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Tag: automatic ticket

  • Who is afraid of an automatic ticket?

    Who is afraid of an automatic ticket?

    By JMO Ekundayo and Wale Ojo-Lanre

     The concept of an automatic ticket for an incumbent governor or president refers to a situation where a sitting governor or president, as a member of a political party, seeks re-election and is typically guaranteed the party’s nomination without facing significant competition in a primary election. While the notion of incumbents receiving an automatic ticket is not new, it has precedents in established and advanced democracies globally.

    It is a truism that certain critics view automatic tickets for an incumbent as an aberration that hampers internal democracy or competition within viable party members. They argue that competitive elections foster a sense of participation, inclusion and engagement within the party. However, it is essential to recognize that an automatic ticket policy does not inherently preclude internal discussion or engagement. A well-structured party can uphold democratic processes through thorough vetting and consensus-building among its members, even when there is no contested primary. This has happened in mature democracies around the world with the political parties of the incumbent waxing stronger. The fear of implosion within the ruling party if a consensus candidate is endorsed is therefore jejune, pedestrian and puerile.

    Saliently and succinctly stated, it is indeed possible to unite behind a capable incumbent, while still fostering internal harmony and inclusion. In a typical friendly and dynamic political landscape, where apparent opposition to the incumbent is seemingly silent, supporting the incumbent governor can enhance party cohesion, allowing members to unanimously work together toward common goals rather than entrenching unhealthy competition against one another within the same party.

    This scenario often arises due to several factors, including the governor’s established political popularity, strong party loyalty, and perceived effective governance. In Ekiti, for instance, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, popularly called BAO by his numerous adherents and admirers, has distinguished himself as a unique political figure who understands the essence of collaborative and inclusive governance. He has displayed exemplary leadership acumen to most Ekitikete in colour, context and content, more than any other man in the saddle since the creation of Ekiti State. His strategic and humane engagement with political personalities, regardless of their party affiliations, has endeared him to a broad spectrum of Ekiti residents. Furthermore, his uncommon style of interaction with the creme la creme of Ekiti such as the likes of Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Barrister Femi Falana (SAN), Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Senator Adeyeye, Senator Olujinmi, etc. is unique and uncommon in the political disposition in the land of honour.

    Remarkably, Governor Oyebanji has maintained close rapport with party leaders while initiating populist projects and sustainable programmes, along with various community development initiatives in the trajectory towards the ‘Shared Prosperity’ mantra of his administration. He has successfully cultivated a near-perfect relationship with political stakeholders in Ekiti, earning unprecedented loyalty, even from members of opposition parties. This unyielding acceptance further solidifies the case for his automatic adoption across party lines.

    Ultimately, endorsing an automatic ticket for him within his party could be a strategic decision, yielding significant benefits for both the party and the State. Contrary to the concerns that automatic ticket policy undermines internal democracy, it is crucial to reaffirm that such a policy does not diminish internal dialogue or engagement. A unified front around a capable incumbent, like Governor Oyebanji, can still foster internal cohesion whilst channeling party efforts and resources towards collective and rewarding objectives.

    Additionally, the claim that eliminating competitive primaries will negatively impact economic activity is an oversimplification. It is widely known globally that good governance engenders and enhances economic activities much more than ephemeral gains that organizing a local primary election can garner for a set of people. In this vein, while campaigns naturally stimulate economic activity, the primary focus should be on effective governance at all times. Going this route will ensure resources tied up in lengthy primary battles could be redirected toward community development, building infrastructure, and programmes that directly benefit constituents. Political parties can also seek alternative funding methods and engagement strategies that do not depend exclusively on candidate campaigns for economic stimulation.

    Concerns about power dynamics, particularly the risk of fostering an overly powerful incumbent, merit consideration, but an automatic ticket does not inherently lead to autocracy. An accountable incumbent, like Governor Oyebanji, can maintain transparency and governance structures that prevent the erosion of democratic practices. His proven trustworthiness and rapport with party members reduce the need for competitive pressures typically faced by lesser-known challengers.

