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  • PDP should pack and go, says APC chief

    PDP should pack and go, says APC chief

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Otunba Oladele Ajomale has declared that the days of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in power are numbered.

    He said that the party will find it difficult in 2015 to win the votes of Nigerians because of its poor performance in the last 14 years. “PDP should pack and go,” he added.

    Ajomale spoke in Lagos at the ceremony marking the lowering of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) flag and the hoisting of the APC flag by Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN). He also directed that the party should be inaugurated in the 57 councils in the state this week.

    He said: “I thank the merger committee and the governors who backed them. They were the driving force behind the merger. Immediately we announced the APC, it was like an electric shock to the PDP, but it was joy to Nigerians.”

    The new party held its first meeting, which was presided over by Ajomale, the chairman of the defunct ACN. At the meeting, which took off shortly after the hoisting of the APC’s flag, were party elders, the ACN chairmen from the 57 local councils and 20 local government chairmen.

    Fashola described the party as “an alternative vehicle of expression of an aspiration for a better life”, urging the members to gird their loins for the future electoral battle.

    The governor said: “This is more than a merger. It is history.”

    Fashola, who reflected on the merger struggles, thanked the APC leaders and members of the merger committee for their commitment and sacrifice. Noting that they jettisoned personal interest, he said the merger drivers showed that “they were masters of their ego and not slaves of their ego”.

    Looking into the future, the governor said APC leaders were still expected to make more sacrifices. He added: “People sacrificed their positions. I salute their sense of sacrifice and there are still more sacrifices to make. I urge the people to learn from the sacrifices made. I hope that we are ready. It is not about individuals. it is about the nation. Individuals will go, but the nation will remain”.

    Fashola praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for standing up for the rule of law, constitutionalism and history.

    At the ceremony were the deputy governor, Hon. Joke Orelope-Adefulire, the former deputy governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun, Pa Abiodun Adeseye, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, Ademola Sodiq, Rev. Tunji Adebiyi, Comrade Ayo Adewale, Hon. Adekunle Israel, Hon. Shamusedeen Olaleye, Chief Funso Ologunde, Hon. Hakeen Oris, and Mrs. Toun Adediran.

     

  • Jega: why INEC registered APC

    Jega: why INEC registered APC

    •Party can ‘contest November governorship poll in Anambra’

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, spoke yesterday on the registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—the platform on which the progressives will fight the 2015 election.

    He said APC was registered as a merger party because it met all the requirements.

    He stressed that the registration was “done right under the law”, adding that the commission would appeal against a court judgment which nullified its decision to de-register Fresh Party and others.

    Jega was answering questions at a stakeholders’ conference with media professionals and civil society organisations on Voter Register Optimisation and plans for continuous voter registration.

    He said it was not yet time to release the 2015 general elections timetable.

    Jega said: “With regards to our registration of APC and what informed what we have done, it is clear to us that the parties that intend to merge have met all the legal requirements of merger and we have done all the internal processes or processing application for merger and we have taken the decision to register them and we believe we are right to do so under the law.

    “I cannot comment on other issues because those issues are subject to litigation but we are satisfied that what we have done is right under the law and that is why we did it.”

    Replying a question, the INEC chairman said APC could participate in the November governorship poll in Anambra State.

    “As to whether the merged party will contest election in Anambra State, given the fact that the registration should be done before the election, again, you have forced our leaders to quickly look at the law a party must be registered 90 days before any election and I can give you the section so you can look it up.

    “If you look at the Electoral Act, Section 84(6), it is 90 days before any election and I think they have been registered 90 days before the Anambra election.”

    On the nullification of deregistration of parties by a court, Jega said INEC had asked its legal team to file an appeal against the judgment of a Federal High Court which reversed the deregistration of Fresh Party.

    He said: “With regards to party registration, obviously the laws are very clear as to under what condition we can register parties and under what conditions we can deregister political parties and we have been doing our best to register as well as to deregister.

