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Tag: atiku

  • PDP splits as Atiku, others sack Tukur’s exco

    PDP splits as Atiku, others sack Tukur’s exco

    …Baraje emerges new PDP National Chairman

    Exactly 15 years after the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was formed, it broke into two factions on Saturday  in Abuja.
    The spate of crises afflicting the party  since inception reached its peak when top leaders of the party walked out on President Goodluck Jonathan at the party’s Special  National Convention to form what has been christened New PDP.
    Those who left the convention venue to form a factional PDP were a former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,  seven governors, three ex-governors and scores of Senators and  members of the House of Representatives.
    The aggrieved leaders addressed a crowded press briefing at about 4pm at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua where  they sacked the Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee of the party.
    A former acting National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje was appointed the new National Chairman of the party.
    The sacked National Secretary of PDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola was reinstated  as  the party’s scribe.
    Sam Jaja was also  returned as the Deputy National Chairman of the party.
    Other members of the new National Working Committee would be announced on Monday.
    Amidst backslapping and liberation songs, the PDP leaders said there was no going back in putting a new leadership in place for PDP.
    Those at the session were Atiku, Governors Sule Lamido; Rabiu Kwankwaso; Abdulafatai Ahmed; Babangida Aliyu; Aliyu Wammako; Murtala Nyako; and Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.
    Others were the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Mukhtar  Shagari; the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Musa Ibeto; the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Bala Ngilari; ex-Governor Abdullahi Adamu ( who was a former Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the PDP); ex-Governor Mohammed Sha’aba Lafiagi; ex-Governor Olagunsoye
    Also in attendance were  some members of the National Assembly including the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Abdulmumin Jibril, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Mohammed Zakary; Hon. Dakuku Peterside; Senator Magnus Abe; and all statutory delegates and members of the National Assembly from the seven states.
    As the presence of each of the political heavyweights was announced, shouts of ”  Chanji  dole 2015″ ( Change in 2015 A Must) filled the hall.
    The confidence radiated by all the governors suggested that some notable leaders of the party were pulling the strings to effect change in PDP.
    In his speech,  Baraje, who was a former National Secretary of the party, said:”We address you today as leaders of PDP, who are worried by the increasing repression, restrictions of freedom of association, arbitrary suspension of members and other such violations of democratic principles by a faction of our party led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur .
    “While we have done everything humanly possible to bring to the attention of critical stakeholders within the party the dangers inherent in the course being charted by that leadership, it has become very clear that the desperate permutations towards 2015 general elections have blinded certain people from the consequences of their actions.
    “Not only has the constitution of the party been serially violated  by Alhaji Tukur and fellow travelers, all the organs of the party have been rendered virtually ineffectual by a few people who act as though above the law. “Unfortunately, it is obvious that that they get encouragement from the presidency whose old calculations are geared towards shutting out any real or imagined opposition ahead of the party’s presidential primaries for the 2015 elections.”

  • Atiku commiserates with Lagos governor

    •Ex-VP wishes Tinubu quick recovery

    Former Vice- President Atiku Abubakar has commiserated with Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola on the death of his father.

    In a statement by his media office in Abuja yesterday, he said although the death of Pa Ademola Fashola was a sad development, his demise in the holy month of Ramadan was a grace from God.

    Atiku urged the Fashola family to accept the death of its patriarch in good faith.

    He said: “While it is understandable that the death of a parent is always a painful experience, I enjoin members of the Fashola family to take the death of their patriarch in the holy month of Ramadan in good faith.

    “The deceased, no doubt, has left an indelible mark as a man of honour, judging by the quality of children that survived him, and secondly, by his sterling administrative qualities in his days as the advertisement manager of the Daily Times of Nigeria Ltd.”

    Atiku noted that Governor Fashola is a shining example of how a good home can make a positive influence in the life of an individual, and by extension, in the life of a country.

    He said the dream of having a good country must start with the dream of building good homes.

    Atiku also sent wishes of quick recovery to the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the surgery for sports injury to his knees.

    He said having been a victim of such domestic accident in the past, he would urge Tinubu to brace for the surgery and, upon recuperation, apply caution in his body fitness workouts.

    “It is a painful experience to bear an injury on one’s knees or on the ankle. It is even more painful to enter into the theatre as one advances in age. But I will urge the Asiwaju to brace for the surgery, while we wish him quick recovery,” the statement added.