    While some may view a guaranteed re-election as a pathway to complacency, this does not universally hold true. An effective leader strives for excellence, motivated by a desire to fulfill campaign promises and enhance his legacy — traits Governor Oyebanji has consistently demonstrated. He has also shown a willingness to listen to critiques and comments from constituents, party members and opposing politicians, using this feedback mechanism to remain engaged and responsive to the electorates’ needs.

    The fear that an adoption policy will create internal division is unfounded, yet it is essential to emphasize that unity can thrive through shared vision and collective goals. The APC leadership—both in Ekiti and nationally— has fostered an inclusive environment, supporting various aspirations while promoting collaboration through effective relationship management. This was clearly manifested in the consensus endorsement of the erstwhile President Muhammadu Buhari for the second term ticket of the ruling APC in the 2019 presidential election.

    Those raising concerns about potential legal challenges surrounding the adoption policy must remember that the APC is a living party, adhering to constitutional provisions and adopting potential amendments that allow for consensus around a sole candidate. By ensuring all voices are heard in the decision-making process, the party can limit the risk of legal disputes while enhancing its legitimacy.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s local currency crude sales fall short of target, Dangote refinery says

    On the topic of political evolution and youth engagement, the automatic adoption of Governor Oyebanji will inject new life into youth inclusion in governance and policy making. His advocacy for youth involvement bridges the gap between traditional power structures and the aspirations of younger generations, fostering a future-oriented political landscape. Initiatives that prioritize youth engagement within the party will counteract any perceptions of exclusion that may emerge from the adoption policy.

    Concerns about setting a dangerous precedent through an automatic ticket are unfounded. Recent examples from around the world demonstrate that incumbents can run with little opposition due to their popularity and party support. For instance, several incumbents in the United States, such as Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis and Iowa’s Governor Kim Reynolds, faced minimal challenges in their Republican primaries.

    Given the unique political context of Ekiti, the apparent lack of opposition parties supports the strategic decision to adopt a candidate who has demonstrated both leadership and effectiveness. An automatic ticket for a respected incumbent like Governor Oyebanji serves as a pragmatic response to the current political landscape, emphasizing stability rather than monopolization of power.

    In conclusion, while the adoption of an automatic ticket raises legitimate questions regarding democracy, governance, and party unity, it also presents an opportunity for strategic maneuvering that can enhance the effectiveness of both the party and governance in Ekiti. Ultimately, striking a balance between ensuring democratic practices and promoting effective leadership that addresses constituent needs is vital. Open dialogue and inclusive governance can mitigate concerns, resulting in a stronger, more cohesive party that effectively serves the people of Ekiti. The adoption of an automatic ticket policy is not a dismissal of democracy but rather a tactical approach to party politics aimed at promoting stability, unity, and efficiency. By eliminating unnecessary competition, the party positions itself to face the general election with strength and purpose, allowing the incumbent to focus on delivering good governance.

    Ours is Ile-iyi, Ile-eye, and an automatic ticket can serve as a tool to uphold this vision and prevent APC Ekiti State from unnecessary internal political bickering. Hence, an automatic ticket for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) is good for the soul of the ruling party, APC.

     •Ekundayo and Ojo-Lanre, sent the piece on behalf of BAO BACKERS 2030.

  • ADC gives automatic ticket to 118 legislators

    Ahead of the general election, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rewarded 118 federal and state legislators, who joined the party, with automatic ticket.

    It planned to nominate its presidential candidate on October 6.

    National Chairman Chief Ralph’s Nwosu, who disclosed this at the National Executive Committee meeting of the party in Abuja, said the party decided to reward the lawmakers for coming out boldly “to identify with the fastest growing party in Nigeria, the ADC, at this crucial time in the history of our country.”

    He said among those to benefit from the ticket are five senators, 18 members of the House of Representatives and 95 members of Houses of Assembly.

  • ‘Automatic ticket behind defections among federal lawmakers’

    •Presidency ‘hasn’t shown interest’ in National Assembly leadership since 2015

    The senator representing Oyo North, Fatai Buhari, has said the defections at the National Assembly are all about survival of the lawmakers, who, according to him, have secured automatic tickets in their new parties.

    Twelve All Progressives Congress (APC) senators defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    One defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on the floor of the Senate last week.

    Thirty-five members of the House of Representatives also left the ruling APC.