    “I think you are talking about the court judgment about a week ago or so. But people are forgetting that we had three other court judgments that had thrown away those who have gone to contest our deregistration of political parties.

    “So, this is the first judgment which seems to now favour a deregistered party. So, really as far as we are concerned, it’s a case that we have to appeal and, in fact, our lawyers are processing the appeal.

    “So, I think it is misunderstanding and misrepresentation to say that the court has overturned our deregistration of parties because out of four judgments, three are in favour of INEC. So, really the jury is still out on this deregistration and we should not misunderstand the import of that judgment.

    On the timetable for 2015 elections, the INEC chairman said:

    “We will issue a timetable. There is a legal time frame in which we have to issue a timetable for general elections and we are still within that time and it is too early to issue the 2015 timetable now.

    “So, we will stick to the requirement of the law and issue the timetable when the law says we should issue it.”

    He, however, explained that a lot had been done to put INEC in shape for a free and fair poll in 2015.

    Jega said: “Specifically, we have undertaken some programmes to reposition INEC for greater efficiency in conducting free, fair and credible elections. Since the 2011 General Election, we have done the following, among others:

    “We have internally reviewed the conduct of the elections through retreats involving Electoral Officers, RECs and Admin Secretaries, and National Commissioners. Through this process, we have learnt from the field officers our strengths and weaknesses in the conduct of elections and we have been introducing appropriate measures to improve the process.”

    “We commissioned an independent study of the 2011 voter registration and elections by a group of distinguished and respected academics and CSO activists, and the report they produced provided us additional information and recommendations on how to keep on improving the electoral process.

    “We commissioned a reputable management-consulting firm, which studied INEC and provided us with useful input for the restructuring and reorganisation of the Commission, to make it a more efficient and effective election management body.

    “The Commission has implemented the new structure through a reorganisation that has eliminated job overlaps and makes the organisation lighter and more efficient.

    “We embarked on a broadly consultative strategic planning process, which has now yielded a Strategic Plan and Strategic Programme of Action that the Commission has adopted and which serves as a framework for our preparations and operations as an EMB for the next five years.

    “We have held a series of consultative meetings with different stakeholder groups, including CSOs and the Media, to share information and exchange ideas on how to continue to improve upon the electoral process as we move towards the 2015 general elections.

    “We have commenced our programme of action towards delimiting constituencies, which we shall strive to do before the 20 15 elections.

    “As we count down to the next cycle of General Election in 2015, we in INEC are increasingly fine-tuning our work processes to ensure that we deliver elections that are much more free, fairer and more credible than we had in 2011.

    “We have, for instance, cleaned out the National Register of Voters and fully consolidated the data.

    “We are taking delivery of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which we have promised to begin issuing to registered voters before the end of the year. Indeed, the process that led up to producing these PVCs ensured the elimination of all multiple registrations and sanitisation of the Voter Register, which is an essential condition for the conduct of credible elections as we all desire.

    “ In furtherance of register optimisation, we are rolling out the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide before the end of this year (2013).

    “But ensuring credible elections, as I have always observed, is not a one-way street. In other words, it is not the task of INEC alone; rather, it is a multi-stakeholder endeavour that requires the collaboration and diligent commitment of other role players.

    “In particular, the stakeholder groups represented here at this forum have a cardinal role to play in civic enlightenment, voter education and the moulding of public perception of the electoral process.”

    END

     

  • PDP BoT member: APC is huge threat

    A Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Benjamin Apugo, has said the newly registered All Progressives Congress (APC) is a huge threat to the PDP.

    He said the ruling party has been riddled with irreconcilable crises.

    Addressing reporters at the Owerri Airport, Imo State, the founding member of the PDP said he embraced and celebrated the APC long before it was registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) because of its prospects for advancing Nigeria’s democracy.

    According to him, the performances of the PDP have been difficult to assess because of the absence of a formidable opposition.

    Apugo said: “It has been difficult to assess our party because there was no opposition. This is why I am happy that the APC has been registered. I know the people there: they are men of integrity and strong character, like myself.”