     

  • Atiku urges leaders to fear God

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged elected leaders and other public office holders to let the fear of God to guide their conduct.

    In a Sallah message to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting period, the former Vice President noted that the increasing greed and selfishness by leaders is compounding poverty, unemployment and other social crises, caused by bad leadership.

    According to him, democracy is not meant for overnight personal enrichment at the expense of the voters. Instead, he said democracy is meant to offer honest, patriotic and selfless service to Nigerians.

    The former Vice President observed that there is a difference between being religious outwardly and what leaders do in practice.

    He explained that if religion had any influence on the conduct of leaders, most of the problems confronting the ordinary people would have been solved.

    Atiku regretted that oath-taking had been reduced to a mere empty ritual, thereby desecrating the sanctity of the exercise.

    He recalled that in other societies, politicians seek power out of the passion to offer honest and patriotic service to fellow country men and women.

    “In our own case, however, leaders see politics as a gravy train, and with this culture, democracy cannot make any real positive impact on the lives of the ordinary people” Atiku added.

  • Forced removal of elected leaders unconstitutional, says Atiku

    Forced removal of elected leaders unconstitutional, says Atiku

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned any attempt to remove elected leaders by unconstitutional means whatever might be their perceived offences.

    Reacting to yesterday’s outbreak of chaos in the Rivers State House of House Assembly, following the attempt by five lawmakers to effect leadership change, the former Vice President warned against the consequences of going outside the Constitution to oust elected leaders.           Atiku Abubakar said in a statement by his media office in Abuja that The Constitution of Nigeria was not written on sand so that anybody could breach it as he or she pleases to achieve private motives rather than the public interest.

    According to Atiku, any wanton disregard for the sanctity of the Constitution or due process in the removal of elected public office holders would seriously harm our democratic order.

    He explained that the Constitution is superior to any individual and that any efforts to apply barbaric tactics to remove leaders should not be condoned by anybody.

    The former Vice President expressed regret that the failure to punish similar crude attempts in the past such as the Ngige saga in Anambra State in July of 2004 had encouraged impunity among those seeking to impeach elected leaders by means other than that enshrined in the constitution.

    He regretted a situation where some misguided elements would seek to wage a war on our democracy for which many had paid the supreme price.

    “It is sad that those who are seeking to subvert our nascent democracy are some of those who never fought for what that many laid down their lives for. These persons are advised to take heed to the festering crisis in Egypt following a forced change of leadership in that country,” Atiku said.

    ”We can either dismiss what happened today in Port Harcourt as one more incident in the long line of impunity and constitution abuse, or we speak very strongly against it, sending thereby an unambiguous message to the powers-that-be that sweat and blood of fathers, mothers and children, which were used to nurture the tree of our democracy must not go in vain,” the statement added.

  • Amaechi, Oshiomhole, Atiku, Akume mourn senator

    Amaechi, Oshiomhole, Atiku, Akume mourn senator

    Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, his Edo State counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Senate Minority Leader Senator George Akume have described the death of Senator Pius Ewherido as “unfortunate”.

    Amaechi said Ewherido was also a public-spirited man and a community leader.

    Amaechi, who paid the tribute in a statement he personally signed, said Ewherido’s passage was “no doubt a monumental loss to our nation”.

    The statement said: “We hereby condole with the Nigerian Senate, the government and people of Delta State and the entire Ewherido family on the sudden death of Senator Pius Ewherido, who, until his death, represented Delta Central Senatorial District on the platform of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP),

    “It is unfortunate that the hardworking, independent-minded senator, a political icon, and one of the most accomplished politicians in our country passed on at a time our country needed his invaluable service most. His loss is no doubt a monumental loss to our nation.”

    Oshiomhole described the death of the late Ewherido as a “rude shock”.

    The governor said: “The news of the death of Senator Pius Ewherido came as a rude shock. He had served his people with all his resources and energy and his death has robbed Delta State and indeed the nation of a bright young mind.

    “Ewherido truly distinguished himself in the Senate with his incisive contributions to debates and will be sorely missed not only by his Constituents but also by others who have come to love his style.”

    In a condolence message by his media office in Abuja, the former Vice- President said the late Ewherido was a remarkable good, tolerant and patient neighbour.

    He said: “Anyone that lived peacefully and respectfully with his neighbours without a hint of suppressed grudges must be one in a million, especially in a country like ours where some big men spare no efforts to be noticed.”