    Buhari, who is an APC senator, spoke on Southwest Political Circuit, a popular programme on Ibadan-based Fresh FM.

    The senator said the lawmakers were fighting for survival and relevance as 2019 elections draw nearer.

    He noted that each lawmaker is more concerned about his or her constituency than national politics.

    Once they are not sure of picking their party’s ticket in their current or a higher office or stay relevant, they look elsewhere, Buhari said.

    The lawmaker predicted more defections in due course.

    He blamed the Presidency for failing to show interest in the leadership of the National Assembly since 2015.

    According to him, the Presidency showed no interest and the party was unable to meet with federal lawmakers to explain its vision and mission to them.

    Buhari noted that the failure to take such steps is responsible for what has been playing out at the National Assembly.

    The senator said President Muhammadu Buhari made a fundamental mistake by declaring that he could work with anybody at the time the party was shopping for the right candidates for the National Assembly leadership.

    He recalled that the APC failed to get its act together after defeating the PDP in 2015.

    Buhari said the lack of preparation was being addressed by the party as election fever grips politicians.

    The senator, who is a governorship aspirant in Oyo State, also said he was not bothered about the fact that he hails from Ogbomoso, which has less vote strength than Ibadan. He is confident the electorate will choose the next governor based on competence and experience rather than their place of origin.

     

     

     

    Buhari was a member of House of Representatives, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and a special adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

  • Akwa Ibom PDP gives automatic ticket to Emmanuel

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State may have shut out other intended aspirants in the party from contesting the 2019 governorship election.

    The development followed the automatic ticket by the party to Governor Udom Emmanuel.

    State publicity secretary of the party, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong, disclosed this at the weekend while fielding questions from members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council.

    “Apart from the governor, whom we have already given automatic ticket, every aspirant from the House of Assembly to the National Assembly must follow the due process,” the party’s spokesman said.

    Ememobong also debunked the allegation that the State PDP Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo, was bribed with N2 million to endorse former Commissioner for Information Aniekan Umanah for the Abak Federal Constituency seat at a public forum in Abak.

    Angry youths under the aegis of the Abak Federal Constituency Assembly (AFCA), led by Comrade Emayak Williams, worried by the allegation had impressed it on the party Chairman “to clear his name of the allegation”, pointing out that “so far, we have about five persons who have indicated interest for the post including Umanah”.

    But the party scribe dismissed the allegation, explaining that “Aniekan Umanah was the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the event held at Abak to honour the governor and the wife”, explaining that Ekop only lifted his hand after organising a successful ceremony”.

    Emmanuel, he stressed, remains the only person with automatic ticket to again fly the party’s flag in 2019, adding that the party arrived at such decision in view of the governor’s achievements in the last three years.

    According to him,  Emmanuel has acquitted himself creditably well with the mandate entrusted in his care since 2015, noting that he has substantially delivered on the five-point agenda of his administration.

    He added that the foundation of industrialisation laid by the administration would ensure the largely civil service state becomes an industrialised economy soon.

    Besides, Ememobong explained that under the current administration, more jobs have been created for the youths through agricultural interventions, interest-free loans for market unions, free basic education for the young ones, scholarships for higher education students and N600million earmarks every year as WAEC fees for final year secondary schools’ pupils.

     

    He warned against unfounded rumour that has the capacity to overheat the polity ahead of the polls.

     

  • Ajomale: no automatic ticket in Lagos APC

    Ajomale: no automatic ticket in Lagos APC

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, spoke with Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on the Ambode administration, the agitation for special status for Lagos and his projections for the 2019 elections. 

    What is your assessment of the Ambode administration in the last two and half years?

    The public is in a better position to judge what the governor has done. What I say may be misconstrued. They will say I am singing his praise of one of the chieftains of my party. But, as far as I am concerned, I believe Ambode has done tremendously well within a short time. Looking at the financial situation, he has done well in all spheres. He has been able to pay salaries, unlike other state governors. He has been able to pay salaries fully. He has been able to pay pensions fully. Infrastructural development in Lagos in the last two years cannot be compared with any state. He is working on the basis of the development that others have already consolidated. So, he is building on that.