    Reacting to PDP’s prediction to rule Nigeria for the next 60 years, Apugo said: “There is nothing wrong with an assumption. If the PDP will rule, let it be by the votes of the people. It is the party that respects the rule of law, that recognises the aspirations of the people and does the right thing that the people will want.

    “I embraced the APC because of the calibre of people in the party. Sincerely speaking, I know the people. I have seen APC governors perform: they look after their people, they create jobs and develop infrastructure, which is the essence of governance. But the PDP-led administration in my state, Abia, has failed totally.”

    Taking a swipe at Governor Theodore Orji, the PDP chieftain disagreed with the state government’s claim on projects.

    He added: “Since Orji came to power, no viable project has been completed in Umuahia, the state capital. There is no airport in the state, no stadium. Yet, the PDP-led administration claims to have met its target in the state. But the truth is that the projects only exist on the pages of newspapers.”

    On the clamour for Igbo presidency, the frontline politician stressed that the zone is eminently qualified to occupy any position in the land, including that of the President.

    He, however, noted that the Igbo nation must unite under a common front to achieve the goal.

    Apugo said: “We should not deceive ourselves: we should do everything possible to be united first. We are qualified but we should get back our allies. So, let’s forget about deceiving ourselves for now.”

     

  • ‘Mobilise new members for APC’

    Scores of supporters of the newly registered All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend met at Iju, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, for the inauguration of the party in the local government.

    The event was hosted by a former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Chief Tayo Alasoadura. Members were advised to shun discrimination within the mega party.

    A Christian and a Muslim prayed for the victory of ACN governorship candidate in last year’s election, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), at the Supreme Court.

    Alasoadura noted that members of the new party need a level-playing field to enable them contribute to the growth of the party.

    He said the meeting was to sensitise the people on the emergence of APC.

    According to him, the new party is the only panacea for the poor masses who have been languishing in poverty and starvation.

    Alasoadura said there were various ills plaguing the society, adding that APC is the solution to make life better for Nigerians.

    The former commissioner promised that the APC would tackle unemployment, insecurity and other national challenges.

    The politician said the APC is a national party which accommodates all tribes, adding that unity is its hallmark.

    He said: “This is a new party, but all members are equal. It is on ‘no master, no servant’ philosophy. What should be our priority now is how to dislodge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the centre and Labour Party (LP) in the state.”

    Alasoadura urged the people to support those who will emerge as its chairmen at the state, local and ward levels.

    He said more people should be mobilised for the progressives’ train.

    Another chieftain of the defunct ACN in Akoko, Chief Bode Sunmonu, said APC’s emergence was the best thing, because it would deliver the nation from the shackles of poverty of the ruling PDP.

    He expressed delight about the massive turnout of the people at the meeting, adding that the APC would bring succour to the people, particularly in Ondo State.

    A former National Deputy Women’s Leader of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Mrs Opeyemi Fagbamiye, expressed delight at the registration of APC.

    She described it as a welcome development.

    The women’s leader urged politicians to shun selfish interests and work for the nation’s progress.

    According to her, APC has come as a divine intervention to rescue Nigeria from the sinking ship of the PDP.

     

  • APC condoles with NUJ, others on journalists’ death

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condoled with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as well as the families of the three journalists who died in a road accident in Osun State, last week.

    The party said it was deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely deaths.

    “Please, accept our condolences on the demise of your colleagues and family members. We pray that God will grant repose to the souls of the departed and give all those they left behind the strength to bear their irreparable loss,” the party said in a statement yesterday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

    It extended its best wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in the accident.

    APC said one of the best ways to ensure that the committed journalists did not die in vain is for their colleagues to mount a sustained campaign for measures that can help reduce the rate of road accidents in the country.

    “Road accidents are among the top 10 leading causes of deaths in the world, claiming nearly 3,500 lives per day in 2011, according to the latest figures by the World Health Organisation (WHO). No country is free from these untimely deaths.

