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Tag: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

  • Lagos PDP chairman kicks over Fayose’s unholy alliance with APC leaders

    Lagos PDP chairman kicks over Fayose’s unholy alliance with APC leaders

    Lagos state Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Segun Adewale has expressed his displeasure over Ekiti state governor Ayodele Fayose’s unbridled romance with leaders of the ruling party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    In his reaction to an advertorial placed in the Punch newspaper on the 29th March 2017, by the Ekiti State Governor to celebrate and eulogise Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at 65, Adewale described such romance as unfortunate and a major blow on the confidence of the grassroots members and supporters of the PDP.

    In a release made available to journalists signed by the chairman, he lamented how some leaders of the party, including Fayose, have completely sold out to individuals within the ruling party at the detriment of the members.

    Fayose
    Fayose

    “I am surprised that Governor Ayodele Fayose the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum could throw cautions to the wind and rub his alleged alliance with the leadership of the ruling party in the south-west on our faces. As a leader and beneficiary of the PDP goodwill, I expect him to clearly understand that members and supporters are looking up to him and such unguided actions demoralise them.”

    Continuing, Adewale noted “No doubt, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu paid his dues towards the success of APC in the last general elections. He deserves the admiration of members of the ruling party for providing a responsible leadership within his party. I want to advise Governor Fayose to emulate Bola Tinubu’s team spirit and respect for party organs in his dealings within the PDP and not embark on actions that may further demoralise our members. The political sagacity of Tinubu is worthy of study by upcoming politicians. However, open acknowledgement of Asiwaju doggedness that saw our party out of power in 2015 is a mockery on the PDP.

    It will be recalled that Governor Ayodele Fayose was present at the inauguration of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State some weeks ago and enjoyed the company of APC leaders in attendance while he neglected the welcoming party and thanksgiving service organised by the good people of Ondo kingdom in honour of their son, former Governor Segun Mimiko.

    “Unequivocally, the said advertorial is a confirmation of Governor Fayose’s anti-party activities that have finally come to fore. I wonder how the APC would have viewed such advertorial for former President Jonathan by former Goverrnor Fashola or Governor Aregbesola for instance in the build up to the 2015 general election. Even during the first or second republic, no opposition leader openly embraced Pa Awolowo despite awos popularity, achievements and sagacity. The fact that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has done very well for himself and his political party is not an excuse for Governor Fayose demonstration of impunity and disregard to party loyalty”.

    “It is an aberration for Governor Fayose to publicly acknowledge the role played by Asiwaju in destroying PDP that made Fayose what he is today. It is impossible to also forget the role played by Asiwaju Tinubu in the emergence of President Buhari as the Nigerian President, a decision that has brought untold economic hardship on Nigerians. Obviously, the choice of President Buhari wasn’t in the interest of the people but for personal aggrandisement of a few politicians”

    Adewale insisted that the Fayose’s action is an open confrontation and an attempt to undermine the PDP in the south-west. He appealed to members of the Party to remain steadfast saying “I wish to sincerely appeal to our members not to be deterred by actions targeted at damping their spirit as the storm is over already. What we are seeing presently are last minutes efforts by a few wolf in sheep skin struggling to have a safe landing now that the PDP has been returned to the People by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, the National Chairman” he concluded.

  • Tinubu at 65, a leader per excellence – APC Scandinavia

    Tinubu at 65, a leader per excellence – APC Scandinavia

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavian chapter, on Wednesday felicitates with the National Chairman of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his 65th birthday.

    To show his national leadership, Tinubu on Tuesday held the annual one-day colloquium in Lagos State with focus on the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in Nigeria.

    It is themed: “Let’s make what we use and use what we make.”

    According to the Chairman, APC Scandinavia, Ayoola Lawal, Tinubu is a leader per excellent, one that has contributed immensely to Nigerian democracy, “Nigerians should appreciate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his sacrificial leadership.

    “Words cannot sufficiently describe what amount of blessing Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is to this generation, at this time and period.

    “Of a truth, Nigeria needs more leaders like him who can dedicate their everything to national good rather than for selfish interests.

    “It is sad how some supposed leaders pile up billions of citizens hard earned currency only for themselves and family, while others wallow in abject poverty.