    Akume said: “The late Distinguished Senator Ewherido was no doubt an accomplished businessman, astute politician and a legislator per excellence who brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on the Delta State legislature and the Nigerian Senate. His contributions to the entrenchment of democratic ideals were second to none, therefore, I regard his death as a tragedy which has befallen not just the Senate and people of Delta state but indeed the entire nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Senate, the people of Delta state and his family at this difficult time.”

     

  • How to resolve PDP crisis, by Atiku

    How to resolve PDP crisis, by Atiku

    In this piece, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reflects on the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and suggests the way out of the logjam.

     

    At the onset of the present democratic dispensation, it was clear to the founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party that the major challenge confronting our nation was the establishment of an enduring democratic platform with a sustainable legitimacy. We were also convinced that such platforms should possess credible internal capacity to produce leaders who will be committed to the public purpose and whose leadership will be informed by a common good and sustained by the popular will of all citizens.

    The PDP was conceived as a national party not only because of the desire to provide responsive leadership, but also because it is within such a national party that we can guarantee national harmony, promote human development and safeguard the freedom and dignity of all citizens. The constitution of the party was designed to promote collective leadership that is inclusive and upholds the principles of justice and fair-play without denigrating the legitimacy of dissent.

    I have said it and I will continue to say it that the party is headed in the wrong direction as it moves from one crisis to the other. It appears that in the pursuit of our personal ambition, we have continued to trample with impunity on the rights not only of the members, but also on the freedom of Nigerian citizens who deserve a right to choose who should govern them and for how long.

    Sometimes, progress involves stepping backwards. In the South West, this is such a moment for the Peoples Democratic Party.

    The PDP became a very strong political party in the South West as a result of the efforts and commitment of leaders who commanded the respect of the generality of the people of the South West. By the year 2009, the party had 5 of the 6 Governors in the zone, 14 of the 18 Senators, 46 out of the 71 House of Representatives seat, 102 members of the State Houses of Assembly, and 115 Local Governments. Members of the PDP also occupied all commissionership and special advisers positions, in addition to all statutory board membership.

    However, the fortunes of the PDP in the South West took a startling reverse from 2011 such that today, the party has no Governor in the region, has only 1 Senator, 7 Members of the House of Representatives and only 18 Members in all the State Houses of Assembly. Of course, not a single Local Government administration is PDP-controlled in the entire region.

    It is not only in the interest of PDP, but indeed that of the Nation that this trend be reversed.

    As a founding member of the PDP, the prevailing situation of the party in the South West is very disturbing.

    I am sure that our party didn’t come to this sorry state in the region because the party men failed to deliver good governance to the people. Landmarks of achievements by PDP governments dot the region.

    It still remains a paradox to me how the presidential candidate of the party would win massively in all but one state of the South West, yet the party failed to produce a single state Governor in the region and could only produce 18 State Assembly members in the same election. My experience in politics tells me that this paradox can only be explained in one way that is the leadership of the party must have abandoned the party and negotiated the victory of the President at the expense of the Party.

    Recent events have shown that the leadership of the party has demonstrated insufficient sincerity in resolving the numerous crises which are pitching the party members against themselves. Political manoeuvring that relies on the politics of patronage and arbitrary application of sanctions will not sustain the popular will of the people through which the party can recover the lost ground.

    A group of concerned professionals with PDP interest from the South West carried out a study in which a state-by-state analysis of the crises in the party was made. The body made far-reaching recommendations in their document which was submitted to the leadership of the Party. If the party leadership had paid attention to some of their recommendations, the outcome of the election in Ondo State could probably have been different.

    It will be useful for the incoming South West Executive Committee to study this report and prepare a blueprint for the reversal of the dwindling fortunes of the party in the region.

    The eloquent silence of respected leaders on the various crises is a disturbing sign which leaves majority of the members confused.

    The national leadership of the party needs to respect the democratic wishes of party members in the zone and discourage the deliberate creation of factions, and upturning the results of duly conducted elections at the various congresses and the national convention.

    In all we do, the adherence to the constitution of the party in the conduct of the party’s affairs is the only hope for sustaining the existence and legitimacy of the party. Also, the legitimacy of the party can only be sustained if the provision of the welfare needs of Nigerian citizen takes precedent in the heart of the leaders rather than primordial politicking.

    There is need to reverse the declining trend of PDP in the South West. PDP cannot afford to depart from the South West.