    “Journalists are among those who face the highest risk of deaths and injuries from road accidents, because their job requires them to be on the move constantly. This is why they must be at the vanguard of efforts to curtail road accidents.

    “We also urge the authorities to ensure that the nation’s roads are in good condition, and road safety officials ensure strict compliance with measures that will enhance safety on the roads,” the party said.

  • Congratulations to APC

    Lagos lawyer and activist Femi Falana examines the trial for the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola’s murder of former  Chief  Security Officer (CSO) to the late Gen. Sanni Abacha, Maj. Hamza al-Mustapha, who has been freed.

     

    The announcement by INEC, last week that it has approved the effort of a group of political parties that came together to form the

    All Progressive Congress (APC) should gladden every true democrat in Nigeria. This is because the organised democratic enterprise which we borrowed from the western countries has survived most where there are two strong political parties, acting as a check on each other, and as an alternative for the electorate. The United States, Germany, Britain and France, are good examples in this regard. My earnest hope going forward is that the new party will become a real alternative for the abused Nigerian electorate.

    To achieve that, the new party must as soon as possible publicly define a progressive national vision and mission, and work hard to engrave them in the hearts of its disparate members, and woo other Nigerians to join that platform. That process will most likely be more arduous than the merger­ project, which is a no-mean feat in itself. For I sometimes wonder for an instance, how a man like Senator Ahmed Yerima, formally of All Nigeria Progressive Party(one of the merged parties), and an unrepentant religious extremist, can in good conscience claim to be a progressive politician, simply by belonging to a party that touts such prodigious ideals. And they are a handful of such peddlers across the parties that joined to form the new party.

    Despite these challenges, it is gratifying that an alternative party to the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP) has finally arrived, hoping that the chased away detractors will not use the judiciary to further disturb the process. As we relish the possibilities with the new party, it is of paramount importance, in my humble view, for APC to immediately define its position on those national issues that has held our country down. For instance what is the position of the party on access to quality education, employment and housing? What will the party do with our lopsided federation, with regards to the ownership of natural resources, national infrastructure, federation account and cost of governance, police and the so called indigenship?

    Will APC show courage and progressive ideals, or will it merely seek to take control of political power, to continue our nation on the part of a stunted growth? It will be exciting if the new party can be woven to appeal to the younger generation, as one of its cardinal objectives. If it can truly achieve that, then it can tamper the disillusionment of the average Nigerian youth over their future in their country, arising principally from the calamity that the exercise of public power has turned to in Nigeria.

    In the meantime let the political realignment begin. Let those with the political inclination, (apologies to Gen. Babangida) of a little to the left of the political divide move over to the APC and those of a little to the right of the political divide, move over to the PDP. As the USA’s Democratic Party’s trajectory will teach, nothing is sacrosanct, as the test of the pudding will be in the eating. For now, I think it is proper to offer congratulations to the arch-leaders of the new party, particularly Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gen. Mohammad Buhari, the principle gladiators of this feat.

     

    An evening with Gov. Peter Obi

    Governor Peter Obi’s famed frugality has always been in the news, but nothing prepared me for the excitement of the essential Peter Obi, which I got firsthand last weekend. It was at a meeting of professional colleagues in Lagos, at which the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Okwute, was the guest speaker. He spoke on Ethics in life and politics.

    I confess that I was very impressed. He drew anecdotes from his immediate family, political colleagues, business experience, his political odyssey, his religious inclination and other issues we can easily relate to. I guess he may have spoken for nearly two hours, but he got the over 100 participants craving for more. The interaction can pass as a personal life story intricately woven around moral lessons and the essentials of ethics and hard work. Not reputed in the public mind for his oratory, Governor Obi was able to vividly deliver the moral punches that can last one a long time; particularly against the ethical infidelity that pervades our nation’s landscape.