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu started the work of development. And Babatunde Fashola also made his own impact in Lagos, in terms of physical development from day one when he took over the leadership of Lagos State. Ambode has done a fantastic job that a lot of people cannot believe. May be, it is because of his background; a chartered accountant, somebody who knows the management of resources, an economist. I think that is why he excels than any other governor. Since 1999, Lagos governors have been ahead. Ambode is on course. We now have standard bus stops all over Laos. Very son, the rail line will be completed and that will be another feat. He has lived up to expectation. The promises we made during the campaigns, people expected him to fulfill them. I think he has even exceeded the target. Honestly, I salute the governor of Lagos for the incredible job he has done. There is no government in any part of the federation that has done half of what he has done. People may say you have resources. People are paying tax. You are getting money from here and there. But, the management of that resources is a key issue. If someone has been diverting the money like the PDP, there will not be any development. The core issue is that the money is being used in the right way. We are feeling the development in all aspects; in health, infrastructure, education, in everything. We have to salute the governor for the courage and the vision he has for Lagos State.

    How is your party monitoring his government?

    We do that. We have a committee. When we see that something is wrong, we write a letter immediately to them so that they can correct it. We sometimes, invite the commissioners, who will willingly come to us to answer our call because they are members of the party anyway. We ask questions and give them a feedback on what the people expect of them. We are also like the door; we see the front and the back. We always communicate with them. We write reports and send to them. They send a report back. We talk about the way the market is being demolished. We discuss with the Ministry of Physical Planning. We ask them to give people sufficient time before the demolition so that they can prepare. Without doing that, they may lose faith in us. We don’t want anything to affect us during the election. I am satisfied that the people of Lagos State are satisfied with the activities of the government. He is fulfilling his campaign promises. So, he deserves our support.

    How accountable are your elected state and federal lawmakers to the party?

    The House of Representatives and Senate members are accountable. They come to Lagos to give the account of their stewardship. They hold town hall meetings to brief their constituents on their activities. All our senators have been giving accounts and they have feedback on their activities. They also organise empowerment programmes for their constituencies. All the three senators have done that last year. And the House of Representatives have also done that in their various constituencies. It is a feedback. Senator Oluremi did it more than five times last year. She has been reporting back to her people and empowering some people. The lawmakers answer questions from their constituents. They have been briefing us about what is going on in Abuja. The House of Assembly members also call meetings in their constituencies to brief them about their activities in the House, their resolutions, the bills that have been passed. They also do empowerment programmes.

    Is the party reminding the federal lawmakers that they should continue their agitations for a special status for Lagos?

    Yes. We have even held a special meeting on that. You will recall that Mrs. Tinubu has been raising the issue in the Senate. Most of us gave her support and encouraged her to go ahead, to represent the bill. The over-zealousness on the part of some of our senators killed the bill. She is representing it on the basis of dialogue. You have to talk to your colleagues and convince them, and whatever insult you get, you just go on because of what you want. But, the opinion of other senators matters. You will use a bit of diplomacy to get things done. We are on top of the situation. We have asked her to represent it. We are supporting her. Anybody in Lagos cannot oppose that laudable thing. The special status ought to have been granted long time ago. In other countries, that is what is done. They don’t abandon their former federal capital. Today, if you go to Abdijan, they have moved the capital to Yamasukoro. But, Abidjan still remains the economic nerve centre of Cote de Voir. Rio is still the most advantageous, and the tourist centre in Brazil. Countries don’t abandon their former federal capitals. But, in Nigeria, they carried their bags and baggage and leave the Lagos State government to manage the liabilities. That is why we want devolution of powers. You must return to the states the powers you took from them. The military took over power and impose the structure of the military. We are still using the same structure of the military. We want true federalism. Anybody who becomes the president will prefer the current structure to have absolute power, which is not supposed to be. And when you devolve power to the states, you don’t stay in Abuja and say those at the state cannot touch the federal roads. Why don’t you leave those roads to the states and allow the states to manage the roads that have been constructed?  You are building a road; you should concentrate on the link road between a state and the other. The Federal Government is neglecting federal roads in states. No responsible state government will allow its people to suffer because of the roads. Out of the meagre amount that they have, they have to use some money to repair the federal roads. If they have left it for them, people will know that whether they can maintain them or not, that is their business.

