in the country and prayed for God’s grace to enable the party win next year and turn things around for the good of all in the country.

In his words, the national Vice Chairman of the party for the South/South region, Prince Hillary Etta, said majority in Akwa Ibom have taken a stand to secure change for the suffering of the people.

He said though President Jonathan is from the Southsouth, , he has failed to impact Akwa Ibom and indeed Nigerians in any meaningful way.

Umana, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, asked PDP to return his N11million he used to purchase the nomination form for the governorship race.

November 29, 2014
25 Benin Palace Chiefs dump PDP for APC

A total of 25 high chiefs in the Benin monarch’s palace yesterday joined the All Progressive Congress in Edo State.

The chiefs are in the ranks of Otuodolevbo among the guilds of palace chiefs.

They were led by Chief Jackson Omonomose Igbinovia, the Osagiobariase of Benin Kingdom.

All the chiefs tore their Peoples Democratic Party membership cards and used the broom to sweep them away.

They made their declaration at a rally where a former Minister of Works, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, led 2000 PDP members to join the APC.

Chief Igbinovia said they decided to leave the ‘People Deceive People’ party to join Governor Adams Oshiomhole developmental train. He promised that they would wear their white attires to campaign for the APC across the state. Among others who defected were Chief Arala Osula and an aspirant of the PDP in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole who spoke at the rally urged the people to vote out the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan. Oshiomhole said the action of the police at the National Assembly was an indication that the PDP is threatening the brick on the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him: “We must change Jonathan to fix Nigeria. Next time, ask Jonathan which road he would ride through to see the Benin Monarch. PDP has already been fallen and buried many years ago.”

November 29, 2014
APC data centre raid: DSS defies court order

The Department of State Security Services (DSS) yesterday defied an order made by Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court by refusing to produce five detained workers of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The judge on Wednesday barred the DSS from the APC’s data centre which it raided recently.

He also ordered it to produce the detained workers – Chinedu Atuche, Fayemi Olaposi, Chika Augustine Onochukwu, Ebun Ilori and Esther Enemuwe.

The judge gave the orders in respect of the case of enforcement of human rights filed by APC’s lawyer Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).

The court ordered that the DSS should unseal the data office/warehouse located at 10, Bola Ajibola Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, forthwith.

It gave an interim order restraining the respondent (DSS) from further sealing off the office or taking further steps in connection with the property.

With regard to the five data entry workers being held in custody by the DSS, the court ordered the respondent to produce them in court yesterday to explain to it why they are still being held.

The court, however, did not give any order regarding the release of the seized equipment, including server and computer.

But the DSS defied the order, refusing to produce the workers, who would end up spending the weekend in detention.

Also, the police was not represented yesterday, but DSS’ lawyer Peter Okerinmodun said the agency was unaware of the court’s order.

This is despite that the applicants’ lawyer provided a proof of service to the agency.

“My appearance today is from what I read in newspapers. One newspaper said the matter came up at Ikeja (high court),” Okerinmodu said in response to a question from the judge on why he was in court.

“I made contact with (SSS) headquarters to ascertain the authenticity. They said there was no service on them. Even as at this morning, nobody has confirmed. So I was not briefed.”

Earlier, Osinbajo said both the police and the DSS were duly served, but the latter refused to accept service at their Lagos office.

“The first respondent (the Nigerian police) we served here (Lagos) and in Abuja. We also served the second respondent (SSS)…. Pursuant to the orders of this court, same processes were served in Abuja and they were accepted. Proof of service is in the court’s file,” Osinbajo said.

“The SSS ought to, in obedience of the orders of my lord, produce the five applicants today (yesterday),” he added.

Okerinmodun sought a short adjournment to enable him “sort out” himself.

“I want to get across to Abuja to know whether they have been served,” said the lawyer. “We are never known for disobeying my lord’s orders.”

Osinbajo expressed reservations at the DSS counsel’s claims, noting that the judge’s orders were unambiguous.

“We are just worried that these individuals have been in detention since (last) Saturday.”

The judge said he would give Okerinmodun benefit of the doubt because he “had been a good lawyer” in his court.

“This matter is adjourned till 1st of December 2014 to enable counsel to the second respondent to comply with the orders of the court.”

The applicants – the APC and the detained staff – are seeking an enforcement of their fundamental rights.