    His Excellency declared without equivocation that the office of the first lady is unconstitutional and that on assumption of office, he advised his beloved wife of 20 years plus, not to add to the bedlam that Anambra politics is, by establishing such an unconstitutional office. He also told a story of how on a visit as the Governor in his state, somebody ordered some youths to forcefully carry his official car off the road, so that the fellow can drive into the arena with a limousine. Meanwhile like Governor Fashola of Lagos State, he moves around without sirens, and he told the story of a host who was saddened, that he may have to swear that the Governor visited him.

    Okwute told us how his only son is shielded from the maddening excitement and lavish life style that his personal wealth and office can easily provide. He explained that the courts are responsible for the failure to conduct local government election in the state. By the way Obi came to the ceremony without any official aide, and he said that is his style, whether as a billionaire businessman or as a Governor. I privately wished he could influence his colleagues, particularly his close pal, President Goodluck Jonathan.

     

  • ‘APC registration will open up political space’

    In a courtesy visit to The Nation office in the FCT, the Citizens Network for Peace and Development (CNPD) has said the registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will help to open up the political space and deepen the nation’s democracy.

    The CNPD led by its Director General, Comrade Preye Dressman, lauded INEC for operating strictly within the law in approving the merger.

    The group also urged politicians to play by the rule and avoid political violence.

    The CNPD, while condemning the killing of innocent citizens by the Boko Haram sect and other sects in Borno, Kano and Nasarawa State, urged the members of the sects to sheathe their swords and embrace peace and reconciliation being offered by the Federal Government.

    “We condemn in totality the senseless killing of innocent citizens by Boko Haram in Borno, Kano and Nassarawa State; no nation can advance under this kind of violence”.

    “We therefore call on Boko Haram insurgents to sheathe their swords and embrace peace and reconciliation being offered by the Federal Government.”

    “We also aim to develop creative and effective solutions to national problems and issues by providing a platform for analysis, dialogue and advocacy,” he added.

    The Director-General who stated that the network is working towards monitoring and evaluating government programmes and policies added that its aim is to ensure that peace reign in every part of the country.

    The Deputy Editor, Nations Capital, Mr Yomi Odunuga who received the group, promised that the organisation will give adequate reportage to all groups’ programmes and activities without any bias, noting it is the responsibility of the media to reflect all voices regardless of their political leanings.

     

  • ‘APC has bright future in Ondo’

    ‘APC has bright future in Ondo’

    Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain Hon. Femi Adekanmbi spoke with LEKE AKEREDOLU on the prospects of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the next general elections.

     

    How is life outside politics?

    Well, I have not really been out of politics because, if you remember I was the Director of Security for ACN during the last governorship election in the State.I Just decided to face my business, my family and have enough time for myself. Politics has come to be part of me, having mastered the “ABC Alphabet” in politics of how to love the people, loyal to your party and never fail in your promises to the masses. With these, it shows that I am active in politics. Mind you, I contested during the last 2011 general election for Owo/Ose Federal constituency, but lost. I am not stopping there in my political career, I will definitely contest the House of Representatives seat in my constituency in 2015, if my party picks me.

    How prepared is the opposition for the challenge of merger in Ondo State?

    I want to assure you that we are fully prepared for the merger. All Progressives Congress (APC) is a new party entirely and we have welcome everybody and I can assure you that the political terrain of this country will never remain the same again, once APC is registered.

    So, we in Ondo State are fully prepared. Our leader, Asiwaju BolaTinubu has directed all the state leaders to go back to their state and preach the gospel of APC to the masses and also ensure that all our members embrace the merger. No division must take place and we all must follow the agreement reached by our leaders with other merger groups. Let me tell you this. By 2015, the PDP will be shocked by the massive vote APC will garner during the election.

    We are aware about their plans to destabilise us, frustrate the registration of the party, use their usual illegal ways to win election. But, don’t worry, it is now clear that Nigerians are tired of the PDP government; they are all clamouring for a change of power. 14 years in power, Nigeria as a nation has been retrogressing but only witnessed development in poverty, hunger, unemployment, poor infrastructures, poor power supply, corruption, insecurity and others. I believe, by 2015 general elections, Nigerians will rise up to vote against PDP’s administration.