    How do you view the agitation for an automatic second term ticket for your governor in some quarters?

    Even, if you do more than what the governor has done, nothing is automatic. Let the people review you again on the basis of what you have done. You should not entertain fear about second term. What has to be done has to be done. If we don’t do it correctly now, some people will come tomorrow and bastardise it. We must uphold the institutions of democracy. There is no automatic second term. Once the people prefer you, you may even go unopposed. You may be there at the primary unopposed and nobody objects to it. But, the process must be followed.

    How is the party pacifying aggrieved members who are unhappy about the alleged lapses in the selection processes for the local government elections?

    Majority of them have been pacified. The major problem is that life has changed. A lot of people now take politics as a full time job. Today, it seems that politics is the only job available now. People have turned it into a do or die affair. They must be there at all cost. You find a chartered accountant wanting to be a councillor, a member of the House. Why? Can’t you use your profession for something better? If you become a councillorship aspirant and you don’t become a candidate, you are annoyed. You have been to the four walls of the university, you should be able to use your brain to work, to diversify and be successful in life. Politics is not the only thing you can do in life. If you come out of the university and you think the first thing you should do is fighting for an elective or appointive position, then, you are not doing yourself any good. Some people will even resign from their job to go and contest. When they fail, they are jobless. What happens? That’s why they create unnecessary problem for the party. The party cannot field everybody. By INEC or LASIEC law, only one person can represent a constituency. It cannot be two. So I appeal to our youths. There are many things outside for them to do, instead of killing themselves over politics and turning it into a do or die affair. You are lawyer. You have acquired certain knowledge. You can use that to better your life. Not everybody will have to be elected or appointed. Some people turn it into violence at the primary. If you are not selected, there is nothing you can do. The PDP caused it. In politics, they are able to steal money. I was in the civil service for 18 years. Honestly, apart from my salary, and possibly estacode, when I went to represent government, as a diplomat, I lived on my salary. We had no contract. We lived according to the amount of money we received as salary. Many of us who had retired and not ready to go into politics are surviving. I decided to resign then to start my legal practice before I joined politics by chance. I would have survived like my friends. You say you want to serve. You are not elected. You want to do it by force. Then, you are not serving. It is the motive behind it that you are looking at.

    In the 2015 elections, your part lost some grounds in the House of Assembly and Representatives elections. What are you doing to regain the lost grounds?

    We have already regained them. We thank God. The last local government election vindicated us. Some of those places won by the PDP were won because of money. Ifeanyi Ubah was responsible for distributing money and materials. Most of those areas are occupied by Ibos. But, they don’t usually disturb us during elections. You see them playing football during election. But, when you entice them with money, televisions, radios, fans from his warehouse in Amuwo Odofin, they were able to win those areas; Okota, Ajeromi, Ejigbo, Isolo, Osodi. That’s the circle. The PDP cannot play a clean game. The same thing they did at their national convention. They were distributing money openly and distributing papers to delegates. All the money they have stolen, they will continue to use it to create problem.

    By the time you leave as the chairman of the party, what are the qualities you expect from your successor?

    I think he should be prayerful and he should have a milk of human kindness. If you are prayerful and you have a milk of human kindness, then, half of the battle would have been won. You must have listening ears. Most of the time the members are outside there and I have to see them. I see not less than 35 people every day. At times, they are more than that. They come with all sorts of problems-lack of money, money to pay their landlords. You pity them. When they are going back, some of them will say they don’t even have money to transport themselves. If you have about N100,000, you should be able to distribute about N70,000 and keep N30,000. Most of the times, I go home with about N5,000. So, you must be able to accept them. If everybody rejects them, they should have the feeling that they have a father somewhere.

    What are those problems you have in Lagos State which you want the Federal Government to assist the state in solving?