The DSS had justified its action by claiming that their raid was based on a petition it received alleging “unwholesome activities” in the APC data centre.

“Based on this information, the service placed the building under surveillance and having been convinced that some unwholesome activities were going on in the building, it undertook a raid of the premises,” the SSS said in a statement Sunday.

In addition to the arrested staff, documents and computer hard drives were also confiscated by the operatives.

November 28, 2014
Buhari tells Nigerians: be prepared for 2015 elections

Governors, Tinubu, others at Aregbesola’s inauguration The victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Osun State governorship election has boosted the morale of the party to go into the 2015 elections and win. A presidential aspirant on the platform of the party, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, stated this yesterday at the second term inauguration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in Osogbo, the state capital. Gen Buhari told a large ecstatic crowd that attended the ceremony at the Osogbo Mini Stadium that after the “disaster in Ekiti and Adamawa states (where the party lost governorship seats), the victory in Osun State boosted the APC’s morale. “We must work hard for victory in 2015. God helps those who help themselves,” he told the massive crowd of party supporters and ordinary folks. APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who sang and danced on the podium, saluted the people for “standing firm”. Tinubu said: “They abused you; you resolved to stand firm. So, today I congratulate you. I charge you students to take your destiny in your hands. What started here (Osun) is called ‘Common Sense Revolution’. “The revolution is to use our voter cards to send these wicked people away. Our naira is sliding; they steal from all of us. They created class system; the poor are becoming poorer. Is Nigeria not sliding into poverty? We are today celebrating your courage, steadfastness and resolve in Osun. So, be prepared for 2015. We must fight with all we have. They stole what belonged to the people of Ekiti but we are sure we will get it back.” The inauguration of Aregbesola and his deputy Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori was conducted by Madam Chief Judge Oyebola Ojo, who administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance on the governor and his deputy. Chieftains of the APC, governors, ex-governors and other dignitaries graced the ceremony. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was represented by his wife, Titi, who also addressed the gathering. Mrs Abubakar, who hails from Ilesa, Aregbesola’s hometown, spoke in Yoruba. She urged the people to vote for APC in the general elections. The roll call included: Former APC interim chairman Chief Bisi Akande, former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Senator Isiaka Adeleke, Kwara State Governor Abdufatah Ahmed, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, and wife, Emmanuela, former Ekiti State governors Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Segun Oni, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Oyo State Deputy Governor Moses Alake Adeyemo, Alhaji Abdusalam A.A., who represented Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Yoruba Elders in North America, Rhodes Island, represented by Ladi Dina, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Omirin, and 18 members of the Assembly. There were traditional rulers, including the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, and the Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Almaroof Magbabeola. Decked in white agbada, Aregbesola, whose wife, Sherifat, and children stood ýbeside him, was swore in at exactly 1.12 pm. The CJ had earlier sworn iný Mrs. Laoye-Tomori. Aregbesola said he was happy that hope for Nigeria started from Osun. He said the use of religion and ethnicity to divide the nation would fail. According to him, religion is about living in peace with others and ethnicity is for identification, adding that promotion of the two will only cause chaos and anarchy. Aregbesola, who listed many of his administration’s achievements in his first term, maintained that “we are here celebrating triumph of goodness over evil.ý” Some APC chiefs were invited to deliver short remarks. Akande, who congratulated unemployed youths, said providing jobs for them was next in Aregbesola’s agenda. Oshiomhole ý urged the people not to forget the import of Aregbesola’s victory. He saluted the courage of the people of Osun State, saying they showned by their determination that people are more powerful than the military. He also saluted the fighting spirit of the youth and elders which he said had taught the nation a lesson that change is possible in 2015. Ahmed said: “Today, people of Osun are happy and everyone is happy with you because you have taken a good choice for good governance. The change is imminent and everyone must join the train.” Amosun said: “The people of Osun State have done us proud. This shows that the people always stand by those serving them faithfully and selflessly. By 2015, we shall have APC president.” Adeleke said there was work ahead, noting that the APC must record 100 percent success in the 2015 presidential election,. Oyinlola, who was asked to speak in Yoruba because of his exceptional mastery of the language, ýrecalled Aregbesola’s prayer on twitter – that God should not allow a stone to take his position. He prayed for Aregbesola that God will help him and the state in his second term in office. Oni, who noted that Aregbesola’s victory is for the people of Osun, said that in 10 years when many states would be counting their blessings, God would not make Ekiti State regret choosing “stomach infrastructure”. Fayemi: said: “ýOsun people have spoken the true language of Omoluabi; they are on the side of peace and progress. When you see the peace here (Osun) and brigandage in Ekiti, you will know there is a clear difference. So, we shall witness respect for human lives by our government at the centre in 2015.” According to Fashola, ýthe people have earned the victory they have worked for. Therefore, he saluted them for standing by the governor, the truth and good governance. Highlights of the event include parade by many groups such as the cadets of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES,) the newly recruited teachers in Osun State and also the traditionalists. Fuji maestro King Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1)ý was on the band stand.