    Why is politics a do-or-die affair in the country?

    To me, I have seen desperate moves of the Nigerian politicians to occupy positions of power and where those who are in power are making all frantic efforts to remain in power. This has already started again, we are in 2013, when the President and all governors are supposed to be busy on how to fulfill their promises to the electorate who voted them in, they are now focusing on an election which will be held on 2015 neglecting their primary role why they were voted for.

    The President is already warming up for 2015 re-election, making a clearing way for himself to remain in power, wielding his big stick on those members of his party who refused to support him. The atmosphere is now tensed. Governors are divided; some of them have political ambitions to contest higher posts. Political godfathers still want to remain relevant in the politics at all cost. Imagine, if 35 governors could not conduct a free and fair election, that is an indication that Nigerian politics is retrogressing on daily basis. What a shame among just 35 governors! They could not agreed on who won the poll. Like I have earlier said that is the implication of what we should be expecting by 2015. But we in the APC are ready for the game and will fight the battle for the poor masses.

    In 2011 and 2012 elections, your party failed to win any seat. What is your assurance that the party will win in 2015?

    I disagree with you on this. The PDP occupied the same percentage of what you mentioned now before Labour Party took over from them. So, that is not a basis for winning an election. The most important thing is work with the grassroots people, show them your love and sincerity of serving them. Presently, in the state, the ACN has come to stay. Presently, we have two federal lawmakers, Senator Ajayi Boroffice and Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde who defected from LP to our party before the election and I can assure you that, with the ongoing merging, the Party will win more seats.

     

  • Why INEC registered APC – Jega

    Why INEC registered APC – Jega

     

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, on Monday broke his silence on the registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said APC was registered as a merger party because it met all the requirements.

    He insisted that the registration of APC was “done right under the law.”

    He, however, said the commission would appeal against a court judgment which nullified its decision to de-register Fresh Party and other parties.

    Jega made the clarification while responding to questions at a stakeholders’ conference with media professionals and civil society organizations on Voter Register Optimization, Plans for Continuous Voter Registration.

    He also said it is not time to release the 2015 general elections timetable.

    Jega said: “With regards to our registration of APC and what informed what we have done, it is clear to us that the parties that intend to merge have met all the legal requirements of merger and we have done all the internal processes or processing application for merger and we have taken the decision to register them and we believe we are right to do so under the law.

    “I cannot comment on other issues because those issues are subject to litigation but we are satisfied that what we have done is right under the law and that is why we did it.”

    Responding to a question, the INEC chairman said APC can participate in the November governorship poll in Anambra State.

     

     

  • ‘Deportation’ claim: APC accuses Obi of playing politics with Nigeria’s unity

    ‘Deportation’ claim: APC accuses Obi of playing politics with Nigeria’s unity

    THE All Progress Congress (APC) yesterday criticised the decision by Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to sensationalise the recent home return of 14 Anambra indigenes from Lagos. The party said only 14 and not 72 indigenes of the Southeast state were returned as widely claimed.

    In a statement in Lagos by its interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said instead of reaching out to his Lagos counterpart, as he has done on less important issues in the past, Obi fired an over-dramatised letter to the Presidency and leaked such to the media, thus setting off an avoidable friction between the Igbo and the Yoruba that will not augur well for the nation’s unity.

    It said indications are that Obi’s resort to a media campaign, which has triggered a vicious Lagos State/Yoruba bashing, is aimed at gaining an undue advantage ahead of the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, instead of being borne out of sheer altruism.

    The party said: ‘’We are not saying Obi has no right to play politics, but he must fight clean and avoid any action that could hurt not just the enduring harmony between the Igbo and the Yoruba, but also the unity of the country.

    ‘’Resorting to primordial sentiments anytime election is approaching is Obi’s modus operandi. He did it just before the 2009 election, when he labelled the ACN under which Dr. Chris Ngige contested as a Yoruba party, and he is going down the same path now. This is all about the November 2013 election. If Governor Obi is sure of his performance, he should allow that to speak for him and stop whipping up tribal sentiments.