     

    Atiku Abubakar is the Turaki Adamawa and former Vice President of Nigeria

     

  • Anyim committee can’t resolve PDP crisis -Atiku

    Anyim committee can’t resolve PDP crisis -Atiku

    * Former VP calls for independent panel

    Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has faulted the constitution of the Pius Anyim Committee by President Goodluck Jonathan to resolve the lingering internal crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said he does not trust the Anyim panel to do an objective job as its judgement may be skewed in favour of the president.

    Atiku said in a statement in Abuja yesterday, that since the purported second term ambition of the president is central to the PDP crisis, the only way to resolve the problem is to establish a body of independent-minded party members, representatives of various factions and the founding fathers of the party, to proffer a solution.

    Such a body, he said, should be given the authority and autonomy to devise the appropriate strategy to resolve the ongoing turmoil in the party and rescue it from extinction.

    His words: “The task of rebuilding the PDP is urgent and we cannot afford to stand akimbo while the democratic foundation of the ruling party is disintegrating. Any group or persons charged with the responsibility to rescue the PDP should be able to freely and objectively explore all options to resolve the crisis without the imposition of a single individual.

    “We have a duty to save the PDP from disintegration while preserving its democratic principles and its vision for a better Nigeria. A house divided cannot stand. These threats are real and we need a more credible committee to do the job than a committee that is subservient and driven by a narrow agenda.”

    He warned that dire consequences await the PDP should the crisis be allowed to persist.

    The former vice president said the crisis remains a concern for him, as a founding member, and pleaded with party elders and other stakeholders to play their part in reversing “these regretful developments within my party.”

    Lamenting the erosion of the principles on which the party was founded, Atiku said: “At the outset, our idea was to establish a party committed to democratic values that would be greater than the individual and accountable to the people.

    “Any deviation from the PDP’s founding principles will result in the party losing domestic and international credibility as the guardian of democracy in Nigeria.

    “Most Nigerians perceive the PDP as a party that does not respect the provision of its own constitution. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is currently investigating the PDP leadership for failure to abide by the provisions of the PDP constitution. The INEC claims that the PDP failed to hold free and transparent elections when selecting members of the National Working Committee. Worse still, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party has not been meeting as required by the PDP constitution. Whim and caprice has replaced the governing laws of the PDP constitution.”

    The former vice president further called on the leadership of the party to revisit the recommendations proposed by two committees headed by Second Republic vice president Dr. Alex Ekwueme and Gen Ike Nwachukwu, which he noted proposed ‘viable and constructive solutions to move the party forward’.

    “It is curious to many of us why the party leadership lacks the moral courage to implement those recommendations. Can impunity and imposition ultimately replace the will of the people?” he asked.

    Also expressing his fears on the implications of the crisis to the polity, Abubakar noted, “The escalation of sectarian and tribal threats over the up-coming election is embarrassing and has only diverted the focus of the PDP from the welfare of the Nigerian people.”

     

  • Atiku, Duke, Saraki others visit Tinubu

    Prominent politicians, traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic corps yesterday visited the Ikoyi, Lagos residence of the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, over the demise of his mother, Alhaja Habibat Mogaji.

    The early callers included: former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, his Kwara State counterpart Senator Bukola Saraki, former Lagos Town Council Secretary Senator Habeeb Fashinro and Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) General Evangelist Pastor S. A. Abiara. The members of the Lagos State House of Assembly led by Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji also paid the family a condolence visit.

    Commiserating with him, Atiku urged Tinubu to take solace in the fact that the late President-General of the Market Women and Men Association of Nigeria lived a fulfilled life.

    He said: “On behalf of those who have accompanied me here, we have come to condole and commiserate with the rest of the family. It is painful she left, we cannot replace her but then we give gratitude to God for a life well spent.”

    He described the late Alhaja Mogaji as a patriotic mother, who ensured during her life time the resources at her disposal were used for the good of the ordinary people in the society.

    Atiku said the only way those loving memories could be appreciated is for those she left behind to emulate her virtues and live a good life. He later requested for prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Mogaji.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, who equally sent his condolence message through Ambassador Hamzat Ahmadu, said Magaji’s legacies would not be forgotten in a hurry because of her contribution to the development of the country.

    Hamza said: “Personally, I interacted with her in my younger age. That was when I was the secretary to the late General Aguyi Ironsi. The former Head of State sent me to her to appeal to her to reduce the price of food stuff, which she did.