    “If not for the strong political conviction of Asiwaju Tinubu that ousted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from power after 16 years of selfish leadership, only God knows what fate would have befallen the country by now.

    “We celebrate your doggedness, selflessness and kind heart on this occasion of your 65 birthday and; pray that we see more of you in good health,” Lawal said.

  • Tinubu, a team builder, says Obaseki

    Tinubu, a team builder, says Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described National Leader of the All Progressive Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as a team builder and visionary leader.

    Obaseki in his birthday wishes to the former Lagos Governor described Tinubu as a progressive thinker.

    Obaseki stated that Tinubu’ selfless philosophy of governance should be adopted by states across the country.

    According to him, “Tinubu is a visionary leader, a team builder and Progressive thinker.

    “His philosophy of governance is a model that should be adopted by states across the country.”

  • Buhari’s presence gave me victory, says Akeredolu

    Buhari’s presence gave me victory, says Akeredolu

    …Says no rift with Tinubu

    …Insists Buhari, Odigie-Oyegun heading APC leadership

    The Ondo State Governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday said that the presence of President Muhammadu Buhari at his campaign rally in state won the election for him.

    He spoke with State House correspondents after meeting President Buhari with his deputy, Agboola Ajayi and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Even as he claimed that he has no rift with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, he insisted that President Buhari and APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun are the head of the APC leadership.

    According to him, Tinubu, like other leaders of the party, fall under the leadership of Buhari and Odigie-Oyegun.

    On why he didn’t mention Tinubu while thanking leaders of the party in his speech after winning the election, he said: “I thanked the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the leader of our party profusely for the leadership which he showed leading to this election. I also thanked our indefatigable chairman for standing by the truth and for his position on this matter that led to this election. I have no reason to do otherwise.

    “You see, party structures to the best of my knowledge is very clear. You have the leadership of the party and that is represented by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. And after the election, a chief executive emerges, he becomes a leader of the party, you don’t have to personalize and be looking for leaders all over the place. If we have to do that then I will have to mention 36 or 37 leaders.

    “So I believe the leadership as represented by the president covers all leaders and that tells me it would include Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it would include even Baba Akande, Onu, so many leaders. But president Buhari is the leader of the party so that is my position there,” he added.

    Asked how he was going to amend his strain relationship with Tinubu, he said: “The relationship with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has always been the same. I don’t think we have any strain relationship. For me as a person, I believe he is one of the leaders of the party and I don’t see any strain relationship between us.

    “And you would observe that he has sent in his congratulatory message after the election, so what else do you expect? I mean all of us see this as victory for the APC, not for Akaredolu, not for as an individual but for the party as a whole.

    “I believe he is a member of the party. Mr. Femi Adesina had issued a release but you journalists just want to put words into our mouths,” he said.

    He explained that the Federal lawmakers who decamped to APC have done so during his campaign and were only formalizing it at the National Assembly.

    He said: “When you say a defection, Senator Yele Omogunwa even joined us in the campaign right there in Ondo State, he had joined the APC, he only just formalized it on the Senate floor today.

    “I mean when you have a party that is already balkanized like the PDP, from bottom to the top they have two candidates, they have two chairmen now. So you don’t have to be sneaking between one chairman and another you make up your mind to go to a place that is stable.

    “And I believe that he thinks that the APC is stable and he has come to a place he thinks his fortune will be better served and I am sure he took the right decision to join the party of the day.” He said

    He insisted that he will not go out straight to probe the administration of the outgoing governor, Olusegun Mimiko, but will probe anything he finds out of place in the process of his governance.

    He said: “At the center the government of the President Muhammadu Buhari said we must look back in order to move forward, he has been there for over a year now, has he instituted a probe looking back is not a probe and I maintain that I will not probe any regime.

    “This is responsible leadership I am elected to lead the people. The task ahead of us is enormous than for us to start instituting probes. My own is not to institute any probe of last regime and that is what president Buhari has done.

    “But if we find out that wrongs were committed we have enough laws of the land to take care of people who have committed wrong. As we start our work as we go ahead if there is any semblance of Dasukigate at the state, the law will take its course that is different from probing. We will follow what Mr. President is doing at the center.” He added

    Asked if he will end up reducing his campaign promises after assuming office, he said that what he meets on ground will determine if all the promises will be met.

    To him, nothing is wrong with reviewing such promises.