    ‘’It is very dishonourable for a political leader at the level of Obi to show total disregard for the truth and to whip up emotions for personal gains, as he has done on this issue. By his deliberate and blatant distortion of facts, as we will show shortly, Obi has raised a serious doubt about his leadership qualities.

    APC went on: ‘’Equally guilty of indiscretion at best and deliberate peddling of falsehood at worst are the various ‘analysts’, ‘commentators’, out-of-luck NGOs and organisations that have jumped onto the bandwagon of Lagos bashing over the issue, mischievously tagged ‘deportation’ instead of what it is (home return for proper integration), when they could have sought the truth from the Lagos State Government.

    ‘’Even some of the respectable Igbo socio-political organisations failed the simple test of fairness by not unearthing the truth before making pronouncements. Even if they do not trust the Lagos State Government, they could have at least inquired about what happened from their son, who is a ranking member of the executive council of Lagos State,’’ APC said.

    The party said Obi and his fellow travellers forgot that those who live in a glass house do not throw stones, hence they resorted to sensationalism and downright lies, first on the process leading to the home return, and then on the number of those involved and finally on the motive behind it.

    ‘’All those who consider the home return of 14 Anambra indigenes as a reflection of the Lagos State Government’s (and by extension the Yoruba’s) ill will toward the Igbo should consider the following facts:

    •There was an exchange of correspondence dated 9th, 15th and 29th April 2013 between the Lagos State Government and Anambra State Government, through its Liaison Office in Lagos, about the ‘integration’ not ‘deportation’ of the 14 people.

    •Anambra State Government did not respond to requests by Lagos State to come and validate/identify the people who claimed to have come from Anambra. Had it done so, this issue could have been better managed.

    •Lagos State itself received notice from the Government of Akwa Ibom to come, identify and pick up two Lagos indigenes whom they picked up in a ‘lunatic clean up’ exercise in Uyo. Lagos responded promptly without making any noise about it.

    •In December 2011, the same Anambra State Government that is now crying foul over the home return of Anambra indigenes arrested and repatriated 29 beggars to their home states in Ebonyi, another Igbo state, and Akwa Ibom. Then it was conveniently not ‘deportation’ but ‘repatriation’ and no tribal meanings were read to such action. This information can be accessed here: http://leadership.ng/nga/articles/9600/2011/12/04/anambra_orders_arrest_child_beggars.html

    •Also in 2011, Abia State Government sacked 3,000 non-indigenes (but fellow Igbo) from her work force and asked them to go back to their respective states, yet not even a whimper was heard from all those who are now raising hell over the ‘’deportation’’ of 14 Anambra indigenes from Lagos.

    ‘’If Obi’s logic is to be followed, then the government of Akwa Ibom, and the entire people of the state, harbour bad intentions toward Lagos State and the Yoruba by asking Lagos State to come and pick up two ‘vagrant psychotics’ identified as Lagosians who have been rehabilitated.

    ‘’Suffice it to say that these home returns have been going on for a long time among states, even within the same ethnic groups (as we pointed out above), and has never before elicited the kind of jaundiced interpretation that has been given to the return of 14 Anambra indigenes,’’ it said.

    APC said it is also important to point out that this home returns are not limited to Nigeria. The US State of Hawaii has recently offered one-way tickets to homeless persons to return to their home states within the US, as part of the State’s efforts to take the burden off its welfare system. It is estimated that Hawaii’s ‘’return-to-home’’ programme will affect its 17,000 homeless residents. This information can be accessed here:

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2381732/Hawaii-sets-aside-100-000-offer-17-000-homeless-people-way-airfare-home-states.html

    In the light of the above, the party asked Obi to apologise to the people of Nigeria for engaging in a blatant distortion of facts, making himself an agent of destabilization and sensationalizing what is not more than a routine issue, all because he wants to give a certain political party a bad name just to hang it, while at the same time feathering his own nest ahead of his state’s governorship election.