November 28, 2014
APC releases nomination guidelines

All Progressives Congress (APC) has released guidelines for the nomination of candidates for 2015 general elections.

The statement by the National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso and National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, said that nomination forms for House of Assembly shall be supported by three members from each ward in the constituency.

For the House of Representatives and the Senate, the nomination shall be supported by five members from each local government area in the constituency. As regards governorship, the nomination shall be supported by five members from each local government area in the state. In case of the President, the nomination shall be supported by one member from each of the senatorial districts in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The guidelines showed that the screening of the House of Assembly aspirants would hold from November 24-November 28, 2014; Governorship, November 29- December 2, 2014; House of Representatives, November 28-December 5, 2014; Senate, November 28- December 6, 2014 and Presidential, December 1-December 5, 2014.

The primaries will hold in this order: House of Assembly, December 1; Governorship, December 4; House of Representatives, December 7; Senate, December 8 and Presidential, December 10, 2014.

November 28, 2014
Rivers 2015: Peterside’s supporters shut down Port Harcourt

Thousands of supporters of the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, yesterday shut down Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

They were celebrating his clinching of the governorship ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The crowd, with placards and banners, drummed, sang and danced on major streets of the capital city.

They described Peterside as the best choice by Governor Rotimi Amaechi and other APC leaders in the state.

Peterside said the youths, who protested yesterday at the main gate of the Government House in Port Harcourt, were hired by the opposition politicians to cause confusion.

Peterside said his greatest support was from Ogoniland.

The protest, which elicited sporadic gunshots with teargas from stern-looking policemen, made banks, offices and other business outfits on Azikiwe Road to hurriedly close.

Many customers were locked inside for hours to avoid being hit by stray bullets. The ever-busy road and adjoining streets were hurriedly deserted.

The senator representing Rivers Southeast, Magnus Abe, an Ogoni from Bera in Gokana Local Government Area, last night, condemned the protest.

The senator was also the APC governorship aspirant.

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its Chairman, Chief Felix Obuah, alleged that Amaechi never liked the Ogoni.

He said this was the cause of the protest.

While Peterside’s supporters were dancing round Port Harcourt, after the protesters were dispersed by policemen, his house on Forces Avenue, old GRA in Port Harcourt, was turned into a carnival ground by a large crowd.

Many people defied the sun and took over the lawmaker’s large compound, where a live band entertained.

Security personnel had a hectic time controlling the crowd and the traffic on the adjoining roads.

The people hailed the APC for giving Peterside the ticket.

Peterside, who represents the Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro, was at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

But when he returned to his home at 11:20 am, his Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) could not access his street because of the large crowd. He had to alight on Forces Avenue to join the people drumming, singing and dancing.

He also trekked with his supporters to the APC state secretariat where he picked the expression of interest and nomination forms.

The APC chieftain was accompanied to the party’s secretariat by Dr. Dawari George, House of Representatives member from the state; a member of the House of Assembly, Chief Victoria Nyeche, among other eminent personalities.

Peterside said: “I am running on the platform of the APC. Only God can make a leader. I will build on the solid foundation laid by Governor Amaechi.

“Rivers is predominantly APC state and I will seek to consolidate on that. We will take Rivers State to the next level. We will soon unveil our roadmap to prosperity. Rivers people’s support for me is overwhelming. I really appreciate the outpouring of love. I thank all Rivers people. I will not disappoint you.

“APC members rely on God and I will continue to rely on God. I do not depend on my strength or ability. I will ensure unity in Rivers state. All Rivers people will have roles to play in my administration, when elected as governor by God’s grace. Our doors will be wide open.”

The lawmaker also noted that he was not convinced that yesterday’s protesters were Ogoni people, while maintaining that desperate opposition politicians sponsored them.