    He said: “You see as a candidate, it is expected of you to have a fore knowledge of the position for example of the finances for the number of things we need to do and what it will take to do. Now it is quite possible and I don’t rule out the fact that, you might set out in your campaign promises to achieve 10 things at a time. But because there is no way you can know everything that is in government when faced with realities it might not be possible to achieve those 10 things at a go.

    “But it is not to say that you will still not go for that 10. When you talk of review if you find a few things that are not in the right places, so there is nothing wrong if you try to review your campaign promises when faced with stake realities.

    “But for us in Ondo state, we have come up with five Cardinal points and it is so clear to us. We have decided that we will embark on job creation through agriculture, industrialization and entrepreneurship and what is going to cost government. We need machinery because it is not going to be agriculture through hoes and cutlasses but mechanized one. It is given that we must go back to basis.

    “On entrepreneurship we are going to encourage our state people to be self-employed and employ others. We are talking about public private partnership and there are a lot of people who want to come and build industries in our state because our state is a viable one.

    “We are going to have enabling environment for industrial growth. What is the cost? Maybe land. And then when you talk of functional education and technical growth, when you talk of infrastructure, there are schools that are already dilapidated and we believe that rather than spend money on a mega school, that money can repair and put several schools in a better form. How much will it cost us? It is the same money that we are spending.

    “We don’t want to take our people to civilization, we want to take civilization to our people. We want to ensure that the school within their vicinity are good enough for them to be interested in those school. Yes it is going to be cost intensive because we will develop our rural areas. We have told our people we are not going to build tar roads but we are going to provide accessible roads and when we have done our little bit people will do it for some time,” he said

    Lalong, who is the Chairman of Ondo APC Governorship Campaign Committee, said God answered his prediction of APC win in the election.

    Stressing that he was at the Villa to brief the President on his assignment in Ondo state, he said that he would round up his assignment and submit final report to the APC National Secretariat.

    He denied the allegation that APC was responsible for the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State.

    He said: “These things happen; this is not the first time such is happening. When elections come in like this, you will find inter party conflict and friction, it was not APC that went to court, neither was it APC that gave the judgment, all we saw was friction or conflict between PDP and PDP and if that judgment was also going to help APC so be it.

    “But we were not parties to the case for somebody to even assume that APC was responsible for denying somebody no, APC is not the court, the court is a separate arm, I am saying that as far as we are concerned APC was not responsible for denying or delaying anybody the right to contest that election,” he stated.

  • Fayose condemns attack on Tinubu

    Fayose condemns attack on Tinubu

    From an unlikely quarter came a support for the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the battle for the soul of the ruling party in Nigeria.

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose on Friday condemned what he called the “conspiracy against Asiwaju Tinubu by those he made that are now being allegedly used against him warning those hoping to reap political benefits in the APC crisis to have a rethink.

    Fayose who belongs to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in condemning the attack on the former Lagos State governor emphasized that “humiliation of Tinubu is as good as humiliation of the Yoruba race.”

    The self-styled “Opposition Leader in Nigeria” declared that he won’t keep silent in the face of attack on a revered Yoruba leader like Tinubu stressing that “Yoruba leaders must be protected.”

    He recalled that similar attacks were visited on Yoruba icons like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Bisi Onabanjo (all of blessed memory), Alhaji Lateef Jakande, among others.

    Fayose said: “Even though I am not a member of APC and I will never be, I have elected to stand in defence of the Yoruba nation once again by saying no to the continuous dishonourable treatment being meted to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, having paid his dues.”

    Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose, said; “if Tinubu is allowed to be embarrassed and disgraced just the way our past leaders were humiliated by these same elements, the Yoruba nation would have been made to suffer for uprightness.”

    The Ekiti helmsman condemned the Tuesday’s alleged sponsored protest against the APC leader at the party’s national secretariat, saying; “it is unfortunate that Tinubu is now being vilified in a party he invested heavily in and his fellow kinsmen that he brought up politically are part of this conspiracy.

    “In their desperation, they have even tried to set him against the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, by insinuating that tried to prevent his (Osinbajo) emergence as President Mohammadu Buhari’s running mate, this is sad!”