    There are so many things. They have started, but I pray they complete it on time. This Apapa/Osodi Expressway. This is the hotbed of commerce in Lagos State. They can complete that. If they give us a special status and commensurate resources to maintain what they left behind, that is one thing. We should be considered as one of the six states of commerce. They are making a loyt of money from Lagos ports. There must be a certain amount that should be given to Lagos State. All our roads are destroyed. People are inconvenienced. In the United States, ports belong to local government. So, whatever they are making out of it, the local government gets its own portion. Not to talk of Benin Republic and Badagry route. They are making money from that too and Lagos is not getting a kobo. All these things are being operated in Lagos State. Rivers State can benefit from it. Warri can benefit from it. They have ports. But, the concentration is in Lagos; Tin Can Island and Apapa Wharff. The money coming from them does not come to Lagos. The trailers go through our roads. If they are getting oil from some states and they are getting 13 per cent derivation. Are they not deriving money from Lagos State? It is also derivation. If they pay the Federal Government, why don’t they pay Lagos? That is the question that deserves urgent answer. Lagos accommodates all ethnic groups. Lagos is where the commerce is. All the banks and institutions are here making money. So, I want to appeal to the Federal Government that these things have to be looked into.

     

     

  • 2019: Buhari not interested in automatic ticket, says Kalu

    2019: Buhari not interested in automatic ticket, says Kalu

    •Declares PDP can never bounce back 

    Former Abia State Governor Dr Orji Kalu yesterday said President Muhammadu Buhari is not interested in automatic ticket for the 2019 presidential election because he would want other candidates to explore democratic process to test their popularity.

    Speaking in an interview at a private wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, Kalu backed others calling on Buhari to go for primaries ahead of the elections.

    He said: “Buhari himself is not even looking for automatic ticket. Buhari is a man that is very fair and free to what he does. And his feeling is that if any candidate is willing to contest against him, he should come at the Eagle Square.”

    Supporting calls for primaries, the former governor stressed: “The contest should be thrown open. There would be no rancour. We are in democracy and I would vote for the President.

    “I’ve said it times without number that President needs to consolidate on his achievements because the President is very popular.

    “He is still the only person carrying 12 million votes in his back. His tenure has been besieged by illness. So the President genuinely deserves second tenure.

    “We are not afraid of anybody who wants to contest against the president.”

    Reacting to the possibility of PDP returning to power, Kalu stated: “How can they bounce back when treasury was looted? How can they bounce back when the international community doesn’t see anything good in them?

    “How can they bounce back when we gave them our treasury, they opened and looted it.

    “We would call names if they want us to call names in future. All the world powers knew what happened and this is why they tactically insisted that PDP must leave power.

    “PDP committed what was very shameful to be seen in a democratic process. There is no system that is without corruption but going to loot is an affront to Nigerian people.”

    He was however reluctant to comment on the resignation of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), saying, if he had the opportunity of advising him, he would have asked him to remain to rebuild the APC.

    According to him: “To be honest with you, Atiku was my boss and he is still my boss. I hardly don’t want to discuss Atiku Abubakar. You know he is very close to me.

    “The question you are asking me is a lot of task but I wish him well. If I was to advise him before he leaves, I would say, ‘don’t leave. Let us build a large team together.’

    “If he wants to contest against the President, it would be open at the Eagle Square. If he wins, we would support him.”

     

  • Row in Bayelsa over automatic ticket

    Row in Bayelsa over automatic ticket

    A row is brewing in Bayelsa State over automatic tickets pact with Senators by President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

     There were indications yesterday that Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and stakeholders in the state may reject the pact.

    Most stakeholders have protested to the governor not to allow the pact to disrupt the power sharing formula in the state.

    But some stakeholders led by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Kombowei Benson have welcomed the pact and wanted it across board.

    The Speaker and the lawmakers have dumped the agreement reached with the Dickson-led Restoration Caucus and demanded that they be returned automatically in 2015.

    Investigation revealed that the governor and stakeholders had reached agreement not to concede re-election tickets to National Assembly members as well as state lawmakers in 2015.

    Dickson designed a zoning formula across the state for elective offices in 2015 because some of the lawmakers had completed their second term in office.

    The affected National Assembly members are Senators Emmanuel Paulker (Bayelsa Central), Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa West) and Clever Ikisikpo (Bayelsa East). Those in the House of Representatives are Foingha Jephthah (Nembe/Brass), Henry Ofongo (Southern Ijaw), Warman Ogoriba (Yenegoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma), Dr Stella Dorgu (Sagbama/Ekeremor) and Nadu Karibo (Ogbia).