    “She did not leave it at that. She called me and said my son, I have done my part. What about the General? I said he will do his part. I want to use this occasion to appeal to all concerned to embrace peace so that the country can move forward.”

    Senator Annie Okonkwo described the death as a great loss.

    He said: “She was a woman who stabililised Nigeria. She catered for the needy, poor and the less-privileged people. Today, the whole country is celebrating her.

    “The good thing today is that she has a lot of children who are doing very well. I still believe that many people will toe her footsteps. We believe this is a time the country should come together for a better Nigeria. “

    Senator Saraki said her passage was a celebration of life, which all must glorify. “We hope others should learn from her exemplary life. May the almighty Allah continue to perfect his rest and protect all she left behind, “ Saraki said.

    Prophet Abiara commended the late market leader for her liberal attitude to life.

    The cleric said: “ She has a liberal mind and contributed to organisations there has no Islamic affiliation. She donated Bibles to churches and many times supported what the church was doing. It takes the grace of God for someone to follow this exemplary path.”

    The leader of the Chinese community in Lagos Mr. Jackson Sun Guoping said they have ordered all Chinese markets in Lagos to observe a holiday in memory of her.

    He said: “Our people have closed their shops today to remember the Iyaloja-General. She always support our activities in Lagos and without mincing word she has been a big pillar to the Chinese community and was always present when we mark our calendar year.”

    Among those who have visited the ACN leader are: former governor of Bauchi State, Adamu Ma’azu , deputy national chairman of the ACN, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Lagos Ikuforoji, who led other state lawmakers, former Sports and Youth Development Commissioner in Lagos, Prince Adeniji Adele, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Chief Ebenezer Obey, former military administrator of Lagos State, Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), former Cross River State GovernorDonald Duke, Mr Ayo Opadokun, Hajia Abba Folawiyo, Chief Bisi Abiola, Chief Chris Ekwilo and wives as well as the former Lagos Commissioner for Finance, Mr Olawale Edun.

  • Atiku’s son, Muazu’s daughter in jaw-dropping wedding

    Atiku’s son, Muazu’s daughter in jaw-dropping wedding

    The eaves of Bauchi creaked with excitement and merriment as Mohammed, son former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, walked down the aisle with his sweetheart, Malama Badariya, daughter of former Bauchi State Governor, Adamu Muazu. Gales of gaiety enveloped the reception hall of the Emir of Bauchi’s palace where the ceremony took place. That also was where they had their wedding reception with the creme of Nigeria society in attendance.

    Mohammed paid N1 million and gave the bride’s family a brand new car as bride price, setting a new record in bride price payment. The jaw-dropping wedding was attended by the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Niger State Governor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu; Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo; former Taraba State Governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame and Kano State Governor, Musa Kwankwaso.

    Also at the wedding were former heads of state, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and Gen. Muhammad Buhari, as well as many other prominent Nigerians. Mohammed and Malama couldn’t have had a better wedding. They have since taken off on their honey moon.

  • Atiku’s son weds ex-Gov. Muazu’s daughter

    Mohammed, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday took Malama Badariya, daughter of former Bauchi State Governor, Adamu Muazu, as wife.

    Atiku’s son paid N1million and gave a brand new luxury car as bride price for his wife, setting a new record in bride price payment.

    The record is, however, a marked contrast to common Fulani tradition, for which Adamu Mu’azu, a Fulani cultured man is known.

    The wedding fathia was held in the exclusive reception hall of the Emir of Bauchi’s Palace.

    Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, represented Mohammed while Mallam Isa Yuguda, Bauchi State Governor, and son-in-law to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was the Wali or representative of Mua’zu’s daughter in accordance with Islamic rites.

    The ceremony, which drew Nigerians across political divides, was witnessed by several personalities among whom were the National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bamanga Tukur; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Niger State Governor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu; Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo and Kano State Governor, Musa Kwankwaso.

    Others were Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wammako; former Governor of Bauchi, Adamu Mu’azu (Father-in-law); former Governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Nyame and former Governor of Kebbi State, Adamu Alero, among others.

    Also at the wedding were former Heads of State, General Abdulsalaam Abubakar and General Muhammadu Buhari as well as former Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Comassie.

    Several prominent traditional rulers such as the Emir of Kano and Emir of Kaltungu Sarkin Kannam from Plateau state others were represented.