    He lamented that “when other tribes protect own, it is becoming historically common among the Yorubas to allow themselves to be used against their leaders just for momentary political gains at the expense of the collective interests of the Yoruba nation.

    “It should be noted that late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was sent to jail by the conspiracy and collaboration of some Yorubas with the external aggressors.”

    Fayose said: “Tinubu is a prominent stakeholder; we should not sit back and watch while those he used his own sweat to make conspired with others to humiliate him.

    “Most importantly, it is my position that irrespective of political affiliation, no leader of the Yoruba nation must be vilified unduly, especially by the same people who humiliated our past leaders like Obafemi Awolowo, Adekunle Ajasin, Bola Ige, Bisi Onabanjo, Lateef Jakande and others.

    “To me, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should not be seen just as an APC leader, but acknowledged as a major stakeholder in the Yoruba nation that we must all protect beyond politics.

    ”It should be recalled that these were among the issues that I raised when I visited Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State few months ago on the need to work together beyond party affiliations.

    “Here in Yorubaland, it is said that if a household is at peace, it is because the bastard child of the family is yet to attain the age of maturity and those people that Asiwaju Tinubu made, but are now being used against him should watch it.

    “I therefore condemn this conspiracy against Asiwaju Tinubu and I admonish those that are hoping to make political benefits from it to have a rethink.”

    The governor, who called for greater unity among the Yorubas, added that; “We are first Yorubas before becoming members of political parties, it is my opinion that our leaders must be defended and protected not-minding the personal gains of today.”

  • Ondo guber: Tinubu, Akande have no anointed candidate – Boroffice

    Ondo guber: Tinubu, Akande have no anointed candidate – Boroffice

    The Senator representing Ondo North senatorial district, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State to disregard the rumours on purported endorsement of any of the 25 governorship aspirants of the party by its national leadership.

    A statement in Akure, the state capital by his media aide, Kayode Adeniyi, described the rumor on endorsement as needless distraction that will never aid its promoters.

    He urged the over 3,000 delegates in the party to remain vigilant and steadfast as some desperate politicians may have ignited the rumor in an attempt to derail the focus of the party on free, fair, credible and transparent primary election.

    Boroffice said he got assurances from the APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former interim National chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and  party leaders in the Southwest geopolitical zone that there is nothing like anointed aspirant or endorsement as far as the governorship primary election of the party is concerned.

    The Asiwaju of Akokoland said: “As an aspirant and democrat, I have had intimate interactions and engagements with party delegates over the years.

    “The support I enjoy from them is reassuring. No distraction, whether calculated or accidental, can derail our focus on August 27, the scheduled date for primary election. My supporters and I are ready to participate and win.”
    He urged the party loyalists to comport themselves and ensure that the desired change in governance needed in the state is realised from February next year.

  • Couple remanded for impersonating Tinubu

    Couple remanded for impersonating Tinubu

    An Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Thursday remanded a couple in prison custody for allegedly impersonating former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to commit fraud.

    Abioye Junaid, 41, and his wife, Fausat Junaid, 39 were also accused of impersonating the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo and defrauding two persons of N85 million.

    They were arraigned before Mrs A. O. Sholadoye on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud, stealing and impersonation.

    Fausat Junaid

    Prosecuting Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Charles Odii told the court that the couple and others who are still at large conspired to commit the alleged offences sometime between October 2014 and December 2015.

    He said the incident took place at the couple’s residence, No. 7 Ayeola Street, Oke Balogun in Epe, Lagos State.

    Odii said Junaid was a security agent with Eco Electricity Company at Sangotedo Epe, while his wife was a civil servant with the Epe Local Government.

    “The defendant falsely presented themselves as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria,’’ Odii said.

    He alleged that they obtained the sum of N15 million from one Ambali Abiodun, under pretext of making him a commissioner in the Lagos State Government.

    The duo, he added, also obtained the sum of N70 million from one Otuniyi Adeniyi, under pretext of making him the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a representation they knew was false.

    He said they stole the money from their victims.

    According to the prosecutor, the offences committed contravened Sections 285 (5), 312 (2), 378 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The defendants denied the charge and their counsel, Mr Emmanuel Bayen, urged the court to admit them to bail on liberal terms.

    Magistrate Sholadoye granted them N2 million bail each with two sureties each in the like sum.