    But last Thursday, the deal was said to have altered the power equation in the state fuelling protests and pressure on the governor.

    It was learnt that there had been pressure on the governor to reject the deal in spite of the fact that it would affect some loyalists of the President.

    The anger of the stakeholders in Bayelsa allegedly stemmed from the audacity of some National Assembly members who conducted parallel ward congresses.

    A source in Bayelsa, who spoke with reporters in Abuja yesterday said:  “We are watching events as they unfold; I think at our end in Bayelsa State, whatever agreement the president must have reached with the senators is unlikely to have any binding effect on us because Bayelsa State is peculiar.

    ‘When we heard the news, some of us tried to know from the governor if it was true but he assured us that none of the National Assembly members affected by the zoning will return even if an agreement has been reached in Abuja; in fact, he was very angry and livid.

    “This matter is not for the president to discuss with the Senators because most of them, especially those from Bayelsa, cannot even win their wards.

    “This time around, we will impress it on the president to stay away from this because we are tired of this back and forth.

    “As far as we are concerned, Abuja cannot decide for us in Bayelsa.

    Here, we have a leader of the party who is the governor and self-seeking National Assembly members cannot hide under the presidency to return to their businesses under the guise of aspirations.

    The state lawmakers led by the speaker, Hon. Kombowei Benson have also demanded automatic return ticket in 2015.

    “They are trying to impose candidates on us in the state; we will no longer accept this trend.”

    Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information Deacon Markson Fafegha has denied any knowledge of such moves by the governor to foist his cronies on the party. “To the best of my knowledge, the governor has provided a level playing field for every contestant in the party.”

  • ‘We’ll oppose automatic ticket for Aloysius Etok’

    ‘We’ll oppose automatic ticket for Aloysius Etok’

    Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties Emmanuel Enoidem, in this interview with KAZEEM IBRAYM, reacted to the comment made by a lawmaker representing Akwa Ibom Northwest, Senator Aloysius Etok that Governor Godswill Akpabio is intimidated by his soaring profile.

    It is the most idiotic claim that anybody at that rank can ever make. We are alive to the events that happened between the incapacitation of the late President and the emergence of his Vice President as new president. We know the role played by all stakeholders both within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and of course the nation. And we know that the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio was very pivotal in the emergence of Jonathan inspite of all the intrigues, inspite of all the attempts to scuttle the emergence of Jonathan. Godswill Akpabio was very vocal and was very pivotal in supporting Jonathan to take over from his late boss just in obedience to the provision of the constitution. Because the constitution is very clear on the matter; what happens when the president dies. So, there is no way the governor who is a lawyer for more than 20 years could have done anything otherwise.

    All of us are not blind, we are learned politicians, we are active politicians and we know the roles of all our representatives in Abuja. We know what they can do and we know what they are doing. Just because he wants to have cheap popularity, he should not come and say Governor Akpabio was not supporting Jonathan.

    The senator’s stewardship

    We wanted to recall him. It was this same governor that he is castigating and insulting now that stopped us from recalling him. Everybody was ready to sign a paper to recall Aloysius Etok. It was the governor who called me on phone at 2.am and asked us to discontinue with the process, because his recall process was at advanced stage.

    Everybody including his local government area (Ikono) was prepared to sign a paper to recall him. It was the governor who intervened and asked us not to rock the boat but allow him to finish his tenure and he is using that opportunity to insult the governor

    Akpabio and 2015 Senate race

    I don’t know what they mean by Abak 5. There is no political constituency called Abak 5. It is a misnomer and a very wrong expression in the first place. If they are talking about federal constituencies, I understand that we have Abak Federal Constituency and Ukanafun Federal Constituency. If they want to talk about history of zoning, then of course; I would say that it is the turn of Abak Federal Constituency to produce a senator. But we have conceded. I am from Abak Federal Constituency. All the leaders and stakeholders came together and said as a mark of reward for this young man, who has done so well not just for the state, but also for our federal constituency and the senatorial district, let him go and represent us in the senate.

    Automatic ticket

    Aloysius Etok will have to come and test his popularity among his people. We will oppose automatic ticket for Senator Aloysius Etok.