Peterside said: “I heard that some 150 young men and women were in Government House, Port Harcourt this (yesterday) morning. Ogoni people love me and are very hospitable. I grew up in Ogoni, where I spent over ten years. I still have many childhood friends from Ogoni. The protesters are not Ogoni, but people from other political parties, who want to cause confusion. The opposition parties sponsored the 150 youths to protest. It is nothing to worry about.

“I was at the forefront of Ogoni struggle in 1990, when Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR) was put in place. Ogoni people are peace loving and not violent. It was when I was Rivers Commissioner for Works that most of the roads in Bori (traditional headquarters of Ogoniland) were tarred. I will continue to protect Ogoni interest. Senator Magnus Abe is my brother and friend and we have had useful discussions.

“APC in Rivers state cannot be in reverse gear. We will place emphasis on equity, justice and fairness. We will ensure inclusive government. Everybody will be carried along. I am an Ijaw, but I will be the governor of Rivers State. We can together build a greater Rivers State.”

The protesting youths, earlier barricaded the major junctions of the ever-busy East-West Road at Eleme, Akpajo and Tai, but later assembled on Azikiwe Road in Port Harcourt and moved to the Government House, where they set up bonfires with disused tyres and also destroyed some vehicles at the parking lot of the Government House.

They said they preferred Abe.

November 28, 2014
IG Abba insults legislature, says APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Inspector-General of Police Suleiman Abba for saying he does not recognise Aminu Tambuwal as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and for weaving a web of lies to cover up the reasons the police invaded the National Assembly.

In a statement in Osogbo yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said by refusing to recognise a Speaker elected by 360 members of the House of Representatives, and a Speaker who had neither been impeached by those who elected him nor removed by a court, the police boss had thumbed his nose at the constitution.

‘’As the Speaker, Tambuwal is the symbol of authority of the House and our country’s number four citizen. By saying he does not recognise him as the Speaker, the IG has also indicated he does not recognise the House of Representatives. For a man who was not elected by anybody to make this impertinent assertion about elected representatives of the people is tantamount to treason. Mr. Abba has shunned all pretences to neutrality, professionalism and decency and he is no longer fit to occupy the important office of the IG,’’ it said.

APC wondered at what stage the IG realised the issue involving the Speaker was sub judice, especially after he constituted himself into a court of law, which is the only body constitutionally empowered to make any pronouncement on the fate of the Speaker, and unilaterally withdrew the Speaker’s security detail.

The party said Nigerians were aware that Abba could not have acted the way he did, adding: ‘’The truth is that he is dancing to a drum of perfidy being beaten by his masters at the Aso Rock Villa. In the process, he has acted in contravention of his oath of office.”

It said although Nigerians were aware that the IG acted at the behest of his masters in trying to unlawfully remove a duly-elected Speaker, he still went ahead to engage in cheap lies by saying he barred the Speaker and other members of the House from entering the National Assembly because Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the APC were planning to invade the Assembly as well as the Aso Rock and the Police Headquarters.

‘’Shortly after the incident, police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu said they acted the way they did because they got intelligence report that ‘’hoodlums’’ were coming to invade the House. Now, the police boss said it was because Amaechi and the APC were coming to invade the House. This is a most shameful lie from the highest police officer in the land, and it is a terrible dent on the image of the force under Mr. Abba.

‘’One wonders why the police were so concerned about the security of the National Assembly that they engaged in selective granting of passage to the principal officers of the Assembly. The Senate President was allowed to enter without qualms, just like the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. But when the Speaker came, he was locked out. That speaks volumes about the intention of the police,’’ APC said.

The party hailed the individuals and groups, which condemned the police action, but reminded them that there was still much work to be done to prevent the President, acting with a spineless, highly-partisan and increasingly unprofessional police and other security agencies, from crashing the country’s hard-earned democracy on the altar of inordinate political ambition.

It wondered how a man who could lie so shamefacedly to cover up an egregious act would preside over the provision of security for the 2015 elections.

‘’Mr. Abba is presiding over perhaps the most-partisan police ever in the history of our nation. He has thrown professionalism, neutrality and fairness to the wind and made the police a willing tool in the hands of a frenzied executive. He cannot be trusted to ensure a level- playing field for all parties at the general elections, hence he should be removed immediately,’’ APC said.

November 28, 2014