    One of the sureties must be a level 16 officer or above in the Lagos State Civil Service, while the other must be a landed property owner whose Certificate of Ownership must be verified at the Lagos State Land Registry.

    The court remanded the defendants in prison untill they meet the bail conditions and adjourned till August 26 for mention.

  • Osoba back in APC as leaders resolve differences

    Osoba back in APC as leaders resolve differences

    The Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South West, met in Lagos on Sunday and restated their commitment to work together to move the country and the region forward.

    Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who spoke with journalists shortly after the meeting held at the Ikoyi residence of former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, said the leadership of the party in the region have resolved their differences and are more than ever ready to pursue an agenda for development of the region.

    “We have resolved all the differences within the leadership and as such we are happy to tell the world that the leadership of progressive politics in Western part of Nigeria is united and ready to jointly prosecute the agenda for growth, purposeful leadership, development, good governance in the Western part of Nigeria.

    “As we are committed to doing that for the entire nation and through that support the effort at the national level to revive the Nigerian economy and put the people in a better stead than we inherited when our party took over governance in Nigeria,” Aregbesola stated.

    Aregbesola expressed optimism that good governance and purposeful leadership can trigger the desired change, which according to him will not only profit Nigeria, but also the African continent and the black race.

    “I have told you very clearly that the progressive leadership of the Yoruba race is now fully united and are ready and charged to lead our efforts to reposition our land and integrate with others nationwide to put Nigeria in its proper footing,” Aregbesola said.

    Aregbesola announced that Aremo Osoba had rejoined the APC from the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    “There was a time when Osoba switched to another party, he was a foundation member of the APC and he was in the APC throughout my election. Yes, he was for a time with the SDP, but with what we have just done today, Akinrogun Osoba, the Aremo himself, is back with the Progressive leadership of the Yoruba race”.

    Those in attendance at the meeting included the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Segun Olusegun; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; APC National Vice Chairman, South West, Chief Pius Akinyelure and Senator Gbenga Obadara

  • APC Scandinavia celebrates Tinubu at 64

    APC Scandinavia celebrates Tinubu at 64

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavian chapter, Ayoola Lawal on Tuesday felicitates with the National Chairman of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his birthday.

    To mark his 64th birthday, Tinubu is organizing a one-day colloquium in Abuja to explore the possibilities in the agriculture sector as Nigeria moves to expand its revenue base.

    According to Lawal, Tinubu is a leader per excellent, one that has contributed immensely to Nigerian democracy, adding that Nigerians should appreciate the sacrificial leader.

    “Words cannot sufficiently describe what amount of blessing Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is to this generation, at this time and period.

    “Of a truth, Nigeria needs more leaders like him who can dedicate their everything to national good rather than for selfish interests.

    “It is sad how some supposed leaders pile up billions of citizens hard earned currency only for themselves and family, while others wallow in abject poverty.

    “If not for the strong conviction of Asiwaju Tinubu that ousted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power after 16 years of selfish leadership, only God knows what fate would have befallen the country by now.

    “We celebrate your doggedness, selflessness and kind heart on this occasion of your 64 birthday and pray that we see more of you in good health,” Lawal said.

  • Tinubu is a pillar, leader in Yorubaland  – Fayose

    Tinubu is a pillar, leader in Yorubaland  – Fayose

    Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state on Monday described former Lagos state Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as a pillar in Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

    Fayose said this in a congratulatory message to mark Tiunbu’s 64th birthday.

    Tinubu was born on March 29, 1952.

    A statement issued by Mr Idowu Adelusi, the Chief Press Secretary to Fasoye, said that the APC national leader had over the years proven to be a great political figure in the country.

    “I heartily felicitate with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he clocks 64 on March 29.

    “Whether one likes it or not, Asiwaju Tinubu has become a political pillar and leader, not only in Yorubaland but in Nigeria.

    “He is a great politician who takes well-calculated political steps.

    “I and the good people of Ekiti State join millions of Nigerians and Asiwaju Tinubu’s friends and supporters across the world to rejoice with him on this auspicious occasion.

    “Asiwaju Tinubu is a good case study when one talks about political resilience and doggedness and no wonder he now ranks among the leaders of this great country.

    “I pray that God gives him the grace to witness many more years in sound health in the land of the living,’’ Fayose was quoted as saying in the statement.